Of Blood and Honor Read Online Free PDF Page A

Barthilas. I thank you for your healing. If not for you, I’d have gone on my way to join the Light,” Tirion said, rubbing his still sore ribs. Although his wounds had healed completely, his body was still tender. Barthilas shook his head dismissively and returned Tirion’s salute.
    “It was nothing, milord. I did just as you would have done for me if the circumstances had been reversed,” Barthilas said confidently. “I dearly wish that it had been me facing that orc. If I had, its head would now adorn the keep’s battlements.” Tirion noticed a few of the advisors exchanging surprised glances. As was usually the case, the young Paladin’s enthusiasm bordered on impertinence. Tirion smiled at the young man with practiced patience. “Which, of course,” Barthilas continued, “is not to say that you couldn’t have defeated the brute yourself, milord.”
    “Well, I’m sure you would have put the fear of the Alliance into it, at least, Barthilas. Just the same, for the time being, I don’t want any of you discussing this matter with anyone else. I’d rather not rile the citizenry until we have a better understanding of what we’re dealing with here,” Tirion said.
    Barthilas nearly choked. “Milord, with respect, are you suggesting that we keep silent while the enemy creeps unhindered through our lands? We must scour the woods immediately! Every second we waste here could provide the orcs with enough time to—” Tirion cut him off.
    “You are assuming that there are more orcs out there, Barthilas. I was there, and I saw none. I will not sound the call to arms before we’ve confirmed the facts. This is not the time to start jumping at shadows. We must remain calm and be vigilant.”
    “Jumping at shadows? An orcish force somehow slips undetected into our lands, one of its members beats you to a pulp, and you want to remain calm? This is madness!” A few of the advisors gasped at the young man’s audacity, but Barthilas continued, unabated. “We should mobilize a hunting party right this instant!”
    Tirion clenched his fists and tried to keep his voice even. The advisors, who had kept silent during their heated exchange, seemed incensed by Barthilas’ disrespectful rantings.
    “You’ll watch your tone with me, boy. I am still governor of this province, and your direct superior as a Paladin. For so long as I am, we will do things the way
I
see fit. You are to stand down and remain within the keep’s grounds until I order you to do otherwise. Is that clear?” Tirion growled.
    Barthilas was beside himself with rage. “I hope and pray to the Light that milord isn’t so shaken by his recent beating that he fears to do his clear duty.”
    “That will be
enough,
Barthilas! You’ve gone too far!” one of the councilor’s shouted. Bristling with anger, Tirion stepped up to the young Paladin and looked him dead in the eye.
    “You may leave my council room now,” he said to Barthilas.
    The young Paladin choked back his rage and steadied himself. He calmed visibly. “Of course, milord,” he said in a strained voice. “I will await your orders eagerly.” With that he snapped a crisp salute and left the room.
    “Yes, I’m sure you will,” Tirion said grimly. Everyone seemed to sigh as the tension drained from the room. Tirion rubbed his eyes wearily and sat back down.
    One of the advisors spoke. “Milord, he is brash, but he is a good man at heart. I’m sure he didn’t mean—”
    “I know what he is. And I know what he meant. Barthilas has always been ruled by his passions. They’re what make him an exceptional Paladin. However, they also make him a liability in delicate situations,” Tirion stated. He felt tired, like an old man. “Once he calms down, he’ll come around. He always does.”
    “But milord, what if he’s right? What if there are more orcs out there waiting to strike at us, and we sit here and do nothing?” the advisor asked.
    Tirion ran his fingers over the spot on the