WORLD Of WARCRAFT

Rise of the Horde

C H R I S T I E GOLDEN

P
POCKET STAR BOOKS New York Lo do Toro to S!d e!

My name is Thrall The word means "slave" in the human tongue, and the story behind the naming is a long one, best left for another time. By the grace of the spirits and the blood of heroes before me that runs in my veins, I have become Warchief of my people, the orcs,and the leader of a group of races known as the orde. ow this came to be, too, is another tale. The one I wish to set to parchment now, before those who lived it pass to dwell with the honorable ancestors, is the story of my father and those who believed in him! and of those who betrayed him and indeed, all our people. What might have become of us had these events not unfolded, not even the wise shaman "rek#Thar can say. The paths of $ate are many and varied, and no sane being should ever venture down the deceptively pleasant one of "if only " What happened, happened! my people must shoulder both the shame and the glories of our choices. This is the tale not of the orde as it e%ists today, a loose organi&ation of orc, tauren, forsaken, troll, and blood elf, but of the rise of the very first orde. Its birth, like that of any infant, was marked by blood and pain, and its harsh cries for life meant death to its enemies."""

PROLOG#E
The $ower the str% &er r%di%ted swir'ed i &'orio(s h(es % d )i*r%tio s+ f'owi & 'ike % ,%$e *ehi d hi-+ e ,ir,'i & his -i&ht! he%d with 'i&ht 'ike % ,row " The )oi,e w%s %(di*'e i *oth the ,%rs % d the -i d+ % d r%,ed %'o & the *'ood 'ike % sweet so & 'o & for&otte % d ow s(dde '! re,%''ed" Wh%t he offered w%s te-$ti &+ w%s e.,iti &+ % d -%de the he%rt %,he with !e%r i &" B(t sti''+ *(t sti''" " " there w%s so-ethi &" " "" Whe he h%d &o e+ the 'e%ders of the ered%r t(r ed to o e % other % d s$oke soft'!+ the words i te ded for their -i ds %'o e" /It is 'itt'e e o(&h to %sk+ for wh%t he offers (s+/ s%id the first" He stret,hed+ i the $h!si,%' wor'd % d i the -et%$h!si,%' o e+ se di & forth e,hoes of his stre &th" /S(,h $ower+/ -(r-(red the se,o d+ 'ost i tho(&ht" He w%s the e'e&% t o e+ the *e%(tif(' o e+ % d his esse ,e w%s &'orio(s % d r%di% t" 0A d he s$e%ks the tr(th" Wh%t he showed (s will ,o-e to $%ss" No o e ,% 'ie i s(,h % te''i &"/ The third w%s si'e t" Wh%t the se,o d h%d s%id w%s tr(e" The -ethod *! whi,h this $owerf(' *ei & h%d de-o str%ted the tr(th of wh%t he offered ,o('d ot *e f%'sified+ the! %'' k ew th%t" Sti''+ this e tit!+ this " " " 'argeras " . " there w%s so-ethi & %*o(t hith%t 1e'e -is'iked" 1e'e 0s fe''ow 'e%ders were %'so his frie ds" He w%s $%rti,('%r'! ,'ose to Ki'02%ede + the -ost $owerf(' % d de,isi)e of the three" Frie ds the! h%d *ee dow the !e%rs th%t h%d s'i$$ed *! ( oti,ed *! *ei &s *e!o d the re%,h of ti-e" Th%t Ki'02%ede w%s i ,'i ed to %,,e$t the offer ,%rried -ore wei&ht with 1e'e th% Ar,hi-o de0s o$i io + whi,h+ tho(&h (s(%''! so( d+ ,o('d o,,%sio %''! *e sw%!ed *! %$$e%'s to his )% it!" 1e'e tho(&ht %&%i of the i-%&e show to the- *! S%r&er%s" Wor'ds for the- to ,o 3(er+ % d -ore i-$ort% t'!+ to e.$'ore % d i )esti&%te4 for %*o)e %''+ the ered%r were ,(rio(s" For *ei &s so $owerf('+ k ow'ed&e w%s wh%t -e%t % d dri k were to 'esser *ei &s+ % d S%r&er%s offered the- % t% t%'i5i & &'i-$se i to wh%t ,o('d *e theirs if the! wo('d o '! " " " O '! swe%r their 'o!%'t! to hi-" O '! $'ed&e the s%-e for their $eo$'e" /As (s(%'+ o(r 1e'e is the ,%(tio(s o e+/ s%id Ar,hi-o de" The words ,o('d h%)e *ee % ,o-$'i-e t4 i ste%d+ the! str(,k 1e'e %s ,o des,e di &" He k ew wh%t Ar,hi-o de w% ted+ % d 1e'e k ew the other )iewed his hesit% ,! %s othi & -ore th% % o*st%,'e to wh%t he+ Ar,hi-o de+ ,r%)ed %t this -o-e t" 1e'e s-i'ed" /Yes+ I %- the ,%(tio(s o e+ % d so-eti-es -! ,%(tio h%s s%)ed (s %s -(,h %s !o(r de,isi)e ess+ Ki'02%ede + % d !o(r i sti ,ti)e i-$et(osit!+ Ar,hi-o de"/ Both of the- '%(&hed+ % d for % -o-e t 1e'e w%s w%r-ed *! their %ffe,tio " The the! 3(ieted+ % d he se sed th%t the!+ %t 'e%st+ h%d %'re%d! -%de ($ their -i ds" 1e'e fe't his he%rt si k %s he w%t,hed the- &o+ ho$i & th%t he wo('d -%ke the ri&ht de,isio " The three of the- h%d %'w%!s worked we'' to&ether+ their di)erse $erso %'ities ser)i & to *%'% ,e o e % other" The res('t w%s h%r-o ! % d $e%,e for their $eo$'e" He k ew th%t Ki'02%ede % d Ar,hi-o de tr('! w% ted wh%t w%s *est ot o '! for the-se')es+ *(t for those the! 'ed" He sh%red th%t se ti-e t+ % d %'w%!s *efore+ the! h%d re%,hed %&ree-e t o s(,h thi &s" 1e'e frow ed" Wh! did the ,o fide t+ %$$e%'i & S%r&er%s ( sett'e hi- so6 The others were o*)io(s'! i ,'i ed to %,,e$t the offer" S%r&er%s h%d to'd the- th%t the ered%r were e.%,t'! wh%t he h%d *ee se%r,hi & for" A stro &+ $%ssio %te+ $ro(d $eo$'e+ who wo('d ser)e hi- % d %d)% ,e % ,%(se th%t wo('d *ri & %'' wor'ds+ e)er!where+ to&ether" He wo('d e h% ,e the-+ he s%id" He wo('d ,h% &e the-+ -%ke the- *etter+ &i)e the- &ifts th%t the ( i)erse h%d e)er *efore see + for i deed+ the ( i)erse h%d e)er *efore *ro(&ht to&ether the $owers th%t S%r&er%s ,'%i-ed % d the ( i3(e ess th%t w%s the ered%r" A d wh%t S%r&er%s h%d to'd the- wo('d i deed ,o-e to $%ss" A d !et" % d !et""" 1e'e we t to the te-$'e+ where he h%d ofte &o e *efore whe tro(*'ed" Others were there this i&ht+ sitti & i % ,ir,'e %ro( d the si &'e $i''%r i the roo- th%t *ore the $re,io(s %t%0-%' ,r!st%'" The %rtif%,t w%s % ,ie t+ so % ,ie t th%t o e %-o & the ered%r ,o('d re-e-*er its ori&i s+ % ! -ore th% the! ,o('d re-e-*er their ow " Le&e d h%d it th%t it w%s % &ift *estowed ($o the'o & %&o" The ,r!st%' h%d e %*'ed the- to e.$% d *oth their -e t%' %*i'ities % d their k ow'ed&e of the ( i)erse0s -!steries" It

h%d *ee (sed i the $%st for he%'i &+ for ,o 2(r%tio + % d+ %s 1e'e ho$ed to (se it to i&ht+ for )isio s" Res$e,tf(''!+ he we t forw%rd % d to(,hed the tri% &('%r ,r!st%'" The w%r-th of it+ 'ike % s-%'' % i-%' est'ed i his h% d+ ,%'-ed hi-" He *re%thed dee$'!+ 'etti & the f%-i'i%r $ower $e etr%te hi-+ the dro$$ed his h% d % d ret(r ed to the ,ir,'e" 1e'e ,'osed his e!es" He o$e ed e)er! $%rt of hi- th%t ,o('d re,ei)e+ *od! % d -i d % d -%&i,%' i t(itio " At first+ wh%t he s%w see-ed o '! to ,o fir- wh%t S%r&er%s h%d $ro-ised" He s%w hi-se'f st% di & with Ar,hi-o de % d Ki'72%ede + 'ords ot o '! of their ow o*'e % d $ro(d $eo$'e *(t of ,o( t'ess other wor'ds" Power shi--ered %ro( d the-+ $ower th%t 1e'e k ew wo('d *e %s i to.i,%ti & %s % ! 'i3(or he -i&ht si$" Shi i & ,ities were theirs+ %'o & with the i h%*it% ts of those ,ities+ $rostr%ti & the-se')es *efore the three with ,heers % d ,ries of %dor%tio % d 'o!%'t!" Te,h o'o&! s(,h %s 1e'e h%d e)er dre%-ed of %w%ited his e.$'or%tio " To-es i str% &e to &(es were tr% s'%ted for hi-+ re)e%'i & -%&i, hitherto ( i-%&i ed % d ( to'd" It w%s &'orio(s+ % d his he%rt swe''ed" He t(r ed to 'ook %t Ki'72%ede + % d his o'd frie d s-i'ed" Ar,hi-o de $(t % frie d'! h% d o his sho('der" The 1e'e 'ooked dow %t hi-se'f" A d ,ried o(t i horror" His *od! w%s ow &%r&% t(% + *(t twisted % d distorted" S-ooth *'(e ski w%s ow *'%,k % d *row % d & %r'ed+ 'ike so-e o ,e8 o*'e tree disfi&(red *! dise%se" Li&ht r%di%ted fro- hi-+ tr(e+ *(t ot the $(re 'i&ht of $owerf('+ $ositi)e e er&!+ *(t % si,k'! &ree " Fr% ti,%''! he t(r ed to *eho'd his frie ds+ his fe''ow 'e%ders of the ered%r" The!+ too+ h%d *ee tr% sfor-ed" The!+ too+ ret%i ed othi & of wh%t the! h%d *ee *(t were ow9 Man#ari. The ered%r word for so-ethi & horrifi,%''! wrong, so-ethi & twisted % d ( %t(r%' % d defi'ed s'%--ed i to his -i d with the for,e of % shi i & sword" He ,ried o(t %&%i % d his k ees *(,k'ed" 1e'e $(''ed his &%5e %w%! fro- his tor-e ted *od!+ se%r,hi & for the $e%,e % d $ros$erit! % d k ow'ed&e S%r&er%s h%d $ro-ised hi-" He *ehe'd o '! %tro,ities" Where *efore hih%d *ee % %dori & ,rowd+ ow he s%w o '! -(ti'%ted ,or$ses or *odies th%t+ 'ike his" 'ike Ki'72%ede 0s+ 'ike Ar,hi-o de0s+ h%d *ee tr% sfor-ed i to -o sters" A-o & the de%d % d the distorted ,%$ered *ei &s th%t 1e'e h%d e)er *efore see " Str% &e do&s with te t%,'es s$ro(ti & fro- their *%,ks" Ti !+ twisted fi&(res th%t d% ,ed % d ,%$ered % d '%(&hed %t the ,%r %&e" De,e$ti)e'! *e%(tif(' ,re%t(res+ their wi &s o(tstret,hed *ehi d the-+ who s(r)e!ed wh%t h%d *ee wro(&ht with de'i&ht % d $ride" Where their ,'o)e hoo)es fe''+ the e%rth died" Not 2(st the &r%ss+ *(t the soi' itse'f4 %'' th%t &%)e 'ife w%s o*'iter%ted+ s(,ked dr!" This+ the + w%s wh%t S%r&er%s $'% ed to do to the ered%r" This w%s the /e h% ,e-e t/ he h%d s$oke of so &'owi &'!" If 1e'e 0s $eo$'e %''ied with S%r&er%s+ the! wo('d *e,o-e these -o stro(s thi &s " " " these -% 0%ri" A d so-ehow 1e'e ( derstood th%t wh%t he w%s wit essi & w%s ot % si &'e i ,ide t" It w%s ot 2(st this o e wor'd th%t wo('d f%''" It w%s ot e)e % do5e + or % h( dred+ or % tho(s% d" If he threw his s($$ort *ehi d S%r&er%s+ e)er!thi & wo('d *e destro!ed" This 'e&io of -% 0%ri wo('d kee$ -o)i & forw%rd+ %ided *! Ki'72%ede % d Ar,hi-o de % d9-%! %'' th%t w%s &ood % d $(re he'$ hi-91e'e " The! wo('d ot sto$ ( ti' e)er!thi & i e.iste ,e w%s %s s,o(red % d *'%,ke ed %s this $%t,h of &ro( d th%t 1e'e )iewed thro(&h *'(rred )isio " W%s S%r&er%s i s% e6 Or+ worse+ did he ( derst% d this % d sti'' ,r%)e it6 B'ood % d 'i3(id fire $o(red o)er e)er!thi &+ r%i ed dow ($o hi-+ *(r i & hi- % d s$%tteri & hi- ( ti' he fe'' to the e%rth % d we$t" The )isio -er,if(''! )% ished+ % d 1e'e *'i ked+ tre-*'i &" He w%s ow %'o e i the te-$'e+ % d the ,r!st%' &'owed ,o-forti &'!" He w%s &r%tef(' for th%t *%'-" It h%d ot h%$$e ed" Not !et" Wh%t S%r&er%s h%d to'd the- w%s i deed tr(e" The ered%r wo('d *e tr% sfor-ed+ % d their three 'e%ders wo('d *e offered $ower+ k ow'ed&e+ do-i %tio " " " e%r8&odhood" A d the! wo('d 'ose e)er!thi & the! he'd de%r8wo('d *etr%! those the! h%d )owed to $rote,t9to do it" 1e'e r% % h% d %,ross his f%,e+ re'ie)ed to fi d it d%-$ o '! with swe%t % d te%rs % d ot the fire % d *'ood of his )isio " Not !et+ % !w%!" W%s it e)e $ossi*'e to h%'t this+ or to -iti&%te the destr(,tio the 'e&io wro(&ht i % ! w%!6 The % swer f'o%ted *%,k to hi-" %s re)i)i & % d sweet %s % dr%ft of de%r w%ter i % desert: (es. The! ,%-e %t o ,e+ res$o di & to the e-otio i his -e t%' $'e%" It w%s *(t the -%tter of % few -o-e ts to *r(sh their -i ds % d 'et the- see wh%t he h%d see + fee' wh%t he h%d fe't" For % *rief i st% t+ he k ew the! sh%red his se ti-e ts+ % d ho$e swe''ed withi hi-" There w%s !et % ,h% ,e9Ar,hi-o de frow ed+ /This is ot % &'i-$se i to the f(t(re th%t We ,% )erif!" It is o '! !o(r h( ,h"/ 1e'e st%red %t his o'd frie d+ the t(r ed his e!es to Ki'72%ede " Ki'72%ede w%s ot *o( d *! his )% it! %s Ar,hi-o de w%s" He w%s de,isi)e % d wise"""" 0Ar,hi-o de is ri&ht+/ Ki'72%ede s%id s-ooth'!" /There is o )er%,it! here+ o '! % i-%&e i !o(r ow -i d"/ 1e'e 'ooked %t hi-" $%i we''i & i side hi-" Ge t'!+ sorrowf(''!+ he det%,hed his tho(&hts fro- theirs" Now+ wh%t w%s i his -i d % d he%rt st%!ed there" He wo('d e)er %&%i sh%re it with these two who h%d o ,e *ee 'ike e.te sio s of his ow so('" Ki'72%ede took the withdr%w%' %s s(rre der+ whi,h w%s %s 1e'e i te ded+ % d s-i'ed %s he $'%,ed % h% d o 1e'e 0s sho('der" /I do ot w% t to &i)e ($ wh%t I k ow to *e $ositi)e % d &ood % d tr(e for wh%t I fe%r -i&ht *e ( $'e%s% t"/ he s%id" /Nor" I thi k+ do !o("/ 1e'e ,o('d ot risk % 'ie" He -ere'! 'ooked dow % d si&hed" O ,e" Ki'72%ede % d e)e Ar,hi-o de wo('d h%)e see thro(&h s(,h % fee*'e f%,%de" B(t ow+ their tho(&hts were ot o hi-" The! were thi ki & %*o(t the %$$%re t'! 'i-it'ess $ower %*o(t to *e *estowed ($o the-" It w%s too '%te to sw%! the-" These two o ,e8&re%t *ei &s were S%r&er%s0s $'%!thi &s4 the! were o their w%! to *e,o-i & -% 0%ri" 1e'e k ew with terrif!i & ,ert%i t! th%t if the! &(essed th%t he w%s ot with the-+ the! wo('d t(r ($o hi- with de%d'! ,o se3(e ,es" He h%d to s(r)i)e+ if o '! to do wh%t $re,io(s 'itt'e he ,o('d to s%)e his $eo$'e frod%- %tio % d destr(,tio " So he odded+ *(t s$oke oddi &+ % d it w%s de,ided th%t the three 'e%ders of the ered%r wo('d %''! with the &re%t S%r&er%s" Ar,hi-o de % d Ki'72%ede de$%rted 3(i,k'! to -%ke the e,ess%r! $re$%r%tio s to we',o-e their ew 'ord" 1e'e &rie)ed o)er his i-$ote ,e" He w% ted to s%)e %'' of his $eo$'e+ %s he h%d swor to do+ *(t he k ew th%t w%s i-$ossi*'e" ;ost wo('d tr(st i Ki'72%ede % d Ar,hi-o de+ % d fo''ow the- to their doo-" B(t there were % few who tho(&ht %s he did+ who

wo('d fors%ke e)er!thi & -ere'! ($o his word" The! wo('d eed to4 their ho-e wor'd of Ar&(s wo('d short'! *e destro!ed+ de)o(red *! the -%d ess of the de-o i, 'e&io " Those who wo('d s(r)i)e wo('d h%)e to f'ee" B(t""" f'ee where) 1e'e st%red %t the %t%0-%' ,r!st%'+ des$%ir f'oodi & thro(&h hi-" S%r&er%s w%s ,o-i &" There w%s o $'%,e o this wor'd to hide fro- s(,h % *ei &" How+ the + wo('d he es,%$e6 Te%rs *'(rred his )isio %s he &%5ed %t the ,r!st%'" S(re'! it w%s his te%rs th%t -%de it see- to shi--er % d $('se" 1e'e *'i ked" No """ it w%s o tri,k of the 'i&ht see thro(&h te%rs" The ,r!st%' w%s &'owi &+ % d *efore his sho,ked &%5e+ it rose s'ow'! fro- its $edest%' % d f'o%ted ( ti' it w%s dire,t'! *efore hi-" Touch it, % )oi,e i his he%d s%id soft'!" Tre-*'i &+ %westr(,k+ 1e'e re%,hed o(t % stro & *'(e h% d+ e.$e,ti & to fee' the f%-i'i%r w%r-th of the 3(ies,e t $ris-" E er&! r%,ed thro(&h hi- % d he &%s$ed" I i te sit!+ it w%s %'-ost %s $owerf(' %s the d%rk e er&! th%t h%d s(r&ed thro(&h hi- i the )isio " B(t this w%s %s $(re %s th%t h%d *ee fo('+ %s 'i&ht %s th%t h%d *ee d%rk+ % d 1e'e s(dde '! fe't ho$e % d stre &th we'' i side hi-" The str% &e+ &'owi & fie'd %*o(t the %t%0-%' ,r!st%' &rew+ stret,hed ($w%rd+ %ss(-ed % sh%$e" 1e'e *'i ked+ %'-ost *'i ded *! the r%di% ,e *(t ot w% ti & to 'ook %w%!" (ou are not alone, *elen of the eredar, the )oi,e whis$ered to hi-" It w%s soothi &+ sweet+ 'ike the so( d of f'owi & w%ter % d the r(sh of % s(--er wi d" The r%di% ,e f%ded s'i&ht'!+ % d ho)eri & *efore 1e'e w%s % *ei & ( 'ike % ! he h%d e)er see " It see-ed to *e ,o-$rised of 'i)i & 'i&ht" Its ,e ter w%s % soft &o'de h(e+ the o(ter r%di(s % &'owi &+ soothi & )io'et" Str% &e -et%''i,8'ooki & &'!$hs swir'ed %ro( d the ,e ter+ ,%'-i & % d h!$ oti,+ i % s$ir%' d% ,e of ,o'or % d 'i&ht" It ,o ti (ed to s$e%k i side his -i d+ % so( d th%t see-ed to 1e'e to *e 'i&ht itse'f &i)e )oi,e" We, too, have sensed the impending horrors about to befall this and other worlds. We strive to keep the balance, and what 'argeras is planning will rip apart everything. +tter chaos and ruination will descend, and the things that are good and true and pure and holy will be lost beyond recovery. Who . . . what . . . 1e'e ,o('d ot e)e for- the 3(estio i his -i d+ so swe$t %w%! w%s he *! this *ei &0s &'or!" We are the ,aaru, the r%di% t e tit! s%id" (ou may call me .." -#ure. 1e'e 0s 'i$s ,(r)ed %ro( d the words+ % d %s he whis$ered the- %'o(d+ /N%%r( " " " K0(re " " " +/ he t%sted the sweet ess of the-+ %s if s$e%ki & the %-es &r% ted hi- so-e of their )er! esse ,e" This is where it all begins, K0(re ,o ti (ed" We cannot stop it, for your friends have free will. But you have reached out with an anguished heart, to save what you can. .nd therefore, we will do what we can. We will save those of you whose hearts re/ect the horror of what 'argeras offers. What do I do) A&%i te%rs fi''ed 1e'e 0s e!es+ te%rs of re'ief % d 2o! this ti-e" 0ather those who will listen to your wisdom. 0o to the highest mountain in the land on the longest day of the year. Take the ata#mal crystal with you. 1ong, long ago, did we give it to you! it is how we will find you again. We will come and bear you away. For % -o-e t+ % f'i,ker of do(*t+ 'ike % sh%dow f'%-e+ *(r ed i 1e'e 0s he%rt" He h%d e)er e)e he%rd of s(,h *ei &s of 'i&ht %s the N%%r(+ % d ow this e tit!+ this K0(re+ w%s %ski & hi- to ste%' his $eo$'e0s -ost s%,red o*2e,t" The! e)e ,'%i-ed th%t it w%s they who h%d &i)e it to the ered%r i the first $'%,e< Perh%$s Ki'72%ede % d Ar,hi-o de h%d the ri&ht of it" Perh%$s 1e'e 0s )isio w%s othi & -ore th% his fe%r -% ifesti & itse'f" B(t e)e %s the twisti & tho(&hts r%,ed thro(&h his -i d+ he k ew the- to *e the '%st )esti&es of % *roke he%rted !e%r i & for e)er!thi & to *e %s it o ,e w%s+ *efore thi &s h%d ,h% &ed so horri*'! """ *efore S%r&er%s" He k ew wh%t he h%d to do" % d he *owed his he%d *efore the &'orio(s+ d% ,i & *ei & of 'i&ht" The first % d -ost tr(sted %''! th%t 1e'e s(--o ed w%s T%'&%th+ % o'd frie d % d o e who h%d %ided hi- i the $%st" A'' rested ($o this frie d+ who wo('d *e %*'e to -o)e ( w%t,hed where 1e'e ,o('d ot" T%'&%th w%s ske$ti,%' %t first+ *(t whe 1e'e 'i ked their -i ds % d showed hi- the d%rk )isio he h%d *ee &r% ted+ T%'&%th 3(i,k'! %&reed" 1e'e s%id othi & of the N%%r( % d their offer of %id+ %s he hi-se'f did ot k ow wh%t for- th%t %id wo('d t%ke" He o '! %ss(red T%'&%th th%t there w%s % w%! to es,%$e th%t desti !+ if T%'&%th tr(sted hi-" The 'o &est d%! of the !e%r w%s dr%wi & ,'ose" With %'' the dis,retio he ,o('d -(ster+ whi'e Ar,hi-o de % d Ki'72%ede were o*sessi & o)er S%r&er%s+ 1e'e se t o(t te dri's of tho(&ht to those he tr(sted" Others were &%thered *! T%'&%th" ,o-i & to 1e'e 0s side i defe se of the-se')es % d their $eo$'e" 1e'e the t(r ed his %tte tio to we%)i & the s(*t'est of -%&i, we*s %*o(t the two tr%itors he o ,e he'd %s de%r frie ds+ so th%t their %tte tio w%s ot ,%(&ht *! the fr% ti, %,ti)it! o,,(rri & 2(st *e!o d their )isio " With st%rt'i & s$eed % d !et % %&o i5i & s'ow ess+ % i tri,%te we* w%s ,re%ted" Whe %t '%st the d%! ,%-e+ % d the ered%r who h%d ,hose to fo''ow 1e'e %sse-*'ed %to$ the t%''est -o( t%i of their % ,ie t wor'd" 1e'e s%w th%t their (-*er w%s si,ke i &'! s-%''" The! (-*ered o '! i the h( dreds+ these who were the o '! o es 1e'e tr('! tr(sted" He did ot d%re risk %'' *! ,o t%,ti & those he tho(&ht wo('d $ossi*'! t(r %&%i st hi-" O '! % short ti-e %&o+ 1e'e h%d t%ke the %t%0-%' ,r!st%' fro- its $'%,e" He h%d s$e t the '%st few d%!s f%*ri,%ti & % f%'se o e+ so th%t o %'%r- wo('d *e so( ded whe it w%s dis,o)ered -issi &" He h%d ,%r)ed it fro- si-$'e ro,k ,r!st%' with the (t-ost ,%re+ ,%sti & % &'%-o(r ($o it so th%t it wo('d &'ow" B(t it re-%i ed de%d to the to(,h" If so-eo e *r(shed this f%'se ,r!st%' with his or her fi &ers+ the theft wo('d *e re)e%'ed" The tr(e %t%0-%' ,r!st%' he ow he'd ,'ose to his he%rt %s he w%t,hed his $eo$'e ,'i-*i & the -o( t%i + their stro & 'e&s % d s(re hoo)es fi di & e%s! $(r,h%se" ;% ! h%d %'re%d! %rri)ed % d 'ooked %t hi- e.$e,t% t'!+ the 3(estio ,'e%r i their e!es if ot o their 'i$s" How+ the! were wo deri &+ wo('d the! es,%$e6 How i deed+ 1e'e tho(&ht" For % -o-e t he des$%ired+ *(t the he re,%''ed the r%di% t *ei & who h%d 'i ked its tho(&hts with his" The! wo('d ,o-e" He k ew it" I the -e% ti-e+ e)er!-o-e t th%t $%ssed -e% t the! were ,'oser to *ei & dis,o)ered" A d so -% ! were ot !et here+ ot e)e T%'&%th" Rest%'%% + % other o'd % d tr(sted frie d+ s-i'ed %t 1e'e " /The!/ wi'' *e here soo +/ he s%id re%ss(ri &'!" 1e'e odded" ;ore th% 'ike'!+ Rest%'%% w%s ri&ht" There h%d *ee o si& th%t his o'd frie ds % d ow e e-ies Ki'72%ede % d Ar,hi-o de h%d *ee %'erted to this o(tr%&eo(s'! *o'd $'% " The! h%d *ee f%r too ,o s(-ed with % ti,i$%ti & their f(t(re $ower"

A d !et+ % d !et" The s%-e dee$ i sti ,t th%t h%d w%r ed hi- to -istr(st S%r&er%s ow %&&ed %t his -i d" So-ethi & w%s ot ri&ht" He re%'i5ed he w%s $%,i &" A d there the! were" T%'&%th % d se)er%' others h%d ,'e%red % rise+ s-i'i & % d w%)i &+ % d 1e'e e.h%'ed i re'ief" He st%rted dow to -eet thewhe the ,r!st%' he he'd se t % $owerf(' s(r&e thro(&h his *od!" His *'(e fi &ers ,'e ,hed ti&ht'! %ro( d the &e- %s his -i d o$e ed to its w%r i &" 1e'e 0s k ees *(,k'ed %s the -e t%' ste ,h %ss%('ted hi-" S%r&er%s h%d %'re%d! *e&( " He h%d %'re%d! st%rted ,re%ti & his hideo(s 'e&io + t%ki & ered%r who h%d *ee foo'ish or tr(sti & e o(&h to 'iste to Ki'72%ede % d Ar,hi-o de % d distorti & the- i to the -% 0%ri 1e'e h%d see i his )isio " There were tho(s% ds of -% 0%ri of e)er!$h!si,%' des,ri$tio % d %*i'it!+ '!i & 2(st *e!o d his si&ht % d se si &" The! were dis&(ised" so-ehow" If he h%d ot *ee ho'di & the %t%0-%' ,r!st%'+ he e)er wo('d h%)e se sed the- ( ti' it w%s f%r+ f%r too '%te" It -i&ht %'re%d! *e too '%te" He t(r ed % sho,ked &%5e to T%'&%th+ s(dde '! %w%re th%t the t%i t w%s e-% %ti & fro- his o'd frie d %s we'' %s fro- the -('tit(de9the Le&io 9of -o sters who '(rked *e!o d his si&ht" A $r%!er+ wre ,hed fro- the (tter de$ths of his des$%iri & so('+ shi)ered ($ i his -i d: -#ure2 elp us2 The -% 0%ri were s,r%-*'i & ($ the -o( t%i ow+ se si & th%t the! h%d *ee e.$osed % d ,'osi & i 'ike h( &r! $red%tors for the ki''" E.,e$t 1e'e k ew th%t de%th wo('d *e $refer%*'e to wh%t these distorted ered%r wo('d do to hi- % d those who fo''owed hi-" At his wit0s e d+ 1e'e &ri$$ed the %t%0-%' ,r!st%' % d thr(st it ($w%rd to the sk!" As if the he%)e s the-se')es were ,r%,ki & o$e + % $(re sh%ft of r%di% t white 'i&ht %$$e%red" Its &'or! sho e dire,t'! o to the ,r!st%''i e $ris-+ % d *efore 1e'e 0s st( ed &%5e+ s$'i tered the white 'i&ht i to se)e disti ,t r%!s of )%rio(s h(es" P%i st( & 1e'e %s the ,r!st%' he he'd sh%ttered" The sh%r$ ed&es s'i,ed his fi &ers" He &%s$ed % d i sti ,ti)e'! re'e%sed the fr%,t(red ,r!st%'+ w%t,hi & e r%$t(red %s the $ie,es ho)ered i the %ir+ e%,h tr% sfor-i & itse'f i to % $erfe,t s$here+ % d t%ki & o the se)e r%di% t h(es of the 'i&ht th%t h%d o ,e *ee % si &'e+ $erfe,t sh%ft of $(re white r%di% ,e" The se)e ,r!st%'s9red+ or% &e+ !e''ow+ &ree + *'(e+ i di&o % d )io'et9shot ($w%rd+ the s$ed to for- % e ,'os(re of 'i&ht %ro( d the fri&hte ed for-s of the &%thered ered%r" At th%t $re,ise i st% t+ T%'&%th r%,ed tow%rd hi-+ %ked 'o%thi & i his &%5e" He s'%--ed i to the ,ir,'e of -('ti,o'ored 'i&hts %s if i to % sto e w%'' % d t(-*'ed *%,kw%rd" 1e'e whir'ed % d s%w the -% 0%ri des,e d+ s %r'i &+ droo'i &+ their ,'%ws s,r%**'i & o % w%''+ -%de o '! of 'i&ht+ whi,h !et $rote,ted 1e'e % d his $eo$'e" A dee$+ thr(--i & so( d r%,ed %'o & 1e'e 0s er)es+ -ore fe't th% he%rd" He 'ooked ($w%rd % d o this d%! of wo ders s%w so-ethi & th%t s(r$%ssed e)e the -ir%,'e of the se)e sto es of 'i&ht" He *ehe'd wh%t 'ooked %t first 'ike % des,e di & st%r+ so *ri&ht he %'-ost ,o('d ot *e%r 'ooki & ($o it" As it drew ,'oser+ he s%w th%t it w%s othi & so e'(si)e %s % st%r i the i&ht skies+ *(t % so'id str(,t(re+ its ,e ter %s soft % d ro( d %s the or*s+ %dor ed with 2(tti &+ ,r!st%''i e tri% &'es" 1e'e we$t o$e '! %s % -e t%' to(,h *r(shed his -i d: = am here, as I promised I would be. 3repare to abandon this world. 3rophet *elen. 1e'e e.te ded his %r-s ($w%rd+ %'-ost 'ike % ,hi'd *e&&i & % 'o)i & $%re t to *e swe$t ($ i to % %ffe,tio %te e-*r%,e" The or* %*o)e hi- $('sed+ % d the 1e'e fe't hi-se'f *ei & 'ifted &e t'! i to the %ir" He f'o%ted ($w%rd+ % d s%w th%t the others too were risi & tow%rd the " " " )esse'6 For s(,h 1e'e ow ( derstood it to *e+ tho(&h it %'so )i*r%ted with % 'i)i & esse ,e th%t he ,o('d ot !et ,o-$rehe d" I the -idst of the 3(iet 2o!+ 1e'e he%rd the shrieks % d s,re%-s % d *e''ows of the -% 0%ri %s their $re! es,%$ed" The *%se of the shi$ o$e ed+ % d % few se,o ds '%ter 1e'e fo( d hi-se'f st% di & o so-ethi & so'id" He k e't o the f'oor+ if s(,h it ,o('d *e ,%''ed+ % d w%t,hed %s the rest of his $eo$'e f'o%ted tow%rd s%fet!" Whe the '%st o e h%d %rri)ed" 1e'e e.$e,ted the door to ,'ose % d this shi$98this shi$ th%t w%s -%de of -et%' th%t w%s ot -et%'+ f'esh th%t w%s ot f'esh+ % d wh%t 1e'e s(s$e,ted w%s the )er! esse ,e of K7(re9to de$%rt" I ste%d+ he fe't % whis$er i his -i d: The crystals9 where there was one, there are seven. 4ecover them, for you will need them. 1e'e 'e% ed o)er the o$e i & % d e.te ded his h% ds" With sho,ki & s$eed+ the se)e ,r!st%'s s(r&ed ($w%rd tow%rd hi-+ striki & his $%'-s so h%rd he &%s$ed" He &%thered the- ,'ose+ i& ori & the i ,redi*'e he%t the! e-% %ted+ % d threw hi-se'f *%,kw%rd" At o ,e+ the door dis%$$e%red %s if it h%d e)er *ee $rese t" C'(t,hi & the se)e %t%0-%' ,r!st%'s+ his -i d stret,hed so f%r he fe't he w%s *r(shi & the ed&e of -%d ess" 1e'e h( & s(s$e ded for % e d'ess i st% t *etwee ho$e % d des$%ir" H%d the! do e it6 H%d the! es,%$ed6 Fro- his $ositio %t the he%d of the %r-!" Ki'72%ede h%d % ( o*str(,ted )iew %s the -o( t%i w%s sw%r-ed *! his s'%)es" For % &'orio(s -o-e t+ he t%sted )i,tor!+ %'-ost %s sweet %s the h( &er S%r&er%s h%d $'% ted i his -i d" T%'&%th h%d do e his 2o* we''" It h%d o '! *ee $(re '(,k th%t 1e'e h%d *ee ho'di & the ,r!st%' %t the -o-e t of the o s'%(&ht4 h%d he ot+ his *od! wo('d *e '!i & o the &ro( d+ tor i to % h% df(' of f'esh! *its" B(t 1e'e had *ee ho'di & the %t%0-%' ,r!st%'+ % d he had *ee w%r ed" So-ethi & h%d h%$$e ed9so-e str% &e 'i&hts h%d s$r( & ($ $rote,ti)e'! %ro( d the tr%itor+ % d so-ethi & h%d ,o-e for the-" Now %s Ki'72%ede w%t,hed+ the $e,('i%r )esse' shi--ered % d """ dis%$$e%red" He h%d es,%$ed< C(rse hi-+ d%- hi-+ 1e'e h%d es,%$ed< The -% 0%ri+ whose de'i&ht h%d fi''ed Ki'72%ede 2(st se,o ds e%r'ier+ were ow f('' of ,o ster %tio % d dis%$$oi t-e t" He to(,hed %'' of their -i ds4 the! k ew othi &" Wh%t w%s this thi & th%t h%d ,o-e to s %t,h 1e'e fro- Ki'72%ede 0s )er! &r%s$6 Fe%r ow sh(ddered thro(&h Ki'72%ede " His -%ster wo('d ot *e $'e%sed with these de)e'o$-e ts" /Wh%t ow6/ %sked Ar,hi-o de" Ki'72%ede t(r ed to 'ook %t his %''! /We fi d the-+/ &row'ed Ki'72%ede " We fi d the- % d destro! the-" E)e if it t%kes % tho(s% d !e%rs"/

ONE
My name is Thrall. The word means "slave" in the human tongue, and the story behind the naming is a long one, best left for another time. By the grace of the spirits and the blood of heroes before me that runs in my veins, I have become Warchief of my people, the orcs, and the leader of a group of races known as the orde. ow this came to be, too, is another tale. The one I wish to set to parchment now, before those who lived it pass to dwell with the honorable ancestors, is the story of my father and those who believed in him! and of those who betrayed him and indeed, all our people. What -i&ht have become of us had these events not unfolded, not even the wise shaman "rek#Thar can say. The s of $ate are many and varied, and no sane being should ever )e t(re down the deceptively pleasant one of "if only. What happened, happened! my people must shoulder both the shame and the glories of our choices. This is the tale not of the orde as it e%ists today, a loose organi&ation of ore, tauren, forsaken, troll, and blood elf, but of the rise of the very ftrst orde. Its birth, like that of any infant, was marked by blood and pain, and its harsh cries for life meant death to its enemies. $or such a grim and violent tale, it begins peacefully enough, amid the rolling hills and valleys of a verdant land called "raenor... " The he%rt8*e%t rh!th- of the dr(-s '(''ed the !o( &er ores to s'ee$+ *(t D(rot% of the Frostwo'f ,'% w%s wide %w%ke" He '%! with the others o the h%rd8$%,ked dirt f'oor of the s'ee$i & te t" A &e ero(s $%ddi & of str%w % d % thi,k ,'efthoof $e't $rote,ted hi- fro- the ,hi'' of the *o e8,o'd e%rth" E)e so+ he fe't the )i*r%tio s of the dr(--i & tr%)e' ($ thro(&h the e%rth % d i to his *od!+ %s his ,%rs were ,%ressed *! the % ,ie t so( d" How he 'o &ed to &o o(t % d 2oi the-< D(rot% wo('d h%)e % other s(--er *efore he wo('d *e %*'e to $%rti,i$%te i the 5m #riggor, the rite of %d('thood" # ti' th%t -(,h8% ti,i$%ted e)e t+ he wo('d h%)e to %,,e$t *ei & sh( ted off with the ,hi'dre i to this '%r&e &ro($ te t+ whi'e the %d('ts s%t %ro( d the fire % d t%'ked of thi &s th%t were do(*t'ess -!sterio(s % d si& ifi,% t" He si&hed % d shifted o the $e't+ it w%s ot f%ir" The ores did ot fi&ht %-o & the-se')es+ *(t either were the! $%rti,('%r'! so,i%*'e" E%,h ,'% ke$t to itse'f+ with its ow tr%ditio s+ st!'es % d -% er of dress+ stories+ % d sh%-% " There were e)e )%ri%tio s of di%'e,t th%t differed so -(,h th%t so-e ores ,o('d ot ( derst% d o e % other ( 'ess the! s$oke the ,o--o to &(e" The! %'-ost see-ed %s differe t to o e % other %s the other se tie t r%,e who sh%red the *o( t! of the fie'd+ forest+ % d stre%-s+ the *'(e8ski ed+ -!sterio(s dr%e ei" O '! twi,e % !e%r+ s$ri & % d %(t(- + did %'' the or, ,'% s ,o-e to&ether %s the! were doi & ow+ to ho or th%t ti-e whe d%! % d i&ht were the s%-e 'e &th" The festi)%' h%d offi,i%''! st%rted '%st i&ht %t -oo 8rise+ tho(&h ores h%d *ee &%theri & %t this s$ot for se)er%' d%!s ow" The Kosh0h%r& ,e'e*r%tio h%d *ee he'd o this s%,red s$ot i the '% d the ores ,%''ed N%&r% d+ /L% d of Wi ds+/ whi,h '%! i die *e e)o'e t sh%dow of the /;o( t%i of S$irits+/ Osh(0&( + for %s 'o & %s % !o e ,o('d re-e-*er" Whi'e rit(%' ,h%''e &es % d ,o-*%t were ot ( (s(%' d(ri & the festi)%'+ tr(e % &er or )io'e ,e h%d e)er er($ted here" Whe te-$ers f'%red+ %s the! so-eti-es did whe so -% ! were &%thered to&ether+ the sh%-% e ,o(r%&ed the $%rties i )o')ed to work it o(t $e%,e%*'!+ or e'se the! were to 'e%)e the ho'! %re%" The '% d i this $'%,e w%s '(sh % d ferti'e % d ,%'-i &" D(rot% so-eti-es wo dered if the '% d w%s tr% 3(i' *e,%(se of the wi''i & ess of the ores to *ri & $e%,e to it+ or if the ores were $e%,ef(' *e,%(se the '% d w%s so sere e" He ofte wo dered s(,h thi &s+ % d ke$t the- to hi-se'f+ for he he%rd o o e e'se )oi,i & s(,h odd ide%s" D(rot% si&hed 3(iet'!+ his tho(&hts r%,i &+ his he%rt th(-$i & i % sweri & rh!th- to the )oi,e of the dr(-s o(tside" L%st i&ht h%d *ee wo derf('+ stirri & D(rot% 0s so('" Whe the P%'e L%d! ,'e%red the d%rk 'i e of trees+ i Her w% i & $h%se *(t sti'' *ri&ht e o(&h to ,%st % $owerf(' 'i&ht th%t w%s ref'e,ted o the *'% kets of white s ow+ % ,heer h%d &o e ($ fro- the thro%t of e)er! o e of the tho(s% ds of or,s %sse-*'ed9wise e'ders+ w%rriors i their $ri-e+ e)e ,hi'dre he'd i their -other0s stro & %r-s" The wo')es+ *oth ,o-$% io s % d -o( ts to the or,s+h%d 2oi ed i with e.('t% t how's" The so( d shi)ered %'o & D(rot% 0s )ei s %s the dr(--i & did ow+ % dee$+ $ri-%' ,r! of s%'(t%tio to the white or* who ,o--% ded the i&ht skies" D(rot% h%d &'% ,ed %ro( d to *eho'd % se% of $owerf(' *ei &s r%isi & their *row h% ds+ si')ered i the 'i&ht+ to the P%'e L%d!+ %'' with o e fo,(s" If % ! o&re h%d *ee foo'ish e o(&h to %tt%,k+ it wo('d h%)e f%''e i % -%tter of he%rt*e%ts *e e%th the we%$o s of this )%st se% of si &'e8-i ded w%rriors" The h%d ,o-e fe%sti &" Do5e s of *e%sts h%d *ee s'%i e%r'ier i the se%so + *efore the wi ter h%d set i + % d dried % d s-oked i $re$%r%tio for the e)e t" Bo fires h%d *ee ki d'ed+ their w%r- 'i&ht -er&i & with the fe!+ white &'ow of the L%d!+ % d the dr(--i & h%d *e&( % d h%d ot sto$$ed si ,e" He+ 'ike %'' the other ,hi'dre 9'!i & o his ,'efthoof $e't+ D(rot% s iffed dis-issi)e'! %t the ter-9h%d *ee $er-itted to st%! ($ ( ti' he h%d e%te his fi'' % d the sh%-% h%d de$%rted" The sh%-% of e)er! ,'% 'eft+ o ,e the o$e i & fe%st h%d *ee ,o s(-ed+ to ,'i-* Osh(0&( + whi,h stood ,%ref(' w%t,h o)er their festi)ities+ e ter its ,%)er s+ % d *e %d)ised *! the s$irits % d their % ,estors" Osh(0&( w%s i-$ressi)e e)e fro- % dist% ,e" # 'ike other -o( t%i s+ whi,h were irre&('%r % d ro(&h i their sh%$e+ Osh(0&( er($ted fro- the &ro( d with the $re,isio % d sh%r$ $oi t of % s$e%rhe%d" It 'ooked 'ike % &i% t ,r!st%' set i to the e%rth+ so ,'e% were its 'i es % d so *ri&ht'! did it &'iste i the s( 8 % d -oo 'i&ht" So-e 'e&e ds to'd th%t it h%d f%''e fro- the sk! h( dreds of !e%rs %&o+ % d it w%s so ( (s(%' th%t D(rot% tho(&ht those t%'es -i&ht *e ri&ht" I teresti & tho(&h Osh(0&( -i&ht *e+ D(rot% %'w%!s tho(&ht it % *it ( f%ir th%t the sh%-% h%d to st%! there for the e tire Kosh0h%r& festi)%'" The $oor sh%-% + he tho(&ht+ -issed %'' the f( " B(t the %&%i + he s(s$e,ted+ so did the ,hi'dre " D(ri & the d%!+ there were h( ts % d &%-e $'%!i & % d rete''i & of the heroi,s of the % ,estors" E%,h ,'% h%d its ow stories+ % d so i %dditio to the f%-i'i%r t%'es D(rot% h%d he%rd %s % !o( &'i &+ there were ew % d e.,iti & %d)e t(res to 'iste to"

E tert%i i & %s these were+ % d %s -(,h %s D(rot% e 2o!ed the-+ he *(r ed to k ow wh%t the %d('ts dis,(ssed %fter the ,hi'dre were drowsi & i the s'ee$i & te t+ %fter their *e''ies were stret,hed f('' of &ood food % d $i$es h%d *ee s-oked % d )%rio(s *rews h%d *ee sh%red" He ,o('d st% d it o 'o &er" >(iet'!+ D(rot% s%t ($+ his ,%rs str%i i & for % ! so( ds to i di,%te th%t % !o e e'se w%s %w%ke" He he%rd othi &+ % d %fter % 'o & -i (te+ he &ot to his feet % d *e&% to -o)e s'ow'! tow%rd the e tr% ,e" It w%s % 'o &+ s'ow $ro&ressio i the d%rke ed te t" S'ee$i & ,hi'dre of %'' %&es % d si5es were s$r%w'ed e)er!where i the te t+ % d o e wro & -o)e ,o('d %w%ke the-" His he%rt r%,i & with e.,ite-e t %t his d%ri &+ D(rot% ste$$ed ,%ref(''! *etwee the o '! f%i t'! &'i-$sed sh%$es+ $'%,i & e%,h '%r&e foot with the de'i,%,! of the 'o &8'e&&ed -%rsh *irds" It see-ed to t%ke % eter it! *efore D(rot% fi %''! re%,hed the f'%$" He stood+ tr!i & to ,%'- his *re%thi &+ re%,hed o(t9 A d to(,hed % '%r&e+ s-ooth8ski ed *od! st% di & ri&ht *eside hi-" He 2erked his h% d *%,k with % s(r$rised hiss" /Wh%t %re !o( doi &6/ D(rot% whis$ered" /Wh%t %re you doi &6/ the other or, shot *%,k" A*r($t'! D(rot% &ri ed %t how foo'ish the! so( ded" /S%-e thi & !o( %r,+/ D(rot% re$'ied+ his )oi,e sti'' soft" A'' %*o(t the-+ the others s'e$t o " /We ,% ,ither kee$ t%'ki & %*o(t it or do it"/ D(rot% ,o('d te'' *! the si5e of the f%i t sh%$e i fro t of hi- th%t the or, w%s % '%r&e -%'e+ $ro*%*'! ,'ose to his ow %&e" He ,o('d 0t $'%,e the s,e t or the )oi,e+ so it w%s 0t o e of the Frostwo'f ,'% " It w%s % d%ri & tho(&ht9 ot o '! to do so-ethi & so for*idde %s to 'e%)e the s'ee$i & te t witho(t $er-issio + *(t to do so i the ,o-$% ! of % or, ot of his ow ,'% " The other or, hesit%ted+ the s%-e tho(&hts o do(*t r( i & thro(&h his he%d" /1er! we''+/ he s%id %t '%st" /Let0s do it"/ D(rot% re%,hed o(t %&%i i the d%rk ess+ his fi &ers *r(shi & the hide of the f'%$ % d ,(r'i & %ro( d its ed&e" The two or, !o(ths $(''ed *%,k the f'%$ % d ste$$ed o(t i to the frost! i&ht" D(rot% t(r ed to 'ook %t his ,o-$% io " The other or, w%s *r%w ier th% he+ % d stood % *it t%''er" D(rot% w%s the '%r&est of his %&e i his ,'% + % d ( (sed to others *ei & t%''er th% he" It w%s % *it dis3(ieti &" His %''! i -is,hief t(r ed to 'ook %t hi-+ % d D(rot% fe't hi-se'f *ei & %ssessed" The other odded+ %$$%re t'! s%tisfied with wh%t he s%w" The! did ot risk words" D(rot% $oi ted to % '%r&e tree ,'ose to the te t+ % d si'e t'! the two he%ded for it" For % -o-e t th%t w%s $ro*%*'! ot %s 'o & %s it fe't+ the! were i the o$e + e.$osed to % ! %d('t who ,hose th%t i st% t to t(r his he%d % d see die-+ *(t the! were ot s$otted" D(rot% fe't %s e.$osed %s if he were i *ri&ht s( 'i&ht+ so $owerf(' w%s die -oo 0s &'ow ref'e,ted off the ,r!st%''i e s ow" A d s(re'! the so( d of the s ow s3(e%ki & *e e%th their feet w%s %s 'o(d %s the *e''ow of % e r%&ed o&re" At '%st the! re%,hed the tree % d s% k dow *ehi d it" D(rot% 0s *re%th -isted %s he fi %''! e.h%'ed" The other or, t(r ed to hi% d &ri ed" /I %- Or&ri-+ 'i e of Te'k%r Doo-h%--er+ of the B'%,kro,k ,'% +/ the !o(th s%id i % $ro(d whis$er+ D(rot% w%s i-$ressed" Whi'e the Doo-h%--er 'i e w%s ot the 'i e of % ,hieft%i + it w%s we'' k ow % d ho ored" /I %- D(rot% " 'i e of G%r%d" of the Frostwo'f ,'% "/ D(rot% re$'ied" Now it w%s Or&ri-0s t(r to re%,t to the f%,t th%t he w%s sitti & with the heir to % other ,'% " He odded %$$ro)i &'!" For % -o-e t the! si-$'! s%t+ re)e'i & i the &'or! of their d%ri &" D(rot% *e&% to fee' the ,o'd % d wet ess see$ thro(&h his thi,k hide ,%$e+ % d &ot to his feet" A&%i + he $oi ted %t the &%theri &+ % d Or&ri- odded" The! ,%ref(''! $eered %ro( d the tree+ str%i i & to 'iste " S(re'! ow the! wo('d he%r the -!steries for whi,h the! *oth h( &ered" O)er the ,r%,k'i & so( d of the h(&e *o fire % d the dee$+ ste%d! *e%ti & of the dr(-s+ )oi,es f'o%ted to the-" /The sh%-% h%)e *ee ke$t *(s! this wi ter with the fe)er"/ D(rot% 0s f%ther" G%r%d" s%id" He re%,hed dow % d $etted the h(&e white wo'f who w%s drowsi & *! the fire" The *e%st+ its white ,o%t disti &(ishi & it %s % Frostwo'f" -%de % soft ,roo i & so( d of $'e%s(re" /Soo %s o e of the !o( &'i &s &ets ,(red+ % other f%''s i''"/ /I %- re%d! for s$ri &+ -!se'f+/ % other -%'e s%id+ st% di & % d tossi & % other 'o& o the fire" /It0s *ee h%rsh with the % i-%'s+ too" Whe we were $re$%ri & for the festi)%'+ we h%d % h%rd ti-e fi di & ,'efthoo)es"/ /K'%&% -%kes % de'i,io(s so($ fro- the *o es+ *(t she ref(ses to te'' (s wh%t her*s she (ses"/ % third s%id+ &'%ri & %t % fe-%'e who w%s (rsi & % i f% t" The fe-%'e i 3(estio + $res(-%*'! K'%&%+ ,h(,k'ed" /The o '! o e who0'' &et th%t re,i$e is this 'itt'e o e whe she ,o-es of %&e+/ K'%&% re$'ied+ % d &ri ed" D(rot% 0s 2%w dro$$ed" He t(r ed his he%d to st%re %t Or&ri-+ who wore % si-i'%r e.$ressio of st( ed dis-%!" This w%s wh%t w%s so i-$ort% t+ so se,ret th%t the ,hi'dre were for*idde to 'e%)e the te t to 'iste to it6 Dis,(ssio s of fe)ers % d so($s6 I the *ri&ht 'i&ht of the -oo " D(rot% h%d o tro(*'e seei & Or&ri-0s f%,e ,'e%r'!" The other !o(th0s *rows drew to&ether i % frow " /Yo( % d I ,% ,o-e ($ with so-ethi & -ore i teresti & th% this" D(rot% "/ he s%id i % 'ow+ &r(ff )oi,e" D(rot% &ri ed % d odded" He w%s ,ert%i of it" The festi)%' '%sted for two -ore d%!s" D(ri & the d%!ti-e % d %t i&ht+ whe the two wo('d s e%k o(t to&ether+ the! ,h%''e &ed e%,h other to differe t ,o tests of ski''" R%,i &+ ,'i-*i &+ stre &th+ s(re8footed ess9 e)er!thi & the! ,o('d thi k of" A d e%,h defe%ted the other %'-ost %s if the! h%d $'% ed o t%ki & t(r s" Whe + o the '%st d%!" Or&ri- 'o(d'! ,%''ed for % fifth ,h%''e &e to *re%k the st%'e-%te+ so-ethi & i side D(rot% -%de hi- s$e%k" /Let (s ot $erfor- ,o--o + ordi %r! ,h%''e &es+/ D(rot% s%id+ wo deri & where the words ,%-e fro- e)e %s he (ttered die-+ /Let (s do so-ethi & tr('! differe t i the histor! of o(r $eo$'e"/ Or&ri-0s *ri&ht &r%! e!es &'e%-ed %s he 'e% ed forw%rd" /Wh%t do !o( s(&&est6/ /Let (s *e frie ds+ !o( % d I"/ Or&ri-0s he%)i'! -(s,'ed 2%w dro$$ed" /B(t9we %re ot of the s%-e ,'% </ he s%id+ i % )oi,e th%t i di,%ted th%t D(rot% -i&ht h%)e $ro$osed % frie dshi$ *etwee the &re%t *'%,k wo'f % d the -i'd t%'*(k" D(rot% w%)ed % dis-issi)e h% d" /We %re ot e e-ies+/ he s%id" /Look %ro( d !o(" The ,'% s ,o-e to&ether twi,e % !e%r % d there is o h%r- i it"/ /B(t " " " -! f%ther s%!s it is $re,ise'! because we ,o-e to&ether so se'do- th%t the $e%,e is ke$t+/ Or&ri- ,o ti (ed" His *row k otted with ,o ,er "

Dis%$$oi t-e t ,o'ored D(rot% 0s words with *itter ess" /1er! we''" I tho(&ht !o( *r%)er th% the others+ Or&ri- of the Doo-h%--er 'i e+ *(t !o( %re o *etter th% the!9ti-id % d sh! % d ( wi''i & to see *e!o d wh%t h%s %'w%!s *ee do e to wh%t is $ossi*'e"/ The words h%d ,o-e fro- his he%rt+ *(t h%d D(rot% ,%',('%ted the- % d ho ed the- for weeks+ he ,o('d ot h%)e ,hose *etter" Or&ri-0s *row f%,e f'(shed % d his e!es s %$$ed" /I %- o ,ow%rd</ he s %r'ed" /I *%,k dow fro- o ,h%''e &e+ !o( ($st%rt Frostwo'f</ He s$r% & o D(rot% the + k o,ki & the s-%''er or, off his feet+ % d the two $(--e'ed e%,h other ( ti' the sh%-% eeded to *e *ro(&ht i for he%'i & % d 'e,t(ri & o the i %$$ro$ri%te ess of fi&hti & i % s%,red s$%,e" /I-$et(o(s *o!+/ s,o'ded the he%d sh%-% of the Frostwo')es+ % % ,ie t or, fe-%'e the! ,%''ed /;other/ K%sh(r" /Yo( %re ot too o'd to *e *e%te %s % diso*edie t ,hi'd+ !o( & D(rot% </ The sh%-% who te ded Or&ri- -(ttered si-i'%r dis$'e%sed so( ds" B(t e)e %s *'ood stre%-ed free'! fro- his ose+ % d %s he w%t,hed the sh%-% he%' % wi,ked &%sh o Or&ri-0s *row torso+ D(rot% &ri ed" Or&ri- ,%(&ht his &%5e % d &ri ed *%,k" The ,h%''e &e h%d *e&( + the fi %' ,h%''e &e+ so -(,h -ore i-$ort% t th% r%,es or 'ifti & sto es+ % d either w%s wi''i & to %d-it defe%t """ to s%! th%t % frie dshi$ *etwee two !o(ths of differe t ,'% s w%s wro &" D(rot% h%d % fee'i & th%t this $%rti,('%r ,h%''e &e wo('d e d o '! whe o e of the- w%s de%d """ % d $erh%$s ot e)e the "

I remember when we first encountered the tauren. I remember 6airne Bloodhoof#s deep voice and calm face. I remember sitting oit the ground in a tent that could be broken down and erected with startling speed, and feeling oddly at home. We smoked pipes, shared food and drink, felt the drumming in our bones, and talked. The tauren seemed to me bestial at first, but there was wisdoand humor in them, and by the time the first round of negotiations had been conducted, I knew that the ores had a rare ally in these half7bovine beings. ,ight had fallen while we spoke, a soft i&ht befitting this beautiful land. We left the tent and ga&ed up at stars too numerous too count, a sweet wind caressing our faces. I turned to "rek#Thar, to ask for his wisdom. To my astonishment I saw tears on his face, glinting in the moon#s light. "This is how we used to be, my chieftain," he said in a broken voice. e lifted his arms and tilted his head back, calling the wind to embrace him and dry the tears on his strong green face. "6lose to the earth. 6lose to the spirits. 'trong in the hunt, gentle with the younglings, knowing our place in the world to be right and /ust. +nderstanding the balance of taking and giving. The only -%&i, the tauren practice is the good, clean magic of the earth, and the land reflects that, the way "raenor once reflected our connection." I thought of the tauren#s re8uest for aid infighting their enemy, the vile, filthy centaur. "(es . . . I feel for them. It will be good to be able to help them," I said. "rek #Thar laughed, turning his blind eyes to me and seeing me more clearly than anyone with sight could. "5h, my young Thrall," he said, chuckling still, "you do not yet understand. They will help (s"/ D(rot% r% %s f%st %s his $owerf(' !o( & 'e&s ,o('d ,%rr! hi-" His *re%th ,%-e f%st+ % d swe%t d%$$'ed his reddish8*row ski + *(t he for,ed hi-se'f to kee$ &oi &" It w%s s(--er+ % d his '%r&e+ f'%t feet were *%re" The &r%ss w%s soft *e e%th hi- %s he r% + % d o,,%sio %''! he wo('d ste$ o the *ri&ht $(r$'e *'osso- of % d%ss% f'ower" The s,e t fro- the *r(ised $'% t tr%ditio %''! ,('ti)%ted for he%'i & w%fted ($ 'ike % *'essi &+ i s$iri & hi- to r( e)e f%rther+ e)e f%ster" Now he w%s o the fri &e of the Terokk%r forest+ $(shi & forw%rd i to its ,oo'+ &r%!8&ree de$ths" He h%d to w%t,h o(t for the twi i & roots of the e'e&% t trees 'est he tri$ o)er the-+ % d his $%,e $erfor,e s'owed" Soft 'i&hts &'owed i the &ree he%rt of this forest+ % d the ,%'- it e.(ded w%s %t sh%r$ odds with D(rot% 0s eed for tri(-$h" He i ,re%sed his $%,e+ 'e%$i & o)er f%''e tree tr( ks ,o)ered with -oss+ d(,ki & ( der 'ow8s'( & *r% ,hes with the &r%,e of % t%'*(k" His *'%,k h%ir+ 'o & % d thi,k % d s$i''i & %'' the w%! to the -idd'e of his *%,k+ f'ew *ehi d hi-" His '( &s *(r ed % d his 'e&s ,ried o(t for hi- to ,e%se+ *(t he &ro( d his teeth % d i& ored the $'e%s fro- his *od!" He w%s % Frostwo'f+ the heir to ,'% ,hieft%i ,!+ % d o B'%,kro,k wo('d $ossi*'!9 D(rot% he%rd % f%ir %$$ro.i-%tio of % w%r ,r! *ehi d hi- % d his he%rt s% k" Or&ri-0s )oi,e+ 'ike D(rot% 0s+ w%s sti'' si ki & tow%rd the dee$ *e''ow th%t -%rked % %d('t -%'e+ *(t e)e D(rot% h%d to %d-it it w%s %'re%d! i-$ressi)e" He wi''ed his 'e&s to $(-$ e)e h%rder+ *(t the! fe't %s he%)! % d ( -o)i & %s if the! h%d *ee ,%r)ed of sto e" He w%t,hed i dis-%! o(t of the ,or er of his e!e %s Or&ri- ,%-e i to his fie'd of )isio % d the + with % fi %' s$(rt of e er&!+ r%,ed $%st hi-" The B'%,kro,k or, e.te ded his %r- % d '( &ed+ -% %&i & to hit the tree tr( k i the ,'e%ri & th%t the! h%d de,ided re$rese ted the &o%' of the r%,e ri&ht *efore D(rot% did" Or&ri- ke$t &oi & for se)er%' -ore strides+ %s if his $owerf(' 'e&s+ o ,e $(t i to -otio + were re'(,t% t to sto$" D(rot% 0s 'e&s h%d o s(,h $ro*'e-s+ % d the heir to the Frostwo'f ,'% fe'' forw%rd+ *%re'! ,%t,hi & hi-se'f" He '%! f%,edow i the ,oo'+ sweet8s-e''i & -oss! e%rth+ &%s$i & for %ir+ k owi & he sho('d sit ($+ k owi & he sho('d ,h%''e &e Or&ri- %&%i + *(t too e.h%(sted to do % !thi & other th% 'ie o the forest f'oor % d re,o)er" Beside hi-+ he he%rd Or&ri- doi & 'ikewise+ % d the the other or, !o(th ro''ed o)er o his *%,k % d *e&% to '%(&h" D(rot% 2oi ed i " The *irds % d s-%'' % i-%'s th%t i h%*ited the Terokk%r forest were si'e t %s two ores (ttered so( ds of -irth th%t+ D(rot% tho(&ht %s his 'i$s ,(r'ed $%st his sti''8for-i & t(sks+ $ro*%*'! so( ded -ore th% % 'itt'e 'ike the fier,e w%r ,ries th%t $res%&ed % h( t" /H%+/ &r( ted Or&ri-+ sitti & ($ % d $( ,hi & D(rot% i % $'%!f(' -% er" /It is 'itt'e effort to *e%t % stri$'i & 'ike !o(" D(rot% "/ /Yo( h%)e so -(,h -(s,'e !o(r *r%i is st%r)ed+/ D(rot% retorted" /Ski'' is %s i-$ort% t %s $ower" B(t the B'%,kro,k ,'% wo('d 0t k ow %*o(t s(,h thi &s"/ There w%s o -%'i,e i their *% ter" Their ,'% s h%d *ee tro(*'ed %t first *! the frie dshi$ *etwee the two !o(ths+ *(t D(rot% 0s st(**or %r&(-e t9th%t 2(st *e,%(se so-ethi & h%d e)er *ee do e *efore did ot -e% it ,o('d ot *e do e9%-(sed % d i-$ressed the 'e%ders of *oth ,'% s" It he'$ed th%t *oth the Frostwo')es % d the B'%,kro,ks were *oth tr%ditio %''! e)e 8te-$ered

TWO

or, ,'% s" H%d D(rot% $ro$osed s(,h % frie dshi$ with % W%rso & ,'% -e-*er or % Bo e,hewer+ for e.%-$'e+ k ow for their i te se ,'% $ride % d distr(st of others+ the 'itt'e f'%-e of frie dshi$ wo('d h%)e died 3(i,k'!" So the e'ders w%t,hed" % d w%ited for the o)e't! to f%de % d for e%,h !o(th to ret(r to his ri&htf(' $'%,e % d kee$ the f%-i'i%r order th%t h%d *ee est%*'ished for""" %s 'o & %s % !o e ,o('d re,%''" The! were dis%$$oi ted" The frost of '%te wi ter h%d &i)e w%! to s$ri & % d ow the f('' *'ows! w%r-th of s(--er+ % d the frie dshi$ ,o ti (ed" D(rot% k ew th%t the! were w%t,hed+ *(t %s 'o & %s o o e i terfered+ he did ot o*2e,t" D(rot% ,'osed his e!es % d 'et his fi &ers s$re%d o)er the -oss" The sh%-% s%id th%t %'' thi &s h%d % 'ife+ % $ower+ % s$irit" The! were dee$'! i )o')ed with the s$irits of the e'e-e ts9e%rth+ %ir+ fire+ % d w%ter9% d the S$irit of the Wi'ds9% d ,'%i-ed the! ,o('d se se the 'ife for,e i e%rth % d e)e see-i &'! de%d sto e" A'' D(rot% ,o('d fee' w%s the ,oo'+ s'i&ht'! -oist se s%tio of -oss % d soi' *e e%th his $%'-s" The e%rth sh(ddered" His e!es s %$$ed o$e " He *o'ted ($ri&ht+ his h% d %(to-%ti,%''! &oi & for the s$iked ,'(* th%t he ,o st% t'! ,%rried" Or&ri- $referred % he%)! -et%' % d wood h%--er+ the tr%ditio %' we%$o of the B'%,kro,ks % d % si-$'ified )ersio of the 'e&e d%r! h%--er th%t wo('d o e d%! ,o-e to hi-" The two *o!s e.,h% &ed &'% ,es" The! did ot eed to s$e%k to ,o--( i,%te" W%s the thi & th%t -%de the e%rth sh%ke so % e or-o(s ,'efthoof+ with its sh%&&! $e't th%t -%de -%& ifi,e t *'% kets % d ri,h red f'esh th%t ,o('d feed %'-ost the who'e ,'% + or w%s it so-ethi & -ore d% &ero(s6 Wh%t did 'i)e i the Terokk%r forest+ % !w%!6 The! h%d *ee here o '! o ,e *efore"""" The! &ot to their feet i ( iso + their s-%'' d%rk e!es $eeri & i to the ow o-i o(s8see-i & d%rk ,or ers of the ,'ose8&rowi & trees+ se%r,hi & for wh%te)er h%d -%de the oise" Boom. The e%rth sh(ddered %&%i " D(rot% 0s he%rt st%rted to *e%t f%ster" If it w%s % s-%'' ,'efthoof+ -%!*e the! ,o('d t%ke it dow to&ether % d sh%re the s$oi's with *oth ,'% s" He &'% ,ed o)er %t Or&ri- % d s%w the other0s e!es &'e%- with e.,ite-e t" Boom. Boom. 6rash. Both !o(ths &%s$ed % d the retre%ted %s the oise ,%-e ,'oser" A tree o '! % few !%rds %w%! fro- the- see-ed to s$'i ter *efore their e!es" The thi & th%t h%d -%de the oise % d so ,%s(%''! dis$%t,hed % % ,ie t tree s(dde '! ,%-e i to )iew" It w%s e or-o(s+ it ,%rried % ,'(* %s *i& %s the! were+ % d it w%s -ost defi ite'! ot % ,'efthoof" A d it h%d see the-" It o$e ed its -o(th % d *e''owed so-ethi & th%t w%s )%&(e'! i te''i&i*'e+ *(t D(rot% w%s 0t %*o(t to w%ste ti-e fi&(ri & o(t wh%t it h%d s%id" Their tho(&hts %s o e+ the two *o!s t(r ed % d f'ed" Now D(rot% wished des$er%te'! th%t the! h%d ot de,ided to ,h%''e &e o e % other to % r%,e e%r'ier+ for his 'e&s h%d ot hi''! re,o)ered" Yet sti'' the! -o)ed whe he %sked it of the-+ the eed for s(r)i)%' 'e di & hi- e er&!" How h%d the! w% dered so f%r i to o&re territor!6 A d where were the &ro 6 D(rot% i-%&i ed o e of the o&re0s -%sters for,i & its w%! thro(&h the trees %s the o&re h%d9toweri & o)er ordi %r! o&res %s o&res towered o)er the or,s+e)e -ore hideo(s th% % o&re+ -ore of the e%rth th% of f'esh % d !et so terri*'! wro &+ its o e e!e *'oodshot % d st%ri & %s it $oi ted %t D(rot% % d Or&ri- % d dire,ted the o&re tow%rd it" He % d Or&ri- were ot !et of the se%so where the! wo('d *e i iti%ted i to %d('thood % d $er-itted to &o with the w%rriors of the ,'% s to h( t the o&res % d+ o r%re o,,%sio s+ the &ro the-se')es" The! h%d &o e o h( ts th%t their ,'% s h%d $er,ei)ed %s 'ess d% &ero(s+ for t%'*(k % d other e%s! $re!+ *(t D(rot% h%d %'w%!s !e%r ed for the d%! whe he wo('d *e %''owed to t%,k'e these fe%rso-e ,re%t(res+ wi i & ho or for hi-se'f % d his ,'% " Now+ he w%s 0t so s(re" The e%rth ,o ti (ed to tre-*'e+ % d the sho(ts of the o&re were ,o-i & -ore ,'e%r'! ow" /Cr(sh 'itt'e ores< ;e s-%sh</ The ro%r th%t fo''owed this %'-ost -%de his e%rs *'eed" The thi & w%s &%i i & o the-" Des$ite his *r%i 0s $% i,ked orders to his *od! to r( f%ster+ faster curse you, he ,o('d ot $(t % ! dist% ,e *etwee hi- % d the -o stro(s *ei & th%t 'oo-ed so ,'ose th%t its )%st sh%dow %'-ost *'otted o(t wh%t 'itt'e 'i&ht fi'tered thro(&h the tree *r% ,hes" The trees thi ed % d the 'i&ht &rew *ri&hter" The! were ,'ose to the ed&e of the forest ow" D(rot% ke$t r( i & % d *(rst i to the o$e s$%,e of the -e%dow+ his feet f%''i & %&%i o soft &r%ss+ Or&ri- w%s %he%d of hi-+ *(t ot *! -(,h" Des$%ir w%shed thro(&h D(rot% + fo''owed h%rd *! % *'%,k w%)e of f(r!" The! were ot !et %d('ts< The! h%d ot &o e o their first re%' h( t+ the! h%d ot d% ,ed *! the fire with the fe-%'es+ the! h%d ot *%thed their f%,es i the ste%-i & *'ood of their first so'o ki''s" There w%s so -(,h the! h%d ot do e" To die % &'orio(s de%th i *%tt'e w%s o e thi &+ *(t The!were so o)er$owered *! the hideo(s ,re%t(re %s to -%ke their de%ths h(-oro(s r%ther th% ho or%*'e" K owi & it ,o('d ,ost hi- $re,io(s se,o ds+ *(t ( %*'e to resist the i-$('se+ D(rot% t(r ed his he%d to s,re%- % ,(rse %t the o&re *efore it s-%shed hi- %s f'%t %s % &r%i ,%ke with its ,'(*" Wh%t he s%w -%de his 2%w dro$" Their res,(ers did ot (tter % so( d" The! -o)ed i si'e ,e+ % 3(iet tide of *'(e % d white % d si')er th%t see-i &'! s$r% & o(t of the )er! %ir" D(rot% he%rd the f%-i'i%r whi e of %rrows shrieki & thro(&h the %ir % d % he%rt*e%t '%ter the o&re0s ,ries were ti &ed ot with r%&e *(t with $%i " Do5e s of %rrows+ ti ! thi &s o th%t -%ssi)e $%'e *od!+ s$ro(ted fro- it+ % d it h%'ted its de%d'! $ro&ress" It !e''ed % d tried to *r(sh the irrit%tio s fro- its ski " A ,'e%r )oi,e r% & o(t" E)e tho(&h he did ot ( derst% d the '% &(%&e+ D(rot% re,o& i5ed words of $ower whe he he%rd the-+ % d his ski $ri,k'ed" S(dde '! the sk! w%s fi''ed with 'i&ht i &" B(t this w%s ( 'ike % ! 'i&ht i & D(rot% h%d see i )oked *! % sh%-% " B'(e % d white % d si')er e er&! ,r%,k'ed %ro( d the o&re+ swir'i & %*o(t it % d ,'osi & i o it 'ike % et" The -o ster *e''owed %&%i % d fe''" The e%rth shook"

Now the dr%e ei+ their *odies ,o)ered i so-e sort of -et%''i, $'%ti & th%t ref'e,ted the ,oo' h(es of the -%&i,%' e er&ies i % dis$'%! th%t d%55'ed D(rot% 0s e!es+ dis-o( ted % d des,e ded ($o the f%''e o&re" B'%des f'%shed+ -ore words of $ower % d ,o--% d were (ttered+ % d D(rot% w%s for,ed to sh(t his e!es or *e dri)e -%d *! the dis$'%!" At '%st si'e ,e fe''" D(rot% o$e ed his e!es %&%i to see th%t the o&re w%s de%d" Its e!es sti'' st%red+ its to &(e $rotr(ded fro- its $%rted 'i$s+ % d its *od! w%s ,o)ered with red *'ood % d *'%,k *(r -%rks" So &re%t w%s the si'e ,e th%t D(rot% ,o('d he%r his ow r%&&ed *re%thi & % d th%t of Or&ri-" The two 'ooked %t e%,h other+ st( ed *! wh%t the! h%d 2(st wit essed" Both h%d see the dr%e ei *efore+ of ,o(rse+ *(t o '! %t % dist% ,e" The! ,%-e ow % d the to e%,h ,'% + re%d! to tr%de their ,%ref(''! ,r%fted too's % d we%$o s % d de,or%ti)e $ie,es of ,%r)ed sto e i e.,h% &e for the thi,k $e'ts of the forest % i-%'s+ *ri&ht'! wo)e *'% kets+ % d r%w -%teri%'s the ores ,(''ed fro- '% d % d sto e" It h%d %'w%!s *ee % o,,%sio of i terest i the ,'% s+ *(t the e.,h% &es o '! '%sted % few ho(rs" The dr%e ei9*'(e8ski ed+ soft8s$oke + eeri'! %rresti &9did ot i )ite ,'ose ess+ % d o ,'% 'e%der h%d e)er %sked the- to st%! % d sh%re their hos$it%'it!" Re'%tio shi$s were ,ordi%' *(t %'oof+ % d e)er!o e i )o')ed see-ed to w% t it th%t w%!" Now the 'e%der of the &ro($ th%t h%d %rri)ed so ( e.$e,ted'! strode o)er to D(rot% " Fro- his $ositio o the e%rth+ D(rot% s%w wh%t he h%d e)er oti,ed whe he h%d re&%rded the dr%e ei fro- % dist% ,e" Their 'e&s did ot &o str%i&ht fro- their torsos to the e%rth" The! ,(r)ed *%,kw%rd+ 'ike " " " 'ike % t%'*(k0s+ % d e ded i ,'o)e hoo)es th%t were e ,%sed i -et%' fro- the shi ! *'(e hoof ($w%rd" A d """ !es+ it w%s -ost defi ite'! % thi,k+ h%ir'ess t%i' th%t swished *%,k % d forth" Now their ow er w%s *e di & o)er hi-+ offeri & % stro & *'(e h% d" D(rot% *'i ked+ st%ri & % -o-e t 'o &er %t the ( e.$e,ted sh%$e of the dr%e ei0s feet % d the re$ti'i% t%i'+ the &ot to his feet ( %ided" He 'ooked i to % f%,e th%t *ore str% &e $'%ti & o its he%d+ 'ike %r-or th%t h%d &row there" B'%,k h%ir % d % *e%rd f'owed o)er % ,o'orf(' t%*%rd+ % d the $ier,i &+ &'owi & e!es were the ,o'or of % wi ter '%ke" /Yo( %re i 2(red6/ the dr%e ei %sked i h%'ti & ,o--o Or,ish+ his to &(e o*)io(s'! h%)i & tro(*'e wr%$$i & itse'f %ro( d the &(tt(r%' s!''%*'es" /O '! -! $ride+/ D(rot% he%rd Or&ri- -(tter i his ,'% di%'e,t" He+ too+ w%s so-ewh%t st( &" The dr%e ei h%d o*)io(s'! s%)ed *oth their 'i)es+ % d he w%s &r%tef(' of ,o(rse" B(t the! h%d see two $ro(d or, !o(ths r( i & fro- d% &er" Gr% ted+ th%t d% &er h%d *ee )er! re%'9o e *'ow fro- th%t &i&% ti, ,'(* wo('d h%)e s3(%shed hi- % d Or&ri- i to two s-%''+ ,r(-$'ed $i'es9*(t sti''" The dr%e ei -%! or -%! ot h%)e he%rd or ( derstood Or&ri-4 D(rot% tho(&ht he s%w the 'i$s ,(r)e i % s-i'e" The dr%e ei &'% ,ed sk!w%rd+ % d to his dis-%!+ D(rot% re%'i5ed th%t the s( w%s 'ow o the hori5o " /Yo( two h%)e w% dered f%r fro- ho-e+ % d the s( sett'es to s'ee$+/ he s%id" /Whi,h ,'% do !o( h%i' fro-6/ /I %- D(rot% " of the Frostwo'f ,'% + % d this is Or&ri- of the B'%,kro,k ,'% "/ The dr%e ei 'ooked st%rt'ed" /Two differe t ,'% s6 Were !o( ,h%''e &i & o e % other+ th%t !o( w% dered so f%r fro- !o(r res$e,ti)e ho-es6/ D(rot% % d Or&ri- e.,h% &ed &'% ,es" /Yes " " " % d o+/ D(rot% s%id" /We %re frie ds"/ The dr%e ei0s e!es wide ed" /Frie ds " " " fro- two differe t ,'% s6/ Or&ri- odded" /Yes"/ He %dded+ so-ewh%t defe si)e'!+ /It is ot tr%ditio %'+ *(t it is ot for*idde "/ The dr%e ei odded+ *(t he sti'' 'ooked s(r$rised" He re&%rded *oth of the- for % -o-e t+ the t(r ed to two of his ,o-$% io s % d -(r-(red so-ethi & i his %ti)e to &(e" D(rot% tho(&ht the '% &(%&e $rofo( d'! -(si,%'+ 'ike the so( d of % stre%-e% deri & o)er sto es+ or % *ird0s ,%''" The other two dr%e ei 'iste ed i te t'!+ the odded" O e took % w%terski fro- his *e't+ dr% k dee$'!+ % d the *e&% to r( with % &%it e%r'! %s s-ooth % d swift %s % t%'*(k0s+ he%di & so(thwest where the Frostwo'f '% ds were" The se,o d r%,ed tow%rd the ,%st+ to the B'%,kro,k ,'% " The dr%e ei who h%d *ee s$e%ki & with the- t(r ed" /The! wi'' otif! !o(r f%-i'ies th%t !o( %re we'' % d s%fe" Yo( wi'' ret(r ho-e to-orrow" I the -e% ti-e+ I %- h%$$! to offer !o( the hos$it%'it! of the dr%e ei" ;! %-e is Rest%'%% " I %- the 'e%der of the &(%rds of Te'-or+ the tow with whi,h *oth !o(r ,'% s re&('%r'! tr%de" I re&ret to s%! I do ot re-e-*er ,ither of !o(+ *(t the + the or, !o( &'i &s see- % *it 'eer! of (s whe We ,o-e to !o(r territor!"/ Or&ri- *rist'ed" /I %- %fr%id of o o e % d othi &"/ Rest%'%% s-i'ed % *it" /Yo( r% fro- the o&re"/ Or&ri-0s *row f%,e d%rke ed % d his e!es &'i ted % &ri'!" D(rot% 'owered his he%d s'i&ht'!" As he h%d fe%red+ Rest%'%% % d the others h%d *or e wit ess to their sh%-e+ % d ow the! wo('d *e -o,ked" /Th%t+/ Rest%'%% ,o ti (ed ,%'-'!+ %s if he h%d ot oti,ed the effe,t his words h%d h%d o the two" /is wisdo-" If !o( h%d ot f'ed+ we wo('d *e se di & two ,or$ses ho-e to !o(r f%-i'ies to-orrow i ste%d of two he%'th!+ stro & or, !o(ths" There is o sh%-e i fe%r+ Or&ri- % d D(rot% " O '! i 'etti & fe%r $re)e t !o( fro- doi & the ri&ht thi &" A d i !o(r ,%se+ r( i & w%s defi ite'! the ri&ht thi &"/ D(rot% st(,k o(t his ,hi " /O e d%!+ we wi'' *e stro & % d o(r f('' si5e" The + it wi'' *e the o&res who fe%r (s"/ Rest%'%% t(r ed % -i'd f%,e to hi-+ % d to D(rot% 0s s(r$rise+ he odded" /I ,o-$'ete'! %&ree+/ he s%id" /Ores %re $owerf(' h( ters"/ Or&ri- %rrowed his e!es+ 'ooki & for the t%( t+ *(t there w%s o e" /Co-e+/ Rest%'%% s%id" /There %re d% &ers i the Terokk%r forest %t i&ht th%t ot e)e the &(%rds of Te'-or wo('d wi''i &'! f%,e" Let (s &o"/ Tho(&h e.h%(sted+ D(rot% fo( d the stre &th to kee$ ($ % ste%d! r( i & $%,e4 he wo('d ot twi,e *e sh%-ed i o e d%!" The! r% for so-e ti-e+ % d the s( e)e t(%''! di$$ed *e'ow the hori5o i % &'orio(s dis$'%! of ,ri-so + &o'd+ % d fi %''! $(r$'e" He &'% ,ed ($ ow % d the + tr!i & ot to %$$e%r r(de+ *(t ,(rio(s i deed %t seei & these str% &ers %t -ore th% se)er%' !%rds0 dist% ,e" He ke$t w%iti & for the si& s of % ,it!9ro%ds -%de *! ,o( t'ess feet tr%)e'i & the s%-e $%th+ fire ,%ir s 'i&hti & % $%th+ the sh%dows of *(i'di &s %&%i st the d%rke i & sk!" He s%w othi &" A d %s the! ,o ti (ed+ he fe't % 3(i,k st%* of fe%r" Wh%t if the dr%e ei were ot $'% i & to he'$ hi- % d Or&ri- %fter %''6 Wh%t if the! were &oi & to ,%$t(re the-+ to ho'd the- for r% so-6 Wh%t if the! were &oi & to do so-ethi & worse9s%,rifi,e the- to so-e d%rk &od+ or9

/Here we %re+/ Rest%'%% s%id" He dis-o( ted % d k e't o the &ro( d+ -o)i & %side so-e 'e%)es % d $i e eed'es" Or&ri- % d D(rot% e.,h% &ed ,o f(sed &'% ,es" The! were sti'' i the -idd'e of % forest" No ,it!+ o ro%ds+ othi & %t %''" Both ores &%thered the-se')es" The! were se)ere'! o(t (-*ered+ *(t the! wo('d ot die witho(t % fi&ht" Sti'' k ee'i & o the $i e8 eed'e ,%r$et+ Rest%'%% ( ,o)ered % *e%(tif(' &ree ,r!st%'" It h%d *ee ,%ref(''! hidde *e e%th the e)er!d%! detrit(s of the forest" D(rot% st%red+ e r%$t(red %t the *e%(t! of the thi &" It wo('d fit i to die $%'- of his h% d+ % d he %,hed to to(,h it+ to fee' th%t s-ooth ess+ th%t str% &e $('si &+ %&%i st his ski " So-ehow he k ew it wo('d e.(de % ,%'- the 'ikes of whi,h he h%d e)er e.$erie ,ed" Rest%'%% (ttered % stri & of s!''%*'es th%t *r% ded the-se')es o D(rot% 0s *r%i " "-ehla men samir, solay 9amaa kahl." The forest *e&% to shi--er %s if it were % ref'e,tio ,%(&ht *! % o ,e8sti'' '%ke i to whi,h % sto e h%d *ee tossed" Des$ite hi-se'f+ D(rot% &%s$ed" The shi--eri & i ,re%sed+ % d the s(dde '! there w%s o forest+ o trees+ o '! % '%r&e+ $%)ed ro%d th%t 'ed ($ the side of the -o( t%i s to % $'%,e th%t ,o t%i ed i-%&es D(rot% h%d e)er e)e ,o ,ei)ed" /We %re i the he%rt of o&re ,o( tr!+ tho(&h it w%s ot so whe die ,it! w%s *(i't so 'o & %&o+/ Rest%'%% s%id+ risi &" /If the o&res ,% ot see (s+ the! ,% ot %tt%,k (s"/ D(rot% fo( d his to &(e" /B(t" "" how6/ /A si-$'e i''(sio + othi & -ore" A tri,k of " " " the 'i&ht"/ There w%s so-ethi & i the w%! he s%id this th%t -%de D(rot% 0s ski $ri,k'e" Seei & the ore0s ,o f(sed e.$ressio + Rest%'%% ,o ti (ed" /The e!e ,% ot %'w%!s *e tr(sted" We thi k wh%t we see is %'w%!s re%'+ th%t the 'i&ht %'w%!s re)e%'s wh%t is there the s%-e w%! %t %'' ti-es" B(t 'i&ht % d sh%dow ,% *e -% i$('%ted+ dire,ted+ *! those th%t ( derst% d it" I the s$e%ki & of these words % d the to(,hi & of the ,r!st%'+ I h%)e %'tered how the 'i&ht f%''s o the ro,ks+ the trees+ the '% ds,%$e" A d so !o(r e!e $er,ei)es so-ethi & e tire'! differe t fro- wh%t !o( tho(&ht w%s there"/ D(rot% k ew he sti'' st%red st($id'!" Rest%'%% ,h(,k'ed s'i&ht'!" /Co-e+ -! ew frie ds" Co-e where o e of !o(r $eo$'e h%)e e)er *ee *efore" W%'k dow the ro%ds of -! ho-e"/

THREE
"rek#Thar had not seen the cities of the draenei when they were at peace. e only saw them when ."" well, I am getting ahead of myself. But he told me that my father had walked the shining roads of the draenei, had eaten their food, slept in their buildings, spoken with them fairly. ad caught a glimpse of a world so unlike our own that even today, it is hard to wrap one#s mind around it. :ven the lands of the kaldorei are not so alien to me as what I have learned of the draenei. "rek #Thar said that "urotan did not have the words to describe what he saw! perhaps today, living in this land that bears his name and seeing what I have seen, he would. 4egret is a bitter taste. ... D(rot% ,o('d 0t -o)e" It w%s %s if the -!sterio(s et of shi i & e er&! h%d f'( & itse'f %*o(t hi- %s it h%d the o&re+ % d he w%s %s he'$'ess to resist" He st%red+ his -o(th s'i&ht'! o$e + tr!i & to -%ke se se of wh%t his e!es showed hi-" The dr%e ei ,it! w%s &'orio(s< Wo)e i to the side of the -o( t%i %s if it h%d s$r( & fro- it+ to D(rot% 0s e!es it w%s % ( io of sto e % d -et%'+ of %t(re % d %rtifi,e" He did ot k ow e.%,t'! wh%t he w%s seei &+ *(t he k ew it to *e h%r-o io(s" With its ,o ,e%'i & s$e'' disso')ed+ the ,it! w%s re)e%'ed i its tr% 3(i' -%& ifi,e ,e" E)er!thi & he s%w drew the e!e ($w%rd" ;%ssi)e sto e ste$s+ wide % d *'( t %t the *%se % d t%$eri & tow%rd the to$+ 'ed to s$heri,%' dwe''i &s" O e re-i ded D(rot% of % s %i' she''4 % other+ of % -(shroo-" The ,o-*i %tio w%s striki &" B%thed i the h(es of the setti & s( + the *o'd 'i es of the ste$s were softe ed+ % d the do-es see-ed e)e -ore i )iti &'! ro( ded" He t(r ed to see % si-i'%r e.$ressio of %we o Or&ri-0s f%,e+ % d the s%w the s'i&ht s-i'e ,(r)i & Rest%'%% 0s *'(e 'i$s" /Yo( %re we',o-e here+ D(rot% % d Or&ri-+/ Rest%'%% s%id" The words see-ed to *re%k the s$e''+ % d D(rot% -o)ed forw%rd %wkw%rd'!" The sto e of the ro%ds h%d *ee s-oothed+ *! ti-e or dr%e ei h% ds+ he ,o('d ot s%!" As the! drew ,'oser+ D(rot% ,o('d see th%t the ,it! ,o ti (ed ($ the -o( t%i " The %r,hite,t(r%' $%tter of wide+ *o'd ste$s 'e%di & to % soft'! ,(r)ed str(,t(re w%s re$e%ted here" There were 'o & ro%ds+ -%de of the s%-e white sto e th%t so-ehow did ot see- to &et dirt! %'tho(&h %t 'e%st te &e er%tio s of ores h%d 'i)ed % d died si ,e the dr%e ei h%d %rri)ed" I ste%d of the ski s % d hor s of % i-%'s s'%i i the h( t+ the dr%e ei see-i &'! (ti'i5ed the &ifts of the e%rth" G'e%-i & &e-s were e)er!where+ % d there w%s th%t ,(rio(s o)er%*( d% ,e of 'i&ht *row -et%' ( 'ike % ! D(rot% h%d e)er see " The ores k ew -et%'4 the! worked it to ser)e the-" D(rot% hi-se'f h%d he'$ed i the h( t with %.e % d sword" B(t this "" " /Wh%t is !o(r ,it! -%de of6/ Or&ri- %sked" It w%s the first thi & he h%d s%id si ,e the two *e&% their odd 2o(r e! i the ,o-$% ! of the dr%e ei" /;% ! thi &s+/ Rest%'%% s%id %-i%*'!" The! were $%ssi & thro(&h the &%tes ow+ % d re,ei)i & ,(rio(s+ *(t ot hosti'e+ 'ooks fro- the de i5e s of this $'%,e" /We %re tr%)e'ers+ f%ir'! ew to !o(r wor'd"/ /New6/ D(rot% s%id" /It w%s o)er two h( dred s(--ers %&o th%t !o(r $eo$'e ,%-e here" We were ot %s We %re ow"/ /No+ !o( %re ot+/ Rest%'%% %&reed s-ooth'!" /We h%)e w%t,hed the ores &row i stre &th % d ski'' % d t%'e t" Yo( h%)e i-$ressed (s"/ D(rot% k ew it w%s -e% t %s % ,o-$'i-e t+ *(t so-ehow the ,o--e t st( &" As if """ %s if the dr%e ei tho(&ht the! were so-ehow *etter th% the ores" The tho(&ht ,%-e % d we t+ f'eeti & %s % *r(sh fro- % *(tterf'!0s wi &s" He ke$t 'ooki & %ro( d+ % d to his sh%-e+ wo dered if th%t w%s ot i deed the ,%se" No or, dwe''i & w%s this or %te+ this ,o-$'i,%ted" B(t the " " " the ores were ot dr%e ei" The! did ot eed+ or ,hoose+ to 'i)e 'ike the dr%e ei" /To % swer !o(r 3(estio + Or&ri-+ whe We %rri)ed here+ We (ti'i5ed e)er!thi & We h%d *ro(&ht with (s" I k ow !o(r $eo$'e *(i'd *o%ts+ to tr%)e' the ri)ers % d '%kes" We''+ we ,%-e o % *o%t th%t ,o('d tr%)e' i the sk! """ % *o%t th%t *ro(&ht (s here" It w%s -%de of -et%' % d " " " other thi &s" O ,e we re%'i5ed th%t this w%s to *e o(r ew ho-e+ we took $%rt of the *o%t % d (sed it i o(r %r,hite,t(re+/ So th%t w%s the &i% t+ -(ted+ swir'i & -et%' th%t see-ed %t o ,e to *e -%de of ,o$$er % d ski " D(rot% 0s *re%th ,%(&ht" Beside hi-+ Or&ri- s,ow'ed" /Yo( 'ie< ;et%' ,% ot f'o%t</

A or, wo('d h%)e &row'ed % d *o.ed Or&ri-0s ,%rs9h%rd9for s(,h i so'e ,e" The dr%e ei -ere'! ,h(,k'ed" /So o e wo('d thi k" B(t o e wo('d thi k th%t it wo('d ot *e $ossi*'e to s(--o the e'e-e ts to fi&ht % o&re if o e did ot k ow *etter"/ /Th%t is differe t+/ s iffed Or&ri-" /Th%t is -%&i,"/ /So is this+ of % sort+/ Rest%'%% s%id" He *e,ko ed to o e of his -e % d s%id so-ethi & i his %ti)e to &(e" The other dr%e ei odded % d h(rried %he%d" /There is so-eo e I wo('d 'ike !o( to -eet+ if he is ot too *(s!+/ Rest%'%% s%id+ the fe'' si'e t" D(rot% h%d % tho(s% d 3(estio s *(t did ot d%re )oi,e the-+ fe%ri & th%t he wo('d -%ke hi-se'f 'ook foo'ish" Or&ri- see-ed to h%)e %,,e$ted Rest%'%% 0s ,o--e t %*o(t -%&i,+ *(t *oth !o(ths sti'' ,r% ed their e,ks 'ooki & %ro( d" The! $%ssed -% ! dr%e ei i the street+ % d o ,e s%w % fe-%'e who 'ooked %*o(t their %&e" She w%s de'i,%te'! *(i't+ *(t t%''+ % d whe D(rot% -et her &%5e+ she see-ed st%rt'ed" The % soft s-i'e ,(r)ed her 'i$s % d she d(,ked her he%d sh!'!" D(rot% fe't hi-se'f s-i'i & i ret(r " Witho(t thi ki &+ he s%id+ /I o(r e ,%-$-e t !o( wo('d fi d -% ! ,hi'dre " Where %re the dr%e ei ,hi'dre 6/ /We do ot h%)e -% !+/ Rest%'%% s%id" /O(r $eo$'e %re )er! 'o &8'i)ed+ % d *e,%(se of th%t we do ot ofte h%)e ,hi'dre "/ /How 'o &8'i)ed6/ %sked Or&ri-" /1er!+/ w%s %'' Rest%'%% wo('d s%!" /S(ffi,e it to s%! th%t I re-e-*er o(r %rri)%' here"/ Or&ri- st%red o$e '! %t their ,o-$% io " D(rot% w% ted to e'*ow hi-+ *(t he w%s too f%r %w%!" He s(dde '! re%'i5ed th%t the !o( &8see-i & fe-%'e the! h%d 2(st see w%s $ro*%*'! owhere e%r his %&e %fter %''" At th%t -o-e t+ the s,o(t th%t Rest%'%% h%d dis$%t,hed ret(r ed % d s$oke 3(i,k'!" Rest%'%% 'ooked $'e%sed %t wh%te)er the s,o(t h%d to s%!+ the t(r ed+ s-i'i &+ to the two ores" /The o e who *ro(&ht (s to this wor'd+ o(r $ro$het+ 1e'e + is st%!i & here for se)er%' d%!s" I tho(&ht he -i&ht wish to see !o(" It is ot ofte We &et s(,h )isitors"/ Rest%'%% 0s s-i'e wide ed" /I %- )er! $'e%sed to s%! th%t ot o '! h%s 1e'e %&reed to -eet !o(+ he h%s i )ited !o( to st%! with hi- this e)e i &" Yo( %re to di e with hi- % d s'ee$ i the -%&ister0s ho(se" This is % )er! hi&h ho or i deed"/ Both *o!s were str(,k d(-*" Di er with the Pro$het+ the 'e%der of %'' the dr%e ei6 D(rot% w%s *e&i i & to thi k it -i&ht h%)e *ee *etter if he h%d *ee s3(%shed f'%t *! the o&re0s ,'(*" The! fo''owed d(tif(''! %s Rest%'%% 'ed the- dow the wi di &+ ,'i-*i & streets ($ thro(&h the foothi''s % d to the '%r&e *(i'di & th%t s%t hi&hest o the -o( t%i " The ste$s+ $erfe,t'! s3(%re % d so'id+ see-ed to &o o fore)er+ % d D(rot% 0s *re%th ,%-e 3(i,k'! %s the! ,'i-*ed" He re%,hed the to$ % d w%s re&%rdi & the s %i'8she'' str(,t(re with i terest whe Rest%'%% s%id+ /Look *%,k"/ D(rot% % d Or&ri- o*e!ed+ % d D(rot% 0s *re%th ,%(&ht i his thro%t" Be'ow the-+ s$re%d o(t 'ike 2ewe's o % -e%dow+ w%s the dr%e ei ,it!" The '%st *it of s( set $%i ted the- i f'%-i & ,o'ors+ the the s( sett'ed o)er the hori5o % d %'' w%s *%thed i sh%des of $(r$'e % d &r%!" Li&hts ,%-e o i the ho(ses+ % d D(rot% tho(&ht of the st%rs i the sk! sett'i & o the e%rth" /I do ot -e% to *r%&+ *(t I %- $ro(d of -! $eo$'e % d o(r ,it!+/ Rest%'%% s%id" /We h%)e worked h%rd here" We 'o)e Dr%e or" A d I e)er tho(&ht to h%)e the ,h% ,e to sh%re it with % ore" The w%!s of desti ! %re str% &e i deed"/ As he s%id this+ % dee$+ %'-ost % ,ie t sorrow see-ed to sett'e o his stro & *'(e fe%t(res" He shook off the -ood % d s-i'ed" /Co-e i + % d !o( wi'' *e %tte ded to+/ Si'e t+ sho,ked %'-ost *e!o d the %*i'it! to s$e%k+ their !o( & -i ds wide o$e to %'' the si&hts % d so( ds % d s-e''s of this thoro(&h'! %'ie $'%,e+ D(rot% % d Or&ri- e tered the -%&ister0s s,%t" The! were show i to roo-s th%t whi'e or %te % d *e%(tif(' -%de the- fee' odd'! $e ed i " The ,(r)i & w%''s+ so %ttr%,ti)e fro- the o(tside % d o 'ess 'o)e'! here+ see-ed to ,o fi e r%ther th% e-*r%,e the-" Fr(its s%t i *ow's re%d! for ,o s(-$tio + str% &e ,'othes were set o(t for the- to we%r+ % d % t(* of w%ter so hot th%t it ste%-ed s%t i the -idd'e of the roo-" /Th%t w%ter is too hot to dri k % d is too -(,h for stee$i & 'e%)es+/ D(rot% s%id" /It is for *%thi &+/ the dr%e ei re$'ied"

/B%thi &6?
/To w%sh the dirt fro- o e0s *od!+/ Rest%'%% s%id" Or&ri- shot hi- % 'ook+ *(t Rest%'%% see-ed to *e 3(ite serio(s" /We do ot *%the+/ Or&ri- &row'ed" /We swi- i the ri)ers i s(--er+/ D(rot% s%id" /Perh%$s this is si-i'%r"/ /Yo( do ot eed to do % !thi & !o( fee' ( ,o-fort%*'e with+/ s%id Rest%'%% " /The *%th+ the food+ the ,'othes %re here for !o(r $'e%s(re" Pro$het 1e'e wi'' e.$e,t to see !o( i % ho(r" I wi'' ,o-e for !o( the " Is there % !thi & !o( eed6/ The! shook their he%ds" Rest%'%% odded % d ,'osed the door" D(rot% t(r ed to Or&ri-" /Do !o( thi k we %re i d% &er6/ Or&ri- e!ed the str% &e -%teri%'s % d the hot w%ter" /No+/ he s%id" /B(t""" I fee' 'ike I %- i % ,%)e" I wo('d r%ther *e i % te t"/ /;e+ too"/ D(rot% we t to the w%'' % d te t%ti)e'! to(,hed the ,(r)i & s(rf%,e" It fe't ,oo' % d s-ooth *e e%th his fi &ers4 he re%'i5ed th%t he h%d e.$e,ted it to fee' w%r- % d """ so-ehow %'i)e" D(rot% t(r ed % d $oi ted %t the w%ter" /Do !o( w% t to tr! it6/ /No+/ Or&ri- s%id" Both ores st%rted '%(&hi &+ % d *oth e)e t(%''! s$'%shed their f%,es % d fo( d the w%r- w%ter to *e -ore $'e%s% t th% % ti,i$%ted" The! %te the fr(it+ dr% k the w%ter+ % d de,ided th%t the ,'oth )ests '%id o(t for their (se were %,,e$t%*'e to we%r i $'%,e of their soi'ed+ swe%t8stiff t( i,s+ *(t th%t the! wo('d kee$ their 'e%ther *ree,hes" The ti-e $%ssed -ore swift'! th% the! % ti,i$%ted+ % d di,! were e &%&ed i % ,h%''e &e to *e d o e of the -et%' 'e&s of % ,h%ir whe there ,%-e % soft k o,k o the door" The! 2(-$ed &(i'ti'!4 Or&ri- h%d -% %&ed to twist the ,h%ir 'e& so-ewh%t % d it stood % *it ,rook,d') ow" /The Pro$het is re%d! to see !o( ow"/ s%id Rest%'%% " e is an :lder, w%s the first thi & D(rot% tho(&ht %s his e!es -et those of Pro$het 1e'e " Seei & the other dr%e ei ($ ,'ose h%d *ee st%rt'i & e o(&h" To *eho'd 1e'e w%s so-ethi & e'se %&%i "

The Dr%e ei Pro$het w%s h%'f % he%d t%''er th% the t%''est of the ,it! &(%rds D(rot% h%d see + *(t ot %s $owerf('8see-i & $h!si,%''!" His *od!+ ,'%d i soft+ swir'i &+ 'i&ht t% ro*es+ see-ed 'ess -(s,('%r th% theirs" A d his ski < It w%s % w%r%'%*%ster h(e" His e!es+ dee$ set % d wise+ &'owed % *ri''i% t *'(e+ % d were e ,ir,'ed *! dee$'! et,hed wri k'es+ s$e%ki & of o e who w%s ot 2(st % E'der+ *(t $ossi*'! e)e % ,ie t" His si')er h%ir did ot f'ow dow his *%,k+ %s w%s the ,%se with the others+ *(t w%s or %te'! *r%ided % d 'oo$ed+ e.$osi & his $%'e sk(''" His *e%rd f'owed 'ike % si')er w%)e %'-ost to his w%ist" ,ot :lder. ,ot even ancient, D(rot% tho(&ht %s those i te se *'(e+ &'owi & e!es sett'ed ($o hi- % d see-ed to *ore i to his )er! so('" .lmost . " " outside of time altogether. He tho(&ht %*o(t Rest%'%% 0s ,o--e t+ di%t he hi-se'f w%s o)er two h( dred s(--ers" 1e'e w%s % &ood de%' o'der th% th%t" /We',o-e+/ 1e'e s%id i % -e''ow )oi,e %s he rose % d i ,'i ed his he%d" The *r%ids d% ,ed with the -o)e-e t" /I %- 1e'e " I %- &'%d th%t -! $eo$'e fo( d !o( tod%!+ tho(&h I do(*t ot th%t i % few !e%rs !o( wo('d *e -ore th% ,%$%*'e of h% d'i & % o&re % d e)e % &ro or two *! !o(rse')es"/ A&%i + D(rot% did ot k ow how he k ew this+ *(t this w%s o id'e ,o-$'i-e t" Or&ri- se sed it too+ for he stood ($ e)e str%i&ht,r % d -et the dr%e ei0s e!es e)e '!" 1e'e w%)ed the- to sit % d the! did so" D(rot% fe't %wkw%rd % d ( &%i '!+ sitti & %t the '%)ish t%*i, i the or %te'! ,%r)ed ,h%irs" Whe the food ,%-e o(t+ he re'%.ed i w%rd'!" H%( ,h of t%'*(k+ ro%sted whitef,%thers+ '%r&e ro( ds of *re%d+ % d $'%tes he%$ed hi&h with )e&et%*'es9this w%s food he k ew % d ( derstood" So-ehow+ he h%d e.$e,ted so-ethi & e tire'! differe t" B(t wh!6 Their *(i'di &s % d w%! of 'ife -i&ht *e )%st'! differe t fro- th%t of the or,s+*(t 'ike the or,s+the dr%e ei 'i)ed off wh%t the '% d ,o('d $ro)ide" The $re$%r%tio w%s s'i&hd! ( (s(%'9the ores te ded to ,ither *oi' di,ir food or ,ook o)er % o$e f'%-e+ whe the! ,ooked %t %''4 fre3(e d! f'esh w%s e%te r%w9*(t o)er%''+ food w%s food+ % d this food w%s de'i,io(s" 1e'e w%s % e.,e''e t host" He %sked 3(estio s % d see-ed &e (i e'! i terested i the res$o ses: How o'd wo('d the *o!s *e *efore the! ,o('d h( t o&res6 Choose % -%te6 Wh%t w%s their f%)orite thi & to ,%t6 Their f%)orite we%$o 6 Or&ri-" e)e -ore th% D(rot% + w%r-ed to the ,o )ers%tio % d *e&% t%'ki & of his $rowess" To his ,redit+ he did ot eed to e-*e''ish his stories" /Whe -! f%ther $%sses+ I wi'' i herit the Doo-h%--,r"/ Or&ri- s%id $ro(d'!" /It is % o'd % d ho or%*'e we%$o + $%ssed dow fro- f%ther to e'dest ,hi'd"/ /Yo( wi'' swi & it we''" Or&ri-+/ s%id 1e'e " /B(t I tr(st th%t it wi'' *e -% ! !e%rs *efore !o( t%ke o the %-e of Doo-h%--er"/ The f%,t th%t his f%ther wo('d h%)e to die *efore he wo('d *e,o-e Or&ri- Doo-h%--er see-ed to h%)e -o-e t%ri'! es,%$ed the !o( & ore" % d he %*r($t'! &rew so'e- " 1e'e s-i'ed+ with" D(rot% tho(&ht+ % hi t of sorrow" At the -o)e-e t+ fi e ,r%,ks %$$e%red i 1e'e 0s f%,e+ the s(*t'est of s$id,rwe*s o th%t s-ooth white s(rf%,e" /B(t des,ri*e this h%--er to -e" It -(st *e % -i&ht! we%$o "/ Or&ri- *ri&hte ed %&%i " /It is e or-o(s< The sto e is *'%,k % d *'( t % d $owerf('+ % d the sh%ft is -%de of ,%ref(''! ,r%fted wood" O)er the !e%rs+ the sh%ft h%s h%d to *e re$'%,ed+ *(t the sto e itse'f h%s ot % ,hi$ o it" It is ,%''ed the Doo-h%--er *e,%(se whe its ow er t%kes it i to *%tt'e+ it s$e''s doo- for the e e-!"/ /I se,+/ s%id 1e'e + sti'' s-i'i &" Or&ri- w%s w%r-i & to his t%sk" /B(t there is %'so % other $ro$he,!+/ he ,o ti (ed" /It is s%id th%t the '%st of the Doo-h%--er 'i e wi'' (se it to *ri & first s%')%tio % d the doo- to the or, $eo$'e" The it wi'' $%ss i to the h% ds of o e who is ot of the B'%,kro,k ,'% + %'' wi'' ,h% &e %&%i + % d it wi'' o ,e %&%i *e (sed i the ,%(se of 2(sti,e"/ /Th%t is % $owerf(' $ro$he,!+/ s%id 1e'e " He s%id o -ore+ *(t D(rot% fe't % shi)er" This -% w%s d(**ed /Pro$het/ *! his $eo$'e" Did he k ow if the Doo-h%--er $ro$he,! wo('d ,o-e tr(e6 Did D(rot% d%re to %sk6 Or&ri- ,o ti (ed+ des,ri*i & the Doo-h%--er i 'o)i & det%i'" D(rot% + who h%d see the we%$o i 3(estio + ,e%sed 'iste i & to Or&ri-0s ,h%tter % d fo,(sed o 1e'e + Wh! w%s this *ei & so i terested i the-6 D(rot% w%s % se siti)e !o(th+ he k ew" He h%d o)erhe%rd so-e s i$$ets of ,o )ers%tio fro- his $%re ts+ who were worried %*o(t s(,h se siti)it!+ % d fro- ;other K%sh(r" who s,offed %t the- % d to'd the- to worr! %*o(t i-$ort% t thi &s % d to /'e%)e the *o! to his f%te"/ D(rot% k ew f,i& ,d i terest whe he s%w it" % d fe't th%t he0d re,o& i5e it e)e i % dr%e ei" B(t 1e'e 0s *ri''i% t *'(e e!es were *ri&ht % d fo,(sed+ his ki d if (&'! f%,e o$e + his 3(estio s si ,ere" He w% ted to he%r %*o(t the ores" A d the -ore he he%rd+ the s%dder he see-ed to *e,o-e" = wish Mother -ashur could be here instead of me, D(rot% tho(&ht s(dde '!" 'he would appreciate this opportunity more than 5rgrim or I could. Whe Or&ri- h%d fi ished des,ri*i & the Doo-h%--er" D(rot% %sked+ /C% !o( te'' (s of !o(r $eo$'e" Pro$het6 We k ow so 'itd," I the '%st few ho(rs I h%)e 'e%r ed -ore th% % ! of -! $eo$'e h%)e o)er the '%st h( dred !e%rs+ I thi k"/ 1e'e t(r ed &'owi & *'(e e!es to D(rot% " D(rot% w% ted to 3(%i' fro- th%t &%5e+ ot *e,%(se he w%s %fr%id of it" *(t *e,%(se he h%d e)er *efore fe't so"""see " /The dr%e ei h%)e e)er withhe'd i for-%tio + !o( & D(rot% " B(t""" I *e'ie)e !o( -%! *e the first who h%s e)er %sked" Wh%t do !o( wish to k ow6/ :verything, D(rot% w% ted to st%!+ *(t i ste%d fo,(sed his 3(estio " /The ores h%d e)er -et the dr%e ei ( ti' two h( dred s(--ers $%st" Rest%'%% s%id !o( ,%-e here i % &re%t )esse' th%t ,% tr%)e' the skies" Te'' -e -ore of this"/ 1e'e took % si$ of the *e)er%&e th%t t%sted 'ike s(--er to D(rot% % d s-i'ed" /To *e&i with+ 0dr%e ei0 is ot o(r tr(e %-e" It is % ter- th%t -e% s """ 0e.i'ed o es" D(rot% &%$ed" /We dis%&reed with others i o(r wor'd" We ,hose ot to se'' o(r $eo$'e i to s'%)er!+ % d for th%t we were e.i'ed" We h%)e s$e t -(,h ti-e fi di & % s(it%*'e $'%,e to dwe''9% $'%,e to ,%'' o(r ow " We fe'' i 'o)e with this '% d+ % d We ,%'' it Dr%, or"/ D(rot% odded" He h%d he%rd the ter- *efore" He 'iked how it s%t o his to &(e whe he s$oke it+ % d the ores did ot h%)e % %-e for this $'%,e other th% /wor'd"/

/It is o(r ter-+ We h%)e ot the %rro&% ,e to thi k the ores wo('d (se it %s we''" B(t s(,h We h%)e d(**ed it+ % d We 'o)e Dr%, or dee$'!" It is % *e%(tif(' wor'd+ % d We h%)e see -% !+/ Or&ri- &%s$ed" /Yo( h%)e see other wor'ds6/ /I deed We h%)e" A d We h%)e -et -% ! $eo$'e"/ /Peo$'e 'ike the ores6/ 1e'e s-i'ed &e t'!" /There is o o e 'ike the ores+/ he s%id+ res$e,t reso % t i his )oi,e" /Yo( %re ( i3(e i o(r tr%)e's"/ D(rot% % d Or&ri- 'ooked %t e%,h other % d s%t ($ % 'itt'e str%i&ht,r i their ,h%irs" /B(t !es+ we h%d *ee tr%)e'i & for so-e ti-e *efore we fo( d this '% d" Here we %re" % d here we wi'' st%!"/ D(rot% *(r ed to %sk -ore9to %sk how 'o & the! h%d *ee tr%)e'i &+ wh%t their ho-e'% d h%d *ee 'ike+ wh! the! h%d 'eft it" B(t there w%s so-ethi & i 1e'e 0s ti-e'ess f%,e th%t to'd hi- th%t %'tho(&h he h%d *ee i )ited to i 3(ire+ the dr%e ei 'e%der wo('d ot te'' hi- th%t $%rti,('%r t%'," So i ste%d he %sked %*o(t how the! h%d t%-ed the %t(re of their we%$o s % d -%&i," /O(r -%&i, ,o-es fro- the e%rth"/ D(rot% s%id" /Fro- the sh%-% % d the % ,estors"/ /O(r -%&i, ,o-es fro- % differe t so(r,e"/ 1e'e s%id" /I do ot thi k !o( wi'' ( derst% d it if I e.$'%i ed it" Or&ri- s%id i di& % t'!+ /We %re ot st($id</ /For&i)e -e+ I did ot -e% to i-$'! th%t+/ 1e'e s%id %t o ,e" It w%s % &r%,ef(' % d si ,ere %$o'o&!+ % d %&%i D(rot% w%s i-$ressed" /Yo(r $eo$'e %re wise % d !o( two %re o*)io(s'! *ri&ht" B(t""" I %- ot s(re I h%)e the words i !o(r '% &(%&e" I h%)e o do(*t th%t if I h%d the ti-e % d )o,%*('%r! !o( wo('d ( derst% d"/ E)e i the e.$'% %tio he see-ed to &ro$e for the words" D(rot% tho(&ht of the sort of -%&i, th%t ,o('d dis&(ise % ,it!+ tho(&ht of the soft+ ( ,% ! -et%' so-ehow -e'ded with &e-s of the e%rth % d so'id sto e+ % d re%'i5ed th%t 1e'e w%s ri&ht" There did ot *re%the % or, who ,o('d h%)e &r%s$ed %'' of this i % si &'e e)e i &+ tho(&h he s(s$e,ted ;other K%sh(r wo('d h%)e % i tri si, ,o-$rehe sio + % d he %&%i wo dered wh! it w%s th%t the two r%,es did ot i ter%,t -ore" The ,o )ers%tio t(r ed to -ore -( d% e to$i,s" The two !o(ths 'e%r ed th%t dee$ i the Terokk%r forest w%s % s$ot+ s%,red to the dr%e ei+ ,%''ed A(,hi do( " Here+ the de%d were '%id to rest+ $'%,ed i the &ro( d i ste%d of *ei & *(r ed o $!res" Pri)%te'!+ D(rot% tho(&ht this odd+ *(t he'd his to &(e" Te'-or w%s the ,'osest tow to this /,it! of the de%d+/ % d 1e'e h%d ,o-e o % s%d -issio + to '%! to rest so-e who h%d died fi&hti & the s%-e o&re th%t h%d %'-ost ,'%i-ed Or&ri- % d D(rot% e%r'ier th%t d%!" Nor-%''!" 1e'e e.$'%i ed+ he 'i)ed i % *e%(tif(' $'%,e ,%''ed the Te-$'e of K%r%*or" There were other dr%e ei tow s+ *(t the '%r&est w%s to the orth+ % $'%,e ,%''ed Sh%ttr%th" At '%st+ the -e%' w%s o)er" 1e'e si&hed+ % d his e!es rested o his e-$t! $'%te+ *(t D(rot% fe't ,ert%i the Pro$het did ot see it" /Yo( wi'' e.,(se -e"/ 1e'e s%id+ risi &" /It h%s *ee % 'o & d%!+ % d I -(st -edit%te *efore I s'ee$" It h%s *ee % ho or to -eet !o(+ D(rot% of the Frostwo'f ,'% + % d Or&ri-" of the B'%,kro,k ,'% " I tr(st !o( wi'' s'ee$ we'' % d dee$'!+ s%fe withi these w%''s+ where o e of !o(r $eo$'e h%s *ee *efore"/ D(rot% % d Or&ri- rose with the others % d *owed" 1e'e s-i'ed with+ D(rot% tho(&ht+ % hi t of th%t str% &e sorrow he h%d &'i-$sed i the dr%e ei 'e%der e%r'ier" /We wi'' -eet %&%i + !o( & o es" Good i&ht"/ The two ores 'eft short'! %fterw%rd" The! were es,orted to their roo-s % d i deed s'e$t we''+ tho(&h D(rot% h%d % dre%- of % o'd or, sitti & 3(iet'! *! his side+ % d wo dered wh%t it -e% t" /Bri & hi-+/ the o'd or, s%id to ;other K%sh(r" ;other K%sh(r+ the e'dest sh%-% of the Frostwo'f ,'% + s'e$t dee$'!" Be,%(se of her hi&h $ositio of ho or+ her te t w%s se,o d i '%)ish ,ss o '! to th%t of G%r%d+ the ,'% 'e%der" Thi,k r(&s of ,'efthoof f(r ke$t her o'd *o es fro- the ,o'd of the e%rth+ % d % 'o!%' % d 'o)i & &r% dd%(&hter te ded to her eeds+ ,ooki & % d ,'e% i & % d kee$i & the fire stoked o ,o'd d%!s for the ,'% 0s /-other"/ ;other K%sh(r0s d(t! w%s to 'iste to the wi d % d w%ter % d fire % d &r%ss+ % d dri k the *itter her*%' *e)er%&e e%,h i&ht th%t o$e ed her -i d to )isits fro- the % ,estors" She &%thered i for-%tio for her ,'% the w%! the others &%thered fr(its % d firewood+ % d this &ift o(rished the- %s dee$'!" The o'd or, w%s ot $rese t+ % d !et she k ew he w%s re%'" He w%s i her dre%-+ % d th%t w%s e o(&h for her" I this dre%- st%te+ she w%s !o( & % d )i*r% t+ ,o('d see her r(dd! ski &'owi & with he%'th+ k ew her for- to *e s'eek % d k otted with -(s,'e" The o'd or, w%s the %&e %t whi,h he h%d died+ the %&e %t whi,h his wisdo- h%d *ee %t its hei&ht" His %-e h%d *ee T%'0kr%% i 'ife+ *(t ow+ %'tho(&h he w%s -% ! &e er%tio s dist% t fro- her+ she ,%''ed hi- o '! Gr% df%ther" /Yo( re,ei)ed the -ess%&e+/ Gr% df%ther to'd the !o( &+ )i*r% t dre%-8K%sh(r" She odded+ her d%rk h%ir f'owi & with the -o)e-e t" /He % d the B'%,kro,k *o! %re with the dr%e ei+/ she s%id" /The! wi'' *e s%fe" I ,% fee' it"/ Gr% df%ther T%'0kr%% odded+ his thi,k 2ow's sh%ki & with the -o)e-e t" His t(sks were !e''owed with %&e % d o e h%d *ee *roke off i % *%tt'e 'o & si ,e for&otte " /Yes+ the! %re s%fe" Bri & hi-"/ It w%s the se,o d ti-e he h%d s%id this+ % d K%sh(r w%s ot ,ert%i %s to wh%t he -e% t" /He wi'' ,o-e to the -o( t%i i % few -o ths+ whe the trees shed their 'e%)es to s'ee$+/ she s%id" /So !es+ I wi'' *ri & hi-"/ T%'0kr%% shook his he%d fier,e'!+ his *row e!es %rrowed i % o!% ,e+ K%sh(r s-othered % s-i'e4 of %'' the s$irits th%t ho ored her with their $rese ,e" Gr% df%ther T%'0kr%% w%s o e of the 'e%st $%tie t" /No+ o+/ T%'0kr%% &row'ed" /Bri & hi- to (s" Bri & hi- to the ,%)er s of Osh(0&( " I wo('d 'ook ($o hi- there"/ K%sh(r i h%'ed swift'!" /Yo( """ wish -e to t%ke hi- to -eet the % ,estors6/ /is th%t ot wh%t I 2(st s%id6 Foo'ish &ir'< Wh%t h%s h%$$e ed to the sh%-% these d%!s6/ It w%s % r% t he we t o fre3(e t'! % d it tro(*'ed K%sh(r ot i the s'i&htest" She w%s too st( ed *! the i-$ort of wh%t he h%d 2(st s%id" So-eti-es the % ,estors h%d w% ted to see % ,hi'd *efore4 it w%s i fre3(e t+ *(t it h%d o,,(rred" #s(%''! it -e% t th%t the ,hi'd i 3(estio w%s desti ed for the sh%-% i, $%th" She h%d ot tho(&ht D(rot% 0s feet wo('d w%'k th%t ro%d4 it w%s r%re th%t % sh%-% 'ed % ,'% " There wo('d *e too -(,h $(''i & hi- i e%,h dire,tio for hi- to *e % effe,ti)e 'e%der" To *oth 'iste to % d

ho or the s$irits % d to &(ide o e0s $eo$'e we'' were -ore th% -ost ores ,o('d -% %&e" O e who ,o('d do *oth wo('d *e % re-%rk%*'e or, i deed" Whe K%sh(r did ot re$'!" Gr% df%ther &row'ed % d s'%--ed his st%ff o the &ro( d" K%sh(r 2(-$ed s'i&ht'!" /I wi'' *ri & hi- o his i iti%tio d%!+/ K%sh(r %ss(red her % ,estor" /At '%st+ !o( ( derst% d+/ T%'0kr%% s%id+ sh%ki & his st%ff %t her" 0A d if !o( f%i' -e+ I wi'' t%ke -! st%ff to !o(r he%d i ste%d of the i o,e t e%rth"/ He ,o('d ot ,o-$'ete'! hide % s-i'e %s he s%id it+ % d K%sh(r s-i'ed *%,k %s her dre%-8se'f ,'osed her e!es" For %'' his *'(ster % d short te-$er+ T%'0kr%% w%s wise % d ki d % d 'o)ed her dee$'!" She wished she h%d k ow hi- whe he w%s %'i)e+ *(t he h%d died %'-ost % h( dred !e%rs %&o" K%sh(r0s e!e'ids f'(ttered o$e + % d she si&hed %s her s$irit ret(r ed to her ,(rre t+ re%' *od! """ %s o'd %s T%'0kr%% h%d *ee whe he died+ h% ds % d feet ,(r'ed ($ with 2oi t $%i + *od! we%k+ h%ir st%rk white" She k ew i her he%rt th%t the ti-e wo('d soo ,o-e whe she wo('d *e %*'e to 'e%)e this *od!+ this she''+ for the fi %' ti-e % d *e with the % ,estors i the s%,red -o( t%i " Drek7Th%r+ her %$$re ti,e+ wo('d the *e the %d)isor to G%r%d % d the rest of the Frostwo'f ,'% " She h%d e)er! ,o fide ,e i hi-+ % d %,t(%''! 'ooked forw%rd to the d%! whe she wo('d *e $(re s$irit(%' e er&!" A'tho(&h+ she -(sed %s the s( 'i&ht tri,k'ed i % d the *irdso & ,%ressed her ,%rs+ she wo('d -iss the thi &s th%t *ei & %'i)e &r% ted her+ the si-$'e thi &s 'ike *irdso & % d hot food % d the 'o)i & to(,h of her &r% dd%(&hter" Bring him, Gr% df%ther h%d s%id" A d so she wo('d"

FO#R
1ast night, with the moon full overhead and the stars gleaming as if in approval, a young male was initiated into adulthood. It was the first time I have had the chance to be part of this ritual, the O-0ri&&or" In my earlier years, I was cut off from the rites and traditions of my people! and truth be told, all ores had been cut off from such rites for too long. .nd once I had set my feet on my destiny#s path, I had become embroiled in battle. War consumed me. Ironically, the need to protect my people from the Burning 1egion and to &i)e them a place where our traditions could again flourish took me far away from these things. But now, "urotar and 5rgrimmar are established. ,ow, there is a peace, tenuous though it might be. ,ow there are shaman reclaiming the ancient ways, young males and females coming of age who, if the spirits will it, may never know the ashy taste of war. 1ast night, I participated in a timeless ritual that had been denied an entire generation. 1ast night, my heart was filled with /oy and the sense of connection for which I had always longed. D(rot% 0s he%rt h%--ered i his ,hest %s he st%red %t the t%'*(k" It w%s % -i&ht! *e%st+ worth! $re!+ its hor s ot for -ere de,or%tio *(t sh%r$ % d d% &ero(s" D(rot% h%d see %t 'e%st o e w%rrior &ored to de%th+ i-$%'ed ($o the twe')e $ro &s %s s(re'! %s if ($o % s$e%r" A d he w%s to t%ke it dow with o '! % si &'e we%$o % d o %r-or" There h%d *ee the whis$ers+ of ,o(rse" .ny mature talbuk will do to satisfy the needs of the ritual, he h%d he%rd so-eo e -(r-(r i his ,%r %s he s%t *'i dfo'ded i the w%iti & te t" They are all fierce fighters, but at this season, the males have shed their horns. Other whis$ers: (ou may only carry one weapon, "urotan, son of 0arad! but you could hide armor in the wilderness where no one would know. A d+ -ost sh%-ef(' of %'': Theshaman will determine if you are successful by tasting the blood upon your face! the blood from a long7dead talbuk tastes e%actly like that of one freshly slain. He i& ored %'' the te-$t%tio s" Perh%$s there had *ee other ores who h%d s(,,(-*ed to the-+ *(t he wo('d ot *e %-o & the-" D(rot% wo('d seek o(t % fe-%'e+ who w%s 3(ite we'' e3(i$$ed with hor s %t this ti-e of !e%r4 he wo('d t%ke the o e we%$o he w%s $er-itted+ % d it wo('d *e the *'ood of the *e%st heki''ed+ ste%-i & i the ,o'd %ir+ th%t wo('d % oi t his ,he,ks" A d ow" st% di & i the e%r'!+ ( e.$e,ted f%'' of s ow+ his %.e &rowi & e)er he%)ier i his h% d+ D(rot% shi)ered" B(t he e)er f%'tered" He h%d *ee tr%,ki & the t%'*(k herd for two d%!s ow+ s(r)i)i & o '! o wh%t he ,o('d &%ther+ ,re%ti & -e%&er fires i the twi'i&ht th%t *%thed the s ow i % ri,h '%)e der h(e % d s'ee$i & i wh%t she'ter he st(-*'ed ($o " Or&ri- h%d %'re%d! ,o-$'eted his rite of $%ss%&e" D(rot% e )ied the f%,t th%t his frie d h%d *ee *or i s(--er" He h%d tho(&ht it wo('d sti'' ot *e too diffi,('t i e%r'! %(t(- + *(t wi ter h%d de,ided to ,o-e %he%d of ti-e % d the we%ther w%s *itter" It see-ed %s if the t%'*(k herd+ too+ w%s t%( ti & hi-" He ,o('d ,o-e ($o their tr%,ks % d dro$$i &s e%si'! e o(&h+ see where the! h%d s,r%$ed the s ow for dried &r%ss or $(''ed *%rk fro- the trees" B(t the! %'w%!s see-ed to e'(de hi-" It w%s '%te %fter oo o the third d%! whe it %$$e%red %s tho(&h the % ,estors h%d de,ided to rew%rd his deter-i %tio " Twi'i&ht w%s ,o-i &+ % d D(rot% h%d tho(&ht with % si ki & he%rt th%t he wo('d h%)e to %&%i seek she'ter to -%rk the e d of % fr(idess d%!" The he re%'i5ed th%t the s-%'' $e''ets of d( & were ot fro5e h%rd+ *(t fresh" The! were ,'ose" He *e&% to r( + the s ow s3(e%ki & *e e%th his f(r *oots+ % ew w%r-th fi''i & hi-" He fo''owed the tr%,ks %s he h%d *ee t%(&ht+ ,'e%red % rise9 A d *ehe'd % herd of the &'orio(s ,re%t(res" I--edi%te'! he ,ro(,hed *ehi d % '%r&e *o('der % d $eered %ro( d to &%5e %t the *e%sts" The! were sti'' d%rk *row %&%i st the white s ow+ their wi ter ,o%ts ot !et ($o the-" There were %t 'e%st two do5e + -%!*e -ore+ -ost'! fe-%'es" It w%s &ood th%t he h%d fo( d the herd+ *(t ow he h%d % other $ro*'e-" How wo('d he t%ke dow 2(st o e6 T%'*(k" ( 'ike -% ! $re! % i-%'s+ wo('d $rote,t others i their herd" If he %tt%,ked o e" the rest wo('d ,o-e to defe d it" Sh%-% %,,o-$% ied the h( ters i order to distr%,t the % i-%'s" D(rot% w%s %'o e+ % d s(dde '! he fe't )er! )(' er%*'e" He frow ed % d r%''ied hi-se'f" He h%d *ee se%r,hi & for these ,re%t(res for %'-ost three d%!s+ % d ow here the! were" Ni&htf%'' wo('d see % fresh h%( ,h of -e%t de)o(red *! % h( &r! or, !o(th+ or it wo('d see % stiffe i & or, ,or$se i the s ow"

He w%t,hed the- for % whi'e+ %w%re th%t the sh%dows were 'e &the i &+ *(t ot w% ti & to h(rr! % d -%ke % f%t%' -ist%ke" The t%'*(k were di(r %' ,re%t(res+ % d the! were *(s! di&&i & ho''ows i the s ow i whi,h to ,(r' ($" He k ew the! did s(,h % thi &+ *(t ow he w%t,hed i dis-%! %s the! sett'ed i ti&ht'! %&%i st o e % other" How wo('d he se$%r%te o e6 ;o)e-e t ,%(&ht his e!e" O e of the fe-%'es+ !o( & % d he%'th! fro- % &e t'e s(--er s$e t fe%sti & o sweet &r%ss % d *erries+ see-ed to *e i % feist! -ood" She st%-$ed % d tossed her he%d9,row ed with % &'orio(s set of hor s9% d %'-ost d% ,ed %ro( d the others" She did ot see- i ,'i ed to 2oi the-+ *(t 'ike o e or two others+ o$ted to s'ee$ o the o(tside of the ,'(ster of f(rr! *odies" D(rot% *e&% to &ri " Wh%t % offeri & fro- the s$irits< It w%s % &ood o-e " The 'i)e'iest+ he%'thiest do, i the herd+ the o e who did ot eed to fo''ow -i d'ess'!+ *(t ,hose her ow $%th" Whi'e th%t ,hoi,e wo('d 'ike'! *e her de%th+ it wo('d %'so &i)e D(rot% % ,h% ,e to wi his ho or % d ri&ht to *e tre%ted %s % %d('t" The s$irits ( derstood the *%'% ,e of s(,h thi &s" At 'e%st+ he w%s to'd the! did" D(rot% w%ited" Twi'i&ht ,%-e % d we t+ % d the s( s% k *e'ow the -o( t%i s" With the s( we t e)e the fee*'e w%r-th it h%d hitherto $ro)ided" D(rot% w%ited with the $%tie ,e of the $red%tor" Fi %''!+ e)e the ed&iest of the herd t(,ked ($ its 'o & 'e&s % d *edded dow with its fe''ows" At '%st+ D(rot% -o)ed" His 'i-*s were stiff % d he %'-ost st(-*'ed" He ,re$t s'ow'! fro- his hidi & $'%,e *ehi d the *o('der % d we t dow the s'o$e+ his e!es o the drowsi & fe-%'e" Her he%d droo$ed o its 'o & e,k+ % d her *re%thi & w%s re&('%r" He ,o('d see s-%'' white $(ffs %$$e%ri & i fro t of her -(55'e" S'ow'!+ $'%,i & his feet %s ,%ref(''! %s he ,o('d+ he -o)ed tow%rd his 3(%rr!" He did ot fee' the ,o'd4 the he%t of % ti,i$%tio + the $owerf(' fo,(s+ dro)e % ! se s%tio s of dis,o-fort %w%!" C'oser sti'' he ,%-e+ % d sti'' the t%'*(kdo, dre%-ed" He 'ifted his %.e" He sw( & it dow " Her e!es o$e ed" She tried to s,r%-*'e to her feet+ *(t the de%th *'ow had %'re%d! ,o-e" D(rot% w% ted to s,re%- the *%tt'e ,r! he h%d he%rd his f%ther (tter so -% ! ti-es+ *(t he *it it *%,k" It wo('d ot do to s'%! the t%'*(k o '! to *e s'%i hi-se'f *! % do5e of her herd i ret%'i%tio " He h%d sh%r$e ed the *'%de to sho,ki & kee ess+ % d it s'i,ed thro(&h the thi,k e,k % d )erte*r%e %s if s'i,i & thro(&h ,heese" B'ood s$(rted+ the w%r- sti,k! f'(id s$%tteri & D(rot% &e t'!+ % d he s-i'ed fier,e'!" A oi ti & hi-se'f with the *'ood of his first so'o ki'' w%s $%rt of the rit(%'4 the t%'*(k do, h%d do e it for hi-" A other &ood o-e " Si'e t tho(&h he h%d tried to *e+ he he%rd the so( ds of the %w%ke i & herd" He whir'ed+ *re%thi & he%)i'!+ % d 'et 'oose with the *'ood8,hi''i & *%tt'e ,r! his thro%t h%d *ee %,hi & to (tter" He he'd his %.e+ the &'e%- of its -et%' *'%de ow o*s,(red with ,ri-so *'ood+ % d *e''owed %&%i " The t%'*(k hesit%ted" He h%d *ee to'd th%t if it w%s % ,'e% ki''+ the! wo('d f'ee r%ther th% %tt%,k+ i t(iti & o so-e $ri-%' 'e)e' th%t the! ,o('d o 'o &er he'$ their f%''e sister" He ho$ed this w%s tr(e4 he -i&ht *e %*'e to t%ke dow o e or two+ *(t wo('d f%'' *e e%th their $%dded feet if the! ,hose to %tt%,k" ;o)i & %s o e+ the! *e&% to *%,k %w%!+ % d the fi %''! whir'ed % d t(r ed to r( " He w%t,hed the- &%''o$ o)er the rise to dis%$$e%r+ their $%w$ri ts i the $risti e s ow the o '! e)ide ,e th%t the! h%d *ee here" D(rot% 'owered his %.e+ $% ti & with e.ertio " He r%ised it %&%i % d 'et o(t % ,r! of tri(-$h" His e-$t! *e''! wo('d *e f('' to i&ht4 the s$irit of the t%'*(k wo('d e ter his dre%-s" A d o the -orrow he wo('d ret(r to his $eo$'e % %d('t -%'e+ re%d! to t%ke his $'%,e i ser)i & the ,'% " Re%d! to o e d%! *e,o-e its 'e%der" /Wh! do we ot ride6/ D(rot% %sked $et('% t'!+ &'oweri & 'ike % ,hi'd" /Be,%(se th%t is ot the w%! it is do e+/ ;other K%sh(r s%id ,(rt'!" Irrit%ted+ she ,(fF,d the *o!" D(rot% w%s !o( & % d fit4 the 'e &th! hike to the s%,red -o( t%i of the % ,estors w%s %s othi & to hi-" She+ o the other h% d+ wo('d h%)e dee$'! %$$re,i%ted *ei & %*'e to ride %to$ her &re%t *'%,k wo'f Dr,%-w%'k,r" B(t the tr%ditio s were % ,ie t % d s$e,ifi,+ % d %s 'o & %s she w%s %*'e to w%'k+ w%'k she wo('d" D(rot% *owed his he%d i %,k ow'ed&-e t %s The!,o ti (ed o " Des$ite the f%,t th%t e%,h tri$ e.h%(sted her -ore th% the $re)io(s o e+ ;other K%sh(r fe't % se se of e.,ite-e t th%t he'$ed te-$er the $%i % d we%ri ess" She h%d t%ke -% ! % !o( &'i &9*oth -%'e % d fe-%'e+ for e%,h w%s %s )%'(ed %s the other9o this fi %' $%rt of their rite of %d('thood" B(t e)er *efore h%d she *ee %sked to *ri & o e *efore the % ,estors" She w%s ot too o'd to *e ,(rio(s" It w%s 'ess th% % few ho(rs for the !o( &+ %*o(t % d%! for the o'der *o es to -%ke the tri$" E)e i & w%s ,o-i & % d the! were %'-ost there" ;other K%sh(r 'ooked ($ %t the f%-i'i%r sh%$e of the -o( t%i % d s-i'ed" # 'ike other -o( t%i r% &es+ whose % &'es see-ed to *e r% do-" Osh(0&( 0s s$ire w%s % $erfe,t tri% &'e" G'e%-i & 'ike ,r!st%'+ its f%,ets ,%t,hi & the s( " it rese-*'ed the s(rro( di & terr%i ot %t %''" It h%d ,o-e fro- the he%)e s+ 'o & %&o+ % d the s$irits h%d *ee dr%w to it" It w%s for this re%so the ores h%d sett'ed here+ i its s%,red sh%dow" Wh%te)er s3(%**'es % d $ett! differe ,es the! h%d %s 'i)i & *ei &s+ the! were %s o e here+ i side this -o( t%i " She wo('d &o there %&%i soo + she k ew+ *(t ot %s % ho**'i &+ e'der'! wo-% " This w%s her '%st )isit i s(,h % *roke )esse'" The e.t ti-e K%sh(r %$$ro%,hed Osh(0&( + she wo('d ,o-e %s % s$irit+ f'o%ti & i the %ir %s the *irds did+ her he%rt 'i&ht % d ,'e% % d -%de ew" /Wh%t0s wro &+ ;other6/ D(rot% %sked+ ,o ,er i his !o( & )oi,e" She *'i ked+ ,o-i & o(t of her re)erie+ % d s-i'ed %t hi-" /Not % thi &+/ she %ss(red hi- tr(thf(''!" The sh%dows h%d ,h%sed %w%! the s( 'i&ht *! the ti-e the! re%,hed the foot of the -o( t%i " The! wo('d s'ee$ here to i&ht % d *e&i their %s,e t %t d%w " D(rot% fe'' %s'ee$ first+ wr%$$ed i the hide of the t%'*(k do, he hi-se'f h%d s'%i ot too 'o & %&o+ % d ;other K%sh(r w%t,hed hi- fo d'! %s he s'e$t the dee$ s'ee$ of the i o,e t" She herse'f wo('d h%)e o dre%-s4 her -i d eeded to *e ,'e%r if she w%s to *e re%d! to re,ei)e )isio s o the -orrow" The ,'i-* w%s % 'o &+ tiri & o e+ h%rder *! f%r th% the si-$'e hike to re%,h the -o( t%i + % d K%sh(r w%s &r%tef(' *oth for her st(rd! st%ff % d D(rot% 0s stro & h% d" B(t tod%!+ K%sh(r0s feet see-ed to -o)e -ore s(re'! her '( &s work -ore effi,ie t'! %s she % d her !o( & ,h%r&e ,'i-*ed" She fe't %s if the % ,estors were $(''i & her forw%rd+ %idi & her $h!si,%' *od! with the $ower of their s$irit o es"

The! $%(sed %t the e tr% ,e of the s%,red ,%)e" It w%s % $erfe,t o)%' i the s-ooth s(rf%,e of the -o( t%i + % d %s %'w%!s+ K%sh(r fe't %s tho(&h she were e teri & the wo-* of the e%rth" D(rot% tried to 'ook *r%)e+ *(t s(,,eeded o '! i 'ooki & s'i&hd! er)o(s" ;other K%sh(r did ot s-i'e %t hi-" He should *e er)o(s" He w%s %*o(t to e ter s%,red s$%,e %t the s$e,ifi, re3(est of o e of his 'o &8de%d % ,estors" E)e she w%s ot ( -o)ed" She 'it % *( d'e of dried &r%sses th%t &%)e off % sweet+ $( &e t s,e t+ % d w%)ed the s-oke o)er hi- to $(rif! hi-" The she -%rked hi- with the *'ood his ow f%ther h%d shed for this -o-e t+ ke$t ,%ref(''! i % s-%'' sto$$ered 'e%ther *%&" K%sh(r $'%,ed her withered h% d ($o his s-ooth+ 'ow *row+ -(r-(red her *'essi &+ % d the odded" /Yo( we'' k ow th%t few %re ,%''ed *efore the % ,estors who do ot w%'k the $%th of the sh%-% +/ she s%id &r%)e'!" Brow e!es wide+ D(rot% odded" /I do ot k ow wh%t wi'' h%$$e " ;%!*e othi &" B(t if so-ethi & o,,(rs+ !o( k ow to *eh%)e with ho or % d res$e,t to the *e'o)ed de%d"/ D(rot% sw%''owed % d odded %&%i " The he took % dee$ *re%th % d stood str%i&ht % d t%''+ % d i the !et8( -o'ded *od! of the *o!+ K%sh(r s%w % hi t of the ,'% ,hieft%i to ,o-e" To&ether+ the! we t i side+ ;other K%sh(r &oi & first to 'i&ht the tor,hes th%t 'i ed the w%''s" The or% &e i''(-i %tio showed the- the dow w%rd twi i & $%th+ wor s-ooth *! !e%rs of *%re or *ooted or, feet" Here % d there ste$s h%d *ee ,%r)ed+ to -%ke those $i'&ri-0s feet -ore se,(re" It w%s %'w%!s ,oo' i side this t( e'+ w%r-er th% it w%s o(tside i wi ter" K%sh(r 'et her h% d *r(sh the sides of the w%''+ re-e-*eri & the first ti-e she h%d ,o-e here 'o & %&o+ the *'ood of her -other wet o her ow f%,e+ her e!es wide+ her he%rt r%,i &" Fi %''!+ the 'o &+ &e t'e dow w%rd s'o$e ,%sed" There were o -ore tor,hes o the w%'' to 'i&ht+ % d D(rot% 'ooked %t her+ $(55'ed" /We wi'' ot eed to *ri & fire to ,o-e *efore the % ,estors+/ K%sh(r s%id" The! ,o ti (ed o % 'e)e' s(rf%,e+ tr%)e'i & i to d%rk ess" D(rot% w%s ot fri&hte ed+ *(t he did 'ook ,o f(sed %s the! 'eft the ,o-fort of fire *ehi d" Now it w%s ,o-$'ete'! d%rk" K%sh(r re%,hed o(t % h% d % d &r%s$ed D(rot% 0s to &(ide hi-" His stro &" st(**! fi &ers fo'ded &e t'! %ro( d hers" :ven now, when he might be e%pected to clutch my hand, he remembers how it aches, she tho(&ht" The e.t Frostwo'f ,hieft%i wo('d h%)e % ,o sider%te he%rt" The! ,o ti (ed witho(t s$e%ki &" A d the """ s(*t'!+ 'ike the %rri)%' of d%w %fter % 'o &+ d%rk i&ht+ 'i&ht *e&% to &row %ro( d the-" Now K%sh(r ,o('d di-'! see the sh%$e of the !o(th who stood *eside her+ so -(,h !o( &er th% she % d !et %'re%d! w%'ki & i the *od! of % &row -%'e" She w%t,hed hi- %s the! -o)ed forw%rd4 the -ir%,'e of the ,%)e of the % ,estors w%s f%8 -i'i%r to her+ *(t D(rot% 0s re%,tio w%s ot" His e!es wide ed % d he i h%'ed swift'! %s he 'ooked %ro( d" The &'ow e-% %ted fro- % $oo' i the ,e ter of the ,%)er + ,%sti & % soft white 'i&ht o)er e)er!thi &" A'' w%s s-ooth % d soft % d di-'! r%di% t4 there were o sh%r$ % &'es or ro(&h $'%,es+ % d K%sh(r fe't the f%-i'i%r se s%tio of dee$ $e%,e w%sh o)er her" She 'et D(rot% 'ook his fi'' i si'e ,e" The ,%)er w%s h(&e+ '%r&er th% the -%i dr(--i & % d d% ,i & %re% %t the Kosh0h%r& festi)%'+ % d *r% ,hi & t( e's 'ed to $'%,es th%t K%sh(r h%d e)er d%red e.$'ore" It wo('d h%)e to *e so '%r&e+ wo('d it ot+ to *e %*'e to host the s$irit of e)er! or, who h%d 'i)ed % d died6 She w%'ked to the w%ter % d he fo''owed her+ w%t,hi & her ,'ose'!" She re-o)ed the $%,k she ,%rried % d &est(red th%t he do 'ikewise" C%ref(''!+ K%sh(r re-o)ed se)er%' w%t,rski s+ o$e ed the-+ % d with % soft $r%!er %dded their w%ter to the &'owi & 'i3(id" /Yo( %sked %*o(t the w%t,rski s %s we de$%rted+/ she s%id 3(iet'! to D(rot% + /The w%ter i here is ot %ti)e to this $'%,e" Lo & %&o+ we *e&% offeri & *'essed w%ter to the s$irits" E)er! ti-e we ,o-e+ we ,o tri*(te to the s%,red $oo'" A d e)e so+ I k ow ot how+ the w%ter do,s ot dissi$%te %s it wo('d i % ordi %r! ho''ow" S(,h is the $ower of the ;o( t%i of S$irits"/ O ,e she h%d e-$tied the w%t,rski s+ she s%t dow with % soft &r( t % d $eered i to the '(-i o(s de$ths" D(rot% e-('%ted her" She k ew the % &'e %t whi,h she ,o('d see her ref'e,tio % d -%de s(re the! were *oth $ositio ed ,orre,t'!" At first+ %'' she ,o('d see w%s her ow f%,e % d th%t of D(rot% " Their fe%t(res 'ooked s$e,tr%' the-se')es+ ref'e,ted i % white $oo' r%ther th% % d%rk o e" The % third fi&(re 2oi ed the-+ %s if Gr% df%ther T%'0kr%% were st% di & ri&ht *eside her sho('der+ his ref'e,tio %s ,'e%r %s theirs" Their e!es -et+ % d K%sh(r s-i'ed" She ,r% ed her e,k to 'ook ($ %t hi-+ *(t D(rot% ,o ti (ed to &%5e i to the w%ter %s if se%r,hi & for the % swers there" K%sh(r0s he%rt s% k % 'itt'e+ *(t i--edi%te'! she re$ri-% ded herse'f" If D(rot% w%s ot of the sh%-% i, $%th+ the he w%s ot of the sh%-% i, $%th" S(re'! his desti ! wo('d *e % ho or%*'e o e re&%rd'ess+ *or to 'e%d his ,'% %s he h%d *ee " /;! -% ! ti-es &re%t &r% dd%(&hter+/ T%'0kr%% s%id with -ore &e t'e ess th% K%sh(r h%d e)er he%rd fro- hi- *efore" /Yo( h%)e *ro(&ht hi-+ %s I %sked"/ Le% i & he%)i'! o % st%ff %s i s(*st% ti%' %s he+ the s$irit of the Gr% df%ther -o)ed i % s'ow ,ir,'e %ro( d D(rot% %s the !o( & or, ,o ti (ed to 'ook i to the w%ter" K%sh(r w%t,hed *oth Frostwo'f -%'es ,'ose'!" D(rot% shi)ered % d 'ooked %*o(t+ o do(*t wo deri & where the s(dde ,hi'' ,%-e fro-" K%sh(r s-i'ed to herse'f" He ,o('d ot see his % ,estor0s s$irit+ *(t he k ew+ so-ehow+ th%t T%'0kr%% w%s there" /Yo( ,% ot see hi-+/ she s%id % *it s%d'!+ D(rot% 0s he%d ,%-e ($ % d his ostri's f'%red" Swift'!+ he &ot to his feet" I the eerie 'i&ht+ his t(sks 'ooked *'(e % d his ski h%d % &ree ,%st to it" /No+ ;other" I ,% ot" B(t """ is % % ,estor $rese t6/ /I deed he is+/ K%sh(r s%id" She t(r ed her %tte tio to the &host" /I did *ri & hi- here+ %s !o( re3(ested" How do !o( fi d hi-6/ D(rot% sw%''owed h%rd+ *(t re-%i ed st% di & str%i&ht % d t%'' %s the s$irit ,ir,'ed hi- tho(&htf(''!" /I se sed " " " so-ethi &+/ T%'0kr%% s%id" /I h%d tho(&ht he wo('d *e % sh%-% + *(t if he ,% ot see -e ow+ the he e)er wi''" B(t %'tho(&h he wi'' ot see s$irits or s(--o the e'e-e ts+ he is *or to % &re%t desti !" He wi'' *e % i-$ort% t %sset to the Frostwo'f ,'% """ i deed+ to %'' his $eo$'e"/ /He wi'' *e """ % hero6/ K%sh(r %sked+ her *re%th ,%t,hi &" A'' ores stro)e to ($ho'd % ,ode of ,o(r%&e % d ho or+ *(t o '! % few were $owerf(' e o(&h to h%)e their %-es e &r%)ed ($o the -e-or! of their des,e d% ts" At her words D(rot% i h%'ed swift'!+ % d she ,o('d see the w% ti & o his f%,e"

/I ,% ot te''+/ s%id T%'0kr%%+ frow i & % 'itt'e" /Te%,h hi- we''+ K%sh(r+ for o e thi & is ,ert%i : Fro- his 'i e wi'' ,o-e s%')%tio "/ I % &est(re of te der ess the 'ikes of whi,h K%sh(r h%d e)er see + T%'0kr%% re%,hed o(t % d *r(shed % i s(*st% ti%' fi &er %,ross D(rot% 0s ,he,k+ D(rot% 0s e!es we t wide % d K%sh(r ,o('d see he h%d to fi&ht the %t(r%' i sti ,t to dr%w *%,k+ *(t D(rot% did ot 3(%i' *e e%th the s$e,tr%' ,%ress" The + 'ike -ist o % hot d%!+ T%'0kr%% w%s &o e" K%sh(r st(-*'ed % 'itt'e4 she %'w%!s for&ot how the e er&! of the s$irits fed her" D(rot% ste$$ed forw%rd 3(i,k'! to ,%t,h her %r-+ % d she w%s &r%tef(' for his !o(thf(' stre &th" /;other+ %re !o( %'' ri&ht6/ he %sked" She &ri$$ed his %r- % d odded" His first ,o ,er w%s for her+ ot for wh%t the % ,estor -i&ht or -i&ht ot h%)e s%id %*o(t hi-" E)e %s she $o dered the words+ she de,ided ot to te'' D(rot% of the-" Le)e'8he%ded % d &re%t8he%rted tho(&h he w%s+ s(,h % $ro$he,! ,o('d ,orr($t e)e the tr(est of or,ish he%rts" Fro- his line will come salvation. /I %- %'' ri&ht+/ she re%ss(red hi-+ /B(t these *o es %re o 'o &er !o( &+ % d the e er&! of the s$irits is $owerf('+/ /I wish I ,o('d h%)e see hi-+/ D(rot% s%id % *it wistf(''!" /B(t" "" *(t I k ow I fe't hi-"/ /Yo( did+ % d th%t is -ore th% -ost %re ho ored with"/ K%sh(r s%id" /;other " " " ,% !o( te'' -e wh%t he s%id6 A*o(t9 %*o(t -e *ei & % hero6/ He w%s tr!i & to %,t ,%'- % d -%t(re+ *(t % ote of $'e%di & ,re$t i " She did ot *'%-e hi-" A'' w% ted to 'i)e o i &'orio(s -e-or!+ thro(&h t%'es to'd of their %d)e t(res" He wo('d ot *e % or, if he did ot sh%re th%t desire" /Gr% df%ther T%'0kr%% s%id it w%s ( ,ert%i +/ she s%id *'( t'!" He odded % d hid his dis%$$oi t-e t we''" Th%t -(,h w%s %'' she h%d $'% ed to s%!+ *(t so-ethi & -o)ed her to %dd+ /Yo( h%)e % desti ! to f('fi''+ D(rot% + so of G%r%d" Be ot % foo' i battle % d die *efore !o( ,% f('fi'' it"/ He ,h(,k'ed the " /A foo' do,s ot ser)e his ,'% we''+ % d th%t is wh%t I wish to do"/ /The + f(t(re ,hieft%i +/ s%id K%sh(r+ ,h(,k'i & %'so+ /!o( h%d *est *e %*o(t fi di & % -%te"/ A d she '%(&hed o(t 'o(d %s+ for the first ti-e o their 2o(r e! to&ether+ D(rot% 'ooked ,o-$'ete'! ( er)ed"

Fi)e
+pon reflection, so "rek#Tliar tells me, this time in our history was as a perfect day in early summer. We ores had everything we truly needed; a hospitable world, the ancestors to guide us, the elements to aid us as they saw fit. $ood was plentiful, our enemies were fierce but not invincible, and we were rich with blessings. If the draenei were not necessarily our allies, neither were they foe. They shared their knowledge and their bounty whenever they were asked! it was we, the orcs,who always held back. .nd it is we, the orcs,who would unwittingly be twisted to serve another#s end. ate is powerful. ate can be eternal. ate can be manipulated. .nd hate can be created. I the d%rk ess )isi*'e+ %&e'ess+ ti-e'ess+ Ki'72%ede dwe't" The $ower s(r&ed % d thro**ed thro(&h hi-+ *etter th% *'ood ow+ -ore o(rishi & th% -e%t or dri k+ he%d! % d ,%'-i & %t the s%-e ti-e" He w%s ot o- i$ote t+ ot !et+ or e'se wor'ds wo('d f%'' *efore hi- with % tho(&ht r%ther th% thro(&h *%tt'e % d destr(,tio + % d o the who'e+ he w%s ,o te t with this" B(t the! !et 'i)ed+ die e.i'es" Ki'72%ede ,o('d se se the-+ tho(&h ,e t(ries h%d $%ssed %,,ordi & to those to who- ti-e sti'' -%ttered" The! were '!i & 'ow+ 1e'e % d die rest of the foo's" Too ,ow%rd'! to f%,e hi- % d Ar,hi-o de+ who h%d worked %s his frie d % d %''! thro(&h the " " " ,h% &es """ %s he h%d whe the! were si-$'e *ei &s" He+ Ar,hi-o de+ % d the others o 'o &er tho(&ht of the-se')es %s /,red%r"/ 1e'e wo('d ,%'' the- /-% 0%ri+/ *(t the! ,%''ed the-se')es the B(r i & Le&io " S%r&er%s0s %r-!" The ,hose o es" He e.te ded % s,%r'et h% d+ 'o & % d e'e&% t % d ,'%wed+ i to the othi & ess th%t w%s e)er!thi & % d fe't it ri$$'e *e e%th his i 3(ir!" S,o(ts h%d *ee dis$%t,hed the -o-e t the e e-! h%d es,%$ed+ s,o(ts who re$orted othi & *(t f%i'(re" Ar,hi-o de w% ted the- to die for their '%,k of s(,,ess+ *(t Ki'72%ede o$ted otherwise" Those who fe%red+ f'ed+ he h%d &ood ,%(se to k ow" Those who s iffed rew%rd % d their 'ord0s %$$ro)%' st%!ed+ h( &eri & for it" So whi'e Ki'72%ede -%de his dis%$$ro)%' k ow + those who h%d f%i'ed hi- (s(%''! &ot % se,o d ,h% ,e" Or third+ if he *e'ie)ed the- to *e doi & %'' the! ,o('d % d ot si-$'! ,o%sti & o his &oodwi''" Ar,hi-o de dis%&reed o this o*sessio th%t o,,($ied Ki'72%ede " /There %re wor'ds %$'e t! to ,o 3(er % d de)o(r+ i ser)i,e to o(r -%ster S%r&er%s+/ Ar,hi-o de r(-*'ed" The *'%,k ess &'owed %ro( d the- %s his )oi,e $ier,ed it" /Let the foo' &o" We wo('d se se it if he (sed his t%'e ts o % ! 'e)e' th%t wo('d $ose % thre%t" Let hi- rot o so-e wor'd+ *ereft of e)er!thi & th%t -%ttered to hi-"/ Ki'72%ede s'ow'! t(r ed his -%ssi)e he%d to re&%rd the other de-o 'ord" /It is ot %*o(t re deri & hi- $ower'ess+/ Ki'72%ede hissed" /It is %*o(t destro!i & hi- % d those foo'ish e o(&h to h%)e fo''owed hi-" It is %*o(t ,r(shi & hi- for his '%,k of f%ith" For his st(**or ess" For his ref(s%' to thi k %*o(t wh%t w%s *est for %'' of (s"/ The '%r&e+ ,'%wed h% d t(r ed i to % fist % d the sh%r$ %i's d(& i to the $%'-" ;o'te fire $o(red forth+ the the f'ow sto$$ed %s it hit wh%t $%ssed for %ir+ 'e%)i & % thi,k rid&e 'ike % s,%r" Ki'72%ede 0s *od! w%s ,o)ered with -% ! s(,h we'ts4 he took $ride i

the-"
Ar,hi-o de w%s $owerf('+ e'e&% t+ s-ooth+ i te''i&e t" B(t he '%,ked the *(r i & desire for (tter o*'iter%tio th%t Ki'72%ede (rsed" He h%d e.$'%i ed it ti-e % d %&%i + % d ow si-$'! si&hed % d o$ted ot to dis,(ss the -%tter f(rther" For ,e t(ries ow+ the! h%d h%d this %r&(-e t4 o do(*t the! wo('d ,o ti (e to h%)e it for ,e t(ries -ore """ or ( ti' Ki'72%ede s(,,eeded i the destr(,tio of the *ei & who h%d o ,e *ee his ,'osest frie d" Perh%$s th%t w%s it" Ki'72%ede -(sed with % s(dde e 'i&hte -e t" Ar,hi-o de h%d e)er h%d $%rti,('%r fee'i &s for 1e'e other th% %s % fe''ow 'e%der of the ered%r" Ki'72%ede h%d 'o)ed 1e'e %s % *rother+ ,'oser th% th%t+ 'o)ed hi- %'-ost %s % other %s$e,t of hi-se'f A d the " "" A&%i the h(&e h% d ,'e ,hed+ % d %&%i ( ho'! fire $o(red forth i 'ie( of *'ood"

No"

It wo('d ot *e e o(&h to thi k of 1e'e sitti & o so-e *%,kw%ter wor'd+ (rsi & his h(rt $ride+ 'i)i & off the '% d i so-e ,%)e" Ki'72%ede o ,e wo('d h%)e s%id he w% ted *'ood" B(t *'ood+ $owerf(' i its ow w%! %s it w%s+ wo('d ot s%tisf! hi- ow" He w% ted the esse ,e of sh%-e+ of (tter % d ,o-$'ete h(-i'i%tio " Th%t wo('d *e e)e sweeter th% the ,o$$er!t%ste of 'ife f'owi & fro- 1e'e % d his st($id fo''owers" Ar,hi-o de ti'ted his he%d+ % &est(re Ki'72%ede re,o& i5ed" O e of his ow ser)% ts w%s s$e%ki & to hi-" Ar,hi-o de h%d his ow s,he-es % d -%,hi %tio s+ %''+ 'ike Ki'72%ede 0s+ i ser)i,e to their d%rk -%ster % d his ('ti-%te ,o 3(est" Witho(t % word Ar,hi-o de rose to his f(''+ i-$osi & hei&ht % d de$%rted+ his -o)e-e ts 'ithe % d s'eek+ *e'!i & his si5e" At th%t -o-e t %s we''+ Ki'72%ede fe't % s'i&ht s,r%t,hi & i side his he%d" He re,o& i5ed it %s o ,e: it w%s T%'&%th+ e)er his ri&ht h% d+ seeki & ,o t%,t" A d the se s%tio e-% %ti & fro- the tho(&ht w%s o e of ,%(tio(s ho$e" What is it, my friend) 'peak2 Ki'72%ede ,o--% ded i his -i d" My great lord, I do not wish to plant false hope, but. .. I may have found them. Te-$ered de'i&ht rose i side Ki'72%ede " Like the *ei & he h( ted+ T%'&%th w%s e)er the ,%(tio(s o e of his -i io s" O '! % 'itt'e 'ower i r% k th% Ki'72%ede hi-se'f+ he h%d $ro)ed his 'o!%'t! o)er the ,e t(ries" He wo('d ot s%! e)e this &(%rded st%te-e t witho(t &ood ,%(se" Where) .nd what makes you sense this) There is a small world, primitive and insignificant. .nd I have sensed their peculiar brand of magic ;i ti & the area. It is possible that they may have come and gone. 'uch, alas, has happened before. Ki'72%ede odded+ e)e tho(&h T%'&%th w%s ot $rese t to see the &est(re" So-e thi &s fro- his $%st !et 'i &ered+ he tho(&ht+ s-i'i & % 'itd, %t the % ,ie t -o)e-e t th%t *etoke ed %&ree-e t i e%r'! e)er! se tie t s$e,ies he h%d e ,o( tered" (ou speak truly, he %,k ow'ed&ed" ;% ! ti-es *efore+ Ki'72%ede 0s for,es h%d %rri)ed o so-e wor'd or other+ '(red *! the sweet esse ,e of ered%r -%&i,+ o '! to fi d th%t so-ehow 1e'e % d his wret,hed fo''owers h%d &otte wi d of the %$$ro%,h % d es,%$ed" But I remain hopeful. I will find them and twist them to my purposes, and I have eternity in w i,@i to do so. . tho(&ht o,,(rred to hi-" So ofte *efore+ Ki'72%ede 0s for,es h%d des,e ded ($o % wor'd where 1e'e w%s tho(&ht to *e" o '! to h%)e hi- es,%$e" Ki'72%ede h%d (rsed his i s('ted $ride *! destro!i & s(,h wor'ds+ *(t the s'%(&hter of $ri-iti)e r%,es9 tho(&h $'e%s% t9did ot s'%ke his de-o i, thirst for ,o-$'ete % d tot%' re)e &e" He wo('d ot *eh%)e th%t w%! this ti-e" He wo('d ot se d T%'&%th %t the he%d of the B(r i & Le&io " 1e'e h%d o ,e *ee the stro &est of the-+ the wisest+ the -ost %tt( ed to -%&i, % d s,ie ,e" Ki'72%ede ,o('d ot i-%&i e th%t his o'd frie d wo('d h%)e dro$$ed his &(%rd+ ot %fter s(,h % re'%ti)e'! *rief ti-e" 1e'e wo('d *e ,o st% t'! o the %'ert+ re%d! to f'ee i the f%,e of so o*)io(s % thre%t" B(t""" wh%t %*o(t % 'ess o*)io(s thre%t6 Talgath . . . I want you to investigate this world for me. My lord) T%'&%th0s -e t%' )oi,e w%s s-ooth % d $oised+ *(t $(55'ed" We have descended upon worlds in force before, and to no avail. 3erhaps this time, only one is sent. 5ne only, but one who can be trusted completely. Ki'72%ede se sed ( e%se % d $ride w%rri & i T%'&%th0s tho(&hts" There are more ways to destroy one#s enemy than with an army. 'ometimes, those ways are better. (ou9you wish me to find such a better way, then) 3recisely *isit this place on your own. 1earnaboutit. Investigate. Tell me if the e%iles are truly there, and if so, what their state is. Tell me what they live on, if they are fat and settled like tamed livestock or lean and edgy, like prey ani7 mals. Tell me what their world is like, what other peoples live there, what creatures, what seasons. Investigate, Talgath. "o nothing without e%press orders from me. 5f course, my lord. I shall prepare at once. Sti'' $(55'ed+ *(t o*edie t % d i te''i&e t" T%'&%th h%d ser)ed the -% 0%ri -%ster we'' i the $%st" Now he wo('d ser)e we'' %&%i " Ki'72%ede 0s f%,e+ tho(&h it 'itt'e rese-*'ed wh%t it h%d *ee *efore he h%d ,%st his 'ot with the &re%t 'ord S%r&er%s" w%s sti'' %*'e to twist i to the f%,si-i'e of % s-i'e" D(rot% + 'ike %'' his $eo$'e+ h%d *ee re%d! to *e&i tr%i i & with we%$o s %t the %&e of si." His *od! w%s %'re%d! t%'' % d fi''i & o(t+ % d the (s%&e of we%$o r! ,%-e %t(r%''! to his $eo$'e" At twe')e+ he h%d &o e with the h( ti & $%rties" A d ow+ %fter the rite th%t -%rked hi- %s % %d('t+ he h%d *ee %*'e to 2oi i the h( t for the o&res % d their o*s,e e+ twisted -%sters+ the &ro " This !e%r+ %s the %(t(- Kosh0h%r& ,%-e+ he 2oi ed the %d('ts i the ,ir,'e %fter the ,hi'dre h%d *ee se t to *ed" A d %s he % d Or&ri- h%d 'e%r ed !e%rs *efore+ *ei & % %d('t % d *ei & %*'e to %tte d the fireside ,ir,'e w%s ot )er! i teresti &" Howe)er+ the o e thi & he did fi d i teresti &+ %s he w%t,hed with o*ser)% t *row e!es+ w%s i ter%,ti & with those whose %-es he h%d k ow for -% ! !e%rs+ *(t who e)er s$oke -(,h to hi- *e,%(se of his !o(th" ;other K%sh(r+ of ,o(rse+ w%s fro- his ow d% " He k ew she h%d hi&h st% di & %-o & the sh%-% of the other ,'% s+ % d he took $ride i th%t f%,t" He oti,ed her h(dd'ed *! the fire o this first i&ht+ % wo)e *'% ket wr%$$ed %ro( d % fr%-e th%t see-ed to hi- 'itt'e -ore th% *o e % d ski " He k ew+ witho(t k owi & how he k ew+ th%t this wo('d *e her '%st Kosh0h%r& ,e'e*r%tio + % d the tho(&ht s%dde ed hi- -ore th% he h%d e.$e,ted" Ne.t to her" !o( &er th% she *(t o'der sti'' th% D(rot% 0s $%re ts+ w%s K%sh(r0s %$$re ti,e Drek7Th%r" D(rot% h%d ot s$oke -(,h with Drek7Th%r+ *(t the o'der ore0s sh%r$ to &(e % d sh%r$ e!es were deser)i & of -(,h res$e,t" D(rot% 0s *row e!es ,o ti (ed to ro%- o)er the %sse-*'ed ,o-$% !" To-orrow+ the sh%-% wo('d *e &o e+ de$%rti & for their -eeti &s with the % ,estors i the ,%)er of the s%,red -o( t%i " D(rot% shi)ered %s he %&%i re,%''ed his )isit there+ % d the ,o'd *ree5e th%t fe't 'ike % dr%ft+ *(t w%s othi & so ordi %r!" O)er there w%s Gro- H,''s,r,%-" the !o( & % d s'i&ht'! -% i, ,hieft%i of the W%rso & ,'% " O '! % few !e%rs o'der th% D(rot% % d Or&ri-+ he w%s ew to his $ositio " There h%d *ee -(tt,ri &s %*o(t the -!sterio(s ,ir,(-st% ,es ( der whi,h the for-er ,hieft%i h%d died+ *(t the W%rso & ,'% did ot ,h%''e &e Gro-0s 'e%dershi$" D(rot% tho(&ht it o wo der" Tho(&h !o(thf('+ Gro- w%s i ti-id%ti &" The d% ,i &+ f'i,keri & 'i&ht of the fire o '! ser)ed to -%ke

hi- 'ook -ore -e %,i &" Thi,k *'%,k h%ir f'owed dow his *%,k" #$o his %s,e sio to ,hieft%i shi$+ Gro-0s 2%w h%d *ee t%ttooed % ( ifor- sh%de of *'%,k" Aro( d his e,k h( & % e,k'%,e of *o es" D(rot% k ew their -e% i &: A-o & the W%rso &+ it w%s tr%ditio th%t % !o( & w%rrior we%r the *o es of his first ki''+ i s,ri*ed with his $erso %' r( es" Beside Gro- w%s the e or-o(s+ i-$osi & B'%,kh% d of the B'%,kro,k ,'% " Ne.t to B'%,kh% d+ -( ,hi & i si'e ,e+ w%s the ,hieft%i of the Sh%ttered H% d ,'% + K%r&%th B'%d,fist" I 'ie( of % h% d+ he h%d % s,!the e-*edded i his wrist+ % d e)e ow %s % %d('t D(rot% fo( d hi-se'f ( sett'ed %s the *'%de &'i ted i the fire'i&ht" Ne.t to hi- w%s Ki'ro&& D,%d,!,+ ,hieft%i of the B'eedi & Ho''ow ,'% " The %-e w%s ot % f%-i'i%' o e" *(t o e he h%d t%ke for hi-se'f" O e e!e f'itted o)er the %sse-*'ed ,o-$% !4 the other s%t+ -% &'ed % d de%d i tr(th+ i its so,ket" If Gro- w%s !o( & for % ,hieft%i + the Ki'ro&& w%s o'd for o e" *(t it w%s ,'e%r to D(rot% th%t des$ite his !e%rs % d &ri55'ed %$$e%r% ,e+ Ki'ro&& w%s f%r fro- do e with ,ither 'ife or 'e%dershi$" # e%si'! D(rot% t(r ed his %tte tio e'sewhere" O Drek7Th%r0s 'eft w%s the f%-o(s Ner75h(' of the Sh%dow-oo ,'% " For %s 'o & %s D(rot% ,o('d re-e-*er+ Ner75h(' h%d 'ed the sh%-% " O ,e" D(rot% h%d *ee $er-itted to %tte d % h( t %t whi,h Ner75h(' h%d *ee $rese t+ % d the -%ster! this sh%-% h%d o)er his ski''s w%s sho,ki &" Whi'e others &r( ted % d '%*ored to ,o t%,t the e'e-e ts+ dire,ti & the- $owerf(''! *(t witho(t &r%,e+ Ner75h(' re-%i ed tr% 3(i'" The e%rth shook *e e%th hi- whe he %sked it4 'i&ht i & ,%-e fro- the skies to strike where he dire,ted" Fire+ %ir+ w%ter+ e%rth+ % d the e'(si)e S$irit of the Wi'ds %'' ,%''ed hi- ,o-$% io % d frie d" He h%d ot see Ner75h(' i ter%,t with the % ,estors+ of ,o(rse4 o o e *(t sh%-% were wit ess to s(,h thi &s" B(t it w%s ,'e%r to D(rot% th%t if the % ,estors h%d ot f%)ored Ner75h('+ he wo('d ot h%)e sere e'! ,%rried $ower %'' this ti-e" Ner05h('0s %$$re ti,e+ howe)er+ D(rot% did ot 'ike" Or&ri- w%s sitti & e.t to his *o!hood frie d+ % d+ seei & where D(rot% 0s &%5e 'ed+ 'e% ed o)er % d whis$ered+ /I thi k th%t G('0d% wo('d *etter ser)e his $eo$'e if he were set o(t %s *%it"/ D(rot% 'ooked %w%! so th%t o o e e'se wo('d see hi- s-i'e" He did ot k ow how e.$erie ,ed G('0d% w%s %s % sh%-% 4 s(re'! he -(st h%)e so-e %*i'it! or e'se Ner75h(' wo('d ot h%)e t%ke hi- o to s(,,eed hi-" B(t he w%s ot % )er! $re$ossessi & ore" Shorter th% -% !+ softer th% -ost+ with % shoit+ *(sh! *e%rd+ he did ot e.e-$'if! the or, %s % w%rrior" B(t D(rot% s($$osed th%t o e did ot h%)e to *e % hero to ,o tri*(te" /Now th%t o e+ she is % w%rrior *or "/ D(rot% 'ooked i the dire,tio th%t Or&ri- h%d i di,%ted % d his e!es wide ed s'i&ht'!" Or&ri- h%d s$oke the tr(th" St% di & t%'' % d str%i&ht+ her -(s,'es ri$$'i & *e e%th s-ooth *row ski i the fire'i&ht %s she re%,hed % d s'i,ed % ,h( k of -e%t off the ro%sti & t%'*(k ,%r,%ss+ the fe-%'e i 3(estio see-ed to D(rot% to *e the e$ito-e of %'' the ores )%'(ed" She -o)ed with the fer%' &r%,e of o e of the *'%,k wo')es+ % d her t(sks were s-%'' *(t sh%r$e ed to de%d'! $oi ts" Her 'o & *'%,k h%ir w%s $(''ed *%,k i % effi,ie t *(t %ttr%,ti)e *r%id" /Who9who is she6/ D(rot% -(r-(red+ his he%rt %'re%d! si ki &" S(re'! this -%& ifi,e t fe-%'e w%s % -e-*er of % other ,'% " He wo('d h%)e oti,ed if s(,h % *e%(t!9stro &+ s($$'e+ &r%,ef('9h%d *ee i his ow ,'% " Or&ri- &(ff%wed % d s'%$$ed D(rot% o the *%,k" The so( d % d &est(re ,%(sed se)er%' he%ds to t(r i their dire,tio + i ,'(di &+ D(rot% re%'i5ed+ th%t of the 'o)e'! fe-%'e" Or&ri- 'e% ed i to whis$er the words th%t -%de D(rot% 0s s$irits rise" /Yo( ( o*ser)% t do&< She is % Frostwo'f< I0d h%)e ,'%i-ed her for -!se'f if she were of -! ow ,'% "/ A Frostwo'f6 How i the wor'd h%d D(rot% f%i'ed to oti,e s(,h % tre%s(re i his ow ,'% 6 He t(r ed his &%5e fro- Or&ri-0s &ri i & )is%&e to 'ook %t her %&%i " He fo( d her st%ri & dire,t'! %t hi-" Their &%5es 'o,ked"

/Dr%k%</
The fe-%'e st%rted % d t(r ed %w%!" D(rot% *'i ked+ %s if ret(r i & to hi-se'f" /Dr%k%+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" No wo der he h%d ot re,o& i5ed her" /No+ Or&ri-" She w%s ot % w%rrior *or " She is % w%rrior -%de"/ Dr%k% h%d *ee *or si,k'!+ her ski % $%'e f%w ,o'or r%ther th% the he%'th! tree8*%rk *row th%t -%rked -ost ores" For -ost of his ,hi'dhood" D(rot% re-e-*ered the %d('ts s$e%ki & of her i 'ow whis$ers+ %s of o e %'re%d! o the w%! to 2oi i & the % ,es8 tors" His ow $%re ts o ,e s$oke of her s%d'!+ wo deri & wh%t her f%-i'! h%d do e th%t the s$irits wo('d ,(rse the- with s(,h % fr%i' ,hi'd" It w%s soo %fter th%t" D(rot% re%'i5ed+ $(tti & the $ie,es to&ether+ th%t Dr%k%0s f%-i'! h%d -o)ed to the o(tskirts of the e ,%-$-e t" He h%d ot see -(,h of her+ *(s! %s he w%s with his ow d(ties" Dr%k% h%d s'i,ed off se)er%' ,h( ks of -e%t % d *ro(&ht the- *%,k to her f%-i'!" D(rot% oti,ed two !o( &'i &s sitti & with the ores who $res(-%*'! were her $%re ts" Both 'ooked fit % d he%'th!" Fee'i & her &%5e ($o hi-" Dr%k% t(r ed her he%d % d -et his e!es ste%di'!" Her ostri's f'%red % d she s%t ($ str%i&ht,r" %s if d%ri & D(rot% to 'ook ($o her with $it! % d ,o-$%ssio r%ther th% %d-ir%tio % d res$e,t" No+ this o e did ot eed % ! $it!" B! the &r%,e of the s$irits+ the he%'i & of the sh%-% + % d the $ower of the wi'' he ,o('d see *(r i & i her *row e!es+ she h%d ,%st off her ,hi'dhood fr%i't! to -%t(re i to this """ this )isio of fe-%'e or, $erfe,tio " His *re%th es,%$ed hi- i % whoosh %s Or&ri- e'*owed hi-" D(rot% &'%red %t his ,hi'dhood frie d" /Sto$ &%$i &+ it -%kes -e w% t to $(t so-ethi & i !o(r -o(th to sh(t it+/ Or&ri- &r(-*'ed" D(rot% re%'i5ed he h%d i deed *ee &%$i &+ % d th%t -ore th% o e k owi &+ &ri i & &'% ,e w%s ,o-i & his w%!" He ret(r ed his %tte tio to the fe%st+ % d did ot &'% ,e %t Dr%k% %&%i for the rest of the i&ht" B(t he dre%-ed of her" A d whe he %woke+ he k ew th%t she wo('d *e his" He w%s heir to the ,hieft%i ,! of o e of the $ro(dest of or, ,'% s" Wh%t fe-%'e ,o('d de ! hi-6 /No+/ Dr%k% s%id" D(rot% w%s st( ed" He h%d %$$ro%,hed Dr%k% the e.t -or i & % d i )ited her to &o h( ti & with hi- the fo''owi & d%!" A'o e" Both k ew wh%t th%t -e% t4 -%'e % d fe-%'e h( ti & i % $%ir w%s % ,o(rtshi$ rit(%'" A d she h%d re*(ffed hi-" It w%s so ( e.$e,ted he did ot k ow how to re%,t" She w%t,hed hi- %'-ost ,o te-$t(o(s'!+ her 'i$s ,(r)i & %ro( d her $erfe,t t(sks i % s-irk" /Wh! ot6/ D(rot% -% %&ed" /I %- ot !et of %&e"/ she re$'ied" The w%! she $hr%sed it -%de it so( d -ore 'ike % e.,(se th% % re%so "

B(t D(rot% wo('d ot *e $(t off so e%si'!" /I h%d i te ded this to *e % ,o(rti & h( t+ th%t -(,h is tr(e+/ he s%id *'( t'!" /B(t if !o( %re ot of %&e I wi'' res$e,t th%t" Sti''" I wo('d 'ike !o(r ,o-$% !" Let this *e % h( t sh%red *! two $ro(d w%rriors+ othi & -ore"/ Now it w%s her t(r to *e st%rt'ed" D(rot% &(essed th%t Dr%k% h%d e.$e,ted hi- to ,ither $(sh the $oi t or 'e%)e i % &er" She $%(sed+ her e!es wide" The she &ri ed" /I wi'' ,o-e o s(,h % h( t+ D(rot% " so of G%r%d+ 'e%der of the Frostwo'f ,'% "/ D(rot% tho(&ht he h%d e)er *ee h%$$ier" This w%s )%st'! differe t fro- the (s(%' h( t" He % d Dr%k% h%d set % *risk+ 'o$i & $%,e" A'' his ,h%''e &es with Or&ri- h%d &i)e D(rot% st%-i %+ % d for % -o-e t he worried th%t he w%s &oi & too f%st" B(t Dr%k%+ *or so fr%&i'e % d ow so stro &+ ke$t ($ with hi-" The! did ot s$e%k -(,h4 there w%s 'itt'e to s%!" The! were o % h( t+ the! wo('d fi d $re!+ ki'' it+ % d *ri & it *%,k to their ,'% " The si'e ,e w%s e%s! % d ,o-fort%*'e" He s'owed %s the! -o)ed i to o$e territor! % d *e&% to s,% the &ro( d" There w%s o s ow o the e%rth+ so tr%,ki & w%s ot the si-$'e 2o* it w%s i the wi ter -o ths" B(t D(rot% k ew wh%t to 'ook for: dist(r*ed &r%ss+ *roke *(sh twi&s+ % i de t%tio + howe)er s'i&ht+ o the soi'" /C',fthoo),s+/ he s%id" He rose % d s,% ed the hori5o i the dire,tio the! h%d &o e" Dr%k% sti'' ,ro(,hed o the e%rth+ her fi &ers de'i,%te'! -o)i & %side the fo'i%&e" /O e is i 2(red+/ she % o( ,ed" D(rot% t(r ed to her" /I s%w o *'ood"/ She shook her he%d" /No *'ood+ *(t the $%tter of the $ri ts te''s -e this"/ She $oi ted where he h%d 'ooked" He s%w othi & to %'ert hi- to % i 2(red *e%st % d shook his he%d+ $(55'ed" /No+ o" ot this $ri t " " " the e.t" A d the o e %fter th%t"/ She -o)ed %'o &+ ,%ref(' where she $'%,ed her feet+ % d s(dde '! D(rot% s%w wh%t she h%d: The i de t%tio s of o e hoof were s'i&ht'! 'ess dee$ th% the other three" The *e%st w%s 'i-$i &" He t(r ed %d-iri & e!es o her+ % d she f'(shed s'i&ht'!" /It is e%s! to re%d"/ she s%id" /Yo( wo('d h%)e fo( d it !o(rse'f"/ /No+/ he %d-itted ho est'!" /I did ot" I s%w the $ri ts+ *(t I did ot t%ke the ti-e to o*ser)e the- i f('' det%i'" Yo( did" Yo( wi'' -%ke % e.,e''e t h( ter o e d%!"/ She str%i&hte ed % d 'ooked %t hi- $ro(d'!" So-ethi & w%r- % d si-('t% eo(s'! stre &the i & % d we%ke i & r(shed thro(&h hi-" He w%s ot o e to $r%!+ *(t ow %s he 'ooked %t Dr%k% st% di & *efore hi-+ he se t % 3(i,k $r%!er to the s$irits: 1et this female look agreeably upon me. The! fo''owed the tr%i' 'ike wo')es o the s,e t" D(rot% h%d sto$$ed 'e%di &4 this fe-%'e w%s his e3(%' i tr%,ki &" The! ,o-$'e-e ted o e % other we''" He h%d the sh%r$er e!es+ *(t she 'ooked -ore dee$'! %t wh%t he fo( d" He wo dered wh%t it wo('d *e 'ike to fi&ht *eside her" Their e!es o the e%rth *efore the-+ the! 'o$ed %ro( d % sh%r$ t(r " He wo dered wh%t it wo('d *e 'ike to9 The &re%t *'%,k wo'f+ ,ro(,hed s %r'i & o)er the s%-e % i-%' the! h%d *ee tr%,ki &+ whir'ed" For % e d'ess i st% t+ three $red%tors re&%rded o e % other" B(t e)e *efore the -i&ht! *e%st h%d &%thered itse'f to s$ri &+ D(rot% h%d ,h%r&ed" The %.e fe't %s othi & i his %r-s %s he 'ifted % d str(,k8 It s% k dee$ i to the ,re%t(re0s torso+ *(t D(rot% fe't the ret%'i%tor! *ite fro- !e''owed teeth ,r( ,h dow o his %r-" P%i + white hot % d sho,ki &+ ,o(rsed thro(&h hi-" He tore his %r- free" It w%s h%rder this ti-e to 'ift the %.e with his %r- $(-$i & *'ood+ *(t he did" The wo'f h%d t(r ed its %tte tio f(''! ($o D(rot% + its !e''ow e!es *ori & i to his+ its -o(th o$e i % ro%r" Its hot *re%th st% k of r% ,id -e%t" At th%t i st% t+ *efore the &re%t 2%ws ,o('d ,'ose ($o his f%,e+ D(rot% he%rd % w%r ,r!" There w%s % f'(rr! of -o)e-e t i the ,or er of his e!e" Dr%k% s$r% & ($o the *e%st+ her 'o &+ or %-e ted s$e%r $re,edi & her" The wo'f0s he%d s %$$ed *%,k %s the s$e%r $ier,ed its -idse,tio " I the i st% t of i %tte tio + D(rot% hefted his %.e %&%i % d *ro(&ht it dow %s h%rd %s he ,o('d" He fe't it ,(t thro(&h the % i-%'0s *od!+ dow + dow + striki & e%rth+ &oi & dee$+ 'od&i & so fir-'! he ,o('d ot $('' it o(t i--edi%te'!" He ste$$ed *%,k+ $% ti &" Dr%k% stood *eside hi-" He fe't her w%r-th+ her e er&!+ her $%ssio for the h( t %s $owerf(' %s his" To&ether the! st%red %t the -i&ht! *e%st the! h%d s'%i " The! h%d *ee t%ke ( %w%res *! % % i-%' th%t (s(%''! re3(ired se)er%' se%so ed ores to *ri & it dow + % d the! were sti'' %'i)e" Their foe '%! de%d+ *'ood $oo'i & *e e%th it+ s'i,ed i two *! D(rot% 0s %.e+ Dr%k%0s s$e%r $rotr(di & fro- its he%rt" D(rot% re%'i5ed he wo('d e)er *e %*'e to te'' whi,h of the- h%d str(,k the tr(e ki''i & *'ow+ % d the tho(&ht -%de hiridi,('o(s'! h%$$!" He s%t dow h%rd" Dr%k% w%s there+ 3(i,k'! w%shi & the *'ood fro- his '%,er%ted %r-+ o '! to -(tter ( der her *re%th %s -ore ,%-e" She te ded hiwith he%'i & s%')es % d ti&ht'! wr%$$ed *% d%&es+ %'o & with so-e *itter8t%sti & her*s she %dded to the w%ter % d ordered hi- to dri k" After % few -o-e ts+ the di55i ess we t %w%!" /Th% k !o(+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" She odded+ ot 'ooki & %t hi-" The % s-i'e 3(irked o e ,or er of her -o(th" /Wh%t is so f( )6 Th%t I w%s ot %*'e to st% d6/ His )oi,e w%s h%rsher th% he h%d i te ded % d she 'ooked ($ 3(i,k'!+ s(r$rised %t his to e+ /Not %t %''" Yo( fo(&ht we''+ D(rot% " ;% ! wo('d h%)e dro$$ed their %.e %fter s(,h % *'ow+/ He fe't odd'! $'e%sed *! her ,o--e t+ de'i)ered %s % f%,t(%' st%te-e t r%ther th% f'%tter!" /The " " " wh%t %-(ses )o(6/ She &ri ed+ -eeti & his e!es e)e '!" /I k ow so-ethi &+ % d !o( do ot k ow it" B(t " " " %fter this """ I thi k I wi'' te'' !o("/ He fe't hi-se'f s-i'i & too" /I %- ho ored"/ /I to'd !o( !esterd%! th%t I w%s ot of %&e for % ,o(rtshi$ h( t"/ /Tr(e"/ /We''""" whe I s%id th%t+ I k ew I wo('d soo ,o-e fir %&e" /I se,+/ he s%id+ tho(&h he did 0t+ ot 3(ite" /We''""" whe wi'' !o( ,o-e of %&e6/ Her s-i'e *ro%de ed" /Tod%!+/ she s%id si-$'!"

He 'ooked %t her for % 'o & -o-e t+ the + with o word+ $(''ed her to hi- % d kissed her" T%'&%th h%d *ee o*ser)i & the ores for so-e ti-e" Now+ he withdrew fro- the-+ their *esti%' %t(re offe di & hi-" Bei & % -% 0%ri w%s *etter" E.,e$t for the fe-%'e ,re%t(res with the 'e%ther! wi &s % d t%i'+ -% 0%ri s'%ked their '(st with )io'e ,e+ ot ,o($'i &" He $referred it th%t w%!" He wo('d+ i f%,t+ h%)e $referred to h%)e s'%i the two o the s$ot+ *(t his -%ster h%d *ee 3(ite ,'e%r %*o(t i ter)e i &" There wo('d *e 3(estio s %sked if these two did ot ret(r to their ,'% + % d tho(&h the! were %s ( i-$ort% t %s f'i,s to hi-+ f'i,s ,o('d *e,o-e % (is% ,e" Ki'72%ede w% ted hi- o '! to o*ser)e % d re$ort *%,k+ othi & -ore" A d so T%'&%th wo('d" Re)e &e+ -(sed Ki'72%ede + 'ike fr(it o % tree+ w%s sweetest whe %''owed to f(''! ri$e " There h%d *ee -o-e ts o)er the 'o & stret,h of !e%rs whe he h%d h%r*ored do(*ts %*o(t *ei & %*'e to 'o,%te the re e&%de ered%r" The -ore T%'&%th sh%red with hi-+ howe)er+ the -ore ,o fide t % d de'i&hted Ki'72%ede &rew" T%'&%th h%d ser)ed hi- we''" He h%d o*ser)ed the $%theti,+ so8,%''ed /,ities/ the o ,e8-i&ht! 1e'e % d his 'itt'e h% df(' of ered%r h%d ,re%ted" He h%d o*ser)ed how the! 'i)ed+ h( ti & 'ike the ,re%t(res who ,%''ed the-se')es /ores+/ $(tti & &r%i i the &ro( d with their ow h% ds" He h%d w%t,hed the- tr%de with the h('ki &+ *%re'! )er*%' ,re%t(res+ tre%ti & the- with % ,o(rtes! th%t w%s $ositi)e'! '%(&h%*'e" T%'&%th se sed so-e e,hoes of for-er &r% de(r i their *(i'di &s % d 'i-ited te,h o'o&!+ *(t o)er%''+ T%'&%th fe't th%t Ki'72%ede wo('d *e $'e%sed with how 'ow his for-er frie d h%d f%''e " /Dr%e ei+/ the! ,%''ed the-se')es ow" The e.i'es" A d the! h%d %-ed the wor'd Dr%, or" Ki'72%ede re%'i5ed th%t T%'&%th w%s $er$'e.ed whe + r%ther th% fo,(si & o 1e'e hi-se'f+ Ki'72%ede w% ted to k ow -ore %*o(t the ores" How were the! or&% i5ed6 Wh%t were so-e of their ,(sto-s6 Who were their 'e%ders+ % d how were the! ,hose 6 Wh%t w%s i-$ort% t to the- %s % so,iet!+ %s i di)id(%'s6 B(t T%'&%th0s 2o* w%s to re$ort+ ot to e)%'(%te+ % d he % swered his -%ster to the *est of his %*i'it!" Whe %t '%st Ki'72%ede h%d 'e%r ed e)er!thi & th%t T%'&%th h%d 'e%r ed+ ri&ht dow to the %-es of the two *e%sts r(tti & %fter their ki'' to&ether+ he w%s s%tisfied9for the -o-e t %t 'e%st" At 'o & '%st+ re)e &e wo('d *e his" 1e'e % d his ($st%rt ,o-$% io s wo('d *e $( ished" B(t ot 3(i,k'!+ ot with % %r-! of e h% ,ed ered%r to re d the- to $ie,es of *'ood! $('$" Th%t wo('d *e too -er,if('" Ki'72%ede w% ted the- de%d+ !es" B(t he w% ted the- *roke " H(-i'i%ted" Cr(shed %s (tter'! % d ,o-$'ete'! %s % i se,t *e e%th % *ooted foot" A d ow+ he k ew e.%,t'! how to do it"

SIA
The lessons from that time were bitter, bought with blood and death and torment. But ironically, the thing that nearly destroyed us was the thing that would redeem us later; a sense of unity. :ach clan was loyal to itself, fiercely dedicated to its members, but not to others. What we united under, and against, was dreadfully wrong and for that, we are atoning stilt 0enerations after me will still pay for those mistakes. But the unity itself was glorious. .nd it is that lesson I wish to recover from the ashes. It is that lesson that caused me to speak with the leaders of so many seemingly different peoples, to work together toward goals we can all be proud of. +nity. armony That is the good lesson of the past. I have learned it well. Ner05h(' 'ooked ($ i to the twi'i&ht sk!+ ,o te t" The s( set w%s *ri''i% t to i&ht" The % ,estors -(st *e $'e%sed+ he -(sed+ t%ki & % s-%'' %-o( t of $ride i the tho(&ht" A other Kosh0h%r& h%d ,o-e % d &o e" The! see-ed to hi- to ,o-e -(,h h%rder o e%,h other0s hee's th% the! h%d i the $%st+ % d e%,h ti-e the ,e'e*r%tio o,,(rred+ there w%s so-ethi & to re2oi,e i + % d so-ethi & to -o(r " His o'd frie d+ K%sh(r9he ( derstood th%t her ,'% + the Frostwo')es+ h%d %ddressed her re),re d! %s /;other/9h%d $%ssed to the % ,estors" Fro- wh%t he h%d he%rd+ she h%d died *r%)e'!" She h%d i sisted o 2oi i & % h( t+ so-ethi & she h%d ot do e for !e%rs" The Frostwo')es h%d h( ted ,',fthoo),s+ % d the % ,ie t ;other h%d *ee i the )% &(%rd of the ,h%r&i & w%rriors" She h%d *ee tr%-$'ed to de%th *efore % !o e ,o('d i ter)e e to s%)e her+ % d Ner75h(' k ew th%t e)e %s her ,'% -o(r ed her+ the! ,e'e*r%ted her 'ife % d how she h%d ,hose to de$%rt it" S(,h w%s the w%! of the ores" He wo dered if he wo('d see her+ % d the ,hided hi-se'f for the tho(&ht" He wo('d see her if she s%w fit to re)e%' herse'f to hi-" De%th w%s ot the )%st desert of sorrow to % sh%-% th%t it w%s to other or,s+for the! h%d the $ri)i'e&e to %&%i *e i the $rese ,e of the *e'o)ed de%d+ 'e%r their wisdo-+ fee' their %ffe,tio " The Frostwo')es h%d h%d % do(*'e tr%&ed!+ for the i ter)e i & ti-e *etwee Kosh0h%r&s h%d ,'%i-ed their 'e%der G%r%d %s we''" The Frostwo')es h%d h%d the -isfort( e o o e de,e$ti)e'! s( ! d%! to st(-*'e %,ross o fewer th% three o&res % d o e of their -o stro(s -%sters" The hideo(s ,re%t(res were st($id *(t fier,e" % d the &ro w%s % ,( i & foe" The ores were )i,torio(s+ *(t %t % &r%)e ,ost" Des$ite %'' the he%'ers ,o('d do+ G%r%d % d se)er%' others died fro- their i 2(ries th%t *'%,k d%!" B(t i the sorrow of 'osi & % 'e%der+ % d o e th%t Ner75h(' h%d k ow % d res$e,ted+ w%s the 2o! of seei & ew *'ood ,o-e i to its ow " K%sh(r h%d s$oke we'' of !o( & D(rot% + % d fro- %'' Ner75h(' h%d see + the !o(th wo('d -%ke % fi e 'e%der" He h%d w%t,hed %s D(rot% w%s %-ed ,hieft%i + % d h%d oti,ed % %ttr%,ti)e+ fier,e8'ooki & fe-%'e 'ooki & o with -ore th% si-$'e ,'% i terest i the $ro,eedi &s" Ner75h(' fe't ,ert%i th%t *! the e.t Kosh0h%r&+ the 'o)e'! Dr%k% wo('d *e the -%te of the ew Frostwo'f ,hieft%i " He si&hed+ sifti & thro(&h the i-%&es i his -i d whi'e fi''i & his e!es with the de'i&hts of the &'orio(s s( set" The !e%rs ,%-e % d we t+ % d &%)e their *'essi &s+ % d de-% ded their s%,rifi,es" He we t to his s-%'' h(t+ whi,h he h%d o ,e sh%red with % -%te who h%d $%ssed to the % ,estors se)er%' !e%rs %&o" R('k% )isited hi- fro- ti-e to ti-e+ i-$%rti & o words of wisdo-+ *(t fi''i & his he%rt with te der ess % d o$e i & hi- %fresh to the eeds of his $eo$'e e%,h ti-e her s$irit *r(shed his" He -issed her ro(&h '%(&hter % d her w%r-th *eside hi- %t i&ht+ *(t he w%s ,o te t" Perh%$s+ he -(sed+ R('k% wo('d ,o-e to hi- i % )isio to i&ht" He $re$%red % $otio + ,h% ti & o)er it soft'!+ the dri ki & it s'ow'!" It wo('d ot %,t(%''! ,%(se % )isio 4 othi & wo('d ( 'ess the % ,estors wi''ed it+ % d so-eti-es )isio s ,%-e ($o hi- whe he 'e%st e.$e,ted the-" B(t o)er -% ! 'o & !e%rs the sh%-%

h%d 'e%r ed th%t so-e her*s o$e ed the -i d whi'e o e s'e$t+ so -%t if o e w%s i deed &r% ted the &ift of % )isio + o e wo('d re-e-*er it -ore ,'e%r'! the fo''owi & -or i &" Ner75h(' ,'osed his e!es+ % d the o$e ed the- %&%i %'-ost i--edi%te'!+ %'tho(&h he k ew he w%s f%st %s'ee$" The! were st% di & o % -o( t%i to$+ he % d his *e'o)ed R('k% " At first he tho(&ht the! were o*ser)i & the s( set to&ether+ the re%'i5ed th%t the s( w%s risi &+ ot des,e di & i to s'(-*er for the i&ht" The sk! w%s &'orio(s+ *(t i % w%! th%t ro(sed % d -o)ed hi- r%ther th% ,%'-ed % d ,o-forted hi-" The ,o'ors were s,%r'et % d $(r$'e % d or% &e+ %'-ost )io'e t+ % d Ner75h('0s he%rt 'ifted" R('k% t(r ed to hi-+ s-i'i &+ % d for the first ti-e si ,e she h%d e.h%'ed her fi %' *re%th %s % 'i)i & *ei &+ she s$oke to hi-" /Ner75h('+ -! -%te+ this is % ew *e&i i &+/ He &%s$ed+ tre-*'i &+ o)er,o-e with 'o)e for her+ f'ooded with % si--eri & e.,ite-e t ro(sed *! the )i*r% t ,o'ors of the s( rise" A ew *e&i i &6 /Yo( h%)e 'ed o(r $eo$'e we''+/ she s%id" /B(t the ti-e h%s ,o-e to dee$e the o'd w%!s+ t%ke the- f(rther+ for the &ood of %''"/ So-ethi & rose i side his -i d to (d&e %t his ,o s,io(s tho(&ht" R('k% h%d ot *ee % sh%-% " She h%d ot *ee % ,hieft%i " She h%d o '! *ee her wo derf(' se'f+ whi,h h%d *ee -ore th% e o(&h for Ner75h('+ *(t she h%d he'd o $ositio i 'ife th%t wo('d -%ke it 'ike'! th%t she wo('d s$e%k so %(thorit%ti)e'!" A o!ed %t his '%,k of f%ith+ Ner75h(' $(shed the )oi,e dow " He w%s ot % s$irit" He w%s o '! f'esh % d *'ood % d tho(&h he ( derstood the s$irit w%!s -ore th% -ost+ he %'so k ew th%t there w%s -(,h he wo('d e)er ( derst% d ( ti' he stood with the-" Wh! wouldn#t R('k% s$e%k for the % ,estors6 /I %- 'iste i &+/ he s%id" She s-i'ed" /I k ew !o( wo('d+/ she s%id" /There %re d%rk % d d% &ero(s ti-es %he%d for the ores" Hitherto+ we h%)e o '! ,o-e to&ether %t the Kosh0h%r& festi)%'s" S(,h iso'%tio -(st e d if we %re to s(r)i)e %s % r%,e" R('k% 'ooked i to the s( rise+ her f%,e tho(&htf(' and sh%dowed" Ner75h(' %,hed to ho'd her+ to t%ke her *(rde s %s his ow %s he %'w%!s h%d i 'ife" B(t ow+ he k ew he ,o('d ot to(,h her+ or for,e her to s$e%k" So he s%t si'e t'!+ dri ki & i her *e%(t!+ ,%rs str%i i & for her )oi,e" /There is ($o this wor'd % *'i&ht+/ R('k% s%id 3(iet'!" /It -(st *e e'i-i %ted"/ /S%! it+ % d it wi'' *e do e+/ Ner75h(' swore fer)e t'!" /I wi'' %'w%!s ho or the %d)i,e of the % ,estors" She t(r ed to hi- the + her e!es se%r,hi & his %s the 'i&ht &rew *ri&hter" /Whe it is e'i-i %ted+ o(r $eo$'e wi'' st% d $ro(d % d t%'' " " " e)e -ore th% the! %re ow" Power % d stre &th wi'' *e o(rs" This wor'd wi'' *e o(rs" A d !o( " " " !o(+ Ner75h('+ wi'' 'e%d the-"/ So-ethi & i the w%! she s%id the words -%de Ner75h('0s he%rt 'e%$" He w%s %'re%d! $owerf('" He w%s ho ored+ $erh%$s e)e re)ered+ *! his ow ,'% + the Sh%dow-oo d% " He w%s the 'e%der of %'' the or,s+i f%,t if ot i %-e" B(t ow desire stirred i his he%rt for -ore" A d fe%r stirred i hi- too+ d%rk % d ( $'e%s% t+ *(t so-ethi & th%t -(st *e f%,ed" /Wh%t is this thre%t th%t -(st *e e'i-i %ted *efore the ores ,% ,'%i- wh%t is ri&htf(''! theirs6/ She to'd hi-" /Wh%t do,s this -e% 6/ D(rot% %sked" He *roke his f%st with the two $eo$'e i his ,'% he tr(sted -ost: Dr%k%+ his i te ded+ who- he wo('d wed with f('' ,ere-o ! %t the e.t f('' -oo + % d Drek7Th%r+ the ew he%d sh%-% of the ,'% " D(rot% + %'o & with e)er!o e e'se+ h%d -o(r ed the $%ssi & of ;other K%sh(r" D(rot% k ew i his *o es th%t she h%d i te ded to die th%t d%!+ % d wished to -%ke % &ood de%th" She wo('d *e -issed+ *(t Drek7Th%r h%d $ro)ed hi-se'f % worth! s(,,essor" Fi&hti & *%,k his $erso %' &rief+ he h%d ste$$ed i %s the $ri-%r! he%'er of the h( t the % d s(*se3(e t'!" K%sh(r wo('d h%)e *ee $ro(d" Now the three s%t % d %te i the ,hieft%i 0s te t+ where D(rot% " ,hieft%i si ,e his f%ther0s de%th i *%tt'e %&%i st the &ro % d their o&res+ ow dwe't" D(rot% w%s referri & to the 'etter th%t h%d re,e t'! %rri)ed+ *or e *! % 'o &+ 'e% ,o(rier o % 'o &+ 'e% *'%,k wo'f" He %&%i $er(sed its ,o te ts %s he %te $orrid&e -%de fro- *'ood % d &r%i " +nto "urotan, 6hieftain of the $rostwolf clan, the shaman ,er#&hul gives greetings. I have been granted visions by the ancestors that concern us all, as orcs,rather than as individual clan members. I would speak with the leaders of all the clans on the twelfth day of this moon, as well as every shaman of every clan. (ou are to come to the foot of the sacred mountain. Meat and drink will be provided. If you cannot attend, I will take it as a sign that you do not care for the future of our people and act accordingly. $orgive my brus8ueness, but this matter is of the utmost urgency. 3lease respond via my courier. D(rot% h%d -%de the ,o(rier w%it whi'e he dis,(ssed the -%tter" The ,o(rier see-ed 3(ite $(t o(t+ *(t %&reed to st%! for % *rief ti-e" The %ro-%ti, s-e'' of the $orrid&e+ w%fti & fro- % '%r&e ,%('dro + $erh%$s he'$ed ,o )i ,e hi-" /I do ot k ow+ other th% th%t o*)io(s'! Ner75h(' fee's this is of e.tre-e i-$ort% ,e+/ Drek7Th%r %d-itted" /S(,h % thi & h%s e)er h%$$e ed o(tside of the Kosh0h%r& ,ere-o ies" A'w%!s the sh%-% h%)e % -eeti & the + i the $rese ,e of the % ,estors who wish to %tte d" B(t e)er o(tside of th%t" A d I h%)e e)er he%rd of % !o e s(--o i & the ,hieft%i s" B(t I h%)e k ow Ner75h(' %'' -! 'ife" He is % wise % d &re%t sh%-% " If the s$irits were to s$e%k to % ! of (s %*o(t so-ethi & th%t thre%te s (s %''+ the! wo('d s$e%k thro(&h hi-"/ Dr%k% &row'ed+ /S(--o i & !o( 'ike !o( %re $ets to ,o-e %t his ,%''"/ she -(ttered" /I -is'ike this" D(rot% " It s-%,ks of %rro&% ,e"/ /I do ot dis%&ree with !o(+/ D(rot% s%id" His h%,k'es h%d rise %t the to e of the 'etter % d %t first he h%d *ee i ,'i ed to ref(se" B(t %s he re%d it %&%i + he 'ooked $%st the h%(&ht! words to the i te t of the 'etter" So-ethi & w%s defi ite'! tro(*'i & the o e or, e)er!o e res$e,ted+ % d s(re'! th%t w%s worth % few d%!s0 tr%)e'" Dr%k% w%t,hed hi-" her e!es %rrowi &" He 'ooked %t her % d s-i'ed" /I wi'' &o+ the " A d %'' -! sh%-% "/ Dr%k% frow ed" /I wi'' ,o-e with !o("/ /I thi k it wo('d *e *est if9/

Dr%k% s %r'ed" /I %- Dr%k%+ d%(&hter of K,'k%r+ so of Rh%kish" I %- !o(r i te ded+ soo to *e !o(r 'ife $%rt er" Yo( wi'' ot for*id -e to %,,o-$% ! !o(</ D(rot% threw *%,k his he%d % d '%(&hed+ w%r- i side %t the dis$'%! of Dr%k%0s s$irit" He h%d ,hose we''+ %'' ri&ht" Fro- o e *or we%k h%d ,o-e stre &th % d fire" The Frostwo'f ,'% wo('d f'o(rish with her *! his side" /C%'' i the ,o(rier+ the + if he h%s fi ished his -e%'+/ D(rot% s%id+ h(-or sti'' '%,i & his dee$ )oi,e" /Te'' hi- th%t we wi'' ,o-e to this str% &e -eeti & of Ner75h('0s+ *(t we h%d *est *e %ss(red of its e,essit! whe we %re there"/ The Frostwo'f 'e%der % d sh%-% were %-o & the first to %rri)e" Ner75h(' hi-se'f &reeted the-+ % d the -o-e t D(rot% '%id e!es o the sh%-% he k ew th%t he h%d *ee ri&ht to ,o-e" Whi'e Ner75h(' w%s ot % !o( & ore+ D(rot% tho(&ht he h%d %&ed !e%rs i the few -o ths si ,e the '%st Kosh0h%r&" He 'ooked " "" thi er+ %'-ost w%sted+ %s if he h%d ot *ee e%ti & for so-e whi'e" A d his e!es 'ooked h%( ted" He &r%s$ed D(rot% 0s *ro%d sho('ders with h% ds th%t tre-*'ed+ % d his th% ks were si ,ere" This w%s o %rro&% t $'%! for $ower+ *(t % &e (i e fee'i & of thre%t" D(rot% i ,'i ed his he%d+ the 'eft to see his $eo$'e sett'ed i " O)er the e.t few ho(rs+ %s the s( s% k tow%rd the hori5o + D(rot% w%t,hed % ste%d! stre%- of ores $ro&ress to the f'%t -,%dow'% ds %t the *%se of the s%,red -o( t%i + %'-ost %s if &%theri & there for the Kosh0h%r& festi)%'" He s%w the *ri&ht *% ers th%t % o( ,ed e)er! ,'% f'(tteri & i the *ree5e+ % d he fe't % s-i'e ,(r)e his f%,e whe he s%w the s!-*o' of the B'%,kro,k ,'% 9Or&ri-0s ,'% " Si ,e the! h%d *e,o-e %d('ts+ the two *o!hood frie ds h%d fo( d their ti-e to&ether 'i-ited+ % d whi'e Or&ri- h%d %tte ded D(rot% 0s ,hieft%i ,ere-o !+ the! h%d ot see o e % other si ,e+ D(rot% w%s $'e%sed *(t ot %'to&ether s(r$rised to see th%t Or&ri- -%r,hed o '! % ste$ *ehi d B'%,kh% d" the h('ki & % d i ti-id%ti & 'e%der of the B'%,kro,k ,'% " D(rot% 0s o'd frie d w%s ow se,o d i ,o--% d+ the " Dr%k% fo''owed her f(t(re -%te0s &%5e % d &r( ted+ %'so $'e%sed" She &ot %'o & )er! we'' with Or&ri-+ for whi,h D(rot% w%s &r%tef('" He w%s fort( %te th%t the two $eo$'e who -%ttered the -ost to hi- ,o('d *e frie ds with o e % other" Whi'e B'%,kh% d w%s s$e%ki & with Ner75h('+ Or&ri- threw D(rot% % &'% ,e % d % wi k" D(rot% &ri ed *%,k" He w%s tro(*'ed *! Ner75h('0s %$$e%r% ,e+ *(t %t the )er! 'e%st+ this &%theri & wo('d &i)e hi- % ,h% ,e to )isit with Or&ri-" E)e %s D(rot% h%d th%t tho(&ht+ howe)er+ B'%,kh% d t(r ed %w%! with % s ort % d w%)ed for Or&ri- to fo''ow" D(rot% fe't the s-i'e o his f%,e e**4 if B'%,kh% d de-% ded th%t Or&ri- %tte d hi- thro(&ho(t this -eeti &+ the e)e th%t $'e%s(re wo('d *e de ied hi-" Dr%k%+ who k ew hi- so we''+ re%,hed for his h% d % d s3(ee5ed it" She s%id othi &+ she did ot h%)e to" D(rot% 'ooked dow %t her % d s-i'ed" Word ,%-e fro- the s%-e 'o &+ 'e% ,o(rier th%t Ner75h(' wo('d ot ho'd the -eeti & ( ti' to-orrow+ %s )%rio(s ,'% s wo('d sti'' *e tri,k'i & i thro(&h the i&ht" The Frostwo'f e ,%-$-e t w%s s-%''er th% -ost *(t -ore h%r-o io(s th% -% ! The! h%d *ro(&ht tr%)e'i & te ts % d f(rs+ % d the ,o(rier h%d see to it th%t the! h%d *ee &i)e $'e t! of -e%t+ fish+ % d fr(it" A h%( ,h of t%'*(k ow t(r ed s'ow'! o)er the fire+ its t% t%'i5i & s,e t kee$i & the %$$etite sh%r$ e)e %s the ores fe%sted o r%w fish" There were % tot%' of e'e)e 9D(rot% + Dr%k%+ Drek7Th%r+ % d ei&ht of his sh%-% " So-e of the- 'ooked )er! !o( & to D(rot% + *(t whi'e sh%-% ,ert%i '! ,o('d &row i ski'' o)er ti-e+ o ,e the % ,estors h%d %$$e%red to the- i )isio s the! were %'' %,,orded e3(%' ho or % d res$e,t" A sh%dow! for- %$$e%red *e!o d the ri & of the fire0s i''(-i %tio " D(rot% &ot to his feet % d drew hi-se'f to his f('' i-$osi & hei&ht+ 2(st i ,%se the )isitor h%d h%d too -(,h to dri k % d h%d ,o-e with *e''i&ere t i te t" The the wi d shifted % d he '%(&hed %s he ,%(&ht Or&ri-0s s,e t" /We',o-e+ -! o'd frie d+/ he ,ried %s he we t to ro(&h'! e-*r%,e the other ore" T%'' %s D(rot% w%s+ Or&ri- w%s sti'' *i&&er+ %s he h%d *ee i their !o(th" As he re&%rded the B'%,kro,k se,o d i ,o--% d+ D(rot% $ri)%te'! -%r)e'ed how he h%d *ee %*'e to *est Or&ri- i % !thi &" Or&ri- &r( ted % d ,'%$$ed D(rot% o the sho('der" /Yo(r &%theri & is s-%''+ *(t it s-e''s the *est of % ! of the-+/ he s%id+ 'ooki & %t the ro%sti & -e%t % d s iffi & %$$re,i%ti)e'!" /The te%r off % h( k of t%'*(k % d 'e%)e !o(r d(ties *ehi d for % whi'e+/ Dr%k% s%id" /Wo('d th%t I ,o('d+/ Or&ri- si&hed+ /*(t I do ot h%)e -(,h ti-e" If the Frostwo'f ,hieft%i wo('d w%'k with -e % *it+ I wo('d *e ho ored"/ /Let (s w%'k+ the +/ D(rot% re$'ied" The! 'eft the e ,%-$-e t % d w%'ked i si'e ,e for % ti-e+ ( ti' the ,%-$fir,s were s-%''+ twi k'i & 'i&hts i the dist% ,e % d the! were %ss(red th%t there were o $r!i & e!es or ,%rs to wit ess the-" Both ores s iffed the wi d %s we''" Or&ri- stood si'e t'! for % whi'e+ % d D(rot% w%ited with the $%tie ,e of the tr(e h( ter" At '%st+ Or&ri- s$oke" /B'%,kh% d did ot w% t (s to ,o-e+/ he s%id" /He tho(&ht it de-e% i &+ th%t Ner75h(' wo('d s(--o (s 'ike we were $ets to his ,%''"/ /Dr%k% % d I h%d th%t re%,tio %s we''+ *(t I %- &'%d we did" Yo( s%w Ner75h('0s f%,e" O e 'ook %t hi- w%s %'' I eeded to deter-i e th%t we h%d *ee ri&ht to ,o-e"/ Or&ri- s orted derisi)e'!" /For -!se'f %s we''+ *(t whe I 'eft the ,%-$+ B'%,kh% d w%s sti'' r%&i & %&%i st the sh%-% " He does ot see wh%t !o( % d I do"/ It w%s ot D(rot% 0s $'%,e to s$e%k i'' of % other ,'% 'e%der+ *(t either w%s it % ! se,ret wh%t -ost ores tho(&ht of B'%,kh% d" He w%s ,ert%i '! % $owerf(' ore+ f(''! i his $ri-e+ *i&&er % d stro &er th% % ! or, D(rot% h%d e)er see " A d he w%s %'so ,er8 t%i '! ot st($id" B(t there w%s % %ir %*o(t hi- th%t r%ised D(rot% 0s h%,k'es" D(rot% de,ided to ho'd his to &(e" /I see !o(r str(&&'e e)e i the d%rk ess+ -! o'd frie d+/ Or&ri- s%id 3(iet'!" /Yo( do ot h%)e to s$e%k for -e to k ow wh%t !o( wo('d s%!" He is -! ,hieft%i + I h%)e swor 'o!%'t! to hi- % d I wi'' ot *re%k th%t o%th" B(t e)e I h%)e -! -is&i)i &s"/ The %d-issio st%rt'ed D(rot% " /Yo( do6/ Or&ri- odded" /I %- tor + D(rot% 4 tor *etwee -! 'o!%'ties % d wh%t -! -i d % d he%rt te'' -," ;%! !o( e)er *e $(t i s(,h % $ositio " As se,o d+ I ,% he'$ -oder%te hi- so-ewh%t+ *(t ot -(,h" He is ,'% 'e%der+ % d he h%s the $ower" I ,% o '! ho$e th%t he wi'' 'iste to others to-orrow % d ot st(**or '! sit o his wo( ded $ride"/ D(rot% fer)e t'! sh%red th%t ho$e" If thi &s were i deed %s *%d %s Ner75h('0s e.$ressio see-ed to i di,%te+ the '%st thi & he w% ted to see w%s the 'e%der of o e of the -ost $owerf(' ,'% s *eh%)i & 'ike % s$oi'ed ,hi'd"

His e!e fe'' ($o % d%rk sh%$e o Or&ri-0s *%,k" Pride % d sorrow *oth f'ooded hi- %s he s$oke" /Yo( ,%rr! the Doo-h%--er ow" I did ot k ow of !o(r f%ther0s $%ssi &"/ /He died *r%)e'! % d we''+/ Or&ri- s%id" He hesit%ted+ the s%id+ /Do !o( re-e-*er th%t d%! 'o & %&o whe We r% %fo(' of the o&re % d the dr%e ei s%)ed (s6/ /I ,o('d e)er for&et it+/ D(rot% s%id" /Their $ro$het s$oke of the ti-e whe I wo('d re,ei)e the Doo-h%--er+/ Or&ri- s%id" /I w%s so e.,ited %t the tho(&ht of wie'di & it i the h( t" Th%t w%s the first ti-e < ( derstood9I -e% re%''! ( derstood9th%t the d%! it *e,%-e -! we%$o wo('d *e the d%! I wo('d *e f%ther'ess"/ He ( str%$$ed the we%$o fro- his *%,k % d hoisted it" It w%s 'ike w%t,hi & % d% ,er" D(rot% tho(&ht9% *%'% ,e of $ower % d &r%,e" The -oo sho e dow ($o Or&ri-0s stro & *od! %s he -o)ed+ ,ro(,hed+ s$r% &+ sw( &" Fi %''!+ *re%thi & he%)i'! % d swe%ti &+ Or&ri- re$'%,ed the 'e&e d%r! we%$o " /It is % &'orio(s thi &"/ Or&ri- s%id 3(iet'!" /A we%$o of $ower" A we%$o of $ro$he,!" The $ride of -! 'i e%&e" A d I wo('d sh%tter it i to % tho(s% d $ie,es with -! ow h% ds if it wo('d *ri & -! f%ther *%,k"/ Witho(t % other word+ Or&ri- strode *%,k tow%rd the s-%'' ,'(ster of twi k'i & fires" D(rot% -%de o -o)e to fo''ow" He s%t for % 'o & ti-e+ st%ri & ($ %t the st%rs+ se si & dee$ withi his so(' th%t the wor'd he wo('d *eho'd ($o %w%ke i & to-orrow wo('d *e r%di,%''! differe t th% the o e he h%d k ow %'' his 'ife"

SE1EN
I know well that we lost more than we gained, we ores. .t that point, our culture was unspoiled, innocent, pure. We were like children who had always been safe, loved, and protected. But children need to grow up, and we as a people were too easily manipulated. There is a place for trust! no one can accuse me of not knowing this. But we must also be careful. Those who have fair faces can deceive, and even those whom we believe in with all our souls can beguiled. It is the loss of our innocence that I lament when I think back to what those days must have been like. .nd it was our innocence that led to our downfall. It w%s % 'o & 'i e of so'e- f%,es th%t t(r ed to 'ook %t die &%thered 'e%ders of the or, ,'% s" D(rot% stood e.t to Dr%k%+ his %r%*o(t her w%ist i % $rote,ti)e &est(re+ %'tho(&h he w%s ot s(re wh! he fe't she eeded defe di &" His e!es wide ed %s the! -et Drek7Th%r0s % d he s%w i his frie d % d %d)isor0s f%,e so-ethi & th%t ,hi''ed hi- to the *o e" He wished he ,o('d st% d with Or&ri-+ The! were of differe t ,'% s % d differe t tr%ditio s+ *(t other th% his i te ded+ there w%s o o e D(rot% tr(sted -ore" B(t Or&ri-+ of ,o(rse+ stood *eside his ,hieft%i B'%,kh% d+ who 'ooked %ro( d %t the &%thered sh%-% with thi '! ,o ,e%'ed % o!% ,e" /He h%s *ee too 'o & %w%! fro- the h( t+ th%t o e+/ Dr%k% -(r-(red+ oddi & i B'%,kh% d0s dire,tio " /He is s$oi'i & for % fi&ht"/ D(rot% si&hed" /He -%! we'' &et it" Look %t their f%,es"/ /I h%)e e)er see Drek7Th%r so+ ot e)e whe ;other K%sh(r0s *od! w%s *roke +/ Dr%k% s%id" D(rot% did ot re$'!+ -ere'! odded % d ,o ti (ed to o*ser)e" Ner75h(' strode forw%rd i to the ,e ter of the &%thered ,rowd" E)er!o e -o)ed *%,k to &i)e hi- roo-" He *e&% to w%'k s( wise i % ,ir,'e+ -(r-(ri &" The he $%(sed % d 'ifted his h% ds" Fire *(rst forth i fro t of hi-+ 'e%$i & sk!w%rd i % dis$'%! th%t *ro(&ht soft so( ds of %$$re,i%tio e)e fro- those who h%d see s(,h thi &s -% ! ti-es *efore" It stood+ toweri & o)er the- for % 'o & -o-e t+ the s(*sided+ sett'i & dow to *e,o-e % tr%ditio %' *o fire+ %'*eit % -%&i,%' o e" /As the d%rk ess f%''s+ i -ore w%!s th% o e+ sit !o( *eside the fire+/ Ner75h(' ,o--% ded" /Let e%,h ,'% sit to itse'f+ with its ow sh%-% + % d I wi'' ,%'' !o( forth to s$e%k whe the ti-e is ri&ht"/ /Perh%$s !o( wish (s to fet,h % s'%i *e%st for !o(+ too+/ ,%-e % fier,e+ % &r! )oi,e" /A d 'ie o*edie t'! %t !o(r feet %t i&ht</ D(rot% k ew th%t )oi,e4 he h%d he%rd it r%ised ofte e o(&h %t the Kosh0h%r& festi)%'s i his !o(th+ % d h%d he%rd its ow er (tter ,ries to ,hi'' the *'ood d(ri & h( ts" It w%s disti ,ti)e % d ( -ist%k%*'e" He t(r ed to 'ook %t Gro- H,''s,re%-+ the !o(thf(' 'e%der of the W%rso & ,'% + % d ho$ed th%t the o(t*(rst wo('d ot o)er'! de'%! wh%te)er it w%s Ner75h(' h%d to te'' the- %''" H,''s,re%- stood i the fro t of his ,'% + -ore s'e der -% -ost or,s+*(t sti'' t%'' % d i-$osi &" The W%rso & ,o'ors were red % d *'%,k+ % d whi'e H,''s,re%- wore o %r-or+ the si-$'e 'e%r ers i those stro & h(es ser)ed to se d % i-$osi & -ess%&e o ethe'ess" He fo'ded his %r-s % d &'%red %t Ner75h('" Ner75h(' did ot rise to the *%it+ -ere'! si&hed dee$'!" /;% ! of !o( fee' !o(r ho or is offe ded+ this I k ow" Gi)e -e 'e%)e to s$e%k+ % d !o( wi'' *e &'%d th%t !o( %re here" Yo(r ,hi'dre 0s ,hi'dre wi'' *e &'%d of it"/ H,''s,re%- &row'ed % d his e!es f'%shed+ *(t he s%id o -ore" He stood for % -o-e t 'o &er+ the with % shr(&+ %s if to i di,%te th%t it w%s *! his ow wi''+ he s%t" His ,'% fo''owed his 'e%d" Ner75h(' w%ited ( ti' there w%s 3(iet+ % d the *e&% to s$e%k" /I h%)e h%d % )isio "/ he s%id+ /fro- o e of the % ,estors who- I tr(st -ore th% I ,% $ossi*'! s%!" She h%s re)e%'ed to -e % thre%t+ '(rki & 'ike % $oiso o(s s,or$io ( der % f'oweri & *(sh" A'' the other sh%-% ,% %ttest to this+ % d theBI wi''+ o ,e the! h%)e o$$ort( it! to s$e%k" It &rie)es % d i f(ri%tes -e th%t we h%)e *ee so d($ed"/ D(rot% h( & o the sh%-% 0s words+ his he%rt r%,i &" Who w%s this -!sterio(s e e-!6 How h%d so d%rk % foe es,%$ed their oti,e6 Ner75h(' si&hed+ 'ooki & dow o the &ro( d+ the shook hi-se'f" His )oi,e w%s dee$ % d ,o fide t+ if '%,ed with sorrow" /The e e-! of whi,h I s$e%k+/ he s%id he%)i'!+ /is the dr%e ei"/ Ch%os er($ted" D(rot% st%red+ dis*e'ie)i &" He 'ooked %ro( d+ seeki & Or&ri-0s &%5e+ % d st%red i to his frie d0s wide+ &r%! e!es+ seei & there the s%-e st( ed sho,k th%t he hi-se'f fe't" The dr%e ei6 S(re'! so-ethi & w%s wro &" The &ro + !es+ $erh%$s the! h%d st(-*'ed %,ross so-e se,ret k ow'ed&e to (se %&%i st the h%ted ores "" " *(t o" Not the dr%e ei"

The! were ot e)e fi&hters o the 'e)e' th%t the ores were" The! h( ted+ !es+ th%t w%s tr(e+ *(t the! eeded -e%t %s -(,h %s % ! or, i order to s(r)i)e" The! ,o('d st% d %&%i st the &ro + % d so-eti-es h%d %ssisted % h( ti & $%rt! % ti-e or two" D(rot% 0s tho(&hts we t *%,k to the d%! whe two !o( & ore ,hi'dre were f'eei & *efore % o&re whose footste$s -%de the e%rth tre-*'e+ % d the t%''+ *'(e fi&(res th%t h%d %$$e%red o(t of owhere to s%)e the-" Wh! wo('d the! risk the-se')es to s%)e two *o!s if the! were tr('! %s -ethodi,%''! e)i' %s Ner75h(' *e'ie)ed6 It -%de o se se" Nothi & %*o(t % ! of this -%de se se" Ner75h(' w%s ,'%-ori & for si'e ,e+ % d ot &etti & it" Bt%,kh% d w%s o his feet+ )ei s st% di & o(t i his thi,k e,k+ whi'e Or&ri- w%s doi & wh%t he ,o('d to $'%,%te his ,hieft%i " The % terri*'e oise $ier,ed the %ir+ sh%tteri & the ,%rs % d %'-ost sto$$i & the he%rt" Gro- H,''s,r,%- stood %s we''+ his he%d throw *%,k+ his ,hest thr(st forw%rd % d his *'%,k 2%w o$e so wide it see-ed %'-ost to h%)e ( hi &ed itse'f 'ike % s %ke0s" Nothi & ,o('d ,o-$ete with H,''s,r,%-0s w%r ,r!+ % d st( ed si'e ,e e s(ed" Gro- o$e ed his e!es % d &ri ed %t Ner75h('+ who see-ed ,o-$'ete'! o $'(ssed %t h%)i & % for-er % t%&o ist *e,o-e % %''! so 3(i,k'!" /Let the sh%-% ,o ti (e"/ H,''s,r,%- s%id" So (tter w%s the si'e ,e %fter his o(t*(rst th%t the words were he%rd *! %''+ e)e tho(&h the! were s$oke i % ,o )ers%tio %' to e" /I w% t to he%r -ore of this ew+ o'd e e-!"/ Ner75h(' s-i'ed &r%tef(''!" /I k ow this st%rt'es !o(" It sho,ked -e %s we''" B(t the % ,estors do not 'ie" These see-i &'! *e e)o'e t $eo$'e h%)e *ee w%iti & for !e%rs ( ti' the ti-e is ri&ht to %tt%,k (s" The! sit s%fe'! *ehi d their str% &e *(i'di &s -%de of -%teri%'s we do ot ( derst% d+ % d the! h%r*or se,rets th%t ,o('d *e efit (s &re%t'!"/ /B(t wh!6/ D(rot% s$oke e)e *efore he hi-se'f re%'i5ed he h%d" He%ds t(r ed to 'ook %t hi-+ *(t he did ot *%,k dow " /Wh! do the! w% t to %tt%,k (s6 If the! h%r*or s(,h )%st se,rets+ wh%t do the! eed fro- (s6 A d how ,o('d we $ossi*'! defe%t the- if this is tr(e6/ Ner75h(' 'ooked dis,o-fited" /Th%t+ I do ot k ow+ *(t I do k ow th%t the % ,estors %re ,o ,er ed"/ /We o(t (-*er the-+/ B'%,kh% d &row'ed" /Not *! th%t -(,h+/ D(rot% shot *%,k" /Not %&%i st their s($erior k ow'ed&e" The! ,%-e here o % shi$ th%t s%i's *etwee wor'ds" B'%,kh% d" Thi k !o( the! wi'' f%'' to %rrows % d %.es6/ B'%,kh% d0s he%)! *rows drew to&ether" He o$e ed his -o(th to retort" /This h%s *ee si--eri & 'ike % stew o the fire for -% ! de,%des+/ Ner75h(' i terr($ted+ forest%''i & the %r&(-e t" /Reso'(tio % d e)e t(%' )i,tor! wi'' ot ,o-e o)er i&ht" I do ot %sk !o( to &o to w%r this -o-e t+ *(t si-$'! to *e %w%re" To $re$%re" To dis,(ss with !o(r sh%-% the ri&ht ,o(rse of %,tio " A d to o$e !o(r -i ds % d he%rts to % ( io th%t wi'' e s(re tri(-$h"/ He s$re%d his h% ds i-$'ori &'!" /We %re se$%r%te ,'% s+ !es+ e%,h with its ow tr%ditio s % d herit%&e" I %- ot %ski & !o( to &i)e ($ th%t $ro(d histor!+ -ere'! %ski & !o( to o$e !o(r -i ds to % ( it! th%t t%kes ,'% s th%t %re stro & %'o e % d t(r s the- i to % ( sto$$%*'e for,e" We %re %'' or,s< B'%,kro,k+ W%rso &+ Th( d,r'ord+ Dr%&o -%w " " " do 0t !o( see how 'itt'e those disti ,tio s -%tter6 We are the same people2 I the e d+ we w% t s%fe ho-es for o(r !o( &+ s(,,ess i the h( t+ -%tes who 'o)e (s+ ho or %-o & the % ,estors" We %re -ore %'ike th% differe t"/ D(rot% k ew this to *e tr(e % d &'% ,ed o)er %t his frie d" Or&ri- stood *ehi d his ,hieft%i + t%'' % d i-$osi & % d so'e- " Yet whe he fe't D(rot% 0s &%5e o hi-+ he -et th%t &%5e % d odded" There h%d *ee those who h%d $rotested this ( (s(%' frie dshi$ *etwee two %d)e t(reso-e % d+ D(rot% h%d to %d-it+ tro(*'e8 $ro e !o(ths" B(t D(rot% wo('d ot *e who he w%s tod%! if he h%d ot dr%w fro- Or&ri-0s ste%d! stre &th4 % d he k ew i his *o es th%t Or&ri- fe't the s%-e %*o(t hi-" B(t the dr%e ei""" /;%! I s$e%k6/ The )oi,e *e'o &ed to Drek0Th%r+ % d D(rot% t(r ed+ s(r$rised" The 3(estio see-ed to *e %ddressed ot o '! to his ,hieft%i + *(t to the sh%-% who h%d *ee % -e tor to %'' of the-" Ner75h(' 'ooked %t D(rot% + who odded" /;! ,hieft%i +/ Drek0Th%r s%id+ % d to D(rot% 0s sho,k his )oi,e tre-*'ed+ /-! ,hieft%i + wh%t Ner75h(' h%s s%id is tr(e" ;other K%sh(r ,o fir-ed it"/ The other Frostwo'f sh%-% odded" D(rot% st%red %t the-" ;other K%sh(r6 If there w%s % !o e D(rot% tr(sted+ it w%s th%t wise o'd ore" His -i d we t *%,k to the -o-e t whe he stood i the ,%)er + fee'i & the ,o'd %ir th%t w%s ot %ir o his f%,e+ 'iste i & % d w%t,hi & with e)er! fi*er of his *ei & %s ;other K%sh(r s$oke to so-eo e he ,o('d ot see *(t who he k ew w%s there+ /;other K%sh(r s%id the dr%e ei %re o(r e e-ies6/ he %sked+ h%rd'! %*'e to *e'ie)e his ,%rs+ Drek7Th%r odded" /It is ti-e for the ,'% ,hieft%i s to 'iste to their ow sh%-% + %s D(rot% h%s do e+/ s%id Ner75h('" /We wi'' re,o )e e %t twi'i&ht+ % d the ,hieft%i s wi'' te'' -e their tho(&hts" These %re the $eo$'e !o( k ow % d tr(st" Ask the- wh%t the! h%)e see +/ The &%thered ,rowd *e&% to dis$erse" S'ow'!+ 'ooki & %t o e % other ,%(tio(s'!+ the Frostwo'f ,'% w% dered *%,k to their ow e ,%-$-e t" As o e+ the! s%t i % ,ir,'e % d t(r ed their %tte tio to Drek7Th%r+ who *e&% to s$e%k s'ow'! % d ,%ref(''!" /The dr%e ei %re ot o(r frie ds+/ he s%id" /;! ,hieft%i """ I k ow !o( % d the Doo-h%--er B'%,kro,k st%!ed with the- o e i&ht+ I k ow th%t !o( s$oke we'' of the-+ I k ow th%t it %$$e%rs th%t the! s%)ed !o(r 'ife" B(t 'et -e %sk !o( " " " did othi & strike !o( %-iss6/ D(rot% re,%''ed the o&re *e%ri & dow o the-+ *e''owi & i f(r!+ its ,'(* swi &i &" A d with % ( ,o-fort%*'e se s%tio + he re,%''ed how )er!+ )er! 3(i,k'! the dr%e ei %$$e%red to res,(e hi- % d Or&ri-" How the! ,o('d ot ret(r ho-e %s it w%s so ,o )e ie t'! ,'ose to twi'i&ht" He frow ed" It w%s % ( ,h%rit%*'e tho(&ht+ % d !et""" /Yo(r *row f(rrows+ -! ,hieft%i " I t%ke it+ the + th%t !o(r !o(thf(' f%ith i the- is ow st%rti & to w% e6/ D(rot% did ot % swer+ or did he 'ook %t his ,'% 0s he%d sh%-% " He st%red dow %t the e%rth+ ot w% ti & to fee' this w%!+ *(t ( %*'e to sto$ the do(*t fro- ,ree$i & i to his he%rt+ 'ike the ,o'd fi &ers of % frost! -or i &"

I his -e-or!+ he %&%i s$oke to Rest%'%% + te''i & the t%'' *'(e dr%e ei+ /We were ot %s we %re ow"/ /No+ !o( %re ot+/ Rest%'%% h%d s%id" /We h%)e w%t,hed the ores &row i stre &th % d ski'' % d t%'e t" Yo( h%)e i-$ressed (s+/ He fe't %&%i % sh%r$ sti &+ %s if the ,o-$'i-e t were % ,%ref(''! ,r%fted i s('t" As if the dr%e ei tho(&ht the! were s($erior "" " e)e with their str% &e+ ( %t(r%' *'(e ski + their 'e&s sh%$ed 'ike those of ,o--o t%'*(ks+ with 'o &+ re$ti'i% t%i's % d shi ! *'(e hoo)es i ste%d of de,e t feet 'ike the ores h%d9 /S$e%k+ -! ,hieft%i " Wh%t do !o( re,%''6/ D(rot% to'd hi- i % ro(&h % d he%)! )oi,e of the fort(ito(s %rri)%' of the dr%e ei+ of Rest%'%% 0s e%r %rro&% ,e+ /A d " " " % d 1e'e + their $ro$het+ %sked -% ! 3(estio s %*o(t (s+ % d he w%s ot -%ki & id'e ,o )ers%tio " He tr('! see-ed to w% t to k ow %*o(t the ores"/ /Of ,o(rse he did+/ Drek7Th%r s%id" /Wh%t % o$$ort( it!< The! h%)e *ee $'otti & %&%i st (s si ,e the! %rri)ed" A d to fi d two9for&i)e -e" D(rot% " *(t two !o( & % d %i)e ,hi'dre to te'' the- e)er!thi & the! w% ted to k ow6 It -(st h%)e *ee 3(ite % e)e t"/ The % ,estors wo('d ot 'ie to the-+ es$e,i%''! %*o(t so-ethi & so i-$ort% t" D(rot% k ew this" A d ow th%t he re,%''ed the e)e ts of th%t d%! % d i&ht i this ew 'i&ht of k ow'ed&e+ it w%s o*)io(s how s(s$i,io(s 1e'e 0s %,tio s h%d *ee " A d !et " " " w%s 1e'e s(,h % -%ster of de,eit th%t the se s%tio of tr(st *oth Or&ri- % d D(rot% h%d fe't h%d *ee %'' % 'ie6 D(rot% *owed his he%d" /There is $%rt of -e th%t do(*ts !et+ -! frie ds+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" /A d !et+ I ,% ot st%ke the f(t(re of o(r $eo$'e o s(,h thi i,e %s -! ow $erso %' do(*ts" Ner75h(' did ot $ro$ose % %ss%('t to-orrow" He %sked for (s to tr%i + % d w%t,h+ % d $re$%re+ % d dr%w ,'oser %s % $eo$'e" This I wi'' do+ for the &ood of the Frostwo')es % d the &ood of the ores"/ He 'ooked %t e%,h worried f%,e i t(r + so-e -ere'! frie ds+ so-e+ 'ike Drek7Th%r % d Dr%k%+ k ow % d 'o)ed" /The Frostwo'f ,'% wi'' $re$%re for w%r"/

EIGHT
ow easily the mind can be turned to hate from a place of fear9an i sti ,ti)e+ natural, protective response. Instead of focusing on the things that unite us, we focus on what divides us. My skin is green! yours is pink. I have tusks! you have long ears. ;!sfei is bare!yours is covered with fir. I breathe air! you do not. If we had dung to such things, the B(r i & 1egion would not have been defeated, for I would never have wished to ally with <aina 3roudmoore, or fight alongside elves. My people would then not have survived to befriend the tauren, or the forsaken. 'o it was with draenei. 5ur skin was reddish7brown then! theirs was blue. We had feet, they had hooves and a tail. We lived mostly in the open, they lived in enclosed spaces. We had a fairly short life span! no one knew how long7lived they were. ,evermind that they had shown us nothing but courtesy and openness. That they had traded with us, taught us, shared whatever they were asked to share. That had no bearing now. We had heard from the ancestors, and we saw with our own eyes how different they were. My prayer, every day, is for wisdom to guide my people. .nd in that prayer is couched a plea, never to be blinded by such trivial differences. The tr%i i & *e&% " It h%d %'w%!s *ee ,(sto- %-o & e%r'! e)er! ,'% to *e&i tr%i i & the !o( &'i &s o ,e the! ,e'e*r%ted their si.th !e%r+ *(t $re)io(s'!+ the tr%i i & h%d *ee serio(s *(t re'%.ed" We%$o s were for h( ti & % i-%'s+ ot se tie t *ei &s who h%d their ow we%$o s % d ski''s % d te,h o'o&i,%' %d)% t%&es+ % d there were $'e t! of h( ters who ,o('d e%si'! *ri & dow $re!" A !o( & or, 'e%r ed %t his or her ow $%,e+ % d there w%s $'e t! of ti-e for $'%! % d e 2o!i & si-$'! *ei & !o( &" No 'o &er" The $'e% for ( it! %-o & the ores w%s % swered" The ,o(riers e.h%(sted their *e%sts ridi & to % d fro *etwee ,'% s ,%rr!i & -ess%&es" At o e $oi t so-e *ri&ht fe''ow ,%-e ($ with the ide% of tr%i i & *'oodh%wks to ,%rr! the 'etters" It took so-e doi & % d did ot h%$$e o)er i&ht+ *(t &r%d(%''!+ D(rot% &rew (sed to seei & the s,%r'et *irds f'(tteri & to Drek7Th%r % d others i the ,'% " He %$$ro)ed of the ide%4 e)er! w%r- *od! w%s eeded if *%tt'e $'% s were to *e s(,,essf('" Whi'e s$e%rs+ %rrows+ %.es+ % d other we%$o s worked we'' %&%i st the % i-%'s of the fie'ds % d forests+ the! wo('d eed to *e s($$'e-e ted with other t!$es of we%$o s if the! were to *e (sed %&%i st the dr%e ei" Prote,tio wo('d *e )it%'+ % d where%s *efore the s-iths % d ',%th,r,r%ft,rs fo,(sed o %r-or th%t wo('d *'( t %tt%,ks fro- ,'%ws % d teeth+ ow the! h%d to ,re%te thi &s th%t wo('d s%)e the we%rer if he were i-$%'ed or s'%shed *! % sword" Those who ( derstood the ,r%ft of s-ithi & h%d *ee few $re)io(s'!4 ow+ the -%ster s-iths fo( d the-se')es te%,hi & do5e s %t % ti-e" The for&es r% & d%! % d i&ht with the so( d of h%--ers % d the hiss of hot -et%' *ei & $'( &ed i to w%ter *%rre's" ;% ! s$e t 'o & d%!s swi &i & $i,ks+ for,i & the e%rth to !ie'd the e,ess%r! -i er%'s for ,r%fti & we%$o s % d -et%' %r-or" H( ts+ whi,h h%d *ee ,o d(,ted %s the eed %rose+ ow were d%i'! e)e ts+ %s food eeded to *e dried % d $reser)ed % d ski s were re3(ired for %r-or" The !o( &'i &s who 'i ed ($ for tr%i i & 'ooked )er! !o( & i deed to D(rot% + who w%s o e of -% ! i str(,tors" He re,%''ed his f%ther te%,hi & hi- the w%!s of %.e % d s$e%r" Wh%t wo('d he thi k of these s-%'' o es+ %'' *(t *(,k'i & *e e%th shi ! -et%' %r-or+ ho'di & we%$o s th%t o or, h%d e)er *efore *or e6 Dr%k%+ with who- he h%d 2oi ed i % 3(i,k+ 3(iet rit(%' %s he did ot w% t to t%ke ti-e or reso(r,es %w%! fro- w%r tr%i i &+ to(,hed his *%,k &e t'!" A'w%!s+ she k ew wh%t he w%s thi ki &" /It wo('d *e *etter if we h%d *ee *or i % ti-e of $e%,e+/ she %&reed" /E)e the -ost *'oodthirst! k ows the tr(th of th%t" B(t We %re where we %re+ -! -%te+ % d I k ow )o( wi'' ot shirk this t%sk"/ He s-i'ed s%d'! %t her" /N%!+ I wi'' ot" We %re w%rriors" We thri)e o the h( t+ o the ,h%''e &e+ o the s$i''i & of *'ood % d the ,ries of )i,tor!" The! %re s-%''+ *(t the! %re ot we%k" The! wi'' 'e%r " The! %re Frostwo')es"/ He $%(sed+ the %dded fier,e'!+ /The! %re ores." /Ti-e is $%ssi &+/ s%id R('k% " /I k ow " " " *(t !o( wo('d ot h%)e o(r $eo$'e &o i to *%tt'e ( $re$%red+/ Ner75h(' re$'ied" /The dr%e ei %re )%st'! s($erior %s it st% ds ow"/ R('k% &r( ted ( h%$$i'!+ the s-i'ed" Ner75h(' 'ooked %t her" W%s it his i-%&i %tio + or did the s-i'e see- for,ed6 /We %re tr%i i & %s f%st %s We ,% +/ Ner75h(' %dded 3(i,k'!+ ot wishi & to offe d the s$irit who h%d *ee his 'ife-%t,"

R('k% w%s si'e t" C'e%r'!+ it w%s ot f%st e o(&h" /Perh%$s !o( ,% he'$ (s+/ he s%id" He w%s %w%re th%t he w%s *%**'i &" /Perh%$s there is k ow'ed&e !o( h%)e th%t"" " th%t"""/ R('k% frow ed+ the ,o,ked her he%d" /I h%)e to'd !o( %'' I k ow+/ she s%id+ /*(t there %re other $owers " " " other *ei &s " " " th%t the 'i)i & do ot k ow of"/ Ner75h(' %'-ost st(-*'ed %t her words" /There %re the e'e-e ts+ % d there %re the % ,estr%' s$irits+/ he -% %&ed" /Wh%t other *ei &s %re there6/ She s-i'ed %t hi-" /Yo( !et *re%the+ -! -%te" Yo( %re ot re%d! to tre%t with the-" The! %re the o es who h%)e *ee %idi & (s+ so th%t We -%! %id !o(+ the *e'o)ed o es We 'eft *ehi d"/ /No</ Ner75h(' re%'i5ed he w%s $'e%di &+ *(t he ,o('d ot he'$ it" /P'e%se " " " We eed %id if We %re to $rote,t the f(t(re &e er%tio s fro- the dr%e ei0s i sidio(s $'ots"/ He did ot s%! th%t he w%s e 2o!i & *ei & the ,e ter of %tte tio fro- e)er! si &'e or, i e)er! si &'e ,'% " He did ot s%! th%t her e%r'ier $ro-ise of $ower h%d -%de hi- thi k o s(,h thi &s+ % d *e&i to desire the-" B(t e)e -ore th% th%t+ she h%d i sti''ed s(,h terror of the -o stro(s dr%e ei th%t this s(dde ho'di & *%,k o her $%rt ( er)ed hi- tot%''!" R('k% 'ooked %t hi- %$$r%isi &'!" /Perh%$s !o( %re ri&ht+/ she s%id" /I wi'' see if the! wi'' s$e%k to !o(" There is o e who- t tr(st the -ost+ whose ,o ,er for o(r $eo$'e is dee$ % d %*idi &" I wi'' %sk hi-"/ He odded+ %'-ost ridi,('o(s'! $'e%sed %t her words+ the *'i ked %w%ke" A s-i'e stret,hed his 'i$s" Soo " He wo('d see this -!sterio(s s$irit+ this *e ef%,tor+ )er! soo " G('0d% s-i'ed %t hi- %s he *ro(&ht i fr(it % d fish to *re%k his -%ster0s f%st" 0A other )isio + -! -%ster6/ He *owed 'ow %s he $rese ted the food % d ,($ of ste%-i & her*%' te%" #$o R('k% 0s %d)i,e+ Ner75h(' h%d *e&( dri ki & % ti ,t(re of ,ert%i her*s *rewed to % $re,ise stre &th" R('k% %ss(red hi- th%t it wo('d ,o ti (e to e s(re th%t his -i d % d s$irit re-%i ed o$e to )isio s" Ner75h(' h%d fo( d the ,o ,o,tio ( $'e%s% t %t first+ *(t h%d showed o si& of his dis'ike" Now+ he fo( d he e 2o!ed the *e)er%&e first thi & i the -or i & % d three -ore ti-es thro(&ho(t the d%!" He %,,e$ted the ,($ % d si$$ed it %s he odded i res$o se to G('0d% 0s 3(estio " /I deed " " " % d I h%)e 'e%r ed so-ethi & i-$ort% t" G('0d% + for %s 'o & %s there h%)e *ee or,s+there h%)e *ee sh%-% " A d the sh%-% work with the e'e-e ts % d with the % ,estors+/ G('0d% 0s f%,e wore % e.$ressio of $(55'e-e t" /Yes """ of ,o(rse """/ Ner75h(' ,o('d 0t stif'e % &ri th%t stret,hed his 'i$s wide o)er his t(sks" /A d th%t is sti'' tr(e" B(t there is -ore th% we k ow of" ;ore th%t the % ,estors ,% se,+ *(t we %s 'i)i & *ei &s ,% ot" R('k% h%s to'd -e she h%s *ee i ,o t%,t with s(,h *ei &s" The! h%)e wisdo- % d k ow'ed&e e)e *e!o d th%t of the % ,estors+ % d the! wi'' ,o-e to (s to %id (s" R('k% s%!s there is o e i $%rti,('%r who h%s ,hose to t%ke the ores ( der his wi &" A d soo " " " soo he wi'' show hi-se'f to -e</ G('0d% 0s e!es s$%rk'ed" 0A d """ to -e too" $erh%$s+ -%ster6/ Ner75h(' s-i'ed" /Yo( %re % stro & o e+ G('0d% +/ he s%id" /I wo('d ot h%)e ,hose !o( %s -! %$$re ti,e if th%t were ot the ,%se" Yes+ I thi k so" Whe he h%s dee-ed !o( worth!+ %s he h%s dee-ed -e"/ G('0d% 'owered his he%d" /;%! it *e so"/ he s%id" /I %- so ho ored to ser)e" This is % ti-e of &re%t &'or! for the ores" We %re *'essed to 'i)e to see it"/ The B'%,kro,k ,'% + with B'%,kh% d hi-se'f i the )% &(%rd+ h%d *e&&ed for the ho or of *ei & the first to strike" There h%d *ee so-e rese t-e t % d &r(-*'i &+ *(t the h( ti & ski''s of the B'%,kro,k were 'e&e d%r!+ % d the! were 'o&i,%' first ,hoi,e %s the! %'so 'i)ed f%ir'! e%r Te'-or" o e of the s-%''er+ -ore iso'%ted ,ities" The! h%d *ee &i)e the first efforts %t %r-or+ swords+ -et%'8ti$$ed %rrows+ % d other we%$o s of w%r th%t wo('d *ri & dow the dr%e ei" Or&ri-+ the Doo-h%--er str%$$ed %,ross his *%,k % d ,'%d fro- he%d to foot i -et%' th%t -%de hi- ,h%fe % d fee' ,o fi ed+ rode %t his ,hieft%i 0s side" The wo'f *e e%th hi- see-ed to h%)e % e3(%' dis'ike of the he%)! %r-or+ % d ow % d the t(r ed his -%ssi)e he%d to s %$ %t Or&ri-0s 'e&+ %s if %t so-e i se,t th%t % o!ed hi-" He %'so see-ed to *e '%*ori & % *it %s he *ore his rider %,ross the soft -e%dow &r%ss+ $% ti & -ore th% (s(%'+ $i k to &(e 'o''i &" Or&ri- -(ttered ( der his *re%th" It h%d so( ded so si-$'e: &o to w%r %&%i st this ew+ i sidio(s foe" B(t whe the! h%d %''+ i ,'(di & Or&ri-+ stood % d ,heered the de,isio + o o e h%d sto$$ed to thi k of how diffi,('t it wo('d *e si-$'! to $re$%re" The! wo('d eed to *reed the wo')es for si5e e)e -ore ow+ if the % i-%'s were to ,%rr! %r-or %s we'' %s or, *odies %'re%d! he%)! with de se *o e % d $owerf(' -(s,'e" The we%$o s were ot ( tried" Se)er%' ti-es %'re%d! the! h%d %tt%,ked the o&res+ r%tio %'i5i & th%t %'tho(&h the! were '(-*eri & % d st($id % d the dr%e ei were 3(i,k % d i te''i&e t+ fi&hti & the- w%s -ore %ki to fi&hti & the ew e e-! th% ki''i & t%'*(k wo('d *e" The! h%d 'ost % few" %t first+ who were *(r ed o % $!re with d(e ,ere-o ! for their ho or%*'e s%,rifi,e" The we%$o s fe't %'ie i their h% ds+ the %r-or s'owed the- dow + *(t e%,h ti-e+ the %tt%,ks we t -ore s-ooth'!" The '%st ti-e+ the! h%d f%,ed ot o '! % $%ir of o&res *(t o e of their -%sters+ % &ro who h%d the fero,it! of the o&res it do-i %ted % d % )i'e ,'e)er ess th%t -%de it % -(,h -ore ,h%''e &i & foe" Two *r%)e B'%,kro,k so'diers fe'' *efore Or&ri- &ot i the fi %' *'ow+ swi &i & his h%--er of $ro$he,! % d *ri &i & doo- ($o the *e''owi & &ro " B'%,kh% d stood *eside hi-+ $% ti & % d swe%ti &+ *'ood+ his ow % d th%t of the ,re%t(re the! h%d 2(st s'%i + s$%tteri & his f%,e" He wi$ed his f%,e with his -%i'ed h% d % d 'i,ked the *'ood+ &r( ti &" /Two o&res % d their -%ster+/ he -(ttered+ re%,hi & o(t % h% d to ,'%$ Or&ri- o the sho('der" /The $itif(' dr%e ei do ot st% d % ,h% ,e %&%i st o(r -i&ht</ St% di & swe%ti & i the s( + its *ri&ht 'i&ht &'i ti & off the -et%' $'%te % d %'-ost *'i di & his e!es+ Or&ri- %&reed" B'ood'(st rose hi&h i hi-" He tr(sted Ner75h(' % d the sh%-% of his ,'% " F(rther+ he h%d s$oke with D(rot% " % d the! *oth %&reed th%t tho(&h the! h%d *ee tre%ted f%ir'! *! the dr%e ei o th%t 'o &8%&o d%! whe the! h%d *ee res,(ed *! the *'(,ski s+ there h%d *ee so-ethi & $e,('i%r %*o(t the-" The s$irits h%d e)er &(ided the- f%'se'! *efore" Wh! wo('d the! do so ow6 B(t %s he rode %'o &side his 'ord to where % s-%'' h( ti & $%rt! h%d *ee re$orted" Or&ri- h%d -is&i)i &s" Wh%t if the dr%e ei h%d *ee odd6 S(re'! the ores -(st h%)e see-ed odd to the- whe the! first %rri)ed" W%s de%th tr('! % %$$ro$ri%te $( ish-e t for *ei & differe t6 Whe h%d there *ee % si &'e %tt%,k o % or, *! the dr%e ei6 A si &'e i s('t or offe se+ e)e 6 Now ei&htee B'%,kro,k w%rriors+ %r-ed to the teeth+ their *odies ,o%ted i $rote,ti)e -et%'+ were ridi & to s'%(&hter % &ro($ of the *'(,ski s

who were doi & othi & -ore thre%te i & th% &%theri & food for their $eo$'e" # e.$e,ted % d ( w% ted+ % i-%&e rose i Or&ri-0s -i d of the !o( & dr%e ei &ir' who h%d s-i'ed sh!'! %t the-" W%s it her f%ther or -other who wo('d die here o this &'orio(s'! s( ! d%!6 /Yo( 'ook 'ost i tho(&ht Or&ri-+/ s%id B'%,kh% d i his &r%)e''! )oi,e+ st%rt'i & Or&ri- -o-e t%ri'!" /Wh%t fi''s !o(r -i d+ -! se,o d6/ The face of an orphan, tho(&ht Or&ri-+ *(t did ot s%!" I ste%d+ he s%id &r(ff'!+ /I w%s wo deri & wh%t ,o'or dr%e ei *'ood w%s"/ B'%,kh% d threw *%,k his o)ersi5ed he%d % d '%(&hed he%rti'!" Or&ri- he%rd % h%rsh ,%w % d the so( d of fr% ti, wi &*,%ts %s the )er! ,rows took f'i&ht %t the oise of the B'%,kro,k ,hieft%i 0s '%(&hter" /I wi'' -%ke s(re !o(r f%,e is $%i ted i it+/ B'%,kh% d s%id+ ,h(,k'i &" Or&ri-0s 2%w ti&hte ed % d he s%id othi &" The ancestors do not lie, he tho(&ht &ri-'!" . child is innocent, always, but its parents have earned death, if they are plotting against us as the spirits have said. The! ,%-e ($o the- with ridi,('o(s e%se+ ot *otheri & to hide their %$$ro%,h" The s,o(t h%d s%id the h( ti & $%rt! (-*ered e'e)e + si. -%'es % d fi)e fe-%'es+ % d the! h%d e ,o( tered % herd of ,'eft8hoo)es" Whi'e the &re%t+ sh%&&! *e%sts were stro & % d diffi,('t to *ri & dow + the! did ot h%)e the %&&ressi)e ess of % ro(sed herd of t%'*(ks+ % d the dr%e ei h( ti & $%rt! h%d %'re%d! -% %&ed to iso'%te % !o( & *(''" It ro%red+ $%wi & the e%rth % d 'oweri & its he%d+ %i-i & its si &'e hor %t its %tt%,kers+ *(t the o(t,o-e w%s %ss(red" Or it wo('d h%)e *ee + h%d it ot *ee for the %rri)%' of the ores" B'%,kh% d drew his ,o-$% ! to % h%'t o % rid&e" Or&ri- ,o('d s-e'' the e.,ite-e t fro- his ki s-e " Their *odies 3(i)ered with % ti,i$%tio i their ew'! ,r%fted %r-or+ their h% ds ,'e ,hed % d ( ,'e ,hed+ w% ti & to ,(r' %*o(t the we%$o s th%t were o '! ow *e,o-i & f%-i'i%r" B'%,kh% d he'd ($ % -%i'ed fist+ his s-%'' e!es f%ste ed o the %,ti)it! *e'ow+ w%iti & for the ri&ht -o-e t to swoo$ dow 'ike % h%wk o % -e%dow r%t" The B'%,kro,k ,hieft%i t(r ed to his sh%-% + who were i the *%,k" The!+ too+ wore %r-or+ *(t ,%rried o we%$o s4 the! did ot eed to" The! wo('d he%' their *rethre %s the! fe''+ % d %'so dire,t the i--e se $ower of the e'e-e ts tow%rd their foe" /Yo( %re re%d!6/ he %sked" The e'dest %-o & the- odded" His e!es &'owed fier,e'! % d his 'i$s were ,(r)ed i % s-i'e" He+ too+ w% ted to see dr%e ei *'ood shed this d%!" B'%,kh% d &r( ted % d *ro(&ht his fist dow " The B'%,kro,k w%rriors ,h%r&ed" The! (ttered their *%tt'e ,ries %s the! ,%-e+ % d the *'(,ski s t(r ed+ st%rt'ed" At first+ o '! s(r$rise re&istered o those f%,es" No do(*t the! -ere'! wo dered wh! s(,h % &re%t (-*er of -o( ted or, w%rriors were ,o-i & to %id the- i the ki''" It w%s o '! whe B'%,kh% d+ %to$ his -o stro(s wo'f+ *ro(&ht his two8h% ded *ro%dsword dow i % s-ooth *'ow th%t se)ered their 'e%der i h%'f th%t the dr%e ei re%'i5ed th%t the ores h%d ,o-e ot for the ,'efthoof+ *(t for the-" To their ,redit+ the! did ot st%re i st( ed horror %t the si&ht+ *(t s$r% & i--edi%te'! i to %,tio " 1oi,es th%t he'd o '! the f%i test tre-or of fe%r (ttered words i % 'i3(id8so( di &+ %'ie to &(e" A'tho(&h Or&ri- did ot re,o& i5e the words9D(rot% h%d the &ift of re,%'' for s(,h thi &s+ ot he9the so( d w%s f%-i'i%r" He k ew wh%t to e.$e,t fro- th%t 'o &8%&o d%! whe the dr%e ei h%d res,(ed hi- % d D(rot% + % d h%d $re$%red his ki s-e " So whe the sk! ,r%,k'ed with ( %t(r%' *'(e % d si')er 'i&ht i &+ the sh%-% were re%d!" The! *'%sted the str% &e *o'ts of 'i&ht with 'i&ht i & of their ow " The *ri&ht ess w%s %'-ost *'i di &+ % d Or&ri- 'ooked dow 3(i,k'!+ his fo,(s o the dr%e ei w%rrior i fro t of hi- wie'di & % st%ff th%t &'owed % d s$%rked" He ro%red % d 'ifted the Doo-h%--er o)er his he%d % d *ro(&ht it ,r%shi & dow ($o his e e-!" The %r-or the dr%e ei w%rrior wore ,o('d ot withst% d s(,h % %tt%,k % d ,r(-$'ed 'ike % thi ti *r%,e'et" B'ood % d *r%i s s$%ttered the &ro( d" Or&ri- 'ooked ($+ se%r,hi & for his e.t t%r&et" So-e of the B'%,kro,ks were he'd i the -%&i,%' etti & ,re%ted *! the dr%e ei0s fo('+ ( %t(r%' 'i&ht i &" The! were $ro(d % d stro & w%rriors+ *(t the! s,re%-ed i %&o ! %s the etti & *(r ed its w%! i to their ski " The %,rid odor of *(r i & f'esh -i.ed with the re,k of *'ood % d fe%r i Or&ri-0s ostri's" It w%s % i to.i,%ti & s-e''" He fe't % wi d *r(sh his f%,e+ ,h%si & %w%! the s,e ts of *%tt'e % d i f(si & his '( &s with e er&!" Or&ri- se'e,ted the o e he wo('d e.t ki'' % d r%,ed tow%rd the w%rrior+ % fe-%'e who h%d o we%$o *(t who w%s wre%thed i $('s%ti & *'(e e er&!" Or&ri- &r( ted i s(r$rise %s the Doo-h%--er str(,k die fie'd % d *o( ,ed off+ the sho,k shi)eri & ($ the we%$o i to his %r-s % d 2%rri & hi- to the *o e" O e of the sh%-% ste$$ed i + the ,r%,k'i & so( d of 'i&ht i & )!i & with the -!sterio(s+ -%&i,%' e er&ies of the dr%e ei+ % d Or&ri,heered %s he s%w the &ood+ %t(r%' 'i&hti & *e%t *%,k th%t *'(e fie'd" He sw( & %&%i + % d this ti-e the Doo-h%--er ,r( ,hed dow o the *'(eski 0s sk('' -ost s%tisf%,tori'!" It w%s %'' *(t o)er ow" O '! two re-%i ed st% di &+ % d i % he%rt*e%t the! h%d f%''e *e e%th % -%ss of %r-ored *row *odies" A few -ore sho(ts % d &r( ts % d the ( -ist%k%*'e so( d of *'%ded we%$o s si ki & i to f'esh+ % d the %'' w%s si'e t" The ,or ered ,'efthoof h%d es,%$ed" Or&ri- ,%(&ht his *re%th+ his *'ood si &i & i his ,%rs+ %f'%-e with the e.,ite-e t of the ki''" He h%d %'w%!s e 2o!ed the h( ts+ *(t this """ he h%d e)er e.$erie ,ed % !thi & 'ike this" So-eti-es the *e%sts he %tt%,ked fo(&ht *%,k+ *(t $re! s(,h %s the dr%e ei 9i te''i&e t+ $owerf('+ who fo(&ht i the s%-e w%! he did % d ot with tooth % d ,'%w9w%s ew to hi-" He threw *%,k his he%d % d '%(&hed+ % d wo dered if so-ehow he h%d *e,o-e dr( k o the se s%tio " The ,heers % d ro(&h+ dee$ *e''ows of '%(&hter fro- the )i,torio(s ores were the o '! so( d i the &'%de" B'%,kh% d strode to Or&ri- % d e-*r%,ed hi- %s *est he ,o('d thro(&h the %r-or the! *oth wore" /I s%w the Doo-h%--er+ *(t it w%s so f%st it w%s o '! % *'(r to -! e!es+/ the B'%,kro,k ,hieft%i r(-*'ed+ &ri i &" /Yo( fo(&ht we'' tod%!+ Or&ri-" I w%s wise to %-e !o( -! se,o d"/ He stoo$ed o)er the -%&e th%t h%d *ee Or&ri-0s '%st ki'' % d re-o)ed his -%i'ed &'o)es" The sk('' h%d *ee ,o-$'ete'! sh%ttered+ % d *'(e *'ood w%s e)er!where" B'%,kh% d di$$ed his fi &ers i the s'%i dr%e ei0s 'ife8f'(id % d ,%ref(''! $%i ted Or&ri-0s f%,e with it" Dee$ i side+ so-ethi & shifted i the ore" He re-e-*ered doi & this hi-se'f %t his first ki''+ the blood red % d w%r-4 he re-e-*ered h%)i & this do e to hi- whe he we t to the s%,red -o( t%i %s $%rt of the 5m #riggor rit(%'+ with his f%ther0s *'ood o his f%,e" A d ow+ his 'e%der h%d % oi ted hi- %&%i + with the *'ood of the *ei &s th%t were their e e-!"

A *it of the d%rk *'(e 'i3(id tri,k'ed dow his ,he,k i to the ,or er of his -o(th" Or&ri- e.te ded his to &(e+ t%sted the f'(id+ % d fo( d it sweet" The *'oodh%wk sett'ed o its -%ster0s %r-+ its t%'o s di&&i & dee$ i to the $rote,ti)e 'e%ther" Ner75h(' $%,ed whi'e the h%wk-%st,r ( ro''ed the -ess%&e % d de'i)ered it to hi-" >(i,k'!+ he s,% ed the s-%'' $ie,e of $%r,h-e t" So e%s!" It h%d *ee so e%s!" Not % si &'e ,%s(%'t!+ %'tho(&h so-e h%d *ee i 2(red+ of ,o(rse" Their first for%! % d the ores h%d *ee ,o-$'ete'! )i,torio(s" B'%,kh% d s$oke ,o te-$t(o(s'! of how swift'! the! h%d des,e ded ($o the $%rt! % d *roke their sk(''s" It w%s %'' ( fo'di & %s R('k% h%d $ro-ised hi-" S(re'!+ s(re'! ow the *ei & with who- R('k% h%d %''ied wo('d %$$e%r" The or,s+'ed *! Ner75h('+ h%d ,ert%i '! $ro)e their worth with this de,isi)e tri(-$h" He %&%i re%d the -issi)e" B'%,kh% d % d the B'%,kro,k ores h%d i deed *ee the ri&ht ,hoi,e to se d %&%i st the dr%e ei" The! were $owerf(' % d )io'e t+ *(t ( 'ike the W%rso & or so-e other ,'% s+ the! were ,o-$'ete'! ( der the ,o tro' of their ,hieft%i " Th%t i&ht+ he h%d % )i,tor! fe%st $re$%red for the Sh%dow-oo ,'% + % d the! %te % d dr% k % d '%(&hed % d s% & ( ti' %t '%st Ner75h(' tr( d'ed to his *ed % d fe'' i to % dee$+ $rofo( d s'ee$" A d the *ei & ,%-e" It w%s &'orio(s+ r%di% t+ so *ri&ht th%t e)e with his )isio 8e!es Ner75h(' ,o('d ot *e%r to 'ook ($o it %t first" He fe'' to his k ees+ sh%ki & with the 2o! % d %we th%t w%shed thro(&h hi-" /Yo( h%)e ,o-e+/ he whis$ered+ fee'i & te%rs we'' ($ i his e!es % d s'i$ dow his f%,e" /I k ew th%t if we $'e%sed !o(+ !o( wo('d ,o-e"/ /I deed !o( h%)e+ Ner75h('+ sh%-% + so('8te der of the ores"/ The )oi,e r(-*'ed thro(&h his *o es % d Ner75h(' ,'osed his e!es+ %'-ost &idd! %t the se s%tio " /I h%)e see !o(r -%sterf(' h% d'i & of !o(r $eo$'e+ how !o( *ro(&ht dis$%r%te ,'% s to&ether with % ,o--o $(r$ose+ % &'orio(s &o%'"/ /O e th%t w%s i s$ired *! !o(" Gre%t O e+/ -(r-(red Ner75h('" He tho(&ht of R('k% % d *rief'! wo dered wh! she w%s o 'o &er %$$e%ri & to hi-+ the dis-issed the tho(&ht of her" This &re%t e tit! w%s f%r s($erior to e)e the sh%de of his *e'o)ed -%te" Ner75h(' ,r%)ed -ore words fro- this -%& ifi,e t *ei &+ /Yo( ,%-e to (s % d re)e%'ed the tr(th"/ Ner75h(' ,o ti (ed" /We did wh%t w%s eeded"/ /Yo( did i deed+ % d < %- we'' $'e%sed with !o(" G'or! % d ho or % d sweet )i,tor! wi'' ,o ti (e to *e !o(rs if !o( do %s I s%!"/ /Of ,o(rse I wi''+ *(t""" Gre%t O e" this h(-*'e $etitio er wo('d *e& % f%)or"/ Ner75h(' risked % &'% ,e ($ %t the *ei &" It w%s e or-o(s+ r%di% t % d red+ with % $owerf(' torso % d 'e&s th%t e ded i ,'o)e hoo)es % d ,(r)ed *%,kw%rd 'ike % t%'*(k0s" "" """ or % dr%e ei0s" " " " N,r5h(' *'i ked" There w%s si'e ,e for % -o-e t %fter he )oi,ed his re3(est % d he tho(&ht he fe't % s(dde ,hi''" The the )oi,e s$oke %&%i i his -i d % d i his ,%rs+ % d it w%s sti'' s-ooth % d sweet %s ho e!" 0Ask+ % d I wi'' de,ide if !o( %re worth!"/ S(dde '! Ner75h('0s -o(th w%s dr! % d the words wo('d ot for-" With % effort+ he s$oke" /Gre%t O e """ do !o( h%)e % %-e *! whi,h we -%! ,%'' !o(8 A ,h(,k'e r(-*'ed thro(&h Ner75h('0s *'ood" /A si-$'e f%)or+ e%si'! &r% ted" Yes+ I h%)e % %-e" Yo( -%! ,%'' -e " + " Ki'72%ede "/

NINE
It is easy to understand why so many of my contemporaries prefer to let this history die. 1et it sink into oblivion silently, slipping beneath the waters of time until the surface of the lake is once again unruffled, and no one knows of the shame lurking in the depths. I, too, feel that shame, though I was not alive when this occurred. I see it in "rek#Thar#sface as he recounts his part of the tale in a shaking voice. I saw the weight of it on 5rgrim "oomhammer. 0rom elbcream, friend and traitor and friend again, was ravaged by it. But to pretend it did not e%ist is to forget how dreadful the impact was. To make ourselves into victims, rather than claiming our participation in our own destruction. We chose this path, we ores. We chose it right up until it was too late to turn back. .nd having made that choice once, we can, with the knowledge that we have of the end of that dark and shameful road, choose ot to take it. 'o I wish to hear the testimony of those who placed one foot in front of the other on a road that spelled near obliteration of our kind. I want to understand why they took each step, what had to happen for it to seem logical and good and right. I want to know this so when I see it unfolding again, I will recogni&e it. umatis have two sayings that are wise beyond imagining. The first is, "Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it." .nd the second is " " " "-now your enemy." 1e'e w%s dee$ i -edit%tio whe Rest%'%% re'(,t% t'! %$$ro%,hed hi-" He s%t i the ,e tr%' ,o(rt!%rd of the Te-$'e of K%r%*or+ ot o the ,o-fort%*'e *e ,hes th%t f'% ked the re,t% &('%r $oo'+ *(t o the h%rd sto e" The %ir w%s fi''ed with the s,e t of the f'oweri & *(shes of the '(sh &%rde + % d the w%ter -(r-(red soft'! %s it ,ir,('%ted" Trees+ their 'e%)es -o)i & i the wi d+ %dded their ow 3(iet so( ds" It w%s % tr% 3(i' s,e e+ *(t 1e'e 0s %tte tio w%s i w%rd" Lo &+ 'o & h%d the dr%e ei % d the N%%r( tr(sted o e % other" The '(-i o(s *ei &s who so se'do- o$ted to t%ke so'id for- h%d *ee first ,%ret%kers of the e.i'ed ered%r+ the te%,hers+ % d the frie ds" The! h%d tr%)e'ed to&ether % d *ehe'd -% ! wor'ds" E%,h ti-e the N%%r(+ $%rti,('%r'! the o e th%t ,%''ed itse'f K7(re+ h%d *ee i str(-e t%' i he'$i & the dr%e ei f'ee whe the -% 0%ri ( ,o)ered their hidi & $'%,e" A d e%,h ti-e+ Ki'72%ede % d the -o stro(s ,re%t(res who h%d o ,e *ee ered%r h%d ,o-e ,'oser to ,%$t(ri & the-" 1e'e &rie)ed e)er! ti-e he % d his $eo$'e h%d to de$%rt % wor'd to s%)e the-se')es+ k owi & th%t % ! *ei &s the! 'eft *ehi d wo('d *e %s ,h% &ed %s the ered%r h%d *ee " Ki'72%ede + %'w%!s e%&er for -ore to 2oi the Le&io he w%s ,re%ti & for his d%rk -%ster S%r&er%s+ wo('d o)er'ook o $ossi*'e re,r(it"

K7(re+ %s sorrowf(' %s 1e'e + &rie)ed with hi-" B(t it s$oke i 1e'e 0s -i d with the ( %'ter%*'e 'o&i, th%t Ki'72%ede + Ar,hi-o de+ % d S%r&er%s wo('d h%)e destro!ed % other wor'd i the s%-e %-o( t of ti-e" A'' wor'ds+ %'' *ei &s+ %'' r%,es were horrifi,%''! e3(%' i S%r&er%s0s e!es" The! %'' eeded to *e o*'iter%ted i % &h%st'! festi)%' of ,%r %&e % d fire+ 1e'e 0s de%th %t the h% ds of *ei &s who h%d o ,e *ee his de%rest frie ds wo('d s%)e o e of the '(,k'ess i o,e ts+ where%s his 'ife $ossi*'! wo('d o e d%!" /How6/ 1e'e h%d r%&ed o ,e+ /How is -! 'ife -ore i-$ort% t+ worthier+ th% theirs6/ The gathering is slow, K7(re h%d %d-itted" But it continues. There are other ,aaru like me, who are reaching out to the younger races. When they are ready, they will all be brought together. 'argeras will eventually fall beneath the will of those who yet believe in what is good and true and harmonious, what is the timeless balance of this universe. 1e'e h%d o ,hoi,e *(t to ,ither *e'ie)e this *ei & who h%d *e,o-e his frie d+ or t(r his *%,k o those who h%d tr(sted hi- % d *e twisted i to -% 0%ri" He ,hose to *e'ie)e" Now+ tho(&h+ he w%s ,o f(sed" The ores h%d *e&( %tt%,ki & 'o e h( ti & $%rties" There see-ed to *e o re%so for the %&&ressio 4 o e of the sh%ke &(%rds to who- 1e'e h%d s$oke re$orted % !thi & o(t of the ordi %r!" A d !et+ three h( ti & $%rties h%d *ee ki''ed dow to the '%st dr%e ei" Rest%'%% + who h%d i )esti&%ted the s'%(&hter+ h%d re$orted th%t the *odies were ot si-$'! ki''ed """ the! were *(t,hered" So 1e'e h%d ,o-e to the te-$'e+ ,re%ted i the e%r'iest !e%rs of the dr%e ei o this wor'd" Here+ s(rro( ded *! fo(r of the se)e %t%0-%' ,r!st%'s th%t h%d s$r( & i to *ei & so )er! 'o & %&o+ he ,o('d he%r the f%i t )oi,e of his frie d i his -i d+ *(t %s !et+ K7(re h%d o % swers for hi-" There wo('d *e o f'i&ht for the- this ti-e if thi &s we t wro &" K7(re w%s d!i &+ tr%$$ed i the )er! )esse' th%t it h%d $ro)ided whe it h%d ,r%shed i to this wor'd two h( dred !e%rs $%st" /Gre%t Pro$het+/ s%id Rest%'%% + his )oi,e soft % d we%r!8so( di &" /There h%s *ee % other %tt%,k"/ S'ow'!+ 1e'e o$e ed his % ,ie t e!es % d re&%rded his frie d sorrowf(''!" /I k ow+/ he s%id" /I fe't it"/ Rest%'%% r% % thi,k8fi &ered h% d thro(&h his *'%,k h%ir" /Wh%t do We do6 E%,h %tt%,k see-s -ore )io'e t th% the '%st" E.%-i %tio of the i 2(ries do e to the *odies see-s to i di,%te th%t the! %re i-$ro)i & their we%$o s"/ 1e'e si&hed dee$'! % d shook his he%d" The white *r%ids sw( & &e t'! with the -o)e-e t" /I ,% ot he%r K7(re+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" /At 'e%st+ ot %s we'' %s I (sed to" I fe%r its ti-e is ot -(,h 'o &er"/ Rest%'%% 'owered his &%5e+ $%i e)ide t o his f%,e" The N%%r( h%d effe,ti)e'! s%,rifi,ed itse'f for the-4 %'' the dr%e ei k ew % d ( derstood this" Str% &e % d -!sterio(s %s the *ei & w%s+ the dr%e ei h%d &row to ,%re for it" It h%d *ee tr%$$ed % d s'ow'! d!i & for two ,e t(ries" So-ehow+ 1e'e h%d tho(&ht it wo('d t%ke 'o &er th% th%t for the *ei & to die """ if it did die+ %s he ( derstood s(,h thi &s" He rose with $(r$ose+ his 'i&ht t% ro*es f'(tteri & *ehi d hi-" /It !et h%s wisdo- to i-$%rt to -e+ *(t I h%)e ot the ski'' to he%r it % !-ore" I -(st &o to it" Perh%$s $ro.i-it! wi'' he'$ it ,o--( i,%te *etter"/ /Yo(9!o( -e% to &o to the shi$6/ Rest%'%% %sked" 1e'e odded" /I -(st"/ /Gre%t Pro$het """ I do ot -e% to 3(estio !o(r wisdo-+ *(t9/ /B(t !o( do % !w%!+/ 1e'e s%id+ '%(&hi &+ his st%rt'i & *'(e e!es ,ri k'i & %t the ,or ers with &e (i e &ood h(-or" /Co ti (e+ -! o'd frie d" Yo(r 3(estio i & %'w%!s h%s )%'(e to -e"/ Rest%'%% si&hed" /The ores h%)e %do$ted the )esse' %s their s%,red -o( t%i +/ he s%id" /I k ow this+/ 1e'e re$'ied" /The wh! % t%&o i5e the- *! )e t(ri & there6/ Rest%'%% %sked" /The! wo('d s(re'! see this %s % %,t of %&&ressio %t % ! ti-e+ $%rti,('%r'! ow" Yo( wo('d *e &i)i & the- % re%so to ,o ti (e their %tt%,ks %&%i st (s"/ 1e'e odded" /I h%)e tho(&ht of this" Tho(&ht 'o & % d h%rd o it" B(t $erh%$s it is ti-e to re)e%' who we %re+ % d wh%t their s%,red -o( t%i is" The! *e'ie)e their % ,estors dwe'' there4 % d the! -%! )er! we'' *e ri&ht" If K7(re does ot h%)e -(,h 'o &er+ sho('d we ot (ti'i5e its wisdo- % d its $owers whi'e we ,% 6 If % !o e or % !thi & ,% *roker $e%,e *etwee the ores % d o(rse')es+ this *ei &+ &re%ter f%r th% % ! of (s+ h%s th%t %*i'it!" This -%! *e o(r o '! ho$e" K7(re s$oke of fi di & other r%,es+ other *ei &s+ to 2oi i its 3(est for *%'% ,e % d h%r-o !" To st% d %&%i st S%r&er%s % d this )%st+ ( ho'! for,e he h%s ,re%ted"/ 1e'e $'%,ed % white h% d o his frie d0s %r-or8$'%ted sho('der" /O e thi & for ,ert%i h%s *ee re)e%'ed to -e i -! -edit%tio s" A d th%t is th%t thi &s ,% o 'o &er ,o ti (e %s the! (sed to" or, % d dr%e ei ,% o 'o &er 'i)e i dist% t f%-i'i%rit! with o e % other" There0s o ret(r i & to th%t+ -! o'd frie d" There is ,ither w%r or $e%,e" The! wi'' ,ither *e,o-e o(r %''ies or o(r e e-ies" A d I wo('d e)er for&i)e -!se'f if I did ot e.$'ore e)er! %)e (e to $e%,e I ,o('d" Do !o( ( derst% d ow6/ Rest%'%% se%r,hed 1e'e 0s f%,e ( h%$$i'!+ the odded" /Yes" Yes+ I s($$ose I do" B(t I 'ike it ot" At 'e%st 'et -e se d !o( with % %r-ored &(%rd+ for I k ow the! wi'' %tt%,k *efore the! wi'' 'iste "/ 1e'e shook his he%d" /No" No we%$o s" Nothi & to $ro)oke the-" I their he%rts+ the! %re ho or%*'e *ei &s" I w%s %*'e to &'i-$se the so('s of the two !o( & or,s who st%!ed with (s % few !e%rs %&o" There is othi & ,ow%rd'! or e)i' i there+ o '! ,%(tio % d ow+ for so-e re%so + fe%r" The! %tt%,ked h( ti & $%rties+ ot ,i)i'i% s"/ /Yes+/ Rest%'%% shot *%,k" /P%rties th%t were &re%t'! o(t (-*ered"/ /We fo( d *'ood th%t w%s ot o(r ow s$i''ed %t those sites+/ 1e'e re-i ded hi-" /The! took the *odies *%,k for rit(%' *(r i &+ *(t there w%s or,ish *'ood e o(&h o the soi'" A d with o(r k ow'ed&e+ % h% df(' of dr%e ei ,% e%si'! st% d %&%i st -% ! ores" No" I wi'' risk %'' o this" The! wi'' ot s'%! -e where I st% d+ if I st%te -! i te tio s ho or%*'! % d I ,o-e witho(t the *'%t% t %*i'it! to defe d -!se'f"/ /I wish I h%d !o(r ,o fide ,e+ -! Pro$het+/ s%id Rest%'%% resi& ed'!+ *owi & dee$'!" /I wi'' %sse-*'e % s-%'' es,ort $%rt!+ the " A d the! wi'' ot *e %r-ed"/ The Gre%t O e+ Ki'72%ede + *e&% to )isit Ner75h(' with -ore fre3(e ,!" First it w%s o '! i the dre%- st%te+ %s with the % ,estors" He wo('d ,o-e i the i&ht whi'e Ner75h(' s'e$t dee$'!+ his *od! he%)! with the dr(& th%t o$e ed his -i d to Ki'72%ede 0s )oi,e+ % d whis$er his $r%ise % d ,o &r%t('%tio s % d $'% s for f(rther or, )i,tor!"

Ner75h(' w%s i e,st%s!" E%,h 'etter th%t %rri)ed *! *'oodh%wk fro- the )%rio(s ,'% s w%s re%d with e%&er ess % d de'i&ht" We came across two scouts far from aid, the Sh%ttered H% d ,'% ,hieft%i wrote" It was ease itself to dispatch them, outnumbered as they were. The Bleeding ollow clan is proud to report to the great ,er=&hul that we have obeyed him in all things, s%id % other 'etter" We have /oined with the 1aughing 'kull clan, more than doubling the number of armed warriors to send against this devious foe. It is our understanding that the Thunderlord clan seeks allies. We will send a courier to them tomorrow. /Yes"/ s-i'ed Ki'72%ede " /Do !o( see how the! %re ,o-i & to&ether i % 2(st ,%(se6 Before+ these ,'% s wo('d *e ,h%''e &i & o e % other if the! ,rossed $%ths" Now" the! %re sh%ri & k ow'ed&e+ sh%ri & reso(r,es+ worki & %s o e to o)er,o-e % foe who wo('d see !o( %'' destro!ed"/ Ner75h(' odded+ *(t he fe't % s(dde $% &" It h%d *ee &'orio(s to fi %''! *eho'd this *e%(tif('+ $owerf(' e tit!+ des$ite the f%,t th%t he 'ooked so -(,h 'ike the h%ted dr%e ei+ *(t """ he h%d sto$$ed seei & R('k% " He fo( d he -issed her" He wo dered wh! she w%s o 'o &er seeki & hi- o(t" Hesit% t'!+ he s$oke" /R('k% 9/ /R('k% h%s do e her $%rt i *ri &i & !o( to -e+ Ner75h('"/ soothed Ki'72%ede " /Yo( k ow she is we'' % d h%$$!9!o( h%)e see her" We do ot eed her %s % i ter-edi%r! % !-ore" Not ow th%t I h%)e *ee ,o )i ,ed of !o(r worthi ess to *e -! )oi,e %-o & !o(r $eo$'e"/ A d %s *efore+ Ner75h('0s he%rt f'ooded with 2o!" B(t this ti-e+ des$ite the ,o-forti & % d e.,iti & words of Ki'72%ede + he fe't % s%d 'itt'e 2erk i his he%rt %s it *e%t+ % d sti'' wished he ,o('d s$e%k with his -%te" Ner75h(' w%s dee$ i tho(&ht whe G('0d% *ro(&ht the -issi)e to hi-" The %$$re ti,e *owed % d h% ded his -%ster % $ie,e of $%r,h-e t+ stiff with *'(e 'i3(id" /Wh%t is this6/ Ner75h(' %sked+ t%ki & the $%r,h-e t" /It w%s t%ke off % dr%e ei %$$ro%,hi & fro- the so(th+/ G('0d% re$'ied"

/A $%rt!6/
/A si &'e ,o(rier" No %r-s+ ot e)e % -o( t" The foo' w%s walking." G('0d% 0s 'i$s twisted i to % s-i'e % d he ,h(,k'ed" Ner75h(' 'ooked dow %t the $%r,h-e t+ re%'i5i & ow th%t the *'(e st%i s were the ,o(rier0s *'ood" Wh%t h%d $ossessed the idiot+ w%'ki & %'o e+ ( %r-ed+ i to the he%rt of Sh%dow-oo territor!6 He ( fo'ded it ,%ref(''!+ tr!i & ot to te%r it" % d 3(i,k'! *e&% to re%d" E)e %s his *row e!es d%rted o)er the words+ the roow%s s(dde '! fi''ed with r%di% ,e % d *oth sh%-% $rostr%ted the-se')es" /Re%d it %'o(d+ &re%t Ner75h('+/ ,%-e Ki'72%ede 0s s-ooth )oi,e" /Sh%re it with -e % d !o(r 'o!%' %$$re ti,e"/ /Yes" $'e%se+ -! -%ster+/ s%id G('0d% e%&er'!" As he re%d it+ for the first ti-e si ,e he h%d s$oke with his *e'o)ed R('k% + Ner75h(' t%sted do(*t8 +nto ,er#&hul, 'haman, of the 'hadowmoon clan, the 3rophet *elen of the draenei sends greetings. 4ecently, many of our people have come under attack from the ores. I do not understand wiry this is. $or generations, your people and mine have lived in peace and tolerance, a state that has benefitted us both. We have never lifted a weapon toward an ore, and indeed, once we were instrumental in saving the lives of two young ones who unwittingly placed themselves in danger. /Ah+/ G('0d% i terr($ted" /I re-e-*er " " " D(rot% " who is ,(rre t'! the Frostwo'f ,hieft%i + % d Or&ri- Doo-h%--er"/ Ner05h(' odded %*se t'!+ his tho(&hts distr%,ted for % -o-e t+ the res(-ed re%di &" We can only assume there is a terrible misunderstanding, and wish to speak with you so that no more lives 9ore or draenei9are lost in such a tragic fashion. It is my understanding that the mountain you call 5shu#gun is sacred to your people, that this is where the wise spirits of your ancestors dwell. While this place has long had deep meaning for the draenei as well, we have always respected your decision to claim it as your holy site. owever, the time has come for us to recogni&e that there is more that we share than that divides us. I am called the 3rophet among my people, because at times I am granted wisdom and insight. I seek to lead well and peacefully, as I am sure you and the leaders of the various clans do your own people. 1et us meet peaceably, at the place that holds so much meaning for both our races. 5n the third day of the fifth month, I and a small party will be moving in pilgrimage to enter the heart of the mountain. ,o one in the group will bear arms. I invite you and any others who feel so moved to /oin me, as we enter the deep place of magic and power, and ask the wisdom of beings much wiser than we how we can heal this rift between us. In 1ight and blessings, I bid you peace. G('0d% w%s the first to s$e%k" Or" -ore %,,(r%te'!+ to '%(&h" /S(,h %rro&% ,e< ;! 'ord+ &re%t Ki'72%ede + this is % o$$ort( it! ot to *e -issed" Their 'e%der ,o-es 'ike % ,'efthoof ,%'f to the s'%(&hter+ ( %r-ed % d st($id'! thi ki & th%t we k ow othi & of his e)i' i te tio s" A d he thi ks to )io'%te Osh(0&( < He wi'' die *efore he sets % )i'e *'(e hoof ($o e)e the root of o(r ho'! -o( t%i </ /Wh%t !o( s%! $'e%ses -e+ G('0d% +/ Ki'72%ede r(-*'ed i th%t s-ooth8%s8w%ter )oi,e" /Ner05h('+ !o(r %$$re ti,e s$e%ks wisdo-"/ B(t Ner05h(' fo( d words st(,k i his thro%t" He o$e ed his -o(th twi,e to s$e%k+ % d fi %''! words r%s$ed forth o the third %tte-$t" /I do ot dis%&ree th%t the dr%e ei %re d% &ero(s+/ he s%id h%'ti &'!+ /B(t" " " we %re ot &ro + to ki'' ( %r-ed foes"/ /The ,o(rier w%s s'%i +/ G('7d% $oi ted o(t" /He w%s ( %r-ed % d e)e ( -o( ted"/ /A d I re&ret th%t</ Ner75h(' s %$$ed" /He sho('d h%)e *ee t%ke i to ,(stod! % d *ro(&ht to -e %t o ,e+ ot ki''ed</ Ki'72%ede s%id othi &" The s,%r'et r%di% ,e *%thed Ner75h(' %s he ,o ti (ed+ &ro$i & his w%! to % so'(tio " /He wi'' ot *e $er-itted to defi'e o(r s%,red $'%,e+/ the sh%-% ,o ti (ed" /H%)e o worries %*o(t th%t+ G('7d% " B(t I wi'' ot h%)e hi- ki''ed witho(t h%)i & the ,h% ,e to s$e%k to hi-" Who k ows *(t th%t we -i&ht 'e%r so-ethi &"/ /Yes+/ s%id Ki'72%ede + his )oi,e ri,h % d w%r-" /Whe o e is i $%i + o e wi'' re)e%' %'' he k ows"/ The words st%rded Ner75h('+ *(t he did ot re)e%' his s(r$rise" This -%& ifi,e t *ei & w% ted hi- to tort(re 1e'e 6 So-ethi & i side hi- w%s e.,ited %t the $ros$e,t" B(t so-ethi & e'se i side hi- re,oi'ed" Not !et" He wo('d ot do s(,h % thi & !et"

/We wi'' *e w%iti & for hi-+/ he %ss(red *oth his &re%t 'ord % d his %$$re ti,e" /He wi'' ot es,%$e"/ /Lord+/ s%id G('7d% s'ow'!+ /% s(&&estio + if I -%!6/ /Wh%t is it6/ /The ,'osest ,'% to the -o( t%i is the Frostwo'f ,'% +/ G('7d% $oi ted o(t" /Let (s h%)e the- t%ke 1e'e % d his $%rt! % d *ri & die- to (s" Their 'e%der o ,e t%sted dr%e ei hos$it%'it!" A d %'tho(&h he h%s ot hi dered o(r efforts+ I do ot re,%'' he%ri & th%t he h%s 'ed % ! %tt%,ks %&%i st the dr%e ei" We sh%'' ki'' two *irds with o e sto e: t%ke the dr%e ei 'e%der ,%$ti)e+ % d -%ke D(rot% of the Frostwo')es $ro)e his 'o!%'t! to o(r ,%(se"/ Ner75h(' fe't two $%irs of e!es *ori & i to his9die s-%''+ d%rk o es of his %$$re ti,e+ % d the &'owi & or*s of his -%ster Ki'72%ede " Wh%t G('7d% h%d s(&&ested so( ded 'ike wisdo-" The wh! w%s Ner75h(' so re'(,t% t to %&ree6 The he%rt*e%ts ti,ked %w%! % d $ers$ir%tio s$ro(ted o Ner75h('0s 'ow *row" Fi %''!+ he s$oke+ % d w%s re'ie)ed to he%r his )oi,e so( ded s(re % d stro &" /A&reed" It is % &ood $'% " Fi d -e $e % d $%r,h-e t+ % d I sh%'' otif! D(rot% %s to his d(t!"/

TEN
I have never been so proud of my father as when "rek#Thar told me of this incident. I have good cause to know how hard it is to make the right decision at times. e had much to lose and nothing to gain by making the choices he did. ,o, that is not right. e retained his honor. .nd there can be no price high enough to sacrifice that. The 'etter *rooked o dis%&ree-e t" D(rot% st%red %t it+ % d the with % dee$ si&h $%ssed it to his -%te" Dr%k% re%d it 3(i,k'!+ her e!es d%rti & o)er the words+ % d &row'ed soft % d 'ow i her thro%t" /Ner75h(' is ,ow%rd'!+ to '%! this %t !o(r feet+/ she s%id soft'!+ so %s ot to *e o)erhe%rd *! the ,o(rier who w%ited o(tside" /The re3(est ,o-es to hi-+ ot !o("/ /I h%)e $ro-ised to o*e!"/ D(rot% s%id+ his )oi,e e3(%''! soft+ /Ner75h(' s$e%ks for the % ,estors"/ Dr%k% ,o,ked her he%d tho(&htf(''!" A str%! *e%- of s( 'i&ht $e etr%ti & the te t fro- % &%$ i the s,%-s ,%(&ht her f%,e+ throwi & her stro & 2%w % d hi&h ,heek*o es i to sh%r$ re'ief" D(rot% 0s *re%th ,%(&ht i his thro%t %s he 'ooked %t his *e'o)ed" For %i' the ,h%os9-%d ess+ e)e 9th%t see-ed to h%)e s(dde '! des,e ded ($o hi-se'f % d his $eo$'e+ he w%s &r%tef(' for her" He to(,hed her *row f%,e 'i&ht'! with % sh%r$8,'%wed fi &er+ % d she s-i'ed *rief'! /;! -%te """ I do ot k ow th%t I tr(st Ner75h('+/ she s%id+ her )oi,e *%re'! %*o)e % whis$er" He odded" /B(t we *oth tr(st Drek0Th%r+ % d he h%s ,o fir-ed wh%t Ner75h(' h%s s%id" The dr%e ei h%)e *ee $'otti & %&%i st (s" Ner75h(' s%!s th%t 1e'e h%s e)e i sisted o e teri & Osh(0&( "/ A&%i + the ,hieft%i of the Frostwo'f ,'% re&%rded the 'etter" /I %- $'e%sed th%t Ner75h(' h%s ot %sked -e to s'%! 1e'e " Perh%$s+ o ,e we h%)e hi- i o(r $ower+ we ,% ,o )i ,e hi- to ,h% &e his w%!s+ h%)e hi- e.$'%i wh! the! %re so *e t o h%r-i & (s" Perh%$s we ,% e&oti%te % $e%,e"/ The tho(&ht sei5ed his he%rt % d s3(ee5ed it h%rd" As &'orio(s %s his 'ife with Dr%k% w%s" %s $ro(d %s he w%s of his ,'% + how -(,h h%$$ier wo('d he *e si-$'! doi & %s his f%ther h%d do e9h( ti & the *e%sts of the woods % d fie'ds+ d% ,i & i the -oo 'i&ht %t Kosh0h%r& festi)%'s+ 'iste i & to the o'd t%'es % d *%ski & i the 'o)i & w%r-th of the % ,estors" He h%d ot s%id % !thi & to Dr%k%+ *(t he w%s se,ret'! &'%d th%t the! h%d ot !et ,o ,ei)ed % ,hi'd" This w%s ot % ti-e th%t w%s e%s! o the !o( & ores" Their ,hi'dhood h%d *ee sto'e fro- the-4 %d('t d(ties h%d *ee $'%,ed o sho('ders sti'' ot 3(ite *ro%d e o(&h to *e%r the-" If Dr%k% were to *e%r % ,hi'd" D(rot% wo('d ot hesit%te to h%)e his so or d%(&hter tr%i ed %s other ,hi'dre were" He wo('d %sk othi & of other $%re ts th%t he wo('d ot do hi-se'f+ *(t he w%s &'%d th%t he w%s ot f%,ed with th%t de,isio 3(ite !et" Dr%k% w%t,hed hi- with i te se+ %rrowed e!es" It w%s %s if she ,o('d re%d his tho(&hts" /Yo( h%)e -et 1e'e *efore+/ she s%id" /I w%t,hed !o( tr! to re,o ,i'e !o(r -e-ories of th%t e ,o( ter with the ews th%t the! were tr!i & to destro! (s %''" It w%s ot e%s! for !o("/ /Nor is it ow+/ he re$'ied" /Perh%$s it is 2(st %s we'' th%t I %- %ssi& ed this t%sk" 1e'e wi'' re-e-*er th%t i&ht+ of th%t I %,ert%i " He -%! *e wi''i & to tre%t with -e+ where%s he -i&ht ot *e so wi''i & to tre%t with Ner75h('" I wish I h%d see the 'etter he h%d se t"/ Dr%k% si&hed % d &ot to her feet" /I thi k th%t wo('d h%)e *ee -ost e 'i&hte i &+/ she s%id" D(rot% e-('%ted her" /I wi'' te'' the ,o(rier th%t his -%ster -%! rest ,o te t" I wi'' ot shirk -! d(t!"/ He fe't her worried &%5e *ori & i to his *%,k %s he 'eft" 1e'e he'd the )io'et ,r!st%' ,'ose to his he%rt" The red % d !e''ow o es rested %t his side %s he s%t i -edit%tio + ,%sti & % soft &'ow ($o his %'%*%ster ski " The fo(r others were $'%,ed e'sewhere i dr%e ei territor!+ their &re%t $owers ser)i & his $eo$'e %s eeded" B(t the )io'et o e e)er 'eft hi-" Its $ower o$e ed the -i d % d s$irit+ % d i % w%!+ it w%s %'-ost 'ike *ei & i dire,t ,o--( i,%tio with the N%%r(" 1e'e %'w%!s fe't stro &er+ ,'e% er+ his so(' ho ed to % kee ed&e+ whe he -edit%ted with the )io'et ,r!st%'" A'tho(&h e%,h of the se)e ,r!st%'s w%s $re,io(s % d $owerf('+ this w%s the o e he tre%s(red the -ost" He str%i ed to he%r the soft whis$ers of K7(re" *(t he ,o('d ot" 1e'e 0s he%rt %,hed" He *owed his he%d" He he%rd )oi,es % d o$e ed his e!es" Rest%'%% w%s s$e%ki & to o e of the %,o'!tes+ % d 1e'e w%)ed hi- forw%rd" /Wh%t ews+ o'd frie d6/ 1e'e i 3(ired" He i di,%ted % $ot of hot her*%' te%" Rest%'%% w%)ed his h% d+ de,'i i & the offer" /Good % d *%d" -! Pro$het+/ he s%id" /I dee$'! re&ret to i for- !o( th%t the ,o(rier !o( se t to the sh%-% 'e%der Ner75h(' w%s ki''ed *! % &ro($ of ores"/ 1e'e ,'osed his e!es" The )io'et ,r!st%' &rew w%r-er for % -o-e t+ %s if tr!i & to offer ,o-fort" /I se sed his de%th+/ 1e'e s%id he%)i'!" /B(t I h%d ho$ed it w%s % %,,ide t" Yo( %re ,ert%i he w%s -(rdered6/ /Ner75h(' s%!s so" % d offers o %$o'o&!"/ Rest%'%% 0s )oi,e ,o )e!ed his % &er % d %ffro t %t the i ,ide t" He w%s k ee'i & *eside 1e'e + e.t to the red ,r!st%'" 1e'e 0s d%rk *'(e e!es d%rted to the ,r!st%' %s it $('sed o ,e+ *rief'!+ res$o di & to Rest%'%% 0s e-otio s"

/So -(,h for !o(r theor! th%t the! wo('d ot %tt%,k % ( %r-ed -% +/ Rest%'%% ,o ti (ed *itter'!" /I h%d so ho$ed for *etter+/ 1e'e s%id 3(iet'!" /B(t !o( s%id there w%s so-e &ood ews to -iti&%te these s%d tidi &s6/ Rest%'%% &ri-%,ed" /If !o( ,% ,%'' it th%t" Ner75h(' s%!s th%t % or, ,o ti &e ,! wi'' -eet with (s %t the *%se of the -o( t%i "/ /He """ is ot ,o-i &6/ Rest%'%% dro$$ed his &%5e % d shook his he%d" /No+ -! Pro$het+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" /Who do,s he se d i his ste%d6/ /The 'etter do,s ot s%!"/ /Gi)e it to -e"/ 1e'e stret,hed o(t % white h% d % d Rest%'%% $'%,ed the $%r,h-e t i his $%'-" 1e'e ( ,(r'ed the $%r,h-e t % d re%d the 'etter 3(i,k'!" (our courier is dead. It is fortunate that those who slew him thought to search the body for his missive. I have read it, and I will agree to send a contingency of ores to speak with you. I guarantee nothing9not your safety, not a truce, nothing. But we will hear you out. 1e'e si&hed dee$'!" This w%s ot the res$o se his so(' h%d 'o &ed for" Wh%t h%d h%$$e ed to the ores6 Wh! i this wor'd or % ! other were the! s(dde '! so *e t o h%r-i & the dr%e ei+ who h%d e)er o$$osed the- i % ! f%shio 6 I guarantee nothing, Ner75h(' h%d s%id+ writi & i % stro &+ *o'd h% d" /1er! we''+/ s%id 1e'e 3(iet'!" /The othi & is &(%r% teed+/ He s-i'ed %t Rest%'%% " /R%ther 'ike 'ife"/ The d%! w%s i %$$ro$ri%te'! *ri&ht % d ,heerf('+ D(rot% tho(&ht+ s3(i ti & %&%i st the *ri&ht e%r'! s(--er 'i&ht th%t d% ,ed dow " S(re'!+ o % d%! whe his so(' fe't so *'e%k % d ( h%$$!+ the we%ther o(&ht to ref'e,t it" C'o(ds+ %t the )er! 'e%st" ;ore %$$ro$ri%te'!+ % ,o'd+ dri55'i & r%i " B(t the s( did ot ,%re %*o(t % ore0s he%)! h,%it+ or e)e the f%te of % e tire r%,e of $eo$'e" It sho e dow %s -erri'! %s if %'' w%s ri&ht e)er! $'%,e its r%!s to(,hed" Osh(0&( %'-ost see-ed to *e o fire+ so *ri&ht w%s the 'i&ht th%t ref'e,ted off its -('tif%,eted+ ,r!st%''i e s(rf%,e" D(rot% h%d ,hose % $ositio of stre &th" Fro- where he h%d $ositio ed his w%rriors+ he wo('d *e %*'e to see 1e'e 0s tr%)e'i & $%rt! 'o & *efore the! s$otted the ores" He h%d de,ided to w%it % d 'et the Pro$het of the dr%e ei ,o-e dire,t'! to hi-+ %'tho(&h he h%d str%te&i,%''! $ositio ed his w%rriors so th%t if the dr%e ei %tte-$ted to f'ee+ o %)e (e of f'i&ht wo('d *e o$e to the-" A d %'' the ores who w%ited $%tie t'! o this offe si)e'! &'orio(s d%! were %r-ed to the teeth+ with sh%-% %t the re%d!" With her sh%r$ e!es % d s($er* fi&hti & ski''s+ Dr%k% w%s hi&h'! (sef(' to hi- %s % s,o(t" He h%d $ositio ed her %s o e of the 'ooko(ts i the first &ro($ of w%rriors" The i st% t th%t 1e'e w%s )isi*'e+ she wo('d se d word to her -%te )i% % s$e'' ,%st *! Drek7Th%r" Drek7Th%r hi-se'f+ tho(&h+ w%s st% di & *eside D(rot% + As the -ost $owerf(' sh%-% i the ,'% + his $'%,e w%s to $rote,t the ,'% 0s 'e%der" The two stood o % ro,k o(t,ro$$i & 2(st %*o)e the e tr% ,e to the &'e%-i & s%,red -o( t%i " Do5e s of w%rriors w%ited with %rrows+ h% d %.es+ % d 2%)e'i s %t the re%d!" Others h%d s$e t d%!s -% e()eri & '%r&e *o('ders i to $ositio " At % word fro- D(rot% + % si-$'e -o)e-e t wo('d se d de%th i the for- of h(&e sto es ,r%shi & dow ($o the dr%e ei" The thre%t of de%th+ i f%,t+ w%s e)er!where o this 'o)e'! -o( t%i + o this *e%(tif(' s( ! d%!" A *ree5e stirred D(rot% 0s *'%,k h%ir % d % *ird s% & *ri&ht'!" Drek7Th%r 'ooked %t his ,hieft%i with ,o ,er " /;! ,hieft%i + !o( %re doi & wh%t !o( h%)e *ee to'd to do+/ Drek7Th%r s%id e%r est'!" /These *ei &s %re o(r e e-ies"/ D(rot% odded % d wished he ,o('d *e'ie)e it %s e%si'! %s e)er! other or, see-ed to" The *ree5e *r(shed his ,he,k %&%i + -ore i siste t'!+ % d this ti-e he he%rd words o the wi d" Dr%k%0s -ess%&e+ *or e to hi- *! Drek7Th%r0s *o d with the e'e-e ts" They are coming. $ive of them. ,one of them is wearing armor or carries any visible weapons. They walk serenely. The wi d w%fted her words %w%!+ % d he k ew it we t to to(,h the ,%rs of %'' the ores %sse-*'ed" Whe the ti-e w%s ri&ht+ Drek7Th%r wo('d h%r ess the wi d to &i)e orders to D(rot% 0s troo$s" D(rot% str%i&hte ed+ % d his he%rt *e%t -ore swift'!" His h% d &ri$$ed his *%tt'e8%.e ti&ht'!" /There the! %re+/ s%id Drek7Th%r &ri-'!" D(rot% fo''owed his &%5e" Dr%k%0s re$ort h%d *ee %,,(r%te+ ri&ht dow to her i ter$ret%tio of the -% er i whi,h the dr%e ei %$$ro%,hed" The fi)e dr%e ei did ot we%r the str% &e *'(e % d si')er! %r-or th%t D(rot% re-e-*ered fro- his si &'e e ,o( ter with the-" The! were dressed i ste%d %s the! h%d *ee for the -e%'+ i ro*es of *e%(tif(' h(es th%t ,%(&ht the *ree5e % d f'(ttered *ehi d the- 'ike *% ers" W%'ki & %t the )er! fro t of the 'itt'e &ro($ w%s Pro$het 1e'e hi-se'f" He w%s ( -ist%k%*'e4 his si-$'e t% ro*es ,o tr%sted with those of his e to(r%&e+ % d of ,o(rse his str% &e white ski w%s ( i3(e" D(rot% &ri ed % 'itt'e des$ite the dir, ess of the sit(%tio " The dr%e ei were so &%rish'! ,'%d th%t o '! % *'i d or, wo('d h%)e f%i'ed to s$ot the- fro- % &re%t dist% ,e" The s-i'e f%ded %t wh%t th%t h%d to re$rese t" The! w% ted to *e s$otted i--edi%te'!" The! w% ted the ores to *e ,o fide t th%t the! ,%rried o we%$o s % d were o wh%t ;other K%sh(r wo('d h%)e ,%''ed % $i'&ri-%&e" Or w%s it %'' 2(st % e'%*or%te tri,k6 Sh%-% eeded o s$e%rs to destro!" Neither did the dr%e ei" D(rot% re-e-*ered the -%&i,%' ets th%t s,%red % d *'%,ke ed f'esh o ,o t%,t9 ets of e er&!+ %'ie to the or,s+ th%t h%d ,o-e fro- owhere" No+ e)e ( %r-ed+ the dr%e ei were f%r fro- h%r-'ess" He h%d *riefed his w%rriors % d k ew the! wo('d o*e!" The! ( derstood the! were ot to fire % w%r i & shot9 ot to (tter e)e % i s('t9witho(t D(rot% 0s e.$ress ,o--% d" B(t the! k ew how the dr%e ei fo(&ht+ % d wo('d ot *e t%ke ( %w%res" D(rot% ,o('d s-e'' the te sio e-% %ti & fro- those w%rriors ,'osest to hi-4 he wo dered if the dr%e ei ,o('d+ too" D(rot% w%t,hed %s the &ro($s he h%d set f%rthest %w%! ,%-e o(t of hidi & to ,'ose r% ks *ehi d the dr%e ei" The! were f%r e o(&h *%,k so th%t D(rot% ho$ed the dr%e ei wo('d ot oti,e" If the! did+ the! &%)e o si& + *(t -ere'! ,o ti (ed with th%t ste%d!+ ,o fide t""" sere e " " " $%,e" D(rot% % d Drek7Th%r -%de o %tte-$t to dis&(ise the-se')es" After se)er%' 'o & -i (tes+ 1e'e 'ifted his he%d % d 'ooked ($+ ri&ht i to D(rot% 0s e!es" D(rot% did ot *re%k the &%5e+ *(t stood w%iti & for his e e-ies to ,o ti (e their %$$ro%,h" The! re%,hed the *%se of the -o( t%i + *(t *efore the! ,o('d ,o ti (e f%rther+ do5e s of ores -o)ed $(r$osef(''! o(t of hidi & to s(rro( d the-" 1e'e did ot 'ook i the 'e%st *it s(r$rised" He &'% ,ed %ro( d+ s-i'i & % 'itt'e+ % d the ret(r ed his &%5e to D(rot% " S'ow'!+ D(rot% des,e ded ( ti' he stood f%,e8to8f%,e with the dr%e ei $ro$het"

/Lo & h%s it *ee si ,e !o( % d I '%st stood so+ 1e'e +/ D(rot% s%id i % ,%'- )oi,e" He de'i*er%te'! did ot (se the dr%e ei0s tit'e" /Lo & i deed+ D(rot% + so of G%r%d+ ,hieft%i of the Frostwo'f ,'% +/ 1e'e s%id i th%t ri,h+ s-ooth )oi,e th%t D(rot% re-e-*ered" /Are !o( frie ds with Or&ri- sti''6/ /I deed I %-+/ D(rot% re$'ied" /He ,%rries the Doo-h%--er ow+ % d is se,o d i his ow ,'% "/ Sorrow f'itted %,ross the $%'e f%,e+ % sorrow th%t w%s dee$ % d ( 3(estio %*'! &e (i e" A&%i + D(rot% re-e-*ered th%t i&ht so 'o & %&o+ whe this *ei & h%d s%t with the- % d t%'ked of or,ish w%!s+ of the Doo-h%--er % d the ,ost %t whi,h Or&ri- wo('d

*(! it"
/I ho$e his f%ther % d !o(rs $%ssed with &re%t ho or+/ 1e'e s%id" /We %re ot here tod%! to s$e%k of the $%st+/ D(rot% s%id+ -ore for,ef(''! th% he i te ded" He did ot 'ike to re-e-*er th%t i&ht" /We %re here *e,%(se !o( h%)e i for-ed (s th%t !o( d%re tres$%ss o o(r -ost s%,red $'%,e"/ There it is, then, he tho(&ht" 1et us not mince words. 1e'e he'd D(rot% 0s &%5e % d odded" /I h%d se t % -issi)e to Ner75h('+ ot to !o(+ D(rot% " He h%s d,,'i ,d to -eet with -," I wo der " " " did he sh%re this -issi)e with !o(6/ /There w%s o eed for -e to re%d it"/ D(rot% re$'ied+ /I w%s %sked to ,o-e i his ste%d" A d I h%)e do e so"/ D(rot% s%w the *ro%d sho('ders s'(-$ % 'itt'e" 1e'e si&hed dee$'!" /I se,+/ he s%id" /He -%! ot h%)e to'd !o( wh! I wished to ,o-e tod%!"/ /I do ot eed to k ow !o(r $(r$ose+ dr%e ei+/ D(rot% s%id" /B(t !o( do" or e'se this ,o )ers%tio wi'' *e for othi &"/ The )oi,e w%s ,'e%r % d ,ris$+ % d there w%s othi & o'd or fr%i' %*o(t it des$ite 1e'e 0s o*)io(s'! % ,ie t %&e" D(rot% r%ised % e!e*row" Th%t 1e'e w%s % wise e'der w%s i--edi%te'! %$$%re t" B(t ow+ for the first ti-e" D(rot% ,%(&ht % &'i-$se of the sheer stre &th of wi'' th%t h%d *(o!ed 1e'e for ,o( dess !e%rs" /This this -o( t%i is s%,red to !o(r $eo$'e" We k ow this+ % d we h%)e res$e,ted it" B(t it is %'so s%,red to (s"/ 1e'e took % ste$ forw%rd+ his &%5e 'o,ked o D(rot% 0s" The or, w%rriors %ro( d hi- shifted+ -(r-(red+ *(t otherwise did ot -o)e" /Dee$ i side the -o( t%i is % *ei & th%t h%s 'o & ,%red for the dr%e ei $eo$'e+/ 1e'e ,o ti (ed" /It is o'der *! f%r th% % !thi & ,ither of o(r -i ds ,% &r%s$" A d -ore $owerf('" B(t e)e o'd % d $owerf(' thi &s ,% die+ % d it is d!i & ow" There is wisdo- % d &r%,e % d re,o ,i'i%tio We ,% h%)e fro- it" !o(r $eo$'e % d -i e" We9/ "Blasphemer2" D(rot% st%rted" The *itter ,r! h%d s$r( & fro- the thro%t ot of so-e short8te-$ered w%rrior i the ,rowd+ *(t fro- the or, who stood *eside hi-" Drek7Th%r0s e!es were wide % d his *od! tre-*'ed with o(tr%&e" 1ei s stood o(t o his e,k % d he shook his fist %t 1e'e " D(rot% w%s so sho,ked *! the o(t*(rst th%t he did ot si'e ,e it %s 3(i,k'! %s he sho('d h%)e+ % d Drek7Th%r ,o ti (ed" /Osh(0&( *e'o &s to (s< It is the ho-e of the *e'o)ed de%d+ ,r%d',r of their s$irits+ % d !o(r hideo(s ,'o)e feet %re ot fit to t%ke o e ste$ ($ its *'essed sides</ 1e'e " too" see-ed s(r$rised %t the o(t*(rst" He t(r ed his %tte tio to the sh%-% % d stret,hed o(t % h% d i-$'ori &'!" /Yo(r s$rits %re ho(sed withi these w%''s+ it is tr(e+ % d I wo('d e)er s%! it w%s ot so"/ 1e'e ,ried" /B(t the! %re dr%w there *e,%(se of this *ei &" It seeks to9/ It w%s e.%,t'! the wro & thi & to s%!" Drek7Th%r *e''owed i o(tr%&e" Other ,ries we t ($+ % d *efore D(rot% re%'i5ed 3(ite wh%t w%s h%$$e i &+ he s%w his w%rriors s(r&e forw%rd" Dr%k% -o)ed tow%rd the-+ tr!i & to sto$ the %tt%,k+ *(t she -i&ht %s we'' h%)e *ee tr!i & to ho'd *%,k the i ,o-i & tide" D(rot% s$( % d str(,k Drek7Th%r h%rd %,ross the f%,e" The sh%-% whir'ed+ s %r'i &" /Prote,t the-</ D(rot% ,ried" /Yo( wi'' o*e! -! orders+ % d we -(st t%ke the- %'i)e" Prote,t the-+ ,(rse !o(</ Drek7Th%r0s e!es f'%shed i f(r!+ *(t o '! for % i st% t" He 'ifted his h% ds % d ,'osed his e!es+ % d s(dde '! % h(&e ,ir,'e of f'%-e s$r% & ($ %ro( d the fi)e dr%e ei" A wi d s$r% & ($+ whi$$i & the fire e)e hi&her % d $h!si,%''! *(ffeti & the ores" The w%rriors ste$$ed *%,k+ % d to D(rot% 0s horror so-e of the %r,hers *e&% o,ki & %rrows o their *owstri &s" " old2" *e''owed D(rot% + the wi d t%ki & his order % d *e%ri & it to his w%rriors0 ,%rs" /I wi'' s'%! % !o e who fires</ Betwee his ,o--% d % d Drek7Th%r0s $owerf('+ if re'(,t% t+ %*i'ities+ the dr%e ei were ( h%r-ed" D(rot% r%,ed dow the -o( t%i side to his $riso ers+ for s(,h the! ow were" Drek7Th%r w%s %t his hee's" /Dis-iss fire+/ D(rot% to'd Drek7Th%r" At o ,e+ the sheets of f'%-e th%t %'-ost si &ed D(rot% 0s e!e*rows dissi$%ted" He stood f%,e8to8f%,e ow with 1e'e + % d % w%)e of % e-otio he ,o('d ot $ro$er'! %-e rose i side hi- %s he re%'i5ed th%t the dr%e ei e'der w%s sti'' %s ,%'- % d sere e %s he h%d *ee whe the! h%d si-$'! *ee t%'ki &" /1e'e + !o( % d !o(r $eo$'e %re ow $riso ers of the Frostwo'f ,'% +/ D(rot% s%id i % soft+ d% &ero(s )oi,e" 1e'e s-i'ed+ sweet'!+ s%d'!" /I e.$e,ted othi & 'ess"/ he s%id" He % d the other fo(r so-ehow -%i t%i ed their ,o-$os(re whi'e D(rot% ordered the- stri$$ed % d se%r,hed" Their &'orio(s ro*es were t%ke % d &i)e to D(rot% 0s to$ w%rriors+ % d the dr%e ei were ,'%d ow i swe%t8stiff t( i,s" His sto-%,h t(r ed %t the 2eers+ i s('ts+ % d s$its th%t ,%-e their w%! %t the h(-i'i%tio + *(t he did ot sto$ it" As 'o & %s o $h!si,%' h%r- ,%-e to the $riso ers9% d D(rot% w%t,hed ,'ose'! to e s(re th%t o e wo('d9he wo('d 'et his w%rriors h%)e their s$ort" Beside hi-+ Dr%k% 'ooked % &r! %t the *eh%)ior of her fe''ow Frostwo')es % d whis$ered+ /;! -%te+ ,% !o( ot si'e ,e the-6/ He shook his he%d" /I w% t to see how the dr%e ei re%,t" A d " " " the w%rriors h%)e st%!ed their h% ds whe the! -i&ht h%)e *ee e.$e,ted to ki''" I wi'' ot si'e ,e their to &(es %s we''"/ Dr%k% 'ooked %t hi- se%r,hi &'!+ the odded % d withdrew" He k ew she did ot %$$ro)e+ % d he did ot 'ike wh%t he w%s seei & ,ither" B(t he w%s w%'ki & % de'i,%te 'i e+ % d he k ew it" /;! ,hieft%i </ ,ried Rokk%r+ D(rot% 0s se,o d i ,o--% d" /Co-e see wh%t the! h%)e *ro(&ht (s</ D(rot% we t to Rokk%r0s side % d $eered i to the s%,k he h%d o$e ed" His e!es wide ed" Nest'ed i side+ sw%thed i soft f%*ri,+ were two e.3(isite'! *e%(tif(' sto es" O e w%s red+ the other w%s !e''ow" D(rot% %,hed to to(,h the-+ *(t did ot" He 'ooked ($ % d -et 1e'e 0s &%5e" /Lo & %&o+ Rest%'%% showed (s % ,r!st%' si-i'%r to this o e+/ he s%id" /Th%t o e $rote,ted % ,it!" Wh%t do these do6/

/E%,h h%s its ow stre &th" The! %re $%rt of o(r 'e&%,!" The! were *e3(e%thed to (s *! the *ei & th%t dwe''s i the s%,red -o( t%i "/ D(rot% &row'ed soft'!" /Yo( wo('d do we'' ot to -e tio th%t %&%i +/ he s%id" To Rokk%r+ he s%id+ /Feed the-+ *i d their h% ds+ % d $(t the- o wo')es+ with sh%-% to &(%rd the-" Gi)e the sto es to Drek7Th%r" We wi'' t%ke the dr%e ei *%,k with (s % d de'i)er the- to Ner75h('" He sho('d h%)e *ee here i -! ste%d tod%!"/ He t(r ed % d st%'ked off+ ot w% ti & to 'ook %t 1e'e 0s odd+ &'owi & *'(e e!es+ ot w% ti & to see the dis%$$ro)%' i Dr%k%0s" D(ri & the 'o & ride *%,k+ D(rot% wrest'ed with his e-otio s" O the o e h% d+ he sh%red Drek7Th%r0s offe se" Osh(0&( w%s s%,red to the ores" The ide% th%t so-ethi & other th% the % ,estors dwe't i side it+ i deed+ %s 1e'e ,'%i-ed+ w%s so $owerf(' th%t it lured the % ,estors to it+ str(,k hi- to the ,ore" He ,o('d o '! i-%&i e how the sh%-% fe't %*o(t s(,h % de,'%r%tio " E)er!thi & see-ed to $oi t to Ner75h('0s *ei & ,orre,t+ th%t the dr%e ei were % *'i&ht ($o the wor'd % d sho('d *e e'i-i %ted" Wh%t %&&ed %t hi- w%s wh!" He wo('d &et % % swer to th%t 3(estio to i&ht" With e)er!o e+ i ,'(di & the fi)e ,%$ti)es+ -o( ted+ the! -%de &ood ti-e" The s( w%s o '! st%rti & to set whe the! ret(r ed" D(rot% h%d se t o(triders %he%d with the &ood ews+ % d the ,'% w%s w%iti & e%&er'! for their %rri)%'" O his ri&ht were Drek7Th%r % d Rokk%r+ who sh%red the se ti-e ts of the Frostwo')es" O his 'eft w%s Dr%k%+ who h%d *ee ( ,h%r%,teristi,%''! si'e t thro(&ho(t the e tire e)e t" D(rot% k ew th%t he did ot w% t to he%r wh%t she h%d to s%!4 he w%s %'re%d! *ei & $(''ed i too -% ! dire,tio s %s it w%s" The $riso ers were ( &r%,io(s'! sho)ed i to two te ts % d % i--edi%te &(%rd w%s set ($ %ro( d the-" Fo(r se%so ed w%rriors % d Drek7Th%r0s -ost tr(sted sh%-% stood $ro(d'!+ $'e%sed with the d(t! e tr(sted to the-" D(rot% h%d ordered 1e'e iso'%ted4 he w% ted to s$e%k with the dr%e ei $ro$het %'o e" After the e.,ite-e t h%d sett'ed dow so-ewh%t+ D(rot% took % dee$ *re%th" He w%s ot 'ooki & forw%rd to this ,o )ers%tio + *(t it h%d to *e do e" He odded to the &(%rds % d e tered the s-%'' te t th%t hosted Pro$het 1e'e " Si ,e he h%d ordered 1e'e *o( d+ he e.$e,ted to see the e'der with his h% ds tied" I ste%d+ he s%w th%t whoe)er h%d ,%rried o(t his order h%d do e so with e.,essi)e 5e%'" The te t h%d *ee ere,ted %ro( d % st(rd! tree+ % d 1e'e w%s ow *o( d to the tr( k" His %r-s h%d *ee !% ked *%,k %t % %wkw%rd % &'e+ the ro$es %ro( d the white f'esh of his wrists tied so ti&ht'! th%t e)e i the di- 'i&ht of twi'i&ht D(rot% ,o('d see th%t the! were t(r i & % d%rker sh%de" A ro$e tied+ th% kf(''! 'oose'!+ %ro( d his e,k for,ed hi- to kee$ his he%d ($ or risk ,hoki &" A diit! ,'oth h%d *ee sho)ed i his -o(th" He w%s o his k ees+ % d his hoo)es+ too+ were *o( d *ehi d hi-" D(rot% (ttered % dee$ o%th % d drew % d%&&er" 1e'e &%5ed %t hi- with o si& of fe%r i those dee$ *'(e e!es+ *(t D(rot% did oti,e th%t the dr%e ei 'ooked s(r$rised whe the or, (sed the we%$o to ,(t the *o ds r%ther th% his thro%t" 1e'e -%de o so( d+ *(t % f'i,ker of $%i $%ssed o)er his &host'! white f%,e %s *'ood ret(r ed to his 'i-*s" /I to'd the- to *i d !o(+ ot tr(ss !o( ($ 'ike % t%'*(k+/ D(rot% -(ttered" /Yo(r $eo$'e %re )er! e%&er+ it wo('d see-"/ D(rot% $%ssed the e'der % w%t,rski % d w%t,hed hi- ,'ose'! whi'e he dr% k" Sitti & *efore hi- i fi'th! ,'othi &+ &('$i & %t te$id w%ter+ his white f'esh r%w fro- the *o ds+ 1e'e did ot 'ook 'ike -(,h of % thre%t" How wo('d he fee'+ he wo dered+ if he h%d &otte word of the dr%e ei tre%ti & ;other K%sh(r so6 E)er!thi & %*o(t this fe't wro &" Yet ;other K%sh(r herse'f h%d %ss(red Drek7Th%r th%t the dr%e ei were % thre%t so dire %s to *e %'-ost ( i-%&i %*'e" There w%s % *ow' of ,o'd *'ood $orrid&e o the &ro( d" With his ri&ht foot+ D(rot% sho)ed it tow%rd the $riso er" 1e'e e!ed it+ *(t did ot ,%t" /Not 3(ite the fe%st !o( ser)ed Or&ri- % d -e whe we di ed i Te'-or+/ D(rot% s%id" /B(t it is o(rishi &"/ 1e'e 0s 'i$s ,(r)ed i % s-i'e" /Th%t w%s % -e-or%*'e e)e i &"/ /Did !o( &et wh%t !o( w% ted fro- (s th%t i&ht6/ D(rot% de-% ded" He w%s % &r!+ *(t ot with 1e'e " He w%s % &r! th%t it h%d ,o-e to this+ th%t o e who h%d show hi- othi & *(t ,o(rtes! w%s ow his ,%$ti)e" A d so he took it o(t o the Pro$het" /I do ot ( derst% d" We -ere'! wished to *e &ood hosts to two %d)e t(reso-e *o!s"/ D(rot% &ot to his feet % d ki,ked o)er the *ow'" Co &e%'ed $orrid&e oo5ed o to the e%rth" /Do !o( e.$e,t -e to *e'ie)e this6/ 1e'e did ot rise to the *%it" He re$'ied ,%'-'!+ /It is the tr(th" It is !o(r ,hoi,e %s to whether !o( *e'ie)e it"/ D(rot% dro$$ed to his k ees % d sho)ed his f%,e i to 1e'e 0s" /Wh! %re !o( tr!i & to destro! (s6 Wh%t h%)e we e)er do e to !o(6/ /I -i&ht %sk !o( the s%-e 3(estio +/ s%id 1e'e " A f'(sh h%d ,o-e to his white f%,e" /We h%)e e)er 'ifted % fi &er to h%r- !o(+ % d ow o)er two do5e dr%e ei %re de%d fro- !o(r %tt%,ks</ The tr(th of the ,o--e t -%de D(rot% e)e % &rier" /The % ,estors do ot 'ie to (s+/ he s %r'ed" /We h%)e *ee w%r ed th%t !o( %re ot wh%t !o( wo('d see-9th%t !o( %re o(r e e-ies" Wh! did !o( *ri & those ,r!st%'s if ot to %tt%,k (s6/ /We tho(&ht it -i&ht he'$ (s *etter ,o--( i,%te with the *ei & i the -o( t%i "/ 1e'e s$oke 3(i,k'!+ %s if tr!i & to &et the words o(t *efore D(rot% ,o('d si'e ,e hi-" /It is ot % e e-! to the or,s+ or %re We" D(rot% + !o( %re i te''i&e t % d wise" I s%w this i !o( th%t i&ht so 'o & %&o" Yo( %re ot o e to *'i d'! fo''ow 'ike % % i-%' to s'%(&hter" I k ow ot wh! !o(r 'e%ders 'ie to !o(+ *(t the! do" We h%)e e)er so(&ht to i ter%,t $e%,e%*'! with !o(" Yo( %re *etter th% this+ so of G%r "id" Yo( %re ot 'ike the others</ D(rot% 0s d%rk *row e!es %rrowed" /Yo( %re wro &+ dr%e ei+/ he s$%t" /I %- $ro(d to *e % ore" I e-*r%,e -! herit%&e"/ 1e'e 'ooked e.%s$er%ted" /Yo( -is( derst% d" I do ot -%'i& !o(r $eo$'e" I -ere'!9C /;ere'! wh%t6 ;ere'! te'' (s th%t the o '! re%so We %re seei & the *e'o)ed de%d is *e,%(se of !o(r " " " !o(r &od tr%$$ed i the -o( t%i 6/ /It is ot % &od+ it is % %''!+ % d wo('d *e o e to !o(r $eo$'e %s we'' if !o( wo('d $er-it it to *e"/ D(rot% swore % d rose+ st%'ki & %*o(t the te t+ his h% ds ,'e ,hi & % d ( ,'e ,hi &" The he (ttered % 'o &+ dee$ si&h+ the % &er i hi- *(r i & dow to %shes" /1e'e + !o(r words %re *(t wood o the fire of o(r wr%th+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" /Yo(r ,'%i- is %rro&% t % d offe si)e" It wi'' s($$ort those who %re %'re%d! $re$%red to s'%! !o(r $eo$'e o the word oi o(r % ,estors" I do ot ( derst% d -!se'f9*(t !o( %re %ski & to ,hoose *etwee $eo$'e I tr(st+ tr%ditio s I h%)e *ee r%ised o + % d !o(r word"/

He t(r ed % d f%,ed the dr%e ei" /I wi'' ,hoose -! $eo$'e" Yo( eed to k ow this" If !o( % d I ,o-e f%,e8to8f%,e o the fie'd of *%tt'e+ I wi'' ot st%! -! h% d"/ 1e'e 'ooked o '! ,(rio(s" /Yo( "" " wi'' ot t%ke -e to Ner75h('+ the 6/ D(rot% shook his he%d" /No" If he w% ted !o(+ he sho('d h%)e ,o-e for !o( hi-se'f" He %$$oi ted -e to tre%t with !o(+ % d I h%)e ,%rried o(t -! d(ties %s I s%w fit"/ /Yo( were s($$osed to de'i)er % $riso er to hi-+/ 1e'e s%id" /I w%s to -eet with !o( % d 'iste to !o(r words+/ D(rot% s%id" /H%d I ,%$t(red !o( i *%tt'e+ stri,ke % we%$o fro- !o(r h% ds+ % d wrested !o( to the e%rth+ the !es+ !o( wo('d *e % $riso er" B(t there is o ho or i *i di & % foe who e.te ds his h% ds wi''i &'! for the ro$e" We %re %t % i-$%sse+ !o( % d I" Yo( i sist th%t !o( h%)e o i'' wi'' tow%rd the ores" ;! 'e%ders % d the &hosts of -! % ,estors te'' -e otherwise"/ A&%i + D(rot% k e't *efore the dr%e ei" /The! ,%'' !o( Pro$het9do !o( k ow the f(t(re the 6 If so+ the te'' -e wh%t !o( % d I ,% do to %)ert wh%t I fe%r wi'' ( fo'd" I wo('d ot shed i o,e t 'ife+ 1e'e " Gi)e -e so-ethi &+ % !thi &+ I ,% t%ke to Ner75h(' th%t wi'' $ro)e th%t wh%t !o( s%! is tr(e</ He re%'i5ed he w%s $'e%di &+ *(t the f%,t did ot distress hi-" He 'o)ed his wife+ his ,'% + his $eo$'e" He h%ted wh%t he w%s seei &: % e tire &e er%tio r(shi & he%d'o & to %d('thood with o '! *'i d h%te i their he%rts" If *e&&i & *efore this str% &e *ei & ,o('d ,h% &e this+ the *e& he wo('d" The str% &e *'(e e!es he'd % ( s$e%k%*'e e-$%th!" 1e'e e.te ded % $%'e h% d % d $'%,ed it o D(rot% 0s sho('der" /The f(t(re is ot 'ike % *ook o e ,% re%d+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" /It is e)er ,h% &i &+ 'ike the r(sh of w%ter+ or the swir' of s% d" I %&r% ted ,ert%i i si&hts+ *(t othi & -ore+ I fe't )er! stro &'! th%t I eeded to ,o-e ( %r-ed+ % d *eho'd+ I %- &reeted ot *! the ores0 &re%test sh%-% + *(t *! o e who h%s s'e$t s%fe'! ( der -! roof" I do ot thi k this % %,,ide t" D(rot% " A d if % !thi & ,% *e do e to %)ert this+ it 'ies with the or,s+ ot with the dr%e ei" AH I ,% do is te'' !o( wh%t I h%)e %'re%d! s%id" The ri)er0s ,o(rse ,% *e ,h% &ed" B(t !o( %re the o es who -(st ,h% &e it" Th%t is %'' I k ow+ % d I $r%! it is e o(&h to s%)e -! $eo$'e"/ The 'ook o his % ,ie t+ odd'! ,r%,ked f%,e % d the to e of his )oi,e to'd D(rot% wh%t his words did ot: th%t 1e'e did ot+ i deed+ thi k it wo('d *e e o(&h to s%)e his $eo$'e" D(rot% ,'osed his e!es for % -o-e t+ the ste$$ed *%,k" /We wi'' kee$ the sto es+/ he s%id" /Wh%te)er $ower the! h%)e+ the sh%-% wi'' 'e%r how to h%r ess"/ 1e'e odded s%d'! /S(,h I %ss(-ed+/ he s%id" /B(t I h%d to *ri & the-" I h%d to tr(st th%t we ,o('d fi d % w%! $%st %'' of this"/ Wh! w%s it+ D(rot% wo dered+ th%t he fe't ,'oser %t this -o-e t to o e he h%d *ee to'd w%s % e e-! th% to the s$irit(%' 'e%der of his ow $eo$'e6 Dr%k% -i&ht k ow" She h%d k ow %'' %'o &" She h%d s%id othi &+ ( derst% di & with % wisdo- he ,o('d ot ,o-$rehe d th%t he h%d to ,o-e to this -o-e t o his ow " B(t he wo('d s$e%k to her to i&ht+ %'o e i their te t" /Get ($"/ he s%id+ s$e%ki & ro(&h'! to hide his e-otio s+ /Yo( % d !o(r ,o-$% io s -%! 'e%)e s%fe'!"/ He &ri ed s(dde '!" /As s%fe'! %s !o( -i&ht+ i the d%rk ess+ with o we%$o s" If !o( ,o-e to !o(r de%ths this i&ht whe !o( %re $%st o(r territor!+ it wi'' ot *e o -! he%d"/ /Th%t wo('d *e ,o )e ie t for !o(+/ %&reed 1e'e + &etti & to his feet" /B(t so-ehow" I thi k it is ot wh%t !o( w% t"/ D(rot% did ot re$'!" He -%r,hed o(t of the te t % d to'd the w%iti & &(%rds" /1e'e % d his fo(r ,o-$% io s %re to *e s%fe'! es,orted to the *orders of o(r '% ds" The + the! wi'' *e re'e%sed+ to ret(r to the 8,it!" No h%r- is to *ef%'' the-+ is th%t ,'e%r6/ The &(%rd 'ooked %s if he w%s %*o(t to $rotest+ *(t % other+ wiser w%rrior shot hi- % fier,e &'% ,e" /1er! ,'e%r+ -! ,hieft%i +/ the first &(%rd -(r-(red" As the! we t to fet,h the other dr%e ei+ Drek7Th%r h(rried ($ to D(rot% " /D(rot% < Wh%t %re !o( doi &6 Ner75h(' e.$e,ts $riso ers</ /Ner75h(' ,% t%ke his $riso ers hi-se'f+/ D(rot% s %r'ed" /I w%s i ,o--% d+ % d this is -! de,isio " Do !o( 3(estio it6/ Drek7Th%r 'ooked %ro( d % d w%'ked D(rot% %w%! fro- $r!i & ,%rs" /I do+/ he hissed" /Yo( he%rd wh%t he s%id< He ,'%i-s the % ,estors %re9%re 'ike -oths to % tor,h %ro( d this &od of his< The %rro&% ,e< Ner75h(' is ri&ht" The! -(st *e e'i-i %ted" We h%)e *ee to'd so</ /if it is to *e+ the it wi'' *e+/ s%id D(rot% " /B(t ot this i&ht+ Drek7Th%r" Not this i&ht"/ As he % d his ,o-$% io s w%'ked s'ow'! o)er the dew8dre ,hed &r%sses of die -e%dows+ $%st the toweri & *'%,k si'ho(ettes of the trees of Terokk%r forest+ tow%rd the e%rest ,it!+ 1e'e 0s he%rt w%s he%)!" Two of the %t%0-%' ,r!st%'s were ow i the $ossessio of the ores" He h%d o do(*t *(t th%t D(rot% 0s words were ,orre,t+ % d th%t their sh%-% wo('d short'! ( 'o,k their se,rets" B(t the! h%d -issed o e" The! h%d -issed it *e,%(se it did ot wish to *e fo( d+ % d whe it ,%-e to the ,r!st%'s+ 'i&ht o*e!ed its wishes % d *e t itse'f so th%t the )io'et ,r!st%' re-%i ed hidde fro- the )iew of the se%r,hi & ores" He he'd it ,'ose to his he%rt ow+ fee'i & its w%r-th see$ i to his % ,ie t f'esh" He h%d &%-*'ed+ % d f%i'ed" Not ,o-$'ete'!4 th%t he % d his frie ds were %'i)e % d w%'ki & tow%rd s%fet! w%s testi-o ! to th%t" B(t he h%d ho$ed the ores wo('d 'iste + th%t the! wo('d %t 'e%st %,,o-$% ! hi- i to the he%rt of their ow s%,red -o( t%i + % d *eho'd so-ethi & th%t did ot e&%te their f%idi+ ot i the s'i&htest+ *(t h%d i f%,t &i)e *irth to it" The o(dook w%s &ri-" As he h%d w%'ked i to the ,%-$+ he h%d o*ser)ed wh%t w%s h%$$e i &" Yo( &'i &s were *ei & tr%i ed so h%rd the! were dro$$i & fro- e.h%(stio " For&es were &oi & e)e so '%te %t i&ht" For %'' th%t he w%s w%'ki & free'! ow+ 1e'e k ew th%t the i ,ide ts of tod%! h%d do e othi & to %)ert wh%t wo('d ,o-e" The or,s+e)e the o es 'ed *! the i si&htf('+ s'ow to % &er D(rot% + were ot 2(st $re$%ri & for the $ossi*i'it! of w%r" The! were ,o )i ,ed of the ,ert%i t! of it" Whe the s( showed her !e''ow he%d to-orrow -or i &+ she wo('d 'ook ($o the i e)it%*'e" The ,r!st%' he he'd so ,'ose to his he%rt $('sed+ se si & his tho(&hts" 1e'e t(r ed to his ,o-$% io s % d 'ooked ($o thesorrowf(''!" /The ores wi'' ot *e diss(%ded fro- this $%th+/ he s%id" /A d therefore+ if we %re to s(r)i)e " " " we+ too+ -(st w%'k the $%th to w%r"/ F%r i the dist% ,e+ *roke + d!i &+ resti & %s $e%,ef(''! %s $ossi*'e dee$ *e'ow the w%ters of the s%,red $oo'+ the *ei & k ow %s K7(re (ttered % dee$+ %&o i5ed ,r!"

1e'e st%rted+ re,o& i5i & the )oi,e+ % d *owed his he%d" The Frostwo'f ores &%s$ed %t the so( d % d t(r ed to re&%rd the $erfe,t tri% &'e of Osh(0&( " /The % ,estors %re % &r! with (s</ % !o( & sh%-% ,ried" /A &r! for 'etti & 1e'e &o</ D(rot% shook his he%d" He o(&ht to re*(ke the !o( &ster+ % d o the -orrow+ if s(,h words were (ttered %&%i + he wo('d" B(t ow" his he%rt w%s f('' of sorrow" It w%s ot % ,r! of % &er th%t ,%-e fro- the s%,red -o( t%i " It w%s the wre ,hi & so( d of ('ti-%te &rief+ % d he sh(ddered i side %s he wo dered wh! the % ,estors -o(r ed so )er!+ )er! dee$'!"

ELE1EN
,er#&hul""" 0ul#dan. Two of the darkest names ever to sully the history of my people. .nd yet, "reh#Thar tells me that once ,er#&hul was admired, even beloved, and truly cared for the people whose spiritual leader he was. It is hard to reconcile those words with what ,er#&hul has become, but I try. I try because I want to understand. .nd yet, try as I might... I do not. "What)" Ner75h('0s shriek of o(tr%&e -%de his %$$re ti,e G('0d% wi ,e+ D(rot% did ot *%t % e!e" /I re'e%sed the Pro$het 1e'e +/ the ,hieft%i of the Frostwo'f ,'% s%id ,%'-'!" /Yo(r orders were to t%ke hi- % d the others $riso er</ Ner75h('0s )oi,e ,'i-*ed with e%,h word" It h%d *ee so $'%i + so e%s!" Wh%t h%d D(rot% *ee thi ki &6 To toss %w%! this o$$ort( it! 'ike *o es whe the -e%t h%d *ee de)o(red< How -(,h i for-%tio ,o('d the! h%)e e.tr%,ted fro- 1e'e 6 Wh%t ki d of *%r&%i i & $ower o)er the dr%e ei wo('d he h%)e *o(&ht the-6 B(t th%t tho(&ht w%s dw%rfed *! the o)erwhe'-i & horror of how Ki'72%ede wo('d re%,t" Wh%t wo('d he do whe he 'e%r ed th%t 1e'e h%d ot *ee ,%$t(red6 The *e%(tif(' *ei & h%d *ee see-i &'! we'' $'e%sed %t the $ros$e,t+ whe Ner75h(' to'd hi- of the $'% " F'(shed with $ride %t his ,'e)er ess+ thi ki & )i,tor! %'re%d! %ss(red" Ner75h(' h%d e)e d%red to offer 1e'e to Ki'72%ede %s % sort of $rese t" Now wh%t wo('d h%$$e 6 The re%'i5%tio th%t he fe't fe%r r%ther th% ,h%&ri %t *ri &i & dis%$$oi ti & ews w%s ot 'ost o the sh%-% " /Yo( $(t -e i ,h%r&e of the ,%$t(re+ % d ,%$t(re the- I did+/ D(rot% re$'ied" /B(t there is o ho or i % $riso er t%ke wi''i &'!" Yo( w% t (s to *e stro & %s % $eo$'e+ r%ther th% %s i di)id(%' ,'% s+ % d we ,% ot do th%t witho(t % ,ode of ho or th%t is i )io'%*'e+ th%t is9/ D(rot% ,o ti (ed s$e%ki & i his &r(ff+ dee$ )oi,e+ *(t Ner75h(' w%s o 'o &er 'iste i &" At th%t i st% t+ th%t fro5e s$%,e i ti-e" Ner75h(' h%d % s(dde re%'i5%tio th%t Ki'72%ede -i&ht ot *e the *e e)o'e t s$irit he $rese ted hi-se'f %s" D(rot% + 'ost i his ow )oi,e s$e%ki & words to e.$'%i his de,isio + did ot oti,e the sh%-% 0s shift i %tte tio " B(t Ner75h(' fe't G('0d% 0s &%5e ($o hi-" % d % other fe%r we''ed ($ i side hi- th%t G('0d% w%s *e%ri & wit ess to his -%ster0s first hi ts of do(*t" What is the right thing to do) ow can I best serve) Why is 4ulkan no longer coming to me) He *'i ked % d ,%-e *%,k to hi-se'f whe he re%'i5ed tfr%t D(rot% h%d ,e%sed s$e%ki &" The '%r&e ,hieft%i w%s re&%rdi & Ner75h(' i te t'!+ w%iti & for the sh%-% to s$e%k" How *est to h% d'e this6 D(rot% w%s we'' re&%rded %-o & the ,'% s" If Ner75h(' $( ished D(rot% for his de,isio + there wo('d *e -% ! who wo('d res$o d with s!-$%th! to the Frostwo'f ,'% " It ,o('d ,%(se % rift i the f%*ri, Ner75h(' w%s tr!i & to we%)e+ the ti&ht'! k it f%*ri, of % ( ited or, %tio """ % Horde+ if !o( wi''" O the other h% d+ if he ,o do ed D(rot% 0s %,tio s+ it wo('d *e % se)ere % d i s('ti & *'ow to those who h%d fer)e t'! s($$orted his $re)io(s $ositio th%t the dr%e ei -(st die" He ,o('d ot de,ide" He st%red %t D(rot% + who *e&% to frow s'i&ht'!" /;! -%ster is so o)er,o-e with r%&e th%t he ,% ot s$e%k+/ ,%-e G('0d% 0s s-ooth )oi,e" Both D(rot% % d Ner75h(' t(r ed to 'ook %t the !o( &er sh%-% " /Yo( h%)e diso*e!ed % dire,t order fro- !o(r s$irit(%' 'e%der" Ret(r to !o(r ,%-$+ D(rot% + so of G%r%d" ;! -%ster wi'' se d !o( % 'etter short'! ,o )e!i & his de,isio "/ D(rot% &'% ,ed *%,k %t Ner75h('+ his dis'ike of G('0d% $'%i o his *ro%d f%,e" Ner75h(' &%thered hi-se'f % d stood t%''+ % d this ti-e+ whe he re%,hed for words+ he fo( d the-" /Be&o e+ D(rot% " Yo( h%)e dis$'e%sed -e" % d worse+ !o( h%)e dis$'e%sed the *ei & who h%s show (s s(,h f%)or" Yo( wi'' he%r fro- -e soo e o(&h"/ D(rot% *owed+ *(t did ot 'e%)e i--edi%te'!" /There is o e thi & I do *ri & !o(+/ he s%id" He e.te ded % s-%'' *( d'e to Ner75h('" The sh%-% %,,e$ted it with h% ds th%t shook+ % d ho$ed des$er%te'! th%t *oth D(rot% % d G('0d% wo('d i ter$ret the tre-*'i & %s f(r! % d ot fe%r" /We took these off the $riso ers+/ D(rot% ,o ti (ed" /O(r sh%-% *e'ie)e th%t the! -%! ho'd $ower th%t we ,% (se %&%i st the dr%e ei"/ He hesit%ted % -o-e t 'o &er+ %s if w%iti & for f(rther word fro- Ner75h('" Whe the si'e ,e stret,hed 'o & % d ( ,o-fort%*'! *etwee the-+ he *owed %&%i % d 'eft" For % 'o & -o-e t+ either -%ster or %$$re ti,e s$oke" /;! -%ster+ $'e%se for&i)e -e for i terr($ti &" I s%w !o( were so o)er,o-e th%t !o( ,o('d ot s$e%k+ % d I fe%red th%t the Frostwo'f *o! wo('d -isi ter$ret !o(r % &er %s hesit% ,!"/ Ner75h(' shot hi- % se%r,hi & 'ook" The words so( ded si ,ere" G('0d% 0s f%,e 'ooked si ,ere" A d !et8There w%s o ,e % ti-e whe Ner75h(' wo('d h%)e ,o fessed his do(*t to his %$$re ti,e" He h%d tr(sted % d tr%i ed hi- for !e%rs" B(t ow+ %t this -o-e t+ %'tho(&h *%ttered *! ( ,ert%i ties %s if *! o$$osi & wi ds+ Ner75h(' k ew o e thi & )er! ,'e%r'!" He did ot w% t G('0d% to see % ! we%k ess i hi-" /I w%s i deed o)er,o-e with r%&e+/ Ner75h(' 'ied" /Ho or ser)es othi & if it h(rts !o(r $eo$'e"/ He re%'i5ed he w%s ,'(t,hi & the *( d'e D(rot% h%d &i)e hi-" G('0d% w%s st%ri & %t it %'-ost h( &ri'!" /Wh%t did D(rot% &i)e !o(+ to offset !o(r % &er with hi-6/ G('0d% i 3(ired" Ner75h(' 'ooked %t hi- with % s($erior %ir" "I will e.%-i e it first+ % d sh%re it with Ki'72%ede + %$$re ti,e+/ he s%id ,oo''!" He w%s 'ooki & for % re%,tio + % d dre%ded seei & it" For the *riefest of -o-e ts+ % &er f'itted %,ross G('0d% 0s f%,e" The the !o( &er or, *owed dee$'! % d s%id ,o trite'!+ /Of ,o(rse+ -! -%ster" It w%s %rro&% t of -e to e.$e,t9 I %- -ere'! ,(rio(s+ th%t is %''+ to see if the Frostwo'f ,hieft%i h%s ,o tri*(ted % !thi & of worth"/

Ner75h(' softe ed so-ewh%t" G('0d% h%d ser)ed hi- we'' % d 'o!%''! for -% ! !e%rs ow+ % d i deed+ wo('d s(,,eed Ner75h(' whe the ti-e ,%-e" He w%s 2(-$i & %t sh%dows" /Of ,o(rse+/ Ner75h(' s%id+ -ore &e t'!" /I wi'' 'et !o( k ow if I 'e%r % !thi &" After %''+ !o( %re -! %$$re ti,e+ %re !o( ot6/ G('0d% *ri&hte ed" /I ser)e !o( i %'' thi &s+ -! -%ster"/ Looki & h%$$ier+ he *owed %&%i % d 'eft Ner75h(' %'o e" Ner75h(' s%t he%)i'! o the ski s th%t ser)ed hi- for % *ed" He ,r%d'ed the *( d'e i his '%$ % d s%id % $r%!er to the % ,estors th%t if D(rot% h%d f%i'ed to de'i)er the 'e%der of the dr%e ei+ $erh%$s %t 'e%st the Frostwo'f ,hieft%i h%d -% %&ed to o*t%i so-ethi & of )%'(e" He took % dee$ *re%th+ ( wr%$$ed the *( d'e+ % d &%s$ed" Nest'ed %&%i st soft f(r were two &'owi & &e-s" Gi &er'!+ Ner75h(' to(,hed the red o e % d &%s$ed %&%i " E er&!+ e.,ite-e t+ % d % se se of $ower f'owed thro(&h hi-" His h% ds w% ted to &ri$ % we%$o + %'tho(&h he h%d h%d o eed of o e for !e%rs+ % d he !e%r ed to swi & it" So-ehow he k ew th%t if this ,r!st%' were o his $erso + his %i- wo('d *e tr(e" Wh%t % &ift this w%s to the ores< He wo('d h%)e to see how he ,o('d t(r this hot+ red $%ssio for fi&hti & th%t '(rked i the ,e ter of this sto e to his $(r$oses" It took % &re%t effort of wi'' for hi- to re'e%se the red ,r!st%'" He *re%thed dee$'!+ ,%'-i & hi-se'f %s his -i d ,'e%red" The !e''ow o e e.t" Ner75h(' &r%s$ed it" This ti-e+ he h%d so-e ide% of wh%t to e.$e,t" A&%i + he fe't it e-% %ti & w%r-th % d % se s%tio of $ower" B(t this ti-e+ there w%s o e.,ite-e t+ o (r&e ,!" As he he'd the !e''ow ,r!st%'+ his -i d ,'e%red % d he re%'i5ed th%t he h%d hitherto *ee seei & thi &s %s if i % fo&8de se )%''e!" He ,o('d ot fi d the words to des,ri*e it+ *(t there w%s % $(rit!+ % ,'%rit!+ % $re,isio to e)er!thi &" It w%s+ i f%,t+ so kee + so ,'e%r th%t Ner75h(' *e&% to $er,ei)e this o$e i & of his -i d %s $%i " He dro$$ed the ,r!st%' *%,k i to his '%$" The *ri''i% t ,'%rit!+ k ife8sh%r$+ f%ded so-ewh%t" Ner75h(' s-i'ed" If he did ot h%)e 1e'e hi-se'f to $rese t to Ki'72%ede " %t 'e%st he h%d these $re,io(s ite-s to offer to %$$e%se the -%& ifi,e t *ei &" Ki'72%ede w%s f(rio(s" Ner75h(' 3(%ked *efore th%t % &er+ $rostr%ti & hi-se'f o the e%rth+ -(r-(ri &+ /For&i)e -e """/ %s Ki'72%ede r%&ed" He s3(ee5ed his e!es sh(t+ % ti,i$%ti & $%i s(,h %s he h%d e)er e.$erie ,ed to s(dde '! st%rt shooti & %'o & his *od!+ whe %*r($t'! the r%&i & ,e%sed" C%(tio(s'!+ Ner75h(' risked % &'% ,e %t his *e ef%,tor+ Ki'72%ede w%s o ,e -ore 'ooki & sere e+ $oised+ % d ,%'- % d *%thed i r%di% ,e" /I %- " " " dis%$$oi ted+/ the Be%(tif(' O e -(r-(red" He shifted his wei&ht fro- o e e or-o(s ,'o)e foot to the other" /B(t I k ow two thi &s" The Frostwo'f ,'% 'e%der is the o e res$o si*'e" A d !o( wi'' e)er+ e)er+ tr(st hi- with % i-$ort% t t%sk %&%i "/ Re'ief swe$t thro(&h Ner75h(' % d he %'-ost f%i ted fro- the se s%tio + so $owerf(' w%s it" /Of ,o(rse ot+ -! 'ord" Ne)er %&%i " A d " " " we did fi d these ,r!st%'s for !o("/ /The! %re of 'itt'e (se to -,+/ s%id Ki'72%ede " Ner75h(' wi ,ed" /B(t I thi k !o(r $eo$'e -i&ht fi d the- he'$f(' i !o(r *%tt'e to ,r(sh the dr%e ei" Th%t is !o(r *%tt'e+ is it ot6/ Fe%r %&%i ,'e ,hed h%rd %t Ner75h('0s he%rt" /Of ,o(rse+ 'ord< It is the % ,estorsD wi''"/ Ki'72%ede 'ooked %t hi- for % -o-e t+ his *ri''i% t e!es e-% %ti & f'%-es" /It is -! wi''"/ he s%id si-$'!+ % d Ner75h(' odded fr% ti,%''!" /Of ,o(rse+ of ,o(rse+ it is !o(r wi''+ % d I o*e! !o( i %'' thi &s"/ Ki'72%ede see-ed s%tisfied *! the res$o se % d odded" The he w%s &o e+ % d Ner75h(' s% k *%,k+ wi$i & % f%,e &re%s! with the swe%t of terror" O(t of the ,or er of his e!e he s%w % f'%sh of so-ethi & white" G('0d% h%d see e)er!thi &" We have been planning an attack for some time now, and last night, when the 3ale 1ady did not shine, we descended in force upon the sleeping little town. ,ot a one was left alive, not even the few children we found. Their supplies 9food, armor, weapons, some strange items we know othi & of and shun9this *o( t! is now shared between the two unified clans. Their blood, blue and thick, dries now upon our faces, and we dance in celebration. There w%s -ore to the -issi)e+ *(t Ner75h(' did ot re%d it" He did ot h%)e to" A'tho(&h the det%i's -i&ht *e differe t+ the esse ,e of the 'etters w%s %'w%!s the s%-e" A s(,,essf(' %tt%,k+ &'or! i the ki''i &+ the e,st%s! of *'ood s$i''ed" Ner75h(' &'% ,ed %t the $i'e of 'etters he h%d re,ei)ed 2(st th%t -or i &: se)e of the-" With e%,h -o th th%t $%ssed+ e)e thro(&ho(t the 'o &+ h%rd wi ter -o ths+ the ores &rew -ore ski''ed %t ki''i & dr%e ei" The! h%d 'e%r ed -(,h %*o(t their foe with e%,h )i,torB0" The sto es th%t D(rot% h%d &i)e Ner75h(' $ro)ed to *e )%'(%*'e i deed+ Ner75h(' worked with the-+ %'o e %t first+ % d the i the ,o-$% ! of other sh%-% " The red sto e the! d(**ed the He%rt of F(r!+ % d the! fo( d th%t whe the 'e%der of % r%id ,%rried it" ot o '! did he fi&ht with -ore e er&! % d ski''+ *(t e)er!o e ( der his ,o--% d *e efited %s we''" The sto e w%s $%ssed fro- ,'% to ,'% %t e%,h ew -oo + % d w%s hi&h'! ,o)eted" Yet Ner75h(' k ew o o e wo('d d%re to ste%' it for hi-se'f" The se,o d sto e he ,%''ed the Bri''i% t St%r+ % d he fo( d th%t whe % sh%-% ,%rried the ,r!st%'+ he or she e.$erie ,ed % $rofo( d fo,(s % d ,'%rit!" Whi'e the He%rt of F(r! ro(sed the e-otio s+ the Bri''i% t St%r ,%'-ed the-" The tho(&ht $ro,ess w%s swifter % d -ore $re,ise+ % d ,o ,e tr%tio w%s ot e%si'! *roke " The res('t w%s $owerf(' -%&i,+ $re,ise'! ,o tro''ed """ % other ke! to % or,ish )i,torB0" The de'i,io(s iro ! th%t the! were (si & the dr%e ei0s ow -%&i, %&%i st the- f(rther i-$ro)ed -or%'e %-o & the ores" B(t %'' these thi &s did ot he%rte Ner75h('" The s(dde f'%sh of do(*t th%t h%d sh(ddered thro(&h hi- whe he h%d s$oke with D(rot% h%d sh%ke hi- to the *o e" He fo(&ht *%,k the s(s$i,io s+ terrified th%t so-ehow Ki'72%ede w%s %*'e to re%d his tho(&hts" B(t the! ,%-e+ 'ike -%&&ots writhi & fro- % ,or$se+ to h%( t his s'ee$i & % d w%ki & tho(&hts" Ki'72%ede 'ooked )er!+ )er! si-i'%r to the dr%e ei" W%s it $ossi*'e th%t the! were so-ehow the s%-e6 A d w%s he+ Ner75h('+ *ei & (sed i so-e sort of ,i)i' w%r6

O e i&ht+ he fo( d he ,o('d o 'o &er *e%r it" Si'e t'!+ he dressed % d ro(sed his wo'f Sk!,h%s,r+ who stret,hed % d *'i ked %t hi- s'ee$i'! /Co-e+ -! frie d"/ Ner75h(' s%id %ffe,tio %te'! %s he sett'ed o the &re%t ,re%t(re0s *%,k" He h%d e)er *efore ridde to the s%,red -o( t%i " A'w%!s+ he h%d w%'ked+ %s w%s tr%ditio " B(t he eeded to ret(r *efore he w%s -issed+ % d he w%s ,ert%i th%t the (r8 &e ,! of his -issio wo('d -iti&%te his offe se with the % ,estors" It w%s %'-ost s$ri &+ %'-ost ti-e for the Kosh0h%r& festi)%'+ *(t s$ri & see-ed f%r %w%! %s the ,o'd wi d *it %t Ner75h('0s ,%rs % d ose" He h(dd'ed dow + &r%tef(' for the w%r-th of the -%ssi)e wo'f+ % d shie'ded hi-se'f %s *est he ,o('d fro- the wi d % d ow s ow" The wo'f $ressed o thro(&h the drifts+ -%ki & ste%d! if ot swift $ro&ress" At '%st" Ner75h(' 'ooked ($ % d s%w the $erfe,t tri% &'e of the ;o( t%i of S$irits+ % d % &re%t wei&ht s(dde '! 'ifted fro- his he%rt" For the first ti-e i -o ths+ he tr('! fe't %s if he w%s doi & the ri&ht thi &" Sk!,h%s,r wo('d h%)e diffi,('t! ,'i-*i &+ so with % ,o--% d to /st%!/ he sett'ed dow + *(rrowi & i to % drift % d ,(r'i & ($ ti&ht'!" Ner75h(' did ot i-%&i e he wo('d *e -ore th% % few ho(rs+ % d h(rried to ,'i-* the -o( t%i with -ore %'%,rit! th% he h%d fe't i % 'o & ti-e+ his s%,k he%)! with w%t,rski s % d his he%rt f('' of % ti,i$%tio " He sho('d h%)e do e this 'o & %&o" He sho('d h%)e &o e ri&ht to the so(r,e of wisdo-+ %s sh%-% *efore hi- h%d do e" He h%d o ide% wh! he h%d e)er tho(&ht of this *efore" At '%st he ,%-e to the e tr% ,e % d $%(sed *efore the $erfe,t o)%'" As % .io(s %s he w%s to re%,h the % ,estors+ he k ew the rit(%' -(st *e ho ored" He 'it the *( d'e of dried &r%sses he ,%rried % d 'et its sweet s,e t ,%'- % d $(rif! his tho(&hts" The he ste$$ed forw%rd+ -(r-(ri & % s$e'' to 'i&ht the tor,hes th%t 'i ed the w%'k" Ner75h(' h%d w%'ked this $%th -ore ti-es th% he ,o('d re,%''+ % d his feet -o)ed ste%di'! %s if of their ow %,,ord" Dow twi ed the s-ooth $%th+ % d Ner75h('0s he%rt r%,ed with ho$e %s he ste$$ed forw%rd i to the d%rk ess" It see-ed to t%ke 'o &er th% (s(%' for hi- to *e,o-e %w%re of the i ,re%se i 'i&ht" Ner75h(' ste$$ed i to the ,%)er + % d tho(&ht th%t so-ehow+ the 'i&ht e-% %ti & fro- the s%,red $oo' see-ed di--er th% it h%d *ee i the $%st" The tho(&ht ( sett'ed hi-" He took % dee$ *re%th % d ,hided hi-se'f" He w%s *ri &i & his ow e.ter %' fe%rs to this s%,red s$%,e+ othi & -ore" He ste$$ed to the $oo'+ re-o)ed the w%t,rski s fro- his $%,k+ % d $o(red o(t the ,o te ts" The soft s$'%shi & of w%ter w%s the o '! so( d+ % d it see-ed to e,ho" His offeri & ,o-$'ete+ Ner75h(' s%t *! the w%ter0s ed&e % d w%ited+ &%5i & i to the r%di% t de$ths" Nothi & h%$$e ed" He did ot $% i," So-eti-es the % ,estors took their ti-e %*o(t res$o di &" B(t whe -ore ti-e h%d $%ssed+ ( ,%se *e&% to stir i Ner75h('0s he%rt" ;o)ed+ he s$oke %'o(d" /A ,estors " " " *e'o)ed de%d """ I+ Ner75h('+ sh%-% of the Sh%dow-oo ,'% + 'e%der to !o(r ,hi'dre + h%)e ,o-e seeki & " " " o" *e&&i & wisdo-" I9I h%)e 'ost -! w%! to !o(r 'i&ht" The ti-es %re d%rk % d fe%rf(' e)e %s we &row stro &er+ -ore ( ited %s % $eo$'e" I 3(estio the $%th I %- o " % d I *esee,h !o(r &(id% ,e" P'e%se+ if e)er !o( 'o)ed % d ,%red for those who h%)e fo''owed i !o(r footste$s+ ,o-e to -e ow % d %d)ise -e+ th%t I -%! 'e%d the- we''</ His )oi,e 3(%)ered" He k ew he so( ded 'ost % d $%theti,+ % d for % -o-e t st(**or $ride -%de hi- f'(sh with sh%-e" B(t the th%t fee'i & w%s ,h%sed %w%! *! the k ow'ed&e th%t he did ,%re for his $eo$'e+ he did w% t to do wh%t w%s ri&ht for the-+ % d %t this -o-e t he h%d o ide% wh%t th%t -i&ht *e" The $oo' *e&% to &'ow" Ner75h(' 'e% ed forw%rd e%&er'!+ his e!es ro%-i & the s(rf%,e+ % d i the w%ter+ he s%w % f%,e 'ooki & *%,k %t hi-" /R('k% +/ he *re%thed" For % -o-e t 3(i,k te%rs -er,if(''! *'(rred her i-%&e" He *'i ked % d his he%rt '(r,hed with $%i %s he s%w the 'ook i her &host'! e!es" It w%s h%tred" Ner75h(' re,oi'ed %s if str(,k" Other f%,es *e&% to %$$e%r i the w%ter+ do5e s of the-" A'' of the- h%d the s%-e e.$ressio " N%(se% we''ed i hi- % d he ,ried o(t+ /P'e%se< He'$ -e< Gr% t -e !o(r wisdo- th%t I -%! wi f%)or %&%i i !o(r e!es</ R('k% 0s se)ere fe%t(res softe ed so-ewh%t+ % d it w%s with % tr%,e of ,o-$%ssio i her )oi,e th%t she s$oke" /There is othi & !o( ,% do+ ot ow" ot i % h( dred !e%rs+ to wi f%)or i o(r e!es" Yo( %re ot % s%)ior of !o(r $eo$'e+ *(t their *etr%!er"/ /No</ he shrieked" /No+ te'' -e wh%t to do % d I wi'' do it" It is ot too '%te+ s(re'! it is ot too '%te9/ /Yo( %re ot stro & e o(&h+/ s%id % other r(-*'i & )oi,e+ this o e -%'e" /If !o( were+ !o( wo('d e)er h%)e w%'ked so f%r dow this $%th" Yo( wo('d ot h%)e *ee so e%si'! &(''ed i to doi & the wi'' of o e who *e%rs o 'o)e for o(r $eo$'e"/ /B(t9 I do ot ( derst% d+/ Ner75h(' -(r-(red" /R('k% + !o( ,%-e to -e< I he%rd !o(< Yo(+ Greksh%r9!o( %d)ised -e< Ki'72%ede w%s the o e !o( w% ted -e to e-*r%,e< The Gre%t Frie d to %'' the ores< She s%id othi & i res$o se to this4 she did ot h%)e to" E)e %s the words t(-*'ed fro- his 'i$s he ( derstood how $rofo( d'! he h%d *ee -is'ed" The % ,estors h%d e)er %$$e%red to hi- %t %''" It h%d %'' *ee % tri,k ,o ,o,ted *! Ki'72%ede + whoe)er9 wh%te)er9he w%s" The! were ri&ht ot to tr(st Ner75h(' ow" A ! sh%-% who wo('d *e so e%si'! de,ei)ed ,o('d e)er *e tr(sted to $(t thi &s ri&ht %&%i " A'' w%s % e'%*or%te we* of 'ies % d de,eit % d -% i$('%tio " A d he+ Ner75h('+ h%d *ee the first foo'ish i se,t to *e,o-e i e.tri,%*'! tr%$$ed i it" Ne%r'! % h( dred dr%e ei were de%d" There w%s o t(r i & *%,k+ o re3(esti & %id fro- the % ,estors" He ,o('d ot tr(st % ! of his )isio s e)er %&%i + e.,e$t to ( derst% d th%t the! were 'ike'! to *e 'ies" Worst of %''+ he h%d de'i)ered his $eo$'e i to the h% ds of o e who+ des$ite his f%ir %$$e%r% ,e % d his ho e!ed words+ did ot h%)e their *est i terests i wh%te)er $%ssed for his he%rt" E)e %s he st%red i to the &host'! e!es of his *e'o)ed+ she t(r ed %w%! fro- hi-" O e *! o e+ the -!ri%d f%,es ref'e,ted i the w%ter fo''owed s(it" Ner75h(' tre-*'ed with the horror of wh%t he h%d do e" There w%s othi & he ,o('d do to -%ke it ri&ht" Nothi & he ,o('d do e.,e$t ,o ti (e o this $%th th%t Ki'72%ede h%d so ,%ref(''! ,o tri)ed for hi- to w%'k+ % d $r%! to % ,estors who o 'o &er 'iste ed to hi- th%t so-ehow+ so-e w%!+ thi &s wo('d t(r o(t %'' ri&ht" He *(ried his f%,e i his h% ds % d we$t" Cro(,hi & i the d%rk ess i % *e d i the t( e'+ G('7d% 'iste ed to the so( d of his -%ster so**i &+ % d s-i'ed to hi-se'f" Ki'72%ede wo('d *e &r%tef(' for the i for-%tio "

TWEL1E
We are all weak, in one way or another. It does not matter the species. 'ometimes that weakness is a strength in disguise. 'ometimes it is our utter undoing. 'ometimes it is both. The wise man understands his weakness and seeks to find a lesson from it. The fool lets it control and destroy him. .nd sometimes, the wise man is a fool. As he rode *%,k %to$ Sk!,h%ser+ h% ds so ,o'd th%t he wo dered if he wo('d e)er *e %*'e to ( ,'e ,h the- e twi ed i the thi,k *'%,k f(r+ Ner75h(' wished for the d%rk i&ht to sw%''ow hi-" How ,o('d he ret(r to his $eo$'e+ k owi & wh%t he h%d do e to the-6 O the other h% d+ how ,o('d he flee9and where ,o('d he $ossi*'! &o th%t Ki'72%ede wo('d ot fi d hi-6 He 'o &ed *it8 ter'! for the ,o(r%&e to t%ke the rit(%' k ife he ,%rried %t %'' ti-es % d dri)e it i to his he%rt+ *(t k ew th%t he ,o('d ot" S(i,ide w%s ot re&%rded with ho or %-o & his $eo$'e4 it w%s % ,ow%rd0s % swer to the $ro*'e-s th%t ,%-e %t hi-" He wo('d ot *e $er-itted to 'i)e o %s % s$irit if he took th%t sed(,ti)e w%! to es,%$e the horrors th%t ,o fro ted hi-" He ,o('d ,o ti (e to $rete d th%t he s(s$e,ted othi &+ % d e)e $erh%$s s(*t'! ( der,(t Ki'72%ede " Des$ite his -%ssi)e $owers+ there h%d *ee o e)ide ,e th%t the so8,%''ed /Be%(tif(' O e/ h%d the %*i'it! to re%d tho(&hts" The tho(&ht *ri&hte ed Ner75h(' so-ewh%t" Yes """ he ,o('d -iti&%te the d%-%&e this i ter'o$er w%s tr!i & to do to his $eo$'e" Th%t w%s how he ,o('d ,o ti (e to ser)e" E.h%(sted *oth $h!si,%''! % d e-otio %''!+ Ner75h(' st(-*'ed i to his te t i th%t f%i t ho(r *efore d%w + 'ooki & forw%rd to si-$'! ,o''%$si & o the ski s % d s'ee$i & i % effort to for&et+ for %t 'e%st % *rief whi'e+ the %&o ! of wh%t he h%d *ro(&ht %*o(t" I ste%d % *ri&ht 'i&ht e%r'! *'i ded hi- % d he fe'' to his k ees" /Yo( wo('d *etr%! -e+ the 6/ s%id the Be%(tif(' O e" Ner75h(' threw ($ his h% ds+ tr!i & )%i '! to $rote,t his e)es fro- the %weso-e r%di% ,e" His sto-%,h
J

roi'ed % d he fe%red he w%s %*o(t to *e si,k i his terror" The 'i&ht di--ed so-ewh%t % d he 'owered his h% ds" St% di & *eside Ki'72%ede w%s Ner75h('0s %$$re ti,e+ &ri i & d%rk'!" /G('0d% +/ whis$ered Ner75h(' si,k'!" /Wh%t h%)e !o( do e6/ /I h%)e i for-ed Ki'72%ede of % rode t+/ G('0d% s%id ,%'-'!" Th%t dre%df(' s-i'e e)er 'eft his f%,e" 0A d he wi'' de,ide wh%t to do with the )er-i who wo('d so t(r %&%i st hi-"/ There w%s sti'' s ow o G('0d% 0s sho('ders" D(''!+ Ner75h(' re%'i5ed wh%t h%d h%$$e ed" His %$$re ti,e+ h( &r! for $ower9how w%s it Ner75h(' h%d ,'osed his e!es to the o*)io(s for so 'o &69h%d fo''owed hi-" H%d he%rd the % ,estors0 words" A d sti'' he ,'( & to Ki'72%ede + %fter he%ri & the s%-e thi &s Ner75h(' h%d he%rd6 For % -o-e t+ his ow fe%r % d se'fish ess we t %w%!+ % d Ner75h(' fe't o '! % w%)e of $it! for % or, who h%d f%''e so f%r" /It wo( ds -e+/ Ki'72%ede s%id" Ner75h(' 'ooked %t hi-+ st%rt'ed" /I ,hose !o(+ Ner75h('" I &%)e !o( -! $owers" I showed !o( wh%t !o( eed to do to %d)% ,e !o(r $eo$'e % d e s(re th%t the! %re e)er se,o d i this wor'd"/ Ner75h(' s$oke witho(t thi ki &" /Yo( h%)e de,ei)ed -e" Yo( h%)e se t -e f%'se )isio s" Yo( h%)e -%'i& ed the % ,estors % d %'' the! stood for" I do 0t k ow wh! !o( %re doi & this+ *(t I k ow th%t it is ot o(t of 'o)e for -! $eo$'e"/ /A d !et the! f'o(rish" The! %re ( ited+ for the first ti-e i -% ! ,e t(ries"/ /# ited ( der % 'ie+/ Ner75h(' s%id" He w%s &idd! i his re*e''io " It fe't &ood" Perh%$s if he ,o ti (ed+ Ki'72%ede wo('d 'ose $%tie ,e with hi- % d s'%! hi-+ % d Ner75h('0s $ro*'e- wo('d *e so')ed" B(t Ki'72%ede did ot res$o d with de%d'! f(r! %s Ner75h(' ho$ed he wo('d" I ste%d the *ei & si&hed dee$'! % d shook his he%d+ 'ike % $%re t dis%$$oi ted i % w%!w%rd ,hi'd" /Yo( -%! !et re&%i -! f%)or+ Ner75h('+/ Ki'72%ede s%id+ /I h%)e % t%sk for !o(" If !o( ,o-$'ete it+ !o(r '%$se of f%ith wi'' *e o)er'ooked"/ Ner75h('0s 'i$s -o)ed" He w% ted to sho(t o(t his re*e''io %&%i + *(t this ti-e the words wo('d ot ,o-e" He re%'i5ed th%t the -o-e t h%d $%ssed" He did ot w% t to die+ % ! -ore th% % ! s% e+ 'i)i & *ei & w% ted to die+ % d so he re-%i ed si'e t" /Wh%t h%$$e ed with the Frostwo'f ,hieft%i tro(*'es -,+/ Ki'72%ede ,o ti (ed" /Not 'e%st *e,%(se he is ot the o '! o e who h%s -(r-(red %&%i st wh%t is h%$$e i &" There %re others9the o e who wie'ds the Doo-h%--er+ so-e %-o & the B'%d,wi d % d R,dw%'ker ,'% s %s we''" It wo('d *e o e thi & if these o$$osi & )oi,es *e'o &ed to those of o ,o se3(e ,e+ *(t -% ! of the- do ot" There -(st *e o risk to the s(,,ess of -! $'% " Therefore+ I wi'' &(%r% tee their o*edie ,e" /It is ot e o(&h for the- to swe%r 'o!%'t!+/ Ki'72%ede ,o ti (ed" He t%$$ed his ,he,k with o e 'o & red fi &er tho(&htf(''!" /Too -% ! see- e %-ored of ,h% &i & wh%t 0ho or0 % d 0o%th0 -e% " We -(st " " " e s(re their ,oo$er%tio + for ow+ % d for %'' ti-e"/ G('0d% 0s s-%'' e!es &'i ted" /Wh%t is it !o( s(&&est" Gre%t O e6/ Ki'72%ede s-i'ed %t G('0d% " A're%d!+ Ner75h(' ,o('d see the *o d *etwee the-9se, how 'ike Ki'72%ede G('0d% w%s i % w%! th%t Ner75h(' h%d e)er *ee " Ki'72%ede h%d *ee for,ed to (se sed(,ti)e 'ies % d tri,ker! i order to $('' Ner75h(' to his ,%(se4 with G('0d% + he ,o('d s$e%k o$e '!" /There is s(,h % w%!+/ Ki'72%ede s%id+ s$e%ki & to *oth or, sh%-% ow" /A w%! to -%ke the- fore)er *o( d to (s" Fore)er 'o!%'"/ Ner75h(' h%d tho(&ht th%t he h%d *e,o-e i (red to horror %fter wh%t the % ,estors h%d re)e%'ed to hi-+ *(t ow he re%'i5ed th%t he w%s ,%$%*'e of e.$erie ,i & % e tire'! ew 'e)e' of sho,k %s he 'iste ed to Ki'72%ede o(t'i e the $'% " $orever bound. $orever loyal. Fore)er e s'%)ed" He 'ooked ($ i to Ki'72%ede 0s *'%5i & e!es+ % d words wo('d ot ,o-e" A od wo('d s(ffi,e+ he k ew+ *(t he ,o('d ot e)e *ri & hi-se'f to do th%t" I ste%d he si-$'! st%red+ tr% sfi.ed+ 'ike % *ird *efore % s %ke" Ki'72%ede he%)ed % dee$ si&h" /Yo( ref(se !o(r ,h% ,e %t rede-$tio i -! e!es+ the 6/ As he he%rd Ki'72%ede s$e%k+ it w%s %s if % s$e'' h%d *ee re-o)ed fro- Ner75h('" The words th%t h%d *ee st(,k i his thro%t ,%-e r(shi & o(t+ % d %'tho(&h he k ew the! wo('d -e% his doo-+ the sh%-% -%de o -o)e to sto$ the-"

/I ref(se (tter'! to fore)er doo- -! $eo$'e to % 'ife of s'%)er!+/ he ,ried" Ki'72%ede 'iste ed+ the odded his -%ssi)e he%d" /This is !o(r ,hoi,e" Yo( h%)e %'so ,hose the ,o se3(e ,es" K ow this+ sh%-% " Yo(r ,hoi,e %)erts othi &" ;! desires wi'' sti'' *e ,%rried o(t" Yo(r $eo$'e wi'' sti'' *e s'%)es" B(t i ste%d of 'e%di & the- % d 'i &eri & i -! f%)or+ !o( wi'' *e for,ed to *e % he'$'ess o*ser)er" I thi k th%t wi'' *e sweeter th% if I si-$'! s'ew !o("/ Ner75h(' o$e ed his -o(th to s$e%k+ *(t he ,o('d ot" Ki'72%ede %rrowed his &re%t e!es+ % d Ner75h(' ,o('d ot e)e -o)e" E)e his he%rt+ s'%--i & wi'd'! i his ,hest+ *e%t o '! *! the wi'' of Lord Ki'72%ede + % d he k ew it" How h%d he *ee s(,h % &(''i*'e foo'6 How h%d he ot see thro(&h the 'ies6 How ,o('d he h%)e -ist%ke % i''(sio se t *! this"" + this -o ster to *e the s$irit of his *e'o)ed -%te6 Te%rs we''ed i his e!es % d s'i$$ed dow his ,he,ks+ o '!+ he k ew+ *e,%(se Ki'72%ede $er-itted it" Ki'72%ede s-i'ed %t hi-+ the s'ow'!+ de'i*er%te'! t(r ed his %tte tio to G('7d% " E)e i his wret,hed st%te+ Ner75h(' took the f%i test ,o-fort i the k ow'ed&e th%t he h%d ot t(r ed to Ki'72%ede with the e.$ressio G('7d% ow wore+ th%t of % h( &r! $($ e%&er for $r%ise" /There is o eed to tr%$ !o( with $rett! 'ies+ is there+ -! ew too'6/ s%id Ki'72%ede + s$e%ki & %'-ost fo d'! to G('7d% + /Yo( do ot shri k fro- the tr(th"/ /I deed+ o" 'ord" I 'i)e to do !o(r *iddi &"/ Ki'72%ede ,h(,k'ed" /If I wi'' do %w%! with 'ies+ so -(st !o(" Yo( 'i)e for $ower" Yo( h( &er for it" Yo( thirst for it" A d o)er the '%st few -o ths+ !o(r ski'' h%s &row to where I ,% -%ke $ro$er (se of !o(" O(rs is ot % $%rt ershi$ of %dor%tio or res$e,t+ *(t o e of ,o )e ie ,e % d se'fish *e efit" Whi,h -e% s th%t it wi'' 'ike'! '%st"/ 1%rio(s e-otio s f'itted %,ross G('0d% 0s f%,e" He did ot see- to k ow how to re%,t to the words+ % d Ner75h(' took $'e%s(re i his for-er %$$re ti,e0s dis,o-fit(re" /As " " " !o( wi''"/ G('7d% st%--ered fi %''!+ the with -ore ,o fide ,e+ /te'' -e wh%t !o( wo('d h%)e -e do+ % d I swe%r+ it wi'' *e do e"/ /Yo( h%)e o do(*t $er,ei)ed th%t I wish to e.ter-i %te the dr%e ei" Wh! I do so is o ,o ,er of !o(rs" Yo( eed o '! k ow th%t I wish it" The or,s %re doi & -oder%te'! we'' i this+ *(t the! ,% do *etter" The!shall do *etter" A w%rrior is o '! %s &ood %s his we%$o s+ % d+ G('7d% + I i te d to &i)e !o( % d !o(r $eo$'e we%$o s s(,h %s !o( h%)e e)er ,o ,ei)ed" It wi'' t%ke % 'itt'e ti-e4 !o( -(st *e ed(,%ted first+ *efore !o( %re fit to te%,h the others" Are !o( re%d! % d wi''i &6/ G('0d% 0s e!es sho e+ /Be&i the 'esso s" G'orio(s O e" % d !o( wi'' see how %$t % $($i' of !o(rs I %-"/ Ki'72%ede '%(&hed" D(rot% w%s ,o)ered with *'ood+ -(,h of it his ow " Wh%t h%d &o e wro &6 E)er!thi & h%d $ro&ressed %s or-%'" The! h%d fo( d the h( ti & $%rt!+ des,e ded ($o the-+ i iti%ted the %tt%,k+ % d w%ited for the sh%-% to (se their -%&i, to fi&ht the dr%e ei" The! did ot do so" I ste%d Frostwo'f %fter Frostwo'f fe'' *e e%th the shi i & *'%des % d *'(e8white -%&i,s of the dr%e ei" At o e $oi t+ fi&hti & for his )er! 'ife+ D(rot% s%w th%t Drek7Th%r w%s fi&hti & des$er%te'!+ (si & othi & *(t his st%ff" Wh%t h%d h%$$e ed6 Wh! h%d the sh%-% ot ,o-e to his %id6 Wh%t w%s Drek7Th%r thi ki &6 He ,o('d wie'd % st%ff h%rd'! *etter th% % ,hi'd9wh! did he ot (se his -%&i,6 The dr%e ei fo(&ht f(rio(s'!+ sei5i & the o$$ort( ities the sh%-% 0s i e.$'i,%*'e i %,tio h%d &i)e the-" The! $ressed their %tt%,k h%rder th% D(rot% h%d e)er see + their e!es &'i ti & %s for $erh%$s the first ti-e the! se sed )i,tor!" The &r%ss w%s s'i$$er! with *'ood+ % d D(rot% 0s feet we t o(t fro- ( der hi-" He fe''+ % d his %tt%,ker r%ised his sword" This w%s the -o-e t+ the " He wo('d die i &'orio(s *%tt'e" E.,e$t he did ot fee' th%t this was % &'orio(s *%tt'e" B! i sti ,t %'o e+ he r%ised his %.e to $%rr! the *'ow th%t wo('d ,o-e+ %'tho(&h his %r- h%d *ee dee$'! ,(t %t the 2oi t of the %r-or % d his 'i-* 3(i)ered" He 'ooked ($ i to the e!es of the o e who wo('d s'%! hi-" A d re,o& i5ed Rest%'%% " At th%t -o-e t+ the dr%e ei ,%$t%i of the &(%rd0s ow &'owi & *'(e e!es wide ed i re,o& itio % d he st%!ed his *'ow" D(rot% &%s$ed for *re%th+ tr!i & to s(--o the e er&! to rise % d ,o ti (e the fi&ht" Rest%'%% (ttered so-ethi & i his ('('%ti & to &(e+ % d e)er! dr%e ei h%'ted %'-ost i -id8swi &" As D(rot% &ot to his feet+ he re%'i5ed th%t there were o '! % h% df(' of his w%rriors 'eft %'i)e" Two -ore -o-e ts of *%tt'e % d the dr%e ei wo('d h%)e s'%(&htered the e tire $%rt!+ with o '! two or three ,%s(%'ties o their ow side" Rest%'%% whir'ed o D(rot% " 1%rio(s e.$ressio s w%rred o his (&'! f%,e: ,o-$%ssio + dis&(st+ re&ret+ deter-i %tio " /For the %,t of ,o-$%ssio % d ho or !o( showed o(r $ro$het+ D(rot% + so of G%r%d+ !o( % d those of !o(r ,'% who !et 'i)e h%)e *ee s$%red" Tre%t !o(r wo( ded % d ret(r to !o(r ho-es" B(t do ot thi k to re,ei)e s(,h -er,! fro- (s %&%i " Ho or h%s *ee s%tisfied"/ D(rot% we%)ed %s if he h%d h%d too -(,h to dri k %s *'ood dri$$ed fro- dee$ wo( ds" He for,ed hi-se'f to st%! o his feet *! sheer wi'' %s the dr%e ei t(r ed % d dis%$$e%red o)er the hori5o " O ,e the! were o(t of si&ht+ he ,o('d for,e his 'e&s to ho'd hio 'o &er % d he fe'' to his k ees" Se)er%' ri*s h%d *ee ,r%,ked or *roke + % d e%,h i h%'%tio se t % st%**i & $%i thro(&h hi-" /D(rot% </ It w%s Dr%k%" She+ too+ h%d *ee *%d'! i 2(red+ *(t her )oi,e w%s stro &" Re'ief w%shed o)er D(rot% " Th% k the % ,estors+ she !et 'i)ed" Drek7Th%r h(rried ($ to hi- % d $'%,ed his h% ds o D(rot% 0s he%rt+ -(r-(ri & ( der his *re%th" W%r-th f'ooded D(rot% % d the $%i ,%sed" He took % dee$+ o(rishi & *re%th" /At 'e%st the! wi'' 'et -e he%'+/ s%id Drek7Th%r+ so soft'! th%t D(rot% w%s s,%r,e ,ert%i he he%rd the words" /Te d to the others+ % d the we wi'' s$e%k+/ D(rot% s%id" Drek7Th%r odded+ ot -eeti & his ,hieft%i 0s e)es" He % d the other sh%-% h%ste ed to -%&i,%''! he%' wh%t wo( ds the! ,o('d+ % d tre%t with s%')es % d *% d%&es wh%t the! ,o('d ot" D(rot% sti'' h%d i 2(ries+ *(t othi & 'ife8thre%te i &+ % d he %ssisted the sh%-% " Whe D(rot% h%d do e %'' he ,o('d+ he rose % d 'ooked %ro( d" No fewer th% fiftee *odies were stiffe i & o the &ree &r%ss+ i ,'(di & Rokk%r+ his se,o d" D(rot% shook his he%d i st( ed dis*e'ief"

He wo('d h%)e to ret(r with 'itters+ to *e%r the f%''e *%,k to their '% ds" The! wo('d *(r o % $!re+ their *odies &i)e to fire+ their %shes to %ir+ to *e ,o s(-ed *! w%ter % d e%rth" Their s$irits wo('d &o to Osh(0&( + % d the sh%-% wo('d ,o )erse with the- o -%tters of $rofo( d i-$ort% ,e" Or wo('d the!6 So-ethi & terri*'e h%d h%$$e ed+ % d it w%s ti-e he fo( d o(t wh%t" S(dde % &er f'ooded hi- %t the w%ste" Des$ite wh%t the % ,estors h%d to'd hi-+ so-ethi & i side D(rot% ,o ti (ed to whis$er th%t this %tt%,k o the dr%e ei w%s % &r%)e -ist%ke" He whir'ed o Drek7Th%r+ % d with % dee$ &row' sei5ed the s-%''er or, where he s%t &('$i & w%ter % d h%('ed hi- to his feet" /This w%s % s'%(&hter</ D(rot% ,ried+ sh%ki & hi- f(rio(s'!" /Fiftee of o(r ki 'ie de%d *efore (s< The e%rth dri ks dee$'! of their *'ood+ % d I e)er s%w !o( or % ! of the others 'e d !o(r ski'' to the fi&ht</ For % -o-e t+ Drek7Th%r ,o('d ot s$e%k" The -e%dow w%s de%th'! si'e t %s e)er! Frostwo'f w%t,hed the ,o fro t%tio " The + i % f%i t )oi,e+ Drek7Th%r re$'ied+ /The e'e-e ts9the! wo('d ot ,o-e this ti-e"/ D(rot% 0s e!es %rrowed" Sti'' ,'(t,hi & Drek7Th%r *! the fro t of his 'e%ther 2erki + he de-% ded of the wide8e!ed+ si'e t sh%-% + /Is this tr(e6 The! wo('d ot 'e d their %id to the *%tt'e6/ Looki & st( ed % d si,k+ the sh%-% odded" O e s%id i % 3(%)eri & )oi,e+ /It is tr(e+ &re%t ,hieft%i " I %sked %'' of the- i t(r " The! s%id " "" the! s%id it w%s o(t of *%'% ,e+ % d the! wo('d o 'o &er $er-it (s to (se their $owers"/ D(rot% 0s sho,k w%s *roke *! % % &r! hiss" He t(r ed to see Dr%k%0s s,ow'i & f%,e" /This is -ore th% % si& < This is % sho(t+ % *%tt'e ,r!+ th%t wh%t We %re doi & is wro &</ S'ow'!+ tr!i & to ,o-$rehe d the -%& it(de of wh%t h%d h%$$e ed+ D(rot% odded" If it were ot for the -er,! Rest%'%% h%d show hi-+ he % d e)er! '%st -e-*er of the w%r $%rt! wo('d *e '!i & o the e%rth" their *odies &rowi & ,o'der *! the -o-e t" The e'e-e ts h%d ref(sed their %ssist% ,e" The! h%d ,o de- ed wh%t the sh%-% were %ski & of the-" D(rot% took % dee$ *re%th % d shook his he%d+ %s if to $h!si,%''! sh%ke %w%! the d%rk tho(&hts" /Let (s &et the i 2(red *%,k to their ho-es %s swift'! %s we -%!" A d the " " " the I wi'' se d o(t 'etters" If wh%t I fe%r is tr(e9th%t it is ot o '! the sh%-% of the Frostwo'f ,'% who %re sh( ed *! the e'e-e ts for wh%t we %re doi & to the dr%e ei9the we -(st ,o fro t Ner75h('"/

THIRTEEN
ow is it we did not see) It is easy to lay the blame on the charismatic -il#/aeden, or the weak ,er=&hul, or the power7hungry 0ul#dan for our fall. But they asked of each individual orc to pretend that hot was cold, that sweet was sour, and even when everything in us screamed against what we were being told, we followed. I was not there, I cannot say why. 3erhaps I, too, would have obeyed like a whipped cur. 3eriiaps thefearwas so great, or the respect for our leaders so ingrained. 3erhaps. 5r perhaps I, like my father and others, would start to see the flaws. I would like to think so. B'%,kh% d 'ooked o(t fro- ( der his *(sh! e!e*rows+ frow i &" He %'w%!s 'ooked 'ike he w%s frow i &+ $erh%$s *e,%(se he %'-ost %'w%!s w%s" /I do ot k ow %*o(t this" G('0d% "/ he r(-*'ed" His o)ersi5ed h% d we t to the hi't of his sword+ fo d'i & it i % ( e%s! &est(re" Whe G('0d% h%d %sked to -eet with B'%,kh% d % fort i&ht %&o+ % d to *ri & his -ost $ro-isi & sh%-% *(t to te'' o o e of wh%t the! were to *e doi &+ he h%d %&reed" B'%,kh% d h%d %'w%!s 'iked G('0d% *etter th% Ner75h('+ %'tho(&h he w%s ot s(re wh!" Whe G('0d% s%t dow with hi- o)er % '%)ish -e%' % d e.$'%i ed the ,(rre t sit(%tio + B'%,kh% d w%s )er! &'%d he h%d ,o-e" Now he k ew wh! he 'iked G('0d% so -(,h4 the for-er %$$re ti,e+ ow -%ster+ w%s 'ike B'%,kh% d hi-se'f" He h%d o (se for ide%'s+ o '! $r%,ti,%'ities" A d $ower+ &ood food+ '%)ish %r-or+ % d *'oodshed were thi &s *oth ores ,r%)ed" B'%,kh% d w%s ,hieft%i of the B'%,kro,k ores" He ,o('d rise o hi&her" At 'e%st" " " ot ( ti' ow" Whe the ,'% s were se$%r%te+ the &re%test &'or! w%s to 'e%d o e0s ,'% " B(t ow " " " ow the! were worki & to&ether" Now B'%,kh% d ,o('d see the &'i t of &reed i G('0d% 0s s-%'' e!es" He ,o('d %'-ost s-e'' the h( &er w%fti & off the other ore+ % h( &er he sh%red" /Ner75h(' is % ho ored % d )%'(ed %d)isor+/ G('0d% s%id %s he ,hewed dried fr(it+ e.te di & % ,'%w to $i,k % ,h( k where it h%d &otte 'od&ed *etwee his teeth" /He h%s &re%t wisdo-" B(t """ it h%s *ee de,ided th%t I wo('d *e % *etter ,hoi,e to 'e%d the ores fro- this $oi t o "/ B'%,kh% d &ri ed s%)%&e'!" Ner75h(' w%s owhere to *e see " /A d % wise 'e%der s(rro( ds hi-se'f with tr(sted %''ies+/ G('0d% ,o ti (ed" /Those who %re stro & % d o*edie t" Who wi'' f('fi'' their o*'i&%tio s" A d who+ for their 'o!%'t!+ wi'' *e he'd i hi&h re&%rd % d ri,h'! rew%rded"/ B'%,kh% d h%d *e&( to *rid'e %t the des,ri$tio /o*edie t+/ *(t w%s -o''ified whe G('0d% -e tio ed /hi&h re&%rd/ % d /ri,h'! rew%rded"/ He &'% ,ed o)er %t the ei&ht sh%-% he h%d *ro(&ht to G('0d% " The! were sitti & h(dd'ed o)er % se,o d fire so-e dist% ,e %w%!+ *ei & %tte ded to *! G('0d% 0s ser)% ts" The! 'ooked wret,hed'! ( h%$$!+ % d were ,o )e ie t'! o(t of e%rshot" B'%,kh% d s%id+ /Yo( %sked for the sh%-% " I %ss(-e !o( k ow wh%t is h%$$e i & with the-6/ G('0d% si&hed % d re%,hed for % t%'*(k 'e&" He *it dee$'! i to it+ the 2(i,es r( i & dow his f%,e" He wi$ed his2(tti &2%w %*se t'!+ ,hewed+ sw%''owed+ % d % swered" /Yes+ I h%)e he%rd" The e'e-e ts %re o 'o &er o*e!i & the-"/ B'%,kh% d w%t,hed hi- i te d!" /So-e %ir *e&i i & to -(tter th%t it is *e,%(se wh%t we %re doi & is wro &"/ /Do !o( thi k th%t6/ B'%,kh% d shr(&&ed his -%ssi)e sho('ders" /I do 0t k ow wh%t to thi k" This is %'' ew territor!" The % ,estors s%! o e thi &+ *(t the e'e-e ts wo 0t ,o-e"/ He w%s h%r*ori & % &rowi & s(s$i,io %*o(t the % ,estors %s we''+ *(t he'd his to &(e" B'%,kh% d k ew th%t -% ! tho(&ht hi- % foo'4 he $referred to 'et the- thi k he w%s othi & -ote th% % stro & %r- % d % $owerf(' sword" It &%)e hi- disti ,t %d)% t%&es" G('7d% $er(sed hi- ow" % d B'%,kh% d wo dered if the ew s$irit(%' 'e%der of the ores h%d se sed there w%s -ore to the or, 'e%der th% -et the e!e" /We %re % $ro(d r%,e"/ G('7d% s%id" /It is so-eti-es $%i f(' to %d-it th%t We do ot k ow e)er!thi &" Ki'72%ede % d the e tities he 'e%ds " " " %h" B'%,kh% d+ the -!steries the! h%r*or< The $ower the! wie'd9$ower the! %re wi''i & to sh%re with usl"

G('0d% 0s e!es s$%rk'ed ow with e.,ite-e t" B'%,kh% d0s ow he%rt *e&% to r%,e" G('7d% 'e% ed forw%rd % d ,o ti (ed to s$e%k i % %wed whis$er" /We %ir %s i& or% t ,hi'dre *efore the-" E)e !o(9e)e I" B(t the! %re wi''i & to te%,h (s" Sh%re with (s so-e of their $ower" Power th%t is ot de$e de t ($o the whi- of the s$irits of %ir" e%rth+ fire+ % d w%ter"/ G('7d% -%de % dis-issi)e &est(re" /Power s(,h %s th%t is fee*'e" It is ot re'i%*'e" It ,% desert !o( i the -idd'e of % *%tt'e % d 'e%)e !o( he'$'ess"/ B'%,kh% d0s f%,e h%rde ed" He h%d wit essed this )er! thi &+ % d it h%d t%ke %'' the stre &th of his w%rriors to s %t,h )i,tor! whe the sh%-% h%d *e&( !e'$i & i terror th%t the e'e-e ts were o 'o &er worki & with the-" /I %- 'iste i &+/ he &row'ed soft'!" /I-%&i e wh%t !o( ,o('d do if !o( 'ed % &ro($ of sh%-% who ,o tro''ed the so(r,e of their $owers+ i ste%d of *e&&i & % d s,r%$i & for it+/ G('7d% ,o ti (ed" /I-%&i e if these sh%-% h%d ser)% ts who ,o('d %'so fi&ht o !o(r side" Ser)% ts who ,o('d+ s%!+ se d !o(r e e-ies f'eei & he'$'ess'! i terror" S(,k their -%&i, dr! %s the i se,ts i the s(--er s(,k *'ood" Distr%,t the- so th%t their %tte tio w%s ot o *%tt'e"/ B'%,kh% d 'ifted % *(sh! e!e*row" /I ,% i-%&i e s(,,ess ( der those ,o ditio s" S(,,ess %'-ost e)er! ti-e"/ G('7d% odded+ &ri i &" /E.%,t'!"/ /B(t how do !o( k ow this is tr(e+ % d ot so-e f%'se $ro-ise whis$ered i !o(r ,%r6/ G('0d% 0s &ri wide ed" /Be,%(se+ -! frie d """ I h%)e e.$erie ,ed this" A d I wi'' te%,h !o(r sh%-% o)er there e)er!thi & I k ow"/ /I-$ressi)e+/ r(-*'ed B'%,kh% d" /B(t th%t is ot %'' th%t I ,% offer" The w%rriors9I k ow % w%! to -%ke !o( % d e)er!o e who fi&hts %t !o(r side -ore $owerf('+ fier,er+ de%d'ier" A'' this ,% *e o(rs if We *(t ,'%i- it"/

/O(rs6/
/I ,% ot ,o ti (e to w%ste -! ti-e s$e%ki & with e)er! si &'e 'e%der of e)er! si &'e ,'% e)er! ti-e the! h%)e % ,o-$'%i t"/ G('7d% s%id+ w%)i & his h% d i-$erio(s'!" /There %re those who %re i %&ree-e t with wh%t !o( % d I thi k is the *est w%! to $ro,eed " " " % d those who %re ot"/ /Go o +/ s%id B'%,kh% d" B(t G('7d% did ot+ %t 'e%st ot ri&ht %w%!" He w%s si'e t+ &%theri & his tho(&hts" B'%,kh% d &r%s$ed % sti,k % d $oked %t the fire" He k ew we'' th%t -ost of the or,s+e)e those of his ow ,'% + tho(&ht hi- hothe%ded % d i-$et(o(s+ *(t he k ew the )%'(e of $%tie ,e" /I e )isio two &ro($s of 'e%ders of the ores" O e+ % si-$'e &o)er i & ,o( ,i' to -%ke de,isio s for the who'e+ its 'e%der e'e,ted+ its *(si ess ,o d(,ted o$e '! for %'' to see" The se,o d """ % sh%dow of this &ro($" Hidde " Se,ret" Powerf('+/ G('0d% s%id 3(iet'!" /This " " " this Sh%dow Co( ,i' wi'' *e ,o-$rised of ores who sh%re o(r )isio + % d who %re wi''i & to -%ke the e,ess%r! s%,rifi,es to o*t%i it"/ B'%,kh% d odded" /Yes " " " !es+ I se," A $(*'i, 'e%dershi$ " "" % d % $ri)%te o e"/ G('0d% 0s -o(th stret,hed i % s'ow &ri " B'%,kh% d re&%rded hi- for % -o-e t+ the %sked the 3(estio " /A d to whi,h o e sh%'' I *e'o &6/ /Both+ -! frie d+/ G('0d% % swered s-ooth'!" /Yo( %re % *or 'e%der" Yo( h%)e ,h%ris-%+ stre &th+ % d e)e !o(r e e-ies k ow !o( %re % -%ster str%te&ist" It wi'' *e ,%se itse'f to h%)e !o( e'e,ted %s 'e%der of the ores"/ B'%,kh% d0s e!es f'%shed" /I %- o $($$et+/ he &row'ed soft'!" /Of ,o(rse ot+/ s%id G('0d% " /Whi,h is wh! I s%id !o( wo('d *e'o & to *oth" Yo( wo('d *e the 'e%der of this ew *reed of ore+ this """ this Horde+ if !o( wi''" A d !o( wi'' *e o the Sh%dow Co( ,i' %s we''" We ,% ot work to&ether ( 'ess we ,% tr(st o e % other+ ,% we6/ B'%,kh% d &%5ed i to G('0d% 0s &'i ti &+ ,'e)er e!es % d s-i'ed" He did ot tr(st the sh%-% i the 'e%st *it+ % d he s(s$e,ted th%t G('0d% fe't the s%-e %*o(t hi-" It did 0t -%tter" The! *oth w% ted $ower" B'%,kh% d k ew he did ot $ossess the t%'e ts % d ski''s th%t wo('d e %*'e hi- to wie'd the sort of $ower for whi,h G('0d% '(sted" A d G('0d% did ot w% t the sort of $ower B'%,kh% d ,r%)ed" The! were ot i ,o-$etitio + *(t i 'e%&(e4 wh%t *e efited o e wo('d *e efit the other+ ot ro* hi- of % thi &" B'%,kh% d tho(&ht of his f%-i'!9his -%te+ #r(k%'+ his two so s" Re d % d ;%i-+ his d%(&hter Gris,'d%" He did ot dote o thethe w%) th%t the we%k D(rot% doted o his -%te Dr%k%+ of ,o(rse+ *(t he ,%red for the-" He w% ted to see his -%te *ede,ked i 2ewe's+ his so s % d d%(&hter re)ered+ %s *efitted the ,hi'dre of B'%,kh% d" O(t of the ,or er of his e!e+ he ,%(&ht % -o)e-e t" T(r i &+ he *ehe'd Ner75h('+ o ,e the $owerf(' % d ow the dis,%rded+ s'i$$i & o(t of the door of the te t" /Wh%t %*o(t hi-6/ B'%,kh% d %sked" G('0d% shr(&&ed" /Wh%t %*o(t hi-6 He -e% s othi & ow" The Be%(tif(' O e wishes hi- ke$t %'i)e for the -o-e t" He see-s to h%)e so-ethi & " " " s$e,i%' i -i d for Ner75h('" He wi'' sti'' *e % fi&(rehe%d4 'o)e of Ner75h(' is too i &r%i ed i the ores to ,%st hi- %side 2(st !et" B(t do ot worr!+ he is o thre%t to (s"/ /The B'%,kro,k sh%-% " " " !o( s%! !o( wi'' tr%i the- i these ew -%&i,s6 The -%&i,s th%t !o( !o(rse'f h%)e st(died6 Th%t the! wi'' *e i )i ,i*'e6/ /I wi'' tr%i the- -!se'f+ % d if the! %d%$t we'' to the ew %rts" I wi'' $'%,e the- first %-o & -! ew w%r'o,ks+/ Warlock. So th%t w%s the %-e of this ew t!$e of -%&i," It h%d % i teresti & so( d to it" Warlock. A d the B'%,kro,k w%r'o,ks wo('d *e the first o es ,hose " /B'%,kh% d+ ,hieft%i of the B'%,kro,k ,'% + wh%t s%! !o( to -! $ro$os%'6/ B'%,kh% d s'ow'! t(r ed tow%rd G('0d% " /I s%!+ h%i' to the Horde9% d h%i' to the Sh%dow Co( ,i'"/ It w%s % % &r! ,rowd th%t showed ($ %t the foot of the s%,red -o( t%i " D(rot% h%d se t o(t -ess%&es to others he tr(sted+ % d h%d re,ei)ed ,o fir-%tio th%t the e'e-e ts i deed h%d sh( ed the sh%-% " O e $%rti,('%r'! $%i f(' re$ort ,%-e fro- the Bo e,hewer ,'% " Their e tire $%rt! h%d f%''e to the dr%e ei+ their % ihi'%tio re-%i i & % -!ster! ( ti' % few d%!s '%ter whe % sh%-% who h%d st%!ed *ehi d tried to he%' % si,k ,hi'd"

Now the! were ,o-i &+ the ,'% 'e%ders % d their sh%-% + to -eet with Ner75h(' % d de-% d % e.$'% %tio " Ner75h(' ,%-e o(t to &reet the-+ w%)i & his h% ds % d %ski & for si'e ,e" /I k ow wh! !o( h%)e ,o-e tod%!+/ he s%id" D(rot% frow ed" Ner75h(' w%s so f%r %w%! th%t he see-ed % -ere s$e,k+ % d !et D(rot% ,o('d he%r hi- $erfe,t'!" He k ew th%t (s(%''!+ Ner75h(' %,hie)ed this fe%t *! %ski & the wi d to *e%r his words so th%t %'' ,o('d he%r hi-" Yet+ if the e'e-e ts h%d i deed ref(sed the sh%-% + how w%s th%t $ossi*'e6 He e.,h% &ed &'% ,es with Dr%k%+ *(t *oth re-%i ed si'e t" /It is i deed tr(e th%t the e'e-e ts o 'o &er % swer the sh%-% 0s ,%'' for %id"/ Ner75h(' ke$t s$e%ki &+ *(t his words were drow ed o(t *! % &r! sho(ts" He 'ooked dow for % -o-e t+ % d D(rot% re&%rded hi- ,'ose'!" The s$irit(%' 'e%der of the ores 'ooked -ore fr%i'+ -ore dow trodde + th% D(rot% h%d e)er see " 5f course, D(rot% tho(&ht" After % few -o-e ts+ the sho(ti & died dow " The ores %sse-*'ed were % &r!+ *(t the! w% ted % swers -ore th% the! w% ted to )e t their r%&e" /So-e of !o( h%)e+ ($o dis,o)eri & this+ 'e%$ed to % ,o ,'(sio th%t wh%t we %re doi & is wro &" B(t th%t is i ,orre,t" Wh%t We %re doi & is %,hie)i & $ower the 'ikes of whi,h We h%)e e)er see " ;! %$$re ti,e+ the o*'e G('0d% + h%s st(died these $owers" I wi'' 'et hi- % swer % ! 3(estio s !o( h%)e"/ Ner75h(' t(r ed % d+ 'e% i & he%)i'! o his st%ff+ ste$$ed %side" G('0d% *owed dee$'! to his -%ster" Ner75h(' did ot see- to oti,e" He stood+ his e!es ,'osed+ 'ooki & o'd % d fr%i'" I ,o tr%st+ D(rot% h%d e)er see G('0d% 'ooki & *etter" There w%s % ew e er&! %*o(t the ore+ % stro & se se of ,o fide ,e i his *e%ri & % d i his )oi,e whe he s$oke" /Wh%t I %- %*o(t to te'' !o( -%! *e h%rd for !o( to %,,e$t+ *(t I h%)e f%ith th%t -! $eo$'e %re ot ,'os,8-i ded whe it ,o-es to w%!s to *etter the-se')es+/ he s%id" His )oi,e w%s ,'e%r % d stro &" /@(st %s we were s(r$rised % d %wed to ',%- th%t there were $owerf(' *ei &s other th% the % ,estors % d the e'e-e ts+ we h%)e dis,o)ered th%t there %re w%!s to h%r ess -%&i, other th% ,oo$er%ti & with the e'e-e ts" Power th%t is not $redi,%ted o %ski & or *e&&i & or $'e%di & + + + $ower th%t ,o-es *e,%(se we %re stro & e o(&h to demand it to ,o-e" To ,o tro' it whe it do,s" To for,e it to o*e! us, *e d to our wi''+ r%ther th% the other w%! %ro( d"/ G('0d% $%(sed to 'et this si k i + 'ooki & %ro( d %t the &%thered ores" D(rot% &'% ,ed %t Drek7Th%r" /Is this $ossi*'e6/ he %sked his frie d" Drek7Th%r shr(&&ed he'$'ess'!" He 'ooked ,o-$'ete'! st%rt'ed %t G('0d% 0s words" /I h%)e o ide%+/ he s%id+ /B(t I te'' !o(+ %fter th%t '%st *%tt'e " " " D(rot% + the sh%-% were doi & the work of the % ,estors< How ,o('d the e'e-e ts ref(se (s ( der those ,ir,(-st% ,es6 A d how ,o('d the % ,estors %''ow s(,h % thi &6/ His )oi,e t(r ed *itter %s he s$oke" The sho,k % d sh%-e w%s sti'' ($o hi-" D(rot% ( derstood th%t the sh%-% fe't 'ike % w%rrior who h%d re%,hed ,o fide t'! for his %.e % d fo( d it t(r i & to s-oke i his h% ds9% %.e % tr(sted frie d h%d &i)e hi-+ % %.e he h%d *ee %sked to (se i % &ood ,%(se" /Yes< Yes+ I see !o( ( derst% d the )%'(e of wh%t I9 wh%t the Be%(tif(' O e who h%s t%ke (s ( der his wi & is offeri &+/ G('0d% s%id+ oddi &" /I h%)e st(died with this &re%t e tit!+ %s h%)e these few o*'e sh%-% +/ He ste$$ed *%,k % d se)er%' sh%-% + dressed i so-e of the -ost *e%(tif(''! too'ed 'e%ther %r-or D(rot% h%d e)er see + ste$$ed forw%rd" /The! %re %'' B'%,kro,k ores+/ Dr%k% -(r-(red+ her *rows dr%wi & to&ether i % frow " D(rot% h%d oti,ed th%t too" /Wh%t the! h%)e 'e%r ed+/ G('0d% ,o ti (ed+ /wi'' *e t%(&ht to e)er! si &'e sh%-% who wishes to *e i str(,ted" This+ I swe%r to !o(" Fo''ow -e ow to the o$e '% ds where o(r Kosh0h%r& rit(%'s h%)e *ee he'd %s f%r *%,k %s % !o e ,% re-e-*er" I wi'' h%)e the- de-o str%te their for-id%*'e ski''s"/ For so-e re%so he ,o('d ot f%tho-+ D(rot% fe't s(dde '! i''+ Dr%k% s3(ee5ed his %r- re%ss(ri &'!+ oti,i & his %*r($t $%'e ess" /;! -%te+ wh%t is it6/ she %sked 3(iet'! %s+ %'o & with e)er!o e e'se %sse-*'ed+ the two -o)ed tow%rd the Kosh0h%r& festi)%' &ro( ds" He shook his he%d" /I do 0t k ow+/ he s%id i % e3(%''! soft )oi,e" /I 2(st""" I fee' %s tho(&h so-ethi & terri*'e is %*o(t to h%$$e "/ Dr%k% &r( ted" /I h%)e *ee fee'i & th%t w%! for % 'o & ti-e ow"/ D(rot% ke$t his f%,e e(tr%' with % effort" He w%s res$o si*'e for the we'f%re of his $eo$'e+ % d his $ositio with Ner75h(' % d 'ike'! ow G('0d% w%s %'re%d! $re,%rio(s" D(rot% w%s we'' %w%re th%t if ,ither sh%-% so(&ht to dis,redit hi- or his ,'% + it wo('d *e e%sier th% it h%d *ee i the $%st" With the ,'e%r fo,(s o ( io + for the Frostwo'f ,'% to *e e.i'ed or i % ! w%! ,(t off ,o('d s$e'' e.ti ,tio for the-" D(rot% did ot 'ike the dire,tio i whi,h thi &s were &oi &+ *(t he ,o('d $rotest o '! so -(,h" For hi-se'f+ he did ot ,%re" B(t he ,o('d ot $er-it his ,'% to s(ffer" A d !et9his *'ood r%,ed+ his he%rt shook+ his *od! tre-*'ed with fore*odi &" He s%id % 3(i,k $r%!er to the % ,estors th%t the! wo('d ,o ti (e to &(ide his $eo$'e wise'!" The! re%,hed the f'%t ri)er )%''e! th%t for &e er%tio s h%d $'%!ed host to the Kosh0h%r& festi)%'" As his feet to(,hed the s%,red &ro( d" D(rot% fe't hi-se'f re'%.i & s'i&ht'!" ;e-ories ,%-e *%,k to hi-" % d he s-i'ed %s the! *r(shed his -i d" He re,%''ed th%t f%tef(' i&ht whe he % d Or&ri- h%d *oth de,ided to f'! i the f%,e of tr%ditio % d d%red to s$! o the %d('ts %s the! s$oke 9% d how dis%$$oi ted *oth h%d *ee %t the -( d% e ,o )ers%tio s" Wiser ow" he w%s s(re th%t he % d Or&ri-+ *o'd tho(&h the! h%d tho(&ht the-se')es %t the ti-e+ h%d 'ike'! ot *ee the first to *e so d%ri &+ or were the! 'ike'! to *e the '%st" He re,%''ed+ too+ his first re%' &'i-$se of the fe-%'e who wo('d *e,o-e his 'ife8-%te+ h( ti & i these '(sh fie'ds+ d% ,i & %ro( d the fire to the so( d of the dr(-s thro**i & i his )ei s+ % d ,h% ti & to the -oo " As 'o & %s his $eo$'e sti'' h%d this+ he tho(&ht+ %'' wo('d sti'' *e we'' with the-" He%rte ed so-ewh%t+ he 'ooked o)er %t where the d% ,i & w%s (s(%''! he'd" A s-%'' te t w%s ere,ted+ % d he wo dered wh%t it w%s for" He % d Dr%k% h%'ted % few !%rds %w%! fro- the te t+ %ss(-i & it w%s $%rt of the de-o str%tio " The others fo''owed s(it" The s( sho e *ri&ht'! %s -ore % d -ore ores &%thered" D(rot% s%w th%t -ost of those who h%d ,o-e tod%! were ,'% ,hieft%i s % d their sh%-% + so the site did ot h%)e to %,,o--od%te 3(ite %s -% ! %s it did d(ri & the festi)%' ti-e"

G('0d% w%ited ( ti' e)er!o e e'se w%s %sse-*'ed *efore stridi & $(r$osef(''! tow%rd the te t" The sh%-% tr%i ed i this -!sterio(s ew -%&i, fo''owed hi-" The! %'' strode with ,o fide ,e % d $ride" Co-i & to % h%'t i fro t of the te t+ G('0d% *e,ko ed to % few of the B'%,kro,k w%rriors+ who ste$$ed forw%rd % d stood %t %tte tio " At th%t -o-e t+ the wi d shifted" D(rot% 0s e!es wide ed %s % f%-i'i%r s,e t w%s ,%rried to his ostri's" "raenei""" Low -(r-(rs %ro( d hi- to'd hi- th%t he w%s ot the o '! o e who h%d ,%(&ht the s,e t" At th%t -o-e t+ G('0d% odded to the w%rriors" The! dis%$$e%red i side the te t for % *rief -o-e t" Ei&ht dr%e ei" their h% ds ti&hd! *o( d+ e-er&ed fro- the te t" Their f%,es were $(ff! % d swo''e fro- *e%ti &s" R%&s h%d *ee sho)ed i their -o(ths" B'ood w%s ,%ked o their *'(e ski % d wh%t Htd, re-%i ed of their ,'othi &" D(rot% st%red" /Whe the B'%,kro,k ,'% fo(&ht (si & the -%&i, I %- %*o(t to sh%re with !o(" their )i,tor! w%s so %*so'(te th%t the! were %*'e to t%ke se)er%' $riso ers+/ G('0d% s%id $ro(d'!" /These $riso ers wi'' he'$ -e show !o( wh%t these ew -%&i,%' %*i'ities ,% do"/ O(tr%&e f'ooded D(rot% " S'%!i & % foe i %r-ed ,o-*%t w%s o e thi &" S'%(&hteri & he'$'ess $riso ers w%s % other" He o$e ed his -o(th+ *(t % h% d o his %r- st%!ed his words" He &'% ,ed ($ % &ri'! i to Or8&ri- Doo-h%--er0s ,oo' &r%! e!es" /Yo( k ew %*o(t this"/ D(rot% hissed+ his words for his o'd frie d0s ,%rs %'o e" /Kee$ !o(r )oi,e dow +/ Or&ri- hissed *%,k+ &'% ,i & %*o(t to see if % !o e w%s $%!i & %tte tio to the-" No o e w%s4 e)er!o e0s %tte tio w%s ri)eted o G('0d% % d the dr%e ei $riso ers" /Yes+ t k ew" I w%s there whe we ,%$t(red the-" It is the w%! of s(,h thi &s" D(rot% "/ /It did ot (se to *e the w%! of the ores"/ D(rot% re$'ied" /It is ow"/ Or&ri- s%id" /It is % s%d e,essit!" For wh%t it is worth+ I do ot *e'ie)e th%t this wi'' *e,o-e % ,o--o $r%,ti,e" The &o%' is to s'%! the dr%e ei+ ot tor-e t the-"/ D(rot% st%red %t his o'd frie d" Or&ri- ke$t the &%5e for % -o-e t+ the f'(shed % d 'ooked %w%!" D(rot% fe't his o(tr%&e %*%te so-ewh%t" At 'e%st Or8 &ri- ( derstood wh%t % )io'%tio this w%s" e)e if he s($$orted it" B(t wh%t e'se ,o('d Or&ri- h%)e do e6 He w%s se,o d i ,o--% d to B'%,kh% d" He w%s o%th8*o( d to s($$ort his ,hieft%i " Like D(rot% + he h%d res$o si*i'ities to others he si-$'! ,o('d ot shirk" For the first ti-e i his 'ife+ D(rot% wished he were % -ere ,'% -e-*er" He 'ooked dow i to his -%te0s e!es" She st%red+ %&h%st+ first %t hi- % d the %t Or&ri-" A d the + he s%w the sorrow % d resi& %tio f'it %,ross her fe%t(res % d she 'owered her he%d" /These *ei &s h%)e worth to (s i this -o-e t+/ G('0d% w%s s%!i &" D(rot% " his *od! fee'i & he%)! %s 'e%d+ dr%&&ed his &%5e to the sh%-% " /We wi'' (se the- to de-o str%te these ew $owers"/ He odded to the first B'%,kro,k sh%-% i 'i e+ who *owed" Looki & s'i&ht'! er)o(s+ the fe-%'e ,'osed her e!es % d ,o ,e tr%ted" A so( d 'ike r(shi & wi d fi''ed D(rot% 0s ,%rs" A str% &e $%tter writte i $(r$'e 'i&ht %$$e%red %t her feet+ e ,ir,'i & her" A*o)e her he%d+ % $(r$'e ,(*e t(r ed id'!" The + s(dde '!+ % s-%''+ s3(%wki & ,re%t(re %$$e%red %t her feet" It ,%8 $ered+ its e!es *'%5i & red+ its s-%'' *(t sh%r$ teeth *%red i wh%t 'ooked 'ike % s-i'e" D(rot% he%rd -(r8-(ri &s % d so-e hisses of fe%r" Other sh%-% fo''owed s(it+ s(--o i & the s%-e eerie $(r$'e ,ir,'es % d ,(*es+ -% ifesti & ,re%t(res see-i &'! o(t of thi %ir" So-e were '%r&e+ sh%$e'ess thi &s i h(es of *'(e % d $(r$'e+ ho)eri & o-i o(s'!" Other *ei &s were f%ir to 'ook ($o + s%)e for their hoo)ed feet % d *%t'ik, wi &s" So-e were '%r&e+ so-e s-%''+ % d %'' s%t or stood 3(iet'! *eside those who h%d ,%''ed thei to *ei &" /Prett! 'itt'e $ets+ to *e s(re+/ ,%-e the disti ,ti)e )oi,e of Gro- H,''s,r,%-+ dri$$i & with s%r,%s-" /B(t wh%t do the! do6/ G('0d% s-i'ed i d('&e t'!" /P%tie ,e+ H,''s,r,%-+/ he s%id+ %'-ost ,o des,e di &'!" /It is % stre &th+ ot % we%k ess"/ H,''s,r,%-0s *rows drew to&ether+ *(t he st%!ed si'e t" He w%s %s ,(rio(s %s % !o e+ D(rot% %ss(-ed" B'%,kh% d stood+ s-i'i & % 'itt'e+ 'ooki & 'ike % $ro(d f%ther" O '! he see-ed ( s(r$rised *! wh%t w%s ( fo'di & here+ % d D(rot% re%'i5ed th%t he -(st h%)e %'re%d! wit essed the $owers of the ew'! tr%i ed sh%-% " Wit essed+ % d %$$ro)ed" O e of the dr%e ei w%s ,(t 'oose fro- the rest % d sho)ed forw%rd" His h% ds sti'' *o( d+ he st(-*'ed % few ste$s o his ,'o)e feet+ the stood ere,t" His f%,e w%s i-$%ssi)e" O '! his s'ow'! -o)i & t%i' &%)e % ! i di,%tio of stress" The first sh%-% ste$$ed forw%rd+ -o)i & her h% ds % d -(r-(ri & s'i&ht'!" The 'itt'e ,re%t(re %t her side s3(%wked % d 2(-$ed %*o(t+ the s(dde '! fire er($ted fro- its ,'%wed h% ds to s'%- i to the h%$'ess dr%e ei" At the s%-e -o-e t+ % *%'' of""" d%rk ess """ for-ed %t the sh%-% 0s fi &erti$s % d r(shed tow%rd the $riso er" It &r( ted i $%i %s its *'(e f'esh w%s *'%,ke ed % d *(r ed fro- the s-%'' ,re%t(re0s %tt%,k+ *(t it dro$$ed to its k ees i o*)io(s %&o ! %s the sh%dow *%'' str(,k it" A&%i the sh%-% -(ttered so-ethi &+ % d f'%-es er($ted fro- the )er! f'esh of the tort(red dr%e ei" Where *efore he h%d *ee stoi, % d si'e t+ ow he s,re%-ed i tor-e t+ his ,ries -(ff'ed so-ewh%t *! the &%& i his thro%t+ *(t ot ,o-$'ete'!" He 2erked % d s$%s-ed o the e%rth+ f'%i'i & 'ike % fish fresh'! hooked+ his e!es ro''i & wi'd'!" The he w%s sti''" The re,k of *(r ed f'esh fi''ed the %ir" For % -o-e t+ there w%s si'e ,e" The ,%-e % so( d th%t D(rot% h%d e)er tho(&ht to he%r: ,ries of %$$ro)%' % d de'i&ht %t the si&ht of % *o( d foe d!i & i he'$'ess tor-e t" D(rot% st%red i horror" A other $riso er w%s s'%i for /de-o str%tio $(r$oses"/ This o e w%s *e%te with % whi$ *! o e of the f%irer ser)% ts of the sh%-% + st% di & tr% sfi.ed whi'e fire r%i ed ($o it+ % d d%rk ess $(--,',d it+ A third w%s *ro(&ht for8 w%rd+ its -%&i,%' esse ,e s(,ked o(t of it *! % -o stro(s ,re%t(re th%t 'ooked 'ike % defor-ed wo'f with te t%,'es s$ro(ti & froits *%,k" Bi'e rose i D(rot% 0s thro%t %s *'(e *'ood % d %shes ,o)ered wh%t o ,e h%d *ee s%,red '% d+ '% d th%t h%d *ee % d w%s e)e ow '(sh % d ferti'e+ tho(&h its $rofo( d se se of tr% 3(i'it! h%d *ee *r(t%''! )io'%ted" Here he h%d d% ,ed+ h%d s( & to the -oo + h%d ,o s$ired with % *o!hood frie d+ h%d ,o(rted his *e'o)ed" Here &e er%tio s of ores h%d ,e'e*r%ted their ( it! o % $'%,e so ho'! th%t % ! fi&hts th%t *roke o(t h%d *ee h%'ted i--edi%te'!+ the ,o-*%t% ts ordered to -%ke $e%,e or to de$%rt" D(rot% w%s o sh%-% " He ,o('d ot se se the e%rth or the s$irits+ *(t he did ot eed to i order to fee' their $%i %s his ow "

Mother -ashur, surely, surely this is not what you wanted, he tho(&ht" The ,heeri & fi''ed his ,%rs+ the ste ,h of *'ood % d ,h%rred f'esh %ss%('ted his ostri's" Worst of %'' w%s the si&ht of his *rethre + e)e so-e %-o & his ow ,'% + who were ,%(&ht ($ i the fre 5! of i f'i,ti & $%i % d tor-e t ($o *ei &s who were re dered i ,%$%*'e of e)e s$itti & o their o$$o e ts" He w%s di-'! %w%re of his h% d h(rti &" So-ewh%t i % d%5e+ he 'ooked dow to see th%t Dr%k% w%s ,'e ,hi & it so h%rd she thre%te ed to *re%k the *o es" /For the sh%-% </ ,ried so-eo e" /No</ G('0d% 0s )oi,e ,%rried o)er the oise of the ,heeri & ,rowd" /No 'o &er %re the! sh%-% " The! were %*% do ed *! the e'e-e ts9the! wi'' ,%'' the- o 'o &er % d *e& for their %id" Beho'd those who h%)e $ower+ % d who %re ot %fr%id to wie'd it" Beho'd + " " the warlocks2" D(rot% tore his &%5e fro- his fi &ers e twi i & with his -%te0s to 'ook ($ %t the s%,red -o( t%i " It 2(tted sere e'! sk!w%rd %s it e)er h%d+ its sides ,%t,hi & % d ref'e,ti & the 'i&ht+ % d for % 'o & -o-e t+ D(rot% wo dered wh! it did ot sh%tter % d *re%k+ 'ike the he%rt of % se tie t *ei &+ o)er,o-e with hor8 ror %t wh%t w%s *ei & do e i its o ,e8,o-forti & sh%dow" There were wi'd ,e'e*r%tio s th%t i&ht" D(rot% $%rti,i$%ted i o e of the- % d for*%de -e-*ers of his ,'% to do so" As the Frostwo'f sh%-% s%t *! their s-%'' fire+ s(*d(ed % d e%ti & i si'e ,e+ Drek7Th%r d%red %sk the 3(estio th%t D(rot% k ew w%s i their he%rts" /;! ,hieft%i +/ s%id Drek7Th%r 3(i,d!+ /wi'' !o( $er-it (s to 'e%r the w%!s of the w%r'o,ks6/ There w%s % 'o & si'e ,e+ ( *roke s%)e *! the ,r%,k'i & of the fire" Fi %''! D(rot% s$oke" /I h%)e % 3(estio for !o( first"/ he s%id" /Do !o( %$$ro)e of wh%t w%s do e to the $riso ers tod%!6/ Drek7Th%r 'ooked ( ,o-fort%*'e" /It " " " wo('d *e *etter h%d we %tt%,ked the- i ho est ,o-*%t"/ he %d-itted" /B(t the! %re o(r e e-ies" The! h%)e $ro)e th%t"/ /Pro)e th%t the! wi'' fi&ht *%,k whe %tt%,ked"/ D(rot% retorted" /Th%t is %'' th%t h%s *ee $ro)e "/ Drek7Th%r st%rted to $rotest+ *(t D(rot% w%)ed hi- to *e si'e t" /I k ow+ this is the wi'' of the % ,estors+ *(t tod%! I *ehe'd so-ethi & th%t I e)er tho(&ht I wo('d se," I s%w the s%,red fie'ds where for ,o( t'ess !e%rs o(r $eo$'e -et i $e%,e defi'ed *! the *'ood of those who ,o('d 0t e)e 'ift % h% d to defe d the-se')es"/ He s%w -o)e-e t %t the ed&e of the ,ir,'e % d ,%(&ht Or&ri-0s s,e t" D(rot% ,o ti (ed" /I the sh%dow of Osh(0&( itse'f Those who s'ew the dr%e ei tod%! did ot do so i order to $rote,t % i--edi%te thre%t to o(r '% ds" The! *(t,hered $riso ers i order to show off their ew " "" t%'e ts=0 Or&ri- ow ,o(&hed 3(iet'! % d D(rot% -otio ed hi- forw%rd" Or&ri- w%s we'' k ow to %'' $rese t+ % d he s%t dow *! the fire with the f%-i'i%rit! of o e k ow % d we',o-ed" /Or&ri-+/ Dr%k% s%id+ to(,hi & her frie d0s %r- &e t'!" /The first"" " w%r'o,ks " "" %re fro- !o(r ,'% " Wh%t %re !o(r tho(&hts6/ Or&ri- st%red i to the fire'i&ht+ his he%)! *rows k itted to&ether %s he sorted thro(&h his tho(&hts" /If we %re to fi&ht the dr%e ei 9% d e)e !o( Frostwo')es %re resi& ed to the e,essit! of it9the we sho('d fi&ht to *e )i,torio(s" The e'e-e ts h%)e %*% do ed the sh%-% " The! %re fi,k'e % d ( $redi,t%*'e %t their *est+ % d were e)er the -ost re'i%*'e %''ies" Not 'ike o e0s frie ds"/ He &'% ,ed %t D(rot% % d s-i'ed % 'itt'e" Des$ite the he%)i ess i his ,hest+ D(rot% s-i'ed *%,k" /These ew ,re%t(res+ these str% &e $owers9the! see- to *e -ore de$e d%*'e" A d destr(,ti)e"/ /There w%s so-ethi & %*o(t the-""""/ Dr%k%0s )oi,e tr%i'ed off" Drek7Th%r *roke i 3(i,k'!" /Dr%k%+ I k ow !o(r ,o ,er s" The! were defi ite'! ot %t(r%' $owers+ %t 'e%st ot %t(r%' %s we sh%-% h%)e %'w%!s k ow the-" B(t who is to s%! th%t is wro &6 The! e.ist+ the! -(st h%)e so-e $'%,e i the order of thi &s" Fire is fire" Whether it ,o-es fro- the fi &ers of % 'itt'e d% ,i & *ei & or with the s$irit of fire0s *'essi &+ it *(r s f'esh 2(st the s%-e" I %&ree with o(r estee-ed &(est" We h%)e ,o--itted to the *%tt'e" S(re'! we do ot fi&ht to 'ose it</ Dr%k% sti'' shook her he%d+ her *e%(tif(' e!es ( h%$$!" Her h% ds -o)ed %s if she were $h!si,%''! &ro$i & for the words" /It is -ore th% s(--o i & fire+ or e)e the str% &e *o'ts of d%rk ess+/ she s%id" /I h%)e fo(&ht dr%e ei" I h%)e s'%i dr%e ei" A d e)er h%)e I see the- writhe i s(,h $%i + or &i)e )oi,e to s(,h tor-e t" The thi &s who %re ser)i & the w%r'o,ks see-ed to " " " en/oy th%t"/ /We e 2o! the h( t+/ D(rot% $oi ted o(t" He dis'iked %r&(i & with his -%te+ *(t %s %'w%!s+ he eeded to see %'' sides of % iss(e i order to de,ide wh%t w%s *est for his ,'% " /The wo')es e 2o! fe%sti & o ste%-i & f'esh"/ /Is it wro & to wish to wi 6/ Or&ri- ,h%''e &ed+ his &r%! e!es %rrowi &" /Is it wro & to t%ke $'e%s(re i the )i,tor!6/ /I the h( t+ i the )i,tor!+ o" It is the s(fferi & of whi,h I s$e%k"/ Drek7Th%r shr(&&ed" /Perh%$s the *ei &s who %re s(--o ed to ser)e feed o th%t" Perh%$s it is e,ess%r! to their e.iste ,e"/ /B(t is it e,ess%r! to ours)" Dr%k%0s e!es &'ittered i the fire'i&ht+ % d D(rot% k ew with % $% & th%t it w%s ot fro- % &er *(t fro- te%rs of fr(str%tio " /The dr%e ei h%)e %'w%!s h%d s($erior -%&i,s to o(rs+ e)e with the %id of the e'e-e ts"/ Drek7Th%r s%id" /I h%)e %'w%!s *ee % sh%-% " I w%s *or so" A d ow I te'' !o( I wi'' e-*r%,e the $%th of the w%r'o,k+ if -! ,'% 'e%der wi'' $er-it it" Be,%(se I ( derst% d wh%t those $owers ,% do for (s+ h%)i & de%'t with the e'e-e ts for %s 'o & %s I h%)e" I wo('d s%!+ Dr%k%+ I %- sorr!+ *(t !es9!es9this is e,ess%r! to o(r e.iste ,e" If we do ot h%)e the $owers of the e'e-e ts to ,%'' ($o + the dr%e ei wi'' o*'iter%te (s fro- the f%,e of the e%rth"/ Dr%k% si&hed % d *(ried her f%,e i her h% ds" The s-%'' &ro($ w%s si'e t+ the o '! so( d the ,r%,k'i & of the fire" D(rot% tho(&ht so-ethi & w%s -issi &4 ow he k ew" He did ot he%r the so( ds of the i&ht ,re%t(res+ the *irds % d i se,ts % d other 'i)i & thi &s who for-er'! fi''ed the %ir with 3(iet so( ds" The! h%d *ee dri)e fro- this $'%,e *! wh%t h%d o,,(rred here e%r'ier" He tried ot to thi k of this %s % o-e " /I wi'' $er-it the Frostwo'f ,'% to 'e%r these %rts+/ he s%id he%)i'!" Drek7Th%r *owed his he%d" /I th% k !o(+ D(rot% " Yo( wi'' ot re&ret it"/ D(rot% did ot re$'!"

FO#RTEEN
"rek=Thar weeps as he tells me of these things, tears fallingfrom eyes tliat can no longer see the present but too keenly can see the past. I have no comfort to offer him. That the elements have come again to his call9to mine9indeed to that of any orcish shaman is testimony to their compassion and forgiveness, their desire to see the balance restored. The 'pire that still houses darkness is not on this continent. We are well away from its malevolence physically, but not yet out of its shadow. The shadow that was cast so long ago, on the day following the defiling of what had once been our most sacred place. The shadow of a black hand. S'ee$ did ot ,o-e e%si'! to D(rot% " Nor+ he re%'i5ed+ to Dr%k%+ %s she tossed % d t(r ed % d si&hed" Fi %''! he &%)e ($ % d '%! %w%ke+ &oi & o)er die e)e ts of the d%!" E)er!thi & i hi- s,re%-ed th%t it w%s wro & to e-*r%,e % -%&i,%' $%th th%t so *'%t% t'! thro)e o the s(fferi & of % other *ei &" A d !et+ wh%t e'se w%s there to do6 The e'e-e ts h%d deserted the sh%-% + e)e tho(&h the % ,estors the-se')es h%d &i)e the ores this t%sk" Witho(t -%&i, to (se %s % %dditio %' we%$o + the ores wo('d *e wi$ed o(t *! the s($erior te,h o'o&! % d k ow'ed&e of the dr%e ei" He rose % d 'eft the s'ee$i & te t" He st%rted % fire to sh%ke off the $red%w ,hi'' % d si'e t'! %te ,o'd r%w -e%t" As he *roke his f%st % d w%t,hed the sk! 'i&hte + he s%w % ,o(rier %$$ro%,hi &" Witho(t sto$$i &+ the rider tossed % s,ro'' to D(rot% % d rode o " D(rot% ( fo'ded it % d ,'osed his e!es %t the ,o te ts" There w%s to *e % other -eeti & i two d%!s" At th%t ti-e+ the ,hieft%i s wo('d e'e,t % 'e%der who wo('d s$e%k for the- %''" ;%ke de,isio s for the- %''" The! wo('d se'e,t o e who wo('d *e ,%''ed W%r,hief" A soft h% d stroked his h%ir" He 'ooked ($ to see Dr%k% re%di & o)er his sho('der" /Yo( -i&ht %s we'' st%! ho-e+/ she s%id &r(ff'!" /The o(t,o-e is de,ided % !w%!"/ He s-i'ed s%d'! %t her" /Yo( did ot (se to *e so ,! i,%'+ *e'o)ed"/ /I did ot (se to 'i)e i s(,h ti-es+00 w%s %'' she s%id" I his he%rt+ he k ew she w%s ri&ht" There w%s o '! o e or, who w%s we''8 k ow e o(&h+ ,h%ris-%ti, e o(&h to wi s(ffi,ie t )otes to *e e'e,ted W%r,hief" Gro- H,''s,r,%- -i&ht &i)e B'%,kh% d % *it of % ,h%''e &e+ *(t H,''s,r,%- w%s too i-$('si)e to *e tr(sted with s(,h % t%sk" B'%,kh% d h%d *ee % )isi*'e fi&(re fro- the )er! st%rt+ %t first o$$osi & % d the s($$orti & Ner75h('" It w%s his sh%-% who h%d *e,o-e the first w%r'o,ks" He h%d wo -ore )i,tories i his %tt%,ks %&%i st the dr%e ei th% % !o e e'se" Dr%k%+ %s she w%s so ofte + w%s ri&ht i this %s we''" A d two d%!s '%ter+ D(rot% w%t,hed with d('' e!es %s the )otes of the ,'% ,hieft%i s were t%''ied+ % d %s B'%,kh% d of the B'%,kro,k ,'% w%s ,hose " He fe't se)er%' &'% ,es ,o-e his w%! %s B'%,kh% d0s %-e w%s % o( ,ed *! G('0d% + % d %s the *i& or, stood % d with f%'se -odest! %,,e$ted the tit'e" D(rot% did ot e)e *other to o*2e,t" Wh%t wo('d *e the $oi t6 He w%s %'re%d! *ei & w%t,hed ,'ose'! for s(s$i,io of dis'o!%'t!" No word he ,o('d $ossi*'! (tter wo('d ,h% &e % !thi &" At o e $oi t+ he 'ooked o)er %t Or&ri-" To %'' other e!es+ the se,o d i ,o--% d of the B'%,kro,k ,'% 'ooked ste%d! % d s($$orti)e of his 'e%der" B(t D(rot% k ew Or&ri- *etter th% % !o e+ % d he s%w the s'i&ht frow th%t f(rrowed his frie d0s *row+ the ti&ht ess %ro( d the 'i$s th%t i di,%ted th%t Or&ri- w%s $erh%$s %s ( h%$$! with the de,isio %s D(rot% " B(t he+ too+ w%s i o $ositio to o*2e,t" D(rot% ho$ed th%t $erh%$s Or&ri-0s $ositio + so ,'ose to B'%,kh% d+ wo('d he'$ -iti&%te the d%-%&e he w%s ,ert%i B'%,kh% d wo('d do" B'%,kh% d ow stood i fro t+ w%)i & % d s-i'i & %t the ,heeri & ,rowd" D(rot% ,o('d ot o*2e,t+ *(t ,ith,r ,o('d he *ri & hi-se'f to ,heer for % or, who e.e-$'ified e)er!thi & he des$ised" Or&ri- stood *ehi d his 'e%der o B'%,kh% d0s ri&ht" G('0d% " who- D(rot% w%s ,ert%i w%s -% i$('%ti & thi &s *(t w%s ( s(re %s to how+ stood *%,k % d &%5ed %t B'%,kh% d res$e,tf(''!" /;! or,ish *rothers % d sisters</ B'%,kh% d ,ried" /Yo( ho or -e+ I wi'' $ro)e % worth! W%r,hief of this )%st se% of o*'e w%rriors" D%! *! d%!" we i-$ro)e o(r we%$o s % d o(r %r-or" A d ow+ we re2e,t the ( $redi,t%*'e e'e-e ts % d e-*r%,e tr(e $ower9$ower th%t o(r w%r'o,ks ,o tro' % d wie'd witho(t &ro)e'i & or s,r%$i & to % !o e or % !thi &" This is 'i*er%tio < This is stre &th< We %re of o e $(r$ose+ o e ,'e%r fo,(s" We wi'' wi$e the dr%e ei fro- o(r '% ds" The! wi'' *e ( %*'e to resist this tide of w%rriors % d w%r'o,ks+ this swee$i & Horde" We %re their worst i&ht8-%r," To *%tt'e</ He 'ifted his %r-s % d sho(ted+ /For the Horde</ A d tho(s% ds of i-$%ssio ed )oi,es ,ried+ /For the Horde< For the Horde< $or the or.e* D(rot% % d Dr%k% ret(r ed ho-e shord! %fter the e'e,tio of B'%,kh% d+ too dis&(sted to re-%i 'o &er" The sh%-% st%!ed *ehi d for tr%i i &" Whe the! ret(r ed se)er%' d%!s '%ter+ D(rot% s%w the! stood t%'' % d $ro(d o ,e %&%i " This ew -%&i, h%d &i)e the- *%,k their f%ith i the-se')es9so-ethi & th%t h%d e)%$or%ted 'ike -or i & -ist whe the e'e-e ts de8 serted the-" For th%t+ D(rot% w%s &r%tef('" He 'o)ed his ,'% + % d k ew the- to *e &ood $eo$'e" He did ot 'ike seei & the*roke % d dishe%rte ed" The! $r%,ti,ed their ski''s o *e%sts %t first+ 2oi i & the h( ti & $%rties % d se di & their str% &e ,re%t(res %fter ,'efthoof % d t%'*(k" D(rot% w%s sti'' tro(*'ed %t the %&o ! the %tt%,ked ,re%t(res s(ffered" As ti-e $%ssed+ the ,re%t(res s(ffered 'ess9 ot *e,%(se the $%i w%s de,re%sed+ *(t *e,%(se the w%r'o,ks were 'e%r i & to ki'' f%ster % d -ore effi,ie t'!" The %dditio of the str% &e /he'$ers+/ or /$ets+/ %s so-e w%r'o,ks fo d'! referred to the *ei &s fir-'! ( der their ,o tro'+ see-ed to -%ke %'t the differe ,e" B'%,kh% d see-ed to e 2o! his ewfo( d $ositio " S,ro''s ,%-e %'-ost d%i'! fro- ,o(riers whose wo')es % d whose se')es see-ed to we%r -ore or %te %dor -e t e%,h ti-e the! rode i to ,%-$" D(rot% h%d to %d-it th%t k owi & wh%t w%s &oi & o with the other ,'% s w%s (sef(' i for-%tio " B(t o e d%!+ so-eo e other th% the ,o(rier ,%-e i to the e ,%-$-e t" D(rot% re,o& i5ed the r%i-e t4 the %$$ro%,hi & ore+ -o( ted o % wo'f with % $%rti,('%r'! &'oss! *'%,k ,'o%k+ w%s o e of B'%,kh% d0s $erso %' w%r'o,ks+ K(r0k('" He h%'ted his wo'f+ dis-o( ted+ % d *owed *efore D(rot% " /Chieft%i + % word with !o( fro- the W%r,hief+/ he s%id i % s(r$risi &'! $'e%s% t )oi,e" D(rot% odded % d -otio ed th%t the w%r'o,k w%'k with hi-" The! strode ( ti' he fe't ,ert%i the! wo('d ot *e o)erhe%rd" /Wh%t is it+ th%t B'%,kh% d se ds o e of his -ost i-$ort% t w%r'o,ks to -,6/ he %sked"

K(r0k(' s-i'ed %ro( d his t(sks" /I %- ridi & to %'' the ,'% s+/ he s%id+ ,'e%r'! i te di & for D(rot% to *e $(t i his $'%,e" The Frostwo')es were ot *ei & $%rti,('%r'! ho ored+ it wo('d see-" D(rot% &r( ted % d fo'ded his %r-s %,ross his ,hest+ w%iti &" /The -ost i-$ort% t f%,tor i o(r e)e t(%' % d &'orio(s )i,tor! o)er the dr%e ei is (-*ers+/ K(r0k(' ,o ti (ed" /The! %re few+ we %re -% !" B(t we eed to *e -ore"/ /So wh%t is it B'%,kh% d wishes6/ &row'ed D(rot% " /Sh%'' we 'e%)e off fi&hti & for -%ti &6/ K(r0k(' did ot *'i k" /Not 'e%)e off fi&hti &+ *(t !es " " " e ,o(r%&e !o(r w%rriors to $ro,re%te" Yo( wi'' re,ei)e %,,o'%des for e%,h ,hi'd th%t is *or to !o(r ,'% " Th%t wi'' he'$" B(t ( fort( %te'!+ we eed -ore w%rriors ri&ht ow+ ot si. !e%rs fro- ow"/ D(rot% st%red+ st( ed" He h%d -e% t the ,o--e t %s % ,r(de 2oke" Wh%t w%s &oi & o 6 /Chi'dre *e&i tr%i i & %t %&e si.+/ K(r0k(' ,o ti (ed" /The! %re stro & e o(&h to fi&ht %t %&e twe')e" S(--o %'' !o(r !o( &'i &s"/ /I do ot ( derst% d+/ D(rot% s%id" /S(--o the- for wh%t6/ K(r0k(' si&hed %s if D(rot% were % foo'ish ,hi'd+ /I h%)e the %*i'it! to %,,e t(%te their &rowth+/ he s%id" /We wi''" " " $(sh theforw%rd % *it" If we t%ke %'' the ,hi'dre th%t %re *etwee si. % d twe')e ow % d %&e the- to twe')e+ we wi'' i ,re%se the (-*ers of w%rriors o the fie'd *! %'-ost fift! $er,e t"/ D(rot% ,o('d 0t *e'ie)e wh%t he w%s he%ri &" 0A*so'(te'! ot</ /I0- %fr%id it0s ot % ,hoi,e" It0s % order" A ! ,'% who ref(ses wi'' *e *r% ded % tr%itor to the Horde" The ,'% wi'' *e e.i'ed+ % d their 'e%der % d his -%te """ e.e,(ted"/ D(rot% st%red+ st( ed" K(r0k(' h% ded hi- % s,ro''" He re%d it+ sh%ki & with % &er+ % d s%w th%t the w%r'o,k h%d s$oke tr('!" He % d Dr%k% wo('d *e $(t to de%th+ % d the Frostwo'f ,'% e.i'ed" /Yo( wo('d ro* the- of their ,hi'dhood+ the +/ he s%id sto i'!" /For their f(t(re6 Yes" I wi'' dr%i % 'itt'e of their 'i)es " + " o '! si. !e%rs0 worth" The! wi'' ,o-e to o h%r-" The B'%,kro,k ,hi'dre ,ert%i '! did 0t" B'%,k8h% d i sisted his ow three !o( & o es *e the first to *e so ho ored" A d i ret(r + the! wi'' *e %*'e to fi&ht for the &'or! of the Horde ow+ whe the! ,% -%ke % differe ,e"/ D(rot% w%s ot i the 'e%st s(r$rised th%t B'%,k8h% d h%d $er-itted this to *e do e to his ,hi'dre " For the first ti-e+ D(rot% w%s &r%tef(' th%t there were so few ,hi'dre i his ,'% " There were o '! fi)e of the- o'der th% si. % d !o( &er th% twe')e" He %&%i re%d the -issi)e+ fee'i & f(rio(s % d si,ke ed %t the s%-e ti-e" These ,hi'dre o(&ht to *e %*'e to si-$'! be ,hi'dre " The w%r'o,k w%ited ,%'-'!" Fi %''!" D(rot% s%id i % )oi,e he -%de de'i*er%te'! h%rsh to hide his $%i + /Do wh%t !o( -(st do"/ /For the Horde</ s%id K(r0k('" D(rot% did ot re$'!" Wh%t h%$$e ed e.t w%s *%r*%ri," D(rot% for,ed hi-se'f to re-%i i-$%ssi)e whi'e K(r0k(' ,%st % s$e'' o the fi)e Frostwo'f ,hi'dre " The! writhed i $%i + s,re%-i & % d f'%i'i & o the e%rth %s *o es were stret,hed+ %s ski % d -(s,'e *(rst i to ( %t(r%' &rowth" A si,k'! &ree 'i e 'i ked the ,hi'dre to the w%r'o,k+ %s if he w%s s(,ki & the )er! 'ife o(t of the-" The e.$ressio o K(r0k('0s f%,e w%s e,st%ti," If the ,hi'dre were s(fferi &+ he -ost defi ite'! w%s ot" For % %wf(' -o-e t+ D(rot% fe%red the w%r'o,k wo('d ot sto$ %t %&e twe')e+ *(t wo('d ,o ti (e dr%i i & 'ife fro- the ,hi'dre ( ti' the! were shri)e'ed % d % ,ie t" B(t th% kf(''!+ K(r0k(' did sto$" The !o( & ores9 ,hi'dre o 'o &er9'%! where the! h%d dro$$ed the i st% t the dr%i i & h%d *e&( " For 'o & -o-e ts+ the! ,o('d ot *e ro(sed+ % d whe the! did+ the! we$t+ soft'!+ *r,%thi'!+ %s if the! o stre &th 'eft for % !thi & e'se" D(rot% t(r ed tow%rd the w%r'o,k" /Yo( h%)e do e wh%t !o( h%)e ,o-e for" Get o(t"/ K(r0k(' 'ooked offe ded" /Chieft%i D(rot% + !o(9/ D(rot% sei5ed hi- *! the fro t of his s,%r'et ro*e" Fe%r f'i,kered %,ross the other ore0s f%,e" /Get o(t" Now"/ D(rot% sho)ed h%rd % d K(r0k(' st(-*'ed *%,kw%rd+ %'-ost f%''i &" He &'owered %t D(rot% " /B'%,kh% d wi'' ot *e $'e%sed to he%r of this+/ K(r0k(' &row'ed" D(rot% did ot d%re s$e%k4 if % ! other words ,%-e fro- his -o(th+ he k ew the! wo('d doo- his ,'% " I ste%d he t(r ed %w%!+ sh%ki & with r%&e+ % d we t to the ,hi'dre who were ,hi'dre o 'o &er" For so-e ti-e %fter th%t+ othi & w%s %sked of the Frostwo'f ,'% s%)e -ore i te si)e tr%i i & % d re$orti & *%,k o th%t tr%i i &+ % d D(rot% w%s *oth re'ie)ed % d %$$rehe si)e" So-ehow+ he k ew th%t whe B'%,kh% d % d G('0d% ,hose to oti,e hi-+ the t%sk the! wo('d set for hi- wo('d *e % diffi,('t o e" He wo('d ot *e dis%$$oi ted" D(rot% w%s 'ooki & %t % ew $%tter for %r-or the s-ith h%d 2(st dr%w ($ whe the wo'frid,r 'o$ed i to the Frostwo'f e ,%-$-e t" Witho(t *re%ki & stride+ the rider tossed D(rot% % $%r,h-e t+ whee'ed his -o( t %ro( d+ % d de$%rted" D(rot% ( ro''ed it % d *e&% to re%d+ his e!es wide i &" He 'ooked ($ 3(i,k'! %t the de$%rti & fi&(re of the rider9it w%s ot the offi,i%' ,o(rier"

5ld friend>
I am sure it comes as no surprise that you are being watched. They will set a task for you, one that they know you can complete. (ou must do so. I do not know what they will do if you refuse, but I fear the worst. There w%s o si& %t(re4 the -issi)e did ot eed o e" D(rot% k ew Or&ri-0s *o'd s,ri$t" He ,r(-$'ed the $%r,h-e t % d tossed it i to the fire+ w%t,hi & it twist % d ,(r' i o itse'f 'ike % 'i)i & thi & %s the f'%-es 'i,ked % d ,o s(-ed it" Or&ri- h%d se t the w%r i & 2(st i ti-e" Th%t )er! %fter oo + % rider we%ri & the offi,i%' t%*%rd of % ,o(rier %$$ro%,hed % d h% ded the Frostwo'f ,hieft%i % $%r,h-e t" D(rot% odded %s he %,,e$ted it % d $(t it %side" He did ot w% t to see it ri&ht ow" B(t the ,o(rier 'ooked ( e%s!" She did ot dis-o( t+ *(t either did she t(r her wo'f % d ride *%,k to the Frostwo'f '% ds" /I h%)e *ee i str(,ted to w%it for % re$'!+/ she s%id %fter % %wkw%rd $%(se" D(rot% odded % d ( ro''ed the $%r,h-e t" The writi & w%s e.3(isite+ % d he k ew th%t B'%,kh% d h%d di,t%ted the -issi)e4 the W%r,hief+ s-%rt % d ,( i & tho(&h he w%s+ w%s *%re'! 'iter%te"

It w%s worse th% he h%d tho(&ht" D(rot% ke$t his f%,e ,%ref(''! e(tr%'+ tho(&h o(t of the ,or er of his e!e he s%w th%t Dr%k% w%s w%t,hi & hi- ,%ref(''!" +nto "urotan, son of 0arad, chieftain of the $rostwolf clan, Blackhand, Warchief of the orde, gives greetings. (ou have now had time to see the skills of our newly trained warlocks in action. It is time to take the attack to our enemies. The draenei city of Telmor is close to your borders. (ou are instructed to form a war party and attack them. Or&ri- has told me that as boys, the two of you entered that city. That you saw the secret of how the draenei kept themselves unseen. 5rgrim also tells me that you have e%cellent recall and that you would remember how to e%pose the city to our warriors for an assault. I#m sure I don#t have to tell you what destroying this city would mean to the orde. .nd to the $rostwolf dan. 4eply to this letter immediately and we will begin preparations for the assault. $or the orde2 The si& %t(re w%s % i-$ri t of B'%,kh% d0s ri&ht h% d+ st%i ed with i k" D(rot% w%s f(rio(s" How ,o('d Or&ri- h%)e re)e%'ed this i for-%tio 6 Did he tr('! fo''ow B'%,kh% d %fter %''+ th%t he wo('d te'' the W%r,hief of this i ,ide t % d so $(t D(rot% o the s$ot6 The % &er e**ed %s he re%'i5ed th%t the i for-%tio to whi,h B'%,kh% d referred9their )isit there %s *o!s+ the w%! the ,it! w%s hidde + D(rot% 0s %'-ost ( ,% ! -e-or!9these were thi &s th%t ,o('d h%)e *ee dro$$ed i ,o )ers%tio %t % ! $oi t o)er the '%st few !e%rs" B'%,kh% d w%s i te''i&e t e o(&h to $i,k ($ % ! ,r(-* of i for-%tio + % d ho%rd it ( ti' s(,h ti-e %s it w%s e,ess%r!" D(rot% tho(&ht %*o(t '!i &+ %*o(t ,'%i-i & th%t he ,o('d ot re,%'' the words *! whi,h Rest%'%% h%d dis$e''ed the i''(sio th%t ke$t die dr%e ei ,it! s%fe % d hidde fro- the e!es of the o&res " " " % d" ow+ the e!es of the ores" It h%d *ee % 'o & ti-e+ % d he h%d o '! he%rd the $hr%se (ttered o ,e" A !o e e'se wo('d i deed h%)e for&otte it" B(t the thre%t i die 'etter w%s so thi '! )ei'ed %s to *e %'-ost ridi,('o(s" If D(rot% %&reed to %ssist with the %tt%,k+ he wo('d $ro)e his 'o!%'t! to the Horde+ to B'%,kh% d+ % d to G('0d% " %t 'e%st for the -o-e t" If he ref(sed+ e)e if he ,'%i-ed ot to re,%'' the words B'%,kh% d w% ted hi- to s$e%k " " " we''+ 'ike Or&ri-+ D(rot% fe%red the worst" The ,o(rier w%s w%iti &" D(rot% -%de the o ') de,isio he ,o('d -%ke"
J

He 'ooked ($ %t the ,o(rier+ his f%,e i-$%ssi)e" /I wi'' do %s the W%r,hief *ids+ of ,o(rse" For the Horde</ The ,o(rier 'ooked *oth re'ie)ed % d % 'itt'e s(r$rised" /The W%r,hief wi'' *e $'e%sed to he%r this" I %- i str(,ted to &i)e !o( the fo''owi &"/ She re%,hed i to her 'e%ther *%,k$%,k % d retrie)ed % s-%'' s%,k+ whi,h she h% ded to D(rot% " /Yo(r w%rriors % d !o(r w%r'o,ks wi'' eed to tr%i with these"/ D(rot% odded" He k ew wh%t the! were: the He%rt of F(r! % d the Bri''i% t St%r th%t he h%d ordered t%ke off 1e'e " These sto es were $erh%$s the o '! thi &s th%t h%d s$%red hi- o ,e *efore whe he h%d i ,(rred Ner75h('0s % &er" Now+ he wo('d (se the- %&%i st the )er! $eo$'e he h%d t%ke the- fro-" /The W%r,hief wi'' ,o t%,t !o( soo +/ the ,o(rier s%id+ i ,'i ed her he%d+ % d t(r ed her wo'f" D(rot% w%t,hed her &o" Dr%k% ste$$ed 3(iet'! *eside hi-" He h% ded her the 'etter % d we t i to their te t" A few -o-e ts '%ter she 2oi ed hi-+ s'i$$i & her %r-s %ro( d hi- fro- *ehi d whi'e he *(ried his f%,e i his h% ds % d &rie)ed o)er the e)e ts th%t h%d 'ed to the terri*'e de,isio he h%d *ee for,ed to -%ke" A few d%!s '%ter the w%r $%rt! &%thered %t the Frostwo'f e ,%-$-e t" ;ost of the w%rriors % d w%r'o,ks were fro- the B'%,kro,k ,'% + *(t there were -ore th% % few $%i ted W%rso & f%,es i the ,rowd+ % d se)er%' Sh%ttered H% d %s we''" E)e the -ost o*t(se %-o & the Frostwo')es ,o('d se se the -istr(st % d ,o te-$t fro- the )isitors" D(rot% k ew it w%s o %,,ide t th%t the other ores were %'' fro- the -ost -%rti%' ,'% s" The! were there to -%ke s(re the Frostwo')es did ot f%'ter %t % ! ,riti,%' $oi t" D(rot% id'! wo dered whi,h %-o & the- h%d the i str(,tio s to s'it his thro%t %t the first si& of hesit%tio " He ho$ed it w%s ot Or&ri-+ The two o'd frie ds e.,h% &ed o '! % few words+ % d D(rot% s%w re&ret i Or&ri-0s )is%&e" For th%t+ %t 'e%st+ he w%s &'%d" A ,o(rier h%d *ee se t %he%d+ so there were $'e t! of *o fires ro%ri & % d food % d dri k for the h( &r! /&(ests+/ ;% ! of the Frostwo')es &%)e ($ their ow 'od&i & for the )isitors+ so th%t those who wo('d he%d i to *%tt'e the fo''owi & -or i & wo('d rest %s we'' %s $ossi*'e" D(rot% -et with Or&ri- % d the others who wo('d 'e%d the %ss%('t+ sket,hi & o(t % '%!o(t of the ,it! %s *est he % d Or&ri- ,o('d re,%'' it" B! d%!*re%k+ the w%r $%rt!9% s-%'' %r-! of ores9 w%s o the -o)e" The! $%ssed i to the -e%dows th%t s(rro( ded the Terokk%r forest+ where so 'o & %&o Or&ri- % d D(rot% h%d r%,ed %s !o(ths % d *ee st%rt'ed *! the %$$e%r% ,e of % o&re" No '(-*eri & &i% ts tro(*'ed the )%st w%)e of ores %s the! -o)ed ste%di'! tow%rd their desti %tio this -or i &" D(rot% w%s i the fro t+ ridi & *eside Or&ri- o Ni&htst%'k,r" The! were si'e t+ *(t D(rot% did ot -iss the f%,t th%t Or&ri-0s &r%! e!es 'i &ered o the site where two *o!s h%d *ee res,(ed *! dr%e ei w%rriors" /The !e%rs h%)e *ee 'o & si ,e we $%ssed this w%!+/ D(rot% s%id" Or&ri- odded" /I %- ot e)e s(re we h%)e the ri&ht dire,tio " The forest % d fie'ds h%)e ,h% &ed % d &row + % d there were $re,io(s few '% d-%rks ori&i %''!800 D(rot% s%id he%)i'!+ /I re-e-*er the w%!"/ He wished he did ot" A $i'e of sto es here+ % str% &e8sh%$ed o(t,ro$$i & there w%s e o(&h to &(ide hi-" It 'ooked 'ike othi & to % !o e e'se" B'%,kh% d h%d to'd his troo$s th%t the dr%e ei were %*'e to dis&(ise their ,it!" E)e so+ D(rot% 0s sh%r$ ,%rs ,%(&ht s'i&ht -(r-(ri &s of ,o ,er " He frow ed" /We %re dr%wi & ,'ose+/ he s%id" /We -(st *e 3(iet" There is % e.,e''e t ,h% ,e th%t We wi'' h%)e *ee see % d re$orted %'re%d!"/ The w%r $%rt! &rew si'e t the " With % few &est(res+ Or&ri- dis$%t,hed so-e of his o(triders to s,o(t the %re%" D(rot% 0s -i d we t *%,k to th%t twi'i&ht+ whe he+ too+ w%s worried %*o(t where the! were &oi & % d wh%t the dr%e ei h%d $'% ed for hi-" He *ro(&ht his wo'f to % h%'t % d dis-o( ted" Ni&htst%'k,r shook his he%d % d s,r%t,hed his ,%rs %*se t'!" It w%s here """ or ,'ose to here" " " " D(rot% fe't % des$er%te ho$e th%t $erh%$s the dr%e ei re-e-*ered th%t the! h%d e.$osed their se,ret to hi-+ th%t the! h%d ,h% &ed the hidi & $'%,e of the -%&i,%' sto e ($o whi,h their $rote,tio de$e ded" There w%s o te''t%'e ro,k *e e%th whi,h the &ree &e- w%s se,reted" D(rot% 0s -e-or! wo('d h%)e o %id i ( ,o)eri & it" He ,o ,e tr%ted+ w%'ki & s'ow'!+ he%ri & the 2% &'i & of t%,k % d the soft ,'i ki & of %r-or %s the others w%t,hed % d w%ited" He

,'osed his e!es to %id his ,o ,e tr%tio + s%w %&%i Rest%'%% k ee'i & o the &ro( d+ -o)i & %side 'e%)es % d $i e eed'es to ( ,o)er9 D(rot% o$e ed his e!es % d -o)ed % few ste$s to his 'eft" He s%id % 3(i,k $r%!er to the % ,estors4 whether it w%s %ski & for he'$ i fi di & the sto e or i ot fi di & it+ he w%s ot ,ert%i " ;%i'ed h% ds re%,hed dow % d *r(shed %w%! '%!ers of detrit(s % d the to(,hed so-ethi & ,oo' % d h%rd" There is no turning back now. D(rot% ,'osed his fi &ers %ro( d the &e- % d $i,ked it ($" E)e i his distr%(&ht st%te of -i d+ he ,o('d se se the sto e e-% %ti & % ,o-forti & e er&!" It est'ed i his $%'- %s if it *e'o &ed there" D(rot% r% his 'eft i de. fi &er o)er it+ dr%wi & o(t this -o-e t *efore e)er!thi & wo('d ,h% &e irre)o,%*'! /Yo( fo( d it"/ *re%thed Or&ri-" who h%d si'e t'! ste$$ed ($ to his frie d" D(rot% w%s o)er,o-e with e-otio % d ,o('d ot s$e%k for % -o-e t" He -ere'! odded+ the tore his &%5e fro- the *e%(tif('+ $('s%ti & sto e % d 'ooked ($ %t the %westr(,k f%,es &%5i & %t the tre%s(re he he'd" Or&ri- odded *r(s3(e'!" /Get i to $ositio +/ he s%id+ /We h%)e *ee fort( %te th%t there h%s *ee o %d)% ,e w%r i &"/ The sto e w%s so ,%'-i & to ho'd+ D(rot% w% ted othi & *etter th% to si-$'! st% d % d 'ook i to its de$ths+ *(t he k ew th%t he h%d %'re%d! -%de his ,hoi,e" He took % dee$ *re%th % d s$oke the words th%t Rest%'%% h%d s$oke so 'o & %&o i this s%-e $'%,e" "-ehla men samir, solay +imaa kahl." He w% ted to *e'ie)e th%t his thi,k+ or,ish %,,e t wo('d ot %,ti)%te the sto e" Th%t he w%s %*'e to f('fi'' his o*'i&%tio to his $eo$'e witho(t stor-i & % s-%'' ,it! f('' of ,i)i'i% s" B(t %$$%re t'! the words were ( derstood *! wh%te)er for,e ,o tro''ed the &ree &e-" The i''(sio w%s %'re%d! dissi$%ti &+ the trees % d *o('ders shi--eri & i to i s(*st% ti%'it!+ % d *efore the or,ish w%r $%rt! % wide+ $%)ed ro%d stret,hed %s if i i )it%tio " The! eeded o (r&i &" The &'orio(s ,it! of the dr%e ei '%! *efore the-+ % d with ,ries tor fro- o)er % h( dred thro%ts+ the ores des,e ded ($o it"

FIFTEEN
"rek#Thar speaks in a broken voice of glories ruined, of beauty destroyed, of the slaughter of children. Through his tale runs the unspoken e%cuse; It see-ed so ri&ht %t the ti-e" = imagine it did seem right. It did seem /ust. I can only pray to the ancestors that I am never placed in the same position as my father>torn between what I know i -! heart is right and the defense of my people. It is why I continue to strive to uphold the tenuous peace between us and the .lliance. Because few offenses and insults in this or any other world are sufficient to warrant the slaughter of children. L%ter+ D(rot% wo('d wo der how the ,it! of Te'-or h%d re,ei)ed o %d)% ,e oti,e of % w%)e of -o( ted ores" He wo('d e)er *e %*'e to s$e%k with % dr%e ei to fi d o(t" He ,o('d o '! %ss(-e th%t the dr%e ei were so ,ert%i i their H'(sio %r! ,%-o(f'%&e th%t the ide% th%t it ,o('d *e *re%,hed e)er o,,(rred to the-" The 3(iet %ir w%s re t with the so( d of w%r ,ries % d wo'f how's %s the riders stor-ed the streets of the ,it!" Se)er%' ( %r-ed dr%e ei were ,(t dow i the first few se,o ds of the %ss%('t" The white $%)e-e t w%s soo *'(e with s$i''ed *'ood+ *(t it did ot t%ke )er! 'o & for the ,it! &(%rds to ,o( ter%tt%,k" D(rot% h%d sho)ed the sto e i to his $%,k the -o-e t he h%d fi ished (si & it4 it wo('d 2oi the red % d !e''ow sto es he h%d t%ke fro- 1e'e " He -o( ted 3(i,k'! % d rode with &ri- deter-i %tio + his %.e %t the re%d!" Whi'e he h%d -%de his ow $ri)%te )ow th%t he wo('d ot %tt%,k % ( %r-ed foe or % ,hi'd+ he h%d %'so -%de his ,hoi,e+ % d w%s $re$%red to ki'' or die for it" The first w%)e f'ooded the ,it!" A ri)er of ores forked i to stre%-s+ $o(ri & i to the '%r&e+ s$heri,%' $(*'i, *(i'di &s th%t *r% ,hed off to ,ither side of the -%i street+ s(r&i & ($ the wide sto e ste$s" The w%r'o,ks *ro(&ht ($ the re%r" Their ,re%t(res were si'e t % d o*edie t+ s%)e the s-%'' o es th%t -(ttered ,o st% t'! ( der their *re%ths" The! w%ited for the ri&ht -o-e ts to *ri & dow the r%i of fire+ the *o't of sh%dows+ the )%rio(s ,(rses of tor-e t" The w%rriors e-er&ed ,o)ered with *'ood+ their *oots tr%,ki & it dow the wide ste$s %s the! ,o ti (ed o to the e.t *(i'di &+ % d the e.t" The dr%e ei &(%rds were i the streets ow+ ,%sti & their ow -%&i,s" D(rot% t(r ed i his s%dd'e *%re'! i ti-e to def'e,t % *'ow fro- % sword th%t *'%5ed with *'(e e er&!" The sword ,'% &ed %&%i st the he%d of his %.e % d 2%rred his %r- to the *o e" B(t th%t w%s othi & ,o-$%red to the sho,k he fe't %t re,o& i5i & his %tt%,ker" For the se,o d ti-e+ he % d Rest%'%% were -eeti & i *%tt'e+ D(rot% h%d s$%red 1e'e + % d i ret(r " Rest%'%% h%d s$%red hiwhe he w%s he'$'ess *efore the dr%e ei w%rrior" D(rot% s%w re,o& itio i the other0s e!es+ the those &'owi & *'(e or*s %rrowed" A'' de*ts *etwee the- were $%id" This ti-e+ there wo('d *e o 3(%rter &i)e + o ,ither side" Rest%'%% ,ried so-ethi & i his -(si,%' to &(e" I ste%d of %tt%,ki & %&%i + he h%('ed D(rot% fro- his s%dd'e" D(rot% w%s t%ke *! s(r$rise+ % d *efore he k ew wh%t w%s h%$$e i &+ he '%! o the &ro( d *efore his e e-!" He re%,hed for his %.e %s Rest%'%% sw( & his sword+ thi ki & e)e %s his fi &ers ,'osed %*o(t the hi't th%t he wo('d ot *e swift e o(&h" Ni&htst%'k,r+ howe)er+ w%s tr%i ed %'-ost %s we'' %s the or, who rode hi-" The i st% t the wo'f fe't his rider 'e%)e his *%,k he whir'ed o Rest%'%% " H(&e teeth ,r( ,hed dow o the dr%e ei0s %r-" H%d it ot *ee for the $rote,ti)e %r-or Rest%'%% wore+ his %r- wo('d h%)e *ee se)ered i st% t'!" As it w%s+ the $ress(re w%s e o(&h to ,ri$$'e hi- % d -%ke hi- dro$ the sword" With % &r( t+ D(rot% sw( & his %.e %s h%rd %s he ,o('d" It s'%--ed i to Rest%'%% 0s -idse,tio + its kee ed&e ,'e%)i & thro(&h ih, %r-or to *ite dee$ i to his f'esh" Rest%'%% fe'' to his k ees+ his (se'ess %r- sti'' he'd f%st *! Ni&htst%'k,r0s teeth" The white wo'f *it dow h%rder+ &row'i &+ % d st%rted worr!i & the dr%e ei0s %r- %s if it were % s-%'' % i-%'" Withi -o-e ts+ the wo'f wo('d ri$ it off" B'ood &(shed fro- the wo( d i Rest%'%% 0s side" He -%de o so( d des$ite the %&o ! he -(st *e e d(ri &" D(rot% &ot to his feet % d str(,k %&%i + this ti-e % ki''i & *'ow9% -er,! *'ow" Rest%'%% s%&&ed % d Ni&htst%'k,r i--edi%te'! 'et &o of the %r-" The ,%$t%i of the &(%rds of Te'-or w%s de%d" D(rot% did ot $er-it hi-se'f re&ret" He -o( ted Ni&htst%'k,r 3(i,k'! % d so(&ht o(t his e.t t%r&et" There w%s o '%,k of the-" The ,it! w%s ,ert%i '! ot the si5e of Sh%ttr%th+ their ,%$it%'+ *(t it w%s *i& e o(&h" There were dr%e ei %$'e t! to s'%(&hter" The

%ir w%s fi''ed with ,ries of *iood'(st+ of $%i % d fe%r+ of the ,'% &i & of sword o shie'd % d the ,r%,k'e of s$e''s *ei & ,%st" Odors %ss%('ted his ostri's+ of *'ood and fe,es % d (ri e % d the ( -ist%k%*'e+ ( i3(e re,k of terror" The r%&e *oi'i & i side hi- fe't &ood" His se ses h%d e)er *ee hi&her+ % d he see-ed to -o)e witho(t thi ki &" O)er there9 % other o e of the &(%rds+ fi&hti & Or&ri-" D(rot% te sed+ thi ki & to r(sh to his frie d0s %id+ *(t the Doo-h%--er sw( & thro(&h the %ir % d ,r(shed the %tt%,ker0s sk('' e)e thro(&h his he'-" D(rot% &ri ed fier,e'!" Or&ri- eeded o %id" He se sed the $rese ,e %t his side *efore he he%rd or s-,'',d it+ % d t(r ed+ *e''owi & his ,'% 0s w%r ,r!" He hoisted the &ore8 ,o)ered %.e % d $re$%red to *ri & it dow " The ,hi'd w%s *%re'! o(t of $(*ert!+ *(t she s,re%-ed i f(r! %s she tore with *%re h% ds %t his %r8-or,d 'e&" Te%rs stre%-ed dow her $%'e *'(e f%,e % d her teeth were *%red" B'(e *'ood+ too -(,h of it to *e her ow + s%t(r%ted her dress so th%t it ,'( & to her *od!" She $o( ded f(ti'e'! %t hi-+ her te%r8fi''ed e!es *(r i & with $%i % d ri&hteo(s f(r! For % horri*'e se,o d she see-ed to *e the s%-e &ir' th%t D(rot% % d Or&ri- h%d e ,o( tered !e%rs %&o" Th%t ,o('d ot *e9 s(re'! th%t &ir' w%s % wo-% &row ow" Or w%s she6 B(t it did ot -%tter" It w%s % fe-%'e ,hi'd who+ *oth *r%)e'! % d st($id'!+ w%s %tte-$ti & to %tt%,k % -o( ted or, w%rrior with her *%re h% ds" It w%s with % e or-o(s effort th%t D(rot% h%'ted the %.e i -id8swi &" He wo('d ot h%r- % ,hi'd9th%t w%s ot the ,ode+ th%t w%s ot the w%! of the ores9 S(dde '! the &ir' fro5e" Her e!es wide ed" She o$e ed her -o(th % d *'ood &(shed forth+ D(rot% 0s &%5e dro$$ed fro- her f%,e to her ,hest+ % d he ,o('d see the s$e%r $oi t te ti & the *'ood8so%ked f%*ri," Before D(rot% ,o('d re%,t+ the Sh%ttered H% d or, who h%d s'%i the &ir' sho)ed the s$e%r to the side+ for,i & the *od! to the e%rth" He $(t o e *ooted foot o her sho('der" Gr( ti &+ he $(''ed 'oose his s$e%r % d &ri ed ($ %t D(rot% " /Yo( owe -e o e+ Frostwo'f+/ the or, s%id+ the )% ished i to the ,'ose8$ressi & ,rowd of s'%!ers % d )i,ti-s" D(rot% threw *%,k his he%d % d ,ried his %&o ! to the % ,estors" O s(r&ed the or,s+'e%)i & ,or$ses i their w%ke" The )%st -%2orit! of the de%d were dr%e ei+ *(t here % d there % *row *od! of % f%''e or, ,o('d *e see " So-e of the ores who fe'' !et 'i)ed+ ,r!i & o(t for %id+ *(t their $'e%s fe'' o de%f ,%rs" Sh%-% ,o('d h%)e he%'ed the- with s$e''s+ *(t %$$%re t'!+ w%r'o,k -%&i,s did ot e-*r%,e the he%'i & %rts" So the! '%! where the! h%d f%''e + so-e whee5i & o(t their '%st *re%ths e.t to the dr%e ei the! h%d s'%i + whi'e the ( sto$$%*'e tide $o(red forw%rd" The! fo''owed the ro%d thro(&h the foothi''s+ e teri & e%,h *(i'di & %s the! we t % d s'%(&hteri & % !o e the! fo( d" No do(*t so-e dr%e ei h%d hidde + D(rot% tho(&ht+ % d $r%!ed the! wo('d ot *e fo( d" He did ot thi k th%t $r%!er wo('d *e % swered" O ,e the first ro( d of s'%(&hter h%d *ee ,o-$'eted+ there wo('d *e the 'ooti & % d the se%r,h for those who h%d es,%$ed the first %ss%('t" He k ew" It h%d *ee $'% ed th(s" The! h%d re%,hed the '%r&est *(i'di & !et+ the o e th%t s%t hi&hest o the -o( t%i + % d D(rot% re,o& i5ed it i--edi%te'!" It w%s the -%&ist,r0s s,%t+ where he % d Or&ri- h%d h%d di er with the Pro$het" Bitter'! he tho(&ht th%t 1e'e w%s ot -(,h of % $ro$het if he h%d ot foresee this *'%,k -o-e t" Ni&htst%'k,r r%,ed ($ the ste$s+ % d D(rot% ,o('d ot he'$ hi-se'f" He ,r% ed his e,k % d 'ooked o)er his sho('der+ *%,k dow tow%rd the ,it! %s he h%d do e the first ti-e he h%d ,'i-*ed these ste$s o his ow two feet" The + the dr%e ei ,it! h%d *ee s$re%d o(t 'ike 2ewe's o % -e%dow" Now" it 'ooked e.%,t'! 'ike wh%t it w%s9% *roke + t%ke ,it!+ s$%ttered with *'ood % d &ore % d the de%th ot 2(st of its ,iti5e s+ *(t of % ! ho$e of $e%,e or tr(,e or e&oti%tio " D(rot% ,'osed his e!es *rief'! i $%i " = am proud of my people and our city, Rest%'%% h%d s%id to D(rot% " Rest%'%% " who '%! de%d % d stiffe i & o the white street %'o & with ,o( t'ess other dr%e ei" We have worked hard here. We love "raenor. .nd I never thought to have the chance to share it with an ore. The ways of destiny are strange indeed. Str% &er th% ,ither or, !o(th or dr%e ei &(%rd ,o('d h%)e i-%&i ed" The roo-s th%t h%d -%de two or, !o(ths fee' s'i&ht'! $e ed i !e%rs %&o ow see-ed (tter'! ,'%(stro$ho*i, whe ,r%--ed with %d('t or, w%rriors *! the do5e s" ;ost were e-$t!4 there h%d *ee ti-e for % e)%,(%tio of %'' *(t those who h%d swor to die i ser)i,e to their ,it!" A d die the! did+ the &(%rds who %tt%,ked the- ow" The *e%(tif('+ or %te f(r it(re w%s (sed %s we%$o s+ *ro(&ht ,r%shi & dow ($o dr%e ei he%ds+ the *re%k%&e %ddi & to the thri'' of the fi&ht" Ores $( ,hed ho'es i the s-ooth+ ,(r)i & w%''s for the sheer $'e%s(re of it" Beds were h%,ked with swords+ *ow's of fr(it % d de'i,%te'! wro(&ht st%t(ettes swe$t off f(r it(re th%t w%s i t(r s-%shed *! %.e or h%--er" D(rot% h%d h%d e o(&h" /Ho'd</ he ,ried+ *(t o o e 'iste ed" The ,re%t(res ,o tro''ed *! the w%r'o,ks see-ed we'' $'e%sed with this *eh%)ior+ %'-ost s-(&" B(t the ti-e for destr(,tio h%d $%ssed+ % d the r(th'ess s%)%&er! wo('d ot ser)e the ores ow th%t %'' the i h%*it% ts of Te'-or were ,ither s'%i or h%d f'ed" " old2" D(rot% !e''ed %&%i " This ti-e Or&ri- he%rd hi- % d took ($ the ,r!" The W%rso & re$rese t%ti)e %'so shook his he%d+ %s if to ,'e%r it of so-ethi & h%5! % d o*s,(ri &+ the he+ too" tried to ,%'- his w%rriors" Drek7Th%r+ *%,k with the other w%r'o,ks+ h%d ot *e,o-e %s 'ost i *'ood'(st %s the others+ % d he w%s %*'e to sto$ the others fro- ,%sti & s$e''s" /Liste to -e</ D(rot% ro%red" ;ost of the- h%d re%,hed the roo- where 1e'e h%d hosted the- %t his t%*'e" The roo- w%s e-$t!+ die ,h%irs % d t%*'es o)ert(r ed+ the w%'' h% &i &s shredded % d ,%st to the f'oor" /We h%)e t%ke the ,it!+ it is ow ti-e to t%ke wh%t we eed fro- it</ The! were 'iste i & ow+ their *re%ths ,o-i & i $% ts th%t fi''ed the roo- with r%s$! so( d" B(t %t 'e%st the! h%d sto$$ed swi &i & their we%$o s %t % !thi & th%t -o)ed """ or e)e % !thi & th%t did 0t" /First we %tte d to the i 2(red+/ D(rot% ordered" /We wi'' ot 'e%)e o(r *rethre to s(ffer i the streets"/ So-e of the- st%rted &(i'ti'! %t th%t" D(rot% re%'i5ed with dis&(st th%t -% ! of these w%rriors h%d ,o-$'ete'! for&otte th%t so-e of their (-*er sti'' '%! writhi & i $%i o(tside whi'e the! e 2o!ed die w% to destr(,tio of the -%&ister0s est%te" He $(shed his fee'i &s dow % d odded to Drek7Th%r" The w%r'o,ks -i&ht o 'o &er h%)e he%'i & s$e''s+ *(t the! h%d o ,e *ee sh%-% + % d k ew how to te d *%tt'e wo( ds i % -ore -( d% e f%shio " Drek7Th%r -otio ed to se)er%' w%r'o,ks+ % d the! h(rried *%,k the w%! the! h%d ,o-e" /Ne.t+ this ,it! h%s s($$'ies the 'ikes of whi,h we h%)e e)er see " There %re foodst(ffs %$'e t!+ % d we%$o s+ % d %r-or+ % d other thi &s we k ow ot of" Thi &s th%t wi'' ser)e the Horde i its 3(est to9/

He ,o('d ot s%! the words he h%d $'% ed: In its 8uest to wipe out the draenei. I ste%d he %dded so-ewh%t %wkw%rd'!+ /I its 3(est" We %re % %r-!" A %r-! -%r,hes o its sto-%,h" We eed to *e we'' 'ed+ we'' w%tered+ he%'ed+ rested+ $rote,ted" Or&ri9!o( t%ke % &ro($ % d st%rt %t this e d" G(thor+ !o( t%ke % &ro($ % d he%d *%,k to the &%tes" Work !o(r w%! ($ the -%i ro%d ( ti' !o( -eet Or&ri-0s &ro($" A !o e who h%s % ! he%'i & k ow'ed&e+ re$ort to Drek7Th%r % d do e.%,t'! wh%t he te''s !o( to do"/ /Wh%t of % ! dr%e ei we fi d %'i)e6/ %sked so-eo e" Wh%t+ i deed6 There w%s o i fr%str(,t(re to t%ke ,%re of $riso ers+ % d i tr(th+ the o '! $(r$ose of % $riso er wo('d *e for e&oti%tio s" Si ,e it h%d *ee -%de 3(ite ,'e%r th%t the so'e $(r$ose of the Horde w%s tot%' e.ter-i %tio of the dr%e ei r%,e+ there w%s o re%so to host $riso ers" /Ki'' the-"/ D(rot% s%id ho%rse'!" He ho$ed the r%&&ed ess of his )oi,e wo('d *e i ter$reted %s r%w f(r! r%ther th% the %&o i5i & $%i it w%s" /Ki'' the- %''"/ As the ores he ,o--% ded h(rried to o*e! his orders+ D(rot% fo( d hi-se'f wishi & th%t Ni&htst%'k,r h%d ot *ee so 3(i,k to $rote,t hi-" It wo('d h%)e *ee e%sier h%d he $erished *! Rest%'%% 0s h% d this d%! th% s$e%k the words he h%d 2(st (ttered" With % ! '(,k+ d(ri & this horrifi, ,%-$%i& to o*'iter%te % s$e,ies who h%d e)er r%ised % h% d to the-+ de%th wo('d fi d D(rot% soo er r%ther th% '%ter"

SIAEEN
The 'hadow 6ouncil. :ven now, so many years on, we know so little about who they were and what they did. 0ul#dan carried many, many secrets to his grave. May he rot there in torment. It is difficult enough for me to understand how one or two may become so corrupted that they would doom their descendants for power in their lifetimes! that there were so many 9the number is not even known for certain9is beyond the scope of my limited imagination. (et even these numbers would not have mattered had it not been for the demons who held them in their grasp. Their pain, I re/oice in! what they did to others who obeyed them because they trusted them, I condemn with every fiber of my being. /Th%t w%s % e.,e''e t test+/ Ki'72%ede %$$ro)ed+ s-i'i & %t his s(*2e,ts+ G('0d% *owed+ his e!es *ri&ht with his -%ster0s %$$ro)%'" Ner75h(' h( kered dow + his e!es o the f'oor" B(t e)e so" he w%s 'iste i &" /I ,o fess" I w%s s(r$rised D(rot% w%s %*'e to ,%rr! o(t o(r orders+/ G('0d% s%id" /I e.$e,ted hi- to resist+ or %t 'e%st $(t sh%,k'es o wh%t his ores ,o('d % d ,o('d ot do" B(t the ,it! 'ies ,'%i-ed % d *roke + -! 'ord" A'' the dr%e ei who o ,e 'i)ed there %re &o e9 -ost of the- de%d"/ /0;ost0 is ot &ood e o(&h" G('0d% " Yo( k ow th%t"/ G('0d% f'i ,hed s'i&ht'! %t the ,riti,is-" He wo dered+ ot for the first ti-e+ %*o(t the ,o e,tio *etwee Ki'72%ede % d the dr%e ei" % d wh! the Be%(tif(' O e so des$ised the-" /It w%s o(r first %tte-$t %t t%ki & the *%tt'e to the-+ r%ther th% %tt%,ki & 'o e h( ti & $%rties" Gre%t O e"/ the w%r'o,k re$'ied+ % 'itt'e s(r$rised %t his ow d%ri &" Ki'72%ede ,o,ked his hor ed red he%d+ ,o sidered+ the odded" /Tr(e" A d there is !et ti-e"/ It h%d *ee se)er%' d%!s si ,e the f%'' of Te'-or" G('0d% + i-$ressed with the 2o* D(rot% h%d do e+ h%d tried to &i)e the ,it! to the Frostwo'f ,'% %s % rew%rd+ *(t D(rot% h%d de,'i ed the offer" The Frostwo')es+ he st%ted+ wo('d ,o ti (e to 'i)e i their % ,estr%' '% ds" The B'%,kro,ks" howe)er+ h%d ot *ee so foo'ish" B'%,kh% d % d his f%-i'! ow s'e$t i the *eds where the -%&ist,r of the ,it! h%d o ,e s'e$t" At first+ the ores h%d ot k ow wh%t to -%ke of the tr%$$i &s of the dr%e ei+ *(t ow the! were *e&i i & to i ,or$or%te their )i,ti-s0 w%! of 'ife i to their ow " The! s%t i ,h%irs+ %te %t t%*'es+ % %'!5ed % d tr%i ed with dr%e ei we%$o r!+ %d%$ted the %r-or for *('kier or,ish fr%-es" So-e of the fe-%'es % d ot % few of the -%'es of the B'%,kro,k ,'% h%d t%ke to we%ri & dr%e ei ,'othi &+ i ,or$or%ti & it with tr%ditio %' or,ish t( i,s+ ro*es+ % d *ree,hes+ G('0d% k ew th%t -% ! wo dered wh! he or Ner75h(' h%d ot t%ke the ,it! for the-se')es" It w%s te-$ti &+ *(t G('0d% h%d *ee we'' %d)ised *! his -%ster" Cre%t(re ,o-forts were $'e%s% t+ *(t $ower w%s sweeter+ % d the 'ess G('0d% ,'%i-ed for hi-se'f $(*'i,'!+ the &re%ter his re%,h wo('d *e i se,ret" Ki'02%ede wo('d ot 'et hi- dow + %s 'o & %s G('0d% did his -%ster0s work we''" A few ite-s were *ro(&ht to this ew $'%,e he ,%''ed ho-e9% e or-o(s+ ,ir,('%r t%*'e ,%r)ed of wood i '%id with soft'! &'owi & she''s % d sto es+ %'o & with se)er%' *e%(tif(' ,h%irs+ G('0d% ste$$ed forw%rd to the -%ssi)e t%*'e+ r( i & his h% ds o)er the $o'ished s(rf%,e+ s-i'i & to hi-se'f" A'' th%t re-%i ed w%s to s(--o those who- G('0d% h%d re%so to *e'ie)e wo('d % swer" So-e %-es were i--edi%te'! o*)io(s to hi-" Others ,%-e o '! with e.te ded tho(&ht" B(t he h%d % 'ist of %-es ow th%t w%s 'o & e o(&h to *e ,o-$rehe si)e+ sho('d e o(&h to *e " "" -% %&ed" Soo + soo er th%t he h%d e)e ho$ed+ the Sh%dow Co( ,i' wo('d for-" Whi'e o the o(tside" G('0d% w%s %d)% ,i & the ores %s % r%,e+ &i)i & the- $ower % d e'i-i %ti & the /e e-!/ th%t w%s the dr%e ei+ % h% df(' of ores %'-ost %s ,orr($t % d $ower h( &r! %s he wo('d $('' the stri &s" It w%s ot %*o(t the ores %s % r%,e" It h%d never *ee %*o(t the ores %s % r%,e" It w%s %*o(t $ower9&etti & it+ wie'di & it+ % d kee$i & it" Ner75h(' h%d e)er ( derstood th%t" He 'iked the $ower+ *(t w%s ot wi''i & to feed it the -e%t it ,r%)ed" The e d Ki'72%ede de-% ded" De,eit+ 'ies+ -% i$('%tio 9e)e B'%,kh% d+ who tho(&ht he w%s i iti%ted i to G('0d% 0s ('ti-%te s,he-es+ h%d 0t &r%s$ed the )%st ess of G('0d% 0s %-*itio s" It w%s %s h(&e %s Ki'72%ede 0s desire to destro! the dr%e ei" It w%s %s e or-o(s %s the sk!" %s dee$ %s the o,e% s+ % d k ife8sh%r$ %s h( &er" G('0d% 'ooked %t Ner75h(' with ,o te-$t %s the o'der or, who h%d o ,e *ee % -e tor s%t h(dd'ed i % ,or er" His &%5e tr%)e'ed to the *'%5i & e!es of Ki'72%ede + % d the &re%t *ei & odded" /S(--o the-"/ Ki'72%ede s%id" His 'i$s $%rted i % s-i'e+ showi & sh%r$ white teeth" /The! wi'' ,o-e whe !o( ,%''" A d the! wi'' d% ,e to !o(r t( e" I wi'' see to th%t"/ A''ies"

The! eeded %''ies" G('0d% wo dered how Ki'72%ede h%d ot foresee this" The or,s were -i&ht! i deed+ es$e,i%''! whe ,o tro''ed % d dire,ted $ro$er'!" The 'o & -o ths+ o)er % !e%r ow+ th%t this w%r h%d stret,hed h%d o '! -%de the- -ore so" Their *est *r%i s h%d &otte to work o ( derst% di & the te,h o'o&! of the dr%e ei %s *est the! ,o('d" B(i'di & h%d *e&( o % ,e ter fortress+ whi,h G('0d% ,%''ed the Cit%de'+ where % st% di & %r-! ,o('d *e ,o )e ie t'! 3(%rtered+ tr%i ed+ % d e3(i$$ed" The ores h%d e)er *efore %t8 te-$ted % !thi & 'ike this+ % d G('0d% w%s $ro(d th%t he h%d s(&&ested the ide%" There were w%rriors+ there were sh%-% 9 ow+ of ,o(rse+ w%r'o,ks9there were he%'ers+ there were ,r%fts-e " The first three h%d ,'e%r ro'es % d o '%,k of o$$ort( it! to $erfor- their d(ties" The ,r%fts-e were ,o tri*(ti & o % differe t 'e)e'+ ,re%ti & the %r-or % d we%$o s % d *(i'di &s to s($$ort those who h%d the &'or! of s'%(&hteri & dr%e ei ( ti' their *odies were sti,k! with s$i''ed *'ood" So-e wo('d ,%'' these '%*orers % 'ower ,'%ss of ore" Pri)%te'!+ G('0d% fe't th%t w%! hi-se'f" B(t he w%s wise e o(&h to k ow th%t their work+ whi'e h%rd'! &'%-oro(s or 'ike'! to &%i the- re,o& itio + w%s %s e,ess%r! %s % w%rrior0s wi''i & ess to ki'' or % w%r8 'o,k0s -%ster! of ,(rses" Those who $ro)ided food+ she'ter+ we%$o s9the w%rriors % d w%r'o,ks wo('d ot &et )er! f%r witho(t the-" So G('0d% h%d -%de % show of $r%isi & the ,r%fts-e + the $'e%s% t res('t *ei & th%t the! were i s$ired to work h%rder % d ,o ti (%''! i-$ro)e" B(t e)e tho(&h e)er! -e-*er of e)er! ,'% w%s worki & %s h%rd %s he ,o('d9% d G('0d% h%d s$ies i e%,h ,'% to -%ke ,ert%i of it9it w%s ot &oi & to *e e o(&h" The t%ki & of Te'-or h%d *ee s(r$risi &'! e%s!+ % d the *oost to -or%'e w%s tre-e do(s" B(t G('0d% k ew th%t the Horde0s )i,tor! w%s '%r&e'! d(e to '(,k" No o e i th%t she'tered ,it! *e'ie)ed for % -o-e t the! wo('d *e dis,o)ered % d o)err( i % -%tter of % few ho(rs" The! h%d tho(&ht the-se')es ,o-$'ete'! % d (tter'! s%fe+ $rote,ted *! the -%&i, of the &ree sto e G('0d% h%d d(**ed Le%fsh%dow+ whi,h shie'ded the- first fro- o&re e!es % d the fro- or,ish" Th%t e%s! )i,tor! wo('d ot *e re$e%ted" How wo('d9 /O&res+/ he s%id %'o(d+ tho(&htf(''!" He t%$$ed o e sh%r$8 %i'ed fi &er %&%i st his 2(tti & ,hi " /O&res" " "/ /A*so'(te'! ot</ ,ried B'%,kh% d" He dosed the dist% ,e *etwee hi-se'f % d G('0d% i two strides+ toweri & o)er the s-%''er ore" It took e)er! o( ,e of *r%)%do G('0d% h%d ot to retre%t fro- th%t fe%rso-e f%,e sho)ed to withi % i ,h of his" /Co-e ow" B'%,kh% d+/ G('0d% soothed" /C%'- !o(rse'f % d 'iste to wh%t I %- s%!i &" Yo( wi'' *e the o e to *e efit -ost fro- this+ %fter %''"/ Th%t &ot hi-" B'%,kh% d &row'ed+ s orted+ % d ste$$ed *%,k" G('0d% did his *est ot to 'ook o*)io(s'! re'ie)ed" /The! %re fi'th+/ B'%,kh% d &r( ted" /The! h%)e 'o & *ee e e-ies of the ores" Lo &er th% the dr%e ei+ % d with *etter re%so " How is it th%t I wi'' *e efit6/ 0etting right to the point, G('0d% tho(&ht with s%tisf%,tio " He h%d 2(d&ed B'%,kh% d $ro$er'!" /There %re so-e who sti'' -(tter th%t !o( were ot e'e,ted f%ir'!"/ G('0d% s%id" /If !o( s(,,eed i this+ it wi'' o '! %dd -ore &'or! to !o(r %-e"/ B'%,kh% d0s e!es %rrowed" /Perh%$s+/ he %d-itted" /B(t wi'' the ores %&ree to this6/ G('0d% $er-itted hi-se'f % s-i'e" /The! wi'' if we te'' the- to+/ he re$'ied+ B'%,kh% d threw his he%d *%,k % d ro%red with '%(&hter" Or&ri- shifted ( e%si'! i his s%dd'e %s he &'% ,ed %t his 'e%der" Whe B'%,kh% d h%d e.$'%i ed wh%t he w% ted to do+ Or&rih%d er($ted i $rotest" He h%d 2oi ed i ,o( t'ess h( ti & $%rties o)er the !e%rs to e'i-i %te the o&re thre%t" ;ore th% -ost or,s+with hi- it w%s $erso %'" He h%d e)er ,e%sed h%ti & the f%,t th%t !e%rs %&o+ he h%d f'ed fro- o e of the &i% t+ '(-*eri &+ thi,k8sk(''ed ,re%t(res" A d ow B'%,kh% d $ro$osed this" B(t Or&ri- k ew th%t wh%te)er e'se his 'e%der w%s9% d he w%s -% ! thi &s th%t Or&ri- did ot 'ike9he w%s % &ood str%te&ist" The $'% w%s so( d+ if o e ,o('d det%,h o ese'f e-otio %''! fro- it" So he h%d %&reed to 'e d his s($$ort" O*t%i i & i for-%tio h%d *ee tri,k!" The B'%,kro,ks h%d ,%$t(red three of the o&res % d s$e t -% ! % 'o & i&ht s$e%ki & i s(ffi,ie t'! s-%'' words to &et their $oi t %,ross *efore the de,e$ti)e'! $(d&! thi &s ( derstood wh%t The!w% ted % d *e&% to ,oo$er%te" Now e)er! w%rrior+ w%r'o,k+ % d he%'er fro- the e tire e or-o(s ,'% stood $re$%red for *%tt'e" The o&res h%d to'd the- where their -%sters '(rked % d 'ed the- to this $'%,e9% o$e i & %t the foot of the B'%de0s Ed&e -o( t%i ,h%i " The! h%d -%de o %tte-$t to hide the-se')es" Ref(se 'ittered the %re% o(tside+ % d there were $'e t! of '%r&e *%re o&re foot$ri ts &oi & i % d o(t" E)e %s Or&ri- w%t,hed+ he s%w % s-%'' &ro($ of o&res tr( d'i & o(t i to the d%!'i&ht" No do(*t+ the! tho(&ht the-se')es s%fe+ %s the dr%e ei i Te'-or h%d *efore the-4 % d o do(*t+ % !e%r %&o+ the! wo('d h%)e *ee ri&ht" B(t -(,h h%d ,h% &ed si ,e the " The ores were o 'o &er &ro($s of s,%ttered ,'% s+ *(t % ( ified fi&hti & for,e wi''i & to $(t %side % o'd &r(d&e for % ew h%tred" B'%,kh% d w%s i fro t+ f'% ked *! the three o&res" Behi d hi- were his so s" Re d % d ;%i-+ who s$oke to o e % other i 'ow )oi,es $( ,t(%ted *! the o,,%sio %' ro(&h &i&&'e" Or&ri- h%d *ee %&%i st %''owi & the *o!s to fi&ht %t first+ *(t the! h%d $ro)e to *e stro &er % d *etter th% o e -i&ht thi k" The! '%,ked their f%ther0s ,( i &+ *(t the! ,ert%i '! h%d i herited his *'oodthirst" Gris,'d%+ too+ h%d *ee tr%i ed to fi&ht+ *(t she w%s ot % %t(r%' the w%! the *o)s were" Their
J J

%-es were %$$ro$ri%te" Their f%ther shot the- % % &r! 'ook % d the! so*ered %t o ,e" Or&ri- wo dered if B'%,kh% d wo('d -%ke % s$ee,h" He ho$ed ot" B'%,kh% d w%s %t his *est i %,tio + ot words+ % d his ,'% w%s -ore th% re%d! to fo''ow hi-" To his re'ief+ B'%,kh% d 'ooked o)er the se% of w%rriors+ odded o ,e+ % d the &%)e the order to %tt%,k" The first w%)e ,h%r&ed+ s,re%-i & wi'd'! % d $o(ri & dow the side of the foothi''s where The!h%d hidde " At first the o&res were so ,o f(sed %t the si&ht of three of their ow %''!i & with the ores th%t the! si-$'! stood % d 'et the-se')es *e s'%(&htered" The + %s their s'ow *r%i s *e&% to ,o-$rehe d th%t the! were ( der %tt%,k+ the! r%''ied" The! sti'' did ot %tt%,k their fe''ow o&res+ who '(-*ered thro(&h their r% ks to t%'k to the he%d of the &(%rds st%tio ed so-ewhere i side die ,%)er " Or&ri- w%s deter-i ed to e 2o! the '%st %(thori5ed o&re8ki''i & he w%s 'ike'! to t%ste+ % d sw( & the Doo-h%--er with so-ethi & %ki to &'ee" His wo'f w%s swift+ % d d%rted e%si'! *etwee the tree8tr( k8thi,k 'e&s of the o&re who r%&ed i-$ote t'! % d sw( & his ,'(* %s fier,e'! %s he ,o('d" He re,%''ed how *i& the! h%d see-ed to hi- %s % ,hi'd" The! were sti'' *i&+ *(t so w%s he+ ow+ % d he wie'ded % 'e&e d%r! we%$o with ,o tro' % d ski''" He fr%,t(red the shi 8*o e of the o&re % d it ro%red i %&o !"

Or&ri-0s wo'f d% ,ed o(t of the w%! %s the h(&e thi & fe''+ -%ki & the e%rth tre-*'e %s it '% ded" It tried to &et ($+ $(shi & its *('k off the &ro( d with its '%r&e+ f%t h% ds+ *(t *! the other B'%,kro,ks h%d sw%r-ed ($o it" F%ster e)e th% Or&ri- ,o('d re,ko + the o&re w%s de%d % d *'eedi & fro- o)er two do5e wo( ds" Or&ri- whee'ed 2(st i ti-e to see o e of the or,ish w%rriors h(rt'i & thro(&h the %ir" de%d fro- % si &'e *'ow fro- % o&re0s -%ssi)e ,'(*" Grow'i &" Or&ri- &%thered hi-se'f to ,h%r&e the -(rderi & ,re%t(re whe % ,r! of /Ho'd+ ho'd</ *ro(&ht hi- ($ short" It w%s test%-e t to the $ower of B'%,kh% d0s $erso %'it! th%t e)e ow+ e)e whe -ost of the B'%,kro,ks were ,%(&ht i the &ri$ of *'ood'(st % d ki''i & % % ,ie t e e-!+ the! st%!ed their h% ds" The o&res did 0t+ %t 'e%st ot %t o ,e+ % d Or&ri- fo( d hi-se'f ridi & %w%! fro- the *%tt'e ( ti' the s'ow o&re *r%i s ( derstood wh%t w%s &oi & o " The tho(&ht &%''ed hi-" It is for the good of all of us, 5rgrim, he to'd hi-se'f" He &'% ,ed o)er to see the o&res the B'%,kro,ks h%d *efrie ded t%'ki & to their ki d" Or+ r%ther+ *e''owi & %t the- % d o,,%sio %''! s-%,ki & the-" B(t %t 'e%st the o&res h%d *ee distr%,ted fro- fo''owi & the retre%ti & ores % d %$$e%red to *e 'iste i &" O e of the-+ *i&&er % d we%ri & so-ethi & th%t 'ooked 'ike % offi,i%' s%sh of so-e sort+ %,t(%''! see-ed to h%)e % *r%i " Or&ri- ,o('d ot ( derst% d the )i'e thi &s % d (sed the $%(se to ,%t,h his *re%th % d &('$ so-e w%ter" /C% 0t w%it ti'' we ,% ki'' the- %&%i +/ Re d s%id" Or&ri- &'% ,ed %t his ,hieft%i 0s e'dest so " /If we s(,,eed+ the!0'' *e Fi&hti & %'o &side (s+/ Or&ri- re$'ied" /Yo( wo 0t *e %''owed to ki'' the-"/ ;%i- s$%t" /Heh" Ri&ht" Ki'' 0,- o the s'!"/ Or&ri- &ri-%,ed" He hi-se'f wo('d 'ike othi & *etter+ *(t"" " /Se)er%' %re de%d %'re%d! tr!i & to -%ke this $'% of !o(r f%ther0s work8 He wo('d 0t 'ike !o( ( der-i i & his efforts"/ Re d s eered %t hi-" /Who0s &oi & to te'' hi-6/ /I wi''" If this works+ % d the! 'iste to (s9if % ! of the- t(r ($ de%d+ !o(rs %re the first %-es I0'' -e tio "/ Re d &'owered" Ri&ht ow+ he w%s so !o( & th%t it 'ooked 'ike ,hi'dish $et('% ,e+ *(t i w%rd'!" Or&ri- w%s to(,hed with fore*odi &" He h%d e)er 'iked B'%,kh% d" % d 'iked his ,hi'dre + with the e.,e$tio of 'itt'e Gris,'d%" e)e 'ess" He did ot k ow if it w%s their $%re t%&e or their for,ed &rowth th%t w%s res$o si*'e+ *(t there w%s % d%rk ess i the- th%t Or&ri- -istr(sted" O e d%!+ if the! s(r)i)ed % d *e&% (si & their *r%i s i %dditio to their $owerf(' -(s,'es" Re d % d ;%i- wo('d &row ($ to *e e)e -ore d% &ero(s % d de%d'! th% their f%ther" /I to'd !o( he wo('d 0t 'iste " Re d"/ ;%i- s%id $et('% t'!" /O'd -% 0s for&otte wh%t it0s 'ike to h%)e *'ood'(st r( i & thro(&h hi-" Let0s &o"/ With % fi %' s eer" Re d fo''owed his *rother" Or&ri- si&hed" He h%d *i&&er $ro*'e-s th% two ($st%rt !o( &sters ri&ht ow" He t(r ed his %tte tio *%,k to the e&oti%tio s+ %'tho(&h he do(*ted the o&res wo('d h%)e ( derstood the word" The %tt%,ks %$$e%red to h%)e sto$$ed" B'%,kh% d+ who h%d f'ed the *%tt'efie'd %s he h%d to'd %'t his ,'% to do+ ow dire,ted his wo'f *%,k dow to where the o&res were &%thered" Or&ri- rode to his ,hieft%i 0s side+ %rri)i & 2(st i ti-e to he%r the 'e%der of the &(%rd % o( ,e" /We o 'ike &ro " Gro h(rt (s"/ He *e,ko ed to o e of the other o&res who t(r ed to show his *%,k to Or&ri- % d B'%,kh% d" Or&ri- s%w th%t there were s,%rs ,riss,rossi & the o&re0s *%,k" He fe't o twi &e of $it! for the ,re%t(re4 the! h%d do e worse to the or,s for de,%des" Sti''+ it w%s (sef(' to k ow" The ,%$t(red o&res h%d %'so s$oke of s(,h thi &s+ % d ow the! odded %s if the! were terri*'! wise" /Wh%t !o( &i)e (s if we 2oi !o(6/ de-% ded the &(%rd" B'%,kh% d &ri ed ($ %t the thi &" /We''+ for o e thi &+ we wo 0t *e%t !o("/ Or&ri- tho(&ht of B'%,kh% d0s ow so s+ *(t s%id othi &" /We0'' see to it th%t !o(0re fed % d &i)e %$$ro$ri%te we%$o s"/ Or&ri- w%s re'ie)ed th%t B'%,kh% d h%d 0t $ro-ised %r-or4 three ores ,o('d *e %r-ored o(t of the -%teri%'s th%t wo('d $rote,t % si &'e o&re" A d+ fort( %te'!+ the &(%rd9o*)io(s'! o e of the -ore i te''i&e t of the o&res9sti'' w%s 0t s-%rt e o(&h to thi k of %r-or hi-se'f" /Yo(0'' h%)e food+ % d she'ter+ % d the de'i&ht of s-%shi & dr%e ei to s-%'' wet st%i s o the &r%ss"/ The other o&res h%d *ee 'iste i & i te t'!+ % d ow o e of the- 'iter%''! 2(-$ed ($ % d dow with de'i&ht+ /;e s-%sh</ it ro%red &'eef(''!+ % d se)er%' others took ($ the si-$'e *(t %$$%re t'! hi&h'! e tert%i i & $hr%se" B'%,kh% d w%ited for their e th(si%s- to die dow *efore ,o ti (i &" /So+ %re We %&reed6/ The o&re ,%$t%i odded" /No -ore h(rti & of o&res+/ he &row'ed+ % d t(r ed to re&%rd those he 'ed" His ti ! e!es were shi ! with te%rs+ % d this ti-e+ %s he 'ooked ($o the o&res whose *%,ks were ,r%w'i & with s,%rs+ Or&ri- did fee' % 'itt'e sorr! for the-" A )er! 'itt'e" /Wh%t is !o(r %-e6/ Or&ri- %sked the ,%$t%i s(dde '!" It shifted its &%5e to hi-+ /Kro'+/ he s%id" /Kro'+ the +/ s%id B'%,kh% d 3(i,k'! *efore his se,o d ,o('d s%! -ore" /Whe do !o( thi k We sho('d 'e%d o(r ,o-*i ed %ss%('t6/ /Now+/ Kro' s%id+ % d *efore ,ither Or&ri- or B'%,kh% d ,o('d $rotest+ he *e''owed so-ethi & i his hideo(s %ti)e to &(e" The other o&res 2(-$ed ($ % d dow + % d the e%rth shook %s the! '% ded" The the! %'' t(r ed % d $(r$osef(''! ree tered the ,%)e -o(th" B'%,kh% d ,%st % &'% ,e o)er %t Or&ri-+ who shr(&&ed" He s(s$e,ted it w%s e%sier to sto$ the tide th% this f'ood of st($id+ si &'e8-i ded &i% ts" /C%'' the-+/ B'%,kh% d s%id" Or&ri- $rod(,ed % ,'efthoof0s si &'e hor % d *'ew o it" The ores ,ried o(t i de'i&ht % d *e&% to %&%i des,e d i res$o se" There w%s o ti-e to re-i d the B'%,kro,k ,'% of the $'% " Or&ri- ho$ed the! wo('d re-e-*er it+ es$e,i%''! the o),r5,%'o(s ;%i- % d Re d" S'%(&hter of o&res %$'e t! %w%ited the-+ *(t the! h%d d%- ed we'' *etter *e ki''i & the ri&=it o&res" Be,%(se if the! did 0t+ if the! &%)e the o&res % ! re%so to 3(estio this s(dde % d )er! $e,('i%r %''i% ,e+ the the *%*es % d o'd -%'es % d fe-%'es who %w%ited word %t the e ,%-$-e t -i&ht *e %'' th%t re-%i ed of the B'%,kro,k ,'% " Or&ri- w%s ot o$ti-isti," The B'%,kro,k ,'% h%d e)er *ee fier,e i the h( t" B'%,kh% d w%s 'itt'e -ore th% % ,( i & s%)%&e+ % d Or&ri- h%d ot f%i'ed to o*ser)e th%t re,e d!+ % sort of -% i, f(r! h%d *e&( to ,ree$ thro(&h %'' the ,'% s" As he whir'ed his wo'f %ro( d to ,h%r&e i to the ,%)e with his fe''ow ,'% -e-*ers+ he wo dered if $erh%$s his e!es were $'%!i & tri,ks o hi-" S(re'! the &ree ish ti &e o the ski s of the ores e.t to hi- w%s othi & -ore th% % tri,k of the 'i&ht"

SE1ENTEEN
ome, Whatever race you are, it is a word, a concept, that makes the heart swell with longing. ome can be ancient ancestral lands, or a new place that one has made one#s own. ome can even be found in the eyes of the beloved. But we all need it, yearn for it, know that without a home of some sort we are incomplete. $or many years, each clan had its own home. Its own sacred lands, its own spirits of earth, air, water, fire, and spirit of the wilds. The uprooting began and continued, each more shattering than the last, until we came to -alimdor. ere, I nd a home for a wandering people. . place of rest and sanctuary, where we could regroup and rebuild. ome, for me, is now named for my father; the land of "urotar. D(rot% 'ifted his he%d % d s iffed the wi d" The s,e t th%t fi''ed his ostri's w%s o e of d(st % d desi,,%tio " fou % %,rid sort of odor" Not the s-e'' of so-ethi & *(r i &+ ot 3(ite+ *(t si-i'%r" O ,e+ Drek7Th%r wo('d h%)e *ee %*'e to ,%t,h the s,e t e)e *etter th% he" *(t those d%!s h%d $%ssed" He w%s o 'o &er % sh%-% + *(t % w%r'o,k" The %ir wo('d ot w%ft to hiwhe %sked+ *e%ri & i for-%tio %s det%i'ed %s if it h%d *ee writte o % $ie,e of $%r,h-e t" A d worse" Drek0Th%r" %'o & with the other w%r'o,ks of the Frostwo'f ,'% + did ot $%rti,('%r'! see- to ,%re" There h%d *ee o r%i for so-e ti-e+ % d the s(--er see-ed hotter th% (s(%'" It w%s the se,o d s(--er i % row th%t r%i s h%d ,o-e s,% ti'!+ if %t %''+ % d o % whi- D(rot% k e't % d d(& his fi &ers i to the soi'" O ,e+ it h%d *ee ferti'e 'o%-+ d%rk *row % d e-itti & % ri,h e%rth! s,e t" Now+ his fi &ers $'( &ed e%si'! i to the d(st" Its ,r(st ,r(-*'ed *e e%th his fi &ers+ !ie'di & i st% t'! to disso')e i to s% d th%t wo('d ot ho'd &r%sses or ,ro$s+ wo('d ot ho'd % !thi &" It sifted thro(&h his fi &ers 'ike w%ter" He se sed Dr%k%0s %$$ro%,h+ *(t did ot t(r %ro( d" Her %r-s s'i$$ed %*o(t his w%ist fro- *ehi d % d she $ressed %&%i st hi-" The! stood 'ike th%t+ for % 'o & -o-e t+ the with % fi %' s3(ee5e she re'e%sed hi- % d ste$$ed %ro( d to f%,e hi-" D(rot% d(sted off his h% ds" /We h%)e e)er re'ied th%t -(,h o wh%t we ,o('d &row % !w%!+/ he s%id 3(iet'!" Dr%k% re&%rded hi- with her d%rk+ k owi & e!es" His he%rt %,hed to 'ook %t her" I so -% ! w%!s+ she w%s *etter th% he" B(t she w%s the -%te of the ,hieft%i + ot the ,hieft%i + % d she did ot h%)e to -%ke the ,hoi,es he did" The ,hoi,es he h%d" /We h%)e de$e ded ($o wh%t We ,o('d h( t+ -ost'!+/ Dr%k% s%id" /B(t the % i-%'s We h( t s(r)i)e o wh%t the e%rth $ro)ides" We0re %'' ,o e,ted" The sh%-% k ew th%t"/ She fe'' si'e t %s o e of the !o( &er w%r'o,ks h(rried *!+ % s-%'' ,%$eri & thi & %t its hee's" As the! $%ssed+ the 'itt'e thi & t(r ed to 'ook %t Dr%k% % d s-i'ed+ showi & % -o(th ,r%--ed f('' of $oi ted teeth" Dr%k% ,o('d ot s($$ress % sh(dder" D(rot% si&hed % d h% ded her % s,ro''" /I 2(st re,ei)ed this" We -(st %'' $re$%re for % 'o & -%r,h" We %re to 'e%)e o(r '% ds"/ /Wh%t6/ /B'%,kh% d0s orders" He h%s re'o,%ted to this ew ,it%de' th%t h%s *ee -%de for hi- % d he w% ts his %r-! there" It is o 'o &er e o(&h for (s to 2oi to&ether to %tt%,k" We -(st %'' 'i)e to&ether % d *e re%d! to fo''ow where B'%,kh% d 'e%ds (s"/ Dr%k% st%red ($ %t hi- i ,red('o(s'!+ the her e!es dro$$ed to the s,ro''" She re%d it 3(i,k'!+ the r,ro'',d it % d h% ded it to hi-" /We h%d *est $re$%re+/ she s%id 3(iet'!+ the t(r ed % d strode *%,k to their te t" He w%t,hed her &o+ % d wo dered e.%,t'! wh%t it w%s th%t -%de his he%rt *re%k %t the si&ht" The Cit%de' w%s i ,o-$'ete+ *(t the -o-e t it ,%-e i to D(rot% 0s si&ht+ he w%s sto$$ed de%d i his tr%,ks" Beside hi- there were se)er%' %wed -(r-(rs" /So $owerf('</

/So *i&</
/Worth! of % W%r,hief</ H%d D(rot% s$oke + he wo('d h%)e s%id: Blasphemous, . blight upon the land. 5ut of harmony with everything we are. The tr%)e'i & Frostwo'f ,'% w%s sti'' -% ! 'e%&(es dist% t+ *(t the Cit%de' $er,hed ($o the hori5o 'ike % *(55%rd" There w%s othi & i its desi& th%t *es$oke or,ish *(i'di &" This str(,t(re+ this %r,hite,t(r%' i&ht-%re+ this offe se to e!e % d s$irit w%s '%r&er e)e th% the dr%e ei *(i'di &s" Of ,o(rse+ D(rot% k ew its $(r$ose+ % d it wo('d h%)e to *e e or-o(s if it were to ,o st% t'! ho(se % e'ite for,e of or,ish w%rriors" Sti''+ he h%d e.$e,ted so-ethi & e'se" I ste%d of the s-ooth+ s'eek 'i es th%t -%rked the str(,t(res of the dr%e ei+ this fortress w%s sh%r$ % d 2%&&ed" I ste%d of ,oe.isti & with the '% ds,%$e+ it do-i %ted it" Hew fro- *'%,k sto e % d 2%&&ed wood % d -et%'+ it f%ir'! *risded %&%i st the sk!" D(rot% k ew th%t he ,o('d see o '! the -%i tower fro- here+ *(t th%t w%s e o(&h" He stood %s if rooted to the s$ot+ re'(,t% t to t%ke % si &'e ste$ ,'oser to the -o strosit!" A si'e t 'ook $%ssed *etwee hi- % d Dr%k%" Were the! the o '! o es 'eft who s%w6 The rest of the Frostwo')es -o)ed forw%rd+ $%ssi & their ,hieft%i " Re'(,t% t'!" D(rot% s3(ee5ed his -o( t % d ,o ti (ed" Pro.i-it! to the fortress did othi & to -%ke it see- -ore %ttr%,ti)e" Now D(rot% ,o('d see other *(i'di &s9*%rr%,ks+ stor%&e si'os+ % f'%t e.$% se of tr%i i & %re%s th%t were ,rowded with '%r&e we%$o s he h%d e)er see *efore" The!" too" 'ooked d%rk+ % d d% &ero(s+ % d de%d'!" Offi,io(s -e-*ers of the B'%,kro,k ,'% % d others &reeted D(rot% $erf( ,tori'! % d se t the Frostwo')es to % f'%t %re% i the wester $%rt of the ,o-$'e. to *e&i setti & ($ te ts" It w%s he%di & o tow%rd d(sk whe D(rot% re,ei)ed the s(--o s to re$ort to the ,o(rt!%rd of the Cit%de'+ %'o & with se)er%' others fro- his ,'% " The &ro($ of %*o(t twe t! w%'ked the dist% ,e % d w%ited" He he%rd the dr(-s first+ i the dist% ,e" D(rot% te sed" The! h%d s$e,ifi,%''! *ee i str(,ted ot to *ri & % ! we%$o s+ 2(st to ,o-e % d w%it for " " " the! were ot to'd wh%t" Dr%k% &'% ,ed %t hi- ( e%si'!" He h%d o %ss(r% ,e to offer her4 he w%s %s i the d%rk %*o(t wh%t w%s to ( fo'd %s she"

The dr(-s ,%-e ,'oser" The e%rth *e&% to )i*r%te *e e%th D(rot% 0s feet" S(,h w%s ot ( (s(%' whe the dr(--i & st%rted i ,ir,'e+ *(t so f%r %w%!6 He he%rd other ,o ,er ed -(r-(ri &s % d k ew th%t he w%s ot the o '! o e with % twi &e of %$$rehe sio " The e%rth ,o ti (ed to sh%ke+ the )i*r%tio s &rowi & stro &er" Two B'%,kro,k riders %$$ro%,hed+ 'ooki & e.('t% t" /Do ot fe%r+ $ro(d -e-*ers of the Horde</ o e of the- ,ried" /O(r ew %''ies+ *ro(&ht i to o(r r% ks *! the -i&ht! B'%,kh% d" %re %$$ro%,h8 i &< We',o-e the-</ There w%s so-ethi & f%-i'i%r i the fee' of the &ro( d sh%ki &" The o '! other ti-e D(rot% h%d e)er e.$erie ,ed s(,h % thi & w%s whe he h%d *ee fi&hti &9 /O&res</ so-eo e s,re%-ed" A d i deed+ ow D(rot% ,o('d see the-" Do5e s of the-+ h(&e % d $(r$osef('+ were stridi & tow%rd the &%thered &ro($ of ores" ;ore wo'frid,rs fro- the B'%,kro,k ,'% were trotti & %*o(t+ sho(ti & % d *'owi & hor s i tri(-$h" The ,rowd w%s &oi & i s% e with de'i&ht+ !e''i & % d d% ,i & % d ,heeri & wi'd'!" These were the ew %''ies6 D(rot% ,o('d s,%r,e'! *e'ie)e it" E)e %s he st%red+ ( %*'e to fi d words+ the *i&&est o&re he h%d e)er see %$$e%red" B'%,kh% d hi-se'f strode *eside it" his -o)e-e ts %s 'ithe % d $ro(d %s if the -%--oth thi & did ot -%ke hi'ook 'ike % ,hi'd0s to!" /We wi'' ,r(sh the dr%e ei</ B'%,kh% d *e''owed+ % d %s if the! h%d *ee %w%iti & the ,(e+ the o&res -%r,hi & with hi- ,ried+ /Cr(sh< Cr(sh< Cr(sh</ For % si,k+ di55!i & -o-e t+ D(rot% w%s % ,hi'd %&%i + f'eei & *efore s(,h % -o ster" He *'i ked+ % d he %&%i s%w i his -i d0s e!e his f%ther0s stro & fr%-e s-%shed % d *roke + *'ood % d 'ife dri$$i & i to the &ro( d+ G%r%d0s sk('' ,r(shed 'ike % (t *! % si &'e *'ow fro- % o&re0s ,'(*" Ores were fi&hti & %'o &side -o stro(s+ fee*'e8*r%i ed ,re%t(res i % effort to destro! % i te''i&e t+ $e%,ef(' r%,e" The wor'd h%d &o e -%d+ 1e'e sh(ddered" His %ssist% t w%s %t his e'*ow+ offeri & % w%r-+ soothi & dri k+ *(t the Pro$het w%)ed it %w%!" No ,o-fort ,o('d ,o-e fro- % *e)er%&e ow" No ,o-fort ,o('d e)er tr('! ,o-e %&%i " He h%d &rie)ed whe word h%d ,o-e th%t Te'-or h%d f%''e + % d with the ,it! his de%r frie d Rest%'%% " It h%d *ee e)e -ore $%i f(' to he%r how the %tt%,k h%d o,,(rred" 1e'e h%d see so-ethi & s$e,i%' i the !o(th D(rot% h%d *ee + % d his tre%t-e t %t the ore0s h% ds h%d o '! ser)ed to ,o fir- his f%ith i the ,hieft%i of the Frostwo'f ,'% " B(t ow this" D(rot% % d Or&ri- h%d *ee the o '! two ores e)er to wit ess how the &ree sto e h%d $rote,ted the ,it!" O e of the- h%d e)e -e-ori5ed the i ,% t%tio th%t wo('d de%,ti)%te the sto e0s $rote,ti)e ,%-o(f'%&e" A h% df(' h%d es,%$ed to f'ee here+ to the Te-$'e of K%r%*or" Their wo( ds h%d *ee dressed+ *(t there w%s othi & 1e'e or % !o e e'se ,o('d do to he%' their sh%ttered s$irits" B(t worse ews w%s to ,o-e" The ref(&ees did ot te'' of si-$'e *ows % d %rrows+ or %.es or s$e%rs or h%--ers *ei & the so'e we%$o s of destr(,tio " The! s$oke i 'ow+ h(shed )oi,es of &ree ish8*'%,k *o'ts of terri*'e $%i + of tor-e t *e!o d % !thi & th%t the sh%-% h%d hitherto i f'i,ted ($o their e e-ies" The! s$oke of ,re%t(res &i**eri & % d ,%$eri & %t the feet of those who wie'ded this -%&i, *%sed o s(fferi & % d %&o !" The! s$oke of -% 0%ri" S(dde '!+ -% ! thi &s fe'' i to $'%,e with % dre%df(' 'o&i," The %*r($t+ irr%tio %' %tt%,ks *! the or,s" Their s(dde i ,re%se i te,h o'o&! % d ski''s" The f%,t th%t the! h%d t(r ed their *%,ks o sh%-% is-+ % re'i&io th%t+ %s 1e'e ( derstood it+ re3(ired % &i)e8% d8t%ke re'%tio shi$ *etwee the e'e-e t%' $owers % d those who wo('d wie'd the-" Those who wo('d ,o--% d -% 0%ri did ot seek *%'% ,e or h%r-o ! with their $ower4 The! so(&ht do-i % ,e" @(st %s Ki'72%ede % d Ar,hi-o de h%d" The ores were othi & -ore th% $%w s i the h% ds of the ered%r" 1e'e k ew th%t he % d the rest of the dr%e ei+ the /e.i'es+/ were the re%' t%r&ets" The or,ish Horde+ %(&-e ted ow with ,re%t(res th%t were i--e se'! $owerf('+ w%s the w%! *! whi,h Ki'72%ede so(&ht to destro! hi-" For % *rief -o-e t 1e'e wo dered if $erh%$s the ew 'e%der of this Horde wo('d 'iste to re%so 4 if he wo('d t(r % d fi&ht %'o &side the dr%e ei to o)erthrow Ki'72%ede o ,e he 'e%r ed how he h%d *ee (sed" He dis-issed the tho(&ht %'-ost %t o ,e" It w%s $ro*%*'e th%t those who were *ei & (sed *! Ki'72%ede k ew of the ered%r0s tr(e %t(re % d $(r$ose+ % d the offer of $ower 'ike'! see-ed *e'ie)%*'e %s we'' %s sed(,ti)e" So h%d Ar,hi-o de % d Ki'72%ede s(,,(-*ed+ % d the! were f%r o'der+ stro &er+ % d wiser th% % ! ore" A d ow+ this )isio + %ddi & i s('t to i 2(r!" A )isio of the '(-*eri & o&res %''!i & with the ores9so-ethi & th%t he o ,e wo('d h%)e dis-issed %s % dre%- *ro(&ht o *! % too8ri,h -e%'" Now+ he k ew it to *e the tr(th" So-ethi & h%d ,h% &ed the i here t %t(re of the ores so dr%sti,%''!+ so irre)o,%*'!+ th%t the! h%d %''ied with ,re%t(res th%t the! h%d h%ted for &e er%tio s %&%i st the dr%e ei+ % $eo$'e the! h%d *ee te t%ti)e frie ds with for %'-ost %s 'o &" If this h%d h%$$e ed e'sewhere+ the res$o se wo('d *e si-$'e" 1e'e wo('d &%ther his $eo$'e % d f'ee+ $rote,ted *! the N%%r(" B(t the shi$ h%d ,r%shed+ % d K7(re '%! d!i &+ % d there w%s o es,%$e other th% fi&hti & %&%i st this Horde % d $r%!i & th%t so-ehow+ so-e w%!+ the! wo('d s(r)i)e" .h, -#ure, my old friend. ow I miss your wisdom now, and how bitter it is that you be in the hands of the enemy, who does not even understand that you e%ist. He he'd the sto e k ow %s S$irit0s So & ,'ose to his he%rt+ % d fe't the f%i test of f'i,kers fro- the d!i & N%%r(" 1e'e ,'osed his e!es % d *owed his he%d" G('0d% 'ooked %ro( d the roo- with (tter s%tisf%,tio " E)er!thi & w%s &oi & %s $'% ed" The Sh%dow Co( ,i' h%d *ee -eeti & for so-e ti-e ow+ % d th(s f%r+ G('0d% fe't ,o fide t he h%d se'e,ted the- we''" The! were
J

%'' $re$%red9 %!+ e%&er9to t(r their *%,ks o their $eo$'e i order to %d)% ,e their ow %s$ir%tio s to $ower" The! h%d %,,o-$'ished so -(,h %'re%d!+ %,ti & thro(&h their $($$et th%t w%s foo'ish e o(&h to *e'ie)e he w%s % tr(e $%rt of the Co( ,i' r%ther th% si-$'! their -o(th$ie,e" It h%d *ee e%s! to &et hi- e'e,ted W%r,hief+ % d %s 'o & %s the Co( ,i' s-i'ed % d odded %t hi- for the few -o-e ts th%t he %tte ded the -eeti &s+ he did ot 3(estio his $ositio " B(t B'%,kh% d %'w%!s de$%rted *efore the re%' -eeti &s *e&% + se t off o so-e -issio or other th%t -%de his *%rre' ,hest swe'' with $ride"

/Greeti &s+/ G('0d% s%id %s he s'i$$ed i to his ,h%ir %t the he%d of the t%*'e" As %'w%!s+ Ner75h(' '(rked i % ,or er+ e)er i )ited to sit with the others+ *(t $er-itted to he%r their ,o )ers%tio s+ Ki'72%ede h%d so i str(,ted+ % d whi'e G('0d% w%s ( s(re %s to wh! his *e ef%,tor desired this+ he w% ted othi & -ore th% to st%! i Ki'72%ede 0s &ood &r%,es % d did ot de-(r" The Co( ,i' -(r-(red $erf( ,tor! &reeti &s+ % d G('0d% &ot dow to *(si ess" /How %re the )%rio(s ,'% s re%,ti & to the ide% of o&res %s %''ies6 K%r&%th+ 'et0s st%rt with !o("/ The ,hieft%i of the Sh%ttered H% d ,'% &ri ed % d &r( ted" /The! %re $ri-ed for *'oodshed+ % d the! do 0t ,%re who he'$s the- s'it o$e dr%e ei thro%ts+/ Ro(&h '%(&hter fi''ed the ,%)er %s -% ! of the Co( ,i' odded i %&ree-e t" I the di- 'i&ht $ro)ided *! the tor,hes+ their e!es see-ed to G('0d% to &'ow or% &e" A few+ howe)er+ s,ow'ed % d did ot 2oi i the -erri-e t" /I h%)e he%rd $rotests fro- so-e i the White,'%w ,'% "/ o e s%id" 0A d D(rot% of the Frostwo')es sti'' *e%rs w%t,hi &+ for %'' th%t he 'ed the %tt%,k o Te'-or"/ G('0d% he'd ($ % h% d" /Do ot fe%r+ I h%)e h%d D(rot% i -! -i d for so-e ti-e"/ /Wh! h%s he ot *ee e'i-i %ted6/ K%r&%th &row'ed % &ri'!" /It wo('d *e e%s! to re$'%,e hi- with % other -ore i 'i e with o(r $'% s" D(rot% is *e,o-i & we'' k ow for dis%&reei & with B'%,kh% d0s $ositio 9% d !o(rs %s we''"/ /Th%t is $re,ise'! wh! I sti'' eed hi- %'i)e+/ G('0d% s%id+ w%t,hi & to see who ( derstood witho(t f(rther e.$'% %tio " He s%w ,o-$rehe sio re&ister o % few f%,es+ whi'e others sti'' 'ooked $(55'ed % d % &r!" /Be,%(se he is k ow for % -ore -oder%te st% ,e+/ G('0d% ,o ti (ed+ re&retf(' th%t he h%d to s$e'' it o(t for % !o e o the Co( ,i'+ /whe he do,s Fi %''! &o %'o &+ e)er!o e e'se who -i&ht h%)e do(*ts &oes with hi-" He s$e%ks for -% ! who do ot d%re s$e%k for the-se')es" If D(rot% %&rees+ so &oes their 'o&i,+ the it -(st *e %'' ri&ht" As K%r&%th -e tio ed+ the Frostwo'f ,'% is ot the o '! o e who %$$e%rs to h%)e reser)%tio s+/ /B(t"" " wh%t if there ,o-es % ti-e th%t he do,s ot %&ree6 So-e 'i e he is ot wi''i & to ,ross6/ G('0d% s-i'ed frosti'!" /The we wi'' de%' with hi- i % w%! th%t *est %d)% ,es o(r $ower witho(t $'%,i & it %t risk" As we %'w%!s do"/ G('0d% de,ided it w%s ti-e to ,h% &e the s(*2e,t" He 'e% ed forw%rd+ $'%,i & his h% ds o the t%*'e" /S$e%ki & of those who h%)e reser)%tio s" I h%)e he%rd th%t there %re so-e who ,o ti (e to %tte-$t to ,o t%,t the e'e-e ts % d the % ,estors"/ O e of the -e-*ers 'ooked ( ,o-fort%*'e" /I h%)e %tte-$ted to diss(%de the-+ *(t I ,% ot see how I ,% $( ish the- for it" It w%s+ %fter %''+ *e'ief th%t the % ,estors w% ted (s to %tt%,k the dr%e ei th%t e)e -%de this $ossi*'e"/ He so( ded % *it defi% t" G('0d% s-i'ed re%ss(ri &'! /Yes i deed" Th%t w%s the *%it th%t hooked the- so dee$'!"/ He &'% ,ed o)er %t Ner75h('" The o'der sh%-% -et his e!es % d the &'% ,ed dow 3(i,k'!" S(,h h%d *ee the *%it th%t h%d hooked Ner75h(' %s we''9*%it th%t did ot ho'd the s%-e %$$e%' for G('0d% " /B(t th%t is o 'o &er e,ess%r!+/ G('0d% ,o ti (ed" /We -(st -%ke s(re th%t there is o t(r i & *%,k to the o'd w%!s" We h%)e *ee '(,k! i deed i o(r ,%-$%i& + % d with the o&res s(,,ess is 'ike'! to ,o ti (e" B(t if there %re % ! set*%,ks+ % ! *%tt'es th%t &o $oor'!+ the those who sti'' ho'd sh%-% is- ,'ose to their he%rts -%! fi d % %$$re,i%ti)e ,%r" Th%t wo 0t do %t %''"/ He t%$$ed his ,hi tho(&htf(''!" /We -(st do -ore th% si-$'! e ,o(r%&e w%r'o,k $r%,ti,es" We -(st %,ti)e'! dis,o(r%&e sh%-% is-" It wo('d *e ( fort( %te if for so-e re%so the % ,estors %,t(%''! were %*'e to ,o--( i,%te with their des,e d% ts"/ A&%i + he &'% ,ed %t Ner75h('" It h%d o '! *ee whe Ner75h(' h%d tr%)e'ed to the s%,red -o( t%i th%t he h%d *ee %*'e to s$e%k with the % ,estors % d dis,o)er wh%t h%d re%''! *ee &oi & o " # ti' th%t $oi t+ e)e %s $owerf(' % sh%-% %s he w%s+ Ner75h(' h%d *ee tri,ked *! i''(sio s" The % swer+ therefore+ see-ed si-$'e" "eep in the disembodied dreaming floated the beings that were made of light. They had the memories of wlutt had gone before, and they had glimpses into the future. 1ong had they dwelt here, fed by the 5ther, who was like them, but not like them, and who they sensed was well into the heart of a slow passing. +ntil recently, they had dwelt in this state of being7not7being in peace and tran8uility. But now, defilement and hatred and danger had come. They could not reach the sleeping, beloved 'i)i & % ! longer. .nd the beloved living did not come as they used to, to replenish the sacred pool and unintentionally keep the 5ther alive. 5nly the 0reatly "eceived 5ne had come, weeping and begging, but too far lost in the deception to be aided. 'uddenly, their deep dreaming was disrupted. . tremor went through them. 3ain savaged them and they cried out for aid from the 5ther, who could not help them, who could not help itself The dark unholy things that had once been beings of beauty were coming The ancestors sei%sed their approach. They came ine%orably, /oining their powers, creating a ring of darkness and severance around the base of the mountain. "arkness visible danced from the twisted things who had followed 'argeras, lured by the promise of power, fed now with the promise of the obliteration of everything. The ancestors felt the seething, focused hatred coalesce into a manifestation of greenish7black energy, whipping around like severed tentacles, seeking a dreadful ( io " 'lowly, ine%orably, their stranglehold increased until a rope of shadow power choked the mountain, sealed it shut, preventing any lost orc from entering, any frantic soul from departing. .nd now, the 5ther, too, cried out in grief as the circle was sealed shut. $or without the shaman to bring it water, it could not even ,o ti (e to attempt to heal itself. .nd without the 5ther, there would eventually be no ancestors. $ar away, in their sleep, the few ores who still secretly thought of themselves as shaman trembled and wept, their dreams corrupted into nightmares of endless torment and an inescapable doom.

EIGHTEEN
Iam one of the second wave of shaman, /ust as I am the leader of the second, and I pray better and wiser, incarnation of the orde. I have spoken with the elements and spirits, and I have felt them working in harmony with me many times, and refusing their aid almost as often. But I have never seen the spirits of the ancestors, not even in my dreams! my soul yearns for such a connection. +ntil very recently, those who once walked the path of the shaman did not even dream of being able to walk it again, and yet they do. 3erhaps one day, the barriers between us and the beloved dead, too, will be lifted. 3erhaps.

But I wonder, if they truly knew how far we wandered from their loving teachings, if they saw what we had done in "raenor, done to "raenor.. " perl%aps even now they would turn their backs on us and leave us to our fates. .nd if they so chose, I cannot say that I would *'%-e them. /I do 0t ( derst% d"/ Gh( s%id" He w%s the !o( &est of the ,'% 0s w%r'o,ks+ % d sti''+ D(rot% -(sed with *itter ess+ % ide%'ist" He h%d see Gh( 0s ose wri k'e %t the str% &e ,re%t(res he w%s for,ed to (ti'i5e i the *%tt'e %&%i st the dr%e ei" He h%d see the !o(th0s f%,e fi''ed with re&ret %s his e e-! writhed i %&o ! *efore hi-" Drek7Th%r h%d *ro(&ht the *o! to D(rot% 0s %tte tio %fter the de,'%r%tio fro- G('0d% h%d *ee iss(ed" /Wh%t is wro & i ho$i & th%t the e'e-e ts wi'' o e d%! work with (s %&%i 6 A d wh! ,% I ot &o to Osh(0&( 6/ D(rot% h%d o re%' % swers for hi-4 the de,ree th%t o o e -(st e)er %&%i $r%,ti,e the sh%-% i, %rts o $%i of se)ere $( ish-e t9or e.i'e or de%th for re$e%ted )io'%tio s9h%d see-i &'! ,o-e o(t of owhere" Tr(e+ -ost of those who h%d w%'ked the sh%-% i, $%th h%d t(r ed fro- it whe die e'e-e ts %*% do ed the-" B(t wh%t %*o(t the % ,estors6 Wh! i the wor'd+ i this ti-e of ,risis % d eed+ did G('0d% for*id the ores their -ost s%,red $'%,e6 A d *e,%(se he h%d o % swers for % !o(th who deser)ed the-+ D(rot% &rew % &r!" His )oi,e w%s &r(ff % d dee$" /I order to tri(-$h o)er the dr%e ei+ o(r W%r,hief h%s -%de ,ert%i %''ies" These %''ies h%)e &i)e (s the w%r'o,k $owers !o( ,o tro'" Do ot 'ie to -e+ I k ow !o( %re $'e%sed with the res('ts"/ Gh( 0s sh%r$8 %i'ed+ 'o & fi &ers h%d *ee worki & i the de%d e%rth % d h%d dis'od&ed % sto e" He tossed it ($ % d dow i his $%'-" D(rot% frow ed+ 'ooki & %t the *o!0s ski " The dr! ess of this $'%,e % d the h%rsh ,o ditio s ( der whi,h the! h%d *ee '%*ori & for e%r'! two !e%rs ow were t%ki & % to''" Nor-%''! s-ooth *row ski + stret,hed ti&ht o)er to ed -(s,'e+ w%s dr! % d f'%k!" A*se t'! Gh( s,r%t,hed %t % $%t,h of ro(&h ski " D(rot% &'% ,ed %t the ew ski ( der e%th" It h%d % &ree ish ti t" For % -o-e t+ -i d'ess+ % i-%' $% i, w%shed o)er D(rot% " D(rot% for,ed hi-se'f to *e ,%'- % d 'ook %&%i " There w%s o -ist%ki & it9the ski w%s i deed s'i&ht'! &ree " He h%d o ide% wh%t it -e% t+ *(t it w%s ew+ % d it w%s str% &e+ % d he i sti ,ti)e'! did ot 'ike it" Gh( see-ed ot to h%)e oti,ed" He h(r'ed the ro,k with % &r( t+ w%t,hi & it s%i' i to the dist% ,e" H%d Gh( *ee o'der+ he wo('d h%)e oti,ed the w%r i & i the to e of )oi,e his ,'% ,hieft%i (sed e%r'ier" B(t he w%s !o( & % d wr%$$ed ($ i his ow ,o ,er s+ % d did ot heed the w%r i &" /The s$e''s " " " the ,re%t(res who o*e! -e """ I %- $'e%sed with the effi,ie ,!" B(t ot with how it is effi,ie t" It fee's9it fee's wrong, -! ,hieft%i " Ki''i & is ki''i &+ % d the e'e-e ts (sed to &i)e -e $owers th%t ki''ed -! foe 2(st %s de%d" B(t I e)er fe't this w%! %*o(t it whe the! &%)e -e the $ower" We %re i this w%r *e,%(se the % ,estors to'd (s we eeded to ki'' the dr%e ei+/ Gh( ,o ti (ed" /So wh! is G('0d% ow s%!i & we ,% 0t &o t%'k to the-6/ So-ethi & i side D(rot% s %$$ed" He 'et o(t % f(rio(s *e''ow % d h%('ed the *o! to his fret" He &ri$$ed the f%*ri, of Gh( 0s shirt % d *ro(&ht his f%,e to withi % i ,h of the sho,ked !o( & w%r'o,k0s" "It doesn#t matter2" he ,ried" /I wi'' do wh%t is *est for the Frostwo')es+ % d ow th%t -e% s doi & wh%t G('0d% % d B'%,kh% d te'' (s to do" O*e! this ew order</ Gh( st%red ($ %t hi-" As %*r($t'! %s it ,%-e the white8hot f(r! de$%rted+ 'e%)i & sorrow i its w%ke" D(rot% %dded i % h%rsh whis$er -e% t for the *o!0s ,%rs %'o e+ /I wo 0t *e %*'e to $rote,t !o( if !o( do 0t"/ Gh( 'ooked ($ %t hi-+ % odd+ or% &e &'e%- i his e!es for % i st% t+ the he 'ooked dow % d si&hed" /I ( derst% d+ -! ,hieft%i " I wi'' ot *ri & disho or ($o the Frostwo'f ,'% "/ D(rot% 'et hi- &o" Gh( ste$$ed *%,k+ str%i&hte ed his ,'othes+ *owed+ % d de$%rted" D(rot% w%t,hed hi- &o+ ,o f'i,ted" Gh( + too+ se sed the wro & ,ss i the w%! thi &s were ( fo'di &" B(t % si &'e !o(th %tte-$ti & to ,o t%,t the e'e-e ts ,o('d ot st% d %&%i st it" Nor+ D(rot% tho(&ht *itter'!+ ,o('d % si &'e ,hieft%i " A s%,red site w%s the e.t to f%'' *e e%th the -i&ht of the Horde" H%rd o the hee's of the $ro,'%-%tio *% i & sh%-% is- w%s the order to -%r,h o % $'%,e the dr%e ei ,%''ed the Te-$'e of K%r%*or" A'tho(&h it '%! ,'ose to the Sh%dow-oo 1%''e!+ the % ,estr%' '% ds of Ner75h('0s ow ,'% + who h%d t%ke the %-e Sh%dow-oo fro- th%t s%-e )%''e!+ o or, h%d e)er see it *efore" It w%s % s%,red $'%,e+ % d %s s(,h h%d *ee res$e,ted *! the ores" At 'e%st it h%d *ee res$e,ted ( ti' ow" whe B'%,kh% d stood *efore his %sse-*'ed %r-! % d r% ted %&%i st the so8,%''ed /s$irit(%'it!/ of the dr%e ei+ /The ,ities we h%)e t%ke so f%r were -ere $r%,ti,e+/ B'%,kh% d de,'%red" /O e d%! soo + their ,%$it%' wi'' *e destro!ed" B(t *efore we sh%tter their -ost i-$ort% t ,it!+ we wi'' sh%tter the- %s % $eo$'e" We wi'' stor- this site< S-%sh their st%t(es" Destro! e)er!thi & th%t -e% s % !thi & to the-" S'%(&hter their s$irit(%' 'e%ders" The! wi'' 'ose he%rt % d the """ the ,'%i-i & their ,it! wi'' *e %s e%s! %s ki''i & % *'i d wo'f $($"/ D(rot% " who stood with the other %r-ed % d -o( ted w%rriors+ &'% ,ed %t Or&ri-" As w%s %'-ost %'w%!s the ,%se+ his o'd frie d stood %t B'%,kh% d0s side+ Or&ri- h%d *e,o-e % -%ster %t kee$i & his f%,e i-$%ssi)e+ *(t he ,o('d ot ,o-$'ete'! hide his fee'i &s fro- D(rot% " He+ too+ k ew wh%t this -e% t" The te-$'e w%s 1e'e 0s ho-e" The Pro$het h%d o '! *ee )isiti & Te'-or th%t d%! whe Or&ri- % d D(rot% h%d -et hi-4 his $'%,e w%s i the te-$'e+ where he $r%!ed % d -edit%ted % d ser)ed %s % $ro$het % d &(ide to his $eo$'e" The! wo('d )er! we'' s'%! hi- this d%!+ if he w%s there" It h%d *ee h%rd e o(&h to ki'' Rest%'%% " D(rot% wo('d h%)e $r%!ed th%t he wo('d ot *e for,ed to ki'' 1e'e + too " " " h%d there *ee % !o e to $r%! to" Si. ho(rs '%ter+ %s he stood %to$ the st%irs to the &re%t s,%t of the te-$'e of the dr%e ei+ he %'-ost ,hoked fro- the s-e''s th%t %ss%('ted his ostri's" The ow8f%-i'i%r re,k of dr%e ei *'ood" The ste ,h of (ri e % d fe,es % d the thi,k odor of fe%r" The sweet+ ,'o!i & s-e'' of i ,e se" B'ood ,o)ered the so'es of his *oots %s the! ,r( ,hed o strew r(shes+ re'e%si & % ,'e% fr%&r% ,e th%t so-ehow -%de %'' the other s,e ts so -(,h worse9 D(rot% do(*'ed o)er % d )o-ited+ the t%ste so(r i his -o(th" He he%)ed % d ,hoked ( ti' his sto-%,h w%s (tter'! e-$t!+ the with tre-*'i & h% ds ri sed his -o(th with w%ter % d s$%t" H%rsh '%(&hter &reeted his ,%rs % d he f'(shed" He t(r ed to see B'%,kh% d0s two -%'e *r%ts+ Re d % d ;%i-+ '%(&hi & %t hi-" /Th%t0s the s$irit+/ Re d s%id+ ,h(,k'i & sti''" /Th%t0s %'' the! deser)e9o(r )o-it % d s$it"/ /Ye%h+/ s%id ;%i- ( ori&i %''!" /O(r )o-it % d s$it</

;%i- ki,ked the ,or$se of % e%r*! $riest ,'%d i $%'e $(r$'e )est-e ts % d s$%t o it" D(rot% t(r ed %w%! i dis&(st % d horror+ *(t there w%s o res$ite" E)er!where he 'ooked he s%w ores doi & the s%-e thi & to ,or$ses: defi'i & the-+ 'ooti & the-+ $(tti & o their *'ood!+ re t ro*es % d $%r%di & %*o(t -o,ki &'!" Others were -ethodi,%''! fi''i & s%,ks with *e%(tif(''! ,%r)ed *ow's % d $'%tes % d ,% d'esti,ks whi'e the! ,r( ,hed o sweet fr(its th%t h%d *ee 'eft %s offeri &s to deities th%t the ores did 0t *e&i to ( derst% d % d did 0t w% t to" B'%,kh% d" with % other )i,tor! to his ,redit+ h%d fo( d so-e ki d of %',oho'i, *e)er%&e % d w%s ,h(&&i & it dow so 3(i,k'! so-e of the &ree f'(id s$i''ed % d dri$$ed o to his %r-or" Is this what we have become) Murderers of unarmed priests, looters of things holy to them, defilers of their very bodies) Mother -ashur """ i % way I am glad you are forbidden to us """ I would not want you to see this. /The! h%)e t%ke the te-$'e+/ s%id Ki'72%ede + /*(t the! h%)e ot fo( d -e -! $ri5e"/ Ki'72%ede 0s )oi,e w%s %s ho e!8s-ooth %s e)er+ *(t his t%i' '%shed %&it%ted'!" G('0d% 0s sto-%,h ,'e ,hed i fe%r" /1e'e the Tr%itor -(st h%)e k ow so-ehow+/ G('0d% s%id" /He is ,%''ed 0$ro$het0 %fter %''"/ Ki'72%ede 0s -%ssi)e he%d whi$$ed %ro( d+ % d G('0d% h%d to for,e hi-se'f ot to 3(%i'" The Ki'72%ede odded s'ow'!" /Yo( %re ri&ht+/ he s%id" /If he were % e%s! % d st($id e e-!+ I wo('d h%)e fo( d hi- here ow"/ G('0d% *e&% to *re%the %&%i " P%rt of hi- *(r ed to %sk wh%t 1e'e h%d do e to o e who w%s+ he w%s ,ert%i + his ow ki d i order to e%r hi-se'f s(,h si &'e8-i ded h%tred" B(t G('0d% w%s wise e o(&h to kee$ si'e t" He ,o('d 'i)e with his ,(riosit! ( s%tisfied o this $%rti,('%r iss(e" /With their te-$'e t%ke for o(r ow $(r$oses" Gre%t O e+ s(re'! those th%t re-%i wi'' %'' h%)e f'ed to the ,it!" The! wi'' *e there+ thi ki & the-se')es s%fe+ *(t the! wi'' *e tr%$$ed i ste%d"/ Ki'72%ede st,,$',d his s,%r'et fi &ers % d s-i'ed" /Yes+/ he s%id" /Yes" The te-$'e sh%'' *e !o(rs" B'%,kh% d is 3(ite ,o-fort%*'! e s,o ,ed i the Cit%de'" B(t *efore !o( order !o(r 'itt'e $($$ets to %tt%,k the dr%e ei stro &ho'd+ I h%)e % 'itt'e " " " &ift for the-"/ Ner75h(' w%ited ( ti' G('0d% w%s fi ished" He w%t,hed *e e%th h%'f8,'osed 'ids %s G('0d% wrote 'etter %fter 'etter+ &etti & i k st%i s o his st(**! fi &ers+ (si & those s%-e st(**! fi &ers to $o$ % $ie,e of fr(it or ,h( k of -e%t i to his -o(th" These were i-$ort% t 'etters+ the 4 or-%''! G('0d% wo('d h%)e o e of the ( ,t(o(s s,ri*es se d o(t -issi)es" The te-$'e h%d *ee " " " $(r&ed+ w%s the word G('0d% h%d (sed" The $riests th%t 'i &ered to *r%)e'! % d foo'ish'! st% d %&%i st the w%)e of ores h%d *ee ki''ed with r(th'ess s$eed % d effi,ie ,!" Ner75h(' he%rd th%t their *odies h%d *ee )io'%ted+ % d fo( d th%t $%rt of hi- sti'' he'd o to e o(&h ,o-$%ssio th%t the tho(&ht si,ke ed hi-" Those )io'%ted *odies were 'o & &o e+ %s were their s%,red ite-s" ;(,h of the te-$'e h%d *ee ,'osed off4 the Co( ,i' % d its ser)% ts did ot re3(ire th%t -(,h roo-" So-e f(r ishi &s h%d *ee t%ke % d (sed for the Co( ,i'0s eeds" Others h%d *ee tor dow or re-o)ed+ re$'%,ed with the d%rk+ o-i o(s'! s$ik! de,or%tio s th%t were r%$id'! *e,o-i & i e.tri,%*'! %sso,i%ted with the Horde" The e tire str(,t(re h%d *ee re %-ed the B'%,k Te-$'e+ % d i ste%d of $riests % d $ro$hets+ it ow $'%!ed host to 'i%rs % d tr%itors" A d+ Ner75h(' -(sed *itter'!+ he w%s ,ert%i '! %-o & th%t (-*er" At '%st+ G('0d% w%s fi ished" He d(sted the i k with $owder to $re)e t s-e%rs % d s%t *%,k" He 'ooked ($ %t his for-er -%ster with thi '! )ei'ed dis&(st" /Address the- % d t%ke the- to the ,o(riers" see th%t !o( do it 3(i,k'!"/ Ner75h(' i ,'i ed his he%d" He sti'' ,o('d ot *ri & hi-se'f to *ow *efore his erstwhi'e %$$re ti,e % d G('0d% + k owi & f('' we'' 2(st how *roke Ner75h(' w%s+ did ot $ress it" He s%t dow i the ,h%ir G('0d% )%,%ted+ % d the -o-e t G('0d% 0s he%)! stride ,o('d o 'o &er *e he%rd+ he i--edi%te'! *e&% to re%d" G('0d% e.$e,ted hi- to re%d the 'etters+ of ,o(rse" A d i deed there w%s othi & ,o t%i ed i the- th%t Ner75h(' did ot k ow" He w%s $ri)! to %'' -eeti &s of the Sh%dow Co( ,i'+ tho(&h he w%s for,ed to sit o the ,o'd sto e f'oor of the B'%,k Te-$'e % d ot %t the h(&e sto e t%*'e with those who h%d the re%' $ower" He w%s ot ,ert%i 2(st wh! he w%s %''owed+ o '! th%t for so-e re%so Ki'72%ede w% ted hi- there" Otherwise+ he w%s ,ert%i G('0d% wo('d h%)e dis$%t,hed hi- here ow" His e!es f'ew o)er the words+ % d he w%s si,ke ed *! the-" He fe't (tter'! i-$ote t+ 'ike % f'! tr%$$ed i the sti,k! s%$ th%t f'owed dow the *%rks of the o'e-*% trees" Or+ th%t (sed to" Fro- wh%t he h%d he%rd+ the trees th%t $ro)ided the sweet e,t%r h%d either *ee ,(t dow + their wood (sed for we%$o s+ or were d!i &" Ner75h(' shook off the i-%&er! % d *e&% to ro'' ($ the -issi)es+ his e!es f%''i & o the ( (sed $ie,es of $%r,h-e t % d sti''8fi''ed i kwe'' % d $e " The tho(&ht w%s so %(d%,io(s his he%rt sto$$ed for % i st% t" >(i,k'! he 'ooked %ro( d" He w%s ,o-$'ete'! %'o e+ % d there w%s o re%so to e.$e,t G('0d% *%,k" G('0d% + Ki'72%ede + the Co( ,i'9the! tho(&ht hi- *roke + %s h%r-'ess %s % % ,ie t+ tooth'ess wo'f th%t w%r-ed its o'd *o es *! the fire ( ti' %t '%st it s'i$$ed i to the s'ee$ of de%th" A d the! were -ost'! ri&ht" Mostly. Ner75h(' h%d re,o ,i'ed hi-se'f to the f%,t th%t he h%d h%d his $ower t%ke %w%! fro- hi-" His $ower+ *(t ot his wi''" If th%t too h%d *ee t%ke fro- hi-+ he wo('d h%)e *ee ( %*'e to resist Ki'72%ede %t %''" Ner75h(' ,o('d ot %,t dire,t'!+ *(t he -i&ht *e %*'e to ,o t%,t so-eo e who ,o('d" His fi &ers tre-*'ed %s he took % other $ie,e of $%r,h-e t" He w%s for,ed to $%(se for % 'o & -o-e t % d ,%'- hi-se'f *efore he ,o('d write % !thi & 'e&i*'e" Fi %''!+ he s,ri**'ed % *rief -ess%&e+ *'otted the i k+ % d ro''ed it ($" The wo'f w%s tooth'ess" B(t the wo'f h%d ot for&otte wh%t it w%s 'ike to fi&ht" ;ore orders to -%r,h" D(rot% w%s &rowi & he%rti'! si,k of it" Their w%s o res$ite % ! -ore+ 2(st *%tt'e+ re$%iri & %r-or+ e%ti & i ,re%si &'! to(&h % d stri &! -e%t+ s'ee$i & o the e%rth+ % d % other *%tt'e" Go e were the ti-es of dr(--i & % d fe%sti & % d '%(&hi & % d rit(%'" The $erfe,t tri% &'e of the ;o( t%i of S$irits o the hori5o h%d *ee re$'%,ed *! the d%rk+ for*iddi & i-%&e of % s$ire th%t o,,%sio %''! e-itted *'%,k s-oke" So-e s%id % ,re%t(re s'e$t dee$ i side the -o( t%i + % d th%t o e d%!+ it wo('d %w%ke " D(rot% did ot k ow wh%t to *e'ie)e % !-ore" Whe the ,o(rier rode ($+ D(rot% took the -issi)e % d *e&% to re%d it with d('' e!es" Those e!es wide ed %s he re%d+ % d *! the ti-e he h%d fi ished it he w%s swe%ti & % d tre-*'i &" He 'ooked ($+ wo deri & -%d'! if so-eo e h%d *ee %*'e to &'e% the ,o te ts of the 'etter 2(st *! w%t,hi & hi- re%d it" Ores strode $%st hi-+ d(st ,'i &i & to their ro(&h+ f'%k! ski s % d *%ttered %r-or" No o e &%)e hi- so -(,h %s % disi terested &'% ,e" He h(rried to Dr%k%+ the o e $erso i the wor'd he d%red sh%re this i for-%tio with" Her e!es wide ed %s she re%d"

/Who e'se k ows of this6/ she s%id 3(iet'!+ fi&hti & to kee$ her f%,e i-$%ssi)e" /O '! !o(+/ he s%id+ e3(%''! soft'!" /Wi'' !o( te'' Or&ri-T/ D(rot% shook his he%d" P%i '%,ed his he%rt" /I d%re ot" He is o%th8*o( d to te'' B'%,kh% d"/ /Do !o( thi k B'%,kh% d k ows %*o(t this6/ D(rot% shr(&&ed" /I h%)e o ide% who k ows wh%t" I o '! k ow th%t I -(st $rote,t -! $eo$'e" A d I wi'' do so"/ Dr%k% 'ooked %t hi- 'o & % d h%rd" /If we %s % e tire ,'% do ot do this thi & " " " we wi'' %ttr%,t %tte tio " Yo( risk $( ish-e t" ;%!*e e)e e.i'e or de%th"/ D(rot% st%**ed % fi &er %t the 'etter" 0A ! o e of those thi &s is *etter th% wh%t wi'' h%$$e if we o*e! No" I h%)e swor to $rote,t -! ,'% " I wi'' ot &i)e the- o)er to9E He re%'i5ed *e'%ted'! th%t his )oi,e h%d rise % d so-e he%ds were st%rti & to t(r " /I wi'' ot &i)e the- o)er to this"/ Dr%k%0s e!es fi''ed with 3(i,k te%rs % d she &ri$$ed his %r- h%rd" Her %i's d(& i to his f'esh" /Th%t+/ she s%id fier,e'!+ /is wh! I *e,%-e !o(r -%te" I %- so $ro(d of !o("/

NINETEEN
Iam proud of my heritage. I am proud that I can name "urotan and "raka as my parents. I amproud that 5rgrim "oomhammer called me friend and trusted me with the leadership of the people he loved. I am proud of iny parents# courage " " " and at the same time, I wish there had been more they could do. But I am not in their place. It is easy to sit back, secure in my position and comforts in this life, decades after the fact, and say, "(ou should done this," or "(ou should have said that." I offer no /udgment on anyone save a handful of individuals who knew full well what they were doing, knew that they were trading the lives and destiny of their people for gratification in the moment, and did so gleefully. $or the others .. . I can only shake my head and be grateful that I was not forced to make the choices they did. G('0d% w%s so e.,ited he ,o('d h%rd'! ,o t%i hi-se'f" He h%d 'ooked forw%rd to this -o-e t e)er si ,e Ki'72%ede h%d first s$oke of it" He h%d w% ted to -o)e forw%rd e)e f%ster th% his -%ster did+ *(t Ki'72%ede h%d ,h(,k'ed % d ,o( se'ed $%tie ,e" /I h%)e see the-+ % d the! %re ot 3(ite re%d! !et" Ti-i & is e)er!thi &+ G('0d% " The s%-e *'ow de'i)ered too e%r'! or too '%te do,s ot ki''+ o '! wo( ds"/ G('0d% tho(&ht it % odd -et%$hor+ *(t ( derstood wh%t Ki'72%ede -e% t *! it" B(t ow+ %t '%st+ Ki'72%ede tho(&ht the ores re%d! for the fi %' ste$" The B'%,k Te-$'e h%d % ,e tr%' ,o(rt!%rd o$e to the i&ht sk! Whe the te-$'e *e'o &ed to the dr%e ei+ this %re% h%d *ee % '(sh &%rde + with % re,t% &('%r $oo' %t the ,e ter" The ,o 3(erors h%d dr( k their fi'' of the sweet+ $(re w%ter o)er the '%st few weeks with o ,%re %*o(t re$'e ishi & it+ % d ow the $oo' w%s othi & -ore th% % e-$t! s$%,e of sto e % d ti'es" The trees % d f'oweri & $'% ts th%t h%d s(rro( ded it h%d 'o & si ,e died+ witheri & with %sto ishi & s$eed" At Ki'72%ede 0s re3(est+ Ner75h(' % d G('0d% ow stood *eside th%t e-$t! $oo'" Neither of the- k ew wh%t to e.$e,t" For 'o & ho(rs the! stood i (tter si'e ,e" G('0d% wo dered if $erh%$s he h%d dis$'e%sed his 'ord i so-e w%!" The tho(&ht -%de hi- *re%k o(t i % ,o'd swe%t+ % d he &'% ,ed er)o(s'! %t Ner75h('" He wo dered if $erh%$s to i&ht the defi% t sh%-% w%s &oi & to *e s'%i for his diso*edie ,e+ % d he $erked ($ % *it %t the tho(&ht" His -i d w%s w% deri &+ ,o sideri & )%rio(s tor8 -e ts th%t -i&ht *e i-$osed ($o Ner05h('+ whe % s(dde 'o(d ,r%,k of th( der -%de the- *oth &%s$ %'o(d" G('0d% 'ooked ($ %t the sk!" Where there h%d hitherto *ee % host of st%rs+ ow there w%s o '! % *'%,k e-$ti ess" He sw%''owed h%rd+ his e!es ri)eted o the d%rk ess" S(dde '! the d%rk ess *e&% to ,h(r " It 'ooked 'ike % th( d,rh,%d" *'%,k % d $('si &" The it *e&% to swir' i % s$ir%'" The s$ir%'i & $i,ked ($ s$eed" A wi d 'ifted G('0d% 0s h%ir % d stirred his ro*es+ &e t'! %t first+ the -ore fier,e'!+ ( ti' he fe't the wi d s,o(ri & his ski " The e%rth *e e%th his feet r(-*'ed" O(t of the ,or er of his e!e he s%w Ner75h('0s 'i$s -o)e+ *(t he ,o('d ot he%r wh%t if % !thi & w%s s%id" The wi d w%s too 'o(d+ the tre-*'i & of the e%rth *e e%th his i ,re%si &'! ( ste%d! feet too i te se" The sk! ,r%,ked o$e " So-ethi & *ri&ht % d *'%5i & s,re%-ed to e%rth dire,t'! i fro t of G('0d% % d Ner05h('" It str(,k the &ro( d so h%rd th%t G('0d% w%s k o,ked off his feet" For % 'o &+ terrif!i & -i (te+ he ,o('d ot *re%the4 he si-$'! '%! o the e%rth % d &%s$ed 'ike % fish ( ti' fi %''! his '( &s re-e-*ered how to f( ,tio % d he i h%'ed % &re%t s(r&e of %ir" He &ot to his feet+ his *od! sh%ki & ( ,o tro''%*'!+ % d 'ost his *re%th %&%i %t wh%t he *ehe'd" It towered o)er hi-" Ch( ks of e%rth f'ew %s it shook fo(r 'e&s th%t e ded i hoo)es % d f'%$$ed '%r&e+ 'e%ther! wi &s i % o!% ,e" Its h%ir w%s -ore of % -% e+ f'owi & i &ree te dri's o)er its e,k % d dow its *%,k" Gree e!es &'ittered 'ike fier! st%rs % d its swoo$i & t(sks ,%(&ht the di- 'i&ht %s it o$e ed its -o(th" It see-ed to h%)e row %fter row of sh%r$ teeth+ % d its *e''ow -%de G('0d% w% t to dro$ to the e%rth % d wee$ i (tter terror" So-ehow+ he re-%i ed st% di & % d si'e t *efore the -o strosit!" It r%ised its ,'e ,hed fists % d shook the- fier,e'!+ the 'owered its he%d % d 'ooked %ro( d %t the h(dd'ed+ 3(%ki & ores" What is that thing) G('0d% s,re%-ed si'e t'!" S(dde '!" Ki'72%ede %$$e%red+ 'ooki & dow %t G('0d% % d &ri i & fier,e'!" /Beho'd -! 'ie(te % t+ ;% oroth" We'' h%s he ser)ed -e % d we'' sh%'' he ,o ti (e to ser)e" O other wor'ds+ the! ,%'' hi- the Destr(,tor" B(t here+ he is the s%)ior" G('0d% +/ $(rred Ki'72%ede + % d s(dde '! G('0d% fe't we%k % d si,k %&%i " /Yo( k ow wh%t I %- offeri & !o(r $eo$'e"/ G('0d% sw%''owed h%rd" He did ot d%re &'% ,e %t Ner05h('+ whose &%5e he fe't *ori & i to his *%,k" Yes+ he k ew we'' wh%t Ki'72%ede w%s offeri &" Power *e!o d i-%&i i & " " " % d s'%)er! for eter it!" Ki'72%ede h%d offered the for-er to Ner05h(' i e.,h% &e for the '%tter+ % d Ner05h('+ the ,ow%rd+ h%d *%'ked" He h%d ot w% ted to doo- his $eo$'e"

G('0d% w%s ( tro(*'ed *! s(,h s,r($'es" A'' he ,o('d thi k of w%s the rew%rd Ki'72%ede h%d $ro-ised" /I do k ow" Gre%t O e+/ G('0d% s%id+ s(r$rised *! the stre &th % d ste%di ess of his )oi,e+ /I k ow+ % d I %,,e$t -! 'ord0s -ost &e ero(s offer"/ Ki'72%ede s-i'ed" /E.,e''e t+/ he s%id" /Yo( %re wiser th% !o(r $rede,essor"/ Co fide t % d e'%ted+ G('0d% t(r ed to &'o%t %t Ner75h('" The e'der sh%-% st%red %t his for-er %$$re ti,e i-$'ori &'! He did ot d%re to s$e%k+ of ,o(rse+ *(t he did ot eed to" E)e i the di- 'i&ht of the st%rs+ his e.$ressio w%s $'%i to re%d" G('0d% 0s 'i$s ,(r'ed %ro( d his t(sks+ % d he t(r ed *%,k to re&%rd ;% oroth" He w%s sti'' terri*'! i-$osi &+ *(t G('0d% 0s fe%r h%d retre%ted i the f%,e of his o)erwhe'-i & desire for $ower" He &%5ed %t the *ei &+ k owi & th%t it+ 'ike he hi-se'f+ w%s hi&h'! re&%rded *! the o e the! *oth ser)ed" The! were *rothers i %r-s" /O '! % s$e,i%' *'%de ,% do wh%t I %sk of !o(+ G('0d% +/ r(-*'ed Ki'72%ede " He e.te ded his h% d" The d%&&er see-ed ti ! i ,o-$%riso to the h(&e $%'- ($o whi,h it rested+ *(t it w%s 3(ite '%r&e whe G('0d% ,(r'ed his ow fi &ers %ro( d it" /This h%s *ee for&ed i the fires of the -o( t%i i the dist% ,e+/ Ki'72%ede s%id+ $oi ti & to the s-oki & -o( t%i " /;! ser)% ts h%)e worked 'o & % d h%rd to ,r%ft it" Yo( k ow wh%t to do+ ;% oroth"/ The ,re%t(re odded its h(&e he%d" Its t%i' -o)i & to *%'% ,e its *('k+ it k e't o its fro t two feet % d e.te ded % %r-" It t(r ed its h% d ($w%rd+ e.$osi & the ,o-$%r%ti)e'! softer f'esh of its wrist" For % he%rt*e%t+ G('0d% hesit%ted" Wh%t if this w%s so-e sort of tri,k+ or % test6 Wh%t if Ki'72%ede re%''! didn#t w% t hi- to do this6 Wh%t if he f%i'ed6 Wh%t if Ner75h(' w%s ri&ht6 /G('0d% +/ s%id Ki'72%ede + /;% oroth is k ow for -% ! thi &s" P%tie ,e is ot %-o & the-"/ ;% oroth &row'ed soft'! % d his &ree e!es &'i ted" /I %- e%&er to see wh%t wi'' h%$$e " A'' of !o(r $eo$'e """ Do it</ G('0d% sw%''owed h%rd+ 'ifted the *'%de+ %i-ed its &'e%-i & ed&e tow%rd the f'esh of ;% oroth0s e.$osed wrist+ % d *ro(&ht the k ife dow %s h%rd %s he ,o('d" A d f'ew *%,kw%rd fro- the for,e of ;% oroth0s *'ow %s the ,re%t(re *e''owed i $%i " D%5ed+ he 'ifted his he%d % d *'i ked+ tr!i & to ,'e%r his )isio " Li3(id fire s$o(ted fro- the wo( d+ &'owi & % si,k'! &ree ish !e''ow %s it $(-$ed i to the $oo' of the dr%e ei $riests" The i 2(r! w%s ti ! ,o-$%red to the )%st ess of ;% oroth0s *od!+ *(t the *'ood f'owed ste%di'! %s if fro- % w%terf%''" F%i t'!+ G('0d% w%s %w%re th%t Ner75h('+ the we%k'i &+ w%s ,r!i &" G('0d% ,o('d ot te%r his e!es fro- the si&ht of the ( ho'! *'ood $o(ri &+ $o(ri & witho(t ,e%si &+ fro- the ,re%t(re who ,o ti (ed to ro%r % d thr%sh i $%i " He &ot to his feet % d w%'ked o)er to the ed&e of the $oo'+ *ei & )er!+ )er! ,%ref(' ot to ,o-e i to ,o t%,t with the f'(id s$ewi & fro- the wo( d he hi-se'f h%d -%de" /Beho'd the *'ood of the Destr(,tor+/ &'o%ted Ki'72%ede " /It *(r s %w%! %'' di%t wi'' ot ser)e !o(+ G('0d% " It ,'e% ses %'' tho(&hts of hesit%tio + ,o f(sio + or ( ,ert%i t!" It ,re%tes % h( &er th%t ,% *e dire,ted % ! w%! !o( ,hoose" Yo(r 'itt'e $($$et thi ks he r('es die Horde+ *(t he is wro &" The Sh%dow Co( ,i' thi ks the! r('e the Horde+ *(t the! %re wro &"/ G('0d% 'ifted his e!es fro- the $oo' of &'owi & &ree 'i3(id th%t ,o ti (ed to $(-$ fro- ;% oroth0s i 2(red %r- to &%5e r%$t'! %t Ki'72%ede " /G('0d% """ it wi'' soo *e !o( who r('es the Horde" The! %re re%d! The! thirst for wh%t !o( wi'' &i)e die-"/ G('0d% %&%i t(r ed to 'ook %t the f'owi & 'i3(id" /C%'' the- to !o(" >(e ,h th%t thirst" "" % d wh%t their h( &er"/ The ow8f%-i'i%r hor %w%ke i & the Horde % d s(--o i & the- to the ,o(rt!%rd *'ew *efore d%w " D(rot% h%d ot *ee s'ee$i &4 he did ot s'ee$ -(,h % !-ore" He % d Dr%k% rose witho(t % word % d *e&% to dress" S(dde '! he he%rd her i h%'e swift'!" He t(r ed %t o ,e to see th%t she w%s st%ri & %t hi-+ her e!es wide" /Wh%t is it6/ he %sked" /Yo(r " " " !o(r ski +/ she s%id 3(iet'! He 'ooked dow %t his *%re ,hest" His ski w%s dr! % d f'%k! % d %s he s,r%t,hed %t it+ the ski *e e%th it 'ooked " " " &ree " He re-e-*ered seei & the s%-e ti t o !o( & Gh( 0s ski ot so 'o & %&o" /It0s 2(st the 'i&ht+/ he s%id+ tr!i & to re%ss(re the- *oth" She wo('d ot *e so e%si'! $'%,%ted" Dr%k% 'ifted her ow %r- % d s,r%t,hed" Her ski + too+ w%s &ree " She 'ifted d%rk e!es to hi-" The! *oth s%w it" It w%s o tri,k of the 'i&ht" /Wh%t is h%$$e i & to (s6/ Dr%k% %sked" D(rot% h%d o % swer" The! ,o ti (ed to dress i si'e ,e+ % d %s he we t o(tside to the ,o(rt!%rd to w%it+ D(rot% 0s e!es ke$t tr%)e'i & to his %r-+ the str% &e &ree h(e of his ski hidde *e e%th de ted -et%' %r-or" The % o( ,e-e t %*o(t the %sse-*'! h%d ,o-e !esterd%! %fter oo + d(ri & % tr%i i & sessio with so-e of the !o( &er ores" D(rot% sti'' ,o('d ot &et (sed to seei & ,hi'dre who+ % few -o ths e%r'ier+ h%d *ee *%re'! %*'e to w%'k ow wie'di & swords % d %.es with e.tr%ordi %r! $ower" The! see-ed ,o te t with their ew st%t(s+ e)e $'e%sed+ *(t D(rot% fo(&ht the (r&e to sh%ke his he%d e)er! ti-e he s%w the-" D(rot% fo( d he ,o('d ot e)e s(--o ,(riosit! %*o(t their e.t t%r&et" It wo('d *e the s%-e %s *efore9s'%(&hter+ r%&e+ defi'e-e t of ,or$ses" Re,e t'!+ e)e the *odies of s'%i Horde h%d *ee 'eft where the! h%d f%''e + their we%$o s % d %r-or t%ke to *e (sed o % 'i)i & *od!" So-eti-es % frie d or f%-i'! -e-*er *owed o)er die ,or$se for % -o-e t+ *(t e)e th%t w%s h%$$e i & 'ess fre3(e t'!" Go e were the d%!s of *ri &i & ho-e the ho ored de%d % d $'%,i & the- with dee$ rit(%' ($o % f( er%' $!re+ their s$irits se t with %'' ,ere-o ! to 2oi the % ,estors" Now+ there w%s o ti-e for rit(%'s+ or $!res+ or the % ,estors" There w%s o ti-e for the de%d" There w%s o ti-e for % !thi &+ it wo('d see-+ *(t s'%(&hteri & dr%e ei % d -e di & we%$o s % d %r-or so the Horde ,o('d &o o(t %&%i to ,o ti (e the t%sk" He stood with d('' e!es i the ,o(rt!%rd+ %w%iti & his orders" B'%,kh% d rode to the &%tes of the Cit%de'+ where the! ,o('d see hi,'e%r'!" There w%s % wi d tod%! With othi & to *'o,k it i this deso'%te $'%,e+ it ,%(sed the *% ers of the )%rio(s ,'% s to s %$ fier,e'!" /We h%)e % 'o & -%r,h %he%d of (s+/ B'%,kh% d ,ried" /Yo( were to'd to $%,k s($$'ies" I ho$e !o( 'iste ed" W%rriors+ !o(r we%$o s -(st *e re%d! % d !o(r %r-or so( d" He%'ers+ h%)e !o(r oi t-e ts+ $otio s+ % d *% d%&es %t h% d" B(t *efore we -%r,h to w%r+ we wi'' -%r,h to &'or!"/ He 'ifted % h% d % d $oi ted off i the dist% ,e+ where the s(''e -o( t%i th%t 2(tted %&%i st the sk! $(ffed *'%,k s-oke"

/Th%t is o(r first desti %tio " We wi'' st% d o the -o( t%i " " " % d wh%t h%$$e s there wi'' *e re-e-*ered for % tho(s% d !e%rs" It wi'' *e&i % ti-e i whi,h the ores wi'' k ow $ower th%t we h%)e e)er *efore t%sted"/ He $%(sed to 'et this si k i + % d odded+ )isi*'! $'e%sed+ %t the -(r-(r th%t r% thro(&h the ,rowd" D(rot% te sed" So """ it wo('d *e tod%!"""" Ne)er o e to t%'k -ore th% he eeded to" B'%,kh% d e ded this r%''!i & s$ee,h with+ /Let (s &o</ The Horde s(r&ed forw%rd e%&er'!+ ,(rio(s % d e.,ited *! B'%,kh% d0s words" D(rot% 'ooked 3(i,k'! %t Dr%k%+ who -ere'! odded her s($$ort of his $'% " The + for,i & his he%)! feet to -o)e+ he fo''owed+ ,%(&ht ($ i the tide" There w%s % %rrow+ stee$ $%th th%t 'ed $%rtw%! ($ the s-ok! -o( t%i to % '%r&e $'%te%(" It 'ooked to D(rot% %s if % ,h( k of the -o( t%i side h%d *ee ,(t %w%! with % ,'e% sword strike+ so ( %t(r%''! $erfe,t w%s it" His ski ,r%w'ed %t the tho(&ht" 1er! 'itt'e th%t ,%-e i to his 'ife these d%!s w%s %t(r%'+ it see-ed" Three '%r&e s'%*s of *'%,k+ $o'ished sto e '%! i % row+ $%rti%''! e-*edded i the soi'" The!were *e%(tif('+ *(t si ister %t the s%-e ti-e" The ores were we%rBD %fter the 'o & ,'i-* i the hot s( we%ri & f('' %r-or % d ,%rr!i & we%$o s % d s($$'ies+ % d D(rot% wo dered wh%t the 'o&i, *ehi d this w%s" There see-ed 'itt'e $oi t i e.h%(sti & the w%rriors *efore the *%tt'e" Perh%$s the %tt%,k wo('d ,o-e '%ter+ o the -orrow whe the! were rested" To D(rot% 0s s(r$rise+ o ,e e)er!o e h%d &%thered % d 3(ieted+ it w%s ot B'%,kh% d who %ddressed the-+ *(t G('0d% " /It w%s ot so )er! 'o & %&o+/ G('0d% s%id+ /th%t we were % s,%ttered $eo$'e" We ,%-e to&ether o '! twi,e % !e%r+ % d the o '! to si & % d d% ,e % d dr(- % d h( t"/ He s%id the words i % )oi,e dri$$i & with ,o te-$t" D(rot% 'ooked dow " For ,e t(ries+ the ,'% s h%d ,o-e to&ether %t the Kosh0h%r& festi)%'" It w%s ot so-ethi & foo'ish+ %s G('0d% 0s to e of )oi,e i-$'ied+ *(t so-ethi & s%,red % d $owerf('" It w%s wh%t h%d ke$t the ,'% s fro- %tt%,ki & o e % other" B(t it -i&ht h%)e *ee % 'ifeti-e %&o+ *! the w%! the ores %ro( d hi- re%,ted" The!+ too+ &r( ted i dis%$$ro)%'+ shook their we%$o s fier,e'!+ % d 'ooked %sh%-ed" E)e those %-o & the- who h%d *ee the sh%-% " /Now+ 'ook %t (s< We st% d sho('der to sho('der+ ,'% *! ,'% " L%(&hi & Sk('' e.t to Dr%&o -%w+ Th( d,r'ord e.t to W%rso &+ %'' ( der the stro &+ i si&htf(' 'e%dershi$ $ro)ided *! B'%,kh% d9who- !o( h%)e ,hose to ( if! !o(" For B'%,kh% d</ A ,heer we t ($" D(rot% % d Dr%k% did ot $%rti,i$%te" /# der his shrewd &(id% ,e+ % d with the *'essi &s of the *ei &s who h%)e ,hose to %''! with (s+ we h%)e &row stro &" We h%)e &row $ro(d" We h%)e %d)% ,ed f(rther i ski''s % d te,h o'o&! i the '%st two !e%rs th% we h%)e i two ,e t(ries" The thre%t th%t o ,e 'oo-ed o)er (s h%s *ee *roke + % d it wi'' t%ke o '! % fi %' $(sh to see it fore)er ,r(shed" B(t first"" " first+ we wi'' $'ed&e o(rse')es to this ,%(se % d re,ei)e *'essi &s i ret(r "/ He *e t % d he'd ($ % str% &e ,h%'i,e" It 'ooked to *e ,%r)ed fro- the hor of so-e ,re%t(re+ *(t D(rot% h%d e)er see e)e % ,'efthoof s$ort so '%r&e % hor " Too+ it w%s ,(r)ed % d !e''owed" Str% &e &'!$hs h%d *ee i s,ri*ed o it+ % d %s the i&ht ,'osed i %ro( d the-+ the i s,ri$tio s see-ed to &'ow f%i t'!" Wh%te)er the ,($ ,o t%i ed &'owed %s we''" As G('0d% he'd it *efore hi-+ % eerie !e''ow8 &ree 'i&ht 'it his f%,e fro- *e e%th+ ,%sti & &rotes3(e sh%dows" /This is the C($ of # it!+/ G('0d% s%id i % re)ere t )oi,e" /This is the Ch%'i,e of Re*irth" I offer this to the 'e%der of e)er! ,'% + % d he i t(r -%! offer it to % !o e i his ,'% who- he wishes $%rti,('%r'! *'essed *! the *ei &s who h%)e *ee so )er!+ )er! &ood to (s" Who wi'' ,o-e forth first+ to $'ed&e his 'o!%'t! % d re,ei)e his *'essi &s6/ G('0d% t(r ed % 'itt'e to his ri&ht+ tow%rd B'%,kh% d" The other or, &ri ed % d o$e ed his -o(th to s$e%k whe % s%)%&e+ f%-i'i%r )oi,e re t the i&ht %ir" ,o, D(rot% tho(&ht" ,o ."" ot him.... Dr%k%0s h% d ,'%-$ed dow h%rd o D(rot% 0s %r-" /Wi'' !o( w%r hi-6/ D(rot% 0s thro%t worked" He ,o('d ot s$e%k" He shook his he%d: ,o. O ,e+ he h%d ,o( ted the s'e der *(t i-$osi & or, who strode *o'd'! forw%rd %s % frie d" B(t he ,o('d ot risk re)e%'i & th%t he k ew wh%t w%s &oi & o " Not e)e for Gro- H,''s,re%-" The ,hieft%i of the W%rso & ,'% h%d -%de his w%! thro(&h the ,rowd to st% d i fro t of G('0d% " B'%,kh% d 'ooked % *it $(t o(t %t H,''s,re%-" C'e%r'!+ *oth G('0d% % d B'%,kh% d h%d % ti,i$%ted th%t the W%r,hief wo('d dri k first" G('0d% 0s -o(th 3(irked i % s-i'e" /E)er o e to sei5e the -o-e t+ de%r Gro-"/ he s%id+ *owi & % 'itt'e %s he h% ded the ,($ fi''ed with the swir'i & &ree f'(id to Gro-" W%)es of he%t % d 'i&ht rose ($ fro- the ,h%'i,e+ % d Gro-0s f%,e9%'re%d! de,or%ted to i s$ire fe%r i his e e-ies % d res$e,t fro- his %''ies9'ooked e)e -ore %'%r-i &" Gro- did ot hesit%te" He *ro(&ht the ,($ to his 'i$s % d dr% k dee$'!" D(rot% w%t,hed+ str%i i & to see the re%,tio " Perh%$s+ %fter %''" the 'etter h%d ot *ee se t *! so-eo e who wished hi- &ood4 $erh%$s it h%d *ee % tr%$9 G('0d% *%re'! h%d ti-e to t%ke the ,h%'i,e fro- Gro- *efore the other or, stiffe ed % d sh(ddered" He do(*'ed o)er for % -o-e t+ % d the ,rowd -(r-(red i worr!" D(rot% st%red+ horrified+ %s Gro-0s h( ,hed8o)er *od! $('s%ted % d 3(i)ered" Before his e!es+ Gro-0s sho('ders+ s'e der for % ore0s+ *ro%de ed" His %r-or ,re%ked %s it sett'ed o)er this ew'! $owerf(' *od!" S'ow'!+ Gro- str%i&hte ed" T%'' %s e)er he h%d *ee + resh%$ed *! the &ree 'i3(id to *e stro &er % d thi,k'! -(s,'ed+ he 'ooked o(t o)er the ,rowd" Wh%t D(rot% ,o('d see of his f%,e w%s s-ooth % d he%'th! % d+ s%)e for the t%ttooed 2%w " " " ,o-$'ete'! &ree " Gro- threw his he%d *%,k % d shrieked %&%i " The ,r! w%s 'o(der th% D(rot% h%d e)er he%rd it" It w%s %'-ost 'ike % k ife -%de of so( d th%t ri$$ed thro(&h o e0s *od! % d 'eft o e sh%ttered % d *'eedi &" D(rot% ,o)ered his ,%rs+ %s did e%r'! e)er!o e e'se+ *(t he ,o('d ot te%r his &%5e fro- Gro-0s f%,e" Gro-0s e!es ow &'owed red" /How do !o( fee'+ Gro- H,''s,r,%-+ of the W%rso & ,'% 6/ %sked G('0d% with % $e,('i%r -i'd ess" Gro-0s e.$ressio of e,st%s! w%s so kee it w%s %'-ost $%i + % d he see-ed to &ro$e for words" /I fe,i""" -%& ifi,e t< I fee'"""/ He *roke off % d s,re%-ed % third ti-e+ %s if o '! the $ri-%' ,r! wo('d do" /Gi)e -e dr%e ei f'esh to te%r % d ri$< Dr%e ei *'ood o -! f%,e""" I wi'' dri k it dow ( ti' I ,% ho'd o -ore< 0ive me their blood2" His ,hest he%)ed with the $%ssio of his e-otio s+ his fists ,'e ,hi & % d ( ,'e ,hi &" He 'ooked $re$%red to %tt%,k % e tire ,it! with othi & *(t his *%re h% ds """ % d D(rot% tho(&ht he wo('d wi th%t *%tt'e" H,''s,r,%- -otio ed to his ,'% " /1oi,es of the W%rso &< Co-e forth< Not % o e of !o( wi'' *e de ied this e,st%s!</

The W%rso & w%rriors r(shed forw%rd+ %'' e%&er to fee' wh%t their ,hieft%i w%s fee'i &" The ,($ w%s $%ssed %ro( d+ % d o e *! o e" the! dr% k" E%,h o e sh(ddered for % -o-e t i dee$ $%i 4 e%,h o e $%ssed thro(&h th%t $%i to %$$%re t de'i&ht % d o*)io(s'! i ,re%sed stre &th" A d the e!es of e)er! o e who dr% k t(r ed % *'%5i & red" B'%,kh% d w%t,hed+ his frow i ,re%si &" Whe the '%st of the W%rso &s h%d dr( k fro- the ,($+ he &r( ted" /I wi'' dri k</ he de-% ded+ sei5i & the ,($ % d swi&&i & dow % &re%t &('$" B'%,kh% d ,'(t,hed his thro%t for % -o-e t+ *(t st%!ed ,o-$'ete'! si'e t whi'e wh%te)er d%rk -%&i, w%s i the ,($ did its he''ish d(t!" He h%d re-o)ed his %r-or+ % d the -(s,'es ri$$'i & % d &rowi & *e e%th his t%(t &ree ski were ,'e%r'! )isi*'e" Red e!es &'owed whe he fi %''! 'ooked ($" He -otio ed to his so s+ % d ;%i- % d Re d sho)ed other ores $erf( ,tori'! o(t of their w%! %s the! r(shed forw%rd" D(rot% s%w Grise'd%+ B'%,kh% d0s o '! d%(&hter+ hesit%te *efore she+ too+ ste$$ed ($ to dri k" B'%,kh% d s eered %t her" /Not !o(+/ he s %r'ed" Gris,'d% drew *%,k %s if str(,k" D(rot% + who h%d %'w%!s *ee fo d of the &ir'+ *re%thed % si&h of re'ief" B'%,kh% d i te ded to sh%-e her" I ste%d+ he w%s ( witti &'! &i)i & her % &re%t &ift" B'%,kh% d -otio ed to Or&ri-" /Co-e+ frie d Or&ri-< Dri k with -e</ E)e ow+ e)e %s his *est % d o'dest frie d w%s *ei & s(--o ed to dri k the d%rk 'i3(id+ D(rot% ,o('d ot s$e%k" B(t th% kf(''!+ he did ot eed to" Or&ri- *owed his he%d" /;! ,hieft%i " I wi'' ot t%ke th%t &'or! fro- !o(" I %- !o(r se,o d+ ot ,hieft%i + % d I do ot seek th%t $ositio "/ D(rot% s%&&ed with re'ief" Or&ri- s%w wh%t D(rot% h%d see + e)e tho(&h he w%s ot $ri)! to the i for-%tio D(rot% h%d *ee &i)e " He w%s ot % foo'" He ow ed his ow so('+ % d he wo('d ot s(rre der it for the sort of $ower th%t r%,ked the *od! % d -%de the e!es *(r with s(,h % si ister &'e%-" Now the other ,'% ,hieft%i s 'i ed ($+ % .io(s for this *'essi & th%t h%d so e.,ited two of their -ost f%-o(s % d res$e,ted ,hieft%i s" D(rot% did ot -o)e" Drek7Th%r 'e% ed i % d whis$ered+ /;! ,hieft%i 9do !o( ot wish the *'essi &6/ D(rot% shook his he%d" /No" Nor wi'' I $er-it % ! of -! ,'% to dri k"/ Drek7Th%r *'i ked+ sho,ked" /B(t" " " D(rot% + it is o*)io(s th%t this dri k &r% ts &re%t $ower % d $%ssio < Yo( wo('d *e % foo' ot to dri k it</ D(rot% shook his he%d+ re,%''i & the ,o te ts of the 'etter" He h%d *ee ske$ti,%' %t first4 ow he w%s ,ert%i " /I wo('d *e % foo' if I did+/ he s%id 3(i,d!+ % d whe Drek7Th%r tried to $rotest+ he si'e ,ed the for-er sh%-% with % 'ook" # *idde % d ( e.$e,ted+ words fro- the dr%e ei $ro$het 1e'e f'o%ted *%,k to D(rot% : We chose not to sell our people into slavery, and for that we were e%iled. D(rot% k ew i his *o es th%t o ,e the ores h%d dr( k fro- this ,h%'i,e+ their wi'' w%s o 'o &er theirs" G('7d% w%s doi & e.%,t'! wh%t the 'e%ders o die dr%e ei0s ho-e wor'd h%d do e" He h%d so'd his $eo$'e i to s'%)er!" Histor! w%s re$e%ti & itse'f4 ow it w%s D(rot% who defied his 'e%ders for the s%ke of his $eo$'e" Perh%$s he % d his ,'% + 'ike the dr%e ei+ wo('d soo *e /e.i'ed o es"/ It did ot -%tter" Wh%t he w%s doi & w%s ri&ht" He re%'i5ed th%t ow %'' the ,hieft%i s s%)e he h%d dr( k+ % d the -o-e t he h%d dre%ded w%s ($o hi-" G('0d% w%)ed hi- forw%rd" /The -i&ht! D(rot% < The hero of Te'-or</ D(rot% for,ed his f%,e to re-%i sti''" /Co-e % d 2oi with the other ,hieft%i s" Dri k !o(r fi'' fro- the ,h%'i,e</ /N%!+ G('0d% + I wi'' ot do so"/ I the 'i&ht of the tor,hes" D(rot% ,o('d see th%t % -(s,'e twit,hed e%r G('0d% 0s ri&ht e!e+ /Yo( ref(se6 Do !o( thi k !o( %re *etter th% the others6 Do !o( thi k !o( do ot eed the *'essi &6/ The other ,hieft%i s were frow i & ow" their *re%thi & '%*ored %s if the! h%d *ee r( i &+ their *rows &'iste i & with swe%t" D(rot% did ot rise to the *%it" /It is -! ,hoi,e"/ /Perh%$s others i !o(r ,'% fee' differe t'!+/ G('0d% s%id+ swee$i & his %r-s to i ,'(de the Frostwo'f ,'% i his e.$% si)e ,ss" /Wi'' !o( 'et the- dri k+ the 6/ /No" I %- die ,hieft%i of die Frostwo'f ,'% " A d this is wh%t I ,hoose"/ G('0d% ste$$ed dow fro- the o*sidi% s'%* % d strode to D(rot% " He 'e% ed i % d whis$ered i the ,hieft%i 0s ,%r" /Wh%t do !o( k ow % d how did !o( k ow it6/ It w%s o do(*t -e% t to *e % i ti-id%ti & &est(re+ *(t i ste%d D(rot% w%s fi''ed with ew ho$e" G('0d% fe't thre%te ed" B(t i ste%d of se di & % %ss%ssi i the i&ht to dis$%t,h so-eo e he re&%rded %s % i ,o )e ie ,e+ he w%s tr!i & to *(''! D(rot% i to s(*-issio " He h%d 2(st ,o fir-ed the tr(th of the ,o te ts of the -!sterio(s 'etter+ % d re)e%'ed th%t he h%d o ide% who its %(thor w%s" D(rot% re%'i5ed he ,o('d s(r)i)e this % d sti'' $rote,t his ,'% " He s%id+ e3(%''! 3(iet'!+ /I k ow e o(&h" A d !o( wi'' e)er dis,o)er how I 'e%r ed it"/ G('0d% $(''ed *%,k % d for,ed % s-i'e" /It is i deed !o(r ,hoi,e+ D(rot% + so of G%r%d" A d if !o( ,hoose to de ! !o(rse'f s(,h % *'essi &+ the !o( -(st *e%r the ,o se3(e ,es"/ The words were do(*'e8ed&ed+ *(t D(rot% did 0t ,%re" A other d%!+ he -i&ht eed to worr! %*o(t wh%t G('0d% h%d $'% ed for hi-" B(t ot to i&ht" G('0d% ret(r ed to his $ositio % d ,ried o(t to the ,rowd" /A'' who wish the *'essi & of the -i&ht! Ki'02%ede + o(r *e ef%,tor+ h%)e re,ei)ed it" Thi k of this $'%,e %s h%''owed &ro( d+ for here the ores took ste$s to *e,o-e so-ethi & f%r &re%ter di% wh%t we were *or %s" Thi k of this -i&ht! -o( t%i %s Ki'72%ede 0s thro e+ where he sits % d w%t,hes % d *'esses (s %s we do work th%t wi'' $(r&e (s sti'' f(rther of % !thi & other th% the *est of whi,h we %re ,%$%*'e"/ He ste$$ed *%,k % d odded to B'%,kh% d" His e!es &'owi & red+ his %r-or ,%t,hi & the f'i,keri & of the tor,hes+ B'%,kh% d 'ifted his %r-s % d ,ried+ /To i&ht We -%ke histor!" To i&ht We %tt%,k the '%st re-%i i & stro &ho'd of o(r e e-!" We wi'' te%r 'i-*s fro- *odies" We wi'' *%the i *'ood" We wi'' stor- thro(&h the streets of their ,%$it%' 'ike their worst i&ht-%re" B'ood % d th( der< 1i,tor! to the Horde</ D(rot% st%red" To i&ht6 There h%d *ee o str%te&! dis,(ssed" This w%s ot so-e 'itt'e h%-'et or )i''%&e B'%,kh% d w%s t%'ki & %*o(t+ *(t the dr%e ei ,%$it%'" This w%s their $'%,e of '%st ref(&e+ % d he w%s ,ert%i the! wo('d fi&ht -ore fier,e'! th% the! h%d e)er *efore+ 'ike ,or ered % i-%'s" He re,%''ed the h(&e e &i es of w%r th%t h%d *ee *(i't+ % d k ew th%t B'%,kh% d h%d ordered the- -o)ed9where+ either D(rot% or the others k ew" ;%d ess" This w%s -%d ess"

A d %s he 'ooked %t the s,re%-i & *odies s(rro( di & hi-+ their e!es %'' twi $i $ri,ks of ,ri-so 'i&ht+ he re%'i5ed th%t the word w%s tr(er th% he tho(&ht" Those who h%d dr( k fro- the t%i ted ,($ h%d i deed &o e -%d" Gro- H,''s,r,%- d% ,ed ,'oser to the fire+ w%)i & his ew'! -(s,('%r %r-s % d throwi & his he%d *%,k+ the fire'i&ht d% ,i & o o ,e8*row ski th%t h%d ow t(r ed &ree " D(rot% + si,k % d d%5ed with horror+ 'ooked i to &'owi & red e!es th%t were so %ki to those of the e s'%)ed ,re%t(res the w%r'o,ks ,o--% ded4 th%t &ree ski + the s%-e &ree h(e th%t w%s %'re%d! t%i ti & the ski s of the w%r'o,ks+ 'ike Gh( + w%s e)e st%rti & to t%i t D(rot% 0s ow ski % d th%t of the o e he 'o)ed with %'' his he%rt" He tho(&ht of the ,o te ts of the 'etter+ writte i % %r,h%i, to &(e th%t few *(t the hi&h'! ed(,%ted9 the sh%-% % d the ,'% 'e%ders9wo('d k ow: (ou will be asked to drink. 4efuse. It is the blood of twisted souls, and it will twist yours and those of all who imbibe. It will enslave you forever. By the love of all we once held dear, refuse. The % ,ie t '% &(%&e h%d % si &'e word for /twisted so('s" These were the thi &s th%t were he'd i ,he,k *! the w%r'o,k0s wi''+ *(t 2(st *%re'!" The f'(id th%t h%d $%ssed the 'i$s of those D(rot% h%d ,%''ed *oth frie d % d foe h%d *ee the *'ood of o e s(,h" A d D(rot% w%t,hed %s the twisted so('s th%t the ores ow were so-ehow *o( d to d% ,ed i s% e'! i the tor,h'i&ht *efore r%,i & dow the -o( t%i s to r( + f(e'ed with ( %t(r%' r%&e % d e er&!+ to %tt%,k the -ost fortified ,it! this wor'd h%d e)er see " Twisted so('s" "ae#mons. De-o s"

TWENTY
I have spoken to many who were there at the destruction of the city of 'hattrath. When I ask them about the event, their minds are clouded and their recall is poor. :ven "rek#Thar, who remembers so much with astonishing clarity, stammers and hesitates when asked to recall the details. It is as though with demonic blood fresh in their mouths, those who drank can remember only the fury they felt and not what they did in its grasp. .nd even those who did not drink, that small handful of which "rek#Thar is a member 9even they cannot summon the details to mind. It is as if such an atrocity was so horrific that it wants to be forgotten. That some draenei survived the assault is not in doubt! I have seen the sad, pathetic things that were once the glorious draenei with my own eyes, wandering forlornly here in .&eroth, soft and shattered, crying for home. These "lost ones" are to be pitied. 'o it is that this account is vague, and I regret it. 'uch a moment, dark though it may be, should not be forgotten or glossed over. But such is the chronicler#s challenge. The ores ,h%r&ed dow the tr%i'+ *(r i & with % fer%' eed to destro!" So-e were so o)erf'owi & with r%&e % d h%tred th%t the! took swi$es %t the )er! ro,ks %s the! $%ssed the-" So i, *e''owed their f(r!" Others were &ri-'!+ de%th'! si'e t+ %'' their e er&ies ,o t%i ed % d si--eri &+ re%d! to *e re'e%sed %t the $ro$er -o-e t" D(ri & th%t 'o & r( + D(rot% w%s -ore %fr%id of his ow $eo$'e9of i di)id(%'s th%t he h%d o ,e ,%''ed frie d9th% of % ! o&re wie'di & % ,'(* or % ! herd of t%'*(ks """ or % ! e r%&ed+ %tt%,ki & dr%e ei" He w%s ,o'd with swe%t+ sh%ki & i his *oots+ *(t ot fro- % ! fe%r for hi-se'f" His fe%r w%s for wh%t wo('d h%$$e e.t9 ot to the dr%e ei+ for their desti ! w%s s(re'! %'re%d! writte + *(t to the ores" He ,o('d ot *ri & hi-se'f i those -o-e ts %s the! were r( i & to Sh%ttr%th to ,%'' the- the Horde" At o e $oi t+ % horri*'e r(-*'i & k o,ked the- %'' off their feet" As the! ,'%-*ered ($ri&ht+ the! t(r ed % d 'ooked *%,k to where the! h%d ,o-e" It 'ooked %s if the -o( t%i h%d e.$'oded" Li3(id fire w%s *e',hed i to the i&ht sk!+ h(rt'i & ($w%rd+ the f%''i & % d s$'%tteri & dow the 2%&&ed $e%k8 It r%di%ted % d &'owed 'ike the de-o *'ood th%t the ores h%d 2(st dr( k+ tho(&h its h(e w%s or% &e8!e''ow % d ot % eerie &ree " ;ore % d -ore -o'te sto e w%s s$ewed fro- the -o( t%i " It w%s % &'orio(s+ -es-eri5i &+ % d horrifi, si&ht" The ores took it %s % si& + % d % ,heer er($ted fro- their r% ks" After % few -o-e ts of ,e'e*r%ti & %t the )er! -o( t%i + the Thro e of Ki'72%ede + *'essi & their e de%)or+ the! t(r ed % d ,o ti (ed their r%,e tow%rd s'%(&hter" A -i'e o(tside the ,it!+ the! s'owed" A %re% h%d *ee ,'e%red+ % d re,e t'! too+ % d for % -o-e t the first ores to %rri)e %t this site si-$'! st%red i ,o f(sio " This w%s where the! h%d *ee to'd to %sse-*'e4 this w%s where their w%r e &i es were s($$osed to h%)e *ee 3(%rtered" The + with o w%r i &+ so-ethi & -%teri%'i5ed ri&ht i fro t of their e!es" The ores drew *%,k+ hissi &" The i the f%,e of %'' s% it! % d 'o&i,+ the! st%rted s %r'i & %t the h(&e *ei &" It towered o)er the-+ three ti-es t%''er th% the t%''est o&re+ red fro- its ,'o)e hoo)es to the ti$ of its '%shi & t%i'+ fro- its 2(tti & hor s to its sh%r$ *'%,k %i's" Its si5e w%s 'ike othi & the! h%d e)er see + *(t its sh%$e " " " D(rot% st%red %t it+ thi ki & th%t it 'ooked 'ike othi & so -(,h %s % &i&% ti,+ ,ri-so 8ski ed dr%e ei" The s(dde re%'i5%tio th%t the ores h%d *ee $'( &ed i to % $erso %' ,o f'i,t th%t sho('d e)er h%)e ,o ,er ed the- ,r%shed o)er hi- 'ike % tid%' w%)e" /Yo( h%)e othi & to fe%r % d e)er!thi & to ,e'e*r%te+ !o( who h%)e swor !o(r %''e&i% ,e to -e</ it ,ried+ its )oi,e $e etr%ti & to the )er! *o e+ /I %- Ki'02%ede + the Be%(tif(' O e+ the o e who h%s *ee with !o( si ,e the *e&i i &" A d I %- with !o( ow %s !o( he%d to the -ost &'orio(s *%tt'e !et" O ,e+ the wi,ked dr%e ei $'otted %&%i st !o(+ hidi & % e tire ,it! fro- !o(r e!es" B(t !o( h%)e destro!ed th%t ,it!+ % d others+ % d )% 3(ished their te-$'e" A'' th%t re-%i s is this o e fi %' *%tt'e+ % d the the thre%t wi'' *e e'i-i %ted" /The &ree sto e th%t o ,e hid the ,it! of Te'-or fro- !o( ow hides their doo- fro- the-" -ehla men samir, solaylamaa kahl2" A d the i''(sio w%s dis$e''ed" Before the- were do5e s of ,%t%$('ts+ *%tteri & r%-s+ sie&e we%$o s of %'' )%rieties" St% di & *eside the e &i es of w%r were the o&res+ sti'' % d si'e t+ their st($id f%,es fi''ed with deter-i %tio " The! *ore we%$o s s(ited to their si5e+ % d D(rot% re%'i5ed th%t there were %t 'e%st three do5e of the- re%d! to fi&ht" The! -%de the h(&e we%$o s 'ook 'ike to!s" /There is -ore+ + + +/ Ki'72%ede s%id+ % d w%)ed his h% ds" The w%r'o,ks %'' ,ried o(t % d &r%s$ed their he%ds for % -o-e t+ the *'i ked % d &ri ed" /New s$e''s h%)e f'ooded !o(r -i ds" #se the- we''" T%ke the dr%e ei now2"

As if he h%d o$e ed % &%te+ the *'oodthirst! ores 'e%$ed i to -otio " So-e of the- -%de for the we%$o s *! whi,h % w%''ed ,it! wo('d f%''+ $(shi & the- forw%rd with % stre &th whi,h D(rot% h%d e)er *efore see the- dis$'%!" The o&res i--edi%te'! we t to the others+ -o)i & the e or-o(s'! he%)! we%$o s %t % *risk $%,e" Other ores were too f%r s( k i *'ood'(st+ % d si-$'! r%,ed forw%rd i the dire,tio of the ,it!" Wh%t the! wo('d do whe the! &ot there D(rot% did ot k ow+ *(t he % d his ,'% fo''owed d(tif(''!" The w%r -%,hi es $ro$e''ed *! the o&res % d the ores r(-*'ed ste%di'! o " B(t e)e *efore the! were -% e()ered i to $ositio + the w%''s th%t $rote,ted the ,it! were ( der %tt%,k" E or-o(s+ &ree 8&'owi & ro,ks fe'' fro- the sk! to s'%- i to the ,it!" Towers % d ,it%de's th%t h%d rise %*o)e the w%'' 'e)e' ,r%,ked % d sh%ttered+ % d the w%'' itse'f w%s st%rti & to ,r(-*'e i se)er%' $'%,es" B(t it w%s ot 2(st *o('ders f%''i & fro- the sk! th%t ,o-$rised the %tt%,k9it w%s wh%t rose fro- the- o ,e the! h%d '% ded" ;o)i & de'i*er%te'! *(t with si,ke i & s$eed+ ,re%t(res th%t %$$e%red -%de of the s%-e &'owi & &ree sto e &ot to their feet % d ,h%r&ed" The! h%--ered %t the w%''+ 2oi ed ow *! -ore -( d% e sto es h(r'ed *! the ,%t%$('ts % d h(&e tree tr( ks r%--ed i to the &re%t &%te door" Two o&res were $o( di & o the door with their ,'(*s+ % d the ti-*er sh(ddered" Fro- withi + D(rot% ,o('d he%r ,ries of f(r! % d horror %s the dr%e ei tried to *%tt'e the ,re%t(res9/i f,r %'s+/ %s he he%rd o e w%r'o,k refer to the-" ;ost of the w%r'o,ks were (si & these ew ser)% ts+ *(t % few sti'' h%d the s-%''er+ -ore f%-i'i%r ,re%t(res o*e!i & their ,o--% ds" The ,it! ,o('d ot '%st 'o & ( der s(,h % %ss%('t" With % -i&ht! ,r%sh+ % e tire se,tio of sto e w%'' ,r(-*'ed" The tide of ,r%5ed ores % d *e''owi & o&res sw%r-ed thro(&h the *ree,h th(s ,re%ted+ shrieki & % d swi &i & we%$o s" D(rot% re-%i ed where he w%s+ rooted to the e%rth+ w%t,hi & %s the ores fo(&ht % d ki''ed % d died" The r%&e % d f(r! he h%d see the- dis$'%! *efore i the thi,k of *%tt'e w%s othi & ,o-$%red to wh%t he s%w ow" There w%s o str%te&!+ o %tte-$t %t defe se+ o ,%''s for retre%t whe retre%t w%s e,ess%r!" This w%s othi & -ore th% -(rder % d s'%(&hter+ de%'i & de%th % d re,ei)i & it+ st($id'! r(shi & i to de%d e ds where tr%$s h%d *ee '%id" S(,h w%s to *e e.$e,ted fro- the o&res+ % d %s the! fe'' he%)i'!+ *'ood stre%-i & fro- their *odies+ D(rot% did ot -o(r the-" B(t the ores " " " the! were *e!o d ,%ri & %*o(t % !thi & *(t the se s%tio of their ow *'ood si &i & i their )ei s % d the *%tt'e ,ries $o(ri & fro- their thro%ts" Do5e s " " " o+ o+ hundreds wo('d die this i&ht" The ,%s(%'ties wo('d re der the ,it! ( 'i)%*'," Co-e s( rise+ *'(e % d &ree *odies wo('d 'itter the streets" B(t for ow+ it w%s ,%r %&e % d ,h%os % d the )er! de$ths of i s% it!" D(rot% sw( & his %.e *e,%(se it w%s fi&ht or die+ % d e)e ow+ e)e tho(&h he k ew his $eo$'e were o % d%rk ro%d+ he did ot wish de%th" Ki'72%ede % d ;% oroth stood to&ether+ w%t,hi & the &ree -eteors th%t ho(sed i f,r %'s ,r%shi & to the e%rth" /The! sw%r'ike i se,ts+/ &r( ted ;% oroth" Ki'72%ede odded+ $'e%sed" /I deed" It is *e%(tif(' to w%t,h+ I %- we'' $'e%sed"/ /Wh%t e.t6/ Ki'72%ede t(r ed e!es of -i'd s(r$rise o his 'ie(te % t" /Ne.t6 There is o e.t+ %t 'e%st ot here" The ores h%)e f('fi''ed -! $(r$ose" The! *(r with !o(r *'ood+ -! frie d" It wi'' ,o s(-e the- e)e t(%''! ( 'ess the! h%)e % o(d,t for it" % d th%t o(t'et is o '! to *e fo( d i s'%(&hteri & e)er! '%st dr%e ei o the f%,e of this wor'd"/ He w%t,hed %s fire 2oi ed the &'owi & &ree h(e i the dist% ,e" /It is we'' th%t !o( %re do e here+/ ;% oroth s%id" /Ar,hi-o de -(tters th%t !o( %re w%sti & ti-e+ % d o(r -%ster wishes (s e'sewhere"/ Ki'72%ede si&hed" /Yo( s$e%k the tr(th" S%r&er%s h( &ers+ % d he h%s *ee )er! $%tie t with -," I do re&ret o e thi &9th%t I wo 0t *e w%t,hi & %s the! &(t 1e'e " Ah we''" E o(&h to k ow th%t it h%$$e ed" Let (s 'e%)e this $'%,e"/ He &est(red+ % d *oth he % d his 'ie(te % t dis%$$e%red" /Wh%t do !o( -e% + he w%s ot there6/ G('0d% shrieked" This ,o('d ot *e" /Wh%t I s%id+/ B'%,kh% d &row'ed" /We s,o(red the ,it!" 1e'e w%s owhere to *e fo( d"/ /Perh%$s % o),r,%&,r &r( t fo( d hi- first % d -(ti'%ted the *od!+/ G('0d% s%id er)o(s'!" This w%s ot &ood ews" He h%d i str(,ted B'%,kh% d to fi d the ,or$se of the $ro$het 1e'e % d *ri & the dr%e ei0s he%d to G('0d% " It w%s to *e % $rese t to Ki'72%ede " /Possi*'e" E)e 'ike'!+/ B'%,kh% d s%id" /B(t fro- wh%t !o( to'd -,+ e)e if his *od! h%d *ee h%,ked to $ie,es+ he ,o('d ot h%)e *ee -ist%ke for % ordi %r! dr%e ei"/ G('0d% shook his he%d+ fee'i & worried % d s'i&ht'! si,k" The dr%e ei h%d *'(e ski % d *'%,k h%ir" 1e'e + their $ro$het+ h%d $%'e white ski % d white h%ir" As 'o & %s % $ie,e of his ski re-%i ed who'e+ he ,o('d *e ide tified" /Yo( s,o(red the ,it!6/ B'%,kh% d0s *rows drew to&ether" /I to'd !o( we did+/ he s%id d%rk'!" His *re%th st%rted to 3(i,ke % d his e!es t(r ed e)e redder %s % &er rose i hi-" G('0d% odded" Besotted tho(&h the ores were *! *'ood'(st+ the! wo('d ot h%)e f%i'ed to se%r,h for the *od! -ost ,o)eted *! their 'e%der" The rew%rd wo('d *e too &re%t+ the % &er if it were o)er'ooked % d dis,o)ered i%',rtoo '(rio(s" So-ehow+ 1e'e h%d es,%$ed" Th%t -e% t th%t there were $ro*%*'! other dr%e ei o(t there" I % s(dde $% i, th%t -%de his he%rt r%,e+ he wo dered 2(st how -% ! he h%d 'et s'i$ thro(&h his fi &ers " " " % d where i this wide+ wide wor'd the! h%d &o e" O ,e 1e'e h%d h%d % e tire te-$'e+ fi''ed with %,o'!tes % d $riests % d ser)% ts+ i whi,h to -edit%te % d $r%!" Now+ he w%s i % s-%'' roo-+ o e of o '! % h% df(' who e)e h%d their ow roo-" He he'd the )io'et ,r!st%' i his h% d % d te%rs $o(red si'e t % d ( heeded dow his f%,e" He w%t,hed the f%'' of the ,it!" He h%d w% ted to st%!+ to 'e d his ow ot i ,o sider%*'e -%&i, to the fr%!+ *(t th%t $%th wo('d h%)e -e% t de%th9 ot -ere'! his ow + *(t th%t of his $eo$'e" The! did ot eed % -%rsh%' ow" The or,s+their s!ste-s $er-e%ted with de-o i, *'ood+ *(r ed with % '(st for ki''i & th%t wo('d ot *e s%ted e)e if the! s'ew e)er! '%st dr%e ei i Dr%, or+ wo('d e)er *e s%ted ( ti' de%th stiffe ed their ,or$ses" Ki'72%ede 0s % d S%r&er%s0s B(r i & Le&io of de-o i, for,es ow ed the- ow" The ores h%d (-*ers+ o&res+ w%r'o,ks+ % d % f(r!th%t wo('d t%ke the- $h!si,%''! % d e-otio %''! to $'%,es where o r%tio %' -i d wo('d d%re tr%)e'" There w%s othi & 1e'e ,o('d do *(t 'et the ,it! f%''+ for there w%s othi & he ,o('d do th%t ,o('d $ossi*'! s%)e it" Nor ,o('d the ores *e s%)ed" The o '! f'i,ker of ho$e for the e)e t(%' rede-$tio of the Horde '%! i the si &'e ,'% who h%d ot dr( k the *'ood+ h%d ot -%de the $%,t+ whose -i ds % d he%rts were sti'' their ow " So-e ei&ht! or,s+% d th%t w%s %''" Ei&ht!+ to

st% d %&%i st o)er % do5e other ,'% s+ -ost -(,h '%r&er th% theB0+ whose W%r,hief w%s the worst of the- %''" The ores wo('d *e tre%ted %s -%dde ed *e%sts ow+ whe e)er % ! dr%e ei ,h% ,ed ($o the-4 thi &s to *e $(t dow 3(i,k'! % d -er,if(''!+ with the ( derst% di & th%t whi'e the ores did ot f(''! k ow wh%t the! did+ the! -(st die re&%rd'ess" 1e'e h%d w% ted to %*% do the ,it!+ to h%)e it st% di & e-$t! whe the ores des,e ded" W% ted to s%)e %s -% ! dr%e ei 'i)es %s he ,o('d" B(t L%rohir+ the 3(i,k8s$e%ki &+ i te''i&e t &e er%' who h%d s(,,eeded Rest%'%% %fter the '%tt,r0s -(rder+ h%d ,o )i ,ed hi- it wo('d ot work" /If there is % i s(ffi,ie t (-*er of dr%e ei to s'%(&hter+/ L%rohir h%d s%id+ his )oi,e soft % d ,o-$%ssio %te *(t !et h%rd %s stee'+ /the the '(st th%t ,o s(-es the- wi'' ot e)e *e s%ted te-$or%ri'!" The! wi'' sti'' h( &er % d ,%t,h o(r s,e t whi'e it is ew+ % d tr%,k (s dow " Those who f'ee wi'' die" The! -(st *e'ie)e th%t the! h%)e s'%i -ost of (s" A d i order for the- to *e'ie)e th%t""" it -(st *e tr(e"/ 1e'e h%d st%red i horror" /Yo( wo('d h%)e -e se d -! $eo$'e to k owi &'! *e s'%(&htered6/ /A'' *(t % h% df(' of (s k ow wh%t we f'ed o Ar&(s+/ s%id L%rohir" /We re-e-*er it" We re-e-*er wh%t Ki'72%ede did+ wh%t h%$$e ed to o(r $eo$'e" We wo('d9we wi''9h%$$i'! die to $reser)e e)e % h% df(' of o(r r%,e ( ,orr($t,d"/ 1e'e h%d 'ooked dow the + his he%rt %,hi &" /If the ores *e'ie)e the! h%)e s'%i (s+ e.,e$t for % tri)i%' h% df('+ the Ki'72%ede wi'' *e s%tisfied" He wi'' de$%rt"/ /The ores wi'' s(ffer &re%t'!+/ s%id L%rohir+ % d did ot 'ook dis$'e%sed" After wh%t the ores h%d do e to the dr%e ei re,e t'!+ 1e'e ,o('d ot *'%-e hi-" /The! wi''" A d I h%)e o do(*t th%t the! wi'' ,o ti (e to tr%,k (s dow "/ /B(t the -ethods the! (se to tr%,k % few do5e wi'' *e differe t th% if the! s(s$e,t there %re % few h( dred of (s re-%i i &+/ s%id L%rohir" /It is to o(r %d)% t%&e to %$$e%r %s s,%ttered % d he'$'ess %s $ossi*'e"/ 1e'e h%d 'ooked ($ %t L%rohir" h%( ted" /It is e%s! for !o( to s$e%k so" B(t the de,isio is ot !o(rs" It is -i e" I -(st *e the o e to s%!+ 0Yo(9!o( % d !o(r f%-i'! wi'' ,o-e with -e % d 'i)e" B(t !o(+ % d !o(+ % d !o(9!o( wi'' st%! *ehi d % d 'et de-o 8 ,r%5ed ores te%r !o( to $ie,es % d % oi t the-se')es with !o(r *'ood"D/ L%rohir s%id othi &" There w%s othi & to s%!" 1e'e h%d s$oke with e%,h of his $eo$'e he h%d ,hose to se d to die" He h%d e-*r%,ed the- % d *'essed the-4 he h%d t%ke ite-s th%t -e% t so-ethi & to the- % d $ro-ised to see th%t these thi &s s(r)i)ed" He h%d w%t,hed %s+ stoi, % d dr!8e!ed+ these w%'ki & de%d h%d re$%ired their %r-or % d sh%r$e ed their swords+ %s if the o(t,o-e w%s %,t(%''! i 3(estio " A d he h%d w%t,hed %s the! -%r,hed off+ si &i & the % ,ie t so &s+ to e ,'ose the-se')es *ehi d % w%''ed ,it! % d w%it for -%,e or %.e or s$e%r to e d their 'i)es" 1e'e ,o('d ot &o with the-" He h%d ( i3(e %*i'ities+ % d if the dr%e ei were to s(r)i)e+ he eeded to %s we''" B(t he h%d (sed the ,r!st%' to w%t,h e)er! -o-e t of the *%tt'e+ % d the $%i he fe't w%s s,%ri & % d !et $(rif!i &" Not o e of these $eo$'e wo('d h%)e died i )%i " The ores did ot k ow %*o(t the F% &%r-%rsh" The! h%d ot !et s iffed o(t this hidi & $'%,e+ % d if 1e'e h%d % !thi & to s%! %*o(t it+ the! e)er wo('d" Here+ the *est dr%e ei -i ds wo('d ,o ti (e to de)ise w%!s to h%r ess e er&ies % d dire,t the-+ to kee$ s%fe the h% df(' who h%d s(r)i)ed" Here+ the! wo('d re&ro($ % d re,o)er+ he%' % d w%it % d $r%! the! h%d %t '%st tri,ked Ki'72%ede the De,ei)er % d es,%$ed his terri*'e &%5e" The ores h%d ,%$t(red three of the sto es+ *(t 1e'e sti'' h%d fo(r: Fort( e0s S-i'e+ E!e of the Stor-+ Shie'd of the N%%r(+ % d+ of ,o(rse" S$irit0s So &+ A d %'tho(&h his 'i k with the N%%r( w%s te (o(s+ K7(re !et 'i)ed" E)e %s te%rs s$i''ed dow his white f%,e to dro$ o the s(rf%,e of the )io'et ,r!st%'+ e)e %s he &rie)ed the (tter'! tr%&i, 'oss of so -% ! 'i)es+ 1e'e + $ro$het of the dr%e ei+ fe't ho$e stirri & i side hi-"

TWENTY8ONE
We had lost everything by this point. We had abandoned balanceand harmony in our world, and thus the elements had abandoned us. "emons guarded the entrance to 5shu#gun, cutting us off from the ancestors. 5ur physical bodies and our very souls had become corrupted from the blood that, in their eagerness for power and strength, most of the ores had gladly imbibed. .nd then, then9when we had done all this to ourselves under the "guidance"of 0u(dan. -it#/aedenabandoned us. Thuscame what has been called the "ying Time. May its like never visit us again. /Wh%t do I do6/ G('0d% ,o('d ot *e'ie)e the words were ,o-i & fro- his ow 'i$s+ *(t he w%s so terrified th%t %d)i,e+ % ! %d)i,e+ see-ed *etter th% this si,k fe%r he 'i)ed with" Ner75h(' re&%rded hi- with ,o te-$t" /Yo( -%de this ,hoi,e"/ /It0s ot %s if !o( %re *'%-e'ess !o(rse'f</ G('0d% s %$$ed+ /Of ,o(rse ot" I -%de ,hoi,es for -!se'f+ for -! ow %d)% ,e-e t" B(t I e)er threw %w%! the f(t(re of -! $eo$'e9-! wor'd 9for it" Where is the $ower !o( were $ro-ised ow" G('0d% 6 The $ower th%t !o( *%rtered o(r $eo$'e for6/ G('0d% t(r ed %w%!+ tre-*'i &" There w%s o $ower+ % d Ner75h(' k ew it" whi,h w%s wh! his words *it so dee$'!" F%r fro- rew%rdi & his 'o!%' ser)% t with &'ories % d &odhood+ Ki'72%ede h%d si-$'! )% ished" A'' th%t w%s 'eft of his $rese ,e i this wor'd were the w%r'o,ks % d their de-o s+ % -%dde ed Horde+ % d % r%)%&ed '% d" ,o, he tho(&ht" No+ th%t w%s ot %'' th%t w%s 'eft" There w%s sti'' the Sh%dow Co( ,i'" There w%s sti'' B'%,kh% d" the ide%' $($$et $re,ise'! *e,%(se he did ot re%'i5e he w%s o e s(,h" A d whi'e the Horde w%s ow i f(sed with the *'ood of de-o s+ % d ,r%)ed )io'e ,e % d destr(,tio -ore th% -e%t % d dri k+ the! h%d ot &otte o(t of ,o tro'" At 'e%st+ ot !et" He wo('d s(--o the Co( ,i' to -eet i their *e%(tif(' B'%,k Te-$'e" Do(*t'ess theB0+ too+ wo('d *e se%r,hi & for w%!s to s%')%&e wh%t $ower w%s 'eft" Yes" There w%s sti'' the Sh%dow Co( ,i'" /The '% d is de%d+/ D(rot% s%id 3(iet'! %s he stood with his o'd frie d s(r)e!i & wh%t h%d o ,e *ee ),rd% t -e%dows % d foothi''s+ D(rot% s,(ffed %t the dirt with his *oot" Powder! s% d % d ro,k were re)e%'ed %s he ki,ked %w%! the de%d !e''ow &r%ss" Wi d+ o 'o &er *'o,ked *! trees+ whist'ed $%st the-"

Or&ri- s%id othi & for % 'o & ti-e" His e!es to'd hi- D(rot% w%s ri&ht" He 'ooked to the ri)er*ed where he % d D(rot% h%d sw(- i o e of their -% ! ,h%''e &es+ % d s%w o hi t th%t w%ter h%d e)er f'owed i it" Wh%t w%ter re-%i ed i the '% d w%s fi'th!+ ,'o&&ed with % i-%' ,or$ses % d sedi-e t" To dri k it w%s to risk i'' ess4 ot to dri k w%s to die" No w%ter+ o &r%sses" Here % d there were $'%,es th%t sti'' -% %&ed to s(r)i)e+ s(,h %s the Terokk%r forest+ % ,estors k ew how" The ores were &rowi & thi + for o &r%sses -e% t o herd % i-%'s" The '%st three !e%rs h%d see -ore or,ish de%ths frost%r)%tio % d dise%se th% fro- the *%tt'es %&%i st the dr%e ei+ /;ore th% the '% d is de%d"/ Or&ri- s%id %t '%st" His )oi,e w%s thi,k % d he%)!" He t(r ed to f%,e D(rot% " /How is the Frostwo'f0s &r%i s($$'!6/ To his e!es+ he % d D(rot% 'ooked &ree " Ne.t to others+ s(,h %s Gro- % d B'%,kh% d+ the! sti'' were -ore *row th% &ree + *(t the d%-%&e w%s *ei & do e+ D(rot% h%d theori5ed th%t it w%s the w%r'o,k $owers th%t were doi & this to the- % d their wor'd" Cert%i '! those who h%d dire,t'! dr( k wh%te)er $otio G('0d% h%d ,o ,o,ted for the- were % -ore )i)id h(e th% others" 'trange, Or&ri- tho(&ht" There w%s iro ! i th%t whi'e the '% d t(r ed *row whe it sho('d *e &ree + the ores t(r ed &ree whe the! sho('d *e *row + D(rot% &ri-%,ed" /Se)er%' *%rre's were sto'e i the %tt%,ks"/ /Whi,h ,'% 6/ /Sh%ttered H% d"/ Or&ri- odded" The Frostwo'f ,'% w%s *e%ri & the *r( t of the re,e t f'(rr! of %tt%,ks" After the Horde h%d t%ke Sh%ttr%th" si&hti &s of the dr%e ei h%d dwi d'ed" It h%d *ee % f('' si. -o ths si ,e % !o e h%d re$orted e)e &'i-$si & o e of the e'(si)e *'(e8ski ed *ei &s" 'et %'o e ki''i & o e+ D(rot% h%d -%de the Frostwo'f ,'% % ,'e%r t%r&et whe he ref(sed to dri k fro- the ,h%'i,e the i&ht Sh%ttr%th fe''" A d e)e *efore the + his re'(,t% ,e to %tt%,k the dr%e ei h%d ot &o e ( oti,ed" Now th%t the dr%e ei9the o '! fo,(s the ores h%d %s % o(t'et for their )%st'! i ,re%sed *'ood'(st9were *e,o-i & s,%r,e+ -% ! fe't th%t so-ehow D(rot% w%s res$o si*'e" Ne)er -i d th%t it w%s 3(ite 'ike'! th%t the dr%e ei h%d si-$'! *ee h( ted to e.ti ,tio 9th%t the i iti%' &o%' of wi$i & the- off the f%,e of the e%rth h%d *ee %,hie)ed" /I wi'' *ri & so-e the e.t ti-e I see !o(+/ Or&ri- s%id" /I wi'' ot t%ke ,h%rit!"/ /If -! ,'% were i !o(r $ositio + !o( wo('d *e%t -e e%r'! se se'ess % d sho)e the food dow -! thro%t r%ther th% 'et -e ref(se it+/ Or&ri- s%id" D(rot% '%(&hed % d see-ed s(r$rised th%t he did so" Or&ri- 'et hi-se'f &ri " For % -o-e t+ if he ,o('d i& ore the de%d '% d %ro( d the-+ the ( %t(r%' h(e of their ski s+ it w%s %s if the horrors of the i ter)e i & !e%rs h%d ot h%$$e ed" The D(rot% 0s '%(&hter f%ded+ % d die $rese t ret(r ed" /For the s%ke of the ,hi'dre " I wi'' %,,e$t it"/ He t(r ed his he%d+ %&%i 'ooki & o(t o)er the w%ste'% d" New %-es were ,ro$$i & ($9h%rsher %-es+ d%rker %-es" The Cit%de' w%s *e,o-i & k ow %s the H,''fir, Cit%de'+ the e tire %re% the H,''fir, Pe i s('%" /The destr(,tio of the dr%e ei wi'' 'e%d to th%t of the ores %s we'' if so-ethi & is ot do e+/ D(rot% s%id" /We %re t(r i & %&%i st e%,h other" Stoo$i & to ste%'i & food fro- the -o(ths of ,hi'dre *e,%(se the '% d is so wo( ded it ,% o 'o &er o(rish (s" The de-o s ,%$eri & %t die hee's of the w%r'o,ks ,% destro! % d tor-e t+ *(t the! ,% ot he%' or feed the st%r)i &"/ Or&ri- %sked i % 'ow )oi,e" /H%s % !o e " " " tried to work with the e'e-e ts6/ S(,h %,ti)ities were sti'' for*idde + *(t Or&rik ew th%t des$er%tio w%s ,%(si & so-e to rethi k the o'd w%!s+ D(rot% odded" /It w%s % f%i'(re" We h%)e *ee -et with sto ! si'e ,e" De-o s &(%rd Osh(0&( " We ,% fi d o ho$e there"/ /The " + " We %re fi ished+/ Or&ri- s%id 3(iet'!" He &'% ,ed dow %t his h%--er+ its sh%ft 'e% i & %&%i st his 'e& %s the! stood" He wo dered if the $ro$he,! of the Doo-h%--er w%s *ei & f('fi''ed e)e ow4 if he w%s trie '%st of his 'i e" H%d he %'re%d! *ro(&ht s%')%tio % d the doo- *! (si & this we%$o to dri)e the dr%e ei to e.ti ,tio 6 A d how ,o('d it $ossi*'! *e (sed ow to *ri & 2(sti,e6 Whe %'' w%s d!i & " " " how ,o('d e)er!thi & ,h% &e %&%i 6 The wi'' to s(r)i)e w%s $owerf('+ G('0d% tho(&ht %s he re%died hi-se'f for s'ee$" He h%d t%ke to s'ee$i & i the B'%,k Te-$'e+ i % roo- he h%d h%d redesi& ed s$e,ifi,%''! for hi-" I it" he $'%,ed i % rit(%'i5ed f%shio %'' the tri kets % d too's he eeded to $ro$er'! ,o--% d the de-o s he s(--o ed: sh%rds fro- dr%e ei so('s+ ,ert%i sto es for the '%r&er ,re%t(res+ $otio s to he'$ hi- kee$ his e er&! ($ whe it f'%&&ed" There were sk(''s+ too+ % d *o es+ % d other si& s of do-i % ,e" Cert%i her*s were *(r ed i ,o t%i ers+ their $( &e t or sweet %ro-% i d(,i & )isio s" It w%s to %2%r of s(,h th%t he t(r ed ow" He h%d 'it % s-%'' fire i % ,%('dro % d $er-itted the wood to *(r dow to &'owi & e-*ers" Ch% ti & soft'!+ G('0d% tossed the dried 'e%)es o the fire % d for,ed hi-se'f ot to ,o(&h %s the s,e t fi''ed the %ir" He we t to his *ed9he 'iked to thi k th%t $erh%$s this w%s the s%-e *ed ($o whi,h the 'o%thed 1e'e s'e$t whe he w%s i the te-$'e9% d 3(i,k'! fe'' %s'ee$" G('0d% dre%-ed+ %s he h%d ot do e si ,e Ki'02%ede 0s de$%rt(re" A d e)e whi'e i the str% &e+ d%rk $'%,e th%t w%s the )isio + he k ew it to *e tr(e" The )isio w%s th%t of % )%&(e'! or,8sh%$ed *ei &+ d%d i % 'o & ,'o%k th%t o*s,(red his f%,e" He w%s s'e der+ e)e -ore s'e der th% % or, fe-%'e+ *(t so-ehow G('0d% i--edi%te'! se sed th%t it w%s -%'e" De'i,%te'! *(i't %s he see-ed to G('0d% 0s e!es+ the se se of $ower th%t r%di%ted fro- the str% &er %'' *(t *(ffeted G('0d% " A shi)er shook hi-" Whe the str% &er s$oke i his -i d+ the )oi,e w%s -%s,('i e+ odd'! $'e%s% t+ % d $rofo( d'! ,o-$e''i &" /Yo( %re fee'i & %drift % d %'o e+/ s%id the str% &er" G('0d% odded+ ,%(tio(s % d e%&er %t the s%-e ti-e" /Ki'72%ede $ro-ised !o( $ower " " " stre &th " " " &odhood" Thi &s th%t !o(r wor'd h%s e)er e)e see +/ ,o ti (ed the s-ooth )oi,e fro- % -o(th th%t re-%i ed hidde i the sh%dow of the ,'o%k0s hood" The words ,%ressed G('0d% " '(''ed hi-+ % d fri&hte ed hi- %t the s%-e ti-e" B(t he fe't -ore % &r! th% fri&hte ed %s he s$oke" /He %*% do ed -e+/ G('0d% s%id" /He ,%(sed (s to r(i o(r wor'd+ % d the 'eft (s to die with it" If !o( ,o-e fro- hi-" the 9/ /N%!" %!+/ soothed the str% &er i th%t odd'! ,o-$e''i & )oi,e" /I ,o-e fro- o e e)e &re%ter+/ His e!es &'ittered+ dee$ withi the sh%dow of the hooded ,'o%k" /I ,o-e fro- """ his -%ster"/ G('0d% 0s ski $ri,k'ed" /His "" " -%ster6/

A d he fe'' *%,k %s his -i d w%s %ss%('ted with i-%&es: i-%&es of Ki'72%ede % d 1e'e % d Ar,hi-o de+ %s the! were 'o & %&o" He s%w the tr% sfor-%tio of the *ei &s k ow %s ered%r i to -o sters % d de-i&ods+ % d he se sed+ tho(&h e)er s%w" % &re%t $rese ,e *ehi d it %''" "'argeras2" He sti'' ,o('d ot see the str% &er0s f%,e+ *(t G('0d% k ew th%t he s-i'ed" /Yes" The o e who r('es o)er %''" The o e we ser)e" Yo( wi'' soo ( derst% d+ G('0d% + th%t destr(,tio % d o*'i)io %re *e%(tif(' % d $(re" Th%t it is the dire,tio i whi,h %'' thi &s -(st &o" Yo( ,% resist it % d *e destro!ed+ or %id it % d *e rew%rded"/ G%(tio(s'!+ sti'' worried %*o(t this ,'o%ked fi&(re % d his ho e!ed words+ G('0d% %sked+ /Wh%t is *ei & %sked of -e6/ /Yo(r $eo$'e %re d!i &+/ the fi&(re s%id *'( t'!" /There is othi & 'eft i this wor'd for the- to destro!" There is othi & 'eft for the- to s(r)i)e o " The! -(st &o e'sewhere" Where there is %-$'e food % d dri k+ % d worth! $re! to s'%(&hter" The ores h( &er ow for so+ so -(,h -ore th% food" Gi)e the- the *'ood the! ,r%)e"/ G('0d% %rrowed his e!es" /Th%t so( ds 'ike % rew%rd+ ot % t%sk to whi,h I %- set+/ he s%id" /It is *oth " " " *(t th%t is ot the o '! rew%rd -! -%ster offers" Yo( r('e the Sh%dow Co( ,i'+ % d !o( h%)e t%sted $ower" Yo( %re the &re%test w%r'o,k th%t e.ists %-o & !o(r $eo$'e+ % d !o( k ow how th%t fi''s !o(" I-%&i e if !o( were """ % &od"/ G('0d% tre-*'ed" S(,h h%d *ee $ro-ised *efore+ *(t so-ehow+ he k ew th%t this S%r&er%s w%s -(,h *etter %*'e to f('fi'' s(,h e.tr%)%&% t )ows" He tho(&ht o' e.te di & % h% d % d -%ki & the e%rth tre-*'e+ of ,'e ,hi & it h%rd % d sto$$i & % he%rt" He tho(&ht of the e!es of tho(s% ds tr%i ed ($o hi-+ their )oi,es r%w fro- sho(ti & his %-e" He tho(&ht of t%stes % d se s%tio s he ,o('d ot !et e)e i-%&i e+ % d his -o(th w%tered" /We h%)e % -(t(%' foe+/ the str% &er ,o ti (ed" /I wo('d see the- de%d" Yo( wo('d see !o(r $eo$'e s%ted with s'%(&hter % d ki''i &"/ A d ow G('0d% ,o('d -%ke o(t 2(st the *%rest hi t of fe%t(res+ of $%'e ski % d % thi 8'i$$ed -o(th fr%-ed *! *'%,k h%ir th%t ,(r)ed i % s-i'e" /It is % $%rt ershi$ th%t wo('d *e efit (s *oth"/ /I deed+/ G('0d% *re%thed" He re%'i5ed th%t he w%s -o)i & tow%rd the str% &er %s if dr%w + the sto$$ed % d %dded+ /*(t I ,% ot *e'ie)e th%t this is %'' !o( wo('d %sk of -,"/ The str% &er si&hed" /S%r&er%s wi'' &i)e !o( %'' this % d -ore" O '! """ he 'ies i-$riso ed" He eeds %ssist% ,e to es,%$e" His *od! is tr%$$ed i % % ,ie t to-*+ 'ost *e e%th % roi'i & o,e% of d%rk ess" He h( &ers for his freedo-+ the $ower th%t o ,e w%s his to e.$ress+ %s !o(r ores h( &er for *'oodshed+ %s !o( h( &er for $ower" Bri & !o(r ores i to this )erd% t+ ( s$oi'ed ew wor'd" Gi)e the- soft f'esh i to whi,h their %.es ,% *ite" Defe%t the de i5e s of this $'%,e+ stre &the !o(r $eo$'e+ % d with this )%st &ree tide of w%rriors 2oi -e i 'i*er%ti & o(r -%ster" His &r%tit(de9/ A&%i the s'! s-i'e+ the &'i t of white teeth i the *e%rd" A d %&%i th%t $owerf(' *(ffet of $ower+ -iti&%ted o '! *! the str% &er0s wi''" /0" " " We''" It is 'ike'! *e!o d e)e !o(r i-%&i i &s+ G('0d% "/ G('0d% ,o sidered" As he tho(&ht+ the i-%&e of the str% &er shifted % d f%ded" G('0d% &%s$ed %s he stood i % *e%(tif(' -e%dow+ the wi d to(s'i & his *r%ided h%ir" Be%sts he h%d e)er see *efore &r%5ed their fi''" A'o & the hori5o + he%'th! tie,s towered" Str% &e *ei &s+ si-i'%r to ores *(t with $i kish ski + %s s'e der %s the str% &er+ te ded fie'ds % d 'i)esto,k" Perfe,t" The i-%&e shifted %&%i " S(dde '! he w%s ( derw%ter+ swi--i & dow + his '( &s ot *(r i & for %ir des$ite the de$th" Ke'$ sw%!ed i the ,(rre t+ o*s,(ri & *(t ot e tire'! hidi & t(-*'ed ,o'(- s % d % s'%* th%t *ore str% &e writi &+ eroded so-ewh%t *! ti-e % d the ,e%se'ess+ &e t'e ,%ress of w%ter" A sh(dder $%ssed thro(&h hi- %s he re%'i5ed th%t this w%s where S%r&er%s '%!" Re'e%se hi- fro- this $riso + % d the """ % d the """ It see-ed 'ike % &ood $%rt ershi$" A !thi & wo('d *e *etter th% st%!i & here i this wor'd+ whi,h wo('d -e% % s'ow de%th" A *e%(tif('+ ri$e '% d+ re%d! for $'( der+ wo('d %'' *! itse'f -%ke this *%r&%i worthwhi'e" A d there w%s so+ so -(,h -ore to ,o-e" He &%5ed %t the str% &er r%$t'!" /Te'' -e wh%t to do"/ G('0d% %woke s$r%w'ed o the f'oor" Beside hi- o the ,o'd sto e w%s % $%r,h-e t ,o)ered with i str(,tio s+ writte i his ow h% d" He s,% ed it 3(i,k'!: 3ortal. .&eroth. umans. Medivh. G('0d% *e&% to s-i'e"

TWENY8TWO
6an a thing be at once a blessing and a curse) . salvation and a doom) $or such I hold what happened ne%t in the history of my people. $rom every account, the demonic energies, used so freely and with no heed given as to their cost, leeched all that was wholesome and life7giving from the world of "raenor. -il#/aeden had wanted to increase the number of orcs,so that we would be7 come a formidable army, and he had done so, forcing the growth of our younglings and robbing them of their childhood. ,ow, the orc population was larger than it had ever been, and there was no way to feed the hungry. It is clear to me, as it must have been clear to those living through those terrible times, that if we had remained on "raenor, our race would likely have died out. But how we left. . . and why we left . . . this world still bleeds from the wound of that. I do what I can to heal while still safeguarding the interests of this new orde I have made, but I wonder if these wounds will ever really close. 1ife for my people; a blessing. ow we obtained it; a curse. The Sh%dow Co( ,i' h%d *ee er)o(s+ %'-ost %s worried si,k %s G('0d% h%d *ee %t Ki'72%ede 0s de$%rt(re" B(t ow the! h%d % dire,tio " He ,%''ed the Co( ,i' % d sh%red with the- the words of the -!sterio(s str% &er who ,%''ed hi-se'f ;,di)h" He s$oke of the ferti'e fie'ds+ ,'e% w%ter+ he%'th!+ &'oss!8,o%ted $re! % i-%'s" A d he s$oke e)e -ore &'owi &'! of the *ei &s ,%''ed /h(-% s+/ who wo('d fi&ht e o(&h to *e % ,h%''e &e+ *(t who wo('d i e)it%*'! f%'' to the s($eriorit! of the Horde" /W%ter+ food+ ki''i &" A d $ower to those who %&ree to he'$ *ri & it %*o(t+/ G('0d% s%id+ his )oi,e sed(,ti)e+ %'-ost $(rri &" He h%d &%(&ed the- ,orre,t'!" Their e!es+ so-e red % d &'owi &+ so-e sti'' *row % d i te se+ were fo,(sed o hi- % d he s%w ho$e " " " % d &reed """ o their f%,es" The work *e&% "

First+ the! h%d to redire,t the %tte tio of the st%r)i & Horde" G('0d% w%s we'' %w%re th%t+ with de,re%si & food s($$'ies % d % *(r i & thirst for )io'e ,e th%t o 'o &er h%d % o(t'et+ the ores h%d st%rted %tt%,ki & o e % other" He h%d B'%,kh% d se d o(t de,rees to %'' the ,'% s+ s(*-itti & their fi est w%rriors for ,o tro''ed+ o e8o 8o e or s-%'' $%rt! fi&hts i $(*'i, dis$'%!" The wi ers wo('d re,ei)e food fro- the 'osi & ,'% + % d % s($$'! of $(re w%ter %s we'' %s ho or % d f%-e" Fr% ti, for so-ethi &+ % !thi &+ to ,%se the $%i of their d(%' h( &er+ for food % d for *'ood+ the ores res$o ded we'' to the s(&&estio + % d G('0d% w%s re'ie)ed" ;,di)h w% ted % %r-! to %tt%,k the h(-% s" It wo('d ot do if %'' the ores h%d s'%(&htered o e % other *efore the i )%sio " D(rot% ,o ti (ed to &i)e hi- tro(*'e" The 'e%der of the Frostwo'f ,'% + 'ike'! e-*o'de ed *! the f%,t th%t G('0d% did ot ,(t hi- dow the i&ht of the %tt%,k o Sh%ttr%th+ h%d *e&( s$e%ki & o(t -ore $(*'i,'!" He de,ried the st%&ed *%tt'es %s de-e% i &" He ,%''ed for % w%! to tr! to he%' the '% d+ sto$$i & 2(st short of dir,,d! *'%-i & the w%r'o,ks for it" I other words+ he d% ,ed %s ,'ose to the 'i e %s w%s $ossi*'e+ % d so-eti-es ,rossed it" A d+ %s h%d %'w%!s *ee the ,%se+ so-e were 'iste i &" Whi'e the Frostwo'f ,'% w%s the o '! o e whose 'e%der h%d ot dr( k the *'ood of ;% oroth+ there were other ores i 'ower $ositio s who h%d %'so ref(sed" The o e who worried G('0d% the -ost w%s Or&ri- Doo-h%--er" Th%t o e ,o('d *e tro(*'e" Or&ri- h%d e)er -(,h 'iked B'%,kh% d4 o e d%!+ he -i&ht do so-ethi & %*o(t th%t dis'ike" B(t for the -o-e t+ he did ot side $(*'i,'! with the Frostwo')es+ % d i deed w%s o e of the re&('%r )i,tors i the ,h%-$io *%tt'es" The )isio s ,o ti (ed" ;,di)h h%d % )er! ,'e%r ide% of wh%t he w% ted: % $ort%' *etwee the two wor'ds" o e th%t ,o('d *e ,re%ted with the Sh%dow Co( ,i' % d its w%r'o,ks o o e side+ % d ;,di)h % d wh%te)er -%&i,s he w%s ,o tro''i & o his side" The! ,o('d ot work i se,ret4 the $ort%' wo('d h%)e to *e '%r&e i order for the %r-ies ;,di)h w% ted to $%ss thro(&h" Besides+ the Horde w%s fee'i & defe%ted" The e.,ite-e t % d ,h%''e &e of the %re % *%tt'es % d ,o str(,ti & this $ort%' with hi&h ,ere-o ! wo('d &i)e the- so-ethi & to fo,(s o " ;,di)h w%s $'e%sed with the ide%" I o e )isio + he %ss(-ed the for- of % '%r&e *'%,k *ird+ $er,hi & o G('0d% 0s %r-" C'%ws d(& i to his f'esh % d reddish8*'%,k *'ood tri,k'ed %,ross &ree ski + *(t the $%i fe't " " " &ood" There w%s % s-%'' $ie,e of $%$er ro''ed ($ %ro( d the *ird0s 'e&" I his )isio + G('0d% ( ro''ed the $%$er % d s%w % desi& th%t took his *re%th %w%!" Whe he %woke+ he sket,hed it o % '%r&e $%r,h-e t" He s(r)e!ed it+ e!es *ri&ht with % ti,i$%tio " /Be%(tif('+/ he s%id" /I do ot ( derst% d !o(r dis$'e%s(re+/ Or&ri- s%id o e d%! %s he % d D(rot% s%t %to$ their -o( ts to s(r)e! the *(i'di & of wh%t G('0d% ,%''ed the Port%'" E)er!where D(rot% 'ooked+ ores were worki &" The -%'es were *%re to the w%ist+ the fe-%'es e%r'! so+ % d their &ree ski s &'iste ed with swe%t ( der e%th % s( th%t s,or,hed the '% d" So-e of the- ,h% ted rh!th-i, w%r ,ries %s the! worked+ others were fo,(sed % d si'e t" The ro%d to this $'%te%(+ r( i & i % %'-ost str%i&ht 'i e fro- wh%t w%s st%rti & to *e,o-e k ow %s H,''fir, Cit%de'+ w%s %'re%d! we'' $%)ed so th%t ,o str(,tio e3(i$-e t ,o('d *e e%si'! -o)ed" The sh%$es of the fo(r '%r&e $'%tfor-s were *%sed o dr%e ei desi& " The iro ! did ot es,%$e D(rot% " The ori&i %' desi& h%d *ee -odified+ ,row ed with the ow8f%-i'i%r s$ikes % d sh%r$ ed&es th%t were st%rti & to -%ke or, %r,hite,t(re disti ,ti)e" B(t D(rot% ,o('d re-e-*er w%'ki & ($ si-i'%r ste$s %s % *o!+ % d w%'ki & ($ those ste$s %&%i with the i te t of ki''i & %'' he fo( d %to$ the-" Two o*e'isks $oi ted i to the sk! 'ike sh%r$ s$e%rs+ % d % st%t(e of G('0d% s%t %to$ % other o e" B(t -ost for*iddi & of %'' w%s the fo(rth+ set % 'itt'e w%! *%,k fro- the other three" This w%s to *e the fr%-ework for the %,t(%' Port%' th%t G('0d% ke$t $ro-isi & the- wo('d -% ifest" Two h(&e s'%*s of sto e towered i to the %ir+ % third '!i & %,ross the- to -%ke the -ost $ri-iti)e of &%tew%!s" Sh%$es were st%rti & to %$$e%r o(t of the ro,k+ 'oo-i & sh%$es of ,ow'ed fi&(res o ,ither side+ % d so-e sort of ser$e t ( d('%ted %to$ it" /Is this ot *etter th% h%)i & the- ride i to !o(r ,%-$ % d s'%(&hter !o(r ,'% s-e 6/ Or&ri- ,o ti (ed" D(rot% odded" /Yes+ i % w%!+/ he s%id" /B(t we sti'' do ot k ow wh%t this is % $ort%' to." Or&ri- &est(red %t the sere '% ds,%$e" The H,''fire Pe i s('% w%s o e of the -ost d%-%&ed %re%s of the wor'd+ *(t f%r fro- the o '! o e" /Does it -%tter6 We k ow wh%t it is % $ort%' from." D(rot% &r( ted with % hi t of %-(se-e t" /I s($$ose !o(0re ri&ht %t th%t"/ He fe't Or&ri-0s &r%! e!es re&%rdi & hi- ste%di'! /D(rot% """ I h%)e refr%i ed fro- %ski & !o( this+ *(t " " " wh! did !o( ref(se !o(r ,'% the dr%ft G('0d% offered6/ D(rot% 'ooked %t his frie d+ % sweri & o e 3(estio with % other" /Wh! did !o( !o(rse'f ot dri k6/ he ,o( tered" /There w%s so-ethi & " " " ot ri&ht+/ Or&ri- s%id %t '%st" /I did ot 'ike wh%t I s%w it doi & to the others"/ D(rot% shr(&&ed+ ho$i & his frie d wo('d ot $ress the $oi t" /Yo( h%d the s%-e i si&ht %s I did"/ /I wo der+/ s%id Or&ri-" *(t he did ot 3(estio f(rther" D(rot% s%w o eed to re)e%' wh%t he k ew" He h%d -% %&ed to $rote,t his $eo$'e fro- the horrors of wh%t dri ki & de-o i, *'ood wo('d do to the-" He h%d %sserted hi-se'f to G('0d% " % d th(s f%r" o re$er,(ssio s h%d f%''e " A d Or&ri-+ % ,estors *e $r%ised+ h%d h%d wisdo- e o(&h to re%'i5e th%t there w%s so-ethi & %-iss % d h%d %'so de,'i ed" For ow+ th%t w%s e o(&h for D(rot% + so of G%r%d" ,hieft%i of the Frostwo'f ,'% " /I fi&ht tod%!+/ Or&ri- s%id+ ,h% &i & the s(*2e,t" /Wi'' !o( ,o-e6/ /I k ow th%t !o( do this ot for &'or!+ *(t for !o(r ,'% +/ D(rot% s%id" /Yo( fi&ht to wi the- food % d w%ter" B(t I wi'' ot show -! f%,e %t these " " " dis$'%!s" Ores sho('d ot *e fi&hti & ores" Not e)e i rit(%'i5ed ,o-*%t"/ Or&ri- si&hed" /Yo( h%)e ot ,h% &ed+ D(rot% " Yo( were e)er %fr%id of -e defe%ti & !o("/ There w%s % hi t of -irth i his )oi,e" D(rot% t(r ed+ % d for the first ti-e i -% !+ -% ! 'o & -o ths+ &ri ed with &e (i e w%r-th" The d%! h%d ,o-e" A'' i&ht+ whi'e % ri & of w%r'o,ks stood &(%rd 'est % ! ,(rio(s o 'ooker wit ess the d%rk rit(%'+ se)er%' sto e-%so s h%d *ee h%rd %t work ,%r)i & the fi %' se%' i to the $ort%'0s *%se" O ,e the! h%d fi ished+ wi$i & their swe%t! *rows % d t(r i & to s-i'e %t o e % other+ the! h%d *ee 3(i,k'! s'%i " The *'ood of those who h%d ,re%ted the se%' wo('d $ri-e it+ G('0d% h%d *ee i for-ed *! ;,di)h" G('0d% h%d o re%so to do(*t his ew %''!0s wisdo-" B(t the '(,k'ess -%so s wo('d ot *e the '%st to die here"

The d%w w%s % fier! o e+ ,ri-so % d or% &e+ % d the %ir w%s thi,k % d st%'e" Whi'e the $ort%' w%s *ei & ,o-$'eted o)er the '%st se)er%' d%!s+ other t%sks h%d *ee fi ished %s we''" The w%r -%,hi es th%t h%d so de)%st%ted Sh%ttr%th se)er%' -o ths e%r'ier ow were %&%i $ressed i to ser)i,e+ re$%ired+ oi'ed+ % d tested" Ar-or th%t h%d *ee e&'e,ted w%s $o'ished+ swords were sh%r$e ed+ de ts h%--ered o(t of ,hest $ie,es % d he'-s" The &re%t or,ish %r-! th%t h%d so de,i-%ted the dr%e ei w%s *ei & refor-ed" So-e ,'% s h%d *ee re3(ested to re-%i *ehi d" G('0d% h%d do e his *est to ,o )i ,e the ,hieft%i s of the Sh%ttered H% d" Sh%dow-oo + Th( der'ord+ B'eedi & Ho''ow+ % d L%(&hi & Sk('' ,'% s th%t the! were eeded here" Gro- % d the W%rso & h%d *ee $%rti,('%r'! h%rd to ,o )i ,e to re-%i " For % -o-e t+ %s the ,hieft%i r%&ed %t hi-+ G('0d% wo dered if he h%d do e the ri&ht thi & i 'etti & H,''s,r,%- dri k the de-o *'ood" ;ore th% -ost+ he see-ed to h%)e 'itt'e ,o tro' o)er his e-otio s4 des$ite G('0d% 0s f'%tter! %*o(t how )%'(%*'e Gro- w%s to hi- % d how he eeded hi- here+ it w%s Gro-0s wi'd ,ss % d ( $re8 di,t%*i'it! th%t -%de G('0d% w% t hi- to st%! *ehi d" He ,o('d ot risk Gro- &etti & so-e -%d ide% i to his he%d % d def!i & orders" ;,di)h wo('d ot 'ike th%t4 he wo('d ot 'ike th%t %t %''" B'%,kh% d h%d re3(ested th%t the e tire Horde &%ther %t the H,''fir, Cit%de'" O)er the '%st few d%!s+ se)er%' who h%d ret(r ed to their % ,estr%' '% ds+ the Frostwo'f ,'% %-o & the-+ h%d tri,k'ed i % d ,%-$ed i the %re%" The! h%d o*e!ed the order to %rthe-se')es %s if the! were &oi & i to *%tt'e+ %'tho(&h few of the- ( derstood ,.%,d! wh%t w%s &oi & o " The! %sse-*'ed+ ,'% *! ,'% " E%,h ,'% wore their tr%ditio %' ,o'ors i the for- of % de,or%ti)e s%sh or *e't o)er their %r-or+ % d o this hot" wi d! d%!+ their *% ers s %$$ed $ro(d'!" G('0d% % d Ner75h(' w%t,hed the %sse-*'!" G('0d% t(r ed to his for-er -e tor" /Yo( % d !o(r ,'% wi'' *e %-o & those st%!i & *ehi d"/ he s%id shord!" Ner75h(' odded+ %'-ost -eek'!" /So I %ss(-ed+/ he s%id" He did ot s%! -(,h these d%!s+ whi,h w%s 2(st %s we'' with G('0d% " He h%d h%'f s(s$e,ted th%t the o'der or, wo('d tr! to wrest ,o tro' fro- hi- %fter Ki'72%ede h%d %*% do ed the-+ *(t %$$%re t'! Ner75h(' w%s too ,r(shed to e)e do th%t" G('0d% tho(&ht with ,o te-$t %*o(t the ti-e+ ot so 'o & %&o+ whe he h%d ido'i5ed % d e )ied Ner75h('" How foo'ish he h%d *ee the " He h%d &row % d 'e%r ed+ e)e fro- the *itter ess of de,e$tio " A'tho(&h there were ti-es whe he tho(&ht he ,%(&ht % f%i t &'i--er of so-ethi & i Ner75h('0s e!es+ %s ow" He 'ooked sh%r$'! %t the other or, % d de,ided it w%s 2(st % tri,k of the 'i&ht" He ret(r ed his %tte tio to the %sse-*'i & ,'% s % d s-i'ed" E)e tho(&h his desi& s we t f%r *e!o d si-$'e *'ood'etti &+ he ,o('d ot he'$ *(t *e stirred %t the si&ht" The! were &'orio(s< The s,or,hi & s( &'i ti & o their %r-or+ their *% ers w%)i & i the wi d+ their &ree f%,es shi i & with % ti,i$%tio " If %'' w%s %s ;,di)h $ro-ised+ this ,o('d *e the t(r i & $oi t to &re%t ess" The dr(-s *e&% " Dee$+ $ri-%'+ the! sh(ddered %'o & the e%rth+ thro(&h sto e+ i to the *o es of the Horde" ;% ! of the- threw *%,k their he%ds % d how'ed %s the! *e&% to -%r,h+ f%''i & %t(r%''! i to ste$ with o e % other+ %&%i % ( ified $eo$'e" G('0d% -%de o -o)e to h(rr!" O ,e the! were %'' %sse-*'ed %t the Port%'+ he wo('d *e -%&i,%''! tr% s$orted there *! % other w%r'o,k" He ,o('d e 2o! w%t,hi & the $%r%de of his %r-! -%r,h dow the wide+ $%)ed ro%d to the Port%'" St% di & i fro t of the Port%' w%s % dr%e ei ,hi'd" Where h%d the! fo( d it6 D(rot% h%d ot so -(,h %s &'i-$sed % dr%e ei i -o ths4 or h%d % !o e e'se" The! -(st h%)e ,o sidered it &re%t &ood '(,k to h%)e fo( d % ! dr%e ei+ 'et %'o e % !o( &'i &" The! were i the fro t of the ,rowd+ st% di & e.t to the Th( d,r'ord ,'% % d the Dr%&o -%w ,'% " The Port%' &%te h%d *ee fi ished % d 'ooked *oth *e%(tif(' % d terrif!i &" Two ,'o%ked fi&(res+ whose e!es &'owed red ,ither fro- -%&i, or ,'e)er te,h o'o&!+ f'% ked the o$e i &" A ,%r)ed ser$e ti e ,re%t(re ,(r'ed %*o(t the to$+ its -%w &%$i & o$e + showi & $oi ted ,%r)ed teeth" It e.te ded sh%r$+ 'i5%rd'ik, ,'%ws % d h%d rid&es %'o & its 'o & e,k % d *od!" D(rot% h%d e)er see % !thi & 'ike this+ % d *rief'! wo dered how s(,h % i-%&e h%d o,,(rred to the -%so s+ A i&ht-%re+ $ossi*'!6 He &ri-%,ed" A'' i %''+ it w%s % for-id%*'e ,o str(,tio " B(t he o '! *%re'! re&istered the ski'' th%t h%d &o e i to its ,re%tio " His e!es were tr% sfi.ed o the !o( & dr%e ei" He 'ooked so terri*'! s-%'' e.t to the e or-o(s %r,h9s-%''+ % d thi + % d *r(ised" He st%red )%,% t'! %t the se% of ores who were *e''owi & %t hi-+ so f%r *e!o d terror th%t he o*)io(s'! fe't othi &" /Wh%t %re the! &oi & to do with it6/ Dr%k% wo dered %'o(d" D(rot% shook his he%d" /I te%r the worst+/ he s%id" She st%red %t hi-" /I s%w so-e ki''i & of ,hi'dre i *%tt'e+/ she s%id" /The *'ood'(st w%s ($o the-9 I ,o('d ot ,o do e it+ *(t I ,o('d see how it ,o('d h%$$e + *(t s(re'! the! wi'' ot -%ke % rit(%' s%,rifi,e o(t of this ,hi'd</ /I ho$e !o( %re ri&ht+/ s%id D(rot% + *(t he ,o('d see o other re%so for the s-%'' fi&(re to *e $rese t" If s(,h were the ,%se+ he ,o('d ot st% d *!" He did ot w% t to risk h%r- to his ,'% + so he $r%!ed he w%s wro &" The w%r'o,ks were ,h% ti & so-ethi & ow+ % d to D(rot% 0s %-%5e-e t+ G('0d% %$$e%red ri&ht *efore their e!es" The Horde -(r-(red+ % d G('0d% s-i'ed *e e)o'e t'! %t the-" /Tod%! is % &'orio(s d%! for the ores</ he ,ried" /Yo( h%)e %'' see this Port%' *ei & *(i't+ %d-ired the ,r%fts-% shi$ % d how it st% ds %s % -o (-e t to the &'or! of the Horde" Now+ I wi'' re)e%' to !o( the )isio s I h%)e h%d"/ He $oi ted %t the &%te" /F%r+ f%r %w%!+ i % '% d ,%''ed A5,roth+ I h%)e % %''!" He offers (s his '% d" It is &ree % d '(sh+ fi''ed with $(re w%ter % d f%t ,re%t(res to h( t" Best of %''+ we wi'' ,o ti (e to e.('t i the &'or! of *'oodshed" A r%,e ,%''ed 0h(-% s+0 the e e-! of o(r %''!+ wi'' tr! to sto$ (s fro- t%ki & their '% ds" We wi'' destro! the-" Their d%rk *'ood wi'' f'ow free'! ($o o(r swords" As we h%)e destro!ed the dr%e ei+ so ow we wi'' destro! the h(-% s</ A ,heer we t ($" Dr%k% shook her he%d i dis*e'ief" /How ,% the! sti'' fee' this w%!6 C% the! ot see this ew '% d wi'' s(ffer %s o(rs h%s if we ,o ti (e o this $%th6/ D(rot% odded his %&ree-e t" /B(t %t the s%-e ti-e+ there is o ,hoi,e" We eed food+ w%ter" We -(st &o thro(&h this Port%'"/ Dr%k% si&hed+ seei & the 'o&i, *(t ot 'iki & it" /E)e ow+ o(r %''! is worki & to o$e the Port%' o his side" A d ow" we wi'' *e&i "/ He &est(red to the 'itt'e dr%e ei ,%$ti)e" /B'ood is % $(re offeri & to those who &i)e (s these )%st $owers" A d the *'ood of % ,hi'd is $(rer sti''" With the 'ife f'(id of o(r e e-ies+ we wi'' o$e the Port%' % d ste$ i to % &'orio(s ew wor'd9% ew $%&e i the histor! of the Horde</ He %$$ro%,hed the *o( d ,hi'd+ who 'ooked ($ %t hi- with e-$t! e!es" G('0d% r%ised % 2ewe'ed d%&&er" It &'i ted i the s( 'i&ht"

",o2" The word w%s ri$$ed fro- D(rot% 0s 'i$s" E)er!o e t(r ed to st%re %t hi-" He s(r&ed forw%rd" If this ew )e t(re w%s o$e ed *! the *'ood of % i o,e t ,hi'd+ o &ood ,o('d ,o-e of it" He did ot -%ke it three ste$s *efore he w%s t%,k'ed % d we t dow h%rd o the s( 8*%ked e%rth" The i st% t it h%$$e ed+ he he%rd Dr%k% (tter her w%r ,r! % d the ,'% & of -et%' o -et%' %s she ,h%r&ed" Ch%os er($ted" He str(&&'ed to his feet % d *ehe'd the ,r(-$'ed for- of the ,hi'd" B'(e *'ood s$(rted fro- his s'%shed thro%t" /G('0d% + wh%t h%)e !o( do e to (s</ D(rot% shrieked+ *(t his $rotest w%s 'ost i the ro%r of the e r%&ed -o* of ores" The Frostwo')es h%d s$r( & i to %,tio to defe d their ,hieft%i + % d the sho(ts of *%tt'e were %'-ost de%fe i &" D(rot% 0s *re%th w%s k o,ked o(t of his '( &s %s his %tt%,ker9he ,o('d ot te'' fro- wh%t ,'% 9res(-ed the fi&ht" I defe se+ D(rot% 'ifted his %.e % d sw( &" The other dod&ed+ -o)i & -ore swift'! th% D(rot% h%d e.$e,ted+ ,%-e ($+ % d The te or of the ,ries %*r($t'! ,h% &ed %s the e%rth r(-*'ed *e e%th their feet % d % dee$+ $ier,i & so( d sh(ddered %'o & their *o es" The fi&hti & sto$$ed % d %s o e the ores t(r ed to &%5e %t the Port%'" ;o-e ts *efore+ o e ,o('d 'ook i to the %re% o(t'i ed *! the $i''%rs % d si-$'! see -ore of the H,''fir, Pe i s('% '% ds,%$e" Now there w%s % *'%,k ess % d % swir' o' st%rs+ %s if o e were 'ooki & i to % i&ht sk! &o e -%d" E)e D(rot% 0s e!es were ri)eted o the si&ht" As he w%t,hed+ the *'%,k ess shi--ered % d refor-ed itse'f i to % s,e e th%t *oth st%rt'ed % d $(55'ed hi-+ G('0d% h%d s$oke of % *e%(tif(' '% d+ ri,h with f%t $re!*e%sts+ ferti'e fie'ds+ *'(e skies" D(rot% w%s i deed 'ooki & %t % $'%,e he h%d e)er see *efore+ *(t it w%s % f%r ,r! fro- the id!''i, re%'- G('0d% h%d des,ri*ed" It w%s %s -oist %s Dr%, or ow w%s %rid+ A thi,k h%5e f'o%ted %*o)e *r%,kish w%ter % d sw%!i & -%rsh'% d &r%sses" A *(55i &+ ,hir$i & so( d fi''ed the %ir" At 'e%st+ tho(&ht D(rot% " there w%s 'ife i this str% &e $'%,e" # h%$$! -(r-(rs r% thro(&h die ,rowd" This w%s where G('0d% w% ted to se d the-6 It w%s ot -(,h *etter o first &'% ,e th% their ow '% d" B(t the %&%i " D(rot% re%'i5ed+ w%ter -e% t 'ife" Or% &e tho(&h the sk! w%s+ ot *'(e+ % d dre ,hed tho(&h the '% d w%s" ot fi''ed with f'owers % d -e%dows+ it ,o('d s($$ort 'ife" He t(r ed to 'ook %t G('0d% %s the -(r-(ri & rose i )o'(-e" G('0d% w%s o*)io(s'! tr!i & to ,o)er his ow sho,k" He w%)ed his %r-s for si'e ,e" /A5,roth is % '%r&e wor'd+ %s is o(r ow </ he ,ried" /Yo( k ow how differe t the '% d ,% *e fro- $'%,e to $'%,e" I %- ,ert%i it is the s%-e here" This $'%,e " " " do,s ot 'ook %s i )iti & %s I w%s " " "/ His )oi,e tr%i'ed off % d he shook hi-se'f+ )isi*'! re,o)eri &" /B(t *eho'd+ this is i tr(th % other '% d< It is re%'< Yo(</ G('0d% $oi ted %t two do5e f(''! %r-ored ores who stood *eside the Port%'" The! s %$$ed to %tte tio " /Yo( h%)e *ee ,hose to *e tii, first to i )esti&%te this ew '% d" Go forth+ i the %-e of the Horde</ The ores hesit%ted o '! % i st% t+ the &ri-'! r% forw%rd i to the Port%'" The s,e e )% ished" D(rot% 0s he%d whi$$ed %ro( d to st%re %t G('0d% " The w%r'o,k w%s doi & his *est to st%! ,o-$osed+ *(t ,'e%r'! he h%d *ee r%tded" /The! %re o(r s,o(ts+/ G('0d% s%id" /The! wi'' ret(r with ews of this wor'd"/ A d *efore the &%thered ores ,o('d tr('! *e&i to &row worried+ die i-%&e of the sw%-$ re%$$e%red % d the ores h(rried thro(&h" The! were &ri i & fro- ,%r to ,%r" ;ore th% h%'f of the- ,%rried the ,%r,%sses of '%r&e % i-%'s" O e w%s % re$ti'e of so-e sort+ s,%'!+ 'o &8t%i'ed+ with st(**! 'e&s % d h(&e 2%ws" The other w%s % fo(r8'e&&ed+ f(rr! thi &+ with ,'%ws o %'' fo(r of its feet+ % 'o & t%i'+ s-%'' ro( ded e%rs % d s$ots o its !e''ow+ &'oss! ,o%t" Both were o*)io(s'! he%'th! s$e,i-e s" /We h%)e s'%i % d e%te *oth t!$,s of ,re%t(res+/ the 'e%der of the s,o(t s%id" /Their f'esh is who'eso-e" The w%ter there is $(re" We do ot eed % *e%(tif(' '% d" We eed o e th%t wi'' feed % d s(st%i (s" This A5,roth wi'' do so %d-ir%*'!+ G('0d% "/ A -(r-(r we t thro(&h the ,rowed" Des$ite hi-se'f+ D(rot% fe't his &%5e dr%w to the *e%sts the s,o(ts h%d *ro(&ht thro(&h % d his sto-%,h &row'ed" It h%d *ee two d%!s si ,e he h%d e%te " G('0d% )isi*'! re'%.ed" He 'ooked o)er %t D(rot% + % d his e!es %rrowed" D(rot% t%sted %$$rehe sio + sh%r$ % d *itter+ i his thro%t" He % d his ,'% were eeded" He k ew th%t" He %'so k ew th%t his defe se of the ,hi'd9% d the re%,tio it h%d $ro)oked %-o & the other ,'% s+ -% ! of who- h%d ,o-e to the defe se of the Frostwo')es9 wo('d ot *e for&otte " He h%d h%'f s(s$e,ted th%t G('0d% wo('d order his e.e,(tio or *% ish-e t+ *(t %$$%re d! D(rot% % d the Frostwo')es !et h%d so-e (se to G('0d% % d B'%,kh% d" So *e it" For ow+ he wo('d fi&ht %'o &side his *rethre " To-orrow wo('d h%)e to t%ke ,%re of itse'f" Wh%te)er *etided+ D(rot% k ew he wo('d die with his ho or i t%,t" G('0d% 'ooked *%,k o)er the ,rowd of e.$e,t% t ores % d took % dee$ *re%th" /This is the -o-e t of desti !+/ he s%id" /O the other side+ % ew *e&i i & %w%its" A ew e e-! to s'%(&hter" Yo( ,% fee' it+ ,% !o( ot6 The *'ood'(st risi &6 Fo''ow B'%,kh% d< Liste to his orders % d !o( wi'' r('e this ew wor'd as is your right2 It0s !o(r wor'd o the other side of the Port%'" Take it2" The ,ries were de%fe i &" The ,rowd s(r&ed forw%rd" E)e D(rot% fo( d hi-se'f ,%(&ht ($ i the thri'' of % ew wor'd+ so '(sh % d ri$e % d re%d! for the t%ki &" Perh%$s his worr! w%s -is$'%,ed4 $erh%$s this wo('d i deed *e % ew *e&i i &" D(rot% 'o)ed his ,'% + 'o)ed his $eo$'e" He w% ted to see thethri)e" A d he+ 'ike %'' ores e)e *efore this -o-e t+ re)e'ed i the ki''" Perh%$s it wo('d %'' *e we''" A.e i h% d+ ho$e f'o(rishi & i his he%rt+ D(rot% 2oi ed i the r%,e tow%rd the Port%'+ tow%rd this $'%,e ,%''ed A5,roth" He 'ifted his %r-s % d r%ised the ,r! th%t w%s o the 'i$s of e)er! or, %s the! s(r&ed forw%rd: "$or the orde2"

EPILOG#E
.nd so began our people#s history in this world of .&eroth. We thundered out of the 3ortal like death incarnate, a torrent of blood7mad killers intent on slaughter. It is little wonder the humans hate us so, many of them even now. But perhaps this history I

have chronicled will one day be read by human, elven, gnomish, and dwarven eyes. 3erhaps they will understand a little better that we, too, knew suffering and victimi&ation. My father#s suspicion that he and his clan were marked for e%ile proved correct. It was shortly after the $rostwolf clan entered .&eroth that 0ul#dan banished them. They were forced to make their homes in the harshness of the mountains of .lterac. The white wolves who still hunt in this place are descended from the $rostwolves who followed my clan through the 3ortal and whose loyalty could not be swayed by the words of one who bore a grudge. When I was born, my father reali&ed he had to tell the other ores all he knew about what had been done to them. e approached his old friend, 5rgrim "oomhammer, who believed him and would have allied with him had not my father been treacherously slain. When I reached adulthood, I became 5rgrim#s friend, as had my father before! and it is I who have fulfilled the prophecy of the "oomhammer. In their honor, this land is named "urotar, its greatest city, 5rgrimmar. It is tny hope that 9 /;! ,hieft%i </ The dee$+ ro(&h )oi,e *e'o &ed to Eitri&&" Thr%'' sto$$ed i -id8se te ,e+ -o)i & the $e so it did ot dri$ o the $%r,h-e t" /Wh%t is it6/ he %sked the e'der'! or, who w%s o e of his -ost tr(sted %d)isors" /There is ews98 ews fro- the A''i% ,e" O e of o(r i for-%tio &%therers h%s 'e%r ed so-ethi & he i sists !o( -(st k ow"/ Thr%'' dis'iked the ter- /s$!+/ *(t he h%d s$ies o ethe'ess+ %s he w%s ,ert%i @%i % Pro(d-oor, h%d her s$ies i his '% ds" It w%s to *e e.$e,ted+ % d w%s ofte worthwhi'e" Se'do- h%d o e of his &%therers i sisted o seei & hi- 'ike this" So-ethi & i-$ort% t -(st *e h%$$e i & i deed" /Show hi- i + % d 'e%)e (s+/ he s%id" Eitri&& odded % d % -o-e t '%ter+ % s-%''+ s,r%w !+ o des,ri$t h(-% -%'e w%s *ro(&ht i " He 'ooked e.h%(sted+ ( der o(rished+ % d terrified" Thr%'' rose to his f('' i-$osi & hei&ht witho(t thi ki &+ the re%'i5ed he -i&ht i ti-id%te the h(-% " /Wi'' !o( t%ke food or dri k6/ he %sked+ kee$i & his )oi,e &e t'e" The s$! shook his he%d+ the %-e ded" /W8W%ter+ if !o( $'e%se"/ i % )oi,e th%t ,r%,ked" The W%r,hief hi-se'f $o(red % &o*'et % d h% ded it to the -% + who &('$ed thirsti'!+ the wi$ed his -o(th with the *%,k of his h% d" /;! th% ks" W%r,hief"/ the s$! s%id+ so( di & % *it ,%'-er" /Yo(r ews"/ Thr%'' s%id" The -% $%'ed" Thr%'' si&hed i w%rd'!" He wo('d e)er *e so *r(t%'9or so foo'ish9%s to ki'' % -esse &er for *ri &i & *%d ews" S(,h *eh%)ior -ere'! res('ted i o o e0s w% ti & to ser)e %s -esse &er" He s-i'ed i wh%t he ho$ed w%s % re%ss(ri & f%shio " /Do ot fe%r" Yo(r ews+ &ood or i''+ is we',o-e if it %ids -e i $rote,ti & -! $eo$'e"/ he s%id" The -% 'ooked s'i&ht'! 'ess distressed" He took % dee$ *re%th" /;! 'ord+/ he s%id" He hesit%ted+ the ,o ti (ed &ri-'!+ /The dr%e ei h%)e ,o-e to A5,roth"/ Thr%'' w%s $(55'ed" He e.,h% &ed &'% ,es with Eitri&&+ who shr(&&ed" /So-e dr%e ei h%)e *ee i A5,roth for !e%rs"/ he s%id" /The! %re i,k %-ed the 'ost o es" We k ow %*o(t the-" This is ot ews+ frie d"/ The -% 'ooked stri,ke " /Yo( do 0t ( derst% d+/ he s%id+ (r&e t'!" /Not those $%theti, ,re%t(res9 draenei2 There9there w%s shi$" Fro- the skies" It ,r%shed 'ike % i fer %' sto e two i&hts %&o"/ Thr%'' i h%'ed swift'!" No o e h%d -issed seei & th%t str% &e o*2e,t i the i&ht sk!" 'ooki & 'ike % st%r ,r%shi & to e%rth" So """ it h%d ot *ee % st%r+ or e)e % i fer %'" It h%d *ee % )esse'"""" The -% w%s sti'' t%'ki &" /Pro(d-oor, h%s %&reed to %id the-" There is o e %-o & the-9$%'e+ o*'e+ his $rese ,e ,o--% di &+ tho(&h he is ot $h!si,%''! stro &" The! ,%'' hi- 1e'e "/ Thr%'' st%red" The dr%e ei6 The Pro$het 1e'e 6 ere) He s% k s'ow'! i his ,h%ir %s the f('' si& ifi,% ,e str(,k hi-" The worst e e-! the ores h%d e)er k ow h%d ,o-e to A5,roth" H%d *ee we',o-ed i to the A''i% ,e" How ,o('d there $ossi*'! *e $e%,e *etwee Horde % d A''i% ,e ow6 /A ,estors s%)e (s+/ Thr%'' whis$ered"

ABO#T THE A#THOR

Christie Go'de is the %w%rd8wi i & %(thor of twe t!8ei&ht o)e's % d o)er % do5e short stories i the fie'ds of f% t%s!+ s,ie ,e fi,tio + % d horror" Her -edi% tie8i works i ,'(de '%( ,hi & the R%), 'oft 'i e i IGGI with *ampire of the Mists, whi,h i trod(,ed re%ders to ,'), )%-$ire @% d,r S( st%r % d wi'' *e re$ri ted i HIIJ" o)er % do5e 'tar Trek o)e's+ i ,'(di & *oyager fi,tio set %fter the T1 s,ries+ % d the Warcra/l o)e' 1ord of the 6lans. Ori&i %' fi,tio i ,'(des the "ancers s,ries fro- L( % Books" 5n $ire#s Wi &s+ reiss(ed i -%ss -%rket $%$er*%,k i HIIJ" % d In 'tone#s 6lasp. Re%ders %re i )ited to )isit her we*site %t www",hristi,&o'd, ",o-" A d !es" she do,s $'%! World of Warcrafi.