With Daniel D. A Kafkaesque story about transformation and our collective human desire to connect with one another. Message from the Shadows - Archipelago Books These twenty-four timeless stories in Message from the Shadows sift through Antonio Tabucchi's shadow world. Above the Shadows - Wikipedia Above the Shadows is an supernatural romance film written and directed by Claudia Myers. A level 1 Gilneas City Quest. Added in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Loved each and every part of this book.
I will definitely recommend this book to fantasy, fantasy lovers. Your Rating:. Your Comment:. Read Online Download. Great book, Kingdom of Shadow and Light pdf is enough to raise the goose bumps alone. Tirion nodded. Tirion scowled. He turned back to Dathrohan. His zeal is commendable, but to worry you over such a minor matter is perplexing to say the least!
I have never questioned your honor or authority, and I do not intend to start doing so now. Under normal circumstances, I would never intervene in a matter like this, but certain events have transpired that force me to look critically at any possible orcish incursions.
Apparently, this young orc is intent on rallying the clans and re-forming the Horde. Though they are few, his fanatical warriors have somehow overrun many of the guarded reserves and appear to be amassing stronger numbers. The Alliance High Command has deemed that we are in a state of emergency.
I tell you all of this so that you understand my motives. The shocked advisors began to converse amongst themselves. Dathrohan turned to face Tirion. This situation is far too volatile. He braced himself for what he knew was coming next. Tirion, I want you to personally lead us to where you encountered the orc. There was no way out now. He had been given a direct order. He would be forced to break his vow to Eitrigg. Dathrohan seemed content to let the matter rest. He dismissed the advisors and suggested that everyone prepare their men.
Tirion stood to exit and saw Barthilas staring at him from the doorway. Tirion had to fight back the sudden urge to strangle the smirking youth. Tirion, Arden and Dathrohan led the shining column down the dusty hunting path that snaked its way through the dense woods. Clearly, the young Paladin was eager to prove himself in battle.
Tirion was glad that the youth stayed away. Tirion was in a grim mood. He had slept little during the night, and woke with his guts tied in knots. He wished that he could somehow warn Eitrigg so that the old orc could evade capture. He knew that there was no way to uphold his vow and do his duty at the same time. His precious honor was in great peril. They rode for hours up into the mountains as Tirion led the way.
He knew exactly where he was going. Dathrohan leaned in and asked Tirion if it was the tower they sought. You seem rather pensive this morning. The Lord Commander motioned for his men to take up positions along the road. He then called for a number of guards to come to the front of the column. Arden was among those who came forward. Tirion shuddered as two of the guards pulled a makeshift wagon-cage behind them. The rickety cage was designed to hold and transport a small number of prisoners over long distances.
He fervently hoped that it would stay empty. Dathrohan, feeling that stealth would be wise until they confirmed that there were numerous orcs in the area, ordered his men to remain behind as he and a small group moved in on the lonely tower.
Barthilas, with a fiery enthusiasm, rode eagerly behind the Lord Commander. Tirion, Arden and six footmen continued up the path after them. Following the instructions he had been given earlier, Arden commanded his guards to encircle the tower. Barthilas dismounted and retrieved his warhammer from its saddle-loop. Tirion knew that the unseasoned Paladin was quaking in his boots.
The two footmen near Barthilas braced themselves for an attack. Barthilas gripped his warhammer tightly, trying to keep his nerves in check. Eitrigg held his battle-ax with both hands and looked ready to go down fighting. The orc scanned the human faces with furious eyes.
He caught sight of Tirion, sitting atop his horse, and he scowled deeply. The old orc had saved his life, and he had repaid the debt by leading enemies straight to his home.
Never in his life had Tirion felt such dejection and self-loathing. Eitrigg took a couple of steps into the clearing. Tirion noticed that he was limping more than when he last saw him. Tirion could see that the orc would not allow himself to be taken alive. As if in response to his thought, Dathrohan spoke up. I need him alive! Barthilas was so nervous his hands shook. He could feel the eyes of Dathrohan and Tirion upon him. This was the moment he had waited for. This was his moment of glory.
With a strangled cry, Barthilas lunged at the orc, swinging his hammer—intent on delivering a killing blow to the orc, regardless of what Dathrohan had asked. Surely, no savage beast could match his Light-born powers, he thought.
Panicking, Barthilas dropped his hammer as Eitrigg kicked him squarely in the midsection. The young Paladin, having had the wind knocked out of him, crashed to the ground and doubled over in a fetal position. The two footmen rushed at the orc, slashing wildly. Tirion saw that they would kill the orc if they could.
Are you all right? To do so would brand him as a traitor. This was all his doing. Eitrigg fought bravely against the footmen, but he was easily outmaneuvered, due to his wounded leg. The six footmen succeeded in pulling the mighty orc down to the ground.
The warriors immediately began to beat the orc to within an inch of his life. He dismounted quickly and walked forward, intending to pull the footmen away. What was he thinking? His every muscle tensed as he stood undecided. With a loud moan, Barthilas raised himself up from the dirt. Arden helped him to stand and brushed him off. Barthilas, feeling deeply embarrassed and shamed before his superiors, rushed at the orc in a rage. They exchanged knowing glances and held Barthilas until he calmed.
Let me go! Immediately a number of footmen appeared, pulling the wagon-cage behind them. They took hold of Eitrigg and threw him into the cage. Tirion turned to face Dathrohan. Dathrohan looked at him in amazement. Are you actually suggesting that we turn the beast loose? Tirion turned back to gaze at the beaten orc. His face swollen and dripping blood, Eitrigg stared straight back. They spit and hurled obscenities at the old orc.
He dashed forward and grabbed the guard who was whipping the orc. He grabbed the whip from the young man and began to lash him with it instead. Dathrohan looked on in unabashed disbelief. Arden felt the same. What are you doing? Tirion shrugged him off and stood to face Dathrohan with the light of rage in his eyes. Barthilas merely stood by, mouth agape.
Tirion continued to smash at the lock. Shaking his head wearily, Dathrohan ordered the footmen to seize and restrain the raging Paladin. Tirion fought with all of his strength, but the younger men easily overpowered him. Arden pleaded with him to submit. What the hell is wrong with you? After a brief struggle, the guards brought Tirion to his feet.
The Paladin looked at Eitrigg, and was met only with a blank stare in return. Your actions are treasonous! Tell me you have some explanation for all of this! Tirion attempted to compose himself. I was left trapped and defenseless.
The orc pulled me free before the entire roof came crashing down. I know it sounds impossible, but it happened. Arden could only stare at his lord in shock. Barthilas seemed to come out of his momentary shock. He had always known Tirion to be an honorable, levelheaded man. But here he was, defying his superior and siding with his mortal enemy all the same. Regardless of what you believe happened, if you do not desist, I will be forced to have you arrested and placed on trial for treason!
You will cease this senselessness at once! This is a matter of honor! Obviously the young Paladin sought to make up for his defeat by endearing himself to the conflicted Lord Commander. With a heavy heart, he motioned for the footmen to subdue Tirion.
I hereby charge you with treason against the Alliance! Captain Arden, see that the prisoner is bound and placed upon his horse. He will be taken to Stratholme along with this orc and put on trial. Tirion frowned at his loyal servant. This is all my own doing. Arden shook his head questioningly.
Dathrohan rode up to Tirion and stared at him. Dathrohan, overcome by frustration and sorrow, angrily turned away and motioned for his troops to move out. Periodically he heard hammering sounds coming from the main square. Fervently, he wished he were back there now. He had no idea how his trial would go, but he had the distinct impression that no matter what happened in the court, his life would be irrevocably changed. He had been held in custody for three days. Today he was to be tried for treason against the land he had spent his life defending.
He could scarcely believe it, but depending on what the court decided, he could face either execution or spending the rest of his days in prison.
Karandra would never forgive him for taking such a risk for the sake of honor alone. He laughed softly to himself. He always believed that the only thing that could possibly keep him from his loved ones was the enemy.
What have I done? He was surprised to hear footsteps echo through the adjacent corridor. He heard the guards outside the door question someone as the latch clicked and the door opened. Arden walked somberly into the room. Have you been home since my arrest? Have you spoken with my wife? Arden shook his head and motioned for Tirion to sit down on his cot.
He knew she must be beside herself with worry. It is your enemy! Tirion looked him square in the eye. He had to watch his tone—Arden might be the only friend he had left. Eitrigg was going to die, and it was all his fault. Somehow, he had to find a way to make amends—to put things right. People depend on you! Tirion only shook his head. It is a matter of honor. I swore to protect the orc, and I betrayed that vow. Whatever punishment they charge me with, it is well deserved.
Think about your wife and child! Tirion stood up to face him. What kind of example would I set for my son if my word counted for nothing? What kind of man would I be seen as then? Arden turned away, bristling. Admit that you were wrong to side with the orc, and they might be lenient!
Why do we even have to discuss this? Have you lost all sense, man? Tirion straightened and attempted to look as proud and confident as he could. They bound his hands and led him outside. The bright, midday sun caused Tirion to wince slightly. His limbs were tired and cramped from the past few days of inactivity. The guards marched him across the square toward the imposing structure of the Hall of Justice. He surmised that it was the source of the hammering he had been hearing.
Briefly, he visualized Eitrigg standing upon the gallows with a rope tied around his neck. Tirion had to work hard in order to keep his forced semblance of confidence. If Eitrigg died, then all his efforts would have been for nothing. Before him was an immense stage adorned with four throne-like chairs. At the center of the stage, directly in front of him, was a large lectern where the judge would conduct the trial.
Lining the vast walls of the chamber were other huge banners representing the seven nations of the Alliance. A large blue banner embroidered with a golden lion signified the kingdom of Stormwind.
Another banner, black with a red-gauntleted fist, represented the kingdom of Stromgarde. Tirion was too nervous to look around at the others. Through the din, he discerned that everyone in attendance was shocked to hear that he had betrayed them. Many of the onlookers had served under his command during the war, and many others he considered to be good friends. He could feel their communal confusion and scorn buffet him in waves.
His trial would not be an easy one. Far to his right, he caught sight of Barthilas sitting in attendance. The young Paladin had a condemning look in his eye as he gazed intently at Tirion. Tirion wondered why the youth had turned on him so completely and been so eager to see him disgraced. He turned away from Barthilas as another armored Paladin made his way to the front of the stage. The trial of Lord Tirion Fordring will now commence.
He had to physically restrain himself from shaking. He knew that the four jurors would enter the Hall soon. Every major trial in Lordaeron was presided over by four of the highest-ranking lords within the Alliance. The attendant onlookers hushed as the first of the jurors entered. Lord Proudmoore took the throne-like seat on the far right with a look of disquiet on his proud face.
Tirion knew Proudmoore well. Despite being a tactical genius, the Lord Admiral was one of the greatest heroes of the war. The Paladin spoke again. A hush descended upon the crowd as the mysterious wizard took his seat. His lavender hooded robe was adorned with black and gold trim, and he carried a great, polished staff in his hands. He looked back to the Paladin as the last two jurors were announced.
The venerable Archbishop, Alonsus Faol, who had anointed Tirion as a Paladin long ago, walked in and took a seat next to the lectern. Following the Archbishop was the young prince of Lordaeron, Arthas, who had only recently been made a full Paladin. Tirion had never met the young prince before, but he could see that the handsome youth radiated goodness and wisdom despite his relatively young age.
All of the attendant men and women rose as Uther the Lightbringer entered the Hall and walked forward to the ornate lectern. The mighty, holy patron of the Knights of the Silver Hand scanned the assembly with stern eyes the color of ocean storms. His ornately etched silver armor seemed to reflect every light source in the vast Hall—bathing Uther in a halo of shimmering beauty. He was also held to be the wisest and most noble of all the holy Paladins.
Everyone in the room was cowed by his commanding presence. Up until that point, he was resolved to stand by his decision and accept his fate with honor. But, looking up at the stern visage of his powerful superior, his courage wavered.
Perhaps Arden was right? As you know, this is a dire charge. The noble lords gathered here will hear your case and judge you accordingly under the Light. How do you plead to the charges against you? He barely found the voice to answer. A hundred angry voices flooded the room at once. Apparently, many of the onlookers had believed the charges to be greatly exaggerated or false. The assembly was shocked to hear Tirion admit his guilt so openly. He caught sight of Arden sitting right behind him.
Tirion had to look away. Arden believed in him and had always served him loyally. But the captain would never understand. The gathered host went quiet as if it had been struck by lightning. Tirion could almost feel an electrical tension in the air. He braced himself. Lord Proudmoore ended the discussion and motioned for Uther to continue. The crowd stirred slightly as Dathrohan walked toward the stage.
The two friends exchanged fleeting glances. Dathrohan could only nod sorrowfully at Tirion. Dathrohan cleared his throat and straightened slightly. But I cannot deny what I saw with my own eyes. Four days ago, I led a detachment into the Hearthglen Woods in search of renegade orcs.
Lord Fordring assisted me with the exercise and helped me to track down the orc that we currently hold in our prison for execution.
When I gave the command to arrest the creature, Lord Fordring turned upon my men and attempted to set the orc free. I asked him repeatedly to desist, but he would not relent.
Once again, murmurs and hushed whispers floated through the Hall. Tirion could hear Arden groaning behind him. Uther dismissed Dathrohan and motioned for Barthilas to come forward. Dathrohan gripped Barthilas in a searing gaze as they passed each other. His face was proud and intent. Guilty or not, Tirion was still to be addressed by his title.
Undeterred, Barthilas continued. I had a feeling that this vile traitor was untrustworthy even before we set out to capture the orc! He ensnared the now trembling Barthilas with his overpowering gaze.
I have known this man for years. Whatever he may have done, he certainly deserves more than to be harangued by an unseasoned boy like yourself. Reddening in embarrassment, Barthilas hurried back to his seat. Tirion watched as the jurors once again began to converse with one another. The four lords finished their deliberations and motioned that they were ready to proceed.
Uther turned to stare down at Tirion. Tirion stood up and solemnly addressed the court. In return, I gave him my word as a Paladin that I would protect his as well. Tirion continued unabated. That I could not do. That said, I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit. He argued with them briefly, pointing his finger as if to stress a point.
After a few moments, it appeared as if the jurors had relented and Uther walked back to the lectern, victorious. Every man here is aware of your courage and valor. However, consorting with the sworn enemies of humanity, regardless of their supposed honor, is a grievous crime. In light of your service, this court is prepared to offer you a full pardon if you will disavow your oath to the creature and reaffirm your commitment to the Alliance.
It would be so easy to simply give in and go home to his wife and son. He turned to see Arden wringing his hands in anticipation. Tirion saw Dathrohan take a step forward, as if urging him to forget about the orc and clear his good name. What is your answer? Tirion braced himself and faced the court members boldly.
Regardless of your personal experience with the creature, it is a savage, murdering beast that cannot be allowed to live. He wanted to go home, so badly. He raised his head and saw Dathrohan give him a pleased smile; the Lord Commander seemed convinced that Tirion would make the right decision. Tirion saw his course plainly. He would make the only decision honor would permit.
To do so would be to betray everything I am and everything we, as honorable men, hold dear. Even the noble jurors gaped openmouthed at Tirion. The tired Paladin thought he heard Arden weeping behind him, and his heart sank even lower. Dathrohan sat down heavily in his chair, shaking his head in dismay. Barthilas seemed to be on the verge of jumping out of his seat in excitement. Many of the gathered warriors began to shout obscenities at Tirion and call him a traitor.
Some spat at him as he stood motionless before the stage. Rubbing his eyes wearily, Uther motioned for the court to fall silent once more. He was beside himself with anguish over what he must do, but Tirion had stated his position clearly. You are no longer fit to bask in the grace of the Light. I hereby excommunicate you from our ranks. Excommunication was a rare, harsh punishment that stripped a Paladin of his Light-given powers.
Though it had only been used a few times, every Paladin lived in mortal fear of it. Tirion could not fathom what was about to happen. Before he could utter another word, Uther made a sweeping motion with his hand. Immediately, Tirion felt a dark shadow pass over him, choking out the holy power of the Light. Panic threatened to overwhelm him as the grace and strengthening energies of the Light fled his body. The blessed energies, which had been such an integral part of him for so long, ebbed away just as if they had never been.
Though the light of the Hall never wavered, Tirion felt as if he had been wrapped in darkness and cast down into oblivion. Unable to withstand the raging despair and hopelessness that washed over him in waves, Tirion lowered his head in abject despair.
Uther continued. Never in his life had he felt so naked and powerless. Images of Taelan and Karandra sifted through his tortured mind. He had to get a grip on himself. He had to think of his dignity.
On wobbly legs, he stood and faced the court once more. Tirion felt dazed, His head spun and anxiety threatened to overtake him. The exile, Tirion Fordring, is to be escorted back to Mardenholde keep. There he will collect his family and be escorted to the borders of the Alliance lands. Uther paused to listen—a final gesture of respect and friendship for his former comrade. Will my sin damn their lives as it has mine? Uther bowed his head in sorrow.
The man before him was a good man. This was no way for a hero to be treated. They may remain in Lordaeron if they so desire. This was your crime, not theirs. He then turned his back on Tirion and departed. Lost in a haze of despair and grief, Tirion was barely aware of the guards hauling him out of the Great Hall.
It had begun to rain during the afternoon, and the weary horses trudged their way down the muddy road. Arden, leading the somber column of knights and footmen, looked back at Tirion worriedly. Tirion was slumped over in his saddle, heedless of what transpired around him. His broad shoulders drooped weakly and his head was bowed in grief. The ceaseless rain ran in rivulets down his haggard face. He was forced to look away. He was blocked from the Light. In the thirty years that he had served as a Paladin, he never dreamed that the blessed power would be stripped from him.
He felt absolutely hollow inside. Wallowing in despair and misery, he was unable to even lift his eyes toward the sight of his former home. Arden rode slowly up to the gate and dismounted. Arden grimaced. The advisors looked at each other in confusion.
Where have you both been these past few days? What is wrong with our lord? Arden bowed his head in shame and sorrow. Who will rule over Hearthglen? He put his arm around Tirion and started to lead him inside.
Tirion is to remain here under house arrest. At first light, I will take a party of footmen and escort him to the border.
Until then, neither of us is to be disturbed. The shocked advisors merely nodded their assent. Not for the first time, he wondered if there was anything that he could have done to prevent this all from happening. This has been. Arden nodded and turned away slowly. Tirion watched him leave and found just enough strength to close the door behind him and collapse in a chair. Overcome with emotion, he buried his face in his hands. His limbs would not stop shaking, and the gnawing emptiness in his gut threatened to devour what was left of his soul.
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