WORLD of

WARCRAFT
BEYOND THE DARK PORTAL
AARON ROSENBERG & CHRISTIE GOLDEN

P
POCKET STAR BOOKS New York London Toronto Sydney

PROLOGUE
Throw down! Sh!t !"! Throw down, d#$n yo!! %&ne! Gr#t#r 'row(ed) h#(f*r&+&n') h&+ "owerf!( +ho!(der $!+,(e+ -!n,h&n'. One #r$ wh&""ed forw#rd #nd down) f&+t de+,end&n' &n # -(!r/#nd h&+ f&n'er+ o"ened) the +$#(( -one ,!-e+ +"&((&n' fro$ the$ to ,(#tter !"on the 'ro!nd. H#h! Brodo' (#!'hed) t!+k+ 0!tt&n' !" #+ h&+ (&"+ "!((ed -#,k &n # 'r&n. On(y one! D#$n! Gr#t#r +#nk -#,k down onto h&+ +tone) +!(k&n' #+ he w#t,hed Brodo' #'#&n '#ther the ,!-e+ #nd +h#ke the$ 1&'oro!+(y. He d&dn2t know why he ke"t throw&n' #'#&n+t Brodo'/the other or, "r#,t&,#((y #(w#y+ won. 3t w#+ #($o+t !nn#t!r#(. Unnatural. A word th#t h#d ne#r(y +to""ed h#1&n' #ny $e#n&n' for Gr#t#r. He '(#n,ed !" #t the +t#rk red +ky th#t f&((ed the hor&4on) the +!n # -!rn&n' '(o-e of the +#$e +h#de. The wor(d h#d not #(w#y+ -een th!+. Gr#t#r w#+ o(d eno!'h to re$e$-er -(!e +k&e+) # w#r$ ye((ow +!n) #nd th&,k 'reen f&e(d+ #nd 1#((ey+. He2d +w!$ &n dee") ,oo( (#ke+ #nd r&1er+) -(&++f!((y &'nor#nt of how "re,&o!+ # th&n' w#ter wo!(d one d#y -e,o$e. One of the $o+t -#+&, need+ of (&fe) !n,ont#$&n#ted w#ter w#+ now -ro!'ht &n &n ,#+k+ #nd +t&n'&(y "#r,e(ed o!t. R&+&n') Gr#t#r k&,ked &d(y #t the 'ro!nd -efore h&$) w#t,h&n' the red d!+t "!ff !"w#rd) "#r,h&n' h&+ $o!th) #nd he re#,hed for the w#ter+k&n #nd dr#nk +"#r&n'(y. The d!+t ,o1ered h&+ +k&n) d!((&n' the 'reen h!e) (&'hten&n' h&+ -(#,k h#&r. Red e1erywhere) #+ &f the wor(d h#d -een dren,hed &n -(ood. Unn#t!r#(. B!t the $o+t !nn#t!r#( th&n' of #(( w#+ the re#+on he #nd Brodo' were +t#t&oned here) wh&(&n' #w#y the d!+k* ,(o''ed d#y w&th &d(e '#$e+ of ,h#n,e. Gr#t#r (ooked "#+t Brodo' #t the tower&n' #r,hw#y 0!+t -eyond the$ #nd the +h&$$er&n' ,!rt#&n of ener'y th#t f&((ed &t. The D#rk Port#(. Gr#t#r knew th#t the +tr#n'e $y+t&, doorw#y (ed to #nother wor(d) tho!'h he h#d not "#++ed thro!'h &t h&$+e(f/none of h&+ ,(#n h#d. B!t he h#d w#t,hed #+ "ro!d Horde w#rr&or+ h#d entered the "ort#( to w&n '(ory o1er the h!$#n+ #nd the&r #((&e+. S&n,e then) # few or,+ h#d ret!rned to re"ort the Horde2+ "ro're++. B!t (#te(y there h#d -een noth&n'. No word) no +,o!t+5 noth&n'. Gr#t#r frowned) &'nor&n' the ,(#tter&n' +o!nd of Brodo'2+ to++&n' of the -one+. So$eth&n' #-o!t the "ort#( +ee$ed . . . d&fferent. Gr#t#r +te""ed ,(o+er to the tower&n' '#tew#y) the h#&r+ #(on' h&+ #r$+ #nd ,he+t t&n'(&n' #+ he #""ro#,hed. Gr#t#r6 3t2+ yo!r t!rn. Wh#t #r, yo! do&n'6 Gr#t#r &'nored Brodo'. S7!&nt&n') he +t#red #t the r&""(&n' 1e&( of ener'y Wh#( w#+ 'o&n' on -eyond &8. on th#t +tr#n'e other wor(d6 A+ he w#t,hed the ,!rt#&n2+ !nd!(#t&n' +h&$$er 'rew #nd -e,#$e $ore tr#n+(!,ent) #((ow&n' Gr#t#r to +ee thro!'h &t #+ &f thro!'h $!rky w#ter. He +7!&nted h&+ eye+) "eered &ntent(y/#nd '#+"ed) +t#''er&n' -#,k. P(#y&n' o!t -efore h&+ eye+) #+ &f he were w#t,h&n' # r&t!#( en#,t$ent) w#+ # f&er,e #nd 1&o(ent -#tt(e. Wh#t6 Brodo' w#+ -e+&de h&$ &n #n &n+t#nt) the '#$e for'otten) #nd then he w#+ '#"&n' #+ we((. They -oth +t#red for # +e,ond -efore Gr#t#r re'#&ned h&+ w&t+. Go! he +ho!ted #t Brodo'. Te(( the$ wh#t2+ h#""en&n'! R&'ht/the ,o$$#nder. Brodo'2+ eye+ were +t&(( '(!ed to the +,ene -efore the$. No) Gr#t#r re"(&ed +h#r"(y. He h#d # '!t fee(&n' th#t wh#t w#+ #-o!t to h#""en wo!(d -e $ore th#n h&+ ,o$$#nder w#+ "re"#red to h#nd(e. B!t one or, he knew $&'ht -e. Ner94h!(. Get Ner94h!(/he2(( know wh#t to do! Brodo' nodded #nd took off #t # r!n) tho!'h not w&tho!t '(#n,&n' -#,k # few t&$e+. Gr#t#r he#rd h&$ (e#1e) -!t +t&(( h&+ '#4e w#+ r&1eted to the -#tt(e th#t w#+ +o 1&o(ent -!t +o odd(y 1e&(ed. He ,o!(d +ee or,+) +on&, of who$ he tho!'ht he re,o'n&4ed) -!t they were f&'ht&n' +tr#n'e f&'!re+) +horter #nd $ore n#rrow(y -!&(t -!t $ore he#1&(y #r$ored. The +tr#n'er+/they were ,#((ed h!$#n+) Gr#t#r re$e$-ered/were 7!&,k #nd #+ n!$ero!+ #+ 'n#t+) +w#r$&n' o1er the -e(e#'!ered or,+ #nd o1er"ower&n' the$ one -y one. How ,o!(d h&+ "eo"(e -e +!ffer&n' +!,h # defe#t6 Where w#+ Doo$h#$$er6 Gr#t#r +#w no +&'n of the $#++&1e) "owerf!( w#r,h&ef. Wh#t h#d h#""ened on th#t other wor(d6 He w#+ +t&(( w#t,h&n') +&,k(y enr#"t!red) when he he#rd the +o!nd of #""ro#,h&n' feet. He tore h&+ '#4e #w#y to +ee th#t Brodo' h#d ret!rned w&th two other+. One w#+ # $#++&1e f&'!re) (#r'er -y f#r th#n #ny or, #nd $!,h +tron'er) w&th "#(e $&(ky +k&n #nd he#1y fe#t!re+. An o're) #nd # $#'e) -y the ,!nn&n' Gr#t#r +#w '(&nt&n' &n h&+ +$#(() "&''y eye+. :ore &$"ort#nt th#n th&+ tower&n' f&'!re w#+ the or, who #,,o$"#n&ed h&$) "!+h&n' h&+ w#y forw#rd r&'ht !" to the "ort#( &t+e(f. Tho!'h h&+ h#&r w#+ 'r#y #nd h&+ f#,e he#1&(y (&ned) Ner94h!() ,h&eft#&n of the Sh#dow$oon ,(#n #nd on,e the $o+t +k&((ed +h#$#n the or,+ h#d e1er known) w#+ +t&(( "owerf!((y -!&(t #nd h&+ -rown eye+ were #+ +h#r" #+ e1er. He +t#red #t the "ort#( #nd the 1#'!e(y '(&$"+ed d&+#+ter !nfo(d&n' -eh&nd &t+ +h&$$er.

A -#tt(e) then) Ner94h!( +#&d #+ &f to h&$+e(f. And one the Horde is losing, Gr#t#r tho!'ht. How (on' h#+/" Ner94h!( -e'#n. S!dden(y the +"#,e fr#$ed -y the D#rk Port#( +h&fted) &t+ ener'&e+ +w&r(&n' 1&o(ent(y. A h#nd thr!+t fro$ the ,!rt#&n #+ &f &t were r&+&n' fro$ w#ter) '(e#$+ of (&'ht #nd +h#dow ,(&n'&n' to 'reen +k&n #+ &t -re#,hed the -#rr&er. A he#d fo((owed) then the tor+o) #nd then the or, w#+ thro!'h. H&+ w#r #;e w#+ +t&(( &n h&+ h#nd -!t h&+ eye+ were w&(d #+ he +t!$-(ed) then ,#!'ht h&$+e(f) r#,&n' "#+t Ner94h!( #nd the other+ w&tho!t e1en (ook&n'. Beh&nd h&$ ,#$e #nother ore) then #nother #nd #nother #nd #nother) !nt&( there w#+ # f(ood of the$) #(( r#,&n' to "#++ thro!'h the "ort#( #+ f#+t #+ the&r feet wo!(d ,#rry the$. And not 0!+t or,+/Gr#t#r +#w +e1er#( o're+ e$er'e) #nd # 'ro!" of +$#((er) +(&'hter f&'!re+ w&th he#1y hooded ,(o#k+ -r&d'ed the '#" #+ we((. One w#rr&or ,#!'ht Gr#t#r2+ #ttent&on. Too t#(( #nd -!(ky to -e # f!(( ore) h&+ fe#t!re+ -r!t&+h eno!'h to h#1e +o$e o're -(ood &n h&$) th&+ one d&d not r!n w&th the #&r of "#n&, the other+ d&d) -!t w&th "!r"o+e) #+ &f he w#+ r!nn&n' to +o$eth&n' r#ther th#n fro$ &t. At h&+ hee(+ (o"ed # $#++&1e 0et*-(#,k wo(f. An or, +ho1ed "#+t th&+ w#rr&or #+ they +te""ed fro$ the "ort#() +n#r(&n' #t the o-+tr!,t&on. O!t of the w#y) h#(f* -reed! the or, +n#""ed) -!t the w#rr&or $ere(y +hook h&+ he#d) ref!+&n' to -e -#&ted #t +!,h # t&$e. The wo(f) howe1er) +n#r(ed #t the or, -efore the w#r*nor +&(en,ed &t w&th # +h#r" h#nd 'e+t!re. The wo(f fe(( +&(ent) !tter(y o-ed&ent) #nd the w#rr&or dro""ed # h!'e h#nd on the -(#,k he#d w&th #ffe,t&on. Wh#t h#+ h#""ened here6 Ner94h!( de$#nded (o!d(y. Yo!! The +h#$#n "o&nted tow#rd one of the !nf#$&(&#r ,re#t!re+. Wh#t $#nner of or, #r, yo!6 Why ,o1er yo!r f#,e +o6 Co$e here! The f&'!re "#!+ed) then +!dden(y +hr!''ed #nd +te""ed ,(o+er to Ner94h!() A+ yo! w&+h) he +#&d &n # ,o(d 1o&,e th#t h#d # +(&'ht(y $o,k&n' tone to &t. De+"&te the he#t of the (#nd2+ -#ked) (&fe(e++ +o&() Gr#t#r +h&1ered) A $#&(ed h#nd +(&d the hood -#,k) #nd Gr#t#r ,o!(d not he(" ,ry&n' o!t &n horror. Perh#"+ the -e&n'2+ fe#t!re+ h#d on,e -een f&ne #nd re'!(#r) -!t no (on'er. The +k&n w#+ # "#(e 'r#y&+h 'reen) #nd h#d -!r+t o"en #t the 0!n,t!re where ,#r $et 0#w. A th&n tr&,k(e of oo4e '(&$$ered. Swo((en) ,r#,ked) "!r"(e (&"+ drew -#,k &n # +$&(e #+ the eye+ '(owed w&th $#(e1o(ent h!$or #nd # f&er,e &nte((&'en,e. The th&n' w#+ o-1&o!+(y de#d. E1en Ner94h!( +hr#nk -#,k) tho!'h he r#((&ed 7!&,k(y. Who/wh#t #r, yo!6 Ner94h!( de$#nded &n # 1o&,e th#t +hook on(y # (&tt(e. And wh#t do yo! w#nt here6 Don2t yo! re,o'n&4e $e6 3 #$ Teron Goref&end) the f&'!re re"(&ed) ,h!,k(&n' #t the +h#$#n2+ o-1&o!+ d&+,o$f&t!re. 3$"o++&-(e! He &+ de#d #nd 'one) +(#!'htered -y Doo$h#$$er #(on' w&th the re+t of the Sh#dow Co!n,&(! De#d 3 #$ &ndeed) the ,re#t!re #'reed) -!t not 'one. Yo!r o(d #""rent&,e G!(2d#n fo!nd # w#y to -r&n' !+ -#,k) #nd &nto the+e rott&n' ,#r,#++e+. He +hr!''ed) #nd Gr#t#r ,o!(d he#r the (&fe(e++ f(e+h ,re#k &n +(&'ht "rote+t. 3t +!ff&,e+. G!(2d#n6 The o(d +h#$#n +ee$ed $ore +ho,ked -y th#t re1e(#t&on th#n -y d&e +&'ht of the w#(k&n' ,or"+e &n front of h&$) Yo!r $#+ter +t&(( (&1e+6 Then 1o! +ho!(d ret!rn to h&$. Yo! for+ook $e #nd the +h#$#n tr#d&t&on to fo((ow h&+ (e#d #nd -e,o$e # w#r(o,k when yo! (&1ed) #-o$&n#t&on. Ser1e h&$ now th#t yo! #r, de#d. B!t Goref&end w#+ +h#k&n' h&+ he#d. G!(2d#n &+ de#d. And 'ood r&dd#n,e. He -etr#yed !+) h#(1&n' the Horde #t # ,r!,&#( $o$ent #nd for,&n' Doo$h#$$er to "!r+!e h&$ &n+te#d of ,on7!er&n' # h!$#n ,&ty. Th#t tre#,hery ,o+t !+ the w#r. We . . . h#1e (o+t6 Ner94h!( +t#$$ered. B!t . . . how &+ th#t "o++&-(e6 The Horde ,o1ered the 1ery "(#&n+) #nd Doo$h#$$er wo!(d not 'o down w&tho!t # f&'ht! Oh) he fo!'ht) Goref&end #'reed. Yet #(( h&+ $&'ht w#+ not eno!'h. He k&((ed the h!$#n+2 (e#der -!t w#+ o1er"owered &n t!rn. Ner94h!( +ee$ed +t!nned) t!rn&n' to (ook #t the "#nt&n') -(ood&ed or,+ #nd o're+ who h#d r!+hed thro!'h the '#te+ $o$ent+ e#r(&er. He took # dee" -re#th #nd +tr#&'htened) t!rn&n' to the o're who h#d #,,o$"#n&ed h&$. Dent#r'/ +!$$on the other ,h&eft#&n+. Te(( the$ to '#ther here #t on,e) -r&n'&n' on(y we#"on+ #nd #r$or. We/ The w#1e w#+hed o!t of the "ort#( w&th no w#rn&n') # $#++&1e ener'y -!r+t th#t +(#$$ed #(( of the$ to the 'ro!nd. Gr#t#r '#+"ed for -re#th) the w&nd kno,ked o!t of h&$. He +t!$-(ed to h&+ feet) on(y to -e 'reeted -y # +e,ond e;"(o+&on) $ore 1&o(ent th#n the f&r+t. Th&+ t&$e h!nk+ of +tone h#d -een +n#t,hed !" -y the ener'y th#t "owered the "ort#( #nd ,#$e f(y&n' "#+t the$) ,h&"+ #nd +(#-+ #nd +(&1er+ #nd +heet+. The ,!rt#&n w#1ered) -e,o$&n' o"#7!e. No! Ner94h!( r#,ed tow#rd the "ort#(. He w#+ +t&(( +e1er#( feet #w#y when the +h&$$er&n' ,!rt#&n of (&'ht f(&,kered) ,ontr#,ted) fro4e/#nd then e;"(oded. Stone+ #nd d!+t er!"ted fro$ the #r,hw#y. Ner94h!( w#+ to++ed &nto the #&r (&ke #n o(d -one) #nd +tr!,k the e#rth h#rd. Dent#r' (et o!t #n #n'ry -e((ow #nd r!+hed to h&+ $#+ter2+ +&de) +,oo"&n' h&$ !" #+ &f he we&'hed noth&n'. The o(d +h#$#n (#y (&$") he#d (o((&n') eye+ +h!t) # tr&,k(e of -(ood

#(on' h&+ r&'ht +&de. %or # w&(d $o$ent ener'y +,re#$ed #nd +hr&eked #-o!t the$ #(() how(&n' (&ke #n'ry +"&r&t+. Then #+ #-r!"t(y #+ they h#d ,o$e the (&'ht+ 1#n&+hed) the ,!rt#&n d&+#""e#r&n' !tter(y) (e#1&n' on(y #n e$"ty +tone "ort#( -eh&nd. The D#rk Port#( h#d -een +e1ered. Gr#t#r +t#red #t th#t +tone #r,hw#y) #nd #t #(( the Horde w#rr&or+ who h#d e+,#"ed -#,k thro!'h &t one (#+t t&$e. Then he '(#n,ed o1er #t Dent#r') #nd the e(der(y +h#$#n ,r#d(ed &n the o're2+ +!r"r&+&n'(y 'ent(e 'r#+". 3n the n#$e of the #n,e+tor+ . . . wh#t wo!(d they do now6

CHAPTER ONE
Ner24h!(! Goref&end #nd G#4 So!(r&""er +trode &nto the 1&((#'e #+ &f they owned &t. -ooted feet $o1&n' +w&ft(y o1er h#rd*"#,ked d&rt. C!r&o!+ 1&((#'er+ "oked the&r he#d+ o!t of the door+ #nd w&ndow+ of the&r +&$"(e h!t+) on(y to +hr&nk -#,k &n+&de #+ the &nter(o"er+ f&;ed the$ w&th # -#(ef!( +t#re fro$ !nn#t!r#((y '(ow&n' eye+. Ner94h!(! Goref&end ,#((ed #'#&n &n # 1o&,e th#t w#+ -oth ,o(d #nd ,o$$#nd&n'. 3 wo!(d +"e#k w&th yo!! Don2t know who yo! #r,. # 1o&,e 'row(ed -eh&nd h&$. #nd don2t $!,h ,#re. Yo!2re tre+"#++&n' on Sh#dow$oon terr&tory Le#1e or d&e. 3 need to +"e#k w&th Ner94h!() the de#th kn&'ht re"(&ed) t!rn&n' to f#,e the "owerf!( or, w#rr&or who h#d +te""ed thre#ten&n'(y -eh&nd h&$. Te(( h&$ Teron Goref&end &+ here. The or, (ooked !n+ett(ed #t the n#$e. Goref&end6 Yo! #r, the de#th kn&'ht6 He 'r&$#,ed) +how&n' h&+ t!+k+) '(#n,&n' #t Goref&end #nd h&+ ,o$"#n&on) then o-1&o!+(y $!+ter&n' h&+ ,o!r#'e. Yo! don2t (ook +o d#n'ero!+. D#n'ero!+ eno!'h) re"(&ed So!(r&""er. He t!rned #nd nodded #t +o$eth&n' the or, ,o!(d not +e,. Se1er#( $ore -e&n'+) the&r f#,e+ hooded -!t the&r '(ow&n' eye+ 1&+&-(e) e$er'ed fro$ the 1ery +h#dow+ of the 1&((#'e2+ h!t+ #nd +te""ed !" -e+&de the&r two fe((ow de#th kn&'ht+. Goref&end ,h!,k(ed) #nd the or, +w#((owed. Now fet,h yo!r $#+ter) (e+t yo!r #rro'#n,e -r&n' yo! +w&ft de#th &n+te#d. Ner94h!( +ee+ no one) the or, +t#ted. He w#+ -e'&nn&n' to +we#t) -!t he o-1&o!+(y h#d h&+ order+. Goref&end +&'hed) # +tr#n'e wh&+t(&n' +o!nd #+ #&r w#+ t#ken &nto #nd then e;"e((ed fro$ de#d (!n'+. Sw&ft de#th then) he +#&d. Before the or, ,o!(d e1en for$ # re"(y) Goref&end e;tended # $#&(ed h#nd #nd $!r$!red +o$eth&n'. The w#rr&or '#+"ed) do!-(&n' o1er #nd then dro""&n' to h&+ knee+. Goref&end t&'htened h&+ f&+t #nd -(ood +!dden(y -!r+t fro$ the h#"(e++ ore2+ no+e) eye+) #nd $o!th. Goref&end h#d #(re#dy t!rned #w#y -y th&+ "o&nt) h#1&n' (o+t &ntere+t &n tor$ent&n' the #nnoy#n,e. D#rk $#'&,! one of the Sh#dow$oon w#rr&or+ +ho!ted) 'r#--&n' !" the #;e -e+&de h&$. K&(( the w#r(o,k+ -efore they ,#n #ff(&,t #ny $ore of
US!

-e((owed) #nd h&+ fe((ow+ re+"onded -y re#dy&n' the$+e(1e+ #+ we((. Goref&end wh&r(ed) '(ow&n' eye+ n#rrow&n'. 3f yo! #(( d&e +o -e &t5 3 w&(( +"e#k w&th Ner94h!(! Th&+ t&$e he e;tended -oth h#nd+) #nd d#rkne++ for$ed #t h&+ f&n'ert&"+. 3t e;"(oded (&ke # '(ow&n' -(#,k f(#$e) kno,k&n' -#,k the or, who h#d h!r(ed the #;e #+ we(( #+ h&+ fe((ow+. They (#y where the -(#+t h#d -(own the$) +,re#$&n' &n #'ony) "Stop! There h#+ -een eno!'h k&((&n' #(re#dy! The o(d ore2+ 1o&,e r#n' w&th #!thor&ty. Goref&end (owered h&+ #r$+ #nd h&+ ,o$"#n&on+ fe(( -#,k) w#t,h&n' the&r (e#der. There yo! #r,) Ner94h!() Goref&end dr#w(ed. 3 tho!'ht th#t $&'ht 'et yo!r #ttent&on) He t!rned to re'#rd Ner94h!() $&(d(y +!r"r&+ed to not&,e th#t the o(d ore2+ f#,e h#d -een "#&nted wh&te/#($o+t (&ke # +k!(() Goref&end $!+ed. A+ the&r eye+ $et) N,r24h!f+ w&dened) 3. . . h#1e dre#$ed of yo!) he $!r$!red. 3 h#1e h#d 1&+&on+ of de#th) #nd now here yo! #r,. Lon' 'reen f&n'er+ re#,hed to to!,h the +k!(( "#&nted on h&+ f#,e. S$#(( -&t+ of wh&te f(#ked off #t the 'e+t!re. Two ye#r+ h#1e 3 -een dre#$&n' of th&+. Yo! h#1e ,o$e for $e) then. %or !+ #((. Yo! h#1e ,o$e to t#ke $y +o!(! Not #t #((. 321e ,o$e to +#1e &t. B!t/yo! #r, "#rt&#((y r&'ht8 3 h#1e ,o$e for yo!) -!t not the w#y yo! th&nk) 3 w&+h to +ee yo! (e#d. Ner94h!( (ooked ,onf!+ed. Le#d6 Why6 So th#t 3 ,#n de+troy $ore of the Horde6 H#1en2t 3 done eno!'h6 The o(d +h#$#n2+ eye+ were h#!nted. N#y) 3 #$ done w&th +!,h th&n'+. 3 (ed o!r "eo"(e on,e/ +tr#&'ht &nto G!(2d#n2+ "(ot+) +tr#&'ht &nto +,he$e+ th#t h#1e doo$ed th&+ wor(d #nd # -#tt(e th#t ne#r(y de+troyed !+. Seek # (e#der e(+ewhere. Goref&end frowned. Th&+ w#+ not 'o&n' #+ e;"e,ted) #nd he ,o!(dn2t +&$"(y +(#y Ner94h!( #+ he h#d the +h#$#n2+ ,(#n+$en. He tr&ed #'#&n. The Horde need+ yo!. The Horde &+ de#d! Ner94h!( +n#""ed. H#(f o!r "eo"(e #re 'one) tr#""ed on th#t horr&-(e wor(d) #nd (o+t to !+ fore1er! Yo! w#nt $e to (e#d th#t6

They #r, not (o+t fore1er) Goref&end re"(&ed) #nd the ,#($ ,ert#&nty &n h&+ tone -ro!'ht Ner94h!( !" +hort. The "ort#( w#+ de+troyed) -!t $#y yet -e re+tored. Th#t 'ot Ner94h!(2+ #ttent&on. Wh#t6 How6 A +$#(( r&ft re$#&n+ on A4eroth) Goref&end e;"(#&ned) #nd th&+ +&de &+ &nt#,t. 3 he("ed ,re#te the D#rk Port#() #nd 3 ,#n +t&(( +en+e &t. 3 ,#n he(" yo! w&den the r&ft !nt&( the Horde ,#n "#++ thro!'h &t. The +h#$#n +ee$ed to ,on+&der th&+ for #n &n+t#nt) then +hook h&+ he#d) fo(d&n' &n on h&$+e(f #($o+t 1&+&-(y. Wh#t 'ood wo!(d th#t do !+6 The A((&#n,e &+ too 're#t # foe. The Horde w&(( ne1er w&n. O!r "eo"(e #r, #+ 'ood #+ de#d #(re#dy. A(( we h#1e (eft now &+ the $#nner of th#t de#th. A'#&n h&+ f&n'er+ to!,hed the "#&nted &$#'e on h&+ f#,e) #($o+t of the&r own 1o(&t&on. H&+ we#kne++ d&+'!+ted Goref&end. 3t w#+ h#rd to -e(&e1e th#t th&+ wre,k) o-+e++ed w&th de#th) h&+ own #nd th#t of other+) h#d on,e -een +o re1ered. And !nfort!n#te(y +t&(( +o ne,e++#ry. De#th &+ not the on(y o"t&on) not &f we re-!&(d #nd !+e the "ort#() Goref&end ,o!ntered) for,&n' "#t&en,e. We don2t h#1e to w&n/We don2t e1en need to -#tt(e the A((&#n,e #'#&n. 3 h#1e 7!&te #nother "(#n for the Horde. 3f 3 ,#n 'et #ho(d of ,ert#&n #rt&f#,t+/there #r, th&n'+ 3 (e#rned #-o!t fro$ G!(2d#n th#t/< G!(2d#n #nd h&+ tw&+ted +,he$e+/they re#,h o!t #nd de+troy (&1e+ e1en fro$ -eyond the 'r#1e! He +,ow(ed #t Goref&end. Yo! #nd yo!r "(#n+! And how $!,h "ower wo!(d yo! '#&n fro$ +!,,e++6 Power &+ #(( yo! Sh#dow Co!n,&( -#+t#rd+ ,#re #-o!t! Goref&end2+ "#t&en,e) ne1er 're#t) h#d e1#"or#ted. He +e&4ed the o(d +h#$#n2+ #r$+ #nd +hook h&$ #n'r&(y. Two ye#r+ +&n,e the "ort#( ,o((#"+ed) #nd yo! h#1e -een h&d&n' &n yo!r 1&((#'e wh&(e the ,(#n+ +(#!'hter e#,h other. A(( they need &+ '!&d#n,e #nd then they w&(( -e "owerf!( #'#&n! Between yo!r +!""orter+ #nd $y de#th kn&'ht+) we ,#n for,e the ,(#n+ to o-ey yo!. W&th Doo$h#$$er de#d or &$"r&+oned on A4eroth) yo! #r, the on(y one (eft who ,#n (e#d the$. 3 h#1e -een e;#$&n&n' the "ort#() #++e++&n' the d#$#'e) #nd 3 to(d yo! 3 h#1e # +o(!t&on. 321e #++&'ned +e1er#( de#th kn&'ht+ to the +&te #(re#dy. E1en #+ 3 +"e#k to yo!) they #r, work&n' +"e((+) "re"#r&n' &t for &t+ reo"en&n'. 3 #$ +!re &t ,#n +!,,eed. And wh#t &+ th&+ +o(!t&on6 Ner94h!( +"#t -&tter(y. D&d yo! d&+,o1er # w#y for !+ to ret!rn to A4eroth #nd w&n the w#r we (o+t two ye#r+ #'o6 3 th&nk not. we #r, doo$ed. we w&(( ne1er w&n. He t!rned #w#y) #nd took # +te" -#,k tow#rd h&+ h!t. Ne1er $&nd the w#r! L&+ten to $e. o(d $#n! the de#th kn&'ht +ho!ted #fter h&$. We do not need to defe#t d&e A((&#n,e because \vc do not need to conquer Azerothl" Ner94h!( "#!+ed #nd '(#n,ed -#,k B!t yo! +#&d yo! ,o!(d reo"en the "ort#(. Why do th#t &f not to ret!rn there6 Ret!rn) ye+) -!t not for -#tt(e. Goref&end ,(o+ed the '#" -etween the$ #'#&n. We need on(y to f&nd #nd ,(#&$ ,ert#&n $#'&,#( #rt&f#,t+. On,e we h#1e tho+e) we ,#n (e#1e A4eroth #nd ne1er ret!rn. And +t#y here6 Ner94h!( w#1ed # h#nd) the 'e+t!re en,o$"#++&n' $!,h of the +tr&,ken (#nd+,#"e #ro!nd the$. Yo! know #+ we(( #+ 3 th#t Dr#enor &+ dy&n'. Soon &t w&(( not -e #-(e to +!+t#&n e1en tho+e of !+ (eft. He h#d not re$e$-ered the +h#$#n #+ -e&n' +o +(ow*w&tted. 3t w&(( not h#1e to) Goref&end #++!red h&$. +"e#k&n' +(ow(y #+ &f to # ,h&(d. W&th the+e #rt&f#,t+ &n h#nd) we ,#n (e#1e -oth A4eroth #nd Dr#enor -eh&nd #nd 'o +o$e"(#,e e(+e. So$e "(#,e -etter. Now he h#d Ner94h!(2+ f!(( #ttent&on. So$eth&n' (&ke ho"e f(&,kered #,ro++ the wh&te*"#&nted f#,e. %or # (on' $o$ent. Ner94h!( +tood "o&+ed ,&ther to reenter h&+ h!t #nd re+!$e h&+ +e(f*"&ty&n' +e,(!+&on) or to e$-r#,e th&+ new "o++&-&(&ty. Yo! h#1e # "(#n for th&+6 the o(d +h#$#n #+ked f&n#((y.

3 do.
Another (on' "#!+e. Goref&end w#&ted. ... 3 w&(( (&+ten. Ner94h!( t!rned #nd +te""ed -#,k &nto h&+ h!t. B!t th&+ t&$e Teron Goref&end/w#r(o,k #nd de#th kn&'ht/,#$e w&th h&$.

CHAPTER TWO
Look #t th&+ "(#,e! Genn Grey$#ne) k&n' of G&(ne#+) 'e+t!red #t he ,&t#de( tower&n' o1er the$) the +#$e $#++&1e +tr!,t!re who+e front '#te+ they were +tr&d&n' thro!'h #+ he +"oke. Tho!'h # (#r'e) -!r(y $#n) Grey$#ne w#+ dw#rfed -y the ed&f&,e they were enter&n') the #r,h of &t+ front '#te $ore th#n tw&,e h&+ he&'ht. The other k&n'+ nodded #+ they too "#++ed thro!'h) #d$&r&n' the th&,k o!ter w#((+ w&th the&r he#1y -(o,k ,on+tr!,t&on) -!t Grey$#ne +norted) #nd h&+ frown +howed he d&d not e,ho the&r #""ro1#(. A w#(() # tower) #nd # +&n'(e kee") he r!$-(ed (o!d(y) '(#r&n' #t the h#(f*,o$"(eted -!&(d&n'+ -eyond. Th&+ &+ where o!r $oney2+ 'one to6

3t2+ -&') Thor#+ Tro((-#ne "o&nted o!t) the ter+e Stro$'#rd, r!(er #+ !+!#( w#+t&n' #+ few word+ #+ "o++&-(e. B&' &+ e;"en+&1e. The other k&n'+ 'r!$-(ed +o$ewh#t #+ we((. They #(( 'r&e1ed #t the ,o+t+ &n1o(1ed. E+"e,&#((y +&n,e they) the A((&#n,e (e#der+) were +h#r&n' the e;"en+e+ e7!#((y. How 're#t # "r&,e do yo! "!t on +#fety6 ,o$$ented d&e t#(() +(&$ yo!n' $#n ne#r the front of the 'ro!". Noth&n' worth h#1&n' ,o$e+ ,he#"(y. Se1er#( of the other+ ,e#+ed the&r 'r!$-(&n' #t the +!-t(e #d$on&t&on. =#r&#n) the re,endy ,rowned yo!n' k&n' of Stor$w&nd) h#d known +#fety) #nd -een ro--ed of &t. H&+ re#($ h#d +!ffered 're#t(y #t the h#nd+ of the or,+ d!r&n' the %&r+t W#r. :!,h of the ,#"&t#( ,&ty &n "#rt&,!(#r h#d -een red!,ed to $ere r!--(e. 3ndeed/how doe+ the re-!&(d&n' 'o) Yo!r :#0e+ty6 # wh&"*th&n $#n &n 'reen n#1#( '#r- #+ked "o(&te(y. =ery we(() th#nk yo!. Ad$&r#() =#r&#n re"(&ed/ tho!'h D#,(&n Pro!d$oore w#+ r!(er of K!( T&r#+) he "referred to !+e h&+ n#1#( t&t(e. The Stone$#+on+2 G!&(d &+ do&n' #n e;,e((ent 0o-) #nd 3 #nd $y "eo"(e owe the$ o!r 'r#t&t!de. They2re f&ne ,r#ft+$en) w&th +k&((+ to r&1#( tho+e of the dw#r1e+ the$+e(1e+) #nd the ,&ty &+ r&+&n' h&'her #nd h&'her e1ery d#y. He 'r&nned #t Grey$#ne. Worth e1ery ,o""er) 32d +#y. The other k&n'+ ,h!,k(ed) #nd one of the$) t#(( #nd -ro#d w&th 'r#y&n' -(ond h#&r #nd -(!e*'reen eye+) ,#!'ht Tro((-#ne2+ '#4e #nd nodded #""ro1&n'(y. T,r,n#+) r!(er of Lord#,ron) h#d +"on+ored yo!n' =#r&#n when the "r&n,e #nd h&+ "eo"(e h#d +o!'ht ref!'e fro$ the Horde) #nd h#d t#ken the yo!th &nto h&+ own ho$e !nt&( +!,h t&$e #+ =#r&#n ,o!(d -e re+tored to h&+ f#ther2+ throne. Now th#t t&$e h#d ,o$e) #nd Teren#+ #nd h&+ o(d fr&end Tro((-#ne were we(( "(e#+ed w&th the re+!(t+. =#r&#n w#+ # ,(e1er) ,h#r$&n') no-(e yo!n' $#n) # n#t!r#( (e#der #nd # '&fted d&"(o$#t for one +o yo!n'. Teren#+ h#d 'rown to th&nk of h&$ #($o+t #+ # +on) #nd he now took ne#r(y # f#ther2+ "r&de &n #d$&r#t&on of the w#y the yo!th h#d ,ontro((ed the ,on1er+#t&on #nd d&+tr#,ted the other r!(er+ fro$ the&r "re1&o!+ ,o$"(#&nt+. 3n f#,t) =#r&#n ,ont&n!ed) "&t,h&n' h&+ 1o&,e +(&'ht(y (o!der) there2+ the $&r#,(e worker h&$+e(f. The k&n' &nd&,#ted # t#(( #nd "owerf!((y -!&(t $#n +"e#k&n' #n&$#ted(y w&th +o$e d!+ty*(ook&n' work$en. The $#n &n 7!e+t&on h#d -(#,k h#&r #nd d#rk 'reen e1e+ th#t +"#rk(ed #+ h&+ he#d t!rned tow#rd the$) h#1&n' ,(e#r(y o1erhe#rd the word+. Teren#+ re,o'n&4ed Edw&n =#nC(eef) the he#d of the Stone$#+on+2 G!&(d #nd the $#n &n ,h#r'e of -oth Stor$w&nd2+ re+tor#t&on #nd the ,on+tr!,t&on here #t Nether'#rde Kee". =#r&#n +$&(ed #nd -e,koned h&$ o1er. :#+ter =#nC(eef) t tr!+t the work ,ont&n!e+ #"#,e6 3t do,+. Yo!r :#0e+ty) th#nk yo!) =#nC(,ef re"(&ed ,onf&dendy. He -#n'ed # he#1y f&+t #'#&n+t the th&,k o!ter w#(( #nd nodded "ro!d(y. 3t2(( ho(d #'#&n+t #(( ,o$er+) +&re) 3 "ro$&+e yo! th#t. 3 know &t w&((. :#+ter =#nC(,ef) Stor$w&nd2+ k&n' #'reed. Yo!21e o!tdone yo!r+e(f here) #nd th#t t#ke+ +o$e do&n'. =#nC(,ef nodded h&+ th#nk+) then t!rned #+ #nother $#n +o$ewhere -y one of the !nf&n&+hed -!&(d&n'+ ,#((ed for h&$. 32d -e+t -e -#,k to work. Yo!r :#0e+t&e+. He -owed to the #++e$-(ed r!(er+) then t!rned #nd h!rr&ed off tow#rd the +ho!t+. N&,e(y h#nd(ed) Teren#+ +#&d +oft(y to =#r&#n #+ they fe(( &nto "#,e to'ether. Def!+&n' Grey$#ne #nd f(#tter&n' =#nC(eef #t the +#$e t&$e. The yo!n'er k&n' 'r&nned. 3t2+ #n hone+t ,o$"(&$ent) #nd he2(( work #(( the h#rder -e,#!+e of &t) he "o&nted o!t 0!+t #+ 7!&et(y) #nd Grey$#ne on(y ,o$"(#&n+ to he#r the +o!nd of h&+ own 1o&,e. Yo!21e 'rown 1ery w&+e for yo!r #'e) Teren#+ +#&d) (#!'h&n'. Or "erh#"+ 0!+t w&+e &n 'ener#() Of ,o!r+e) =#r&#n2+ h&dden re"r&$#nd ,o!(d not +h!t Grey$#ne !" for (on'. A+ they ,ro++ed the w&de ,o!rty#rd G&(ne#+2+ k&n' -e'#n 'r!$-(&n' #'#&n) #nd +oon tho+e r!$-(&n'+ &n h&+ th&,k -(#,k -e#rd for$ed word+ on,e $ore. 3 know they #r, work&n' h#rd) he #d$&tted 'n0d'&n'(y) '(#r&n' #t =#r&#n) who 'r&nned &n re"(y) -!t why #(( the+e -!&(d&n'+6 He w#1ed # (#r'e h#nd #t the +&n'(e ,o$"(eted kee" they were enter&n' #+ they "#++ed -ene#th the "ort,!((&+ #nd !" the +t#&r+. Why 'o to +o $!,h tro!-(e/#nd ,o+t/to ,re#te +!,h # 1#+t ,&t#de(6 3t &+ on(y here to $#&nt#&n w#t,h o1er the 1#((ey where the "ort#( on,e +tood) &+ &t not6 Why wo!(d # +&$"(e kee" not h#1e +!ff&,ed6 Kh#d'#r) #r,h$#', of D#(#r#n) e;,h#n'ed t&red -!t +t&(( +(&'ht(y #$!+ed '(#n,e+ w&th h&+ fe((ow w&4#rd+ #+ Grey $#ne2+ +tron' 1o&,e ,#rr&ed to the$ e1en -efore they entered the (#r'e $eet&n' roo$. 3t &+ 'ood to he#r Grey$#ne &+ h&+ o(d +e(f) Anton&d#+) (e#der of the K&r&n Tor) ,o$$ented dry(y. Ye+) +o$e th&n'+ ne1er ,h#n'e) Kh#d'#r re"(&ed) +trok&n' h&+ f!(( wh&te -e#rd. He t!rned) h&+ yo!thf!( 7!&,kne++ '&1&n' # +ee$&n' (&e to h&+ (&ned 1&+#'e) to f#,e the k&n'+. Yo! w#nt to know wh#t yo!r $oney h#+ -o!'ht yo!) then6 he +#&d to the new,o$er+) nodd&n' # -r&ef 'reet&n' to the$ -!t otherw&+e tre#t&n' the$ #+ e7!#(+/for +!,h d&,y were) #+ Kh#d'#r) # $e$-er of the K&r&n Tor) w#+ # r!(er &n h&+ own r&'ht. We(() 32(( te(( yo!) #nd yo! ,#n th#nk $e. Nether'#rde Kee" &+ (#r'e) ye+. 3t h#+ to -e. >!&te # few "eo"(e w&(( -e (&1&n' here/the $#'& we -ro!'ht here fro$ D#(#r#n) #+ we(( #+ the +o(d&er+ who w#t,h for $ore $!nd#ne thre#t+. The 1#((ey -e(ow !+ w#+ on,e the +&te of the D#rk Port#() the Horde2+ entr#n,e &nto o!r wor(d. 3f d&,y e1er ret!rn) we2(( -e re#dy.??

Th#t e;"(#&n+ the w#rr&or+) Pro!d$oore #'reed) -!t why the+e $#'& yo! +"oke of6 S!re(y # +&n'(e $#'e wo!(d -e eno!'h to $on&tor the +&t!#t&on #nd #(ert yo! of #ny d#n'er6 3f th#t were #(( th#t w#+ re7!&red) ye+) Kh#d'#r #'reed) "#,&n' the roo$. H&+ +tr&de+ were th#t of the yo!n' $#n he tr!(y w#+. Kh#d'#r w#+ on(y # h#ndf!( of ye#r+ o(der th#n =#r&#n) -!t he h#d -een #'ed "re$#t!re(y -y the $#'&, of $ed&1h 0!+t -efore the :#'!+2+ de#th. B!t Nether'#rde &+ 7!&,k(y -e,o$&n' $ore th#n 0!+t # w#t,h "o+t. Yo! ,#n2t "o++&-(y h#1e $&++ed the re#+on for o!r ,on,ern #+ yo! rode !". So$eth&n' dr#&ned the (&fe fro$ Dr#enor) fro$ the 1ery (#nd &t+e(f When the D#rk Port#( w#+ o"ened th#t (&f,(,++n,++ to!,hed o!r wor(d #+ we(() k&((&n' the (#nd #ro!nd &t #nd +"re#d&n' o!tw#rd. When we de+troyed the "ort#() we tho!'ht the (#nd wo!(d he#( &t+e(f. 3t d&d not. 3n f#,t) the t#&nt ,ont&n!ed to +"re#d. The k&n'+ frowned #nd (ooked #t one #nother. Th&+ w#+ new+ to the$ #((. We -e'#n to +t!dy the +&t!#t&on) #nd d&+,o1ered th#t) e1en w&th the "ort#( 'one) # +$#(( d&$en+&on#( r&ft re$#&ned. Th#t -ro!'ht '#+"+ fro$ the #++e$-(ed r!(er+. D&d yo! f&nd # w#y to +to" the t#&nt fro$ +"re#d&n'6 Pro!d$oore #+ked. We d&d. tho!'h &t took +e1er#( of !+ work&n' to'ether to do +o. A frown ,ro++ed h&+ (&ned f#,e. Unfort!n#te(y) we were !n#-(e to re+tore the (#nd th#t h#d -een d#$#'ed. Th&+ #re# w#+ on,e the B(#,k :or#++) #nd we $#n#'ed to "rote,t the northern h#(f #nd kee" &t &n &t+ for$er +t#te. There #re r!$or+ th#t +o$e or,+ #r, +t&(( h&d&n' o!t there) -!t we21e not +een #nyth&n' ,on,rete. B!t the +o!thern h#(f/for wh#te1er re#+on. we ,o!(d not -re#the (&fe -#,k &nto &t. He +hook h&+ he#d. So$eone took to ,#((&n' &t the B(#+ted L#nd+) #nd now the n#$e h#+ +t!,k. 3 do!-t th&+ (#nd w&(( e1er -e #-(e to +!""ort (&fe #'#&n. St&(() yo! +to""ed the t#&nt #nd +#1ed the re+t of the wor(d2+ +o&() =#r&#n "o&nted o!t. Th#t &+ &n,red&-(e eno!'h) '&1en how r#"&d(y the effe,t +"re#d. Kh#d'#r &n,(&ned h&+ he#d) #,know(ed'&n' the "r#&+e. We h#1e done $ore th#n 3 h#d d#red ho"e) he #d$&tted) tho!'h (e++ th#n 3 $&'ht h#1e (&ked. B!t # f!(( ,ont&n'ent of $#'& $!+t re$#&n here #t #(( t&$e+) to w#t,h the #re# #nd $#ke +!re we (o+e no $ore of A4eroth to th&+ +tr#n'e t#&nt. The $#'& #(+o $on&tor the r&ft &t+e(f #t the +#$e t&$e. And that, 'ood $#0e+t&e+) &+ why Nether'#rde h#d to -e +o (#r'e) #nd &+ ,o+t&n' +o $!,h. 3+ there re#((y #ny r&+k th#t d&e r&ft $&'ht reo"en6 Tro((-#ne #+ked) #nd the other+ t!rned -#,k to Kh#d'#r. ,(e#r(y #w#&t&n' h&+ #n+wer -!t worr&ed #-o!t wh#t &t $&'ht -e. He ,o!(d re#d the&r tho!'ht+ on the&r f#,e+5 the &de# of re(&1&n' wh#t h#d h#""ened e&'ht ye#r+ -efore) when the "ort#( h#d o"ened #nd the or,+ h#d ,o$e "o!r&n' thro!'h) !nner1ed the$ #((. Kh#d'#r -e'#n to #n+wer) -!t w#+ &nterr!"ted -y # +hr&(( ,#w fro$ 0!+t o!t+&de the $eet&n' h#(() 3 th&nk the f&n#( $e$-er h#+ 0!+t #rr&1ed -y 'ry"hon #nd (#nded on the w#(( w#(k) he +#&d. The wo$#n who entered the $eet&n' roo$ # few $o$ent+ (#ter w#+ t#(( #nd #($o+t !n+"e#k#-(y (o1e(y. Worn*(ook&n' 'reen #nd -rown (e#ther ,(!n' to her +(&$ for$ #+ +he +trode tow#rd the$. Her 'o(den h#&r w#+ to!+(ed #nd +he -r!+hed &t #-+ent(y -#,k fro$ (on') "o&nted ,#r+. E;7!&+&te #nd de(&,#te +he $&'ht +ee$) -!t e1eryone "re+ent knew we(( th#t A((er&# W&ndr!nn,r w#+ # for$&d#-(e r#n'er) +,o!t #nd f&'hter #nd w&(derne++ e;"ert. :#ny of tho+e "re+ent h#d fo!'ht &n -#tt(e #(on'* +&de her/#nd owed the&r (&1e+ to her +h#r" eye+) 7!&,k re#,t&on+) #nd +tron' ner1e+. Kh#d'#r) +he +#&d -(!nt(y #+ +he +te""ed !" -e+&de h&$) t#(( eno!'h to #($o+t (ook h&$ eye to eye. A((er&#) he re"(&ed. Affe,t&on#te no+t#('&# $#de the +&n'(e word w#r$. They h#d -een ,o$r#de+ &n #r$+ not +o (on' #'o) 'ood fr&end+ f&'ht&n' # 'ood f&'ht. B!t there w#+ no w#r$th &n her 'reen*eyed '#4e) nor on # f#,e th#t) wh&(e -e#!t&f!() $&'ht h#1e -een ,#r1ed fro$ +tone for #(( the #n&$#t&on &t d&+"(#yed. A((er&# w#+ ,o!rteo!+) -!t th#t w#+ #((. 3nw#rd(y) Kh#d'#r +&'hed) +te""&n' -#,k thro!'h the door #nd 'e+t!r&n' for her to fo((ow. Th&+ h#d -etter -e 'ood) +he +#&d #+ +he entered the roo$ "ro"er #nd nodded -r&ef(y to the 1#r&o!+ k&n'+. De+"&te her w&((owy -!&(d #nd yo!thf!( 'o(den (ook+) A((er&# w#+ e#+&(y o(der th#n #ny of the h!$#n r!(er+) wh&,h $#de her &$$!ne to/#nd often $o,k&n' of/the&r $#0e+ty. 3 w#+ h!nt&n' or,+. Yo! #r, #(w#y+ h!nt&n' or,+) Kh#d'#r ,o!ntered) $ore +h#r"(y th#n he &ntended. B!t th#t &+ "#rt of why 3 w#nted yo! here for th&+. He w#&ted !nt&( he h#d her f!(( #ttent&on #nd th#t of the 1#r&o!+ k&n'+. 3 w#+ 0!+t e;"(#&n&n' th#t we21e not&,ed # d&$en+&on#( r&ft &n the #re# where the D#rk Port#( on,e +tood. A((er&#. And re,ent(y the ener'&e+ e$#n#t&n' fro$ &t h#1e &n,re#+ed dr#$#t&,#((y. Wh#t doe+ th#t $e#n6 Grey$#n, de$#nded. Are yo! try&n' to te(( !+ &t2+ 'ett&n' +tron'er6 The yo!n'*o(d #r,h$#', nodded. Ye+. We th&nk the r&ft &+ #-o!t to e;"#nd. H#+ d&e Horde fo!nd +o$e w#y to re+tore the "ort#(6 Teren#+ #+ked) 0!+t #+ +ho,ked #+ the re+t. Perh#"+) "erh#"+ not) Kh#d'#r #n+wered. B!t e1en &f they ,#nnot ,re#te # +t#-(e "ort#( #'#&n) on,e the r&ft #(one &+ (#r'e eno!'h) the or,+ w&(( on,e $ore h#1e #,,e++ to o!r wor(d. 3 knew th&+ wo!(d h#""en! Grey$#ne #(( -!t +ho!ted. 3 knew we h#dn2t +een the (#+t of tho+e 'reen*+k&nned $on+ter+!

Be+&de h&$ A((er&#2+ (&"+ ,!r1ed) her eye+ 'row&n' -r&'ht &n/w#+ th#t #nt&,&"#t&on6 How +oon6 Tro((-#ne #+ked. And how $#ny6 How $#ny) we ,#nnot +#y) Kh#d'#r re"(&ed) +h#k&n' h&+ he#d. How +oon6 =ery. A+ (&tt(e #+ # few d#y+) "erh#"+. Wh#t do yo! need6 Teren#+ #+ked +oft(y. 3 need the A((&#n,e #r$y) Kh#d'#r #n+wered -(!ndy. 3 need the ent&re #r$y here &n ,#+e the r&ft doe+ -e'&n w&den&n'. 3t2+ 7!&te "o++&-(e we ,o!(d h#1e # +e,ond Horde "o!r&n' o!t &nto th#t 1#((ey. He +$&(ed +!dden(y. The Son+ of Loth#r $!+t +te" forw#rd on,e #'#&n. The Son+ of Loth#r. Th#t2+ wh#t they h#d t#ken to ,#((&n' the$+e(1e+) the 1eter#n+ of the Se,ond W#r. =&,tory h#d -een -o!'ht) -!t #t # de#r ,o+t/the de#th of the L&on of A4eroth) And!&n Loth#r. who h#d -een the $#n #(( were w&((&n' to fo((ow. Kh#d'#r h#d -een there when he fe(() +(#&n -y the or, ,h&eft#&n Or'r&$ Doo$h#$$er. And he2d -een there when h&+ fr&end T!r#(yon) now the 'ener#( of the A((&#n,e for,e+) h#d #1en'ed Loth#r -y ,#"t!r&n' Doo$h#$$er. Loth#r2+ "rote'e) ,o$&n' &nto h&+ own) ,#rry&n' on # hero&, (e'#,y5 #nd th!+ &n -(ood h#d -een -orn the Son+ of Loth#r. Yo!2re +!re #-o!t th&+ r&ft6 Teren#+ #+ked ,#ref!((y) ,(e#r(y re(!,t#nt to offend # w&4#rd. Wh&,h) Kh#d'#r $!+ed) w#+ h#rd(y e1er # 'ood &de#. B!t &n th&+ ,#+e) he w#+n2t offended #t #((. 3 w&+h 3 weren2t. The ener'y (e1e( &+ $o+t def&n&te(y r&+&n'. Soon th#t ener'y w&(( -e eno!'h to w&den the r&ft) #((ow&n' the or,+ to "o!r forth fro$ Dr#enor onto o!r wor(d. He fe(t +!dden(y t&red) #+ &f +h#r&n' the -#d new+ h#d e$"t&ed h&$ +o$ehow. He '(#n,ed #'#&n #t A((er&#) who not&,ed the '#4e #nd (&fted #n eye-row) -!t +#&d noth&n'. We ,#nnot #fford to t#ke ,h#n,e+) =#r&#n "o&nted o!t. 3 +#y we r#((y the A((&#n,e #r$y #nd $#ke re#dy for w#r) 0!+t &n ,#+e. A'reed) T,ren#+ +#&d) #nd the other+ nodded the&r #""ro1#(. We2(( need to ,ont#,t Gener#( T!r#(yon. =#r&#n ,ont&n!ed. A((er&# +t&ffened +(&'ht(y) # f(&,ker of !nre#d#-(e e$ot&on ,ro++&n' her f#,e) #nd Kh#d'#r2+ eye+ n#rrowed. On,e) the ,(1,n r#n'er #nd the h!$#n "#(#d&n h#d -een $ore th#n ,o$r#de+ &n #r$+. They2d -een 'ood for e#,h other) Kh#d'#r h#d #(w#y+ tho!'ht. A((er&#2+ #'e #nd w&+do$ +tren'thened T!r#(yon2+ +"&r&t) #nd h&+ yo!th #nd &nno,en,e +oftened the +o$ewh#t 0#ded e(f. B!t +o$eth&n' h#d h#""ened. Kh#d'#r h#d ne1er known wh#t) #nd w#+ d&+,reet eno!'h not to #+k. An #(#r$&n'(y ,o(d d&+t#n,e h#d +"r!n' !" -etween T!r#(yon #nd A((er&#. Kh#d'#r h#d fe(t +orry for the$ #t the t&$e5 now) he wondered &f th&+ d&+t#n,e wo!(d ,#!+e "ro-(e$+. =#r&#n #""e#red not to h#1e not&,ed the +!-t(e ,h#n'e &n A((er&# #nd ,ont&n!ed) A+ ,o$$#nder of the A((&#n,e #r$y) &t2+ h&+ 0o- to '#ther o!r +o(d&er+ #nd "re"#re the$ for wh#t (&e+ #he#d. He2+ &n Stor$w&nd now) he("&n' !+ re-!&(d o!r defen+e+ #nd tr#&n o!r $en. An &de# o,,!rred to Kh#d'#r) one th#t $&'ht +o(1e two "ro-(e$+ #t on,e. A((er&#) yo! ,o!(d re#,h T!r#(yon $ore 7!&,k(y th#n #nyone e(+e. T#ke the 'ry"hon #nd he#d to Stor$w&nd. Te(( h&$ wh#t2+ h#""ened) #nd th#t we2(( need to re#++e$-(e the A((&#n,e #r$y &$$ed&#te(y. The ,(1,n r#n'er '(#red #t Kh#d'#r) her 'reen eye+ f(#+h&n' f&re. S!re(y #nother ,o!(d #,,o$"(&+h the trek #+ e#+&(y. +he +t#ted) her tone +h#r". B!t Kh#d'#r +hook h&+ he#d. The W&(dh#$$,r+ know #nd tr!+t yo!) he #n+wered. And the+e fe((ow+ h#1e the&r own #rr#n'e$ent+ to $#ke. He +&'hed. P(e#+e) A((er&#. %or #(( o!r +#ke+. %&nd h&$. te(( h&$. #nd -r&n' h&$ here. And ma be ou two can settle our di!!erences . . . or at least decide to wor" together, he tho!'ht. A((er&#2+ '(#re h#rdened &nto th#t &$"(#,#-(e) e;"re++&on(e++ $#+k. 3 w&(( do #+ yo! h#1e re7!e+ted.22 +he +#&d #($o+t for$#((y. W&tho!t #nother word +he t!rned #nd +t#(ked -#,k #,ro++ the h#(( #nd o!t the front door+. Kh#d'#r2+ r&'ht. Teren#+ +#&d #+ they w#t,hed her w#(k #w#y. We2(( e#,h need to r#((y o!r troo"+ #nd '#ther +!""(&e+) #nd r&'ht #w#y. The other k&n'+ nodded. E1en Grey$#ne w#+ 7!&et(y ,o$"(&#nt/the tho!'ht of the Horde ret!rn&n' h#d +ho,ked #ny 'r&"&n' ,(e#n o!t of h&$. To'ether they $o1ed tow#rd the door+) he#d&n' -#,k &nto the ,o!rty#rd #nd fro$ there tow#rd the $#++&1e front #r,hw#y they h#d f&r+t "#++ed !nder not #n ho!r -efore. Aye. 'o. Kh#d'#r wh&+"ered #+ he w#t,hed the k&n'+ de"#rt) Go) #nd ro!+e the Son+ of Loth#r. 3 0!+t "r#y &t &+ not too (#te.

CHAPTER THREE
The #;e +hr&eked #+ &t #r,ed downw#rd) ,#t,h&n' the (&'ht #nd '(&nt&n' -r&'ht(y) th&r+t&n' for -(ood. 3t+ w&,(d,r (#!'hed &n # $#n&, h#r$ony) o"en&n' h&+ -(#,k*t#ttooed 0#w #($o+t &$"o++&-(y w&de &n the +,re#$ th#t h#d '&1en h&$ h&+ n#$e. Lon' -(#,k h#&r wh&""ed -eh&nd h&$ #+ he $o1ed) red eye+ '(ow&n') +(#+h&n' #t the &$#'&n#ry foe #'#&n #nd #'#&n) hon&n' h&+ $o1e+ +o th#t &n # re#( -#tt(e) h&+ ene$y wo!(d -e +o $!,h r#w $e#t. Gro$ He((+,re#$ 'r!nted #nd wh&r(ed #nd t!rned) +heer "ower te$"ered -y +k&(() !nt&( the +o!nd of h&+ n#$e -e&n' ,#((ed "!((ed h&$ fro$ the red h#4e th#t de+,ended #t +!,h t&$e+) e1en &n # $ere e;er,&+e +!,h #+ th&+.

Gro$! Gro$ He((+,re#$ (owered Gorehow() "#nt&n' on(y +(&'ht(y fro$ the 1&'oro!+ e;ert&on) #nd '(#n,ed !" to +ee #n o(der -!t &$"o+&n' f&'!re +to$"&n' tow#rd h&$. K#r'#th) he re"(&ed) w#&t&n' !nt&( the Sh#ttered H#nd ,h&eft#&n h#d re#,hed h&$. They ,(#+"ed h#nd+*r&'ht h#nd+5 K#r'#th2+ (eft h#nd h#d -een +e1ered (on' #'o #nd re"(#,ed w&th # w&,ked*(ook&n' +,ythe2+ -(#de. "We(( $et." We(( $et to $#ny) &t +ee$+. the o(der ,h&eft#&n +#&d) nodd&n' to where $ore or,+ were '#ther&n'. Ner94h!( +ent e$&++#r&e+ to e1ery ,(#n) or +o 3 w#+ to(d. Gro$ nodded) h&+ -(#,k*t#ttooed 0#w +ett&n' &nto # 'r&$ (&ne. So$e of tho+e e$&++#r&e+ h#d -een h&+) +ent #t the o(d +h#$#n2+ re7!e+t. He &+ "(#nn&n' +o$eth&n'. Gro$ +ho!(dered the $#++&1e #;e #nd to'ether the two (e#der+ t!rned #nd w#(ked #,ro++ the 1#((ey) tow#rd the r!&n+ of the D#rk Port#() "#++&n' w#rr&or+ fro$ -oth ,(#n+. G(#re+ #nd +h#r" word+ were f(y&n' here #nd there) -!t #t (e#+t no one w#+ f&'ht&n'. Yet. B!t wh#t6 3t doe+n2t $#tter. K#r'#th re"(&ed. 2Anyth&n' &+ -etter th#n th&+! He r#n h&+ f&n'er+ #-+ent(y #(on' h&+ +,ythe2+ ed'e. The+e "#+t two ye#r+ we21e +#t #nd done noth&n'. Noth&n'! And why6 Be,#!+e the A((&#n,e defe#ted !+6 So wh#t6 Be,#!+e the "ort#( w#+ de+troyed6 S!re(y they ,#n ,r#ft #nother! There h#+ to -e +o$eone we ,#n f&'ht) e(+e we2(( +&t #nd $o(d,r (&ke +o $!,h rotten $e#t! Gro$ nodded. K#r'#th w#+ # ,re#t!re of ,o$-#t) "!re #nd +&$"(e/he (&1ed to f&'ht #nd to k&((. Gro$ ,o!(d #""re,&#te th#t) #nd wh#t K#r'#th +#&d h#d $er&t. They were # ,o$-#t&1e r#,e) the or,+) #nd ,on+t#nt +tr!''(e honed the&r w&t+ #nd +tren'thened the&r (&$-+. W&tho!t th#t they 'rew +oft. He h#d ke"t h&+ own "eo"(e +h#r" -y w#rr&n' #'#&n+t the other ,(#n+) #nd he +!+"e,ted K#r'#th h#d done the +#$e) tho!'h the&r two ,(#n+ h#d not +k&r$&+hed. St&(() one ,o!(d #tt#,k "#tro(+ #nd +,o!t&n' "#rt&e+ on(y +o often -efore &t (ed to tr!e w#r. #nd w#rr&n' #'#&n+t h&+ own k&nd d&d not &ntere+t h&$. When Ner94h!( h#d for$ed the Horde) he h#d !n&ted the ,(#n+ &nto # +&n'(e $#++&1e !n&t. And e1en #fter #(( th&+ t&$e Gro$ +t&(( tho!'ht of the$ th#t w#y. When h&+ W#r+on' w#rr&or+ fo!'ht the Th!nder(ord+ or the Redw#(ker+ or the B(#dew&nd+. they were -#tt(&n' the&r fe((ow w#rr&or+) or,+ they +ho!(d h#1e -een f&'ht&n' #(on'+&de &n+te#d of #'#&n+t. D!r&n' ,o$-#t he +t&(( fe(t the +#$e -(ood(!+t. the +#$e +#1#'e 0oy #+ Gorehow( tore # +hr&ek&n' "#th thro!'h h&+ foe+) -!t #fterw#rd he fe(t e$"ty) ho((ow) #nd +(&'ht(y !n,(e#n. Wh#t h#d h#""ened6 he wondered #+ they #""ro#,hed the r!&n+ #nd the f&'!re +t#nd&n' -efore the$. Where h#d the Horde 'one wron'6 They h#d o!tn!$-ered the -(#de+ of 'r#++ th#t h#d on,e ,o1ered the "(#&n+ #nd the dro"+ of w#ter ,o$"r&+&n' the o,e#n! When they $#r,hed) the th!nder of the&r foot+te"+ +h#ttered $o!nt#&n+! How ,o!(d +!,h #n #r$y f#&(6 3t w#+ G!(2d#n2+ f#!(t. Gro$ w#+ +!re of &t. The (&fe(e++ "(#&n+ th#t h#d on,e -een ,o1ered &n 'r#&n #nd 'r#++) the tree+ th#t h#d w&thered #nd -(#,kened) the +k&e+ th#t h#d 'rown d#rk #nd red #+ -(ood/#(( th#t h#d -een ,#!+ed -y the w#r(o,k+ #nd the&r 7!e+t for "ower+ ne1er $e#nt for or,&+h h#nd+. B!t &t w#+ $ore th#n th#t. They h#d doo$ed Dr#enor) #(( of the$) -!t G!(2d#n h#d -een -eh&nd the w#r(o,k+2 e1ery $o1e. And &t w#+ h&+ f#!(t th#t the Horde h#d f#&(ed to ,on7!er th#t other wor(d #nd ,(#&$ &t #+ the&r own. After #(() the w&(y w#r(o,k h#d ,on1&n,ed Gro$ to +t#y -eh&nd on Dr#enor d!r&n' the f&r+t -#tt(e) &n+te#d of t#k&n' h&+ r&'htf!( "(#,e #t the 1#n'!#rd. We need yo! here) G!(2d#n h#d ,(#&$ed. Yo! #nd yo!r W#r+on' ,(#n #r, +o$e of o!r f&ne+t) #nd we need to ho(d yo! &n re+er1e) 0!+t &n ,#+e. We #(+o need +o$eone to +t#y here on Dr#enor #nd "rote,t o!r &ntere+t+. +o$eone "owerf!() +o$eone we ,#n tr!+t. So$eone (&ke yo!. Gro$ h#d -een # foo() (ett&n' the w#r(o,k2+ f(#ttery (!re h&$ fro$ h&+ "#th. He h#d w#t,hed #+ B(#,kh#nd #nd Or'r&$ Doo$h#$$er (ed the Horde thro!'h the "ort#( &nto th#t +tr#n'e "(#,e ,#((ed A4eroth. And he h#d w#t,hed #+ re"ort+ ,#$e -#,k) re"ort+ of the&r &n&t&#( +!,,e++e+ #nd then of the&r !(t&$#te f#&(!re+. Gro$ 'row(ed +oft(y -ene#th h&+ -re#th. 3f on(y he h#d -een there! He ,o!(d h#1e t!rned th#t f&n#( -#tt(e #ro!nd) he w#+ +!re of &t/w&th h&+ he(" Doo$h#$$er ,o!(d h#1e ,on7!ered th#t h!$#n ,&ty -y the (#ke #nd +t&(( +ent for,e+ to ,r!+h the tr#&toro!+ G!(2d#n #nd h&+ ,ohort+. Then they ,o!(d h#1e ,(#&$ed Lord#,ron #nd +"re#d o!t fro$ there) +wee"&n' #,ro++ the (#nd !nt&( no one w#+ (eft to +t#nd #'#&n+t the$. Gro$ +hook h&+ he#d. The "#+t w#+ "#+t. B(#,kh#nd w#+ de#d) h&+ o(d fr&end D!rot#n w#+ de#d) Doo$h#$$er w#+ ,#"t!red) the D#rk Port#( w#+ de+troyed) G!(2d#n w#+ 'one) #nd the Horde w#+ # +h#dow of &t+ for$er '(ory. B!t "erh#"+ +o$e of th#t w#+ #-o!t to ,h#n'e. He #nd K#r'#th h#d re#,hed the "ort#( now) #nd he ,o!(d +ee the w#&t&n' f&'!re ,(e#r(y. Ner94h!(2+ h#&r w#+ ,o$"(ete(y 'r#y now. -!t otherw&+e the Sh#dow$oon ,h&eft#&n #nd for$er Horde (e#der (ooked #+ "owerf!( #+ e1er. Then he t!rned &n Gro$2+ d&re,t&on.

The W#r+on' ,(#n (e#der 'row(ed #nd 0erked &n +!r"r&+e #+ he 'ot h&+ f&r+t 'ood (ook #t the +h#$#n2+ f#,e. Wh&te "#&nt #dorned Ner94h!(2+ ,he,k+) !""er (&". no+e) -row) #nd forehe#d) t!rn&n' the$ wh&te #+ -one. And th#t w#+ ,(e#r(y the &ntent. Gro$ re#(&4ed. The o(d +h#$#n h#d $#+ked h&+ f#,e to re+e$-(e # +k!((. Gro$ He((+,re#$ #nd K#r'#th B(#def&+t! Ner94h!( ,#((ed o!t. h&+ 1o&,e +t&(( +tron' #nd ,(e#r. We(,o$e! Why h#1e yo! +!$$oned !+6 K#r'#th +#&d -(!nt(y) w#+t&n' no word+. 3 h#1e new+) the +h#$#n #n+wered. New+) #nd # "(#n. Gro$ +norted. %or two (on' ye#r+ yo! h#1e h&dden #w#y fro$ !+. How ,#n yo! h#1e new+6 he +#&d) #n'er #nd do!-t &n h&+ 1o&,e. He 'e+t!red #t N,r24h!T+ "#&nted f#,e. Yo! (et G!(2d#n +!""(#nt yo!) yo! ref!+ed to dr&nk fro$ the ,h#(&,e) #nd yo! +!(k (&ke # $#r$ot &n &t+ -!rrow. Now yo! #nno!n,e yo! h#1e # "(#n) #nd e$er'e fro$ yo!r +e,(!+&on we#r&n' the f#,e of the de#d/3 do not th&nk 3 w#nt to he#r wh#t +ort of "(#n th#t &n1o(1e+. He ,o!(d he#r the "#&n &n h&+ own 1o&,e. De+"&te #(( th#t h#d h#""ened w&th G!(2d#n) de+"&te h&+ d&+tr!+t of #d1&+er+ #nd +h#$#n #nd w#r(o,k+ #(&ke the+e "#+t few ye#r+) he w#nted Ner94h!( to +t&(( -e the +h#$#n Gro$ re$e$-ered fro$ h&+ yo!th) the +tron') +tern) w&+e or, who h#d for'ed the fr#,t&o!+ ,(#n+ &nto # +&n'(e f&'ht&n' !n&t. De+"&te h&+ +,#th&n' word+) Gro$ w#nted to -e "ro1en wron'. Ner94h!( to!,hed the wh&te +k!(( on h&+ f#,e #nd +&'hed dee"(y. Lon' h#1e 3 dre#$ed of de#th. 3 h#1e +een h&$) +"oken w&th h&$. 3 h#1e +een the de#th of $y "eo"(e) the de#th of #(( 3 h#1e (o1ed. And th&+/th&+ &$#'e 3 we#r to honor th#t. 3 d&d not w&+h to ,o$e forth) -!t 3 now -e(&e1e th#t 3 owe &t to $y "eo"(e to (e#d the$ on,e $ore. Le#d #+ yo! d&d -efore6 K#r'#th ,r&ed. Le#d !+ to -etr#y#(6 To defe#t6 3 w&(( +end yo! to th#t de#th wh&,h yo! #r, +o en#$ored of w&th th&+ 1ery h#nd &f yo! #tte$"t to +o (e#d !+) Ner94h!(! He -r#nd&+hed h&+ +,ythe*h#nd #t the +h#$#n. Ner94h!( -e'#n to re"(y -!t +to""ed #+ he +"otted +o$eth&n' -eh&nd the$. T!rn&n') Gro$ +#w # h!(k&n' f&'!re #""ro#,h&n') #n o're 0!d'&n' -y the w#y &t towered o1er the or,+ &t "#++ed. Wh#t new+) Dent#r'6 Ner94h!( ,#((ed o!t #+ h&+ #++&+t#nt ,ro++ed the ,(e#r&n' th#t +e"#r#ted the "ort#( r!&n+ fro$ the or,+ $&((&n' #-o!t. 3 +ent yo! to (o,#te the other ,(#n+ #nd +!$$on the$ here/#+ 3 to(d yo! two to do #+ we(() he re$&nded Gro$ #nd K#r'#th. Yet 3 +ee on(y Sh#dow$oon) W#r+on') #nd Sh#ttered H#nd &n th&+ 1#((ey. Where #r, the re+t6 L&'htn&n'2+ B(#de +#&d they wo!(d #ttend) Gro$ #++!red h&$. They h#1e # (on' w#y to tr#1e() +o &t $#y t#ke the$ #nother d#y or two. He +hook h&+ he#d. Ne&ther Th!nder(ord nor L#!'h&n' Sk!(( (&+tened) howe1er. He 'row(ed. They were too -!+y +(#!'hter&n' e#,h other. Th&+ &+ "re,&+e(y why we need to #,t! Ner94h!( ,r&ed. We #r, k&((&n' o!r+e(1e+ #nd e#,h other &f we +&t #nd do noth&n'! He -#red h&+ teeth &n # 'r&$#,e. 2A(( the work we d&d/#(( th#t 3 d&d/to for'e the Horde &+ ,r!$-(&n' #w#y) the ,(#n+ +"(&nter&n' off #nd f&'ht&n' w&th one #nother. 3f we do not #,t +oon we w&(( -e red!,ed to the o(d w#y+ on,e $ore) w&th the ,(#n+ $eet&n' on(y &n -#tt(e +#1e the ye#r(y '#ther&n'+/&f th#t! Wh#t d&d yo! e;"e,t to h#""en wh&(e yo! h&d #w#y for two ye#r+6 Gro$ +n#""ed. We !nder+t#nd th#t yo! were wo!nded -y the e;"(o+&on. B!t then) e1en #fter yo!r wo!nd+ h#d he#(ed) yo! ne1er ,#$e o!t. Lon' we w#&ted for yo!r ,o!n+e() -!t &t ne1er ,#$e. Of ,o!r+e we went o!r own w#y+! Of ,o!r+e we -e'#n f&'ht&n' w&th one #nother. Yo! #-#ndoned !+ +o yo! ,o!(d dre#$ yo!r dre#$+ of de#th) Ner94h!(. And th&+ &+ the re+!(t. 3 know) Ner94h!( +#&d +oft(y) &n "#&n. Gro$2+ f!rther #n'ry word+ d&ed on h&+ (&"+ &n the f#,e of th#t 'r&ef #nd +h#$e. The B(#dew&nd ,(#n w&(( 0o&n !+) K#r'#th ,ont&n!ed) -re#k&n' the !n,o$fort#-(e +&(en,e. B!t Redw#(ker ref!+ed. They +#&d the Horde &+ noth&n' -!t # $e$ory now. #nd e#,h ,(#n $!+t (ook o!t for &t+e(f &n+te#d) He +n#r(ed) 3 wo!(d h#1e +(#!'htered the&r ,h&eft#&n then #nd there) &f yo! h#d not ordered otherw&+e. Yo! wo!(d h#1e -een k&((ed &n ret!rn) Ner94h!( "o&nted o!t) or yo! wo!(d h#1e +(#!'htered the ent&re ,(#n $#k&n' 'ood yo!r e+,#"e. 3 d&d not w#nt to r&+k yo!) or (o+e the$ when there w#+ # ,h#n,e they $&'ht -e "er+!#ded. He "!r+ed h&+ (&"+. We w&(( de#( w&th the$ +oon) howe1er) ne1er fe#r. He '(#n,ed #ro!nd. Wh#t of the other+6 H&+ eye+ n#rrowed. Wh#t of the Bone,hewer+6 Th#t -ro!'ht # +n#r( to Gro$2+ (&"+. 3 +ent e$&++#r&e+ to H!rk#n Sk!((+"(&nt,r) he +#&d ,!rt(y. He +ent -#,k #++orted (&$-+. They wo!(d -e # 're#t #++et &n -#tt(e) K#r'#th $!+ed) &d(y +trok&n' h&+ +,ythe) The Bone,hewer+ #r, # "owerf!( for,e on the f&e(d. Then he +hook h&+ he#d. They h#1e 'rown e1en w&(der +&n,e the "ort#( fe(() howe1er. They ,#nnot -e ,ontro((ed) or tr!+ted. Ner94h!( nodded. Wh#t of the Wh&t,,(#w ,(#n6 he #+ked Dent#r'. The o're frowned. De#d) $o+t of the$) he re"(&ed. :o+t(y w&"ed o!t -y other ,(#n+ -efore the tr!th #-o!t G!(2d#n #nd h&+ w#r(o,k+ ,#$e to (&'ht. E1en #fter D!rot#n2+ e;&(e #nd de#th) the Wh&t,,(#w+ ne1er h&d the&r +y$"#thy for the %ro+two(1,+) #nd &t $#de the$ # t#r'et. Tho+e who +!r1&1ed #r, +,#ttered. He +hook h&+ he#d. 3n tr!th) &t &+ # ,(#n no $ore)

Ner94h!( fe(t # +h&1er of '!&(t #t the $ent&on of D!rot#n. He h#d w#rned the now*de#d (e#der of the %ro+two(1,+ on,e) +eek&n' to !ndo +o$e of the d#$#'e he h#d done) -!t &n the end) &t h#d -een no !+e. G!(2d#n2+ Sh#dow Co!n,&( h#d fo!nd D!rot#n) #nd +(#&n one of the no-(e+t or,+ Ner94h!( h#d e1er known. B!t re'ret #nd +e(f*"&ty wo!(d not +er1e. He fo,!+ed #'#&n on Dent#r'2+ word+) #nd (et h&$+e(f 'row #n'ry. The Wh&t,,(#w ,(#n w#+ one of o!r o(de+t #nd "ro!de+t! Now they #r, (&tt(e $ore th#n ,(#n(,++ +#1#'e+6 3+ th&+ wh#t o!r r#,e h#+ f#((en to6 No $ore! we $!+t re-!&(d the Horde #nd renew the -ond -etween #(( or,+! On(y #+ # !n&ted r#,e ,#n we h#1e #ny ho"e of +!r1&1#() of honor) #nd of '(ory! Dent#r' dro""ed to h&+ knee+. Yo! know 3 (&1e to +er1e yo!) $#+ter) he +#&d +&$"(y. Gro$ '#4ed #t the e(der(y ore) h&+ -row kn&tt&n'. Te(( !+ th&+ "(#n of yo!r+) Ner94h!() he +t#ted) $#k&n' +!re h&+ word+ ,#rr&ed to the or,+ -eyond the ,(e#r&n'. Te(( !+/#nd &f &t &+ +o!nd) we +h#(( fo((ow yo!) K#r'#th &n,(&ned h&+ he#d. 3 ,#+t $y word w&th He((+,re#$2+) he +#&d. Ner94h!( re'#rded the three of the$ +o(e$n(y for # $o$ent) then nodded. We w&(( w#&t !nt&( the L&'htn&n'2+ B(#de #nd B(#dew&nd ,(#n+ #rr&1e) Ner94h!( +#&d. Then we w&(( 'o to the other+ #'#&n) the Th!nder(ord #nd the L#!'h&n' Sk!(( #nd the Redw#(ker #nd e1en the Bone,hewer ,(#n+. O!r "eo"(e $!+t -e !n&ted) Wh#t &f they ref!+e +t&((6 K#r'#th 'row(ed. Then we w&(( "er+!#de the$. Ner94h!( re"(&ed) h&+ 'r&$ tone (e#1&n' no do!-t #+ to h&+ $e#n&n'. K#r'#th ro#red h&+ #""ro1#() r#&+&n' h&+ +,ythe h&'h +o &t ,#!'ht the (&'ht. Ner94h!( t!rned to Gro$. 2And yo!) Gro$) he +#&d +oft(y. Wh&(e we w#&t for the other ,(#n+) 3 w&(( te(( yo! $y "(#n) #nd +et yo! to # t#+k. Gro$2+ red eye+ '(&ttered. Te(( $e wh#t yo! wo!(d h#1e $e do) #nd why. Ner94h!( +$&(ed) the de#th $#+k on h&+ f#,e $#k&n' &t # r&,t!+. There &+ +o$eth&n' 3 need yo! to f&nd.

CHAPTER %OUR
W#r+on') #tt#,k! Gro$ he(d Gorehow( h&'h) (ett&n' the +!n(&'ht "(#y #(on' &t+ -(#de. Then he (e#"ed forw#rd) +w&n'&n' the #;e &n # 're#t #r,) the ho((ow +"#,e -eh&nd the h#ft +hr&ek&n' #+ the -(#de ,!t thro!'h the #&r. Beh&nd h&$ h&+ w#rr&or+ w#1ed #nd +w&r(ed #nd +w!n' the&r own we#"on+) ,re#t&n' the !n+ett(&n' +hr&ek+ #nd wh&+t(e+ #nd whoo"+ for wh&,h the ,(#n w#+ n#$ed. :#ny -e'#n to +&n' #+ we(() ,h#nt&n' t!ne+ th#t were (e++ #-o!t the word+ th#n #-o!t the rhyth$+) the "!(+e*"o!nd&n' -e#t+ th#t f&red the&r -(ood #nd #t the +#$e t&$e $#de the&r ene$&e+ 7!#&(. E;,e"t th#t) th&+ t&$e) the ene$y w#+n2t 7!#&(&n'/ &n "#rt -e,#!+e $#ny of the$ were too !n#w#re to do +o. The f&r+t foe ,#$e w&th&n r#n'e) -e((ow&n' +o$eth&n' &n#rt&,!(#te. Gorehow( ,#!'ht h&$ &n the ne,k) +(&,&n' +$ooth(y thro!'h f(e+h #nd -one #nd tendon. The he#d f(ew off) $o!th +t&(( o"en &n # +hr&ek) the fo#$ #t &t+ (&"+ now 0o&ned w&th -(oody +"&tt(e. The 'reen -ody ,o((#"+ed) d&o!'h &t $#de # fee-(e #tte$"t to +w&n' &t+ h#$$er e1en #+ &t fe((. B(ood +"#ttered on Gro$2+ f#,e (&ke w#r$ red r#&n. He 'r&nned) h&+ ton'!e +n#k&n' o!t to (&,k &t fro$ h&+ (&"+. One (e++ Bone,hewer to worry #-o!t. A(( #ro!nd h&$ the W#r+on' w#rr&or+ were ,#r1&n' &nto the Bone,hewer ,(#n. Nor$#((1 the Bone,hewer or,+ were ,r#4ed eno!'h to +tr&ke fe#r &nto #ny he#rt) -!t Gro$ h#d "re"#red h&+ w#rr&or+. They #re (&ke w&(d -e#+t+) he h#d w#rned the$. They #r, +#1#'e #nd +tron' #nd know no fe#r or "#&n. B!t they h#1e no +en+e) ,&ther) #nd they do not ,oord&n#te or e1en ,on+&der. They +&$"(y #tt#,k on &n+t&n,t. Yo! #r, the -etter f&'hter+. %o,!+ yo!r $&nd+) w#t,h yo!r f(#nk+) work w&th yo!r -rother+) #nd we w&(( +wee" thro!'h the$ (&ke # w&nd thro!'h the 'r#++) (#y&n' w#+te to #(( -efore !+. H&+ "eo"(e h#d ,heered) #nd +o f#r &t +ee$ed they were re$e$-er&n' h&+ word+. B!t he wondered how (on' they ,o!(d 'o -efore the&r own -(ood&!+t took ,ontro() "!+h&n' #+&de #(( r#t&on#( tho!'ht #nd ,#!+&n' the$ to #-#ndon +tr#te'y 0!+t #+ the&r Bone,hewer ,o!+&n+ h#d. He fe(t &t h&$+e(f) th#t +weet hot fee(&n' th#t 7!&,kened h&+ "!(+e #nd $#de h&$ thr!$ w&th ener'y. A+ Gorehow( +"(&t # ,h#r'&n' Bone,hewer fro$ +ho!(der to h&") Gro$ fe(t the 0oy #nd r#'e +w&r(&n' w&th&n h&$) d!((&n' h&+ $&nd) ,h#r'&n' h&+ +en+e+) thre#ten&n' to +wee" h&$ #w#y on # t&de of r#w e;!(t#t&on. He w#nted to +!rrender h&$+e(f) to '&1e &n to the +on' of ,o$-#t) to (o+e h&$+e(f &n the thr&(( of de#th #nd de+tr!,t&on #nd 1&,tory. B!t he wo!(d not. He w#+ Gro$ He((+,re#$) ,h&eft#&n of the W#r+on'. He h#d h&+ d!ty. And he wo!(d re7!&re # ,(e#r he#d to f!(f&(( &t. A f(!rry of #,t&1&ty ,#!'ht h&+ eye. A $#++&1e or, (&fted one of h&+ w#rr&or+ #nd h!r(ed h&$ -od&(y #t # ,(!+ter of W#r+on') then 'r#--ed one of the f#((en #nd wren,hed #n #r$ free to !+e #+ # 'ore*dr&""&n' ,(!-. Th&+ w#+ the one Gro$ +o!'ht. Sw&ft #+ tho!'ht) he ,(o+ed the d&+t#n,e -etween the$) ,!tt&n' down #ny Bone,hewer &n h&+ w#y #nd +ho1&n' h&+ own w#rr&or+ #+&de #+ we((. At (#+t he w#+ f#,&n' the ,r#4ed or, w&th on(y # +&n'(e -ody*(en'th -etween the$.

H!rk#n! he -e((owed) +w&n'&n' Gorehow( &n front of h&$ -oth to ,(e#r # +"#,e #nd +o &t+ +hr&ek&n' wo!(d ,!t thro!'h the ,o$-#t +o!nd+ #(( #ro!nd the$. H!rk#n Sk!((+"(&nter! Gro$! the Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n +ho!ted -#,k) ho(d&n' h&'h the (&$- &n h&+ h#nd+. 3t +t&(( +"#+$ed +(&'ht(y. Look) 3 h#1e one of yo!r or,+! P#rt of h&$) #nyw#y! H!rk#n (#!'hed !"ro#r&o!+(y) +"&tt(e f(y&n' fro$ h&+ $o!th. C#(( off yo!r w#rr&or+) H!rk#n! Gro$ de$#nded. C#(( the$ off or we w&(( k&(( e1ery (#+t one of the$! H!rk#n r#&+ed the +e1ered #r$ h&'h &n re+"on+e) #nd #ro!nd h&$ $#n1 of h&+ w#rr&or+ +t&((ed to he#r wh#t the&r (e#der h#d to +#y. Do yo! th&nk we fe#r de#th6 H!rk#n #+ked w&th +!r"r&+&n' ,#($. 3 know yo! don2t. Gro$ re"(&ed. B!t why throw yo!r (&1e+ #w#y here) f&'ht&n' yo!r own k&nd) when yo! ,o!(d &n+te#d +"end the$ +(#!'hter&n' h!$#n+ on A4eroth6 Th#t $#de the Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n t&(t h&+ he#d. A4eroth6 The "ort#( fe(() He((+,re#$/or don2t yo! re$e$-er6 He 'r&nned) # n#+ty e;"re++&on th#t re1e#(ed h&+ $#ny -roken teeth) Not th#t yo! were e1er #((owed to +et foot on th#t other wor(d) of ,o!r+e. Gro$2+ he#d "o!nded #nd h&+ 1&+&on t!rned red for # $o$ent. He de+"er#te(y w#nted to w&"e th#t +neer off H!rk#n2+ f#,e) "refer#-(y w&th Gorehow(2+ -(#de. B!t he knew h&+ fe((ow ,h&eft#&n w#+ de(&-er#te(y 'o#d&n' h&$) #nd !+ed th#t know(ed'e to he(" re+&+t the f!ry th#t +o w#nted to -o&( to the +!rf#,e. Yo! weren2t ,&ther) he retorted) tho!'h he h#d to 'r&t h&+ teeth not to +ho!t the word+ or +&$"(y +"&t the$. B!t now we w&(( 'et o!r ,h#n,e. Ner94h!( +#y+ he ,#n o"en the "ort#( #'#&n. The Horde w&(( ret!rn to th#t wor(d #nd ,on7!er &t #t (#+t. H!rk#n (#!'hed) # ro!'h +o!nd th#t +t#rted (ow #nd ro+e to # +hr&(( ,#,k(e. Ner94h!(! Th#t w&thered o(d +h#$#n! He 'et+ !+ &nto th&+ $e++) then r!n+ off #nd h&de+/#nd now he w#nt+ !+ to d#n,e #t h&+ ,o$$#nd) #(( o1er #'#&n6 Wh#t do we '#&n fro$ &t #((6 The ,h#n,e to k&(( h!$#n+/$#ny of the$) Gro$ #n+wered. The ,h#n,e to w&n '(ory #nd honor. The ,h#n,e to ,(#&$ new (#nd+) (#nd+ +t&(( r&,h #nd fert&(e. He 'e+t!red #ro!nd the$. N#'r#nd w#+ +t&(( (!+h #nd 'reen) !n(&ke $o+t of Dr#enor) "erh#"+ -e,#!+e the -#tt(e*,r#4ed Bone,hewer ,(#n h#d not -othered $!,h w&th w#r(o,k+. E1en +o) Gro$ knew the Bone,hewer ,(#n w#+ #+ de+"er#te for new foe+ to ,on7!er #+ #ny or,+ wo!(d -e. Wh#t wo!(d we h#1e to do6 H!rk#n #+ked. He w#+ +t&(( ho(d&n' the +e1ered #r$ of one of Gro$2+ w#rr&or+. Gro$ n#rrowed h&+ eye+. Perh#"+ th&+ w#+ # -re#k of +#n&t1 &n the +tor$ of $#dne++ th#t wh&r(ed
J

#ro!nd the Bone,hewer (e#der. He h#d (o+t # few 'ood w#rr&or+ tod#y) #nd &f he ,o!(d -r&n' H!rk#n &n (&ne w&tho!t (o+&n' $ore he wo!(d -e we(( "(e#+ed. He wo!(d +ee no $ore of h&+ "eo"(e r&""ed to "&e,e+ &f he ,o!(d he(" &t. Two th&n'+. %&r+t) "(ed'e yo!r+e(f #nd yo!r ,(#n to Ner94h!() Gro$ re"(&ed. %o((ow h&+ order+) #nd f&'ht #(on'+&de the other ,(#n+ r#ther th#n #'#&n+t the$. H!rk#n 'r!nted) G&1e !+ +o$eth&n' e(+e to f&'ht #nd we2(( (e#1e the re+t of yo! #(one) he "ro$&+ed. Yo!2(( h#1e $ore th#n eno!'h foe+ to kee" yo! -!+y) Gro$ #++!red h&$. He +h&fted h&+ 'r&" on h&+ #;e5 he d&dn2t th&nk the ne;t re7!e+t wo!(d -e +o w&((&n'(y 'r#nted. There &+ one other th&n'. Ner94h!( w#nt+ th#t. And he "o&nted. H!rk#n (ooked down) "!44(ed) -!t h&+ e;"re++&on ,h#n'ed to # frown when he re#(&4ed Gro$ w#+ &nd&,#t&n' the +k!(( h#n'&n' #ro!nd h&+ ne,k. An or, +k!(() -(e#,hed fro$ ye#r+ of e;"o+!re. Dee" 'o!'e+ were 1&+&-(e &n the -one. The Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n +,ow(ed. No. He ,#nnot h#1e th&+. He re+ted one h#nd "rote,t&1e(y o1er the orn#$ent. 3t &+ not 0!+t #ny +k!((. 3t &+ G!(2d#n2+ +k!((! Are yo! +o ,ert#&n6 Gro$ re"(&ed) ho"&n' to "(#nt the +eed of do!-t. 3 w#+ to(d he d&ed on A4eroth. He d&d. H!rk#n +#&d. Torn #"#rt -y de$on+) they +#y) on #n &+(#nd he r#&+ed fro$ the +e# &t+e(f. K&((ed -y h&+ own "ower #nd "r&de. He '!ff#wed. B!t #t (e#+t one of the w#r(o,k+ w&th h&$ +!r1&1ed. He e+,#"ed the te$"(e they h#d fo!nd there. On h&+ w#y o!t) he fo!nd G!(2d#n2+ re$#&n+/r&""ed to +hred+) he +#&d. The Bone,hewer (e#der +hr!''ed. E1en de#d they h#d "ower) or +o the w#r(o,k tho!'ht. E+"e,&#((y the he#d. So he took &t w&th h&$. He (#!'hed. Look+ (&ke G!(2d#n 'ot to ret!rn to Dr#enor #fter #((! How d&d yo! 'et &t6 Gro$ #+ked. A'#&n H!rk#n +hr!''ed. A w#rr&or k&((ed the w#r(o,k #nd took &t fro$ h&$. 3 k&((ed the w#rr&or #nd ,(#&$ed &t $y+e(f. Or "erh#"+ there were other+ &n -etween. No $#tter. On,e 3 +#w &t #nd (e#rned who+e +k!(( &t w#+. 3 knew &t $!+t -e $&ne. And &t &+. He 'r&nned #'#&n. And 3 w&(( not "#rt w&th &t. Not for Ner94h!() not for #nyone. Gro$ nodded. 3 !nder+t#nd. H&+ #tt#,k w#+ +!dden #nd +w&ft) Gorehow( #(re#dy +(&,&n' the #&r #+ he (e#"ed forw#rd. B!t H!rk#n w#+ #n e;"er&en,ed w#rr&or #nd for on,e he w#+ th&nk&n' ,(e#r(y/he do1e to the +&de) the #;e +hr&ek&n' "#+t h&+ +ho!(der) #nd then +"!n) h&+ $#++&1e f&+t ,#t,h&n' Gro$ #,ro++ the ,he,k. The -(ow +ent # 0o(t of "#&n thro!'h h&$) -!t Gro$ &'nored &t. H!rk#n 'r#--ed # w#r,(!- dro""ed

-y one of the w#rr&or+ he2d k&((ed #nd +w!n' &t tow#rd Gro$. Gro$ d#n,ed #+&de) the ,(!- n#rrow(y $&++&n' h&+ ,he+t) #nd (#+hed o!t #'#&n. Gorehow( ,#!'ht H!rk#n #,ro++ the !""er r&'ht #r$. ,#r1&n' o"en the f(e+h. Gro$ w#+ 1#'!e(y #w#re of the '#thered or,+ w#t,h&n') w#&t&n' to +ee who won. He knew $ore th#n 0!+t h&+ own (&fe h!n' !"on the o!t,o$e of th&+ -#tt(e) -!t he ,o!(d +"#re no $ore th#n # "#++&n' tho!'ht for +!,h # th&n' &f he were to -e the 1&,tor. H!rk#n w#+ "ro1&n' to -e # worthy foe. The -&' Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n w#+ #+ (#r'e #+ Or'r&$ Doo$h#$$er h#d -een #nd #($o+t #+ f#+t. And when he w#+ th&nk&n') H!rk#n w#+ no foo( -!t # w&(y o(d w#rr&or) one who ,o!(d re#d #n o""onent #nd #nt&,&"#te h&+ $o1e+. He "ro1ed th#t #+ he d!,ked #nother +w&n' #nd ,#$e !" -ene#th &t) +(#$$&n' -oth h#nd+ &nto Gro$2+ ,he+t #nd +end&n' h&$ +t!$-(&n' -#,k +e1er#( "#,e+. B!t the $o$ent of ,(#r&ty h#d "#++ed. A(re#dy Gro$ ,o!(d +ee h&+ foe2+ eye+ -e'&nn&n' to ro(( -#,k) #nd fo#$ f(e,k&n' h&+ (&"+. H!rk#n2+ -re#th&n' w#+ -e,o$&n' (#-ored) h&+ +tr&ke+ $ore "owerf!( -!t #(+o (e++ ,ontro((ed. Gro$ e#+&(y d!,ked or -(o,ked the w&(d +w&n'+) #(tho!'h h&+ #r$+ +tr#&ned w&th the effort. Gro$ -#red h&+ teeth &n # +#1#'e 'r&n) fee(&n' the -(ood*(!+t r&+e w&th&n h&$. 3t w#nted to ,ontro( h&$) #+ &t ,ontro((ed H!rk#n. B!t Gro$ wo!(d not (et &t. He w#+ the $#+ter) not &t. 3t w#+ t&$e to end th&+. He d!,ked -ene#th H!rk#n2+ (#te+t +w&n') f&((ed h&+ (!n'+) #nd thr!+t h&+ he#d forw#rd &nto the Bone,hewer2+ f#,e. H&+ -(#,k*t#ttooed 0#w o"ened #($o+t &$"o++&-(y w&de #nd # 1&o(ent) '!t*wren,h&n' +,re#$ "&er,ed the #&r. H!rk#n2+ own +,re#$ w#+ # -#++ ,o!nter"o&nt #+ he ,(#""ed h!'e h#nd+ to h&+ -(eed&n' ,#r+ #nd dro""ed to h&+ knee+ &n #'ony. B(ood +"!rted fro$ h&+ no+e #nd eye+ #nd dr&""ed fro$ h&+ o"en $o!th. Gro$2+ (e'end#ry w#r ,ry $!t#ted &nto # (#!'h of tr&!$"h #+ he +w!n' Gorehow( &n # +$ooth #r,) +e"#r#t&n' H!rk#n2+ he#d fro$ h&+ $#++&1e +ho!(der+. The -ody ,ont&n!ed to $o1e) &t+ #r$+ f(#&(&n' for # $o$ent. %or # +e,ond &t "#!+ed) #+ &f (&+ten&n' w&th +o$e other +en+e+) then "&t,hed forw#rd to the 'ro!nd. 3t (#y there) tw&t,h&n' +(&'ht(y. Gro$ +t#red #t &t) 'r&nn&n') then k&,ked the -ody o1er. %ort!n#te(y) the "r&4e he h#d ,o$e for w#+ !nd#$#'ed. He (ooked #t the +k!(( for # (on' $o$ent) re$e$-er&n' G!(2d#n) re$e$-er&n' Ner94h!(. Re$e$-er&n' #(( th#t h#d h#""ened o1er the (#+t few ye#r+. Then he "!((ed # th&,k ,(oth -#' fro$ h&+ -e(t #nd dro""ed &t o1er G!(2d#n2+ +k!(() +,oo"&n' the 'r&+(y &te$ !" +#fe(y. Teron Goref&end h#d +"oken w&th Gro$ -efore he (eft) #nd the de#th kn&'ht h#d w#rned Gro$ not to to!,h the +k!(( d&re,t(y. Wh&(e Gro$ d&+(&ked #nd d&+tr!+ted the de#th kn&'ht) #n !nn#t!r#( th&n' +o$ehow ret!rned fro$ d,#!S #nd we#r&n' # h!$#n ,or"+e for f(e+h) he d&d heed the w#rn&n'. G!(2d#n h#d -een d#n'ero!+ eno!'h &n (&fe th#t Gro$ ,o!(d e#+&(y &$#'&ne the w#r(o,k2+ re$#&n+ +t&(( h#1&n' "ower &n de#th. Str#&'hten&n' w&th Gorehow( &n one h#nd #nd the -#' &n the other) Gro$ (ooked o!t o1er the #++e$-(ed or,+. Who now +"e#k+ for the Bone,hewer ,(#n6 he de$#nded (o!d(y. A t#(() "owerf!((y -!&(t yo!n' or, "!+hed h&+ w#y forw#rd. He wore # -e(t f#+h&oned fro$ or, +"&ne+ #nd -r#,er+ ,#r1ed fro$ the +"&ne +e'$ent+ of #n o're. A he#1y +"&ked ,(!- re+ted #,ro++ one +ho!(der. 3 #$ T#'#r S"&ne-re#ker) he #nno!n,ed "ro!d(y) tho!'h h&+ eye+ +h&fted !ne#+&(y to H!rk#n2+ -ody -efore ret!rn&n' to Gro$. 3 (e#d the Bone,hewer+ now. Gro$ 'e+t!red w&th the -#'. 3 h#1e t#ken the +k!((. Now 3 w&(( #+k yo!) T#'#r S"&ne-re#ker8 W&(( yo! 0o&n w&th !+) or w&(( yo! 0o&n H!rk#n6 The new Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n he+&t#ted. Before 3 #n+wer) 3 h#1e # 7!e+t&on for yo!) Gro$ He((+,re#$. Yo! #+k !+ to fo((ow Ner94h!(. Why h#1e yo! ,ho+en to do +o6 Yo! on,e +#&d he ,re#ted #(( o!r tro!-(e+! So) the -r!te w#+n2t #+ +t!"&d #+ he (ooked. Gro$ de,&ded he de+er1ed #n #n+wer. He d&d ,re#te #(( o!r tro!-(e+) Gro$ re"(&ed) -y h#nd&n' ,ontro( to th&+ tr#&tor /he 'e+t!red w&th the -#'/ #nd (ett&n' G!(2d#n do wh#te1er he ,ho+e w&tho!t o-+tr!,t&on. B!t -efore d&#t Ner94h!( w#+ w&+e) #nd #d1&+ed the ,(#n+ we((. And he f&r+t for'ed the Ho&d,) wh&,h &+ # 're#t th&n'. 3 fo((ow h&$ now -e,#!+e he h#+ +worn to reo"en the D#rk Port#(. 3 +ho!(d h#1e -een there -efore) +(#!'hter&n' h!$#n+ on A4eroth) -!t G!(2d#n "re1ented &t. Now 3 w&(( h#1e $y ,h#n,e. He (#!'hed. Ner94h!( h#+ to(d $e th#t G!(2d#n2+ +k!(( &+ # ne,e++#ry &n'red&ent &n the r&te to o"en the "ort#(. Sweet &t &+ to $e th#t G!(2d#n. who den&ed $e -efore) w&(( now -e the key to $y o""ort!n&ty. Th#t) Bone,hewer) &+ why 3 fo((ow Ner94h!(. Now/the ,ho&,e &+ yo!r+. Re0o&n the Horde. Or /he r#&+ed Gorehow( #'#&n) #nd +"!n &t +o &t +#n') #n !nd!(#t&n' d&r'e of -(ood #nd ,h#o+/ we +(#!'hter yo! #(() down to the (#+t +!,k(&n' -#-e. R&'ht now. He t&(ted h&+ he#d -#,k #nd ro#red) the "o!nd&n' o1ert#k&n' h&$. Beh&nd h&$) h&+ w#rr&or+ +t#rted to ,h#nt) +to$"&n' the&r feet #nd +w&n'&n' the&r we#"on+ to #dd to the rhyth$) !nt&( the 1ery "(#&n +hook w&th the +o!nd. Gro$ (&,ked h&+ t&"+ #nd r#&+ed h&+ #;e) then $et T#'#r2+ w&de eye+. Wh&,h w&(( &t -e6 he 'row(ed. Gorehow( (on'+ to +hr&ek #'#&n. Sh#(( &t t#+te h!$#n f(e+h... or Bone,hewer6

CHAPTER %3=E

A wh#t6 T!r#(yon) Gener#( of the A((&#n,e for,e+) "#(#d&n of the S&(1er H#nd) +t#red &n !tter -#ff(e$ent #t the t&ny f&'!re who +#t -efore h&$. 2A r#t "ro-(e$! the 'no$e e;,(#&$ed. When yo! +#&d there w#+ #n &++!e w&th w&(d(&fe th#t w#+ thre#ten&n' to der#&( the ent&re tr#$ ,on+tr!,t&on "ro0e,t) T!r#(yon +#&d +(ow(y) 3 #++!$ed yo! h#d r!n &nto d&ff&,!(t&e+ w&th the +!-terr#ne#n (#ke) or "erh#"+ the ,re#t!re+ &n . . . T!r#(yon2+ 1o&,e tr#&(ed off. Yo! d&d +#y 2r#t26 3ndeed! T&nker Ge(-&n :ekk#tor7!e) he#d of the "ro0e,t to ,on+tr!,t # $e,h#n&,#( tr#n+"ort#t&on +y+te$ th#t wo!(d e1ent!#((y (&nk Stor$w&nd #nd (ronfor',) +h!ddered. Horr&-(e th&n'+) tho+e 1er$&n. So$e -od&e+ we21e fo!nd were this -&'! :ekk#tor7!e +"re#d h&+ h#nd+ #-o!t +&; &n,he+ #"#rt. Gr#nted) on th#t t&ny fr#$e) th#t w#+ # +!-+t#nt&#( #$o!nt) -!t +t&((.. . the en'&neer h#d ,#((ed #n e$er'en,y +e++&on w&th the 'ener#( of the A((&#n,e o1er # r#t "ro-(e$6 T!r#(yon +t&(( w#+n2t 7!&te +!re wh#t to th&nk of the +$#(( -e&n'+ who were 'ood fr&end+ w&th d&e dw#r1e+. 3f :ekk#tor7!,. who h#d ,o$e to Stor$w&nd # few ye#r+ #'o w&th the f!(( endor+e$ent of the dw#r1en k&n' :#'n& Bron4e-e#rd h&$+e(f) w#+ #ny &nd&,#t&on) they were # ,!r&o!+ -!n,h. :ekk#tor7!, t#(ked f#+t #nd !+ed ter$+ th#t T!r#(yon w#+ !tter(y !nf#$&(&#r w&th) #nd +tr!,k h&$ #+ # 0o1&#( fe((ow. The 'no$e re"re+ent#t&1e d&dn2t e1en re#,h T!r#(yon2+ h&" when +t#nd&n') #nd w#+ #(( -!t +w#((owed -y the (#r'e ,h#&r &n wh&,h he w#+ now en+,on,ed. The t#-(e w#+ (e1e( w&th h&+ -r&'ht eye+) #nd #t one "o&nt) :ekk#tor7!, (et o!t #n e;#+"er#ted h!ff #nd +&$"(y ,(&$-ed #to" &t to "o&nt #t the -(!e"r&nt+ he h#d !nfo(ded w&th&n two $&n!te+ of h&+ #rr&1#(. They21e ,o$"(ete(y &nfe+ted the "rototy"e) ,hew&n' thro!'h the w&r&n' here) here) #nd here) :ekk#tor7!, ,ont&n!ed) +t#--&n' # t&ny f&n'er down #t the -(!e"r&nt+. We ,#n2t e;tr#,t &t or e1en 'et &n to re"#&r &t w&tho!t (o+&n' $ore 'ood "eo"(e to tho+e 1&(e ,re#t!re+. The (#+t te#$ we +ent &n #fter &t... we(() &t w#+n2t # "retty +&'ht. H&+ (#r'e eye+ (ooked +o(e$n) T!r#(1on nodded. The &de# of # tr#$ h#d +tr!,k
J

h&$ #+ -r&((&#nt when &t w#+ f&r+t "ro"o+ed +hort(y #fter the Se,ond W#r. Pro're++ on re-!&(d&n' Stor$w&nd w#+ -e&n' $#de) -!t +(ow(y/&t w#+ # (on' #nd d#n'ero!+ trek fro$ 3ronfor', to Stor$w&nd. #nd K&n' Bron4e-e#rd h#d ,h#fed #t the de(#y &n 'ett&n' +!""(&e+ to h&+ #((&e+. T!r#(yon fe(t o!t of h&+ de"th #t the t&$e) #nd +t&(( h#d th#t re#,t&on e1ery t&$e :ekk#tor7!, ,#$e to h&$ w&th !"d#te+ or "ro-(e$+. He w#+ # "#(#d&n) # w#rr&or -y f#te #nd # "r&e+t -y tr#&n&n'. He knew (&tt(e eno!'h of +&$"(e ,on+tr!,t&on) #nd th&+ tr#$ w#+ 7!&te -eyond h&$. E+"e,&#((y when :ekk#tor7!, t#(ked +o f#+t. T!r#(yon h#d d&+,o1ered th#t 'no$e+ were f&er,e(y &f e,,entr&,#((y &nte((&'ent) #nd he w#+ w&((&n' to -e(&e1e &t &f th&+ . . . ,ontr#"t&on th#t :ekk#tor7!, "ro"o+ed d&d e1en "#rt of wh#t he ,(#&$ed &t wo!(d do. He re$e$-ered the&r f&r+t ,on1er+#t&on. How +#fe w&(( &t -e6 he h#d #+ked. Er . . . we(() we are on the ,!tt&n' ed'e te,hno(o'&,#((y w&th &t. yo! $!+t !nder+t#nd. :ekk#tor7!, h#d +#&d) r!nn&n' # h#nd #(on' h&+ $!tton,ho" wh&+ker+. B!t 32$ w&((&n' to -et &t w&(( e1ent!#((y -e #+ +#fe #+ the +#fe+t 'no$&+h ,re#t&on e1er! So$eth&n' &n the +o!nd of h&+ 1o&,e h#d w#rned T!r#(yon th#t th#t $&'ht not -e "#rt&,!(#r(y +#fe #t #((. B!t he w#+n2t # -!&(der) or #n en'&neer. St&(() &t w#+ ,o$&n' #(on'. Unt&( th&+ r#t "ro-(e$. 3 !nder+t#nd th#t r#t+ #r, "ro"ort&on#te(y $!,h (#r'er) #nd therefore $!,h $ore thre#ten&n' to yo!r "eo"(e th#n to $&ne. T!r#(yon +#&d #+ d&"(o$#t&,#((y #+ he ,o!(d) #(tho!'h he wondered why Bron4e-e#rd h#dn2t h#nd(ed the "ro-(e$ on the 3ronfor', end. 2And we ,#n2t h#1e the$ ,hew&n' thro!'h the w&r&n'. 32(( +end +o$e of $y $en -#,k to 3ronfor', w&th yo!. They2(() er . . . h!nt the 1er$&n down #nd he(" yo! effe,t re"#&r+@2 T!r#(yon $&'ht h#1e -een Gr,#tf#th,r W&nter h&$+e(f the w#y :ekk#tor7!e re#,ted. Th#nk yo!) th#nk yo!! Th&+ &+ e;,e((ent. 3t w&(( -e -#,k on tr#,k &n # 0&ffy. And then we ,#n f&n#((y t#,k(e th#t "e+ky !nderw#ter "ro-(e$. The 'no$e +(&""ed off the ,h#&r #nd re#,hed !" # +$#(( h#nd to T!r#(yon. then "!$"ed &t 1&'oro!+(y. Go +"e#k to Ar#$&() T!r#(yon +#&d) referr&n' to # for$er '!#rd #t the kee" who now +er1ed #+ T!r#(yon2+ #++&+t#nt &n #(( th&n'+ non$&(&t#ry. He2(( t#ke ,#re of the #rr#n'e$ent+. T!r#(yon w#t,hed the 'no$e de"#rt) #nd t!rned -#,k to h&+ ,orre+"onden,e. Do4en+ of (etter+) fro$ +o $#ny "eo"(e) #(( w#nt&n' +o$eth&n' fro$ h&$. He r#n # h#nd thro!'h h&+ +hort -(ond h#&r #nd +&'hed. A w#(k wo!(d do h&$ 'ood. The #&r w#+ ,(e#n #nd ,(e#r #+ he +te""ed o!t+&de) #(tho!'h ,(o!d+ (owered. He w#(ked !" to the ,#n#() '#4&n' -r&ef(y #t h&+ ref(e,t&on &n the now*,(e#red w#ter. T!r#(yon h#d ne1er -een to Stor$w&nd !nt&( the d#y he #nd h&+ $en h#d entered the ,&ty two ye#r+ #'o) #nd +o he h#d not h#d the #dd&t&on#( horror of know&n' wh#t the ,&ty h#d

-een (&ke -efore &t fe((. 3t w#+ horr&f&, eno!'h #+ &t w#+. The+e f#$o!+ ,#n#(+ h#d -een ,(o''ed/w&th +tone+ #nd (!$-er) w&th d&rt . . . w&th def&(ed ,or"+e+. The de#d h#d -een re+"e,tf!((y -!r&ed) the r!--(e ,(e#red. Now the ,#n#(+ r#n free(y #'#&n) ,onne,t&n' the 1#r&o!+ "#rt+ of the ,&ty. T!r#(yon (&fted h&+ '#4e to the wh&te +tone) 'r#y now &n the d&$$&n' (&'ht) #nd the red roof+. The Dw#r1,n D&+tr&,t ho!+ed $#ny of Bron4e-e#rd2+ h#rdwork&n' $en) +ent #(on' w&th :ekk#tor7!e) #nd ne+t(ed ne;t to th#t #re# w#+ the ,#thedr#(. Th!nder r!$-(ed #+ he #""ro#,hed. He f&;ed h&+ eye+ on the '(or&o!+ -!&(d&n') one of the f&r+t to -e ,o$"(eted &n &t+ ent&rety. The or,+ h#d d#$#'ed &t -#d(y) -!t e1en then &t w#+ # "(#,e of +#fety/the ene$y h#d not re#(&4ed th#t the ,#thedr#( h#d 1#+t roo$+ #nd ,#t#,o$-+ -ene#th &t. Do4en+ h#d h!dd(ed there) +he(tered -y &t+ +tone wh&(e terror r#'ed #-o1e the$. 3t w#+ one of the few -!&(d&n'+ (#r'e eno!'h to ho!+e the ref!'ee+ &n the &n&t&#( +t#'e+ of re,on+tr!,t&on) #nd e1en now) "eo"(e f(o,ked to &t when they were &(() or &n0!red) or e1en 0!+t &n need of # (&tt(e re* $&nder of the L&'ht. L&ke T!r#(yon. Oof! He +t!$-(ed forw#rd) +o (o+t &n tho!'ht th#t he h#dn2t +een the "#&r of ,h&(dren !nt&( they2d +(#$$ed &nto h&$. Sorry) $&+ter! the -oy ,r&ed. The '&r( '#4ed !" #t h&$ w&th +o(e$n -rown eye+. T!r#(yon +$&(ed #nd "#tted her h#&r #+ he +"oke to the -oy. W&th #n #tt#,k (&ke th#t yo!2(( $#ke # f&ne +o(d&er one d#y) he +#&d. Oh ye+) +&r. 3 ho"e +o) +&r! Yo! th&nk #(( the or,+ w&(( -e de#d -efore 32$ o(d eno!'h to k&(( the$6 T!r#(yon2+ +$&(e f#(tered. 32$ +!re yo!2(( -e #-(e to +er1e the A((&#n,e we(() he +#&d) e1#d&n' the 7!e+t&on. Re1en'e. The f&ery need #nd #n'er &t k&nd(ed &n the he#rt h#d ,o+t T!r#(yon +o$eone he (o1ed. He wo!(d +#y noth&n' to fo+ter r#,&#( h#tred &n # ,h&(d. Kee"&n' h&+ h#nd on the '&r(2+ he#d) he $!r$!red # +oft "r#yer. L&'ht '(owed #ro!nd h&+ h#nd #nd for # -r&ef $o$ent) the ,h&(d w#+ en1e(o"ed &n r#d&#n,e. T!r#(yon (&fted h&+ other h#nd #nd -(e++ed the -oy #+ we((. Awe +hone &n -oth "#&r+ of eye+ th#t re'#rded h&$. L&'ht -(e++ yo! -oth. Now) yo! two h#d -e+t -e 'ett&n' ho$e. Look+ (&ke r#&n. The -oy nodded #nd 'r#--ed h&+ +&+ter2+ h#nd. Th#nk+) :&+ter P#(#d&n! The two r#n tow#rd the&r ho$e. 3t w#+ not f#r5 T!r#(yon re#(&4ed they (&1ed &n the -!&(d&n' #d0#,ent to the ,#thedr#(. The or"h#n#'e. So $#ny or"h#n+. So $#ny (&1e+ (o+t. Th!nder r!$-(ed #'#&n) #nd the he#1en+ (et (oo+e. R#&n -e'#n "o!r&n' down &n +heet+. T!r#(yon +&'hed) "!((&n' h&+ ,#"e #ro!nd h&$+e(f #nd r!nn&n' (&'ht(y !" the +te"+ to the ,#thedr#() 'ett&n' +o#ked e1en &n th#t +hort d&+t#n,e. The +$e(( of &n,en+e #nd the +oft) -#re(y #!d&-(e +o!nd of ,h#nt&n' ,o$&n' fro$ +o$ewhere &n the -!&(d&n' +oothed h&$ #t on,e. He h#d -e,o$e !+ed to '&1&n' order+) to f&'ht&n' -#tt(e+) to e$er'&n' fro$ the$ ,o1ered &n h&+ own -(ood or th#t of the or,+. 3t w#+ 'ood to ,o$e -#,k to the ,h!r,h) #nd to re$e$-er h&+ or&'&n+ #+ # +&$"(e "r&e+t. A +oft +$&(e ,!r1ed h&+ (&"+ #+ he -ehe(d h&+ -rethren) h&+ fe((ow Kn&'ht+ of the S&(1er H#nd) do&n' the&r d!t&e+ here #+ +!re(y #+ they h#d on the -#tt(ef&e(d. Ar,h-&+ho" A(on+!+ %#o( h#d ,re#ted the order three ye#r+ #'o) #nd &t w#+ -y h&+ de,ree th#t the "#(#d&n+ now +er1ed h!$-(y &n the ,o$$!n&t&e+ th#t h#d -een +o de1#+t#ted -y the w#r. E1en #+ he (ooked #ro!nd) T!r#(yon +#w h&+ o(d fr&end Uther) who$ he h&$+e(f h#d '&1en the t&t(e L&'ht-r&n',r. T!r#(yon w#+ !+ed to +ee&n' the "owerf!((y -!&(t $#n &n f!(( #r$or) +w&n'&n' h&+ we#"on) h&+ o,e#n*,o(ored eye+ #f&re w&th 4e#( #+ the L&'ht ,#$e to h&$ &n the for$ of "owerf!( #tt#,k+. B!t Uther now w#+ ,(#d &n +&$"(e ro-e+. He w#+ #ttend&n' to # wo$#n who (ooked e;h#!+ted #nd dr#&ned) 'ent(y w&"&n' her forehe#d w&th # d#$" ,(oth #nd ,r#d(&n' +o$eth&n' &n h&+ free h#nd. A+ T!r#(yon drew ,(o+er) he +#w th#t the -!nd(e Uther he(d +o 'ent(y w#+ # new-orn) &t+ +k&n +t&(( $ott(ed fro$ -&rth. The new $other +$&(ed t&r,d(y -!t h#""&(y #nd re#,hed for her ,h&(d. 3t+ (!+ty) he#(thy w#&( w#+ the +h#r") +weet +on' of ho"e. Uther re+ted h&+ h#nd on the wo$#n #nd -(e++ed her #nd her ,h&(d) #+ T!r#(yon h#d done w&th the or"h#n+ e#r(&er. T!r#(yon re#(&4ed th#t #(tho!'h Uther w#+ o-1&o!+(y #t ho$e on the -#tt(ef&e(d) !+&n' the L&'ht to t#ke the (&1e+ of tho+e who wo!(d +(#y h&$ #nd tho+e he +er1ed) he w#+ e7!#((y #t ho$e here &n the ,#thedr#() -r&n'&n' # new (&tt(e (&fe &nto the wor(d. S!,h w#+ the d&,hoto$y of "#(#d&n+5 they were w#rr&or+ #nd he#(er+ -oth. Uther '(#n,ed !" #nd +$&(ed) r&+&n' to 'reet h&+ fr&end. T!r#(yon) he +#&d &n h&+ dee") 'r!ff 1o&,e. The two "#(#d&n+ ,(#+"ed h#nd+. Good to +ee yo!. A-o!t t&$e yo! fo!nd yo!r w#y down here. Uther ,!ffed the yo!n'er $#n "(#yf!((y. Yo!2re r&'ht) T!r#(yon #'reed) ,h!,k(&n'. 3t2+ 'ood to -e here. 3t2+ too e#+y to 'et ,#!'ht !" &n #(( the th&n'+ th#t need to -e done -!t ,#n ne1er 7!&te -e f&n&+hed. L&ke # r#t "ro-(e$.

Eh6
32(( te(( yo! (#ter. %or now) how ,#n 3 he("6 Th&+ w#+ wh#t $#ttered) he tho!'ht. Not +t#y&n' ho(ed !" &n the kee" "!+h&n' "#"er.

Uther2+ eye+ n#rrowed +(&'hdy #+ he (ooked o1er T!r#(yon2+ +ho!(der. 3 th&nk yo!21e 'ot +o$e of th#t !nf&n&+hed -!+&ne++ r&'ht here) he +#&d. Oh6 T!r#(yon +#&d ,#+!#((y) t!rn&n' #ro!nd. 3t w#+ (&ke +ee&n' # 'ho+t) # $o$ent wren,hed o!t of &t+ "ro"er "(#,e &n +"#,e #nd t&$e #nd &n,on'r!o!+(y r,,n#,t,d. She +tood -efore h&$) f#,e #nd h#&r #nd ,(oth&n' wet) e$er#(d eye+ f&;ed w&th h&+ eye+. She h#d 'otten ,#!'ht &n the r#&n) (ook&n' #($o+t #+ +he h#d th#t n&'ht ne#r(y two ye#r+ #'o) ,o$&n' to h&$ now #+ +he h#d ,o$e to / A((er&# W&ndr!nn,r2+ eye+ n#rrowed) #+ &f +he) too) re,#((ed th#t n&'ht) #nd fo!nd &t #n !n"(e#+#nt $e$ory. T!r#(yon fe(t # ,h&(( +wee" o1er h&$ h#t h#d noth&n' to do w&th h&+ wet ,(oth&n'. She -owed) +t&ff(y) f&r+t to Uther) then to h&$. L&'ht-r&n'er. Gener#(. Ah. Th&+ w#+ how &t w#+ to -e "(#yed) then. R#n'er. He w#+ +!r"r&+ed #t how ,#($ h&+ 1o&,e +o!nded. He h#d h#(f*e;"e,ted &t to ,r#,k w&th e$ot&on. Wh#t -r&n'+ yo! here6 T&d&n'+) +he +#&d) of the wor+t +ort. Her eye+ f(&,kered to T!r#(yon2+) then -#,k to Uther2+. L&tt(e e(+e wo!(d. T!r#(yon fe(t # $!+,(e tw&t,h &n h&+ ,he,k #nd 'r&tted h&+ teeth. Then "r#y de(&1er the$. The e(f (ooked #ro!nd) +(&'ht(y ,onte$"t!o!+(y. 3 wonder &f 3 h#1e not ,o$e to the wron' "(#,e for #&d. 3 d&d not e;"e,t to f&nd 'ener#(+) kn&'ht+) #nd ho(y w#rr&or+ tend&n' to -#-&e+ &n # ,h!r,h. T!r#(yon we(,o$ed the #n'er5 &t ,h#+ed #w#y the he#rt+&,kne++. We +er1e where we #r, ,#((ed) A((er&#. A(( of !+. 3 fee( ,ert#&n yo! d&dn2t ,o$e #(( the w#y here 0!+t to &n+!(t !+. S"e#k. A((er&# +&'hed. A +hort t&$e #'o) 3 $et w&th Kh#d'#r #nd +e1er#( of the A((&#n,e (e#der+) &n,(!d&n' yo!r own k&n'. 3t +ee$+ th#t there &+ # d&$en+&on#( r&ft where the D#rk Port#( on,e +tood. Kh#d'#r -e(&e1e+ th#t 1ery +oon) or,+/ "erh#"+ #n ent&re +e,ond Horde/,o!(d ,o$e thro!'h #'#&n. He +ent $e on 'ry"hon-#,k #t on,e to &nfor$ yo!. She h#d the&r #ttent&on now) #nd they (&+tened &n +&(en,e #+ +he re"e#ted wh#t +he h#d (e#rned. Not for the f&r+t t&$e +&n,e the L&on of A4eroth2+ de#th) T!r#(yon w&+hed And!&n Loth#r were here. He often fo!nd h&$+e(f w&+h&n' th#t when f#,ed w&th # d&ff&,!(t de,&+&on) or &$"end&n' ,o$-#t) or +&$"(y the need to t#(k to +o$eone. Loth#r wo!(d h#1e re+"onded &n+t#nt(y) ,#($(y -!t de,&+&1e(y) #nd other+ ,o!(d not h#1e he("ed -!t fo((ow. Wh&(e the 1eter#n+ of the w#r h#d -e'!n ,#((&n' the$+e(1e+ the Son+ of Loth#r) T!r#(yon h&$+e(f/Loth#r2+ (&e!ten#nt/w#+ not ,o$fort#-(e w&d& the ter$. He d&d not fee( (&ke # +on of the 're#t $#n) #(tho!'h he wo!(d defend Loth#r2+ &de#(+ to h&+ (#+t -re#th. He w#+ +t&(( th&nk&n' when A((er&# f&n&+hed t#(k&n' #nd t!rned her eye+ e;"e,t#nt(y !"on h&$. We((6 +he de$#nded. Wh#t +#y the W&(dh#$$,r+ on #(( th&+6 Wh#t doe+ K!rdr#n th&nk6 3 do!-t he know+) A((er&# #d$&tted) the -(ond r#n'er h#1&n' the 'r#,e to #t (e#+t -e e$-#rr#++ed -y th#t +t#te$ent. Wh#t6 Yo! f(ew #(( th&+ w#y to &nfor$ $e/on one of the&r 'ry"hon+) no (e++!/#nd no one to(d the W&(dh#$$er+2 (e#der wh#t w#+ 'o&n' on6 She +hr!''ed #'#&n) #nd T!r#(yon -&t -#,k # ,!r+e. D!r&n' the Se,ond W#r the A((&#n,e h#d #(( fo!'ht to'ether) e(1e+ #nd h!$#n+ #nd dw#r1e+/-oth the W&(dh#$$,r+ #nd the&r Bron4e-e#rd ,o!+&n+/+&de -y +&de. B!t &n the "#+t ye#r &t +ee$ed the h!$#n r!(er+ h#d -een d&+t#n,&n' the$+e(1e+ fro$ the&r nonh!$#n #((&e+. The e(1e+ +t&(( "#rt&,&"#ted &n the defen+e of Nether'#rde) -!t th#t w#+ #+ $!,h fro$ the&r f#+,&n#t&on w&th #(( $#'&, #+ fro$ #ny de+&re to he(" h!$#n+. The Bron4e-e#rd dw#r1e+ h#d #n #$-#++#dor) :!r#d&n Bron4e-e#rd. #t Lord#,ron) #nd +o they $#&nt#&ned ,(o+e t&,+ w&th K&n' Teren#+. And there w#+ ,heerf!( (&tt(e :ekk#tor7!e #nd h&+ #++&+t#nt+ here &n Stor$w&nd. T!r#(yon fe(t the he#t of +h#$e r!+h thro!'h h&$ #t the re,o((e,t&on of h&+ #$!+e$ent #t the 'no$e2+ e;"en+e e#r(&er) when :ekk#tor7!e #nd h&+ "eo"(e were "erfor$&n' #n &n1#(!#-(e +er1&,e to +tr#n'er+. B!t for #(( the W&(dh#$$,r+2 (oy#(ty #nd -r#1ery #nd +k&(() $#ny h!$#n+ +ee$ed to th&nk the 'ry"hon r&der+ (&tt(e $ore th#n +#1#'e+. W&(( yo! w#&t for the dw#r1e+ to '&1e yo! &n+tr!,t&on+6 Or "erh#"+ Loth#r2+ 'ho+t6 T!r#(yon frowned. Co(or ro+e &n A((er&#2+ ,he,k+ #nd +he '(#n,ed down) re#(&4&n' +he h#d 'one too f#r. The W&(dh#$$,r+ h#1e -een +t#!n,h #((&e+) T!r#(yon +#&d &n # +oft yet +!re 1o&,e. They #r, #+ $!,h # "#rt of the A((&#n,e #+ #nyone. 3 w&(( +ee to &t th#t they #r, &nfor$ed #+ +oon #+ "o++&-(e. We $!+t 'o &$$ed&#te(y) A((er&# +#&d. The 'ry"hon w&(( -e#r yo! to Lord#,ron. 3 w&(( $#ke $y own w#y there. She wo!(dn2t e1en de&'n to r&de w&th h&$. then. T!r#(yon d&dn2t #n+wer #t on,e. He '(#n,ed #t Uther) who w#+ -r&d(&n' on h&+ -eh#(f. The&r eye+ $et for # $o$ent. The -&''er $#n nodded #nd t!rned -#,k to the yo!n' $other #nd her ,h&(d. Yo! w&(( -r&n' the $e$-er+ of yo!r order) ye+6 A((er&# +#&d) #($o+t "erf!n,tor&(y) #+ &f +he knew the #n+wer #(re#dy. When T!r#(yon +hook h&+ he#d) her 0#w dro""ed. Wh#t6 Why not6 The Ar,h-&+ho" w&+he+ the$ to +t#y he&r #nd &n Lord#,ron. To tend to the "eo"(e who need the$) Yo! h#1en2t e1en #+ked! 3 know w&tho!t #+k&n'. Don2t worry. 3f the need &+ 're#t eno!'h) they w&(( ,o$e. B!t need ,#n t#ke $#ny for$+. Co$e. Let !+ t#(k for # -&t)

We +ho!(d/ %&1e $&n!te+ w&(( ,h#n'e noth&n'. She frowned. He re#(&4ed +he w#+ +h&1er&n'. A dro" of r#&n +(&d fro$ her wet h#&r down her f#,e) (ook&n' (&ke # te#r) -!t &t w#+ noth&n' ne#r(y +o +oft. At th#t &n+t#nt) he w#nted to "!(( her &nto h&+ #r$+ +o -#d(y. Th&+ ,o(dne++) th&+ #,er-&, 1eno$ th#t "o&+oned her word+ #nd t!rned her (o1e(y f#,e !'(y w&th h#tred/he knew wh#t &t w#+. And he knew why +he ,#rr&ed &t. And the know&n' w#+ (&ke # kn&fe &n h&+ he#rt. 3 wrote. Yo! ne1er #n+wered) he +#&d 7!&et(y. She +hr!''ed) "!((&n' her ,(o#k #-o!t her +(&$ fr#$e #!to$#t&,#((y) #(tho!'h wh#t +he needed w#+ dry ,(oth&n'. 3 h#1e -een tr#1e(&n'. On "#tro(. O!r $o+t re,ent t#+k w#+ # "#tro( d&ro!'h the A(ter#, :o!nt#&n+) A((er&# +#&d. There were r!$or+ of or,+ h&d&n' #$on' the "e#k+ there. She #((owed her+e(f # 'r&$ +$&(e. We fo!nd ten of the$. T!r#(yon d&dn2t h#1e to #+k wh#t +he #nd her r#n'er+ h#d done w&th the d&+,o1ered or,+. He wondered &f +he2d +t#rted t#k&n' tro"h&e+. He2d +een her on,e ,ro!,h&n' o1er # -ody) # +#1#'e 'r&n on her f#,e) #nd h#d -een +t!nned -y the '(ee +he took &n the k&((&n'. A((er&#) he +#&d 7!&et(y) 321e -een wr&t&n' yo! #nd yo!21e ne1er #n+wered. Yo! owe $e noth&n'. 3 !nder+t#nd th#t. B!t &f ... wh#t h#""ened -etween !+ $e#n+ yo! ,#n no (on'er work w&th $e) 3 need to know th#t now. 32$ yo!r ,o$$#nder. 3/the A((&#n,e/,#n2t #fford to f&nd o!t on the -#tt(ef&e(d th#t 1o!2re not (&+ten&n') or not o-ey&n'. He w#&ted !nt&( +he (ooked #t h&$. Do yo! h#1e # "ro-(e$ w&th th#t6 There &+ no "ro-(e$) the -(ond e(f #n+wered +h#r"(y. The A((&#n,e w#nt+ e1ery or, de#d. So do 3. We ,#n work to'ether on th#t. Th#t2+ #(( we #r, to yo! now/# $e#n+ to #n end. A w#y to k&(( $ore or,+ $ore 7!&,k(y. Wh#t e(+e &+ there6 +he #n+wered. Kh#d'#r on(y fo!nd $e -e,#!+e $y -#nd #nd 3 were h!nt&n' or, rene'#de+ &n A(ter#,. 3 #'reed to $eet w&th h&$ #t Nether'#rde -e,#!+e h&+ $e++en'er +#&d &t &n1o(1ed or,+) #nd 3 #'reed to -r&n' h&+ +!$$on+ to yo! for the +#$e re#+on. She frowned. And the +ooner we re#,h Lord#,ron) the +ooner 3 ,#n +eek o!t $ore of tho+e 'reen*+k&nned #-o$&n#t&on+ #nd ,(e#n+e th&+ (#nd of the&r f&(th! Her 1o&,e ro+e w&th "#++&on #nd her eye+ f(#+hed. So$e he#d+ t!rned &n the&r d&re,t&on. 3 w&(( +ee the$ de#d) e1ery (#+t one of the$. E1en &f &t t#ke+ $e # h!ndred ye#r+! T!r#(yon fe(t # +h&1er r!n down h&+ +"&ne. A((er&#) he -e'#n) "&t,h&n' h&+ 1o&,e (ow) yo!2re t#(k&n' 'eno,&de. The +$&(e th#t ,!r1ed her (&"+ w#+ # ,r!e( one. 3t &+ on(y 'eno,&de when tho+e -e&n' +(#&n #r, "eo"(e. Th&+ &+ noth&n' $ore th#n e;ter$&n#t&n' 1er$&n. He re#(&4ed w&th # +ho,k th#t +he hone+t(y -e(&e1ed her word+. She re#((y d&dn2t +ee the or,+ #+ +ent&ent "eo"(e. She +#w the$ #+ #-o$&n#t&on+) #+ $on+ter+) #+... r#t+. T!r#(1on knew he h#d +(#&n h&+ f#&r +h#re of the$/h#d done +o #t t&$e+ w&th 're#t #n'er &n h&+ he#rt #t wh#t they h#d done to h&+ "eo"(e. B!t th&+... A((er&# d&dn2t w#nt 0!+t&,e. She d&dn2t w#nt the or,+ to "#y for the ,r&$e+ they h#d ,o$$&tted) +he w#nted to h!rt the$. To e;ter$&n#te #n ent&re r#,e) &f +he ,o!(d. He took # +te" tow#rd her) re#,h&n' o!t # h#nd) ho"&n' to ,onne,t. Yo!21e (o+t +o $!,h. 3 know th#t. A((er&# kno,ked h&+ h#nd #w#y. H#h! A h!$#n +"e#k+ of (o++6 Wh#t do yo! know of &t6 Yo!r (&1e+ #r, +o -r&ef yo! ne1er (e#rn wh#t &t $e#n+ to tr!(y (o1e +o$eone! T!r#(1on fe(t the -(ood dr#&n fro$ h&+ f#,e. %or # $o$ent he ,o!(dn2t re+"ond. She +t#red #t h&$) -re#th&n' 7!&,k(y) d#r&n' h&$ to +"e#k. A!+t -e,#!+e yo! (&1e (on'er doe+n2t $e#n yo! fee( $ore) he +#&d. Tr!+t $e on th#t one. He '#1e her # (o"+&ded +$&(e. Her f#,e on(y h#rdened the $ore. So) yo! #r, -etter th#n $e -e,#!+e yo! (&1e for this (on'6 +he ,h#((en'ed) +n#""&n' her f&n'er+. Or #re yo! -etter th#n $e -e,#!+e of yo!r "re,&o!+ L&'ht6 2A((er&#) 3 w#nt to +ee 0!+t&,e done. Yo! know th#t. B!t yo!2re not t#(k&n' 0!+t&,e) yo!2re t#(k&n' 1en'e#n,e. And 3 +ee wh#t &t2+ do&n' to yo!. The L&'ht &+n2t $&ne) &t2+ e1eryone2+. 3t2+ #-o!t he#(&n'. 3t2+/ Don2t yo! d#re (e,t!re $e! +he w#rned) her 1o&,e dro""&n' to # +tee(y h&++. Yo!r Ho(y L&'ht d&dn2t +to" the or,+ fro$ te#r&n' o"en # w#y &nto o!r wor(d) d&d &t6 The L&'ht ,#n2t re+tore $y r#1#'ed ho$e(#nd) or '&1e $e -#,k $y / She ,(o+ed her 0#w w&th # +n#". T!r#(yon +t#red #t her for # (on' $o$ent) then +&'hed dee"(y. R#n'er) he +#&d for$#((y) here #r, $y order+. %or the $o$ent) yo! w&(( +t#y here &n Stor$w&nd) #(on' w&th h#(f of $y troo"+ #nd $y+e(f. Send for yo!r r#n'er+) h#1e the$ '#ther here. The ,&ty h#+ 0!+t +t#rted to 'et &t+ feet !nderne#th &t. 3 won2t (e#1e &t !n"rote,ted. Her 0#w t&'htened. So we2re 0!+t 'o&n' to w#&t o!t the w#r here) sir, (&ke ,ow#rd+) +&r6 T!r#(yon d&d not r&+e to the -#&t. 3 w&(( re7!e+t re&nfor,e$ent+) #nd when they ,o$e) we2(( (e#1e. B!t !nt&( then) we +t#y here. She nodded. Yo!2(( "rote,t # ,&ty when &t2+ yo!r own. 3 +ee now. Per$&++&on to (e#1e to '#ther $y r#n'er+) +&r6

A((er&#2+ word+ were de+&'ned to 'et !nder h&+ +k&n) #nd they h#d. B!t T!r#(yon w#+ $ore ,on,erned #-o!t wh#t h#d h#""ened to A((er&#/or $ore ,orre,t(y) wh#t +he w#+ do&n' to her+e(f/to ,#!+e her to +"e#k the$. She h#d ,h#n'ed +o 1ery) 1ery $!,h. S#d(y he re,#((ed f&r+t the&r &n&t&#( re#,t&on+ to one #nother/he +t#$$er&n') #we+tr!,k f&r+t -y her 'r#,e #nd -e#!ty #nd (#ter -y her ,on+!$$#te +k&(() #nd +he #$!+ed) &ntr&'!ed) +(&'ht(y +!"er,&(&o!+. He h#d (o+t +o$e of h&+ #we/not #(( of &t5 he wo!(d ne1er (o+e #(( of &t) -!t +o$e/#nd +he h#d 'rown to re+"e,t h&$. To (&ke h&$. To +eek o!t h&+ ,o$"#ny) to w#nt h&$ -y her +&de &n -#tt(e #nd) he2d on,e -e(&e1ed) &n # $ore &nt&$#te w#y. B!t there +ee$ed (&tt(e of th#t wo$#n (eft. And #(( he ,o!(d do w#+ -e +#ddened #nd worr&ed -y the ,h#n'e+) #nd wonder &f +he2d (et her h#te for the or,+ 'et &n the w#y of her 0!d'$ent. By the L&'ht/&f +he d&ed -e,#!+e of th&+ re,k(e++ne++ of her+/ He re#(&4ed he w#+ +t#r&n') #nd nodded. He d&d not tr!+t h&$+e(f to +"e#k "#+t the (!$" &n h&+ thro#t. A((er&# &n,(&ned her he#d) the -#re+t 'e+t!re of re7!&red re+"e,t) #nd +trode "#+t h&$. T!r#(yon w#t,hed her 'o) wonder&n' &f he2d $#de the r&'ht de,&+&on. Wh#t wo!(d Loth#r h#1e done6 Wo!(d he h#1e w#&ted !nt&( re&nfor,e$ent+ ,#$e) or wo!(d he h#1e ,h#r'ed &nto -#tt(e6 W#+ he w#+t&n' t&$e or -e&n' +$#rt6 W#+ &t eno!'h) to +end h&+ +e,ond*&n*,o$$#nd D#n#th Tro((-#ne #nd h#(f h&+ $en to Nether'#rde r&'ht now6 He +hook h&+ he#d) ,(e#r&n' &t. He ,o!(dn2t #fford to +e,ond*'!e++ r&'ht now) #nd h&+ de,&+&on fe(t (&ke the r&'ht one. He2d need to +end +o$e $e++en'er+. One to the W&(dh#$$,r+) (ett&n' the$ know the +&t!#t&on. One to Lord#eron. And one) he tho!'ht w&th # +$#(() +#d (&tt(e +$&(e) to :ekk#tor7!e) to (et h&$ know th#t !nfort!n#te(y) the $en &ntended #+ r#t,#t,her+ for the tr#$ wo!(d not -e ,o$&n' #fter #((. A((er&# d&d not he#d -#,k to the kee") #+ +he h#d +#&d +he wo!(d. 3n+te#d) on,e +he (eft the ,#thedr#() +he +t#rted to r!n) her feet +w&ft #nd #($o+t ,o$"(ete(y +&(ent #+ they ,#rr&ed her #(on' the +treet+ tow#rd the 're#t '#te+ of the ,&ty. She &'nored +t#rt(ed '(#n,e+ #+ +he r#n) "er$&tt&n' the '#wk&n' +t#re+ to f!e( her #n'er) #nd r#,ed thro!'h the '#te+ &nto the wooded #re# -eyond. She r#n !nt&( +he fo!nd # +$#(( +tre#$ #nd there) -ene#th the -o!'h+ of the +he(ter&n' tree+) +he +#nk down on the +odden e#rth. She w#+ ,o(d #nd +o#ked to the +k&n) -!t +he &'nored the d&+,o$fort. 3t h#d 'one wor+e th#n +he h#d fe#red. How w#+ &t th#t # $ere h!$#n ,o!(d r#tt(e her +o6 He w#+ # ,h&(d -e+&de her) # r!de) (o!d ,h&(d who/ e1en #+ +he tho!'ht the word+) +he knew th#t they were wron'. T!r#(yon w#+ +ho,k&n'(y yo!n' ,o$"#red w&th her) -!t he w#+ re,koned # $#n #$on' h&+ own "eo"(e) #nd he w#+ k&nd #nd w&+e #nd +$#rt. And #t one "o&nt) +o (on' #'o &t +ee$ed now) +he h#d tho!'ht +he (o1ed h&$. A((er&# 'row(ed #nd "!t # ,(en,hed h#nd to her he#rt) #+ &f w#rn&n' &t not to +often. Her f&n'er+ to!,hed the wro!'ht +&(1er of # ne,k(#,e th#t he(d three "re,&o!+ +tone+. 3t h#d -een '&1en to her -y her "#rent+5 &t w#+ # (&nk w&th # wor(d th#t h#d on,e -een. A wor(d of 'r#,e #nd -e#!ty #nd -#(#n,e. A wor(d the or,+ h#d fore1er ,r&""(ed. The tree+ here were not tho+e of the fore+t+ of E1,r+on') tho+e -e#!t&f!() 'o(den*(e#fed "#tr&#r,h+ who+e -r#n,he+ h#d he(d her #nd her +&+ter+ #nd/ She +7!ee4ed her eye+ +h!t) #nd wh&+"ered # n#$e8 L&r#th ... Her yo!n'e+t -rother. She re$e$-ered h&$ now the w#1 he h#d (ooked the (#+t t&$e +he h#d +een h&$. Be#!t&f!() (#!'h&n') d#n,&n' -ene#th the 'o(den (e#1e+ #+ # "&"er "(#yed # +"r&'ht(y t!n,. Yo!n') +o yo!n'. He w#nted to -e # r#n'er) (&ke h&+ +&+ter+) -!t &n th&+ $o$ent +he h#d fro4en fore1er &n her $&nd) A((er&# w#t,hed h&$ +&$"(y en0oy -e&n' #(&1e. The or,+ h#d +(#!'htered h&$) +n!ff&n' o!t h&+ -r&'ht (&fe (&ke # f(#$e "&n,hed -etween # ,r!e( th!$- #nd foref&n'er. H#d +(#!'htered +o $#ny) too $#ny other k&n/ ,o!+&n+) #!nt+) !n,(e+) n&e,e+... h#d +(#!'htered fr&end+ +he h#d known (on'er th#n T!r#(yon h#d -een alive/ And they wo!(d "#y. Her h#nd t&'htened on the ne,k(#,e. They wo!(d +!ffer) #+ 'ent(e yo!n' L&r#th h#d. A+ her "eo"(e) her ,&ty) her (#nd h#d. They wo!(d t#+te # tho!+#ndfo(d the "#&n d&ey h#d &nf(&,ted !"on her. 3t wo!(d -e +weet*/+weet #+ the -(ood +he h#d on,e tent#t&1e(y (&,ked fro$ her h#nd #fter # k&((. T!r#(yon h#d #($o+t ,#!'ht her th#t t&$e. Now) +he to(d her+e(f) he $!+t not know. He $!+t not +to" her. He $!+t not +often her he#rt) #+ he h#d ,o$e "er&(o!+(y ,(o+e to do&n' on,e -efore. Wh#te1er the ,o+t) A((er&# W&ndr!nn,r wo!(d h#1e her re1en'e. R#&n "o!nded down o!t+&de) -!t the +t#-(e+ were dry) &f +te#$y. The +,ent of hor+e+ #nd (e#ther f&((ed the $o&+t #&r. The -e#+t+ wh&,kered) "#w&n' #t the h#y*,o1ered ,o--(e+tone+ -ene#th the&r hoo1e+ #+ the&r r&der+ +#dd(ed the$. They were tr#&ned w#rhor+,+) #nd h#d not +een -#tt(e &n +o$e t&$e. They +ee$ed #+ #n;&o!+ #+ D#n#th Tro((-#ne w#+ to de"#rt. D#n#th2+ $en) tho!'h) were 'reener.

H&+ own hor+e h#d -een +#dd(ed #nd re#dy 7!&,k(y) #nd now he $o1ed #$on' h&+ +o(d&er+. :#ke h#+te) he '(owered #t one who w#+ h#1&n' tro!-(e w&th the +t&rr!"+. Th&+ &+ no "(e#+!re o!t&n'! T!r#(yon h#d (et h&$ ,hoo+e h#(f #$on' #(( the $&(&t#ry (eft &n Stor$w&nd. He2d ,ho+en ,#1#(ry !n&t+ he knew wo!(d -e #-(e to ,ro++ the $&(e+ 7!&,k(y #nd for$ r#nk+ #'#&n +oon #fter. They needed to $o1e f#+t/-!t they h#d to -e ,#ref!( not to we#r o!t the hor+e+. He +!+"e,ted they wo!(dn2t h#1e the (!;!ry of # re+t to reor'#n&4e #nd re'ro!". B!t $o+t of the $en he2d fo!'ht w&th were +,#ttered now o1er the h!$#n terr&tor&e+) #nd there w#+ no t&$e to +!$$on #(( the 1eter#n+ ho$e. We don2t w#nt to $&++ the f&'ht) do we. +&r6 # +o(d&er +#&d w&th # 'r&n #+ he 'r#+"ed h&+ $o!nt2+ re&n+. He w#+ (&tt(e $ore th#n # -oy. re#((y) too yo!n' to h#1e fo!'ht &n the Se,ond W#r/one of the $#ny who h#d 0o&ned #fter the w#r2+ end. to he(" f&(( o!t the r#nk+ +o -#d(y de,&$#ted -y the f&'ht&n'. D#n#th +hook h&+ -#(d he#d #nd r#n # h#nd thro!'h h&+ +&(1er&n' -e#rd) try&n' to re,#(( the -oy2+ n#$e. %#rro() th#t w#+ &t. Yo!21e not f#,ed or,+ -efore) h#1e yo!) %#rro(6 he r!$-(ed. No. +&r! %#rro( re"(&ed w&th # w&de 'r&n th#t +howed how yo!n' he re#((y w#+. B!t 32$ (ook&n' forw#rd to &t) +&r! 32$ not. D#n#th re"(&ed) $#k&n' the +o(d&er '#+" #nd +t#re) Yo!2re not6 the -oy #+ked) h&+ 1o&,e f#(ter&n' # (&tt(e #+ he noted h&+ ,o$$#nder2+ 'r&$ e;"re++&on. B!t why not. +&r6 We2re 'o&n' to tr#$"(e the$) #ren2t we6 3 he#rd th#t there weren2t $#ny or,+ (eft #ny$ore) #nd they2re h&d&n' &n the wood+ #nd the $o!nt#&n+ (&ke w&(d #n&$#(+! The one+ who 'ot (eft -eh&nd when the "ort#( ,(o+ed) th#t2+ tr!e) D#n#th #'reed. B!t th#t2+ not wh#t we2re de#(&n' w&th here. They th&nk the D#rk Port#(2+ 'o&n' to reo"en. Do yo! know wh#t th#t $e#n+6 The +o(d&er '!("ed) #nd D#n#th r#&+ed h&+ 1o&,e to $#ke +!re the +o(d&er+ +#dd(&n' the&r $o!nt+ #ro!nd the$ ,o!(d he#r h&$ #+ we((. 3t $e#n+ we won2t -e f#,&n' # r#'t#' 'ro!" of or, +!r1&1or+) -oy/ we2(( -e f#,&n' the Horde) the (#r'e+t f&'ht&n' for,e e1er +een. And th#t for,e h#+ ne1er -een defe#ted) not &n tr!th. B!t we won the w#r) +&r! one of the other $en/ =#nn) D#n#th re,#((ed/"rote+ted. We ,on7!ered the$! Th#t we d&d) he #'reed. B!t on(y -e,#!+e +o$e of the&r own for,e+ t!rned on the$ #nd we were #-(e to ,r!+h the$ #t +e#. Wh#t we fo!'ht #t B(#,kro,k w#+ on(y # "ort&on of the tr!e Horde) #nd e1en then &t w#+ # ,(o+e th&n'. He +hook h&+ he#d. %or #(( we know) there ,o!(d -e #+ $#ny #+ # do4en $ore ,(#n+ -#,k on the or,+2 wor(d) 0!+t w#&t&n' to -re#k thro!'h #'#&n. He he#rd the $!tter&n' #nd '#+"&n' th#t +we"t thro!'h h&+ $en. Th#t2+ r&'ht) (#d+) he #nno!n,ed (o!d(y. We ,o!(d we(( -e he#d&n' tow#rd o!r de#th+ here. S&r6 Why #r, yo! te((&n' !+ th&+6 %#rro( #+ked 7!&et(y. Be,#!+e 3 don2t -e(&e1e &n (y&n' #-o!t o!r ,h#n,e+) h&+ ,o$$#nder #n+wered. Yo!21e # r&'ht to know wh#t yo!2(( -e f#,&n'. And 3 don2t w#nt yo! 'o&n' &n th&nk&n' th&+23( -e e#+y. E;"e,t h#rd f&'ht&n') #nd +t#y +h#r") he +#&d) h&+ tone +h&ft&n' fro$ #d1&,e to order. Go &n e;"e,t&n' tro!-(e) #nd yo!2re $ore (&ke(y to +!r1&1e. He 'r&nned +!dden(y. And then yo! ,#n ,#(( yo!r+e(1e+ Son+ of Loth#r. A(( #ro!nd h&$ $en nodded) $ore +o-er now. The+e were 'ood $en) &f not #+ +e#+oned #+ he $&'ht w&+h. He #(re#dy re'retted the de#th+ he knew wo!(d ,o$e &f the "ort#( d&d &ndeed reo"en. B!t they were +worn to defend the A((&#n,e) e1en #t the ,o+t of the&r own (&1e+. He 0!+t ho"ed they wo!(dn2t -e dy&n' for noth&n'. E1en tho!'h "re,&o!+ t&$e w#+ t&,k&n' "#+t) D#n#th "er$&tted h&$+e(f # few $o$ent+ to (ook #t the$) to $e$or&4e f#,e+) +!$$on n#$e+ to $&nd. He h#d no ,h&(dren of h&+ own5 wh&(e d&,y were !nder h&+ ,o$$#nd) he w#+ f#ther to the+e -oy+. E1en &f they #(( were Son+ of Loth#r. The tho!'ht $#de h&$ +$&(e +(&'ht(y. :o!nt !") (#d+! Two $&n!te+ (#ter) they were '#((o"&n' down the ,o--(e+tone +treet+ of Stor$w&nd #nd o!t the $#&n '#te+. L&+ten) do yo! he#r th#t6 R#nd#( (#!'hed. Yo!2re 'ett&n' 0!$"y) W&((#$) he to(d h&+ fr&end. 3t2+ 0!+t the w&nd. He '(#n,ed #ro!nd) (ook&n' #,ro++ the -(#+ted (#nd+,#"e) #nd +h&1ered. Noth&n' to -(o,k &t o!t here. W&((#$ nodded -!t +t&(( +ee$ed !ne#+y. :#y-e yo!2re r&'ht) he #d$&tted) r!--&n' h&+ f#,e w&th one '(o1ed h#nd) 3 h#te th&+ det#&(. Why21, we 'ot to '!#rd th&+ th&n') #nyw#y6 3+n2t th#t wh#t the $#'& #r, for6 Both +o(d&er+ '(#n,ed -eh&nd the$. 3f they +7!&nted they ,o!(d $#ke o!t # +h&$$er &n the #&r) 0!+t -eyond # "&(e of o(d r!--(e. The d&+tort&on w#+ n#rrow) "erh#"+ the w&dth of # $#n -!t tw&,e #+ t#((. They h#d -een to(d th#t r&ft w#+ #(( th#t re$#&ned of the D#rk Port#() #nd th#t the&r t#+k w#+ to kee" w#t,h o1er &t. D!nno) R#nd#( re"(&ed. Yo!2d th&nk &f #nyth&n' d&d h#""en the $#'&2d know -efore we d&d. He +hr!''ed. 2At (e#+t &t2+ #n e#+y 0o-. And o!r +h&ft2+ o1er &n #nother ho!r. W&((#$ +t#rted to +#y +o$eth&n' e(+e) then +to""ed) h&+ eye+ w&de. There! he wh&+"ered. He#r th#t6 He#r wh/ W&((#$ +h!+hed h&$ fr#nt&,#((y. They +#t +tone*+t&(( for # $o$ent) ,#r+ +tr#&n&n'. And then R#nd#( he#rd &t. 3t w#+ (&ke # (ow $o#n) then # h&'h wh&+t(e) #+ &f the w&nd were +wee"&n' #,ro++ # w&de "(#&n -efore ,!tt&n' thro!'h the

1#((ey #ro!nd the$. H&+ eye+ went -#,k to the r&ft/#nd he '#+"ed) #($o+t dro""&n' h&+ +h&e(d #nd +"e#r. 3t w#+ w&der now! So!nd the #(#r$! he to(d W&((#$ fr#nt&,#((y) -!t h&+ fr&end w#+ fro4en &n fe#r) eye+ r&1eted on the +&'ht -efore the$. W&((#$) sound the alarm#." A+ W&((#$ h!rr&ed to o-ey) the r&ft +h&$$ered #'#&n) 'row&n' -r&'hter) ,o(or+ (e#k&n' o!t #(on' &t+ e;"#nd&n' ed'e+. 3t +ee$ed to +"(&t o"en) (&ke # $o!th r#1eno!+ for food) #nd +h#dow+ -&((owed forth. They +"re#d r#"&d(y) #nd R#nd#( -(&nked) !n#-(e to +ee the r&ft or the r!--(e -e(ow &t #ny$ore. E1en W&((#$ h#d 1#n&+hed) tho!'h he ,o!(d he#r h&+ fr&end -(ow&n' on the horn) #(ert&n' the other '!#rd+. R#nd#( +w&1,(,d th&+ w#y #nd th#t) try&n' to "eer thro!'h the +!dden d#rkne++) h&+ +"e#r #nd +h&e(d #t the re#dy. W#+ there +o$eth&n' there6 Or there6 He +tr#&ned to (&+ten. W#+ th#t # +o!nd6 A th!d) #+ &f +o$eth&n' h#d ro((ed o1er/or dro""ed6 W#+ th#t #nother6 Ye+) he w#+ +!re he2d he#rd +o$eth&n' now. He t!rned &n the d&re,t&on he tho!'ht &t h#d ,o$e fro$) r#&+&n' h&+ +"e#r +(&'ht(y #nd ho"&n' &t w#+n2t W&((#$. Tho+e def&n&te(y +o!nded (&ke foot+te"+) he#1y one+/ #nd $#ny of the$. Ho(d! R#nd#( +ho!ted) w&+h&n' h&+ 1o&,e weren2t +h#k&n') Who 'oe+ there6 St#nd #nd &dent&fy yo!r+e(f) &n the n#$e of the A((&#n,e! The +te"+ 'rew ,(o+er) #nd he +"!n) try&n' to "&n"o&nt the&r +o!r,e. Were they -eh&nd h&$6 Off to h&+ +&de6 R&'ht &n front of h&$6 He t!rned +(&'ht(y #+ the 'ro!nd +hook -ene#th h&+ feet) r#&+&n' h&+ +h&e(d &n+t&n,t&1e(y/ /#nd ,r&ed o!t #+ +o$eth&n' he#1y ,r!+hed &t (&ke "#"er) the &$"#,t +h#tter&n' h&+ #r$ #+ we((. B(&nk&n' #w#y the "#&n) R#nd#( thr!+t h&+ +"e#r forw#rd) -!t +o$eth&n' ,#!'ht the we#"on2+ (on' h#ft #nd wren,hed &t fro$ h&+ 'r&". A f#,e #""e#red o!t of the d#rkne++) &n,he+ fro$ h&+ own/# w&de) he#1y f#,e) w&th # (oo$&n' -row) +7!#t no+e) #nd two +h#r" t!+k+ 0!tt&n' !" fro$ the (ower (&". The horr&fy&n' f#,e (eered #t R#nd#() #nd he h#d # -r&ef '(&$"+e of +o$eth&n' e(+e r!+h&n' tow#rd h&$ fro$ the +h#dow+) +o$eth&n' w&de #nd f(#t #nd ,!r1ed.... The other '!#rd+ r#((&ed) #(erted -y W&((#$2+ horn) -!t &t w#+ too (&tt(e too (#te. The d#rkne++ f&((ed the 1#((ey) "re1ent&n' the$ fro$ e1en +ee&n' the&r foe+) #nd wh&(e the h!$#n+ -(!ndered #-o!t &n ,onf!+&on) or, w#rr&or+ #nd de#th kn&'ht+ "o!red o!t of the new(y e;"#nded r&ft) ,r!+h&n' e1eryone &n the&r "#th. 3t w#+ $ore of # +(#!'hter th#n # tr!e -#tt(e. W&th&n $&n!te+ e1ery h!$#n defender w#+ de#d or dy&n') #nd the or,+ ,ontro((ed the A4eroth +&de of the D#rk Port#(.

CHAPTER S3B
Wh&+"er+. Soft +!+!rr#t&on+) -#re(y he#rd !n(e++ (&+tened for. The f(!tter of # -&rd2+ w&n'+ &n f(&'ht) the +o!nd of # (e#f dr&ft&n' tow#rd the e#rth . . . the+e were (o!der th#n the wh&+"er+ th#t te#+ed #t Ner94h!(2+ ,#r+. B!t he he#rd the$. He he(d the +k!(( &n h&+ h#nd+) '#4&n' dee"(y &nto e$"ty eye +o,ket+) #nd he#rd G!(2d#n2+ 1o&,e. 3t +o!nded to h&$ #+ &t h#d &n (&fe/+y,o"h#nt&,) #n;&o!+ for #""ro1#() e#'er(y #n+wer&n' 7!e+t&on+ #nd offer&n' +o(!t&on+5 #nd yet +&$!(t#neo!+(y -#re(y h&d&n' # 1#+t ,onte$"t #nd (!+t for "ower. G!(2d#n) &n de#th) ho"ed to (!(( h&+ for$er $#+ter &nto the +#$e f#(+e +en+e of +e,!r&ty he h#d when he (&1ed. B!t Ner94h!( wo!(d not -e d!"ed # +e,ond t&$e. 3n#d1ertent(y Ner94h!( h#d -etr#yed h&+ "eo"(e w&th h&+ '!((&-&(&ty) #nd th&+ or, who+e +k!(( re+ted &n h&+ 'n#r(ed h#nd+ h#d r&+en to "ower -y th&nk&n' he h#d 'ro!nd the o(d +h#$#n &nto the d&rt. Who &+ #(&1e #nd &n "ower) #nd who &+ de#d) eh) $y #""rent&,e6 he wh&+"ered to the +k!((. He -(&nked +!dden(y) +t#rt(ed o!t of h&+ ,on1er+#t&on w&th the +k!(( #+ (&'ht f(ooded h&+ tr#1e(&n' tent. A f&'!re +tood +&(ho!etted #'#&n+t the d#y(&'ht th#t kn&fed thro!'h the '(oo$ of the tent2+ &nter&or. We ,ontro( the "ort#(! Gro$ He((+,re#$ #nno!n,ed. Ner94h!( +$&(ed. Th!+ f#r #(( h#d 'one #,,ord&n' to "(#n. He #-+ent(y ,#re++ed the ye((owed -one #+ he $&'ht # "et f#wn&n' for h&+ #ttent&on. %&tt&n' #nd 0!+t) th#t G!(2d#n2+ +k!(( +ho!(d he(" h&$ reo"en the r&ft. Ner94h!( w#1ed Gro$ #nd h&+ ,o$"#n&on) Teron Goref&end) &n+&de. He h#d #""o&nted the$ h&+ +e,ond+) Goref&end o1er+ee&n' the de#th kn&'ht+ #nd o're+ #nd Gro$ ,on1ey&n' h&+ order+ to the 1#r&o!+ ,(#n+. And there were $#ny ,(#n+ now. The Th!nder(ord) L#!'h&n' Sk!(() #nd Bone,hewer ,(#n+ h#d 0o&ned the$) (e#1&n' on(y the Redw#(ker ,(#n/wh#t w#+ (eft of &t. A(( the other ,(#n+ h#d !n&ted !nder h&+ (e#der+h&" on,e $ore) $#k&n' the Horde ne#r(y #+ +tron' #+ &t h#d -een -efore the f&r+t #tt#,k on A4eroth. Ne#r(y. 3 #$ we(( "(e#+ed) he +#&d. 2And now/yo! know wh#t yo! $!+t do ne;t.

Oh) 3 know wh#t to do) Goref&end #++!red the o(d +h#$#n. B!t #r, yo! +!re yo! ,#n $#&nt#&n the r&ft -y yo!r+e(f6 E1en w&th the +k!((2+ #&d #nd +!''e+t&on+/ not th#t #(( of tho+e h#d "ro1en 1#(!#-(e or e1en re#+on#-(e/&t h#d t#ken +e1er#( de#th kn&'ht+ work&n' &n t#nde$ to he(" Ner94h!( +!ff&,&ent(y w&den the r&ft. Arrogance! He should not spea" so to ou, ,#$e the +oft wh&+"er fro$ the re(&,. $o. He should not. 3 ,#n $#n#'e) Ner94h!( re"(&ed +hort(y) fee(&n' the "ower ,o&(ed w&th&n h&$) $ore "ower th#n he h#d fe(t &n ye#r+. 3t w#+ #+ &f t#""&n' &nto the +k!((2+ ener'&e+ h#d #w#kened +o$eth&n' dee" w&th&n h&$) +o$eth&n' he h#d ne1er e1en re#(&4ed he h#d -een $&++&n'. And &t fe(t. . . 'ood. On,e the fr#$ework &+ re-!&(t there) the "ort#( w&(( $#&nt#&n &t+e(f. Be of(C #-o!t yo!r d!t&e+) Teron. %ro$ w&th&n the d#rkne++ of h&+ hood) the de#th kn&'ht2+ eye+ f(&,kered +(&'ht(y. Then he nodded ,!rt(y #nd t!rned on h&+ hee() h&+ ,(o#k -&((ow&n' -eh&nd h&$ #+ he +(&""ed o!t of the tent. Ner94h!( t!rned to Gro$. who nodded. 3 #$ re#dy) Ner94h!(. :ore th#n re#dy. =ery we((/the +ooner yo! -e'&n) the +ooner we ,#n #,h&e1e o!r 'o#(+. Gro$ r#&+ed h&+ #;e &n +#(!te) then fo((owed Goref&end. Ner94h!( (&n'ered for # $o$ent &n the d#rkne++) then e$er'ed fro$ the tent 0!+t &n t&$e to +ee or, #nd de#th kn&'ht +tr&de !" to the "ort#( #nd +te" thro!'h &t &nto th#t other wor(d) # "(#,e he h#d ne1er +et foot !"on h&$+e(f. He +t#red #t the r&ft) h&+ f&n'er+ &d(y +trok&n' the +$ooth +!rf#,e of G!(2d#n2+ +k!((. And now, ou will never need to see this Azeroth. Soon, a greater glor will be ours! ,#$e the +k!((2+ e#'er) dead 1o&,e. %es, $!+ed Ner94h!(. ver soon. Wh#t new+6 Teron Goref&end de$#nded of Gaz Soulr&"",r #+ h&+ -ooted feet +trode on A4eroth&#n +o&(. The other de#th kn&'ht h#d (ed # h#ndf!( of the&r -rethren thro!'h the r&ft on,e &t h#d o"ened) #nd w#+ now &n ,h#r'e of the work on th&+ +&de of the "ort#(. Wh&(e the or,+ "ro1&ded the (#-or th#t wo!(d re-!&(d the "ort#( fro$ the r!--(e th#t w#+ +trewn #-o!t the #re#) &t w#+ the de#th kn&'ht+ who wo!(d $#ke th#t "ort#( $ore th#n # "hy+&,#( '#tew#y. W&th the&r d#rk $#'&,+) they wo!(d -e #-(e to w&den #nd +t#-&(&4e the r&ft +o th#t &t wo!(d -e of -etter !+e to the Horde. They d&ed #($o+t too e#+&(y) So!(r&""er re"(&ed) (#!'h&n'. W&th the d#rkne++ they ne1er +tood # ,h#n,e. He 'e+t!red -eh&nd h&$) to where Goref&end2+ #(tered +en+e+ ,o!(d "&,k o!t the fr#$ework de+"&te the $#'&,#( +h#dow+ f&((&n' the 1#((ey. We2re "ro're++&n' we(( on the fr#$ework. 3t +ho!(d -e !" w&th&n the ne;t d#y or two. Goref&end 'r!nted) +t!dy&n' the work. A +&$"(e +tone #r,hw#y #t the to" of # +hort r#$" h#d he(d the or&'&n#( D#rk Port#(. When the "ort#( h#d ,o((#"+ed) the #r,hw#y h#d f#((en #+ we((. The or,+ they h#d "re++ed &nto +er1&,e for th&+ t#+k h#d #(re#dy ,(e#red #(( tho+e re$#&n+ o!t of the w#y #nd were -!+y #++e$ -(&n' the +tone -(o,k+ they h#d (!''ed thro!'h fro$ Dr#enor. Th&+ fr#$ework wo!(d -e $ore f!n,t&on#( th#n de,or#t&1e) w&th on(y # few or,&+h r!ne+ h#+t&(y ,#r1ed on &t) -!t #+ (on' #+ they ,o!(d !t&(&4e the fr#$ework to +t#-&(&4e the "ort#! he d&dn2t ,#re. Wh#t of the other ,(#n+ +t&(( on th&+ wor(d6 he #+ked. We +"oke to the$ thro!'h dre#$+ #nd 1&+&on+ on,e we2d +e,!red the 1#((ey) So!(r&""er re"(&ed) No &de# how (on' &t w&(( t#ke for #ny of the$ to re#,h !+) tho!'h) A+ &t t!rned o!t) &t w#+ $ere ho!r+ (#ter th#t Goref&end he#rd the +o!nd of #""ro#,h&n' foot+te"+. He ro+e fro$ the -o!(der he h#d -een (e#n&n' #'#&n+t) not&,&n' th#t the "ort#( w#+ #(re#dy ne#hn' ,o$"(et&on) #nd "#!+ed. The !nn#t!r#( d#rkne++ +t&(( he(d/&t wo!(d "re1ent the h!$#n+ fro$ $o!nt&n' # ,o!nter#tt#,k too 7!&,k(y) #nd wo!(d kee" the$ '!e++&n'/-!t &t d&d not $!,h +(ow down ,&ther or,+ or de#th kn&'ht+) #nd the foot+te"+ drew +te#d&(y ,(o+er. At (#+t # -#nd of or,+ $#r,hed &nto 1&ew. They were -#ttered #nd worn) -#re(y three do4en) -!t they he(d the&r he#d+ h&'h #nd the&r we#"on+ re#dy. Before the$ +trode #n o(der ore) h&+ -ody +t&(( "owerf!( de+"&te #d1#n,ed ye#r+) h&+ he#d t!rn&n' ,on+t#nt(y. A+ they drew ,(o+er) Goref&end re,o'n&4ed h&$ #nd re#(&4ed why he $o1ed h&+ he#d +o/ the or, h#d on(y one eye. The other w#+ # $#++ of +,#r t&++!e) #nd Goref&end re$e$-ered the $#ny r!$or+ of how K&(ro'' D,#d,y, h#d (o+t th#t or-/#nd wh#t he h#d '#&ned &n ret!rn. Goref&end $o1ed forw#rd to $eet the B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,h&eft#&n. K&(ro'') he ,#((ed o!t #+ he #""ro#,hed. 3t w#+ not # 'ood &de# to #""ro#,h K&(ro'' w&tho!t w#rn&n'. The ,h&eft#&n2+ he#d +w&1,(,d #-o!t !nt&( h&+ one eye w#+ (o,ked on Goref&end. Goref&end. he ,#((ed &n ret!rn) +te""&n' !" #nd 'e+t!r&n' for h&+ w#rr&or+ to +"re#d the$+e(1e+ o!t -eh&nd h&$. 3 h#d # 1&+&on yo! were here. The de#th kn&'ht nodded. He w#t,hed K&(ro''2+ '#4e tr#,k "#+t h&$ to the #($o+t ,o$"(eted D#rk Port#(. So &t &+ tr!e) the ,h&eft#&n +#&d +oft(y. The "ort#( h#+ -een re+tored! 3t &+ tr!e) Goref&end re"(&ed. We ,#$e fro$ Dr#enor. And yo! ,#n ret!rn there. H#+ the (#nd -een re+tored to (&fe6 Dr#enor &+ +t&(( dy&n'. Goref&end #,know(ed'ed) -!t Ner94h!( h#+ # "(#n.

Th#t on(y $#de K&(ro''2+ +,ow( dee"en) howe1er. Ner94h!(6 Th#t o(d foo(6 Wh#t &+ h&+ &n1o(1e$ent here6 3 +#w h&$ too &n $y 1&+&on) -!t tho!'ht th#t $ere(y #n &$#'e fro$ the "#+t. An &$#'e of o!r f!t!re) $ore (&ke) Goref&end re+"onded. Ner94h!( h#+ t#ken ,ontro( #'#&n) #nd h#+ r,for'ed the Horde. He h#+ !n&ted #(( the re$#&n&n' ,(#n+ on Dr#enor /he ,on1en&ent(y &'nored the Redw#(ker ,(#n) wh&,h w#+ -#re(y #(&1e now #nyw#y/ #nd reo"ened the r&ft. And he h#+ # "(#n th#t w&(( en+!re the +!r1&1#( of o!r "eo"(e) &f not o!r wor(d. K&(ro'' +,r#t,hed the +,#r t&++!e -ene#th h&+ $&++&n' eye. He h#+ done #(( th&+6 Th&+ "(#n/yo! th&nk &t +o!nd6 Goref&end nodded. H$$. Perh#"+ he2+ f&n#((y +h#ken off the we#kne++ #nd do!-t G!(2d#n &nf(&,ted !"on h&$. then. 3f he &+ #nyth&n' (&ke d&e Ner94h!( of o(d) 3 wo!(d '(#d(y fo((ow h&$. He +hook h&+ he#d #nd (owered h&+ 1o&,e. And. &n tr!th) 3 wo!(d h#""&(y for+#ke th&+ wor(d for o!r own) e1en &n &t+ ,!rrent +t#te. We h#1e -een tr#""ed here too (on'. Goref&end nodded. Go then) he !r'ed the B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,h&eft#&n. Ner94h!( #nd the other+ #w#&t yo! -eyond the "ort#() #nd 3 know yo!r e;"er&en,e #nd w&+do$ wo!(d -e of 're#t 1#(!e to the$. B!t f&r+t te(( $e) wh#t of the other or,+ +t&(( here6 2A+&de fro$ the %ro+two(1,+) who w&(( h#1e noth&n' to do w&th the re+t of !+) there #r, on(y two other ,(#n+ not &n ,#"t&1&ty) K&(ro'' +#&d. The Dr#'on$#w #nd the B(#,kro,k. He 'r&$#,ed. The Dr#'on$#w re$#&n h&dden &n the $o!nt#&n+ +o$ewhere) +#fe fro$ h!$#n eye+) #nd they +t&(( ,ontro( the red dr#'on+. They for$ed #n #((&#n,e w&th the B(#,kro,k # ye#r #'o. Rend #nd :#&$ Bt#,kh#nd (e#d the B(#,kro,k) #nd h#1e ,(#&$ed B(#,kro,k S"&re #+ the&r own. He +hr!''ed. 32d not w#nt the +&te of Doo$h#$$er2+ defe#t #+ $y -#+e) -!t then the -rother+ ne1er ,#red for h&$. Th&+ w#+ not 'ood new+. W&(( they ret!rn to the "ort#() #nd to Dr#enor) do yo! th&nk6 Goref&end #+ked. K&(ro'' +hook h&+ he#d. N#y) they +ee$ ,ontent to re$#&n on A4eroth) he re"(&ed. 32d not e;"e,t the$) Goref&end +,ow(ed -!t nodded. :y th#nk+) K&(ro''. Now 'o/Dr#enor #w#&t+. K&(ro'' nodded #nd t!rned #w#y) (e#d&n' h&+ w#rr&or+ !" the r#$" to the re+tored "ort#() wh&,h +h&$$ered e1en &n the d#rkne++. Onw#rd to Dr#enor! he -e((owed) "o&nt&n') #nd the f&r+t w#rr&or +trode thro!'h the "ort#( w&tho!t he+&t#t&on) fo((owed -y the re+t. K&(ro'' h&$+e(f went (#+t) then he '(#n,ed -#,k #t the 1#((ey #nd #t A4eroth. He (&fted h&+ we#"on. A w#rr&or retre#t+ . . . -!t on(y to re'ro!". 3 w&(( ret!rn) he 1owed. Th&+ wor(d #nd &t+ "eo"(e w&(( know $y wr#th. Then he too +te""ed thro!'h) #nd w#+ 'one. Gro$ H,((+,re#$ w#t,hed the B(eed&n' Ho((ow w#rr&or+ 1#n&+h thro!'h the "ort#(. He w#+ "(e#+ed to +ee th#t K&(ro'' +t&(( +!r1&1ed/the o(der ,h&eft#&n h#d #(w#y+ -een one of the ,#nn&e+t of the Horde (e#der+) #nd one of the&r f&ne+t t#,t&,&#n+. He w#+ +!re K&(ro''2+ e;"ert&+e wo!(d "ro1e 1#(!#-(e 1ery +oon. T!rn&n' -#,k to the or, who h#d 0!+t #""ro#,hed) Gro$ nodded for the w#rr&or to ,ont&n!e. The h!$#n+ h#1e not -een &d(e. A (#r'e fortre++ +t#nd+ to the north) the +,o!t re"orted. 3t '!#rd+ the "#++ o!t of th&+ #re#. There &+ no other w#y "#+t. Gro$ 'r&nned. Perfe,t) he +#&d +(ow(y. Th#t2+ o!r t#r'et. we t#ke the fortre++ #nd we ,#n ho(d th&+ 1#((ey &ndef&n&te(y) no $#tter wh#t th&+ h!$#n A((&#n,e throw+ #'#&n+t !+. He nodded to the +,o!t. Te(! the other+ to "re"#re. we w&(( $#r,h #t on,e. The +,o!t nodded) -!t -efore he ,o!(d $o1e #w#y Gro$ he(d !" # h#nd for +&(en,e. He "#!+ed) (&+ten&n' ,(o+e(y. 3t +o!nded (&ke foot+te"+) -!t f#+ter) h#rder) #nd w&th # +tr#n'e e,ho. :ore (&ke # -e#+t th#n # $#n) -!t &f +o &t w#+ # he#1y -e#+t) w&th +o(&d hoo1e+ r#ther th#n +oft "#w+. He h#d he#rd #-o!t the h!$#n+ #nd the&r +tr#n'e +teed+ / hor+e+) they were ,#((ed/and '!e++ed th#t w#+ wh#t he w#+ he#r&n'. H!$#n+ #""ro#,h! he +ho!ted &$$ed&#te(y) r#&+&n' Gorehow( #nd wh&""&n' &t #ro!nd o1erhe#d. D&+"e( the d#rkne++! He d&dn2t know where the de#th kn&'ht+ were) or e1en wh&,h one+ h#d -een $#&nt#&n&n' the !nn#t!r#( +h#dow+ th#t ,o1ered the 1#((ey) -!t they he#rd h&$. The d#rkne++ -e'#n to f#de) (&'ht +ee"&n' thro!'h # w&+" #t # t&$e) ,o(or w#+h&n' #,ro++ the 1#((ey e1en #+ d&e d#rk e--ed #w#y) !nt&( #t (#+t he ,o!(d +ee the "(#,e ,(e#r(y. There +tood the D#rk Port#() f!((y re+tored. U" to the north he +"otted +tone tower+/the fortre++ h&+ +,o!t h#d $ent&oned. B!t now) thro!'h the n#rrow "#++ fro$ th#t d&re,t&on ,#$e # for,e of $en) #+tr&de -e#+t+ w&th '(e#$&n' h&de+ #nd (on' f(ow&n' $#ne+ #nd t#&(+. At the front of the w#1e of w#rr&or+ w#+ # $#n who wore $et#( #,ro++ h&+ ,he+t) d#rk -(!e -!t w&th # "#ttern (&ke tw&nned f(#$e+ o!t(&ned &n 'o(d. He w#1ed # +word o1erhe#d) dr&1&n' h&+ hor+e forw#rd w&tho!t "#!+e. Th&+. then) w#+ the&r (e#der. Gro$ 'r&nned #nd r#&+ed Gorehow( #'#&n. W&th the d#rkne++ 'one &t+ -(#de +hone +&(1er &n the d#y(&'ht. He +w!n' &t &n # +(ow #r,. h&+ 'r&n w&den&n' #+ the we#"on +#n' &t+ w#r +on' of #""ro#,h&n' de#th. Se1er#( of the h!$#n+ f#(tered. %or the Horde! he +ho!ted) #nd ,h#r'ed forw#rd. H&+ w#rr&or+ were r&'ht -eh&nd h&$.

The h!$#n+ he+&t#ted) thrown off -y the +tr#n'e d#rkne++ they2d 0!+t +een +(&" #w#y) +!r"r&+ed to f&nd # $#++ of or,+ now ,h#r'&n' tow#rd the$) #nd terr&f&ed -y the +hr&ek+ #nd how(+ #r&+&n' not 0!+t fro$ the #""ro#,h&n' 'reen* +k&nned w#rr&or+ -!t fro$ the&r 1ery we#"on+. And for the f&r+t r#nk of h!$#n+) th#t he+&t#t&on "ro1ed de#d(y. Gro$ +tr!,k f&r+t. Gorehow( +(&,&n' the (e#d&n' r&der fro$ +ho!(der to o""o+&te h&". The to" h#(f of the ,or"+e +(&d fro$ the hor+e e1en #+ the -otto$ h#(f to""(ed the other w#y. Gro$ ne1er +#w &t f#((5 he w#+ #(re#dy on to the ne;t t#r'et+) +"&nn&n' to re$o1e the (e'+ of two $ore w#rr&or+ #+ he +te""ed -etween the$. The or,+ +trode -etween the -e#+t+) +(&,&n' &nto +teed #nd r&der #(&ke) +end&n' +o$e hor+e+ ,#reen&n' -#,k &nto #nd e1en o1er $#ny of the A((&#n,e foot +o(d&er+. The for,e th#t h#d $#r,hed &nto the 1#((ey w#+ +&4e#-(e -!t noth&n' to ,o$"#re w&th the ,(#n+ Gro$ h#d -ro!'ht w&th h&$) #nd the or,+ h#d +!r"r&+e #nd fo,!+ on the&r +&de. The h!$#n+ fo!'ht -r#1e(y. Gro$ wo!(d 'r#nt the$ th#t. And +o$e +howed +k&(( #t #r$+. B!t they (#,ked #n ore2+ +&4e #nd +tren'th) #nd he fo!nd &t #n e#+y $#tter to o1er"ower # h!$#n f&'hter #nd ,#r1e h&$ o"en r&'ht thro!'h the +tr#n'e $et#( +h&rt they #(( wore. %or # +weet t&$e he (et the -(ood(!+t t#ke ,ontro() h#,k&n' #nd +(#+h&n' +#1#'e(y #-o!t h&$) ,#r&n' for noth&n' $ore th#n the +"#tter of -(ood) the re,k of de#th) #nd the ,r&e+ of the wo!nded #nd dy&n'. How '(or&o!+ to #'#&n k&(( w&tho!t ,on,ern or '!&(t! No fe((ow or,+ fe(( -ene#th Gorehow(. on(y the "&nk* +k&nned h!$#n+) one #fter #nother #fter #nother) #nd the&r fe#r #nd +,re#$+ were &nto;&,#t&n'. H&+ -(ood "o!nded &n h&+ 1e&n+) h&+ 1&+&on h#d +tr#n'e +"ot+ of ,o(or #ro!nd the ed'e+) #nd he w#+ '#+"&n' for -re#th) -!t Gro$ h#d ne1er fe(t $ore #(&1e. Good. 3t w#+ 'ood. There ,#$e # $o$ent#ry (!(( &n the f&'ht&n') #nd he '(#n,ed #ro!nd. E1erywhere he (ooked he +#w h!$#n ,or"+e+. Do4en+ of the$) the&r eye+ +t#r&n') fe#r tw&+t&n' the&r fe#t!re+) -(ood +t&(( "!$"&n' fro$ . .. Gro$ frowned) the -(ood(!+t +t#rt&n' to retre#t. Ye+) do4en+ of ,or"+e+) -!t the h!$#n he h#d noted) the one w&th the 'o(den ,he+t "(#te/where w#+ he6 He 'row(ed #nd +hook h&+ -(#,k he#d) for,&n' the -(ood(!+t -#,k +o he ,o!(d (&+ten to h&+ w#rr&or2+ &n+t&n,t+. 3'nor&n' the +ho!t+ #nd ,heer+ of h&+ w#rr&or+. Gro$ r#n tow#rd the ed'e of the 1#((ey. Then he +to""ed #nd (&+tened. Ye+. he ,o!(d def&n&te(y he#r hoof*-,#t+. #nd they were re,ed&n' f#+t. So$eone h#d +!r1&1ed) #nd h#d the +en+e to r&de #w#y. B#,k tow#rd the fortre++. Ret!rn&n' to the -#tt(ef&e(d. Gro$ fo!nd Goref&end. Se&4&n' h&+ #r$) Gro$ +ho!ted) One of the$ e+,#"ed! The&r (e#der) 3 th&nk. He &+ he#ded for the fortre++! Goref&end nodded. %o((ow h&$) he re"(&ed) ye((&n' #+ Gro$ h#d -een to he#r o1er the d&n) #nd kee" the A((&#n,e for,e+ &n th#t fortre++ -!+y. we need to 'et to the #rt&f#,t+. we +ho!(d -e -#,k &n # $#tter of d#y+. Gro$ nodded. Yo! need not worry) he "ro$&+ed. 3 w&(( do $y d!ty. +ee to &t yo! do yo!r+. The de#th kn&'ht (#!'hed #nd t!rned #w#y w&tho!t f!rther re"(y) d&+$&++&n' the W#r+on' ,(#n (e#der. He e;tended h&+ $#&(ed h#nd+) #nd # -o(t of d#rkne++ e;"(oded fro$ the$ to f(#tten two hor+e+ #nd the&r r&der+. Gro$ 'ro!nd h&+ teeth to'ether. He d&+(&ked Goref&end) #nd #(( the de#th kn&'ht+) &n f#,t/they h#d #(re#dy (&1ed the&r (&1e+ #nd h#d ret!rned fro$ de#th &t+e(f) tr#""ed now &n h!$#n -od&e+. How ,o!(d +!,h !nn#t!r#( ,re#t!re+ -e tr!+ted6 B!t Ner94h!( h#d #""ro1ed Goref&end2+ "(#n) #nd +o Gro$ h#d no ,ho&,e -!t to 'o #(on' w&th &t. He 0!+t ho"ed the de#th kn&'ht w#+ r&'ht) #nd th#t the+e +tr#n'e &te$+ they were +o do''ed(y h!nt&n' re#((y wo!(d #((ow Ner94h!( to +#1e the&r "eo"(e. 3n the $e#nt&$e) he h#d order+ he w#+ on(y too h#""y to o-ey. A h#ndf!( of yo!) +t#y here) he &n+tr!,ted h&+ w#rr&or+. The re+t of yo!) #nd the other ,(#n+) ,o$e w&th $e. He 'r&nned #nd r#&+ed Gorehow( h&'h. We h#1e # fortre++ to t#ke!

CHAPTER SE=EN
:!r#d&n Bron4e-e#rd) -rother to K&n' :#'n& #nd #$-#++#dor to the h!$#n re#($ of Lord#,ron) h!rr&ed #(on' the ,orr&dor+ of the roy#( "#(#,e. A(( the+e tw&+t+ #n2 t!rn+ #n2 nook+ #nd ,r#nn&e+) the dw#rf $!ttered to h&$+e(f. 3f he re$e$-ered ,orre,t(y) the +"&r#( +t#&r,#+e th#t wo!(d t#ke h&$ !" to the k&n'2+ "r&1#te #"#rt$ent+ #nd -#(,on&e+ w#+ #ro!nd here +o$ewhere. He +ee$ed to re,#(( th#t &f he d!,ked thro!'h th&+ #r$ory h#(() he2d/ Hoy! :!r#d&n 0!$"ed +(&'ht(y e1en #+ he re#(&4ed the 1o&,e -e(on'ed to # ,h&(d. H&+ 'r&n w#+ h&dden -y h&+ th&,k) -!+hy -e#rd #+ he "eered #ro!nd # ,orner to +ee yo!n' Arth#+ +t#nd&n' &n front of # +!&t of #r$or on # +$#(( "ede+t#(. The "r&n,e w#+ #(( of twe(1e now) # r&'ht -onn&, yo!n' (#d) #(( +$&(e+ #nd 'o(den ,!r(+ #nd ro+y ,he,k+. At the $o$ent) tho!'h. Pr&n,e Arth#+ (ooked 1ery +er&o!+ #nd h#d # wooden +word "o&nted #t the thro#t of # +!&t of #r$or. Th&nk yo! to "#++ here) 1&(e ore6 Arth#+ ,r&ed. Yo! #r, &n A((&#n,e (#nd+! 3 w&(( +how yo! $er,y th&+ on,e. Be'one #nd ne1er ret!rn!

A(tho!'h :!r#d&n w#+ h!n'ry) #nd #(tho!'h he w#+ (#te) he fo!nd h&$+e(f w#t,h&n') +$&(&n'. Th&+ w#+ wh#t they2d #(( fo!'ht for) w#+ &t not6 He #nd :#'n& #nd the&r -rother Br#nn) #nd the h!$#n+ Loth#r) re+t h&+ +o!() #nd yo!n' T!r#(yon/they2d fo!'ht to'ether #'#&n+t the or,+ to +#1e 3ronfor', tow#rd the end of the Se,ond W#r. And then :!r#d&n #nd Br#nn h#d 'one w&th the h!$#n+ to the D#rk Port#() to w#t,h &t+ de+tr!,t&on w&th +#t&+f#,t&on. Kee"&n' the wee one+ +#fe. B!y&n' # f!t!re for #(( of the$. Arth#+ +t&ffened) Wh#t6 Yo! w&(( not de"#rt6 3 h#1e '&1en yo! # ,h#n,e) -!t now) we f&'ht! W&th # f&er,e ,ry) the yo!n' "r&n,e ,h#r'ed. He w#+ w&+e eno!'h not to #,t!#((y #tt#,k the #n,&ent +!&t of #r$or) wh&,h wo!(d no do!-t &n,!r h&+ f#ther2+ d&+#""ro1#() -!t +et to h&+ &$#'&n#ry foe w&th 1&'or # few "#,e+ #w#y. :!r#d&n2+ 'r&n f#ded. Wh#t w#+ th&+6 Who &n the wor(d h#d -een teaching th&+ -oy6 Look how w&de #nd !n,ontro((ed th#t "retend "#rry w#+! And the 'r&"/#,h) wron') #(( wron'. He frowned terr&-(y #+ #fter # "#rt&,!(#r(y ener'et&, +w&n') Arth#+ (o+t h&+ 'r&" on the wooden +word #nd &t f(ew #,ro++ the roo$ to ,(#tter (o!d(y on the f(oor. Arth#+ '#+"ed #nd (ooked #ro!nd) to +ee &f the +o!nd h#d dr#wn #ttent&on. H&+ ,he,k+ t!rned -r&'ht "&nk #+ he $et :!r#d&n2+ '#4e. Urn ... A$-#++#dor ... 3 w#+ 0!+t... :!r#d&n ,o!'hed) #+ e$-#rr#++ed for the -oy #+ Arth#+ h&$+e(f w#+. 32$ (ook&n2 f,r y,r f#ther) -oy. C#n ye d&re,t $e6 Th&+ &nfern#( "(#,e h#+ too $#ny t!rn+. Arth#+ "o&nted to # +t#&rw#y on h&+ (eft. :!r#d&n nodded #nd h!rr&ed !" the tw&+t&n' +te"+) #n;&o!+ to -e #w#y fro$ the +,ene. He #rr&1ed 0!+t &n t&$e to he#r Thor#+ Tro((-#ne -e((ow&n'/wh&,h) he $!+ed) w#+ h#rd(y #nyth&n' new. Tr#de6 W&th yo!6 Yo!2re do!-(e d#$ned) no*'ood Horde +y$"#th&4er+! Wh#t w#+ 'o&n' on6 :!r#d&n -!r+t onto the -#(,ony) e;"e,t&n' to +ee . .. we(() he w#+n2t +!re wh#t) -!t &t ,ert#&n(y w#+n2t # +$#(( 'reen -e&n' w&th (#r'e) -#t*(&ke e#r+ #nd eye+ th#t were ,!rrent(y w&de w&th #""rehen+&on. He w#+ ,o$"(ete(y -#(d #nd wore tro!+er+) # ,r&+" +h&rt #nd w#&+t,o#t) #nd # $ono,(e th#t h#d "o""ed o!t #nd w#+ now +w&n'&n' w&(d(y fro$ # ,h#&n #tt#,hed to h&+ "er+on. No) no no no! the 'reen ,re#t!re '#+"ed &n # +tr#&ned) +hr&ek&n' 1o&,e) w#1&n' h&+ h#nd+ fr#nt&,#((y. He +tood #-o!t eye (e1e( w&th the -re#kf#+t t#-(e #t wh&,h Tro((-#ne #nd K&n' T,ren#+ were +e#ted #nd f!$-(ed w&th the $ono,(e. Yo!21e 'ot $e #(( wron'! 3t2+ not (&ke th#t #t #((! 3+n2t &t) Kr&;6 The $&(dne++ w&th wh&,h T,ren#+ !ttered the word+ to(d :!r#d&n th#t noth&n' of re#( thre#t w#+ 'o&n' on. The k&n' re#,hed for # "&e,e of -re#d #nd -e'#n to -!tter &t. No! Kr&; e;,(#&$ed) (ook&n' offended. We((. One tr#de "r&n,e) ye+. D&d. Th#t. He ,o!'hed +(&'ht(y. 2A((&ed w&th the Horde. B!t! On(y one 1ery foo(&+h "r&n,e) #nd e1en he ,#$e to h&+ +en+e+ #fter the Se,ond W#r. B!t the re+t of the 'o-(&n+ h#1e ,o$e to re#(&4e th#t &t2+ $!,h -etter to re$#&n ne!tr#(. :!,h -etter) for yo!) for !+) for e1eryone! %ree tr#de thr&1e+ th#t w#y #nd we #(( -enef&t! :!r#d&n +,ow(ed. He knew wh#t $#nner of ,re#t!re he w#+ f#,&n' now/# 'o-(&n. Wh#t2+ th&+ wee 'reen $on,y'r!--,r do&n' #t o!r -re#kf#+t t#-(e) T,r,n#+6 :!r#d&n #+ked) +ho!(der&n' "#+t the ,re#t!re. Before the k&n' ,o!(d #n+wer) the 'o-(&n -!r+t o!t) Kr&; W&k(&+h) "(e#+!re to $eet yo!. 3 +ee yo!2re # dw#rf! Br&((&#nt o-+er1#t&on) Tro((-#ne 'row(ed. Perh#"+ yo!r "eo"(e wo!(d (&ke to enter # tr#de #'ree$ent! The+e two h!$#n+ don2t +ee$ +o keen on &t. 3 $e#n/ th&nk #-o!t &t! Kr&; +$&(ed &n'r#t&#t&n'(y) the effe,t $#rred on(y -y the +h#r"ne++ of h&+ teeth. Yo! (&ke to $&ne/ why) we (&ke to te#r down tree+! 3t2+ # "erfe,t -!+&ne++ re(#t&on+h&"! O!r +hredder+ ,#n ,(e#r (#nd/ Th#nk yo!) Kr&;) th#t w&(( -e eno!'h) Teren#+ &nterr!"ted. Now th#t A$-#++#dor :!r#d&n h#+ #rr&1ed) we h#1e -!+&ne++ to #ttend to. 32(( t#(k #'#&n w&th yo! (#ter th&+ #fternoon #nd (ook #t the "#"er+ yo! "ro$&+ed $e. Wh#t6 :!r#d&n +,ow(ed #t Teren#+. Th&+ wee -!''er doe+ de#(+ w&th -oth +&de+) Teren#+. 32d +ooner tr!+t #/ hey! Kr&; fro4e) the #"r&,ot +,one he h#d +n#''ed h#(fw#y to h&+ $o!th. He +$&(ed we#k(y. :!r#d&n '(#red. W&th&n # $onth of h&+ #rr&1#( the dw#rf h#d -een on # f&r+t*n#$e -#+&+ w&th e1ery one of the "#(#,e ,hef+) #nd he h#d 'one to e;tr# effort+ to +e,!re the fr&end+h&" of the "#+try ,hef+. S!,h o1ert!re+ were now -e#r&n' +weet) de(&,&o!+ fr!&t) &f the +,one+ were #ny &nd&,#t&on. And now th&+ 'o-(&n w#+ #-o!t to de1o!r his "#+tr&e+! K&n' Teren#+ #+ked ye t#, (e#1e) he +#&d. Kr&; nodded. The $ono,(e fe(( o!t #'#&n. He "o""ed the +,one &nto h&+ $o!th) -owed (ow) #nd +,!rr&ed off. R!ddy "#r#+&te) th#t one &+) 'row(ed :!r#d&n. B!t #$!+&n') Teren#+ +#&d. And h&+ &de#+ do h#1e $er&t. B!t now th#t yo! #re here. A$-#++#dor) 3 fe#r we $!+t t#(k of (e++ #$!+&n' th&n'+. S!,h #+ the +&t!#t&on w&th K&n' Pereno(de.

K&n'! B#h. The word +&t+ &(( &n $y $o!th. 3t2+ #n o!tr#'e! Tro((-#ne ,r&ed. He +(#$$ed # f&+t down on the t#-&,) $#k&n' ,!"+ #nd f(#'on+ #nd "(#te+ 0!$". He -etr#y+ !+ #(() d#$n ne#r de+troy+ !+) #nd th&+ &+ #(( he 'et+6 H&+ (on' f#,e +et &n # dee" +,ow(. 3 +#y "r&+on) &f not o!tr&'ht e;e,!t&on! Aye) 32d not -e ke,"&n2 tr#&tor+ &n '&(ded ,#'e+ $e+,(f) +#&d :!r#d&n. He d&d not $&n,e word+5 he +#&d wh#t w#+ on h&+ $&nd o!tr&'ht #nd d&dn2t worry #-o!t who$ &t $&'ht offend. :!r#d&n knew th#t +o$e of the A((&#n,e r!(er+ fo!nd th#t ,o$-&n#t&on d&+tre++&n') -!t he #(+o knew th#t -oth T,ren#+ #nd h&+ o(d fr&end Tro((-#n, fo!nd &t refre+h&n'. The three +#t #t # +$#(( t#-(e on one of the "#(#,e2+ h&'her -#(,on&e+ th#t o1er(ooked the (#ke 0!+t -eyond the ,&ty) w&th the $o!nt#&n+ for$&n' # -#,kdro" -eyond. 3t w#+ # +t!nn&n' 1&ew) -!t &t #(+o +er1ed to 'ro!nd the&r d&+,!++&on) for &t w#+ thro!'h tho+e +#$e $o!nt#&n+ th#t Or'r&$ Doo$h#$$er h#d (ed h&+ Horde) th#nk+ to the tre#,hery of A(ter#,2+ r!(er) A&d,n Pereno(de. After the w#r T,ren#+ h#d (ed A((&#n,e troo"+ &nto A(ter#,) de,(#r&n' $#rt&#( (#w #nd t#k&n' Pereno(de) the fe((ow Tro((-#ne h#d -een r#nt&n' #'#&n+t) &nto ,!+tody. B!t T,ren#+ h#d +&$"(y "(#,ed the for$er k&n' !nder ho!+e #rre+t) ,onf&n&n' h&$ to h&+ "#(#,e #nd the re+t of h&+ f#$&(y to ,(o+e w#t,h. Noth&n' $ore h#d -een done w&th the$ +&n,e then. Tro((-#ne) for one) w#+ not +#t&+f&ed. A+ Pereno(de2+ ,(o+e+t ne&'h-or) he h#d (on' -een for,ed to we#ther the A(ter#, k&n'2+ w&(y +,he$e+) #nd &t h#d on(y -een Tro((-#ne + 7!&,k th&nk&n' #nd e7!#((y 7!&,k #,t&on th#t h#d +,#(ed the $o!nt#&n "#++e+ #nd ,!t off # "ort&on of the or,&+h Horde. Otherw&+e the ent&re for,e wo!(d h#1e f(owed down onto the "(#&n+ #nd #,ro++ the (#ke tow#rd C#"&t#( C&ty &t+e(f) #nd $o+t (&ke(y the ,&ty wo!(d h#1e f#((en. 3 #'ree) he de+er1e+ # f#r wor+e f#te) T,ren#+ +#&d ,#ref!((y) ,(e#r(y try&n' to +oothe h&+ fr&end2+ te$"er) :!r#d&n re#,hed for # +,one #nd # h#rd*-o&(ed e''. B!t he &+) or #t (e#+t w#+) # +o1ere&'n k&n') T,ren#+ ,ont&n!ed. We ,#nnot +&$"(y e;&(e h&$) or &$"r&+on h&$/not w&tho!t $#k&n' e1ery other k&n' worry th#t we w&(( do the +#$e to the$ &f they d&+#'ree w&th !+ on #nyth&n'. We w&(() &f they t!rn tr#&tor (&ke he d&d! Tro((-#ne #r'!ed) -!t he +oon +ett(ed down. He w#+ f#r fro$ +t!"&d) :!r#d&n knew5 th#t 'r!ff e;ter&or h&d # +h#r" $&nd. 2Aye) &t2+ # tr&,ky &++!e) :!r#d&n +#&d) de,&d&n' to he(" h&$+e(f to #nother "#+try. Ye ,#nn# -e dro""&n' h&$ off # ,(&ff) for &t2(( (o+e ye the tr!+t of y,r other fe((ow+) -!t ye ,#nn# (e#1e h&$ to 'et #w#y w&th &t) ,&ther. We need to for,e h&$ to #-d&,#te) T,ren#+ "o&nted o!t yet #'#&n/th&+ w#+ not the f&r+t t&$e they2d h#d th&+ d&+,!++&on. On,e he2+ no (on'er k&n') we ,#n try h&$ #nd e;e,!te h&$ #+ 0!+t #nother A((&#n,e no-(e. He t!''ed #t h&+ -e#rd. The "ro-(e$ &+) he2+ ref!+&n'. Tro((-#ne +norted. Of ,o!r+e he &+! He know+ th#t $e#n+ h&+ de#th! B!t we h#1e to do +o$eth&n') #nd +oon. R&'ht now he2+ 'ot too $!,h freedo$) #nd th#t2+ -o!nd to ,#!+e tro!-(e. T,ren#+ nodded. 3t h#+ ,ert#&n(y +#t for too (on') he #'reed. So$eth&n' $!+t -e done #-o!t A(ter#,) e+"e,&#((y w&th the+e new "ro-(e$+ -rew&n'. He +&'hed. The (#+t th&n' we need &+ to f&'ht #nother w#r wh&(e worry&n' #-o!t -etr#y#( #'#&n. And wh#t of the (#d6 :!r#d&n #+ked) f(&,k&n' # +tr#y ,r!$- fro$ h&+ $#0e+t&, -ron4e -e#rd) W&(( he no -e try&n2 for the throne6 A(&d,n) yo! $e#n6 Tro((-#ne re"(&ed. He +norted. C!t fro$ the +#$e ,(oth #+ h&+ f#ther. 3 don2t ,#re for yo!n' A(&d,n $!,h $y+e(f) T,r,n#+ #d$&tted. He w#+ f#r too "#$"ered #+ # yo!th/ he h#+ ne1er known h#rd+h&" or tr#1#&() #nd h#+ ne1er f#,ed d#n'er. 3 fe#r he h#+ no (e#der+h&" +k&((+) ,&ther. Yet wh#t 'ro!nd+ h#1e we to deny h&$ the throne6 He &+ A&d,n2+ he&r. A(ter#,2+ ,rown "r&n,e/&f h&+ f#ther doe+ #-d&,#te) the ,rown f#((+ to h&$. There2+ no "roof he knew of h&+ f#ther2+ tre#,hery) Tro((-#ne +#&d 'r!d'&n'(y. Not th#t -e&n' &'nor#nt &+ $!,h -etter th#n -e&n' !nderh#nded) -!t #t (e#+t he h#+ th#t &n h&+ f#1or. A!+t then # +er1#nt #""e#red #t the door. :!r#d&n frowned) fe#r&n' th#t the "e+ky 'o-(&n w#nted to t#(k to the$. 3n+te#d) the +er1#nt h#d 'ood new+. Lord D#1#( Pre+tor w&+he+ #n #!d&en,e) Yo!r :#0e+ty. he to(d Teren#+. Ah. +end h&$ !") -y #(( $e#n+. L#1&n) Teren#+ +#&d. He t!rned to Tro((-#ne #nd :!r#d&n. H#1e yo! -oth $et Lord Pre+tor6 Aye) #nd &t2+ # f&ne $#n he &+) :!r#d&n re"(&ed. And $!,h to h&+ ,red&t th#t he2+ +!r1&1ed #+ we(( #+ he h#+. w&th #(( he2+ f#,ed. Tro((-#ne nodded h&+ #'ree$ent. Lord Pre+tor h#d -een de#(t # h#r+h h#nd -y f#te) :!r#d&n ref(e,ted #+ he -&t &nto d&e e''. He2d ne1er he#rd of the $#n !nt&( re,ent(y) of ,o!r+e/he d&dn2t $!,h fo((ow #(( the tw&+t+ #nd t!rn+ of h!$#n no-&(&ty/-!t fro$ wh#t he2d -een to(d) Pre+tor h#d -een r!(er of # t&ny do$#&n dee" &n the $o!nt#&n+ of Lord#,ron. He ,o!(d tr#,e h&+ #n,e+try -#,k to the roy#( ho!+e of A(ter#, #nd w#+ # d&+t#nt ,o!+&n of Pereno(de2+. Pr,+tor2+ ent&re re#($ h#d f#((en to # dr#'on #tt#,k d!r&n' the Se,ond W#r) #nd he #nd # h#ndf!( of ,(o+e f#$&(y #(one h#d e+,#"ed. The f&r+t #nyone h#d he#rd of the $#n or h&+ re#($ h#d -een # +ho,k&n' &ntrod!,t&on/Pre+tor h#d +t#''ered #(( the w#y to C#"&t#( C&ty w&tho!t +er1#nt+ or '!#rd+) &ndeed w&th (&tt(e $ore th#n the ,(othe+ on h&+ -#,k #nd h&+ 'ood n#$e. H&+ (&ne#'e h#d

e#rned h&$ #d$&tt#n,e &nto d&e no-(e ,&r,(e+ #nd h&+ en'#'&n' "er+on#(&ty h#d won h&$ fr&end+) the three #t the t#-&, #$on' the$. 3t h#d -een Pr,+tor2+ +!''e+t&on to "#++ $#rt&#( (#w &n A(ter#,) #nd not on(y Teren#+ -!t the re+t of the A((&#n,e h#d #'reed #t on,e th#t &t w#+ # f&ne #(-e&t te$"or#ry +o(!t&on. The $#n &n 7!e+t&on +te""ed onto the -#(,ony # $o$ent (#ter #nd e;e,!ted # 'r#,ef!( #nd dee" -ow) h&+ -(#,k ,!r(+ '(e#$&n' #($o+t -(!e &n the w#r$ e#r(y (&'ht. Yo!r :#0e+t&e+) Pre+tor $!r$!red) h&+ r&,h -#r&tone ,#rry&n' e#+&(y #,ro++ the +$#(( +"#,e. And no-(e A$-#++#dor. How 'ood to +ee yo! #(( #'#&n. 3ndeed &t &+) +#&d Teren#+ 0o1&#((y. S&t #nd 0o&n !+. Wo!(d yo! ,#re for +o$e te#6 The #"r&,ot +,one+ #r, "#rt&,!(#r(y f&ne tod#y) :!r#d&n offered) ,o1er&n' h&+ $o!th w&th h&+ h#nd #+ he &n#d1ertent(y +"r#yed +o$e ,r!$-+. So$eth&n' #-o!t Pr,+tor2+ ,h#r#,ter&+t&, t&d&ne++ #(w#y+ $#de the dw#rf fee( # -&t.. . r!+t&,. :#ny th#nk+) $y (ord+) Pr,+tor +e#ted h&$+e(f 'r#,ef!((y) tho!'h not -efore !+&n' h&+ n#"k&n to 7!&,k(y d!+t off h&+ +,#t) #nd "o!red # ,!" of te#. :!r#d&n offered h&$ the "(#te of +,one+) -!t Pr,+tor +$&(ed) ho(d&n' !" # $#n&,!red) !n,#((!+ed h#nd &n "o(&te ref!+#(. 3 ho"e 3 #$ not &ntr!d&n'6 Not #t #(() not #t #(() Teren#+ #++!red h&$. 3n f#,t) yo!r t&$&n' &+ e;,e((ent. We were 0!+t d&+,!++&n' the $#tter of A(ter#,. Ah ye+) of ,o!r+e) Pr,+tor took #n #""re,&#t&1e +&" of te#. No do!-t yo! h#1e he#rd #-o!t yo!n' 3+&d,n6 He +ee$ed +!r"r&+ed #t the -(#nk (ook+ he re,e&1ed &n re+"on+e. One of Lord Pereno(de2+ ne"hew+) Htd, $ore th#n # yo!th +t&((. Ah) ye+. R#n off to G&(ne#+) d&dn2t he6 Tro((-#ne #+ked. 3ndeed he d&d) +hort(y -efore yo! de,(#red $#rt&#( (#w thro!'ho!t A(ter#,. R!$or+ +#y he &+ ho"&n' to r#((y +!""ort there for h&+ own -&d for the throne. Grey$#ne $ent&oned +o$eth&n' of th#t) Teren#+ re,#((ed. B!t he h#+ not $et w&th the -oy) or en,o!r#'ed h&+ +!&t &n #ny w#y. Pr,+tor +hook h&+ he#d. He &+ no-(e &ndeed. K&n' Grey$#ne) he $!+ed +oft(y) to o1er(ook +o$eth&n' wh&,h ,o!(d +o e#+&(y work to h&+ -enef&t. A(( he wo!(d need to do &+ -#,k 3+&d,n for the throne #nd G&(ne#+ wo!(d '#&n # d&re,t +t#ke &n A(ter#,2+ we(f#re/#nd no do!-t f#1ored +t#t!+ thro!'h the k&n'do$2+ $#ny $o!nt#&n "#++e+. :!r#d&n +,r#t,hed #t h&+ -e#rd. 2Aye) th#t2d -e # h#rd one t# "#++ !") he #'reed. Teren#+ #nd Tro((-#ne e;,h#n'ed '(#n,e+. Grey$#ne w#+ ,#nny eno!'h not to $&++ +!,h #n o""ort!n&ty. Yet he ,(#&$ed he2d not +"oken w&th the -oy. H#d he (&ed6 Or w#+ he "(#y&n' # $ore +!-t(e '#$e6 Wh#t do yo! th&nk +ho!(d -e done w&th A(ter#,6 Teren#+ #+ked Pr,+tor. Why do yo! #+k $e) +&re6 An o!t+&der2+ "er+"e,t&1e &+ !+ef!() #nd we 1#(!e yo!r o"&n&on. Pr,+tor ,o(ored +(&'ht(y. Tr!(y6 Yo! honor $e) th#nk yo!. We((... 3 th&nk yo! +ho!(d ,(#&$ &t for yo!r own. Yo!r :#0e+ty. Yo! #r, the (e#der of the A((&#n,e) #fter #(() #nd took the -r!nt of the ,o+t+ for the (#+t w#r. S!re(y yo! #r, d!e # rew#rd for #(( yo!r effort+6 Teren#+ ,h!,k(ed. No d&#nk yo!) he +#&d) ho(d&n' !" # h#nd &n $o,k horror. 3 h#1e $ore th#n eno!'h to h#nd(e here &n Lord#,ron/321e no de+&re to do!-(e $y tro!-(e+ -y t#k&n' on # +e,ond k&n'do$! :!r#d&n knew he h#d ,on+&dered the &de#) of ,o!r+e) #nd fro$ +o$e 1#nt#'e+ &t he(d $er&t. B!t the tro!-(e+ &t wo!(d ,#!+e) not (e#+t of the$ #$on' h&+ fe((ow r!(er+) wo!(d f#r o!twe&'h the -enef&t+) #t (e#+t to Teren#+2+ $&nd. How #-o!t yo! then) Yo!r :#0e+ty6 Pr,+tor +!''e+ted) t!rn&n' to the Stro$'#rd, k&n'. Yo!r 7!&,k #,t&on +to""ed Pereno(de2+ tre#,hery 3 we(( know yo! (o+t $#ny $en defend&n' tho+e $o!nt#&n "#++e+ fro$ the or,+. A +h#dow of "#&n f(&,kered #,ro++ the yo!n' no-(e2+ f#,e) #nd #(( three of h&+ ,o$"#n&on+ w&n,ed +(&'ht(y know&n' e;#,t(y where h&+ tho!'ht+ h#d (ed h&$. :#y-e th#t w#+ why he w#+ +o $et&,!(o!+ #-o!t h&+ "er+on. 3f he2d -een for,ed to f(ee # ,&ty th#t h#d -een de+troyed -y dr#'onf&r,) w#(k&n' for #'e+ &n the +#$e f&(thy ,(othe+. :!r#d&n $!+ed) $#y-e he2d -e # -&t of # d#ndy now too. Tro((-#ne frowned tho!'htf!((y) -!t -efore he ,o!(d +"e#k) Teren#+ &nter0e,ted 'endy) Ne&ther Thor#+ nor 3 ,o!(d ,(#&$ A(ter#,. 3t &+ not +&$"(y # $#tter of one k&n'do$ &n1#d&n' #nother. We #r, #(( "#rt of the A((&#n,e) #nd $!+t #(( work to'ether to "rote,t o!r wor(d #nd o!r (#nd+. The A((&#n,e as a whole defe#ted the Horde #nd won the w#r. Th#t $e#n+ #ny +"o&(+ of w#r) &n,(!d&n' A(ter#,) $!+t f#(( to the A((&#n,e #+ we((. He +hook h&+ he#d. 3f #ny one of !+ tr&ed to #nne; A(ter#,) the other A((&#n,e r!(er+ wo!(d fee( +(&'hted) #nd r&'ht(y +o. 2Aye) :!r#d&n #'reed. 3t $!+t -e de,&ded -y #(() or not #t #((. He 'r&nned. Tho!'h "r,+ent&n2 # f&ne &de# to the re+t ,o!(d ,#+e the $#tter +o$ewh#t. Pr,+tor nodded #nd +et down h&+ ,!". :y #"o(o'&e+ &f 3 +"oke o!t of t!rn) he +#&d) or &f 3 offended yo! &n #ny w#y. He offered the$ # +$#(( +$&(e. 3 ,#n +ee 3 +t&(( h#1e $!,h to (e#rn -efore 3 ,#n ho"e to $#t,h yo!r w&+do$ or d&"(o$#,y. Teren#+ w#1ed the #"o(o'y #+&de. No h#r$ done) de#r -oy 3 #+ked for yo!r o"&n&on #nd yo! '#1e &t. P#rt of the re#+on we three were $eet&n' here w#+ to d&+,!++ th&+ 1ery $#tter) &n the ho"e+ of f&nd&n' +o$e w#y to +#t&+fy

e1eryone &n1o(1ed #nd +t&(( kee" A(ter#, +#fe #nd #,t&1e. He +$&(ed. O!r fr&end :!r#d&n &+ r&'ht/ &f we ,#n "re+ent # 'ood "(#n to the re+t of the A((&#n,e) &t ,o!(d +#1e $!,h t&$e #nd #r'!$ent. Of ,o!r+e. 3 on(y ho"e $y +$#(( ,ontr&-!t&on h#+ -een &n +o$e w#y he("f!(. Pr,+tor +tood #nd -owed dee"(y. Now &f yo! w&(( e;,!+e $e) 3 w&(( (e#1e yo! to the+e we&'hty de(&-er#t&on+) wh&,h 3 fe#r #r, f#r -eyond $y own #-&(&ty. He w#&ted for Teren#+2+ nod of "er$&++&on) then 'r#,ed the$ #(( w&th # +$&(e #nd e;&ted the -#(,ony. Tro((-#ne w#t,hed the yo!n' (ord 'o) frown&n'. Pr,+tor $#y -e n#&1e) he +#&d) -!t he h#+ # "o&nt. :#y-e A(ter#, +ho!(d "#y re"#r#t&on+. W&th wh#t6 :!r#d&n +,offed. They2re -(ed dry) 0!+t (&ke #(( of !+. Be+&de+) th#t +o!nd+ too $!,h (&ke -(ood $oney) wh&,h &+ the +#$e #+ +#y&n' 1en'e#n,e. :o+t of o!r $oney &+ 'o&n' tow#rd re-!&(d&n') Teren#+ "o&nted o!t. We #dded A(ter#,2+ tre#+!r&e+ to the A((&#n,e2+ on,e we took ,ontro( of the k&n'do$. Aye) #nd the or, &ntern$ent ,#$"+ #r, no ,he#" ,&ther) :!r#d&n #dded. W&th #(( the $oney 'o&n2 t# tho+e #nd t# re"#&r+) #nd t# th#& f&ne new fortre++ -y the "ort#() wh#t2+ (eft for re"#r#t&on+6 Tro((-#ne +&'hed. Yo!2re r&'ht. 3 0!+t fee( they +ho!(d "#y) +o$ehow. A(ter#,2+ -etr#y#( ,o+t +o $#ny (&1e+. "&erenolde's -etr#y#() Teren#+ ,orre,ted 'ent(y -!t f&r$(y. We $!+t re$e$-er th#t. =ery few of A(ter#,2+ ,&t&4en+ e1en knew of the&r k&n'2+ tre#,hery/Pereno(de +&$"(y ordered the$ #w#y fro$ ,ert#&n "#++e+ #nd $#de tho+e tr#&(+ #,,e++&-(e to the Horde. 3t w#+ (e++ # 7!e+t&on of A(ter#, he("&n' the Horde th#n of &t+ k&n' 'r#nt&n' the or,+ free "#++#'e #nd kee"&n' h&+ own ,&t&4en+ o!t of the w#y. Tr!e eno!'h) Tro((-#ne #'reed. 321e known $#ny fro$ A(ter#, o1er the ye#r+) #nd $o+t #re f&ne fo(k) not (&ke the&r +n#ke of # k&n'. He +hook h&+ he#d) dr#&ned h&+ f(#'on) #nd w&"ed h&+ -e#rd #nd $!+t#,he w&th the -#,k of h&+ h#nd. 32(( '&1e the $#tter $ore tho!'ht) he "ro$&+ed. A+ w&(( we #(() :!r#d&n #++!red h&$) +n#t,h&n' !" one (#+t +,one #+ they ro+e fro$ the&r +,#t+. D&nn# worry/ we2(( f&nd # +o(!t&on yet. 32$ +!re we w&(() Teren#+ #'reed. 3 0!+t ho"e we ,#n do +o -efore we2re for,ed to +et the $#tter #+&de for $ore "re++&n' &++!e+. H&+ two ,o$"#n&on+ knew wh#t he $e#nt. They h#d re,e&1ed Kh#d'#r2+ w#rn&n' on(y # few d#y+ -efore) #nd now were w#&t&n' on word fro$ T!r#(yon. 3f the Horde d&d #tt#,k #'#&n) &f the "ort#( d&d reo"en) #(( 7!e+t&on+ #-o!t A(ter#, wo!(d 7!&,k(y -e,o$e $oot. A+ (on' #+ Pereno(de w#+ !nder ho!+e #rre+t #nd the k&n'do$ !nder A((&#n,e ,ontro() they ,o!(d worry #-o!t other det#&(+ (#ter/&f they +!r1&1ed. :!r#d&n &ho!'h& +o$-er(y o( yo!n' Ar$#+ *w&n'&n' #w#y #t # +!&t of #r$or) #nd ho"ed th#t the "r&n,e wo!(d not 'et # t#+te of w#r 0!+t yet.

CHAPTER E3GHT
C(o!d+ h!n' (ow o1er Stor$w&nd) -r!+h&n' the t&"+ of the ,&ty2+ $#ny tower+. A ,h&(( w&nd t!''ed #t the '!#rd+2 ,(o#k+ #+ they h!dd(ed #t the&r "o+t+ o!t+&de Stor$w&nd Kee") +h&1er&n'. 3n+&de) the&r ,o$$#nder T!r#(yon #nd h&+ #d1&+er+ were +t&(( #w#ke) "or&n' o1er $#"+ &n one of the #r$or&e+ &n the kee") now the A((&#n,e ,o$$#nd "o+t. The '!#rd+ h#d nodded to the -e#!t&f!( e(f who h#d #,,o$"#n&ed the&r ,o$$#nder #nd w#+ ,!rrent(y &n the roo$ w&th the other +tr#te'&+t+) tho!'h #nyone w&th eye+ ,o!(d +ee the ten+&on -etween the two. They +h&1ered) -!t "#&d no re#( heed to # "#rt&,!(#r(y ,o(d -ree4e th#t w#fted thro!'h the ,&ty) d#n,ed &n thro!'h the kee"+ '#te door+) #nd then dr&fted !" the w&de ,entr#( h#((w#y #nd 1eered to the (eft. U" &t +w&r(ed) thro!'h #nother ,orr&dor #nd #,ro++ # +$#(( ,o!rty#rd o"en to the ,(o!dy n&'ht +ky. A "#&r of '!#rd+ +tood to ,&ther +&de of the entr#n,e to the roy#( (&-r#ry. They +h&1ered #+ they fe(t the -ree4e -r!+h !" #'#&n+t the$) #nd +7!&nted #+ the +h#dow+ #ro!nd the$ +ee$ed to dee"en. S!dden(y # +tron'er w&nd +"r#n' !". wh&+k&n' the +h#dow+ #w#y #nd re1e#(&n' +e1er#( f&'!re+ &n the&r +te#d. %o!r of d&e$ +ee$ed to -e h!$#n) #t (e#+t &n +&4e5 they #(( wore he#1y hooded ,(o#k+ #nd +tr#n'e wr#""&n'+ #ro!nd (&$-+ #nd tor+o) -!t the&r eye+ '(owed # f&ery red. The (#+t f&'!re) howe1er) towered o1er the$) #nd e1en &n d&e ne#r*d#rk h&+ +k&n '(e#$ed 'reen. One of the '!#rd+ &nh#(ed to ,ry o!t #n #(#r$ #+ he drew h&+ +word. He ne1er 'ot the ,h#n,e. The or, +te""ed forw#rd) #(re#dy +w&n'&n' # $#++&1e #;e. The '!#rd fe(( &n two "&e,e+. H&+ ,o$"#n&on w#+ #-(e to r#&+e h&+ +h&e(d #nd -(o,k # -(ow fro$ one of the +tr#n'e wr#""ed f&'!re+ #nd thr!+t w&th h&+ +"e#r. To no #1#&(5 #nother of the &ntr!der+ ,#!'ht the +"e#r h#ft #nd ,ho""ed &t &n h#(f) then +"!n #nd de(&1ered # +wee"&n' -(ow to the '!#rd2+ ne,k 0!+t #-o1e the +h&e(d2+ ed'e. The $#n fe(( w&tho!t # +o!nd) h&+ he#d ne#r(y +e1ered) #nd the f&'!re+ +te""ed o1er the two tw&t,h&n' ,or"+e+) "!+hed d&e door+ o"en) #nd entered the roy#( (&-r#ry. Be 7!&,k) Goref&end &n+tr!,ted. We $!+t not -e d&+,o1ered. H&+ de#th kn&'ht+ nodded) #+ d&d P#r'#th Thro#t+"(&tt,r) the or, who h#d +o 7!&,k(y d&+"#t,hed d&e f&r+t '!#rd. Goref&end h#d w#nted # B(eed&n' Ho((ow

w#rr&or w&th h&$. +&n,e they knew th&+ wor(d -etter th#n #ny other Horde $e$-er) #nd P#r'#th h#d &$"re++ed h&$ #+ one of the +$#rter #nd 7!&eter w#rr&or+ #1#&(#-(e. A(( f&1e of the$ +"re#d o!t) ,o$-&n' the (&-r#ry for the&r "r&4e. After +e1er#( $&n!te+) P#r'#th ,!r+ed. 3t2+ not here! he wh&+"ered. Wh#t6 Goref&end 0o&ned the w#rr&or ne;t to #n e$"ty '(#++ ,#+e. 2Ar, yo! +!re6 3n re+"on+e P#r'#th 'e+t!red #t the ,#+e) #nd #t # +$#(( t#n ,#rd +t!,k &n one ,orner. Goref&end h#d #,,e++ to h&+ ho+t -ody2+ $e$or&e+ #nd +k&((+) #nd #fter # +e,ond of ,on,entr#t&on he ,o!(d $#ke o!t the wr&t&n'8 (oo" o! )edivh. $ot to be opened without e*press permission +rom the "ing or !rom the Alliance commander. 3t was here) Goref&end $!+ed) +t!dy&n' the ,#+e2+ dee" 1e(1et &nter&or) wh&,h h#d ,(e#r(y -een we&'hed down -y +o$eth&n' (#r'e) he#1y) #nd re,t#n'!(#r. B!t where &+ &t now6 O1er here) one of h&+ de#th kn&'ht+ ,#((ed +oft(y) #nd Goref&end h!rr&ed tow#rd h&$) P#r'#th #nd the other two de#th kn&'ht+ r&'ht -eh&nd h&$. 3t (ook+ #+ tho!'h +o$eone e(+e w#+ th&nk&n' #(on' the +#$e (&ne+ we were. The de#th kn&'ht "o&nted #t # +$#(( re#d&n' #(,o1e/#nd the -ody w&th&n &t. The ,or"+e wore the #r$or of #n A((&#n,e '!#rd) # d#''er h&(t "rotr!d&n' fro$ the n#rrow +"#,e -etween the he($ #nd -re#+t"(#te. 2A(ter#,) P#r'#th wh&+"ered) +t#r&n' down #t the de#d $#n. Th#t &n+&'n&#) there. P#r'#th "o&nted to the $#rk&n'+ on the d#''er h&(t. Th#t2+ d&e A(ter#, ,re+t. Goref&end2+ own ho+t $e$or&e+ ,onf&r$ed &t. So A(ter#, h#+ the -ook) he $!+ed. De+"&te h&+ -etr#y#( d!r&n' the "re1&o!+ w#r) Lord Pereno(de +t&(( r!(ed A(ter#,) #t (e#+t for now. And the -ook w#+ 1#(!#-(e to the A((&#n,e/ A(ter#, ,o!(d !+e &t #+ # -#r'#&n&n' ,h&". Ye+. &t d&d $#ke +en+e. B!t why (e#1e -eh&nd +!,h #n o-1&o!+ ,(!e6 he wondered #(o!d. Th#t2+ # ,#re(e++ #++#++&n. Perh#"+ he w#+ +end&n' # $e++#'e) P#r'#th +!''e+ted. Show&n' the A((&#n,e th#t A(ter#, #nd &t+ k&n' #r, +t&(( &n the '#$e. Or) #nd he 'r&nned) h&+ t!+k+ +how&n') $#y-e he w#+ 0!+t # ,#re(e++ #++#++&n. "Well, we +h#(( not -e +o ,#re(e++) Goref&end +#&d. We need th&+ -ook/*#nd +o we $!+t 'o to A(ter#,. T#ke the d#''er/32d 0!+t #+ +oon the A((&#n,e d&dn2t h#1e the +#$e ,(!e we d&d. The ,or"+e &+ fre+h/(et the '!#rd+ th&nk #(( three were +(#&n -y the +#$e h#nd) when they ,o$e #,ro++ the$ on the $orrow. P#r'#th o-ed&ent(y kne(t #nd t!''ed free the de#d(y we#"on. To A(ter#, then6 Ye+ ) . . -!t not 0!+t yet. we need to kee" to o!r or&'&n#( "(#n #+ $!,h #+ "o++&-(e. We2re +t&(( 'o&n' to B(#,kro,k :o!nt#&n. we need Rend) :#&$) #nd the red dr#'on+ they ,ontro(. P#r'#th nodded. B(#,kro,k &+ on the w#y to A(ter#,) he "o&nted o!t. E;#,t(y. Goref&end 'r&nned. 2And w&th # red dr#'on #t o!r d&+"o+#( we ,o!(d -e there #nd -#,k &n ho!r+) #nd +t&(( ret!rn to the "ort#( #he#d of +,hed!(e. He nodded. B!t f&r+t we $!+t (e#1e here #+ 7!&et(y #+ we ,#$e. He -e,koned the$ to h&$. The +h#dow+ ,re"t ,(o+er) the te$"er#t!re &n the (&-r#ry dro""&n'. A $o$ent (#ter) # ,h&(( w&nd +(&""ed thro!'h the door+) "#+t the ,oo(&n' -od&e+ #nd the "oo(+ of -(ood #ro!nd the$) -#,k down the ,orr&dor) #nd o!t of the kee") where &t 7!&,k(y e+,#"ed &nto the n&'ht. A d#y (#ter) Goref&end #nd h&+ -#nd re#,hed B(#,kro,k :o!nt#&n. The&r +$#(( 'ro!" h#d 'rown. He h#d ,ont#,ted G#4 So!(r&""er) #nd h&+ fe((ow de#th kn&'ht h#d +ent %enr&+ Wo(f-roth,r of the Th!nder(ord ,(#n) T#'#r S"&n,-re#k,r of the Bone,hewer ,(#n) #nd +e1er#( of ,#,h2+ f&ne+t w#rr&or+. The or,+ h#d $et !" w&th Goref&end #nd the other+ #t the -#+e of d&e $o!nt#&n r#n'e #+ ,o$$#nded. The&r e;"#nded 'ro!" w#+ #+ (#r'e # for,e #+ Goref&end fe(t they ,o!(d #++e$-(e w&tho!t -e&n' +"otted -y the A((&#n,e5 he ho"ed &t w#+ (#r'e eno!'h to 'et the #ttent&on of the +on+ of B(#,kh#nd. They ,(&$-ed o"en(y !" the $o!nt#&n) $#k&n' +!re the or, +entr&e+ h&dden ne#r-y ,o!(d +ee the$ ,(e#r(y. Goref&end d&d not w#nt e1en the +!''e+t&on th#t they $&'ht -e #tt#,k&n' or +ne#k&n' &n. %&n#((y they re#,hed the to") where ro,k+ h#d +"(&t o"en #nd $#'$# f(owed thro!'h n#t!r#( ,h#nne(+ (&ke # '(ow&n' red r&1er -e* ne#th 'r#,ef!( -r&d'e+. A $#++&1e +tone kee" +tood #'#&n+t the +"&re &t+e(f) ,#r1ed fro$ the +#$e '(o++y -(#,k ro,k wh&,h '#1e th&+ "(#,e &t+ n#$e) #nd Goref&end2+ (&"+ ,!r(ed &n wry $e$ory. Th&+ h#d -een where Doo$h#$$er h#d e+t#-(&+hed h&+ -#+e) #nd where the Horde w#r,h&ef h#d &ntrod!,ed Goref&end #nd the other de#th kn&'ht+ to the #++e$-(ed ,(#n+. And &t w#+ -e(ow here) &n the 1#((ey #t the $o!nt#&n2+ feet) where Doo$h#$$er h#d fo!'ht the A((&#n,e (e#der Loth#r #nd won) on(y to then -e -e+ted -y Loth#r2+ +e,ond) T!r#(yon. Defe#t #nd 1&,tor&e+ -oth h#d the&r 'ho+t+ here. He d&d not w#+te $!,h t&$e re,o((e,t&n'5 he h#d the "re+ent to th&nk of) #nd h&+ own #d1#n,e$ent. W&th # 'e+t!re he &n+tr!,ted h&+ 'ro!" to h#(t #t the entr#n,e. S!re eno!'h) # $o$ent (#ter fo!r #r$ed '!#rd+) (#r'e #nd "owerf!() #""e#red) (ook&n' $ore th#n e#'er to +tr&ke. We ,o$e to +"e#k w&th the +on+ of B(#,kh#nd. Te(( the$ Teron Goref&end h#+ new+ #nd # "ro"o+#( for the$. He +te""ed forw#rd #nd (et the hood f#(( fro$ h&+ f#,e. The '!#rd+ "#(ed +(&'hdy. One of the$ wh&+"ered +o$eth&n' to #nother. The +e,ond or, (&+tened) -owed) #nd d&+#""e#red &nto the d#rkne++. He ret!rned # few $o$ent+ (#ter. The ,o$$#nder (&+tened) then t!rned to Goref&end #nd h&+ 'ro!".

St#y ,(o+e) he w#rned) #nd (ed the$ &nto the kee" h&$+e(f. Goref&end fo((owed #+ they went e1er dee"er &nto the he#rt of the $o!nt#&n) h&+ '(ow&n' red eye+ t#k&n' e1eryth&n' &n. The kee" w#+ ,(e#r(y &n he#1y !+e) #nd they +#w +e1er#( other or,+ $#r,h&n' "#+t here or there. A(( +to""ed to +t!dy the$ #+ they "#++ed) o-1&o!+(y +!r"r&+ed to +ee # de#th kn&'ht here on B(#,kro,k S"&re) -!t none of the$ d#red +#y #nyth&n'. %&n#((y they re#,hed the w&de ,h#$-er Goref&end re$e$-ered #+ Doo$h#$$er2+ throne roo$ #nd w#r ,o!n,&(. The f&'!re who now (o!n'ed &n the he#1y -(#,k ,h#&r ,#r1ed fro$ the $o!nt#&n ro,k w#+ +horter th#n Doo$h#$$er) $ore -r!t&+h &n #""e#r#n,e) w&th he#1&er fe#t!re+ #nd #n !nke$"t $#ne of -rown h#&r. :ed#(+ #nd -one+ d#n'(ed fro$ h&+ h#&r) no+e) ,#r+) #nd -row) #nd h&+ #r$or w#+ he#1&(y #dorned) #+ w#+ h&+ $#++&1e) r#4or* +h#r" +word. Rend) Goref&end +#&d #+ he +to""ed 0!+t -eyond the +word2+ re#,h. Goref&end) Rend B(#,kh#nd) ,o*,h&,ft#&n of the B(#,kro,k ,(#n) re"(&ed. H&+ !'(y f#,e +"(&t &n # 'r&n th#t $#de h&$ (ook e1en !'(&er. He +h&fted h&+ "o+&t&on) f(&n'&n' # (e' o1er the #r$ of the throne. We(() we(() we((. Wh#t -r&n'+ yo! here) de#d $#n6 Ye#h) ,#$e # h&'her*"&t,hed 1o&,e. Goref&end+ eye+ +h&fted to where R,nd2+ -rother. :#&$) ,ro!,hed -e+&de #nd 0!+t # (&tt(e -eh&nd the throne) h#(f*h&dden &n the +h#dow+. Yo! 'ot +o$e ner1e ,o$&n' #(( the w#y &n to +ee !+. The D#rk Port#( h#+ -een re+tored) Goref&end -e'#n) -!t Rend w#1ed th#t #w#y w&th # +nort. 3 +#w &t &n $y dre#$+) the or, (e#der re"(&ed. 3 knew &t h#d to -e one of yo! w#r(o,k+ ,#!+&n' &t. A frown ,ro++ed h&+ -ro#d f#,e. Wh#t #-o!t &t6 Goref&end frowned. Th&+ ,on1er+#t&on w#+ not 'o&n' #+ he2d ho"ed. Ner94h!( (e#d+ the Horde now) he +#&d. 3 h#1e -een +ent to -r&n' yo! -#,k &nto the fo(d) yo! #nd yo!r B(#,kro,k ,(#n. We need the Dr#'on$#w ,(#n #+ we(() #nd the red dr#'on+ they ,o$$#nd. Rend '(#n,ed o1er #t :#&$) #nd the two -rother+ (#!'hed to'ether. After two ye#r+ where noth&n' h#""en+) yo! ,o$e $#r,h&n' -#,k !" here) &nto m kee") # h#ndf!( of fre+h w#rr&or+ trott&n' -eh&nd yo!) #nd yo! e;"e,t $e to 'et #(( e;,&ted #-o!t knee(&n' -efore # w&thered o(d +h#$#n6 And -y the w#y. 3 +ho!(d #(+o h#nd o1er not on(y $y own w#rr&or+ -!t $y dr#'on+ #+ we((6 He (#!'hed #'#&n) tho!'h h&+ eye+ -(#4ed w&th f!ry. Not d#$n (&ke(y! Yo! $!+t) Goref&end &n+&+ted. We need yo!r +tren'th) #nd yo!r dr#'on+) to ,#rry o!t o!r "(#n! 3 don2t ,#re wh#t yo! need) Rend re"(&ed ,o(d(y. He ro+e) #nd Goref&end re#(&4ed th#t de+"&te h&+ ,h&(d&+h #tt&t!de. Rend B(#,kh#nd w#+ 1ery d#n'ero!+. Th#t2+ yo!r "ro-(e$) not $&ne) 3 don2t '&1e # d#$n #-o!t wh#te1er o(d Ner94h!( $&'ht -e "(#nn&n'. Where w#+ he when we fo!'ht the A((&#n,e6 3 w#+ here. Where w#+ he when Doo$h#$$er fe((6 3 w#+ here! :e too) e,hoed :#&$) Where w#+ he when the "ort#( w#+ de+troyed #nd we 'ot +t!,k here6 Rend ,ont&n!ed. Where w#+ he when we were h!nted for two (on' ye#r+) #nd +(ow(y re-!&(t o!r for,e+ w&th wh#te1er or,+ h#d +!r1&1ed #nd could $#ke the&r w#y to !+6 32(( te(( yo! where/he w#+ +#fe #nd +n!' on Dr#enor) not (&ft&n' # f&n'er to he("! Rend +n#t,hed !" h&+ +word #nd +(#$$ed &t down on the throne2+ #r$ +o h#rd the +tone +"(&ntered. :#&$ 0!$"ed) then (#!'hed w&th #n e,ho of $#n&# &n h&+ 1o&,e) B!t 3 w#+ here! 3 "!((ed the+e or,+ -#,k to'ether! 3 re-!&(t the Horde) not o1er on Dr#enor -!t here on A4eroth) r&'ht -ene#th the A((&#n,e2+ no+e! 3 #$ w#r,h&ef now) #nd no !+ed*!" o(d +h#$#n &+ 'o&n' to t#ke th#t #w#y fro$ $e! Goref&end (on'ed to +$e#r the -oy &nto "#+te) -!t refr#&ned. P(e#+e) he +#&d thro!'h ,(en,hed teeth. P(e#+e) 3 #+k yo! to re,on+&der. W&tho!t yo!r #&d) N,r4h!( w&((/ /f#&() Rend f&n&+hed -(!nt(y. :#&$ (ooked '(eef!(. He2+ 'ot no e;"er&en,e w&th re#( w#r. He2+ 'ot no he#d for t#,t&,+) no !nder+t#nd&n' of ,o$-#t) #nd no re#( (e#der+h&" +k&((+. The A((&#n,e w&(( ,r!+h h&+ (&tt(e "retend Horde) #nd t en"/he 'r&nned/ 3 w&(( "&,k !" the "&e,e+. We w&(( '#ther #(( the +!r1&1or+ to !+. :#&$ #nd 3) 0!+t #+ we h#1e -een do&n' #(( #(on') +&n,e the (#+t w#r ended. !a"# ,re"t ,(o+er) #nd Rend (et h&+ h#nd f#(( on h&+ -rother2+ he#d #+ he $&'ht # "et do'2+. And w&th the Horde) the real Horde) e1en (#r'er) #nd w&th the dr#'on+ #t o!r +&de #nd $e &n ,o$$#nd) we2re 'o&n' to +wee" #,ro++ the f#,e of A4eroth. Rend 'r&nned d&re,t(y #t Goref&end. And then) de#d $#n) yo!2(( +er1e $e. Beh&nd Goref&end) T#'#r +t&ffened. Yo! ,ow#rd! he how(ed #t Rend. Tr#&toro!+ do') I$ll ,!t yo! down (&ke the ,!r yo! #re) #nd t#ke yo!r throne for $y+e(f! Then yo!r "eo"(e w&(( fo((ow $y order+ #nd t#ke the&r "(#,e &n the Horde on,e $ore! Oh ye#h6 Rend re"(&ed (#4&(y. Yo! w#nt to #tt#,k $e now6 H&+ 'r&n w&dened) #nd Goref&end t!rned to re+t # h#nd on T#'#r2+ +ho!(der. He h#+ '!#rd+ ne#r-y/$#ny of the$. he w#rned the Bon,,hew,r ,h&eft#&n 7!&et(y 3f yo! #tt#,k h&$ they2(( k&(( yo!. #nd then we2re +hort one ,h&eft#&n. He +hook h&+ he#d. Now &+ not the t&$e. T#'#r 'r!$-(ed -!t +te""ed -#,k # "#,e. Rend (ooked d&+#""o&nted. One f&n#( t&$e/w&(( yo! 0o&n !+6 Goref&end #+ked Rend +oft(y

Oh) w#&t) (et $e th&nk/no) Rend retorted) +$&rk&n'. :#&$ ,h!,k(ed. =ery we((. Goref&end -owed. Then there &+ noth&n' $ore to +#y. Rend (#!'hed. Go on) he &n+tr!,ted. 3 ,#n2t w#&t to 'et new+ of yo!r 'ory de+tr!,t&on. He #nd h&+ -rother (#!'hed #'#&n) #nd the +o!nd e,hoed thro!'h the ,h#$-er #nd &nto the h#((+ #nd ,orr&dor+ -eyond #+ Goref&end (ed h&+ d&+"&r&ted 'ro!" o!t of the kee" #nd -#,k down fro$ the +"&re &t+e(f. The +!n h#d #(re#dy +et #nd the +ky w#+ f#d&n' fro$ d!+k to tr!e d#rk Goref&end '(#red #t the d#n,&n' or#n'e #nd ye((ow ,#$"f&r,. Th&n'+ h#d not 'one #,,ord&n' to "(#n) #nd he w#+ dee" &n tho!'ht) "onder&n' h&+ ne;t $o1e. The other+ were w&+e(y +&(ent) #nd the on(y +o!nd w#+ the ,r#,k(e of the f(#$e+ #nd the o,,#+&on#( +oft 'r!nt of 7!&et ,on1er+#t&on. A +!dden no&+e &n the d#rkne++ $#de the$ #(( (e#" to the&r feet) the ten+&on +tr!n' t#!t #+ # -ow. H!$#n! K&(( h&$! ,#$e the ,ry fro$ the or, +ent to kee" w#t,h. The de#th kn&'ht+ +t#yed +&(ent) -!t the ore+ ro#red) h#""y to h#1e # t#r'et for the&r fr!+tr#t&on. Goref&end ,o!(d +ee the h!$#n now) w#nder&n' -o(d(y !" to the&r 1ery en,#$"$ent) T#'#r ,h#r'ed h&$) -r&n'&n' down h&+ ,(!- &n # -(ow th#t wo!(d ,r!+h the h!$#n2+ fr#'&(e +k!((. Wh#t h#""ened ne;t +t!nned the$ #((. Goref&end w#t,hed #+ the h!$#n re#,hed !"w#rd) #($o+t (#n'!&d(y) ,#!'ht the ,(!-) #nd tw&+ted &t fro$ the ore2+ 'r#+". T#'#r '#"ed #t h&$) then he #nd the other+ "re"#red to (!n'e #'#&n. The h!$#n ,r&ed) "Hold!" E1en Goref&end do!-ted he ,o!(d $o1e #'#&n+t the h!$#n) +!,h w#+ the "ower &n th#t +&n'(e word. Who was th&+ $#n6 Goref&end w#t,hed) ,!r&o!+ #nd not # (&tt(e ,on,erned) #+ the h!$#n entered the r&n' of f&re(&'ht. He wo!(d -e h#nd+o$e #$on' h&+ "eo"(e. Goref&end tho!'ht5 t#(( #nd we((*-!&(t for # h!$#n) w&th (!+tro!+ -(#,k h#&r #nd +tron' yet e(e'#nt fe#t!re+. %&ne ,(oth&n' dr#"ed h&+ fr#$e #nd #n !nto!,hed 0ewe(ed +word h!n' #t h&+ +&de. He 'r&$#,ed +(&'ht(y #nd -r!+hed +o$eth&n' fro$ h&+ +(ee1e. 3 know yo!2d (&ke noth&n' -etter th#n to #tt#,k $e #'#&n) -!t yo!21e +!((&ed $y ,(oth&n' eno!'h for one n&'ht. 3 don2t f#n,y 'ett&n' yo!r -(ood on &t. He +$&(ed) # +(ow) d#n'ero!+ +$&(e th#t re1e#(ed "erfe,t teeth. 32$ not 7!&te wh#t 3 +ee$) yo! +e,. H&+ +h#dow f(&,kered -eh&nd h&$) then +!dden(y +ee$ed to r&+e !". 'row&n' $on+tro!+ &n +&4e #nd +h#"e) 're#t +h#dow*w&n'+ +"re#d&n' #(( #ro!nd the$) Who #re yo!6 Goref&end de$#nded. 321e -een known -y $#ny n#$e+. The 'r&n w&dened) One of the$ . . . &+ De#thw&n') De#thw&n'! Goref&end2+ $&nd ree(ed. He d&dn2t 7!e+t&on the +t#te$ent) -&4#rre #+ &t +o!nded5 he2d #(re#dy fe(t the f#&nte+t h&nt of De#thw&n'2+ "ower. Goref&end h#d he#rd of the $&'hty -(#,k dr#'on) "erh#"+ the +&n'(e $o+t "owerf!( ,re#t!re on A4eroth. They h#d +een -(#,k dr#'on+ # few t&$e+ d!r&n' the w#r. #nd Goref&end h#d #(w#y+ wondered why the Dr#'on$#w ,(#n h#dn2t ,#"t!red the$ &n+te#d of the re(!,t#nt red dr#'on+. He h#d +!+"e,ted they were ,&ther too d&ff&,!(t # t#r'et or th#t do&n' +o wo!(d #w#ken De#thw&n'2+ wr#th. Goref&end tr&ed to +"e#k) -!t ,o!(d not) +o +t!nned #nd horr&f&ed w#+ he. He tr&ed #'#&n. Wh*wh#t do yo! w#nt w&th !+6 De#thw&n' w#1ed # -er&n'ed h#nd #&r&(y. C#($ yo!r+e(f) he re"(&ed) +(&'ht(y ,onte$"t!o!+(y. 3 h#1e not ,o$e to +(#y yo!) e(+e yo! wo!(d -e $ere #+h #(re#dy. H&+ eye+ '(owed fro$ w&th&n for #n &n+t#nt) h&nt&n' #t the 1#+t f&re+ th#t (!rked -ene#th th#t h!$#n f#,#de. >!&te the ,ontr#ry. 3 h#1e -een w#t,h&n' yo!) #nd 3 (&ke wh#t 3 +e,. He +"re#d # ker,h&ef on # ne#r-y ro,k) then +ett(ed h&$+e(f -e+&de the f&re #nd $ot&oned for the$ to do the +#$e. They o-eyed) +(ow(y. Yo! h#1e 're#t +tren'th #nd &$"re++&1e fo,!+. He 'r&nned #t the$. 3 wo!(d 1ery $!,h (&ke to -eho(d the wor(d th#t '#1e r&+e to +!,h # f&er,e #nd deter$&ned "eo"(e. Goref&end +t!d&ed the&r !n&n1&ted '!e+t. W#+ De#thw&n' #+k&n' to 1&+&t Dr#enor6 Why6 A+ &f re#d&n' h&+ $&nd) De#thw&n' t!rned to $eet Goref&end2+ '#4e) #nd nodded. H&+ d#rk eye+ were hooded) the "ower w&th&n -#nked) #nd for the $o$ent he +ee$ed $ere(y # +e(f*#++!red h!$#n. 3 know of yo!r $eet&n' w&th the one ,#((ed Rend B(#,kh#nd) De#thw&n' +#&d +oft(y. 3d&ot+) he #nd h&+ -rother -oth. B!t not w&tho!t the&r own "ower. And 3 know yo! de+&red the red dr#'on+ the Dr#'on$#w ,(#n h#+ . . . en+(#1ed. The ,orner+ of h&+ $o!th t!rned !" #t th#t (#+t word) #+ &f the 1ery &de# de(&'hted h&$. S!-+t#nd#rd -e#+t+) &n $y o"&n&on. 3 don2t know why yo!2re -other&n' w&th the$. Goref&end w#+n2t +!re how to re+"ond. Dr#'on+ #r, "owerf!( -e&n'+) he -e'#n ,#!t&o!+(y. 3ndeed we #r,. Yo! w&+h for #((&e+6 Then 3 h#1e #n offer for yo!. :y $&'hty ,h&(dren +h#(( (end yo! the&r #&d) #nd w&((&n'(y r#ther th#n !nder d!re++. One of the or,+) o-1&o!+(y #n;&o!+ to "(e#+e the !ne;"e,ted '!e+t) he+&t#nt(y offered De#thw&n' # $!' of #(e. The 're#t ,re#t!re frowned terr&-(y) '(#r&n' #t the ore. T#ke th#t "!tr&d +t!ff #w#y! Cowed) the or, retre#ted. De#thw&n' ,o$"o+ed h&$+e(f) t!rn&n' h&+ -#nked*f&re eye+ to Goref&end. Where w#+ 36 Oh ye+. 3 w&(( (end yo! the #&d of $y ,h&(dren. 3n ret!rn) 3 de$#nd +#fe "#++#'e thro!'h the D#rk Port#() #nd #&d &n tr#n+"ort&n' +o$e ,#r'o thro!'h there #+ we((. Yo! w#nt to 'o to Dr#enor6 T#'#r -!r+t o!t. Why6

The +$&(e De#thw&n' t!rned !"on the Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n fro4e #ny f!rther &nterr!"t&on+ &n the ore2+ thro#t. :y "(#n+ #r, $y own) ore) the dr#'on*$#n +#&d 7!&et(y) h&+ 1o&,e #($o+t # h&++) B!t don2t worry. 3t w&(( not h&nder yo!r own "(ott&n'. Goref&end ,on+&dered the offer. He needed dr#'on+) wh#te1er the&r ,o(or) for the&r "(#n to work. 3f he #,,e"ted the -#r'#&n) he wo!(d not need to de#( w&th Rend #'#&n #fter #(() tho!'h he $&'ht "o!nd +o$e h!$&(&ty &nto d&e +e(f* +ty(ed w#r,h&ef (#ter &f he h#d the ,h#n,e. He d&dn2t know wh#t De#thw&n' w#+ !" to) -!t #+ (on' #+ &t d&dn2t &nterr!"t the&r own "(#n+ he d&dn2t +ee # "ro-(e$ w&th 'r#nt&n' the dr#'on2+ re7!e+t. =ery we(() De#thw&n') he +#&d f&n#((y) ",ord De#thw&n'. He +$&(ed w&tho!t h!$or) #nd there w#+ #n ed'e to h&+ 1o&,e. Let2+ o-+er1e the "ro"r&et&e+) +h#(( we6 Goref&end &n,(&ned h&+ he#d. Of ,o!r+e. Lord De#thw&n'. 3 #'ree. We w&(( '&1e yo!r/"eo"(e #nd ,#r'o +#fe "#++#'e. B!t f&r+t 3 h#1e # $&++&on to #,,o$"(&+h &n the north. 3 need to retr&e1e +o$e ,#r'o of $y own. =ery we(() De#thw&n' #'reed. He ro+e 'r#,ef!((y to h&+ feet. 3 w&(( +"e#k to $y ,h&(dren #nd &nfor$ the$ of th&+ -#r'#&n. When 3 ret!rn) 3 +h#(( he(" e;"ed&te th&+ t#+k of yo!r+. He d!+ted h&+ h#nd+ off) #(tho!'h he h#d to!,hed noth&n') #nd w&tho!t #nother word he +trode &nto the +h#dow+. R&'ht) Goref&end +#&d #fter # $o$ent) when he w#+ +!re the dr#'on w#+ 'one #nd not #-o!t to (e#" o!t #t D&e$ fro$ the d#rkne++. Let2+ "#,k !". We need to 'et $o1&n') #nd we don2t h#1e $!,h t&$e. The other+ h#+tened to o-ey) #(( of the$ ,(e#r(y h#""y to fo,!+ the&r #ttent&on !"on -re#k&n' ,#$" r#ther th#n on the +tr#n'e f&'!re who h#d 0!+t #((&ed h&$+e(f w&th the$. Goref&end 0!+t ho"ed De#thw&n' re#((y w#+ #n #((y/&f he "ro1ed otherw&+e) there w#+ noth&n' they ,o!(d do to +to" h&$. Two f&'!re+) $#(e #nd fe$#(e) t!rned #t De#thw&n'2+ #""ro#,h #+ they w#&ted) not f#r fro$ the ore2+ en,#$"$ent. The $#n w#+ "owerf!((y $#de #nd wore # +hort d#rk -e#rd #nd ne#t $!+t#,he) wh&(e the wo$#n w#+ "et&te #nd h#d "#(e +k&n #nd (on' f(ow&n' +tr#&'ht h#&r. Both h#d '(o++y -(#,k h#&r #nd fe#t!re+ +&$&(#r to tho+e De#thw&n' +"orted &n h&+ h!$#n '!&+e. Wh#t new+. %#ther6 the wo$#n #+ked) her 1o&,e (&ke +&(k o1er &ron. They h#1e #'reed) #+ 3 knew they wo!(d) Ony;&#) De#thw&n' re"(&ed. He +troked h&+ d#!'hter2+ ,he,k #nd +he (e#ned her f#,e &nto h&+ h#nd) +$&(&n' !" #t h&$. Soon we +h#(( h#1e two wor(d+ #t o!r d&+"o+#( &n+te#d of one. He k&++ed her "#(e -row) then t!rned to her -rother. B!t 3 h#1e #nother t#+k for yo! wh&(e 3 #$ 'one. N#$e &t) %#ther) the $#n re"(&ed) #nd &t +h#(( -e done. De#thw&n' +$&(ed. There #re +t&(( or,+ w&th&n B(#,kro,k S"&re. They h#1e +e1ered t&e+ w&th the&r k&n) #nd ref!+e to re0o&n the Horde. Th#t (e#1e+ the$ r&"e for the "(!,k&n'. H&+ +$&(e w&dened #+ he re#,hed o!t to ,(#+" h&+ +on -y the +ho!(der. When 3 ret!rn) N,f#r&#n. 3 w#nt th&+ Rend B(#,kh#nd. Yo! two w&(( t#ke ,ontro( of the $o!nt#&n #nd the or,+ (&1&n' &n &t. They w&(( -e,o$e o!r +er1#nt+. N,f#r&#n 'r&nned) h&+ e;"re++&on # $&rror of h&+ f#ther2+. L&tt(e ,o!(d -e e#+&er. We2(( h#1e the or,+ #nd the&r $o!nt#&n fortre++ w#&t&n' for yo!) he "ro$&+ed. E;,e((ent. De#thw&n' re'#rded h&+ ,h&(dren for # $o$ent) then nodded. Now 3 $!+t ret!rn to o!r new #((&e+) #nd #&d the$ &n the&r (&tt(e t#+k+) th#t they $#y the $ore 7!&,k(y t!rn to $&ne. A+ the&r f#ther ret!rned the w#y he h#d ,o$e) Ony;&# -#red her teeth &n # fer#( +$&(e. We(() -rother) +h#(( we 'o +ee to o!r new ho$e #nd o!r new +!-0e,t+6 3ndeed we +h#(() +&+ter) N,f#r&#n re"(&ed w&th # (#!'h. Good +"ort #he#d) 3 th&nk. He offered h&+ #r$) wh&,h +he #,,e"ted) ,!r(&n' de(&,#te) "#(e f&n'er+ #ro!nd h&+ "owerf!( -&,e") #nd to'ether they 1#n&+hed &nto the +h#dow+. A he#rt-e#t (#ter) the +o!nd of 're#t w&n'+ f(#""&n' o1erhe#d -(ended &nto the e1en&n' -ree4e.

CHAPTER N3NE
%#+ter! -aster, d#$n yo!! D#n#th (#+hed the re&n+ #'#&n+t h&+ +teed2+ ne,k. H&+ hor+e wh&,kered &n "rote+t) &t+ $o!th f(e,ked w&th fo#$) -!t o-eyed. D#n#th d&dn2t he#r the +o!nd of the hor+e2+ &n,re#+&n'(y r#"&d hoof-e#t+ on h#rd*"#,ked e#rth. He he#rd on(y d&e +o!nd of "r&$&t&1e we#"on+ +tr&k&n' ho$e) the 'r!nt+ #nd how(+ of +#1#'ery) the ,r&e+ of h&+ $en #+ they fe(() t#ken -y +!r"r&+e #t th#t +tr#n'e d#rkne++ th#t h#d #-r!"t(y dro""ed to re1e#( the or,+ w#&t&n' for d&e$. They2d -een (ed r&'ht &nto # tr#". There w#+ no t&$e to +tr#t,'&4,) no t&$e to do #nyth&n' -!t f&'ht) #nd too $#ny were +o t#ken #-#,k they d&dn2t e1en h#1e t&$e to +w&n' -efore the 'reen t&de h#d w#+hed o1er the$. D#n#th ,(o+ed h&+ eye+) -!t he +t&(( +#w the$ f#((. Hor+e+ #nd $en -oth) 'o&n' down -ene#th the on+(#!'ht th#t w#+ #+ eff&,&ent #+ &t w#+ -r!t#( #nd -#r-#r&,. He2d -een (ook&n' r&'ht #t %#rro() #-o!t to ,ry o!t # w#rn&n') when # h!'e or, h#d (&ter#((y -#rre(ed &nto the -oy2+ hor+e #nd !n+e#ted h&$. The -oy went down #t on,e. D#n#th d&dn2t +ee %#rro( d&e) -!t he tho!'ht he2d he#r h&+ +,re#$+ for the re+t of h&+ (&fe. %#rro() #(( #f&re w&th # de+&re for -#tt(e #nd '(ory) w#nt&n' to 'o k&(( h&+ f&r+t ore. He h#dn2t e1en h#d # ,h#n,e to +tr&ke # -(ow.

D#n#th h#d re#(&4ed #t on,e) +&,kened) th#t they wo!(d f#&(. H&+ $en h#d +een &t too. And they2d known wh#t $!+t -e done. Co$$#nder! Get to the fortre++! =#nn h#d !r'ed h&$. e1en #+ he +tr!''(ed w&th # $!,h (#r'er o""onent w&e(d&n' # ,(!-. Te(( the$! We2(( ,o1er yo!! Other +o(d&er+ h#d #dded the&r 1o&,e+ &n $ono+y((#-(e+. #'ree&n'. D#n#th he+&t#ted) fee(&n' r&""ed &n two. St#y here #nd f&'ht w&th h&+ $en) or f(ee to "erh#"+ +#1e the$6 Go! =#nn ,r&ed) t!rn&n' h&+ he#d to +ho!t #t h&+ ,o$$#nder. The&r eye+ $et. %or the Son+ of Lo/ Theor,h#d +tr!,k &n th#t +e,ond of &n#ttent&on) h&+ ,(!- de+,end&n' w&th de#d(y for,e. D#n#th h#d whee(ed h&+ hor+e #ro!nd -efore =#nn fe(() #nd h#d +"!rred &t on) +,re#$&n' &n+#ne(y #t the -e#+t) '#((o"&n' #w#y fro$ the ,#rn#'e #nd tow#rd the fortre++. Aw#y fro$ %#rro(. #nd =#nn. #nd #(( the other+ he h#d (ed here to the&r de#th+. D#n#th -&t h&+ (&" h#rd eno!'h to dr#w -(ood. They2d -een r&'ht) of ,o!r+e. So$eone h#d to w#rn N,th,r'#rde) #nd he h#d the #!thor&ty #nd f#$&(&#( ,onne,t&on+ to $#ke h&$+e(f he#rd. H&+ e;"er&en,e #nd (e#der+h&" +k&((+) too) ,o!(d not #fford to -e (o+t. B!t -y the L&'ht) he2d ne1er done #nyth&n' h#rder &n h&+ (&fe th#n (e#1e h&+ $en -eh&nd. He ,!r+ed +oft(y) +hook h&+ he#d to ,(e#r &t) #nd ye((ed #t the hor+e #'#&n. The tr#&( tw&+ted #nd t!rned &n the (&fe*dr#&ned (#nd. Red d!+t ro+e -ene#th h&+ hor+e2+ hoo1e+. D#n#th ,(!n' (&ke # -!rr #nd '(#n,ed !" #t one "o&nt to +ee the 1#+t +tone w#((+ of N,th,r'#rde Kee". A(re#dy he ,o!(d +ee '!#rd+ #to" &t+ "#r#"et+) "o&nt&n' down #t h&$ #nd no do!-t #(ert&n' other+ to h&+ #""ro#,h) O"en the '#te+! he +ho!ted #+ (o!d #+ he ,o!(d) ho(d&n' h&+ +h&e(d h&'h -efore h&$ +o they ,o!(d +ee the A((&#n,e +y$-o( e$-(#4oned there. O"en the '#te+! The he#1y t&$-er #nd &ron '#te+ +(ow(y "#rted) #nd he '#((o"ed on thro!'h w&tho!t +(ow&n'. On,e &n+&de D#n#th +(&""ed fro$ h&+ +#dd(e #nd t!rned to the ne#re+t +o(d&er. Who2+ &n ,h#r'e here6 he de$#nded) re#(&4&n' he w#+ '#+"&n' for -re#th. S&r. +t#te yo!r n#$e #nd -!+&ne++) "(e#+e) the +o(d&er re"(&ed. 3 don2t h#1e t&$e for th&+) D#n#th 'row(ed) 'r#--&n' the +o(d&er -y h&+ -re#+t"(#te ,o((#r #nd dr#w&n' h&$ ,(o+e. ".ho's in charge/" 3 #$) # 1o&,e +#&d fro$ -eh&nd h&$) D#n#th re(e#+ed the +o(d&er #nd +"!n #ro!nd) to f&nd h&$+e(f f#,&n' # t#(() -ro#d*+ho!(dered $#n &n the 1&o(et ro-e+ th#t $#rked h&$ #+ one of the D#(#r#n w&4#rd+. The $#n h#d (on' wh&te h#&r #nd # $#t,h&n' -e#rd) -!t -eh&nd the (&ne+ on h&+ f#,e h&+ eye+ were yo!n' #nd #(ert. D#n#th Tro((-#ne) &+n2t &t6 the $#'e #+ked. 3 tho!'ht yo! were w&th T!r#(yon6 D#n#th nodded) -oth &n ,onf&r$#t&on of the $#n2+ +t#te$ent #nd &n re,o'n&t&on of Kh#d'#r2+ &dent&ty) #nd +!,ked &n #&r to +"e#k) C(o+e the '#te #nd #r$ yo!r $en! The Horde &+ here! Kh#d'#r2+ eye+ w&dened) -!t he d&d not #r'!e. He +&'n#(ed w&th h&+ h#nd #nd $en r!+hed to o-ey h&+ +&(ent ,o$$#nd+. The '#te w#+ ,(o+ed #+ +o$eone ,#$e to t#ke D#n#th2+ "oor o1erworked $o!nt #nd #nother #""ro#,hed w&th # w#ter+k&n. Wh#t2+ h#""ened6 T!r#(yon +ent $e w&th h#(f the $en we h#d #t Stor$w&nd. D#n#th '!("ed down w#ter) w#r$ -!t wet) #nd nodded ,!r+ory th#nk+ to the $#n who2d -ro!'ht &t to h&$. We (eft #+ +oon #+ he re,e&1ed yo!r $e++#'e. He2(( fo((ow w&th the re+t. He +hook h&+ he#d) w&"&n' h&+ $o!th. We were too (#te. The or,+ h#1e #(re#dy re-!&(t the "ort#() #nd they were w#&t&n' for !+ there. :y -oy+ . .. ne1er +tood # ,h#n,e. Kh#d'#r nodded) h&+ eye+ +o$-er. 3 #$ +orry for the&r (o++) -!t yo!r w#rn&n' '&1e+ !+ t&$e to "re"#re. 3f the Horde "(#n+ to &n1#de A4eroth #'#&n they w&(( h#1e to 'et "#+t !+ f&r+t. And Nether'#rde w#+ -!&(t for th&+. They w&(( not f&nd th&+ kee" +o e#+&(y t#ken. How w&(( yo! defend &t6 D#n#th #+ked) +!ff&,&ent(y re,o1ered fro$ h&+ r&de to '(#n,e #ro!nd. Doe+n2t (ook (&ke yo! h#1e th#t $#ny +o(d&er+) #nd 3 don2t +ee #ny -#((&+t#, or other +&e'e en'&ne+ #(on' the w#((+. We do not h#1e $#ny +o(d&er+) &t &+ tr!e) Kh#d'#r #'reed. B!t th#t doe+ not $e#n we #r, w&tho!t defen+e+) or we#"on+. Yo! w&(( +e,. 3 +!""o+e 3 w&((. D#n#th -#red h&+ teeth &n # +$&(e. 2And when they ,o$e. 3 w&(( -e w#&t&n'. The or,+ #rr&1ed #n ho!r (#ter. They +we"t !" the "#th) f&((&n' the tr#&( (&ke w#ter ro&(&n' down # n#rrow ,h!te) e(-ow&n' e#,h other #+&de &n the&r h#+te to re#,h the kee"2+ +t!rdy o!ter w#((+. D#n#th #nd Kh#d'#r +tood !"on one of the t#((er "#r#"et+) w#t,h&n' the +,ene -e(ow. D#$n . . . there #r, h!ndred+ of the$) D#n#th wh&+"ered) w#t,h&n' the Horde (&ter#((y f&(( the "(#&n -efore the kee" #nd #d1#n,e &n # 're#t +heet of f(e+h #nd we#"onry. 3n the th&,k of the -#tt(e) he h#d not -een #-(e to not&,e the +heer n!$-er+.

3ndeed) Kh#d'#r +#&d. The yo!n'*o(d $#'e d&d not +ee$ ,on,erned. Not #+ $#ny #+ d!r&n' the Se,ond W#r. tho!'h/,&ther they (o+t $!,h of the&r +tren'th &n tho+e -#tt(e+ or they #r, w&thho(d&n' "#rt of the&r f!(( for,e now. He +hr!''ed. Not th#t &t $#tter+. we w&(( de#( w&th wh#te1er they throw #t !+. Yo! &n7!&red #-o!t the kee"2+ defen+e+6 W#t,h. He "o&nted) #nd D#n#th $#de o!t +"(#+he+ of ,o(or #(( #(on' the w#((+. :en #nd wo$en +tood there) ,(#d &n 1&o(et ro-e+ $!,h (&ke Kh#d'#r2+ own. The #r,h$#'e nodded then) #nd #(( the $#'& r#&+ed the&r h#nd+ #+ one. D#n#th fe(t h&+ h#&r +t#nd on end) #nd he#rd # f#&nt h!$. Then (&'htn&n' #r,ed down) de+troy&n' the f&r+t w#1e of or,+ #nd +,#tter&n' $#ny of tho+e -eh&nd the$. 3$"re++&1e) D#n#th #,know(ed'ed) h&+ ,#r+ r&n'&n' fro$ the #,,o$"#ny&n' th!nder,(#". B!t how $#ny t&$e+ ,#n they do th#t6 Kh#d'#r +$&(ed. 3 e;"e,t we2re #-o!t to f&nd o!t. T!r#(yon ,ro!,hed (ow o1er h&+ hor+e) !r'&n' &t on to 're#ter +"eed. E1en tho!'h he knew th#t w#&t&n' for re* &nfor,e$ent+ &n the for$ of A((er&#2+ r#n'er+ h#d -een w&+e) +o$eth&n' &n+&de h&$ &n+&+ted th#t they $&'ht -e too (#te/th#t +o$eth&n' w#+ #(re#dy h#""en&n' #t Nether'#rde. He w#+n2t +!re &f &t w#+ # +o(d&er2+ &n+t&n,t or h&+ own &n+e,!r&t&e+) -!t the "#(#d&n) nor$#((y 'ent(e w&d& -e#+t+) k&,ked h&+ hor+e #'#&n #nd #'#&n. Be+&de h&$ rode h&+ $en) A((er&#) #nd her r#n'er+. A((er&# threw h&$ # ,!r&o!+ (ook) not&n' h&+ +"!rr&n' of the $o!nt) -!t +t#yed +&(ent. He '(#n,ed o1er #t her) w#nt&n' to e;"(#&n +o$ehow) -!t #(( th#t ,#$e o!t w#+ So$eth&n'2+ h#""en&n' #(re#dy. She o"ened her $o!th for # 7!&") -!t ,(o+ed &t when +he +#w the (ook on h&+ f#,e. 3n+te#d) +he +&$"(y nodded) #nd -ent o1er to wh&+"er &n her hor+e2+ ,#r. He re#(&4ed +he -e(&e1ed h&$. #nd for # $o$ent) the worry #nd fe#r #-#ted -efore # 7!&,k w#r$th. The r&de +ee$ed to t#ke fore1er. Thro!'h the $e#dow+ #nd ro((&n' h&((+ of Go(d+h&r, #nd the (&tt(e town of D#rk+h&r,. thro!'h the 'r#y (#nd th#t w#+ #"t(y n#$ed D,#dw&nd P#++) ne#r where $ed&1h h#d (&1ed &n K#r#4h#n. &nto the $!ddy) $#(odoro!+ Sw#$" of Sorrow+. B!t now the (#nd w#+ ,h#n'&n') #nd T!r#(yon fe(t # (!r,h &n+&de h&$ #+ he not&,ed &t. The fo(&#'e) tho!'h de,o$"o+&n' #nd !n"(e#+#nt*+$e((&n') w#+ #t (e#+t # +&'n of (&fe. The 'ro!nd -ene#th the$ w#+ +t#rt&n' to t!rn red #nd dry) #($o+t d,+,rt(&k,. A((er&# frowned. 3t . . . fee(+ de#d. +he +#&d) +ho!t&n' to -e he#rd o1er the th!nder of hor+e+2 hoo1e+. T!r#(yon nodded) !n#-(e to +"#re -re#th. They "re++ed on thro!'h the -#re (#nd+,#"e) ,re+t&n' # +$#(( h&((. There) r&+&n' (&ke # wh&te "e#k #-o1e the -(ood*red +!rro!nd&n'+) w#+ the kee". He drew h&+ hor+e to # h#(t) +tr#&n&n' to +ee wh#t &t w#+ th#t n#''ed #t h&+ $&nd) #nd $!r$!red. So$eth&n'2+ wron'. A((er&# +h&e(ded her eye+ fro$ the '(#re of the +!n. She ,o!(d +ee -etter th#n he. #nd when +he '#+"ed. T!r#(yon knew he2d -een r&'ht. 3t2+ !nder #tt#,k! +he ,r&ed. The Horde/ T!r#(yon/&t2+ (&ke +ee&n' the for,e fro$ the Se,ond W#r #(( o1er #'#&n! There $!+t -e h!ndred+ of the$! The tone &n her 1o&,e w#+ h#(f horror #nd h#(f '(ee) #nd the ,o(d*hot +$&(e of h#te #nd r#'e h#d tw&+ted her f#,e #'#&n. He re,#((ed the&r ,on1er+#t&on !"on her #rr&1#( &n Stor$w&nd. 3t ,ert#&n(y (ooked (&ke A((er&# w#+ 'o&n' to 'et the ,h#n,e to e;ter$&n#te # (ot of 1er$&n. He h#ted to +ee her +o h!n'ry for de#th/#nd fe#red t-#t th#t h!n'er $&'ht $#ke her re,k(e++. We2re #($o+t !"on the$) he +#&d) to her #nd to h&+ ,o$$#nder+) who h#d dr#wn !" -e+&de h&$. We2(( +tr&ke fro$ -eh&nd) "&nn&n' d&e or,+ -etween Nether'#rde #nd !+. On,e we21e defe#ted the$ we2(( enter the ,&t#de( #nd fort&fy &t+ defen+e+ &n ,#+e they #tt#,k #'#&n.
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Let + 'o. They r#,ed tow#rd the (#+t r&+e. R&'ht -efore they ,re+ted &t) T!r#(yon #'#&n ,#((ed # h#(t. A!+t -eyond the$ the tr#&( ,(&$-ed # f&n#( t&$e) "#+t -o!(der+ #nd !" # +hort &n,(&ne) #nd then the "(#te#! o"ened -efore the$. %ro$ here) they ,o!(d +ee &t #((. Ore+) h!ndred+ of the$) were -#tter&n' #t Nether'#rde 2+ w#((+) tho!'h the kee" th!+ f#r +ee$ed to -e we#ther&n' the #tt#,k w&th ,#+e. Here #nd there wereor,-od&e+. T!r#(yon +#w #t (e#+t one w&th #n #rrow thro!'h &t+ ne,k5 +e1er#( other+ were -#d(y ,h#rred) -!t +o$e ,or"+e+ +ee$ed !nh#r$ed. He '(#n,ed !") +"y&n' the 1&o(et*ro-ed f&'!re+ !"on the fortre++2+ "#r#"et+) #nd de+"&te the d&r,ne++ of the +&t!#t&on) he +$&(ed +(&'hdy #+ he !nder+tood. We need to +tr&ke -efore they re#(&4e we2re here. R#((y the $en #nd ,h#r'e !"on $y ,o$$#nd. H&+ ,o$$#nder+) &n,(!d&n' A((er&#) nodded #nd $o1ed off to the&r own !n&t+) "#++&n' order+ 7!&et(y. We#"on+ were dr#wn) +tr#"+ were t&'htened) +h&e(d+ #nd 1&+or+ were (owered) #nd the #r$y #d1#n,ed. T!r#(yon #nd the other+ ,re"t forw#rd) ,o1er&n' the (#+t d&+t#n,e -efore the "(#te#!) the&r hor+e+2 feet $!ff(ed -y the d!+t5 th#nk the L&'ht) the or,+ were too -!+y +ho!t&n' #nd ,!r+&n' #nd 'r!nt&n' to he#r the&r #""ro#,h. 3t w#+ t&$e. They h#d 'otten #+ f#r #+ +te#(th wo!(d t#ke the$. T!r#(yon took # dee" -re#d& #nd r#&+ed h&+ h#$$er h&'h o1er h&+ he#d.

Son+ of Loth#r! he +ho!ted) the "ower of the Ho(y L&'ht $#'n&fy&n' h&+ 1o&,e +o &t ,#rr&ed to e1eryone !nder h&+ ,o$$#nd. %or the A((&#n,e/0!or the ,ight'." H&+ +o(d&er+ ro#red -eh&nd h&$) #nd +e1er#( h!ndred thro#t+ !ttered the&r own -#tt(e ,r&e+. T!r#(yon +w!n' the h#$$er down #nd forw#rd) #nd d&e ,h#r'e -e'#n. So$e of the re#r$o+t or,+ he#rd h&+ +ho!t #nd t!rned) on(y to -e tr#$"(ed -y the +!r'&n' hor+e+. O!ter+ were t#ken !n#w#re+) +(#&n -efore they ,o!(d e1en +ee the thre#t r#,&n' !" fro$ -eh&nd. %ro$ the fortre++ $en ,heered #+ T!r#(yon #nd h&+ for,e+ +we"t forw#rd) (#y&n' #-o!t the$ w&th h#$$er+ #nd #;e+ #nd +word+. A((er&# #nd her r#n'er+ f&red #rrow #fter #rrow) dr#w&n' #nd no,k&n' w&th &nh!$#n +"eed) the&r #&$ !nerr&n') the&r hor+e+ ne1er -re#k&n' +tr&de. 3n # +!r"r&+&n'(y +hort t&$e T!r#(yon h#d won thro!'h to Nether'#rde2+ enor$o!+ front '#te+) wh&,h +w!n' o"en #+ he #""ro#,hed. T!r#(yon he+&t#ted) (ook&n' -#,k o1er the -#tt(e. H&+ eye+ $et A((er&#2+. He 'e+t!red tow#rd the '#te. She frowned +(&'ht(y/+he w#+ #+ re(!,t#nt #+ he to (e#1e the th&,k of -#td,) -!t they were the (e#der+ of the&r !n&t+ #nd +he knew) #+ he d&d) th#t they +ho!(d +"e#k w&th the ,o$$#nder of the kee" #+ +oon #+ they ,o!(d. When +he nodded) T!r#(yon +"!rred h&+ +teed thro!'h the n#rrow '#") ,r!+h&n' #nor,th#t tr&ed to fo((ow. A((er&# w#+ -e+&de h&$) ,(o+e eno!'h th#t her (e' -r!+hed #'#&n+t h&+) #nd then the '#te+ +h!t #'#&n -eh&nd the$. Ah) 'ood) A((er&#/yo!21e -ro!'ht T!r#(yon to !+ 0!+t &n t&$e. T!r#(yon t!rned tow#rd the +"e#ker #nd +$&(ed #+ he re,o'n&4ed Kh#d'#r. Ro!'h(y they e$-r#,ed5 T!r#(yon h#d $&++ed the fr&end he2d 'rown to +o (&ke #nd #d$&re #+ they worked to'ether thro!'h the Se,ond W#r. He w&+hed they were not re!n&t&n' !nder the+e ,&r,!$+t#n,e+. A((er&# '#1e the $#'e # ,!rt nod. 3 ,#$e #+ f#+t #+ 3 ,o!(d) T!r#(yon +#&d. He +"&ed #nother $#n he re,o'n&4ed) #nd he +$&(ed &n re(&ef. D#n#th) he 'reeted h&+ +e,ond*&n*,o$$#nd) t #$ '(#d to +ee yo!2re +#fe. He '(#n,ed #ro!nd. B!t . . . where #r, yo!r $en6 De#d) D#n#th re"(&ed ,!rt(y. By the L&'ht... #(( of the$6 T!r#(yon wh&+"ered. D#n#th h#d t#ken f!((y h#(f the w#rr&or+ of
J

Stor$w&nd. D#n#th 'r&tted h&+ teeth #t the word+. The or,+ h#d # n&,e (&tt(e tr#" re#dy for !+ when we re#,hed the 1#((ey They +(#!'htered $y -oy+ -efore they ,o!(d re#,t) D#n#th2+ 1o&,e ,r#,ked e1er +o +(&'ht(y. :y -oy+) he h#d ,#((ed the$. T!r#(yon re#(&4ed D#n#th -(#$ed h&$+e(f for the de#th+. They +#,r&f&,ed the$+e(1e+ th#t 3 $&'ht re#,h here #nd w#rn Kh#d'#r of the Horde2+ #""ro#,h. They d&d the r&'ht th&n'. And +o d&d yo!) T!r#(yon #++!red h&+ fr&end #nd +!-ord&n#te. 3t &+ #n #wf!( th&n') to (o+e the $en !nder yo!r ,o$$#nd) -!t #(ert&n' Nether'#rde w#+ the f&r+t "r&or&ty. He frowned. Kh#d'#r /we need to f&'!re o!t why they2re #tt#,k&n' now. 3t2+ o-1&o!+/they need to 'et "#+t !+ to re#,h the re+t of A4eroth) Kh#d'#r re"(&ed) -!t T!r#(yon +hook h&+ he#d. No) th#t doe+n2t $#ke +en+e. Th&nk #-o!t &t. They (#,k the n!$-er+ to t#ke th&+ kee") #nd they $!+t know &t. 32$ w&((&n' to -et th&+ &+ not the ent&re Horde/&t ,#n2t -e. So where #r, the re+t6 Why #tt#,k w&th on(y # "#rt&#( #r$y6 Kh#d'#r2+ wh&te -row+ drew to'ether o1er h&+ yo!th2+ eye+. Yo! r#&+e #n e;,e((ent "o&nt) One w#y to f&nd o!t) D#n#th +#&d -r!+7!e(y. Br&n' $e #n ore) #nd -e(&e1e $e) 32(( 'et o!t of h&$ wh#t we w#nt to know. The w#y he +#&d &t #nd the +et of h&+ 0#w $#de T!r#(yon f(&n,h. He +#w &n D#n#th2+ f#,e #n e,ho of A((er&#2+ +&n'(e*$&nded h#tred of the or,+. %or #(( the&r -r!t#(&ty) for #(( the "#&n #nd d#$#'e #nd h!rt to th&+ wor(d they h#d ,#!+ed) he ,o!(d not he(" -!t "&ty wh#te1er ,#"t&1e D#n#th Tro((-#ne took &t !"on h&$+e(f to 7!e+t&on. He on(y ho"ed theor,wo!(d +"e#k 7!&,k(y/for &t+ +#ke) #nd the&r own. They were w#&t&n' for h&+ #""ro1#(. He nodded re(!,t#nt(y #nd t!rned to A((er&#) -!t -efore he ,o!(d +"e#k +he h#d h!rr&ed !" one of the tower+) #n;&o!+ to -e do&n' +o$eth&n') #nyth&n'. She ,#((ed down the order) w#&ted for the re"(y) then 'r&nned f&er,e(y. 3t w&(( not t#ke (on') +he +#&d) T!r#(yon e;"e,ted her to ,(&$- -#,k down. 3n+te#d +he +t#yed where +he w#+) no,k&n' #n #rrow to her (on') e(e'#nt -ow) t#k&n' #&$) #nd 0o&n&n' &n the -#tt(e fro$ th#t 1#nt#'e "o&nt. The e(f w#+ r&'ht. Not three $&n!te+ (#ter # ,ry went !" o!t+&de8 We21e 'ot one! The $#++&1e '#te+ were #'#&n o"ened. A "#&r of T!r#(yon2+ $en rode thro!'h) h#(f*dr#''&n' #n !n,on* +,&o!+or,-etween the$. They d!$"ed the -ody on the 'ro!nd #t the&r 'ener#(2+ feet. B(ood ,o1ered &t+ -#re 'reen he#d) #nd &t+ eye+ were ,(o+ed. 3t d&dn2t +t&r #+ &t h&t the 'ro!nd. One ore) +t&(( #(&1e) +&r! one of the two $en re"orted. He took # 'ood h&t to h&+ he#d) -!t he2(( (&1e. %or # wh&(e #t (e#+t. T!r#(yon nodded) d&+$&++&n' the$. Both $en +#(!ted -efore whee(&n' the&r hor+e+ #-o!t #nd ,h#r'&n' -#,k o!t the '#te) d&1&n' on,e $ore &nto the fr#y. Let2+ +ee wh#t we h#1e here) D#n#th $!ttered. He -o!nd the ore2+ h#nd+ #nd feet w&th he#1y ro"e) then +"(#+hed w#ter on the $on+ter2+ f#,e. 3t #woke w&th # +t#rt) 'r&$#,&n') #nd then frowned #nd +t#rted to 'row( #+ &t not&,ed the re+tr#&nt+.

Why #r, yo! #tt#,k&n' !+ now6 D#n#th de$#nded) (e#n&n' down o1er the ore. Why h&t Nether'#rde when yo! #ren2t #t f!(( +tren'th6 3 +how yo! +tren'th! theor,w#rr&or ro#red) +tr!''(&n' #'#&n+t h&+ -ond+. B!t they he(d f#+t. 3 don2t th&nk yo! 7!&te !nder+t#nd) D#n#th +#&d +(ow(y) dr#w&n' h&+ d#''er #nd &d(y w#1&n' &t $ere &n,he+ fro$ the ore2+ f#,e. 3 #+ked yo! # 7!e+t&on. Yo!2d -e+t #n+wer &t. Why #tt#,k Nether'#rde now6 Why not w#&t !nt&( the ent&re Horde &+ here6 B(ood #nd +"&tt(e +"#ttered D#n#th2+ f#,e. He 0erked -#,k) +!r"r&+ed) then +(ow(y w&"ed the +"&t off. 32$ t&red of "(#y&n' w&th yo!) he 'row(ed) #nd (e#ned forw#rd w&th the d#''er. W#&t! T!r#(yon ordered. He dee"(y d&+#""ro1ed of tort!re) #nd he w#+ -e'&nn&n' to th&nk th#t e1en &f he "er$&tted D#n#th to ,ont&n!e) theor,wo!(d +#y noth&n' of !+e/ore+ h#d # h&'h to(er#n,e for "#&n/#nd ,h#n,e+ were he2d "#++ o!t) or d&e) -efore +"e#k&n'. There $&'ht -e #nother w#y to f&nd o!t. D#n#th +t#yed h&+ h#nd. He fe(t A((er&#2+ eye+ on h&$) #n'ry) w#nt&n' to +ee the ,re#t!re h!rt. B!t th#t wo!(d +o(1e noth&n'. T!r#(yon ,(o+ed h&+ eye+ #nd +(owed h&+ -re#th&n') re#,h&n' for the 7!&et) +t&(( "oo( dee" &n+&de h&$) the ,enter where no $#tter wh#t w#+ r#'&n' &n h&+ he#d or he#rt) he w#+ #t "e#,e. %ro$ th#t "(#,e of ,#($ne++) he #+ked for #&d) for the L&'ht. He fe(t # t&n'(&n' #(on' h&+ +k&n #+ the L&'ht re+"onded) 'r#nt&n' h&$ &t+ "ower #nd &t+ !n+"e#k#-(e 'r#,e. He he#rd '#+"+ fro$ h&+ fr&end+ #nd # fr&'htened ,ry fro$ the "r&+oner) #nd &nh#(ed dee"(y) o"en&n' h&+ eye+ to +ee the f#$&(&#r +h&$$er&n' #(on' h&+ h#nd+) h&+ #r$+. D#n#th #nd Kh#d'#r +t#red #t h&$) the&r eye+ w&de &n +ho,k. And #+ for the ore) &t w#+ # h!dd(ed -#(( of 'reen #t h&+ feet) wh&$"er&n' &n,oherent(y. When he +"oke) T!r#(yon2+ 1o&,e w#+ ,o$"(ete(y ,#($ #nd ,ontro((ed. There w#+ no "(#,e here for h#te or the he#t of #n'er. Not when one +tood f!((y &n the L&'ht. Now. -y the Ho(y L&'ht) yo! w&(( #n+wer o!r 7!e+t&on+ #nd do +o tr!(y) T!r#(yon &ntoned) re#,h&n' o!t #nd re+t&n' h&+ "#($ #'#&n+t the ore2+ forehe#d. There w#+ # +!dden) -(&nd&n' f(#+h of (&'ht. He fe(t # +"#rk (e#" fro$ f(e+h to f(e+h. Theor,+hr&eked) #nd when T!r#(yon re$o1ed h&+ h#nd there w#+ # d#rk h#nd"r&nt there) #+ &f &t h#d -een -!rned &n. Theor,+h&1ered #nd 'ro1e(ed) wee"&n'. T!r#(yon ho"ed he h#d not +,#red &t +en+e(e++. Why #tt#,k now6 he #+ked yet #'#&n. To/to d&+tr#,t yo!) &t +o--ed. %ro$ the theft+. 3t h#d -een +t!--orn(y +&(ent -efore5 now &t #""#rent(y ,o!(dn2t +"e#k f#+t eno!'h. Ner94h!( need+ th&n'+. Art&f#,t+. He ordered !+) #tt#,k the kee". A((&#n,e +t#y -!+y here) #nd not +ee #nyth&n' e(+e. Kh#d'#r w#+ +trok&n' h&+ f!(( -e#rd. He2d re,o1ered f#+ter th#n D#n#th) who w#+ +t&(( +t#r&n' #t the yo!n' "#(#d&n. T!r#(yon r&+ked # '(#n,e !" #t A((er&# to f&nd her. too. (ook&n' #t h&$ w&th #n e;"re++&on of +t!nned d&+-e(&ef When the&r eye+ $et. +he ,o(ored +(&'ht(y #nd (ooked #w#y. "A +&$"(e "(#n) -!t +&$"(e "(#n+ #r, often the -e+t) Kh#d'#r offered. Wh#t #rt&f#,t+) tho!'h6 And why wo!(d he need #ny +!,h th&n' fro$ o!r wor(d #nd not fro$ h&+ own6 Theor,+hook h&+ he#d) tre$-(&n'. He doe+n2t know) T!r#(yon +#&d. He2d te(( !+ &f he knew. W&th the L&'ht !"on h&$ +o) theor,,o!(d not (&e. The '#te+ ,re#ked o"en 0!+t eno!'h for two e(1e+ to +7!ee4e thro!'h -efore &t +h!t #'#&n. T!r#(yon '(#n,ed !" #+ they #""ro#,hed h&$) h&+ eye+ n#rrow&n' #+ he re#(&4ed they -oth (ooked e;h#!+ted. Wh#t new+6 Stor$w&nd) +&r) one of the e(1e+ re"(&ed. So$eone -roke &nto the roy#( (&-r#ry. The '!#rd+ fo!nd the -od&e+ of the two $en +t#t&oned o!t+&de the door #nd the one &n+&de. Look+ (&ke one d&ed -y #nor,#;e. +&r. Ore+6 3n the roy#( (&-r#ry6 T!r#(yon wh&r(ed to +t#re #t Kh#d'#r) then #t the ore) who ,r&n'ed #w#y. Art&f#,t+ . . . ) he $!r$!red) "!tt&n' the "&e,e+ to'ether. The "erfe,t d&+tr#,t&on) Kh#d'#r w#+ for,ed to #d$&t. D#$n &t. 32d +#y th#t +&$"(e "(#n worked 1ery we(( &ndeed. We were -!+y here f&'ht&n' the or,+) #nd +o$eone $#de off w&th/ He t!rned to the e(1e+. Wh#t e;#,t(y Aid +o$eone $#ke off w&th) &f #nyth&n'6 Now the ,(1,n +,o!t+ (ooked e1en (e++ h#""y. Unfort!n#te(y) yo! #r, r&'ht) Lord W&4#rd/one th&n' w#+ &ndeed $&++&n'. And th#t w#+6 T!r#(yon "ro$"ted. The e(f ,(e#red h&+ thro#t. The) !h . . . the Book of :ed&1h. By the L&'ht) T!r#(yon wh&+"ered) fee(&n' # knot for$ &n the "&t of h&+ +to$#,h. The Book of $ed&1h6 The +",((-ook of the 're#te+t $#'e &n #(( the wor(d) the $#n who h#d he("ed the or,+ ,re#te the or&'&n#( "ort#(6 The -ook ,ont#&n&n' #(( the -r&((&#nt w&4#rd2+ $#ny +e,ret+6 3n the h#nd+ of the or,+6 Be+&de h&$ Kh#d'#r +ee$ed +tr&,ken #+ we((. T!r#(yon ... 3 need th#t -ook! To ,(o+e the "ort#(! Wh#t6 T!r#(yon ,r&ed. :,d&1h #nd G!(2d#n ,re#ted the th&n'. Th#t +"e((*-ook ,o!(d te(( $e how to ,(o+e &t! Not on(y th#t/&f the or,+ h#1e &t. they ,#n !+e &t #'#&n+t !+ &n #ny n!$-er of w#y+. Th&+ &+ -#d. Th&+ &+ 1ery) 1ery -#d.

T!r#(yon +hook h&+ he#d) re#,h&n' for the ,#($ "(#,e &n+&de h&$+e(f 3 !nder+t#nd. B!t we ,#n2t worry #-o!t &t r&'ht now/we21e 'ot or,+ o!t+&de) #nd d&+tr#,t&on or not) they2re +t&(( # 're#t d#n'er. O!r 0o- &+ to "rote,t th&+ kee") #nd "re1ent the$ fro$ +"re#d&n' "#+t &t. On,e th#t2+ done) then ... we(() we2(( 'o fro$ there. He eyed h&+ fr&end+) who nodded +(ow(y. He '(#n,ed !" #t A((er&#) th&nk&n' he +#w # h&nt of #""ro1#( '(&$$er &n her 'reen eye+ -efore +he #'#&n (&fted her -ow to re+!$e f&r&n'. Yo!2re r&'ht) Gener#() Kh#d'#r +#&d) &n,(&n&n' h&+ he#d. We h#1e # kee" to defend. We ,#n2t +o(1e # "!44(e &f we2re not #(&1e to do +o. T!r#(yon '#1e # we#ry) worr&ed 'r&n) ,(&$-ed -#,k #to" h&+ $o!nt) #nd rode #'#&n &nto the $#e(+tro$ th#t w#+ -#tt(e.

CHAPTER TEN
We2(( d&1&de &nto two 'ro!"+) Goref&end &n+tr!,ted %enr&+) T#'#r) #nd h&+ de#th kn&'ht+. Aro!nd the$ w#+ the -!+t(e of # ,#$" -e&n' -roken #+ +w&ft(y #+ "o++&-(e. 3 need/ He '(#n,ed !" #+ the +o!nd+ +t&((ed #-r!"t(y. De#thw&n' h#d re0o&ned the$) (ook&n' #+ "erfe,t(y h!$#n #+ he h#d -efore. He ,#!'ht Goref&end2+ eye. Wh#t) d&d yo! th&nk 3 wo!(d not ret!rn6 No) of ,o!r+e 3 d&d. So$eth&n' #-o!t how he +#&d &t o-1&o!+(y d&+"(e#+ed d&e 're#t dr#'on) who+e -(#,k -row+ drew to'ether. Goref&end re#(&4ed the word+ ,o!(d -e &nter"reted #+ #rro'#n,e #nd h#+tened to #dd) 3 ,o$"(ete(y tr!+t yo!r word. Lord De#thw&n'. The dr#'on (ooked $o((&f&ed. Goref&end ,ont&n!ed) We need to tr#1e( to A(ter#,) #nd fro$ there to D#(#r#n. :#y we #+k yo! for the #&d of yo!r ,h&(dren &n th&+6 Yo! $#y. 3 w&(( +!$$on the$ now. De#thw&n' t&(ted -#,k h&+ he#d) h&+ $o!th o"en&n' f#r w&der th#n #ny tr!e h!$#n2+ ,o!(d) #nd !ttered # +tr#n'e r&""(&n' ,ry th#t te#+ed #t the ,#r+) ,re#t&n' "h#nto$+ of other +o!nd+ #nd 'ener#t&n' # ,oo( -ree4e th#t re,ked of o(d de#th. So$e of the or,+ +hr#nk -#,k) #nd e1en Goref&end w#+ h#rd "!t to kee" h&+ f#,e ,#($ #+ the e#rth &t+e(f +hook #nd r!$-(ed -ene#th h&+ feet) #+ &f re"(y&n' d&re,t(y to the -(#,k dr#'on(ord. %&n#((y) De#thw&n' ,(o+ed h&+ $o!th #nd h&+ f#,e #++!$ed &t+ nor$#( "ro"ort&on+. There we #r,. he +#&d) 'r&nn&n' &n o-1&o!+ de(&'ht #t the d&+,o$f&t!re of -othor,#nd de#th kn&'ht. They w&(( ,o$e. Th#nk yo!. Goref&end -owed. He t!rned tow#rd the twoor,,h&eft#&n+. He w#+ not (ook&n' forw#rd to wh#t he h#d to #+k of the$) #nd fe#red they $&'ht -#(k5 -!t &t h#d to -e done. Yo!r t#+k w&(( -e ,h#((en'&n') -!t 1&t#(. 3 $!+t #+k yo! to 'o to the To$- of S#r',r#+. T#'#r 'row(ed !ne#+&(y) #nd e1en the +t!rd&er %enr&+ (ooked !"+et. Yo! +end !+ to o!r de#th+ then! %enr&+ +n#""ed. Not #t #((. There &+ #n #rt&f#,t there th#t Ner94h!( re7!&re+. 3 w&(( +end #(on' R#'nok to #&d yo! #nd e;"(#&n wh#t/ G!(2d#n/the "owerf!( G!(2d#n d&ed there! %enr&+ &nterr!"ted. We h#1e he#rd the +tor&e+/of how G!(2d#n r#&+ed &t fro$ the o,e#n -ed. on(y to -e #tt#,ked -y the $on+tro!+ th&n'+ '!#rd&n' th#t horr&-(e "(#,e. We h#1e he#rd how on(y # few e+,#"ed #nd th#t $o+t d&ed there) +,re#$&n' &n "#&n. . . . E1&( (&1e+ &n th#t d#rkne++. Goref&end! The de#th kn&'ht +"#red on(y # $o$ent to -e #$!+ed #t the ,o$$ent5 he we(( knew th#t the h!$#n+ on th&+ wor(d tho!'ht the or,+ the$+e(1e+ $on+tro!+) e1&( th&n'+. Do yo! th&nk 3 wo!(d +end yo! #nd one of $y own kn&'ht+ &f 3 -e(&e1ed yo! wo!(d not -e +!,,e++f!(6 They h#d no #n+wer for th#t #nd e;,h#n'ed !ne#+y '(#n,e+. Goref&end 'r#,ed the$ w&th h&+ de#thr&,t!+ +$&(e. Th#t2+ -etter. A+ 3 w#+ +#y&n') yo! $!+t retr&e1e # ,ert#&n #rt&f#,t. R#'nok w&(( e;"(#&n e1eryth&n'. On,e yo!21e fo!nd &t) ret!rn to the D#rk Port#( #+ +oon #+ "o++&-(e #nd we w&(( $eet yo! there. The W#r+on' ,(#n won2t -e #-(e to kee" the A((&#n,e d&+tr#,ted #nd -!+y fore1er. Both ,h&eft#&n+ nodded) (ook&n' $ore ,onf&dent. Goref&end re'#rded the$ for # $o$ent. T#'#r w#+ # "owerf!( f&'hter) -!t he h#d no +!-t(ety #nd (&tt(e &nte((&'en,e. %enr&+) howe1er) w#+ ,(e1er #nd +!-t(e eno!'h for -oth of the$) #nd h&+ -e#r&n' to(d Goref&end he wo!(d kee" the yo!n' Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n &n (&ne. S#t&+f&ed. Goref&end t!rned to the dr#'on(ord. Gre#t De#thw&n'/,#n yo! -e#r the$ to the to$-6 The dr#'on*$#n nodded. We know th&+ &+(#nd of wh&,h yo! +"e#k. he +#&d. 2And here #r, $y ,h&(dren/ eno!'h to #,,o$$od#te -oth 'ro!"+) 3 th&nk. E1en #+ the word+ (eft De#thw&n'2+ (&"+) Goref&end he#rd # +h#r" f(!rry of no&+e) #+ &f # he#1y r#&n were +tr&k&n') &t+ "e((et+ +(#+h&n' thro!'h the #&r #nd &nto the ro,k #nd e#rth #(( #ro!nd. Look&n' !") Goref&end d&d +ee d#rk +tre#k+ #'#&n+t the +t#r+) -!t they were $o+t ,ert#&n(y not r#&ndro"+. Bene#th h&+ feet) he fe(t the e#rth r!$-(e #'#&n. S!dden(y he +#w +"e,k+ of -r&'ht or#n'e #+ the +tre#k+ &n,re#+ed &n +&4e) +we((&n' #nd -e,o$&n' d&#$ond*+h#"ed.

H&+ eye+ w&dened #+ he re#(&4ed the or#n'e '(ow+ he h#d +een w#+ f&ery $#'$# &n the -e#+t+? h!'e 0#w+) #nd the &n,re#+&n'(y (o!d no&+e w#+ the -e#t&n' of '&'#nt&, w&n'+. Goref&end w#t,hed) #we+tr!,k) #+ the dr#'on+ +woo"ed down. The 1ery e#rth +hook #+ the $&'hty ,re#t!re+ (#nded) (&7!&d f&re dr&""&n' fro$ the&r $o!th+ to +te#$) '(ow&n' #nd +!((en) on the e#rth. They were -e#!t&f!( &n the&r d,#d(&n,++. The&r +,#(e+ '(e#$ed &n the +t#r(&'ht) # '(o++y -(#,k (&ke # $&dn&'ht "oo() #nd the&r ,(#w+ +ee$ed (&ke "o(&+hed &ron #+ they "er,hed on the e#rth or on '&#nt -o!(der+) +ee$&n' to Goref&end2+ eye+ # (&1&n') (eth#( e;ten+&on of the e#rth !"on wh&,h they +tood. When they h#d #(( ,o$e to 'ro!nd) the dr#'on+ fo(ded the&r 're#t (e#thery w&n'+ #nd w#t,hed the or,+ ,(o+e(y) the&r e-ony eye+ +t#r&n') the&r he#d+ +w&1,(&n' #nd t#&(+ f(&,k&n' +(&'ht(y. Goref&end w#+ re$&nded of # ,#t #n#(y4&n' &t+ "rey -efore &t ,#+!#((y d&+"#t,hed &t) #nd +h&1ered +(&'ht(y. Here #re $y ,h&(dren) De#thw&n' #nno!n,ed) the "r&de e1&dent &n h&+ 1o&,e. The f&ne+t of #(( the ,re#t!re+ of A4eroth! He "o&nted to # "#rt&,!(#r(y (#r'e dr#'on ne#r-y) two 're#t horn+ 0!tt&n' !" fro$ &t+ -row. S#-e((&#n) De#thw&n' #nno!n,ed) #nd the dr#'on (owered &t+ he#d #+ &t+ n#$e w#+ #nno!n,ed) &+ $y (&e!ten#nt &n #(( th&n'+. He #nd # few ,o$"#n&on+ w&(( -e#r yo!r or,+ to the &+(#nd yo! +"oke of. And #+ for yo!r 0#!nt to A(ter#,) 32(( t#ke yo! there $y+e(f. 3 #$ honored) Goref&end +t#rted to +#y) -!t De#thw&n' +&(en,ed h&$ w&th #n &$"#t&ent w#1e of h&+ h#nd. H&+ eye+ '(&ttered (&ke -#nked ,o#(+ #+ he ,ont&n!ed) Don2t 'et too f!(( of yo!r+e(f) de#th kn&'ht. 3 do not do &t to +how yo! re+"e,t) -!t to en+!re +!,,e++. :y "(#n+ w&(( ,o$e to n#!'ht &f yo! f#&(. 3 +!''e+t yo! don2t) not &f yo! w&+h to re$#&n #(&1e/we(() #t (e#+t #+ #(&1e #+ yo! #r, now. De#thw&n' +$&rked +(&'ht(y. Then he -e'#n to (#!'h) the +o!nd r&+&n' fro$ #n ord&n#ry h!$#n (#!'h to $!t#te &nto +o$eth&n' $!,h d#rker #nd $!,h $ore fr&'hten&n'. He threw h&+ he#d -#,k #nd (&fted h&+ #r$+) the 'e+t!re +t&rr&n' !" # w&nd th#t -!ffeted Goref&end #nd the other+ #'#&n+t the ro,k+ -eh&nd the$. Wh#t w#+ he do&n'6 Goref&end wondered for # fr#nt&, $o$ent &f th&+ who(e th&n' h#d -een +o$e +ort of dre#df!( 0oke) #nd th#t #t (#+t De#thw&n' h#d t&red of the '#$e. The f(#$e+ of the&r dy&n' ,#$"f&r,+ f(&,kered #nd +w#yed &n the +!dden '!+t) ,#+t&n' 'rote+7!e d#n,&n' +h#dow+. Beh&nd the $#n&#,#((y (#!'h&n' $#n) De#thw&n'2+ own +h#dow +we((ed #nd 'rew) tw&+t&n' #+ &f &t were # (&1&n' th&n' &t+e(f) ,h#n'&n' for$ #+ &t ro+e -eh&nd h&$) 1#+t w&n'+ +"re#d&n' o!t #,ro++ the $o!nt#&n r#n'e) en'!(f&n' #(( h&+ dr#'on+ #nd $!,h of the +!rro!nd&n' (#nd #+ we((. %or # th&rd t&$e th#t n&'ht) the e#rth tre$-(ed) #nd th&+ t&$e $#ny of the or,+ fe(( h#rd to the 'ro!nd. S!dden f&++!re+ +"(&t o"en) +,#(d&n' +te#$ r&""(&n' the +"#,e #-o1e the$) red*or#n'e $#'$# &n the&r de"th+ e,ho&n' the (&7!&d f(#$e th#t dr&""ed fro$ the dr#'on+2 $o!th+. E1en #+ h&+ +h#dow ro+e #nd took on $ore det#&() De#thw&n'2+ h!$#n -ody ,ontorted. 3t+ ed'e+ 'rew &nd&+t&n,t) #+ &f &t were -e&n' #-+or-ed &nto the +h#dow+ -eh&nd h&$. On(y h&+ eye+ re$#&ned ,(e#r) 'row&n' (on'er #nd $ore +(#nted) t#k&n' on # redd&+h ,#+t fro$ the ref(e,ted '(ow of the f(#$e+ -!t then o!t+h&n&n' tho+e th&n f&re+. St&(( the +h#dow 'rew) #+ d&d the +h&ft&n') -(!rr&n' -ody th#t ,#+t &t. 3t +ee$ed to h#1e &t+ own +!-+t#n,e now. #nd w#+ +o$ehow "!+h&n' #w#y fro$ the ro,k+. The -ody e(on'#ted #nd &n,re#+ed &n -!(k) ,h#n'&n' r#"&d(y to $#t,h &t+ +h#dow. A -(#,k dr#'on) ye+) -!t $ore/the -(#,k dr#'on) the $&'ht&e+t) $o+t "owerf!() $o+t d#n'ero!+ of d&e$ #((5 the f#ther of the f(&'ht. Goref&end tho!'ht he wo!(d -e the $o+t "erfe,t +"e,&$en of h&+ k&nd) -!t #+ the +h#"e -efore h&$ 'rew $ore d&+t&n,t) the de#th kn&'ht re#(&4ed th#t De#thw&n' (#,ked the d#rk -e#!ty of h&+ ,h&(dren. G&#nt "(#te+ $#de of '(e#$&n' $et#( r#n #(on' the dr#'on2+ +"&ne fro$ the t#&( to the -#,k of the (on' n#rrow he#d. Bene#th the$ Goref&end ,#!'ht '(&$"+e+ of red #nd 'o(d #nd wh&te &n r#d&#t&n' (&ne+) #+ &f $o(ten f&re were +o$ehow ... -re#k&n' thro!'h. A+ &f the $et#((&, "(#te+ f#+tened onto De#thw&n'2+ +"&ne were "hy+&,#((y ho(d&n' h&$ to'ether. The effe,t w#+ d&+0o&nted) d&+h#r$on&o!+) #nd +!dden(y Goref&end re#(&4ed why De#thw&n' w#+ +o $et&,!(o!+ #-o!t h&+ #""e#r#n,e &n h!$#n for$/h&+ dr#'on for$ w#+ f(#wed. Red eye+ -(#4ed now fro$ # re"t&(&#n f#,e. De#thw&n' +"re#d h&+ w&n'+ w&de) the&r 're#t (e#thery +!rf#,e+ #+ d#rk #+ # +t#r(e++ +ky #nd #+ wr&nk(ed #+ #n o(d ,rone. Power "!(+#ted fro$ the dr#'on &n w#1e+) (&ke he#t fro$ # r#'&n' f&re. Co$e) (&tt(e de#th kn&'ht) &f yo! d#re. De#thw&n' ,o$$#nded) h&+ 1o&,e now # dee" r!$-(e. He (owered h&+ he#d #($o+t to the 'ro!nd) #nd Goref&end #,t!#((y fo!nd h&$+e(f fro4en &n "(#,e for # $o$ent -efore he for,ed h&+ -ody to o-ey. Tre$-(&n') he ,(#$-ered !" onto the dr#'on where h&+ ne,k $et h&+ he#1&(y #r$ored +ho!(der+. %ort!n#te(y) the !nn#t!r#( $et#( "(#te+ "ro1&ded e#+y h#ndho(d+. The other+ e$!(#ted h&$. #nd +oon #(( Goref&end2+ -#nd were #+tr&de the dr#'on+. W&th no w#rn&n') De#thw&n' (#!n,hed h&$+e(f &nto the #&r w&th # "owerf!( k&,k #nd # downw#rd +wee" of h&+ w&n'+. (&ft&n' the$ !" &nto the +ky -y +heer $!+,(e #(one. Goref&end ,(!n' t&'ht(y #+ the 'ro!nd fe(( #w#y) #nd then De#thw&n'2+ w&n'+ -e#t down #nd -#,k) #nd #'#&n) #nd they were +o#r&n') the #&r +!""ort&n' the$ #+ &f the $#++&1e dr#'on were #+ (&'ht #+ # +tr#y (e#f. S#-e((&#n #nd h&+ ,ho+en fo((ower+ +"(&t off) r#,&n' forw#rd #nd d&+#""e#r&n' &nto the n&'ht) wh&(e De#thw&n' -#nked to the r&'ht) th#t w&n' d&""&n' +o (ow Goref&end tho!'ht &t $&'ht +,r#"e the 'ro!nd) #nd he#ded for A(ter#,.

A&d,n Pereno(de) k&n' of A(ter#, #nd "r&+oner &n h&+ own "#(#,e) #woke w&th # +t#rt. He h#d -een dre#$&n') #nd +t&(( re$e$-ered 1#'!e f(#+he+ of +o$eth&n' (#r'e #nd d#rk #nd re"t&(&#n (oo$&n' #-o1e h&$ #nd . . . (#!'h&n'6 Perh#"+) he tho!'ht -&tter(y) &t w#+ # $et#"hor for h&+ f#te. He r!--ed h&+ f#,e) ,h#+&n' #w#y the n&'ht$#re) -!t +(ee" wo!(d not ret!rn. :!tter&n'. Pereno(de ro+e fro$ h&+ -ed. Perh#"+ +o$e w&ne wo!(d he(". He "o!red h&$+e(f # '(#++ of the d#rk red (&7!&d/red #+ -(ood) he $!+ed/#nd +&""ed &t +(ow(y) th&nk&n' #-o!t the ,ho&,e+ th#t h#d (ed h&$ here. 3t h#d +ee$ed +o e#+y #t the t&$e. So w&+e) +o r&'ht. The or,+ were 'o&n' to de+troy e1eryth&n' &n the&r "#th. So he2d ne'ot&#ted w&th the$ to +#1e h&+ "eo"(e. He frowned &nto h&+ '(#++ #+ he re$e$-ered h&+ ,on1er+#t&on w&th Or'r&$ Doo$h#$$er. 3t w#+ 'o&n' to work 0!+t f&ne/e;,e"t +o$ehow &t h#dn2t. H&+ +o*,#((ed tre#,hery h#d -een d&+,o1ered) #nd the or,+ h#d f#&(ed to do the one th&n' they #""#rent(y e;,e((ed #t/de+troy th&n'+. St!"&d 're#t 'reen o#f+. The door+ to h&+ -ed,h#$-er +!dden(y -!r+t o"en. Pereno(de +t#rted #t the no&+e) +"&((&n' the w&ne #(( o1er h&+ +(ee"&n' ,(othe+) #+ +e1er#( (#r'e f&'!re+ ,h#r'ed &n. %or #n &n+t#nt he +&$"(y '#"ed) ,#!'ht !" &n the +en+#t&on th#t he w#+ +t&(( &n # re1er&e #+ the 're#t 'reen o#f+ he2d 0!+t -een -rood&n' #-o!t ,h#r'ed &nto h&+ "r&1#te ,h#$-er+. Th&n'+ 'ot e1en $ore +!rre#( #+ the or,+/ wh#t were or,+ do&n' &n h&+ "#(#,e6/+e&4ed h&$ #nd +ho1ed h&$ to the door. Re,o1er&n' h&+ w&t+ +(&'ht(y) Pereno(de tr&ed to tw&+t #w#y. W&tho!t -re#k&n' +tr&de) one of the$ ho&+ted the k&n' o1er h&+ +ho!(der (&ke # +#,k of 'r#&n #nd they ,ont&n!ed. They +t#(ked thro!'h the "#(#,e) "#+t the -od&e+ of Pereno(de2+ '!#rd+) #nd o!t the front door+. Then the or,+ +et Pereno(de on h&+ feet #'#&n. No! P(e#+e) 3/ H&+ ,r&e+ d&ed &n h&+ thro#t. A 1#+t ,re#t!re) (#r'e #+ the "#(#,e &t+e(f) (oo$ed #-o1e h&$) # $#++ of -(#,k +,#(e+ #nd '(e#$&n' "(#te+ #nd (e#thery w&n'+. The (on' he#d) e#+&(y #+ -&' #+ he w#+) +w&1,(,d to +t!dy h&$) the red eye+ '(ow&n') K&n' Pereno(de. The dry 1o&,e d&d not +ee$ to e$#n#te fro$ d&e dr#'on2+ (on' f#n'*f&((ed $o!th) #nd w&th # +t#rt Pereno(de re#(&4ed the ,re#t!re w#+ not #(one. So$eone +#t #+tr&de &t+ ne,k) !" #'#&n+t &t+ +ho!(der+. Or "erh#"+ +o$eth&n') Pereno(de ,orre,ted h&$+e(f) not&n' the r&der2+ '(ow&n' eye+) hooded ,(o#k) #nd +tr#n'e wr#""ed (&$-+. H#dn2t he he#rd of +!,h ,re#t!re+ d!r&n' the Se,ond W#r6 A+ #'ent+ of the Horde6 K&n' Pereno(de) the r&der +#&d #'#&n. We h#1e ,o$e to +"e#k w&th yo!. Ye+6 Pereno(de re"(&ed) h&+ 1o&,e (&tt(e $ore th#n # +7!e#k. W&th $e6 Re#((y6 D!r&n' the w#r. yo! for$ed # tre#ty w&th the Horde. Ye+6 Pereno(de $#de the ,onne,t&on. Ye+! he +#&d 7!&,k(y. Ye+) 3 d&d. W&th Doo$h#$$er h&$+e(f! 3 w#+ #n #((y! 3 #$ on yo!r +&de! Where &+ the Book of $ed&1h6 the +tr#n'e r&der de$#nded. G&1e &t to $e! Wh#t6 The &n,on'r!&ty of the 7!e+t&on $o$ent#r&(y -#n&+hed Pereno(de2+ fe#r. The -ook6 Why6 3 h#1e no t&$e for de-#te) the r&der +n#""ed. He $!ttered +o$eth&n' e(+e) 'e+t!r&n' w&th one h#nd) #nd +!dden(y Pereno(de w#+ r#,ked w&th "#&n) h&+ ent&re -ody +"#+$&n'. Th#t &+ -!t # t#+te of wh#t 3 ,#n do to yo!) the +tr#n'er &nfor$ed h&$) the word+ re#,h&n' Pereno(de #+ &f fro$ # 're#t d&+t#n,e #+ the "#&n w#+hed #,ro++ h&$. H#nd o1er the +",((-ook now! Pereno(de tr&ed to nod -!t ,o!(d not) #nd fe(( to h&+ h#nd+ #nd knee+ &n+te#d. Then the "#&n w#+ 'one. He +tood +(ow(y) h&+ (&$-+ +t&(( tre$-(&n' #nd c ce, the two "owerf!( ,re#t!re+ -efore h&$) the dr#'on2+ -!rn&n' '#4e +,#r&n' dee" &nto h&+ +o!(. So$ehow th#t +t#re +ee$ed (e++ tro!-(&n' th#n &t h#d -efore. The "#&n h#d he("ed ,(e#r Pereno(de2+ he#d #nd fo,!+ h&+ $&nd. Th&+ ,o!(d -e #n o""ort!n&ty &f he ,o!(d 0!+t kee" h&+ w&t+ #-o!t h&$. 3 h#1e the -ook) he #d$&tted) Or r#ther) 3 h#d &t +to(en fro$ Stor$w&nd #nd 3 know where &t &+. He -r!+hed #-+ent(y #t the w&ne +t#&n on h&+ +(ee"&n' ,(othe+. 3 tho!'ht 3 $&'ht need &t #+ # -#r'#&n&n' ,h&". The A((&#n,e h#+ ,(#&$ed $y throne #nd $y k&n'do$ -e,#!+e 3 he("ed yo!r k&nd &n the (#+t w#r. He +t!d&ed the r&der/# de#th kn&'ht) he tho!'ht) +!dden(y re$e$-er&n' the ter$. Ye+) ,(e#r(y he w#+ # de#th kn&'ht) wh&,h $e#nt he he(d +o$e &$"ort#n,e &n the Horde. Pereno(de ,on+&dered. 3 w&(( '&1e yo! the -ook . . . for # f#1or. The r&der d&d not +"e#k) -!t +o$eth&n' &n h&+ -e#r&n' &nd&,#ted he w#+ +t&(( (&+ten&n'. The A((&#n,e h#+ +t#t&oned troo"+ here &n $y k&n'do$) to w#t,h $e #nd to ,ontro( $e. De+troy the$) #nd the -ook &+ yo!r+. %or # +e,ond the r&der d&d not $o1e. Then he nodded. =ery we(() he re"(&ed. 3t +h#(( -e done. We w&(( ret!rn #fterw#rd #nd yo! w&(( te(( !+ where to f&nd the -ook. The de#th kn&'ht wh&+"ered +o$eth&n' to the -(#,k dr#'on #nd &t (e#"ed +kyw#rd) h&+ w&n'+ ,#rry&n' h&$ #(oft. A r!+t(&n' #(( #ro!nd +t#rt(ed Pereno(de) fo((owed -y the +&'ht of +e1er#( $ore d#rk +h#"e+ t#k&n' f(&'ht. Pereno(de +t#red #+ the -(#,k dr#'on+ f(ew fro$ +&'ht) #nd then he +t#rted to (#!'h. Co!(d &t -e th#t +&$"(e6 Tr#de #n o(d +",((-ook/one he ,o!(d not !+e h&$+e(f/for h&+ freedo$ #nd h&+ k&n'do$2+ &nde"enden,e6 He ,ont&n!ed to (#!'h) #w#re of the $#n&, 7!#(&ty the "e#(+ he(d.

Wh#t2+ 'o&n' on6 ,#$e # 1o&,e. Pereno(de +t#rted) then re#(&4ed &t w#+ h&+ e(de+t +on. Th#t. . . th#t w#+ # dr#'on .. ) #nd 3 th&nk # de#th kn&'ht! A(&d,n ,ont&n!ed &n # +ho,ked tone. Wh#t d&d yo! +#y to the$6 How d&d yo! ,on1&n,e the$ to (e#1e6 Pereno(de (#!'hed on) !n#-(e to +to" h&$+e(f. D#$n &t. %#ther! A(&d,n -!r+t o!t. "!n,h&n' h&+ f#ther &n the 0#w h#rd eno!'h to +end the o(der $#n +"r#w(&n'. Two ye#r+ 321e +"ent try&n' to o1er,o$e the +t&'$# yo!21e ,#+t on o!r f#$&(y n#$e. 1wo ears2" A(&den '(#red down #t h&+ f#ther) te#r+ +tre#k&n' h&+ f#,e. Yo! +t!"&d) +e(f&+h -#+t#rd) yo!21e r!&ned e1eryth&n'! Pereno(de +hook h&+ he#d #nd ro+e to h&+ feet) -!t fro4e $&d*$ot&on #+ he he#rd # new +o!nd o1er h&+ +on2+ re,r&$&n#t&on+. Wh#t w#+ th#t6 3t +o!nded (&ke/ ye+) (&ke # -#((&+t# re(e#+&n' &t+ "#y(o#d) the r!+h thro!'h the #&r #nd the +!dden re(e#+e of the ,#r'o) then the d!(( wh!$" of the &$"#,t. He he#rd &t #'#&n) #nd #'#&n) #nd re#(&4ed the +o!nd+ were ,o$&n' fro$ o1er the r&+e) on the f#r +&de of the ,&ty. Ne#r the -#rr#,k+ the A((&#n,e for,e+ h#d ,o$$#ndeered. He knew then wh#t the +o!nd+ $!+t $e#n) #nd -e'#n (#!'h&n' #'#&n. The dr#'on+ h#d -e'!n the&r #tt#,k. A(&d,n +t#red #t h&$) then tow#rd the +o!nd+) then -#,k #t h&$ #'#&n) ,o$"rehen+&on #nd horror +(ow(y w#+h&n' #,ro++ h&+ f#,e. Wh#t h#1e yo! done to !+) %#ther6 he de$#nded. ".hat have ou done/" B!t Pereno(de ,o!(d not ,ontro( h&$+e(f eno!'h to #n+wer. 3n+te#d he +(!$"ed to the 'ro!nd #nd +#t there &n # he#") +h#k&n' w&th $&;ed ,hort(e+ #nd +o-+. #+ he (&+tened to the +o!nd+ of de#th #nd de+tr!,t&on. He h#d ne1er he#rd #nyth&n' +o (o1e(y &n #(( h&+ (&fe. O1er there. S#-e((&#n ,&r,(ed) then +ett(ed 'r#,ef!((y onto the 'ro!nd. Bo#t+. Bo#t+6 T#'#r h#d #+ked when R#'nok h#d e;"(#&ned the "(#n) ,(&n'&n' to the 're#t -(#,k dr#'on2+ ne,k #+ they f(ew thro!'h the n&'ht. 3 tho!'ht the dr#'on+ were f(y&n' !+ to th&+ &+(#nd. B!t the de#th kn&'ht h#d +h#ken h&+ ,ow(ed he#d. 3t &+ too f#r for the$ to f(y d&re,t(y he h#d e;"(#&ned. They2(( t#ke !+ to $en,d&&( H#r-or) #nd we w&(( o-t#&n -o#t+ there to ,o$"(ete the 0o!rney. %enr&+ h#d frowned. :eneth&( . ) . th#t &+ the n#$e of # (&ne of k&n'+ of th&+ wor(d) he h#d +#&d 7!&et(y Ye+ ... &t &+ #n A((&#n,e o!t"o+t. R#'nok h#d #d$&tted. B!t &t &+ the ,(o+e+t "ort to the &+(#nd. %enr&+ h#d d&+(&ked the &de#) -!t he +!""o+ed &t ,o!(d not -e he("ed. The dr#'on+ h#d +et the$ down on # +tret,h of h&((y (#nd ,(o+e to the h#r-or) +e"#r#ted fro$ &t -y # +$#(( -ody of w#ter. %enr&+ +(&""ed off the dr#'on #nd '#4ed o1er the d#rk &n(et +"e,!(#t&1e(y. 3t (ooked 7!&et) -!t there were (&'ht+ here #nd there. The h#r-or (&ke(y wo!(d -e '!#rded. He $ot&oned to h&+ w#rr&or+) "o&nted #t the h#r-or) #nd (&fted # f&n'er to h&+ (&"+. A+ +&(ent(y #+ he ,o!(d. %enr&+ +(&""ed &nto the w#ter #nd -e'#n to +w&$ #+ the dr#'on+) the&r t#+k d&+,h#r'ed) took to the +k&e+. The dr#'on+ h#d f(own #+ ,(o+e #+ they d#red5 e1en tho+e &n # (&tt(e town) dee" &n +(!$-er) wo!(d -e ro!+ed -y +e1er#( dr#'on+ (#nd&n' r&'ht ne;t to the$. :o+t of the or,+ were not #r$ored #nd +w#$ 7!&,k(y) -!t tho+e who h#d -&t+ #nd "&e,e+ of "(#te) $#&() or (e#ther #r$or h#d # h#rder t&$e of &t. The or,+ e$er'ed dr&""&n' #nd ,h&((ed. %enr&+ '(#n,ed #t the$. The&r 'reen f#,e+ (oo$ed "#(e &n wh#t (&'ht there w#+. #nd he frowned. He +,oo"ed !" # h#ndf!( of d&rt #nd -e'#n to +$e#r &t on h&+ f#,e. Co#t yo!r+e(f w&th $!d) he &n+tr!,ted -oth T#'#r #nd the other or,+ #+ 7!&et(y #+ "o++&-(e. We w&(( need to $o1e 7!&,k(y) 7!&et(y) #nd w&tho!t -e&n' +een. The re+t of the$ ,o$"(&ed. %enr&+ fe(t # 7!&,k +t#- of w&+tf!( $e$ory #+ he w#t,hed the f#,e+ of h&+ ,o$"#n&on+ t!rn -rown. On,e) h&+ +k&n h#d -een th&+ ,o(or5 on,e) #(( or,+ h#d -een # who(e+o$e e#rth* or tree*-#rk -rown. H#d th&n'+ -een +o -#d then6 H#d wh#t they2d '#&ned +&n,e th#t t&$e -een worth (o+&n' the&r wor(d for6 So$et&$e+) he wondered. He +hook off the $e(#n,ho(y #nd fo,!+ed h&+ #ttent&on on h&+ ,o$"#n&on+) nodd&n' #+ he +#w they were #(( 0!+t -rown -(!r+ &n the d#rkne++. We on(y need # few -o#t+. We2(( t#ke tho+e three there) ,(o+e+t to the w#ter2+ ed'e. :o1e 7!&,k(y) #nd k&(( #nyone who 'et+ &n yo!r w#y. He '(#red #t T#'#r. And onl tho+e &n the w#y. T#'#r) kee" yo!r w#rr&or+ &n (&ne. S&(ent k&((+ on(y/we don2t w#nt #nyone to +o!nd the #(#r$. Let the$! T#'#r -(!+tered. We w&(( +trew the w#ter w&th the&r -one+! No! %enr&+2+ +h#r" h&++ ,!t h&$ off. Re$e$-er wh#t Goref&end +#&d! We 'et &n #nd 'et o!t) th#t2+ &t! T#'#r 'r!$-(ed) -!t %enr&+ '(#red #t h&$ !nt&( the Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n nodded. Good. %enr&+ 'r&""ed h&+ #;e) # n#rrow*-(#d,d #ff#&r w&th # +hort h#ft #nd w&,ked ed'e+. Let2+ 'o. They ,re"t forw#rd) $o1&n' +&(ent(y #,ro++ the $o&+t e#rth) we#"on+ #t the re#dy. The f&r+t or,+ h#d 0!+t re#,hed the wooden "&er+ when # dw#rf w#(ked "#+t) ,(e#r(y on "#tro(. He h#d not +een the$ yet) -!t he wo!(d #ny +e,ond) #nd %enr&+ nodded to the two w#rr&or+ &n front. One of the$ d#rted forw#rd) 'r#--ed the dw#rf2+ he#d) #nd y#nked h&+ #;e #,ro++ the dw#rf2+ e;"o+ed ne,k) +e1er&n' h&+ he#d ,o$"(ete(y. The -ody dro""ed w&th on(y # +oft th!d) the he#d ro((&n' # +hort d&+t#n,e #w#y) &t+ e;"re++&on re1e#(&n' 0!+t the -e'&nn&n'+ of +!r"r&+e. They #d1#n,ed !"on the -o#t+ %enr&+ h#d +e(e,ted. Another '!#rd #""ro#,hed) th&+ one h!$#n) #nd one of T#'#r2+ w#rr&or+ dro""ed h&$ w&th # +&n'(e ,r!+h&n' -(ow to the he#d. %enr&+ nodded h&+ #""ro1#(. He2d -een worr&ed #-o!t

the Bone,hewer or,+) -!t "erh#"+ they were not #+ +#1#'e #nd !nd&+,&"(&ned #+ he h#d #(w#y+ tho!'ht. He $o1ed on) then he#rd # +tr#n'e ,r!n,h&n' +o!nd/#nd # +hort) -re#thy w#&(. %enr&+ wh&r(ed #ro!nd. Theor,w#+ +t&(( ,ro!,hed o1er h&+ re,ent 1&,t&$) #nd he w#+ $#k&n' the ,r!n,h&n' +o!nd/-!t not the w#&(&n'. Then) e1en #+ %enr&+ re#(&4ed wh#t the Bone,hewer w#+ do&n') the w#&(&n' drew o!t #nd -e,#$e word+. Ah! &h, '!#rd ,r&ed) +hr&ek&n' &n "#&n. :y (e'+! 3t2+ e#t&n' $y (e'+! A ,ry went !" #nd (&'ht+ were (&t &n -!&(d&n'+. H!$#n+ #nd dw#r1e+ "o!red forth fro$ +ee$&n'(y nowhere) #nd %enr&+ re#(&4ed they weren2t 'o&n' to -e #-(e to e+,#"e w&tho!t # f&'ht. He #tt#,ked f&er,e(y) ho"&n' to end &t 7!&,k(y H&+ or,+ r#((&ed #ro!nd h&$. #nd +oon ,(e#red the &$$ed&#te #re# of h!$#n+. B!t %enr&+ knew the do,k+ wo!(d -e o1err!n -efore (on'. To the -o#t+! he +ho!ted) r#&+&n' h&+ #;e h&'h. They ,(#$-ered &nto the three -o#t+) one Bone,hewer dro""&n' h&+ 1&,t&$2+ re$#&n+ -#,k on the "&er) h#,ked free the #n,hor (&ne+) #nd ,#+t off. 3t w#+ ,(!$+y) -!t the or,+ $#n#'ed to 'et #(( three -o#t+ "!+hed #w#y fro$ the do,k+ #nd o!t &nto the -#y -eyond. E1en #+ they (eft the h#r-or -eh&nd) howe1er) # -e#,on f&re f(#red to (&'ht. Th&+ &+ B#r#d&n B#y) R#'nok +#&d) #nd the f(eet of K!( T&r#+ "#tro(+ &t re'!(#r(y. They w&(( +ee the -e#,on #nd -e here w&th&n $&n!te+. Then we +ho!(d -e 'one -efore they #rr&1e) %enr&+ re"(&ed 'r&$(y. He "!((ed # "#&r of o#r+ fro$ the (on' ,#+e +et -etween the -en,he+ (&n&n' the -o#t #nd to++ed the$ to the ne#re+t w#rr&or. Row! he +ho!ted) 'r#--&n' $ore o#r+ #nd d&+tr&-!t&n' the$ #+ we((. Row w&th #(( yo!r $&'ht! The other -o#t+ fo((owed h&+ (e#d) #nd +oon they were +k&$$&n' #,ro++ the w#ter) the&r "owerf!( #r$+ (end&n' the -o#t+ +"eed. B!t &t w#+ not eno!'h) %enr&+ re#(&4ed #+ he +#w other) (#r'er -o#t+ r#,&n' tow#rd the$. K!( T&r#+ n#1#( 1e++e(+! R#'nok ,onf&r$ed) +t!dy&n' the&r o!t(&ne+. 2Ad$&r#( Pro!d$oore h#te+ or,+/he w&(( +to" #t noth&n' to de+troy !+! C#n we f&'ht the$6 %enr&+ #+ked) -!t he knew the #n+wer e1en -efore the de#th kn&'ht +hook h&+ he#d. They #r, tr#&ned for +h&"*to*+h&" -#tt(e. And they ,#n o!tr!n !+ #+ we((. We do not +t#nd # ,h#n,e! %enr&+ '(#n,ed !" #t the +t#r*"o,ked +ky #nd nodded. Perh#"+ we don2t. B!t then #'#&n) "erh#"+ we do. Kee" row&n'! The&r -o#t+ $o1ed 7!&,k(y) -!t #+ R#'nok h#d "red&,ted) the&r "!r+!&t w#+ f#+ter. The h!$#n -o#t+ drew ,(o+er) !nt&( %enr&+ ,o!(d $#ke o!t the 'r&$ $en ,(#d #(( &n 'reen who +tood re#dy #t the t#((er +h&"+2 r#&(&n'+. :#ny of the$ h#d -ow+ re#dy) wh&(e other+ h#d +hort +word+ #nd #;e+ #nd +"e#r+ &n h#nd. He knew h&+ w#rr&or+ ,o!(d defe#t # (#r'er n!$-er of h!$#n+ &f they were on (#nd) -!t here #t +e# they were #t # +er&o!+ d&+#d1#nt#'e. %ort!n#te(y they h#d not ,o$e #(one. A!+t #+ the f&r+t h!$#n -o#t ,#$e ,(o+e eno!'h for %enr&+ to $#ke o!t the $en2+ f#,e+) # d#rk +h#"e dro""ed o!t of the +ky -etween the$. :#++&1e w&n'+ f(#""ed h#rd eno!'h to dr&1e the -o#t -#,k #nd kno,k the $en off the&r feet. Then the dr#'on2+ 0#w+ o"ened w&de #nd f&re +hot forth) en'!(f&n' the +h&"2+ "row. The t#r*,o#ted wood ,#!'ht #t on,e) #nd +oon the ent&re -o#t w#+ #(&'ht. The +o!nd+ of +,re#$&n' #nd ,r#,k(&n' f&re (&fted %enr&+2+ he#rt. B!t the h!$#n+ d&d not f(ee. A'#&n the&r -o#t+ ,(o+ed &n) #nd #'#&n # -(#,k dr#'on &nter,e"ted &t #nd ,h#rred t&$-er+ #nd ,rew #(&ke. A th&rd t&$e the h!$#n+ tr&ed) the&r we#"on+ -o!n,&n' off the dr#'on+2 to!'h h&de+) #nd # th&rd -o#t w#+ red!,ed to #+h #nd -one. After th#t the h!$#n +h&"+ fe(( -#,k) (ett&n' the three or,*,#"t!red -o#t+ "!(( #w#y. A ,heer r#n' o!t fro$ the or,+. They2re '&1&n' !"! T#'#r ,r&ed fro$ the "row of the -o#t -e+&de the$. They2re no $#t,h for the dr#'on+ #nd they know &t) %enr&+ ,orre,ted. B!t 3 wo!(d not th&nk they #r, '&1&n' !". Any +&'n of +$#((er f&re+ on the other +h&"+6 Contro((ed one+6 #+ked R#'nok. %enr&+ +t!d&ed the retre#t&n' 1e++e(+. Ye+. 3 +ee # +&'n#( f&re) #nd +$oke. he +#&d f&n#((y. They2re w#rn&n' the re+t of the&r f(eet. R#'nok +#&d) They2(( -e w#&t&n' for !+. T#'#r (#!'hed fro$ the "row of the -o#t -e+&de the$. The w#rn&n'+ w&(( ,o$e too (#te) he "ro,(#&$ed) (&,k&n' -(ood fro$ h&+ #;e -(#de. By the t&$e the h!$#n+ h#1e '#thered the&r ,o!r#'e to ,o$e #fter !+ #'#&n) we w&(( -e (on' 'one w&th o!r "r&4e. %enr&+ nodded. %or the f&r+t t&$e) he ho"ed th#t the Bone,hewer w#+ r&'ht) #nd th#t he w#+ wron'.

CHAPTER ELE=EN
Anton&d#+) #r,h$#', #nd (e#der of the K&r&n Tor) +#t &n h&+ +t!dy e;#$&n&n' # re,ent(y #rr&1ed +,ro((. The new+ w#+ 'r#1e &ndeed8 Ad$&r#( Pro!d$oore re"orted th#t # 'ro!" of or,+ h#d +to(en +e1er#( +h&"+ fro$ $en,th&( H#r-or. Wor+e) when he2d "!r+!ed the$. Pro!d$oore2+ +h&"+ h#d -een dr&1en -#,k ... -y dr#'on+. (lac" dr#'on+. Anton&d#+ fe(t # 1e&n thro- &n h&+ te$"(e #nd r!--ed &t. D!r&n' the Se,ond W#r the Horde h#d +o$ehow en(&+ted the #&d of the

red dr#'on+) #nd now th#t the "ort#( h#d -een re+tored &t +ee$ed the1 h#d #((&ed w&th the -(#,k dr#'on+ #+ we((. 3t w#+ #($o+t !n-e(&e1#-(e. Two dr#'onf(&'ht+6 How ,o!(d the A((&#n,e ho"e to +t#nd #'#&n+t th#t6 A +oft t#" ,#$e #t h&+ door. Enter. Kr#+!+) Anton&d#+ ,#((ed o!t) h&+ $#'&,#( +k&((+ #(re#dy te((&n' h&$ who w#+ ,#((&n' #t th&+ (#te ho!r. Yo! (eft word th#t yo! w&+hed to +ee $e6 the other $#'e #+ked #+ he entered #nd ,(o+ed the door -eh&nd h&$) kee"&n' h&+ de(&,#te fe#t!re+ de(&-er#te(y -(#nd. Anton&d#+ +!+"e,ted &t w#+ to +to" h&$ fro$ (o+&n' h&+ te$"er) -!t &f +o &t d&d not +!,,eed. Ye+. 3 (eft word. Anton&d#+ re"(&ed) #(( -!t +"&tt&n' t e word+ thro!'h h&+ (on' 'r#y*+tre#ked -e#rd. :onth+ #'o! Where h#1e yo! -een6 3 h#d other -!+&ne++ to #ttend to) Kr#+!+ #n+wered e1#+&1e(y) "er,h&n' h&$+e(f on the ed'e of Anton&d#+2+ de+k. L#$"(&'ht ,#!'ht the h&nt+ of red #nd -(#,k (&n'er&n' &n h&+ +&(1er h#&r #nd t!rned the who(e &nto f&re #nd '(e#$&n' $et#(. Other -!+&ne++6 Yo! +er1e on the K&r&n Tor) Kr#+!+) # f#,t 3 +ho!(d not h#1e to re$&nd yo! of) Anton&d#+ "o&nted o!t) frown&n'. 3f yo! ,#nnot $#ke t&$e for +!,h d!t&e+) "erh#"+ &t wo!(d -e -e+t &f #nother w#+ #""o&nted &n yo!r +te#d. To h&+ +!r"r&+e) the +(ender $#'e -owed h&+ he#d. 3f th#t &+ tr!(y wh#t yo! w&+h) 3 w&(( +te" down) Kr#+!+ +t#ted 7!&et(y 3 wo!(d "refer to re$#&n) howe1er) #nd 3 "ro$&+e yo! th#t D#(#r#n #nd the K&r&n Tor ,!rrent(y h#1e $y !t$o+t #ttent&on. Anton&d#+ +t!d&ed h&$ # $o$ent) then f&n#((y nodded. He d&dn2t re#((y w#nt to (o+e Kr#+!+/the en&'$#t&, $#'e h#d +!r"r&+&n' +tore+ of -oth "ower #nd know(ed'e. And de+"&te the $#n2+ o,,#+&on#( e1#+&1ene++) Anton&d#+ d&d fee( h&+ ,o((e#'!e h#d #(( the&r -e+t &ntere+t+ #t he#rt. T#ke # (ook #t th&+) he +#&d) thr!+t&n' the +,ro(( &nto the other $#n2+ h#nd+. He w#t,hed #+ Kr#+!+ re#d) +ho,k #nd 'row&n' horror on h&+ f#,e. The -(#,k dr#'onf(&'ht! Kr#+!+ wh&+"ered when he h#d f&n&+hed) r,ro((&n' the +,ro(( #nd "(#,&n' &t ,#ref!((y on the de+k #+ &f the 1ery word+ $&'ht #tt#,k) :y re+e#r,h (e#d+ $e to -e(&e1e the red dr#'on+ h#1e no (o1e of -#tt(e or -(ood+hed) #nd on(y +er1ed the Horde !nder d!re++. B!t the -(#,k! Th#t "#&r&n' +ee$+ $ore (o'&,#( #nd de(&-er#te/ #nd $!,h $ore d#n'ero!+. 3 #'ree) Anton&d#+ +#&d. Kr#+!+) yo! #r, o!r re+&dent e;"ert on dr#'on (ore. Do yo! th&nk there &+ #ny w#y to +to" the$) or #t (e#+t (&$&t the&r effe,t&1ene++6 3/ A +h#r" keen&n' ,!t thro!'h the +t&(( n&'ht #&r. The two w&4#rd+ (o,ked eye+ for # $o$ent. They knew wh#t th#t +o!nd $e#nt/&t w#+ #n #(#r$) Kr#+!+ +t#yed +&(ent wh&(e Anton&d#+ tr&ed to &dent&fy &t. Wh&,h of the o(d +"e((+ w#+ &t/w#+ &t th#t one) or . .. The Ar,#ne =#!(t! he +#&d #t (#+t) eye+ w&den&n'. 3t2+ -een -re#,hed! Kr#+!+ (ooked #+ fr&'htened #+ he fe(t. The Ar,#ne =#!(t +tood ne#r the he#rt of the =&o(et C&t#de( #nd w#+ "rote,ted -y the +tron'e+t $#'&,+ the $#'& ,o!(d de1&+e. 3t he(d $#ny of the ,&ty2+ $o+t "owerf!( #rt&f#,t+) #+ we(( #+ +o$e &te$+ the $#'& ,o!(d not !+e the$+e(1e+ -!t ,o!(d not r&+k #((ow&n' to f#(( &nto #nyone e(+e2+ h#nd+. St#nd&n') Kr#+!+ he(d o!t h&+ h#nd. Anton&d#+ 'r#+"ed &t #nd w&tho!t # word the two te(,"orted to the Ar,#ne =#!(t. The wor(d #ro!nd the$ -(!rred) the -ook*(&ned w#((+ of Anton&d#+2+ ,o4y +t!dy d&+#""e#r&n' to -e re"(#,ed &n # -(&nk w&th # (#r'e +tone ,h#$-er. The f(oor #nd w#((+ were ro!'h(y hewn fro$ the e#rth &t+e(f) #nd the ,e&(&n' w#+ 1#!(ted. The roo$ h#d no w&ndow+ #nd on(y one door. E;,e"t for the +"#,e #ro!nd th#t (one e;&t) the re+t of the roo$ w#+ (&ned w&th +he(1e+ #nd -o;e+ #nd -ook,#+e+) #(( of the$ f!((. St#nd&n' #$&d the d!+t #nd the #rt&f#,t+ were +e1er#( $en. At (e#+t) Anton&d#+ tho!'ht they were $en. Then h&+ +en+e+ dete,ted the r&""(&n' -(#,k #!r# #ro!nd e#,h of the$) #nd e1en -efore they t!rned) re1e#(&n' '(ow&n' eye+ '(e#$&n' &n the +h#dow+ of hood+) he knew wh#t $#nner of ,re#t!re+ h#d "&er,ed the&r defen+e+. Knew) #nd 7!#&(ed fro$ th#t know&n'. De#th kn&'ht+. H!$#n ,or"+e+ #n&$#ted -y de#dor,w#r(o,k+) they re,ked of d#rk "ower. Eno!'h to $#ke Anton&d#+ -(#n,h w&th horror5 eno!'h to "&er,e e1en the "owerf!( w#rd+ th#t h#d -een ere,ted here. And +o they h#d ,o$e to th&+ h&'h(y "rote,ted "(#,e/ /for wh#t6 Th&+ "(#,e ho!+ed #rt&f#,t+ '#(ore/e#+&(y eno!'h we#"on+ for the de#th kn&'ht+ to w&n the w#r on,e #nd for #((. Yet they d&d not $o1e to t#ke the "r&,e(e++ o-0e,t+. They +tood &n # ,&r,(e #ro!nd # ,entr#( f&'!re) who -ore +o$eth&n' ,(!t,hed &n h&+ h#nd. Anton&d#+ ,on,entr#ted on d&e &te$. 3t w#+ e;tre$e(y "owerf!() #nd the t#+te of &t+ $#'&, fe(t f#$&(&#r. B!t &t w#+n2t !nt&( the (e#d de#th kn&'ht +h&fted) r#&+&n' the o-0e,t he he(d +(&'ht(y) #nd (&'ht ref(e,ted off &t+ f#,et+ #nd ,#+t 1&o(et r#y+ #ro!nd the roo$ th#t Anton&d#+ re#(&4ed wh#t +&n'(e tre#+!re wo!(d -e 're#t eno!'h for the de#th kn&'ht+ to &'nore e1eryth&n' e(+e.

He h#+ the Eye of D#(#r#n! Anton&d#+ +ho!ted) r#&+&n' one h#nd to ,#+t # $y+t&, -o(t wh&(e w&th the other he +!$$oned the re+t of the K&r&n Tor. On(y # h#ndf!( ,o!(d f&t &nto the Ar,#ne =#!(t) -!t #t (e#+t he #nd Kr#+!+ wo!(d h#1e re&nfor,e$ent+ when they &n1#r&#-(y fe(( 1&,t&$ to the ,r!+h&n' f#t&'!e th#t often #,,o$"#n&ed # w&4#rd(y d!e(. Th&+ w#+ no for$#( d!e() howe1er) Anton&d#+ tho!'ht #+ h&+ $y+t&, -o(t ,#!'ht one of the de#th kn&'ht+ &n the tor+o #nd +(#$$ed the ,re#t!re &nto the f#r w#(() +$oke r&+&n' fro$ the ho(e &n h&+ ,he+t. One of the other de#th kn&'ht+ r#&+ed h&+ tr!n,heon) the 0ewe(+ #(on' &t w&nk&n' &n the ,#nd(e(&'ht) #nd Anton&d#+ fe(t #+ &f +o$eth&n' h#d 'r&""ed h&+ he#rt &n &,e*,o(d h#nd+ #nd +t#rted to +7!ee4e. He ,(!t,hed #t h&+ ,he+t w&th -oth h#nd+) "re++&n' h#rd to "!+h #w#y the "#&n th#t kn&fed thro!'h h&$. He $#n#'ed to $!tter # +"e(( #nd # 1&o(et '(ow +"r#n' !" #ro!nd h&$) d&++&"#t&n' the ,o(d. He ,o!(d +ee the #tt#,k +"e(( thro!'h h&+ $y+t&, +en+e+) (ook&n' (&ke # ,o(o++#( h#nd +h#"ed fro$ +$oke) #nd +(#""ed the th&n' #w#y) +end&n' &t ,#reen&n' -#,k &nto &t+ $#+ter. The de#th kn&'ht went +"r#w(&n'. Another of the K&r&n Tor te(,"orted &n -e+&de h&$) #n ,(1,n wo$#n w&th (on' -(#,k h#&r. One +(ender) "#(e h#nd went to Anton&d#+2+ ,he+t wh&(e the other 'e+t!red #t the terr&fy&n' &ntr!der+. Anton&d#+ w#+ d&$(y #w#re of other f&'!re+ $#ter&#(&4&n' &n the roo$. He '#+"ed for -re#th #+ h&+ (!n'+ e;"#nded #nd h&+ he#rt -e#t on,e $ore) -(e++ed w#r$th f(ow&n' thro!'h h&$ e1en #+ he +#w two de#th kn&'ht+ -e'&n to wr&the &n "#&n. %(#$e +!dden(y (&,ked #t the&r (&$-+) tor+o+) #nd he#d+. Two other de#th kn&'ht+ +!dden(y +te""ed -#,k. Anton&d#+2+ e1e+ w&dened &n +ho,k #+ he re#(&4ed th#t they were #tte$"t&n' to e+,#"e. D&+torted +h#dow+ ,#+t -y the f(#$e+ of the&r dy&n' -rethren +!dden(y took on # (&fe of the&r own. wr#""&n' #-o!t the de#th kn&'ht+ #nd #-+or-&n' the&r f(e+h !nt&( they were noth&n' -!t w&+"y $e$or&e+. A(tho!'h they wo!(d not +!r1&1e/&f +!,h # ter$ ,o!(d -e !+ed/the -e(e#'!ered de#th kn&'ht+ wo!(d not 'o &nto de#th2+ f&n#( e$-r#,e #(one. St&(( we#k fro$ the #tt#,k #nd h&+ #tte$"t to ,o$-#t &t. Anton&d#+ ,o!(d do noth&n' -!t w#t,h he("(e++(y #+ the two de#th kn&'ht+ t!rned) the&r -od&e+ +t&(( -(#4&n') #nd #tt#,ked the wo$#n who h#d +#1ed Anton&d#+. S#th,r#2+ "#(e f#,e ,ontorted) her he#d f#((&n' -#,k #nd her -(#,k h#&r ,#+,#d&n' #ro!nd her (&ke # +hro!d #+ #&r w#+ for,ed fro$ her (!n'+. Anton&d#+ he#rd # ,r#,k #+ the &n,re#+&n' for,e ,o((#"+ed her ,he+t #nd ,r!+hed her -one+. S#th,r#! No! Anton&d#+ t!rned to +ee Pr&n,e K#,(2th#+. h&+ h#nd+o$e fe#t!re+ ,ontorted w&th r#'e #t the de#th of h&+ fr&end #nd ,o((e#'!e. The e(f r#&+ed -oth h#nd+ #nd drew the$ #"#rt. A,ro++ the roo$ one of the de#th kn&'ht+ 0erked #nd then +hr&eked #+ h&+ -ody w#+ (&ter#((y torn (&$- fro$ (&$-. The +&'ht +ho,ked Anton&d#+ -#,k to h&+ +en+e+. K#,(2th#+! he +ho!ted &nto the t!$!(t #+ he +tr!''(ed to h&+ feet. K#,(2th#+! On the +e,ond #tte$"t the e(f t!rned #nd f&;ed Anton&d#+ w&th h&+ "owerf!( +t#re. Don2t (et the$ te(,"ort! Anton&d#+ +ho!ted) fend&n' off #n #tt#,k w&th one h#nd -y ere,t&n' # 7!&,k +h&e(d !"on wh&,h the d,#th-o(t +h#ttered. The ,(1,n "r&n,e +hook h&+ he#d #+ &f to ,(e#r &t) then nodded. He t!rned the f!(( f!ry of h&+ '#4e !"on the &ntr!der+ #nd $o1ed h&+ h#nd+ to work the +"e((. The (e#der +n#r(ed #t K#,(2th#+. De#th kn&'ht+) to $e! he +ho!ted) ho(d&n' the Eye h&'h #-o1e h&$. The few who re$#&ned o-eyed) for$&n' # t&'ht ,&r,(e #nd f#,&n' #w#y fro$ the ,enter to "rote,t h&$ #nd h&+ "r&4e. E1en #+ K#,(2th#+ $!r$!red the &n,#nt#t&on+ #nd the +"e(( n,#r,d ,o$"(et&on) the +h#dow+ #-o!t the &ntr!der+ wr&thed on,e $ore) th&+ t&$e t#k&n' on # "!r"(&+h ,#+t #+ the Eye +hed &t+ (&'ht #(( #ro!nd the$) #nd the de#th kn&'ht+2 for$+ 'rew &nd&+t&n,t. They h#d e+,#"ed w&th -#re(y # he#rt-e#t to +"#re. K#,(2th#+ +wore &n h&+ n#t&1e ton'!e. The "rey w#+ 'one/-!t they ,o!(d -e fo((owed #nd tr#""ed #t the&r +e,ond (o,#t&on. Anton&d#+ $!r$!red # te(,"ort &n,#nt#t&on) #d0!+t&n' &t +(&'ht(y +o th#t he wo!(d r,$#t,r&#(&4, &n the +#$e "(#,e #+ the de#th kn&'ht+. 3n #n &n+t#nt Anton&d#+ fo!nd h&$+e(f +t#nd&n' on # w&de -#(,ony. He re,o'n&4ed &t #+ one of the =&o(et C&t#de(2+ !""er f(oor+. The de#th kn&'ht+ were #(( ,(!+tered to'ether o!! to one +&de) the&r (e#der +t#nd&n' "ro!d #nd t#(( #$on' the$) the Eye &n h&+ $#&(ed h#nd. Kr#+!+. K#,( th#+. #nd other+ fo((owed. Th&+ t&$e. K#,(2th#+ #nd Anton&d#+ were "re"#red) the +"e(( #(re#dy &n the&r $&nd+ #nd on the&r ton'!e+) #nd they were +!,,e++f!(. The de#th kn&'ht (e#der wh&r(ed to '&1e Anton&d#+ # -#(ef!( +t#re) #nd the #r,h$#', "er$&tted h&$+e(f # +(&'ht +$&(e. Yo! were +w&fter &n the 1#!(t) -!t we #r, +w&fter here. Th&+ -#(,ony &+ w#rded #'#&n+t yo!r te(,"ort#t&on +"e((+. There &+ nowhere to r!n) Anton&d#+ ,#((ed o!t) +t#r&n' r&'ht #t the de#th kn&'ht+? (e#der. They wo!(d now -e #-(e to ,#"t!re or k&(( the de#th kn&'ht+) kee"&n' one #(&1e for &nfor$#t&on. Then they wo!(d know # 'ood de#( $ore #-o!t the new Horde2+ (e#der+ #nd the&r "(#n+. Perh#"+ not) the (e#d de#th kn&'ht +#&d +oft(y) h&+ word+ ,#rry&n' nonethe(e++. B!t why +ho!(d we r!n when we ,#n f(y6 At h&+ word+ # w&nd +"r#n' !" -eh&nd h&$. fro$ "#+t the -#(,ony) +tron' eno!'h to $#ke Anton&d#+ +t#''er. A wh&+t(&n' no&+e #,,o$"#n&ed &t) 'row&n' (o!der #nd (o!der) #nd then # "&e,e of the n&'ht +ky dro""ed down #(on'+&de the -#(,ony. The d#rkne++ +(ow(y d&1&ded &nto +e1er#( (on') +&n!o!+ for$+ th#t ho1ered &n the #&r 0!+t "#+t the -#(,ony r#&(&n') the&r ,r!e( eye+ +t#r&n' o!t of the&r '(e#$&n' -(#,k f#,e+. Anton&d#+ ,o!(d #(re#dy fee( the he#t -e#t&n' #t h&$) #nd h&+ +h&rt w#+ 7!&,k(y +o#ked w&th +we#t.

%oo(&+h h!$#n) d&d yo! -e(&e1e we h#d ,o$e #(one6 the de#th kn&'ht (e#der +#&d) (#!'h&n'. The (#r'e+t dr#'on Anton&d#+ h#d e1er +een +woo"ed &n ,(o+er to the -#(,ony !nt&( &t+ (on' -#r-ed ,h&n re+ted o1er the r#&(&n'. Anton&d#+ +#w Kr#+!+ 'o "#(e #nd ,#!'ht # +&n'(e wh&+"ered word8 De#thw&n'. At the +o!nd of h&+ n#$e) the $&'hty dr#'on +w&1,(,d h&+ he#d #nd f&;ed Kr#+!+ w&th #n &ntent '#4e. The $#'e d&d not ,r&n'e fro$ th#t +,r!t&ny) -!t Anton&d#+ +t#''ered. De#thw&n'6 Here/ The de#th kn&'ht +te""ed !" onto the r#&(&n' #nd then #,ro++ to De#thw&n'2+ -#,k. 3 h#1e wh#t 3 h#1e ,#$e for. Let !+ -e off! Anton&d#+ re,o1ered eno!'h to h!r( # (&'htn&n' -o(t #t the f(ee&n' f&'!re+) -!t &t -o!n,ed off the&r +h&e(d+. T,(,"ort&n' w#+ o!t of the 7!e+t&on/they were $o1&n' too 7!&,k(y #nd too ,(o+e(y to'ether. K#,(2th#+ #nd the other $#'& +hook the&r he#d+. They were +&$"(y not f#+t eno!'h to +tr&ke #t the de#th kn&'ht+ w&tho!t "o++&-(y h&tt&n' #nd #n'er&n' # dr#'on th#t wo!(d h#""&(y &n,&ner#te the ent&re ,&t#de(. A+ &f to "!n,t!#te th#t thre#t) two of the dr#'on+ f(#nk&n' De#thw&n' +!dden(y f(ew ,(o+er) o"en&n' the&r $o!th+ w&de. The $#'& ,o!(d -#re(y "!t !" +h&e(d+ &n t&$e. Stre#$+ of $o(ten red #nd 'o(d -!r+t fro$ the&r w&de*+"re#d 0#w+) +tr&k&n' the -#(,ony #nd &'n&t&n' ,!rt#&n+ #nd +,ro((+ &n the roo$ -eh&nd the$. Anton&d#+ ,!r+ed !nder h&+ -re#th #+ he w#t,hed the other de#th kn&'ht+ ,(&$- onto the dr#'on+2 -#,k+ #nd then +o#r !" &nto the +ky) d&+#""e#r&n' fro$ 1&ew. He knew the $&'hty ,re#t!re+ wo!(d te#r r&'ht thro!'h the w#rd+ he h#d en#,ted/he h#d ne1er -!&(t d&e$ to w&th+t#nd '&#nt+. Anton&d#+ fe(t # +t#- of de+"#&r. He #nd the re+t of the K&r&n Tor were ,h#r'ed w&th "rote,t&n' the ,&ty #nd &t+ "eo"(e. )n&d ton&'h& (&e h#d) r#&(ed the$. 3 &e h#d #(w#y+ +#&d th#t e1ery $#'e +ho!(d know h&+ (&$&t+) #nd ton&'ht. Anton&d#+ knew th#t he h#d $et h&+. He +t#red !" #t the +ky) +e#r,h&n' for #ny +&'n of the &n1#der+) -!t they were 'one. And they h#d the Eye of D#(#r#n) one of the ,&ty2+ $o+t "owerf!( #rt&f#,t+. 3 have what # came !or, the de#th kn&'ht h#d +#&d. Anton&d#+ knew wh#t. The 7!e+t&on w#+) why6

CHAPTER TWEL=E
%enr&+ +t#red !" #t the ,(e#r(y o(d ed&f&,e) ,onf!+ed. He h#d not -een +!re wh#t to e;"e,t fro$ the To$- of S#r',r#+) -!t &t w#+ not th&+. Wh#t he h#d #t f&r+t tho!'ht were ,#r1&n'+ were &n f#,t the +he((+ #nd -one+ #nd +"&ne+ of 1#r&o!+ +e# ,re#t!re+) #tt#,hed to the -!&(d&n'2+ o!ter w#((+ fro$ ye#r+ of +!-$er+&on. 3t w#+ (&ke +ee&n' the -otto$ of # dee" o,e#n) on(y r#&+ed !" onto (#nd #nd f#+h&oned &nto # h#-&t#-(e +tr!,? t!r,. And the door to th&+ odd -!&(d&n' h!n' w&de o"en. Th&+ &+ where th#t #rt&f#,t #w#&t+6 %enr&+ #+ked) frown&n'. He w#+ h#1&n' # h#rd t&$e re,on,&(&n' th&+ "(#,e2+ (!$"y #""e#r#n,e w&th the e#rth*+h#tter&n' &te$ Ber 4h!( h#d +#&d wo!(d DC here The de#th kn&'ht h#d no +!,h do!-t+) howe1er. 3t &+ here) R#'nok &n+&+ted. 3 ,#n +en+e &t) dee" &n+&de. Then (et2+ 'o! T#'#r +ho!ted. Why #r, we +t#nd&n' #ro!nd6 The +ooner we 'o &n the +ooner we ,o$e -#,k o!t! %enr&+ often fo!nd h&$+e(f #t odd+ w&th the Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n) -!t he w#+ r&'ht on th#t ,o!nt. %enr&+ w#+ #n;&o!+ to -e done w&th th&+ 0o- of ,o!r&er. He +&'n#(ed to h&+ or,+ #nd they fo((owed R#'nok. T#'#r) #nd T#'#r2+ Bone,hewer w#rr&or+ &n+&de. E1erywhere he (ooked he +#w +&'n+ th#t the -!&(d&n' h#d +"ent h!ndred+) "erh#"+ e1en tho!+#nd+) of ye#r+ !nder w#ter. Ed'e+ #nd ,orner+ were ro!nded) -oth fro$ ,on+t#nt fr&,t&on w&th the w#ter #nd fro$ $o++ #nd ,or#( #nd +he((+ th#t h#d #tt#,hed the$+e(1e+ there. The f(oor w#+ ,o1ered w&th $o(d #nd +e#weed. Any de,or#t&on+ #(on' the w#(( were ,&ther de+troyed -y #(( tho+e ye#r+ &n the w#ter or ,o1ered -y 0!+t #+ $#ny ye#r+ of #,,!$!(#t&on. Here #nd there +o$e w#ter h#d re$#&ned "oo(ed) #nd w#+ now (on' +&n,e +t#'n#nt. No (&'ht "enetr#ted here/the +tr#n'e -!&(d&n' h#d no w&ndow+/-!t th#t w#+ not # ,on,ern. R#'nok r#&+ed h&+ h#nd #nd # -!r+t of ye((ow&+h &((!$&n#t&on #""e#red #-o1e h&$. 3t ,#+t d&+t!r-&n' +h#dow+ #-o!t the ,orr&dor -!t #t (e#+t #((owed the$ to $o1e +te#d&(y &nw#rd. A+ they "ro're++ed dee"er. %enr&+ not&,ed th#t the w#((+ here were ,(e#ner th#n they h#d -een ne#rer the entr#n,e) #nd not 0!+t (e++ 'r&$y -!t (e++ de'r#ded. The ,#r1&n'+ th#t de,or#ted e1ery +!rf#,e h#d not -een worn #w#y to the +#$e de'ree) #nd he ,#!'ht '(&$"+e+ here #nd there of wh#t th&+ te$"(e $!+t h#1e -een #t &t+ he&'ht. 3t wo!(d h#1e -een $#'n&f&,ent) f&((ed w&th # -e#!ty #nd #n e(e'#n,e he h#d ne1er e1en &$#'&ned "o++&-(e) #nd %enr&+ fe(t ro!'h #nd -e+t&#( tre#d&n' &t+ h#((+. He ,o!(d +ee th#t the re+t of h&+ ,(#n fe(t the +#$e w#y. T#'#r #nd h&+ Bone,hewer or,+ +ee$ed !n#ffe,ted -y the te$"(e2+ -e#!ty) -!t then they +ee$ed to h#1e (&tt(e #""re,&#t&on for #nyth&n' -eyond de#th #nd de+tr!,t&on. R#'nok #""e#red !tter(y fo,!+ed on the t#+k #t h#nd.

Wh&,h $&'ht h#1e -een why &t w#+ T#'#r who +!dden(y +to""ed #nd "o&nted #t # +"ot on the w#(( ne#r where &t $et the f(oor. Look there! the Bone,hewer ,h&eft#&n +#&d. %enr&+ fo((owed h&+ 'e+t!re #nd +#w # +$e#r of +o$eth&n' d#rk #,ro++ the ,#r1&n'+. 3t (ooked (&ke/ B(ood. T#'#r ,onf&r$ed. He kne(t -y the +$e#r) +n&ffed #t &t. #nd then to!,hed h&+ ton'!e to &t. Ore -(ood) he ,(#r&f&ed) r&+&n' to h&+ feet #'#&n. Se1er#( ye#r+ o(d. L&ke(y the -(ood of G!(2d#n or h&+ w#r(o,k+) R#'nok +#&d. We2re 'ett&n' ,(o+e! 3t w#+ not # "(e#+#nt tho!'ht) e1en &f &t d&d $e#n th#t the end of the&r 7!e+t w#+ #t h#nd. Be on '!#rd. %enr&+ +#&d to h&+ or,+) #nd they nodded +o$-er(y. Ar, yo! +,#red. %enr&+6 T#'#r $o,ked) +te""&n' !" #nd +ho1&n' h&+ f#,e ,(o+e to %enr&+2+. Afr#&d of wh#t we $&'ht f&nd6 Of ,o!r+e 3 #$. yo! &d&ot! %enr&+ +n#""ed) h&+ t!+k+ +,r#"&n' the yo!n'er ,h&eft#&n2+ ,he,k+. G!(2d#n w#+ # tr#&tor #nd # foo() -!t he w#+ +t&(( the $o+t "owerf!( w#r(o,k the Horde h#+ e1er +een! And +o$eth&n' &n here k&((ed h&$ #nd #(( h&+ fo((ower+. Yo!2d h#1e to -e &n+#ne or +t!"&d not to -e #fr#&d! We((. #'m not #fr#&d! T#'#r re"(&ed) dr#w&n' +$&(e+ #nd (#!'h+ fro$ +e1er#( of %enr&+2+ w#rr&or+. %enr&+ h&$+e(f 0!+t +hook h&+ he#d #nd wondered yet #'#&n why he2d -een +ent w&th +!,h #n &d&ot. B!t th#t2+ why) he #n+wered h&$+e(f. Be,#!+e +o$eone h#+ to -e +$#rt eno!'h to know wh#t to do #nd when/#nd +o$eone e(+e h#+ to -e foo(&+h eno!'h to 'o on #nyw#y) e1en when &t2+ ne#r*+!&,&de. %&ne) %enr&+ +#&d) #((ow&n' h&$+e(f # +$#(( 'r&n. Yo! 'o f&r+t) then. T#'#r +$&(ed #nd whoo"ed) h&+ w#r ,ry e,ho&n' down the h#((. He +trode forw#rd) (e#d&n' d&e w#y w&tho!t # $o$ent2+ ,on,ern. The other+ fo((owed. The ,ond&t&on of the w#((+ #nd f(oor ,ont&n!ed to &$"ro1e #+ they de+,ended f#rther &nto the te$"(e. 3t+ '(ory w#+ -re#tht#k&n'. At one &nter+e,t&on of ,orr&dor+ R#'nok +to""ed) #""#rendy ,onf!+ed. He t!rned f&r+t one w#y) #nd then the other. %enr&+ frowned. Wh#t2+ wron'6 Noth&n'. 3/ The de#th kn&'ht he+&t#ted #'#&n) then nodded to h&$+e(f #nd +trode f&r$(y down one of the h#((+. %enr&+ +hook h&+ he#d) -!t fo((owed. The h#((w#y ended &n # w&de roo$. The w#((+ here were -(#nk) +!r"r&+&n'(y eno!'h/,(e#n #nd +$ooth #nd -#re/ #nd the +!dden ,ontr#+t $#de the roo$ +ee$ +t#rk #nd d&'n&f&ed. At the f#r end # $#++&1e 1#!(t door of "(#&n -(#,k &ron f&((ed $o+t of the w#((. Th&+ &+ &t) R#'nok -re#thed. He +w!n' the door o"en. And fro4e &n !tter terror. Beyond the door (#y #n #($o+t &$"enetr#-(e d#rkne++) #+ &f n&'ht h#d -een ,onden+ed #nd h&dden here where the (&'ht wo!(d ne1er f&nd &t. St#nd&n' &n th#t d#rkne++) 0!+t "#+t the doorw#y) w#+ # ,re#t!re fro$ # n&'ht$#re. 3t towered o1er the$) +t#nd&n' +o t#(( &t w#+ for,ed to h!n,h w&th&n the roo$ -eyond. 3t+ +k&n w#+ +,#(ed #nd ,o1ered &n -!$"+ th#t +ee$ed to r&""(e) #+ &f +o$ehow &t+ +!rf#,e were f(!&d (&ke w#ter. S"&ke+ 0!tted fro$ the +ho!(der+) the fore#r$+) the ,he+t) #nd 1#r&o!+ other "(#,e+. The o1er(on' #r$+ ended &n h!'e h#nd+ w&th (on' ,(#w+. The f#,e w#+ too n#rrow #t the -otto$ #nd too w&de #t the to") w&th +(#nt&n' eye+ th#t '(owed # +$oky) ro&(&n' ye((ow #nd # t&ny $o!th +o$ehow f&((ed w&th #n &n+#ne n!$-er of r#4or*+h#r" teeth. A (on' t#&( wh&""ed #-o!t -eh&nd &t. 3n one of &t+ ,(#wed h#nd+ &t he(d # (on' rod) #($o+t # +"e#r) w&th # wooden h#ft #nd worked +&(1er end+. The to" w#+ # $#++ of +"&ke+ ,(!+tered #ro!nd # (#r'e 'e$ th#t '(owed w&th # -r&((&#nt wh&te (&'ht of &t+ own) #nd &t w#+ th#t r#d&#n,e th#t he(d the d#rkne++ &n the to$- "#rt&#((y #t -#y. S$#(( f(&,ker+ of (&'htn&n' -!r+t fro$ the 'e$ #+ we(() on(y to f#de &nto the d#rkne++ #'#&n. The S,e"ter of S#r',r#+/the #rt&f#,t Ner94h!( h#d +ent the$ to retr&e1e. A(( they h#d to do w#+ t#ke &t fro$ wh#t %enr&+ w#+ #-+o(!te(y +!re w#+ # de$on. Yo! w&(( not "#++) the ,re#t!re h&++ed) &t+ 1o&,e ro((&n' o1er the$ &n o&(y w#1e+. Th&+ to$- h#+ #(re#dy -een def&(ed -y $ort#(+ on,e! 3t +h#(( not h#""en #'#&n! We don2t w#nt to "#++) %enr&+ re"(&ed) -&t&n' -#,k the fe#r #nd -&(e th#t (e#"ed !" h&+ thro#t) We 0!+t w#nt th#t +,e"ter yo!2re w#1&n' #-o!t. The de$on (#!'hed) # (ow ,h!,k(e (&ke -one 'r#t&n' on -one) #nd +te""ed forw#rd) &t+ (on' ,(#wed feet d&''&n' dee" f!rrow+ &nto the $#r-(e f(oor. Then yo! $#y try to t#ke &t fro$ $e) &t offered. And #fter yo! f#&() 3 w&(( +hred yo!r -od&e+ #nd +!" !"on yo!r +o!(+. 32(( ,r#,k yo!r -one+ w&th $y teeth #nd dr&nk o!t the $#rrow! T#'#r -e((owed -#,k #t the de$on/th&+ w#+ the k&nd of (#n'!#'e he !nder+tood. Then he ,h#r'ed) h&+ #;e he(d h&'h.

And) tho!'h he ,!r+ed T#'#r for # foo( #nd h&$+e(f for # wor+e one) %enr&+ r#&+ed h&+ own we#"on #nd (e#"ed &nto the fr#y -e+&de h&+ fe((ow ,h&eft#&n. The other th&rty or +o Th!nder(ord #nd Bone,hewer w#rr&or+ were r&'ht -eh&nd the$. E1en +o) &t w#+ # d&ff&,!(t -#tt(e. The de$on w#+ +tron') +tron'er th#n #ny one of the$ -y f#r) #nd f#+ter #+ we((. 3t+ (on' ,(#w+ ,(eft +k&n #nd -one #nd $!+,(e w&th ,#+e) te#r&n' thro!'h the or,+ #+ &f they were dr&ed (e#1e+. The +,e"ter &t he(d w#+ he#1y eno!'h to ,r!+h #n ore2+ +k!(( w&tho!t t#k&n' # dent. E1en the de$on2+ t#&( w#+ # we#"on. T#'#r +hr&eked &n o!tr#'e #+ the ,re#t!re +tr!,k one of the Bone,hewer+ w&th &t. The (on' -#r- #t the end went e#+&(y thro!'h the h#"(e++ ore2+ ,he+t #nd e$er'ed) dr&""&n' -(ood) fro$ h&+ -#,k. B!t the wor+t) the $o+t fr&'hten&n' #tt#,k &t "o++e++ed) w#+ &t+ -&te/th#t !n-e(&e1#-(e $o!th +tret,hed w&der th#n +ho!(d h#1e "hy+&,#((y -een "o++&-(e) e;"o+&n' row !"on row of teeth. %enr&+ w#t,hed the de$on -&te oft h#(f # w#rr&or2+ he#d) #nd e1en thro!'h h&+ own -#tt(e r#'e he fe(t +&,k. 3t w#+ th#t -#tt(e r#'e th#t +#1ed the$. Under nor$#( ,&r,!$+t#n,e+ %enr&+ d&+#""ro1ed of the -(ood(!+t) -!t now &t w#+ # -oon. W&tho!t &t) $#ny of the or,+/ &n,(!d&n' h&$+e(f/wo!(d h#1e r!n #w#y &n #-0e,t terror. B!t w&th the&r he#d+ "o!nd&n' #nd the&r 1&+&on -(!rr&n' #nd the&r -(ood h!$$&n') they #tt#,ked #nd ,ont&n!ed to #tt#,k. Ye+) the de$on w#+ f#+ter) -!t w&th +o $#ny w#rr&or+ #tt#,k&n' on e#,h new #++#!(t) # few h&t+ 'ot thro!'h. The de$on w#+ +tron'er) -!t +e1er&n' &t+ (&$-+ +t&(( ,r&""(ed &t. At the (#+t) w&th the de$on2+ t#&( #nd one #r$ #nd "#n of # (e' 'one) #nd the other #r$ +o +h#ttered &t wr&thed (&ke # +n#ke) %enr&+ #nd T#'#r +tr!,k #+ one) the&r #;e+ +(&,&n' &nto &t+ th&,k ne,k. The -(ow+ ,#$e fro$ o""o+&te +&de+) de(&1ered w&th #(( the for,e the&r re+"e,t&1e $#+ter+ ,o!(d $!+ter) #nd -oth ,h&eft#&n+ took th&n ,!t+ #(on' the&r f&n'er+ where the other2+ -(#de h#d n&,ked. B!t the de$on to""(ed to the 'ro!nd) h&+ ne,k ,!t ,(e#n thro!'h fro$ -oth +&de+) the he#d (#nd&n' #t R#'nok2+ feet. %enr&+ -ent down #nd "&,ked !" the +,e"ter. 3t w#+ (&'hter th#n he h#d e;"e,ted) -!t he ,o!(d fee( # f#&nt thr!$ of "ower thro!'h &t. We h#1e wh#t we were +ent for. he +#&d) t!rn&n' -#,k. Let2+ 'o. Wh#t6 S!r"r&+&n'(y) &t w#+ R#'nok who "rote+ted. B!t th&+ &+ the To$- of S#r',r#+! And yo! 0!+t k&((ed &t+ '!#rd&#n! Th#t w#+ one '!#rd&#n. %enr&+ re"(&ed. There w&(( -e other+) yo! $#rk $y word+. He he(d the +,e"ter !" +o &t ,#!'ht the (&'ht. %ort!n#te(y) we don2t h#1e to 'o #ny dee"er &nto th&+ "&t. Yo! don2t !nder+t#nd. R#'nok ,ont&n!ed. He +te""ed !" ,(o+er to %enr&+. We 'ot the +,e"ter5 we +ho!(d 'et the Eye of S#r',r#+ #+ we((. Do yo! re$e$-er when 3 w#+ ,onf!+ed e#r(&er6 3t w#+ -e,#!+e 3 w#+ +en+&n' -oth #rt&f#,t+! 3t took $e # $o$ent to re#(&4e wh#t w#+ 'o&n' on. B!t 3 know e;#,t(y where the Eye of S#r',r#+ &+ now/down th#t other ,orr&dor. Th#t w#+ the #rt&f#,t G!(2d#n +o!'ht) #nd now &t2+ w&th&n o!r 'r#+"! R#'nok2+ '(ow&n' eye+ n#rrowed &n f!ry. P&t&f!( th&n'+. 3 ,o!(d de+troy yo! w&th # $ere tho!'ht! Yo! w&(( ,o$e w&th $e to retr&e1e the Eye or/ Or wh#t6 %enr&+ +"#t. Go #he#d. K&(( !+ where we +t#nd) #nd 'o -#,k #(one for the Eye. E&ther w#y) we w&(( -e de#d. He w#+ $o+t(y +!re th#t the de#th kn&'ht w#+ -(!ff&n') -!t he +tood -y h&+ de,&+&on. R#'nok $&'ht k&(( the$ &n # f&t of #n'er. B!t wh#te1er w#+ +!re to -e '!#rd&n' the Eye wo!(d $o+t def&n&te(y k&(( the$. R#'nok (&fted h&+ h#nd+ #nd for # $o$ent %enr&+?+ he#rt +to""ed. B!t then the de#th kn&'ht +#''ed5 he h#d -een -(!ff&n' #fter #((. Yo! #r, foo(+) R#'nok 'row(ed) -!t h&+ 1o&,e w#+ (#,ed w&th defe#t. :#y-e) %enr&+ #'reed. B!t we #r, foo(+ who w&(( (&1e to +ee #nother d#y. W&tho!t #nother word he t!rned. H&+ ,(#n fo((owed h&$. #+ d&d T#'#r #nd h&+ or,+. 3t w#+ on(y w&th the +$#((e+t +#t&+f#,t&on th#t # few $o$ent+ (#ter) he not&,ed th#t R#'nok h#d #'#&n 0o&ned the$. Do yo! h#1e &t6 %enr&+ d&+$o!nted) +(&d&n' off the dr#'on2+ -#,k #nd "(#nt&n' -oth feet +o(&d(y on the ,r#,ked 'ro!nd) then $et Goref&end2+ +t#re #+ the de#th kn&'ht h!rr&ed tow#rd the$. The dr#'on+ h#d -een w#&t&n' for the or,+ when the&r -o#t+ h#d re#,hed (#nd #'#&n) #nd h#d 7!&,k(y ,#rr&ed the$ -#,k &nto the B(#+ted L#nd+ to re0o&n Goref&end #nd the other+. Ye+) we h#1e &t) %enr&+ ,onf&r$ed) ho(d&n' !" the (on' ,(oth*wr#""ed +,e"ter. He h#nded &t to Goref&end) h#""y to -e r&d of &t. Wh#t now6 Now we $#ke h#+te -#,k thro!'h the "ort#(. Goref&end #n+wered. %enr&+ +!""re++ed # +h!dder #+ Goref&end2+ h#nd+ ,(o+ed #-o!t the -!nd(e "rote,t&1e(y O!r t#+k+ here #r, f&n&+hed. A4eroth &+ no (on'er &$"ort#nt to !+. We(( (e#1e th&+ wor(d to the h!$#n+ #nd the&r #((&e+) #nd 'ood r&dd#n,e. %enr&+ +t#rted to #+k for $ore det#&() -!t # (o!d r!$-(&n' +to""ed h&$. G(#n,&n' o1er h&+ +ho!(der) he +#w +e1er#( (#r'e ,#rt+ ro((&n' &nto the 1#((ey) or,+ '!&d&n' e#,h one. Re$e$-er&n' the d&+,!++&on -#,k &n the B(#,kro,k :o!nt#&n+) he re#(&4ed tho+e $!+t ,ont#&n the ,#r'o De#thw&n' h#d #+ked the$ to #((ow thro!'h the "ort#(. He

wondered &d(y wh#t ,o!(d -e +o &$"ort#nt the -(#,k dr#'on w#nted &t $o1ed to #nother wor(d) -!t re+&'ned h&$+e(f to (&ke(y ne1er know&n'. Another ore. tho!'h) w#+ $ore ,!r&o!+ th#n %enr&+. He +t#rted to #""ro#,h one of the ,#rt+. Before %enr&+ ,o!(d e1en dr#w -re#th to +ho!t o!t # w#rn&n') # d#rk +h#"e +woo"ed fro$ the +k&e+. Theor,+,re#$ed #nd dro""ed to the 'ro!nd) ,(!t,h&n' #t h&+ f#,e. B(ood dr&""ed fro$ -etween h&+ f&n'er+. Get -#,k! %enr&+ ,r&ed. St#y #w#y fro$ the ,#rt+! The dr#'on+ th#t h#d -orne the or,+ here now took to the +k&e+ to defend the ,#r'o) +o$e of the$ not w#&t&n' to $#ke +!re the&r r&der+ h#d ,o$"(ete(y d&+$o!nted. Goref&end! ,#$e # 1o&,e %enr&+ re,o'n&4ed. Th#t +,re#$ ,o!(d -e(on' to no one other th#n the W#r+on' ,h&eft#&n. Gro$ He((+,re#$ h#d ,(e#r(y -een w&th the for,e+ h#r#++&n' the A((&#n,e troo"+ #t Nether'#rde Kee" #nd h#d 0!+t ret!rned w&th the$. He w#+ +t&(( h#(fw#y #,ro++ the 1#((ey) -!t they he#rd h&$ ,(e#r(y. D&d yo! -r&n' the+e ,re#t!re+6 3 d&d! Goref&end re"(&ed) not r#&+&n' h&+ 1o&,e -!t h&+ word+ ,#rry&n' nonethe(e++. The -(#,k dr#'on+ #r, o!r new #((&e+! Gro$ d!,ked #+ # -(#,k dr#'on2+ ,(#w+ +(&d -y d#n'ero!+(y ,(o+e to h&+ he#d) #nd +,ow(ed. So$e #((&e+! he +ho!ted. Do +o$eth&n' #-o!t yo!r w&n'ed fr&end+ -efore they ,#!+e # "#n&,/or k&(( !+ #((! The de#th kn&'ht '(#n,ed !" #t the dr#'on+) +t!dy&n' the$ # $o$ent. Then he nodded. De#thw&n'! he ,#((ed. 3 +we#r to yo! th#t 3 w&(( defend tho+e ,#rt+ #nd the&r ,#r'o! P(e#+e "!(( yo!r dr#'on+ -#,k to the 1#((ey2+ ed'e! %enr&+ ,o!(dn2t "&,k the dr#'on e(der o!t #$on' #(( the +h&ft&n') '(&d&n' +h#"e+) -!t # $o$ent (#ter the dr#'on+ whee(ed #nd $#de for "er,he+ #(on' the ,(&ff+ r&n'&n' the 1#((ey f(oor. Better) Gro$ 'r!nted) #""ro#,h&n' the$. He nodded #t %enr&+) who nodded -#,k/the two of the$ h#d #(w#y+ 'otten #(on'. %enr&+ ,on+&dered Gro$ one of the f&ne+t ,h&eft#&n+ &n the Horde) #nd # +!"er- w#rr&or #+ we((. D&d yo! 'et wh#t yo! needed6 Gro$ #+ked the$ -oth. We d&d) Goref&end re"(&ed. He d&dn2t +#y #nyth&n' f!rther. Gro$ "eered #t the ,#rt+. Wh#t #r, tho+e6 Gro$ #+ked. C#r'o) Goref&end re"(&ed +hort(y. E#,h ,#rt w#+ $#de of +t!rdy wood -e#$+) h#d h&'h +&de+) #nd w#+ ,o$"(ete(y ,o1ered w&th # th&,k t#r". %enr&+ ,o!(d +ee fro$ the w#y the t#r" +h&fted th#t the ,#rt+ were f!(() -!t ,o!(d d&+,ern noth&n' $ore. 3 tho!'ht #(( we h#d to retr&e1e were tho+e #rt&f#,t+) Gro$ +#&d. There h#+ -een # ,h#n'e of "(#n+) the de#th kn&'ht #n+wered. Noth&n' to worry #-o!t. He r#&+ed h&+ 1o&,e #nd $!+t h#1e worked +o$e $#'&, #+ we(() -e,#!+e +!dden(y &t e,hoed #,ro++ the 1#((ey. Tho+e ,#rt+ #r, !nder $y "er+on#( "rote,t&on) #nd #nyone who &nterfere+ w&th the$/or tr&e+ to (ook &n the$/ w&(( #n+wer to $e. Se1er#( or,+ '(#n,ed !") +t#rt(ed) #nd two who h#d -een #""ro#,h&n' the re#r ,#rt h#+t&(y -#,ked #w#y. %enr&+ +hr!''ed. H&+ t#+k w#+ done) #nd &f Goref&end w#nted to "(#y +o$e other '#$e th#t w#+ -etween h&$ #nd Ner94h!(. How +oon ,#n we 'o thro!'h6 he #+ked &n+te#d. 3 need +o$e of yo!r ,(#n to +t#y -eh&nd #nd defend the "ort#( for # +hort t&$e (on'er. Yo! #nd the re+t ,#n 'o thro!'h now) &f yo! (&ke) Goref&end #n+wered. T#'#r) yo! too. 3 need +o$e of yo!r Bone,hewer+. %enr&+ frowned) -!t nodded. He h#d ho"ed #(( h&+ ,(#n wo!(d -e #((owed to ret!rn) -!t he !nder+tood Goref&end2+ re#+on&n'. Wh#t of !+6 Gro$ w#+ #+k&n' Goref&end) -!t %enr&+ t!rned #w#y. The W#r+on'2+ order+ were not h&+ ,on,ern r&'ht now. 3n+te#d he +&'n#(ed h&+ +e,ond) :#('r&$ Stor$h#nd) #nd to'ether they +e(e,ted twe(1e or,+ to +t#y -eh&nd !nder :#('r&$2+ ,o$$#nd. The ore+ d&d not "rote+t. They were Th!nder(ord+5 they +er1ed the Horde #+ #+ked. To the "ort#(! The re+t of the Th!nder(ord ,(#n $#r,hed #,ro++ the 1#((ey f(oor #nd #""ro#,hed the tower&n' new D#rk Port#(. A!+t #he#d of the$ were the ,o1ered ,#rt+) #nd %enr&+ +#w +e1er#( de#th kn&'ht+ det#,h the$+e(1e+ fro$ the for,e+ "o+&t&oned #ro!nd the 1#((ey #nd +te" !" -e+&de tho+e $y+ter&o!+ 1eh&,(e+. Goref&end w#+ there #+ we(() ne#r the front. %enr&+ he#rd T#'#r ye((&n' #t h&+ Bone,hewer+) try&n' to d&11y the$ !") #nd the ro#r+ of o're+ #+ they were "ro$&+ed ,o$-#t. :, +$#+h! one of the$ ,r&ed '(eef!((y. The ent&re W#r+on' ,(#n) too) wo!(d +t#y) 0!d'&n' fro$ the ,o$$ent+ he he#rd. The "ort#( wo!(d -e #$"(y "rote,ted. P#rt of h&$ tho!'ht he +ho!(d re$#&n #+ we(() -!t #nother "#rt of h&$ w#+ dee"(y we#ry #nd (on'ed for ho$e. L#ter) "erh#"+) he wo!(d ret!rn w&th fre+h or,+ to re(&e1e tho+e he h#d +t#t&oned here. %enr&+ h#+tened !" the r#$" #nd f#,ed the D#rk Port#( &t+e(f. The "ort#( +t&(( $#de h&$ ner1o!+) w&th &t+ +tr#n'e r&""(&n' ener'y. 3t d&+t!r-ed h&$ th#t +o$eth&n' +o +$#((/he ,o!(d e#+&(y w#(k #ro!nd the "ort#(5 &t w#+n2t e1en #+ w&de #+ the th&,k +tone ,o(!$n+ fr#$&n' &t/,o!(d for$ # -r&d'e -etween two +e"#r#te wor(d+. He ke"t h#(f* e;"e,t&n' the "ort#( to f#&( +o$ehow) to ,o((#"+e #nd te#r #"#rt #nyone ,#!'ht w&th&n &t. The tho!'ht $#de h&$ "&,k

!" h&+ "#,e) #nd he r#n thro!'h &t) fee(&n' the +tr#n'e 0#rr&n' +en+#t&on he2d not&,ed when he2d (eft Dr#enor) #+ &f h&+ -ody were -e&n' +h!nted # 're#t d&+t#n,e. A ,o(d "r&,k(e r#n #,ro++ h&+ +k&n #nd # -r&ef f(#+h ,ro++ed h&+ eye+) then he w#+ +t#r&n' #t the f#$&(&#r red +k&e+ of Dr#enor #'#&n. %enr&+ -re#thed # +&'h of re(&ef #nd ,ont&n!ed on #w#y fro$ the "ort#() +to""&n' f&n#((y to #((ow the re+t of h&+ ,(#n to ,#t,h !". Beh&nd h&$ he +#w +o$e of the other ,(#n+ f&(&n' thro!'h #+ we(() #nd Goref&end h#d #(re#dy de"#rted w&th tho+e ,#rt+. %enr&+ h#d done #+ ordered) #nd now he wo!(d +&$"(y w#&t !nt&( Ner94h!( h#d new &n+tr!,t&on+ for h&$. Unt&( then) the Th!nder(ord w#rr&or+ wo!(d ret!rn to the&r ho$e. He h#d h#d eno!'h of &ntr&'!e #nd de,e"t&on #nd "(ott&n' to (#+t h&$ # (on') (one t&$e.

CHAPTER TH3RTEEN
Kh#d'#r w#+ &n the $eet&n' h#(() one of the few ,o$"(ete(y f&n&+hed +tr!,t!re+ &n Nether'#rde. He h#d w#nted to +t#y on the "#r#"et #nd ,ont&n!e (end&n' # h#nd #'#&n+t the Horde -!t T!r#(yon h#d ,on1&n,ed h&$ to re+t for # few $&n!te+ #nd ,#t +o$eth&n'. Ar,h$#', or not) yo!2re no 'ood to !+ &f yo!2re f#&nt&n' fro$ h!n'er or f#t&'!e) h&+ fr&end h#d "o&nted o!t. 3t w#+ +o!nd #d1&,e) #nd +o Kh#d'#r h#d (et h&$+e(f -e (ed o1er here #nd h#d d!t&f!((y e#ten the -ow( of +tew +o$eone h#d "(#,ed &n front of h&$. He re$e$-ered th#t $!,h) #nd now he +!""o+ed he $!+t h#1e f#((en #+(ee". He w#+ dre#$&n') #nd the dre#$ w#+ -&tter+weet. %or &n the dre#$) Kh#d'#r w#+ yo!n'. He t!rned h&+ ,(e#n*+h#1en f#,e to the n&'ht +ky) #nd (et the $oon -#the &t) the w&nd to!+(&n' h&+ h#&r th#t w#+ d#rk +#1e for +&n'(e +tre#k of wh&te. He (&fted h&+ h#nd+) $#r1e(&n' #t how yo!n' #nd +tron' they (ooked. !n'n#r(,d #nd !n+"otted. He +trode #,ro++ Lord#,ron (&ke # '&#nt) e#,h +te" ,#rry&n' h&$ who(e (e#'!e+) h&+ he#d -r!+h&n' the ,(o!d+. 3t w#+ n&'ht) yet he w#(ked +!re(y #nd w&tho!t he+&t#t&on) h&+ feet know&n' the w#y. He fo!nd h&$+e(f he#d&n' tow#rd D#(#r#n) #nd forded the (#ke &n one +te" to +t#nd -e+&de the $#'e*,&ty. L&'ht "o!red fro$ # +&n'(e roo$ &n the =&o(et C&t#de() de+"&te the (#te ho!r) #nd Kh#d'#r fo,!+ed h&+ #ttent&on there. He -e'#n to f(o#t !"w#rd) 'row&n' +$#((er #+ he #""ro#,hed the roo$. A+ h&+ feet to!,hed down on the -#(,ony) he w#+ h&+ nor$#( +&4e #'#&n. The door w#+ o"en) #nd he entered) "!+h&n' #+&de the '#!4e ,!rt#&n+ th#t ke"t o!t -!'+ -!t #((owed $oon(&'ht. We(,o$e) Kh#d'#r. Co$e #nd 0o&n $e. Kh#d'#r w#+ not +!r"r&+ed to +ee Anton&d#+ there) #nd to re#(&4e th#t the+e were the K&r&n Tor (e#der2+ own ,h#$-er+. He +#t &n the "roffered ,h#&r #nd #,,e"ted # '(#++ of w&ne fro$ the other #r,h$#',) #$!+ed th#t for on,e Anton&d#+) w&th h&+ (on' -rown -e#rd 0!+t -e'&nn&n' to 'r#y) #,t!#((y (ooked the +en&or/nor$#((y &t w#+ Kh#d'#r who$ +tr#n'er+ tho!'ht the e(der $#'e) th#nk+ to h&+ +now*wh&te -e#rd) e1en tho!'h &n re#(&ty Anton&d#+ h#d +e1er#( de,#de+ of e;"er&en,e o1er h&$. Th#nk yo!) Kh#d'#r +#&d 7!&et(y) #fter they2d -oth +&""ed #t the&r w&ne # $o$ent. He 'e+t!red #t h&+ -oy&+h f#,e) h&+ "owerf!() +(&$ yo!th2+ -ody. %or th&+. Anton&d#+ (ooked # -&t !n,o$fort#-(e. 3 tho!'ht 3 wo!(d $#ke th&+ #+ "(e#+#nt #+ "o++&-(e. 321e $&++ed &t. Be&n' yo!n'. 3 wo!(dn2t ,h#n'e # th&n'/:,d&1h h#d to -e +to""ed/#nd $o+t of the t&$e 3 don2t $&nd. B!t +o$et&$e+ ... 3 $&++ &t.

... 3 know.
Kh#d'#r ,h#n'ed the +!-0e,t. 3 t#ke &t th&+ &+ no ord&n#ry dre#$6 Anton&d#+ +hook h&+ he#d. No) !nfort!n#te(y not. 3 h#1e 'r#1e new+ to &$"#rt. The -(#,k dr#'onf(&'ht h#+ #((&ed &t+e(f w&th the Horde. 3t took # 're#t de#( of w&(( not to ,hoke on h&+ w&ne. The -(#,k dr#'onf(&'ht6 Kh#d'#r re"e#ted. B!t wh#t of the red6 The two dr#'onf(&'ht+ were $ort#( ene$&e+. H&+ ho+t +hr!''ed. They h#1e not -een +een for +o$e t&$e. 3t $#y -e th#t they h#1e f&n#((y -roken the Horde2+ ,ontro(. He frowned. B!t the or,+ h#1e fo!nd new #((&e+) #nd &t +ee$+ to !+ w&((&n' one+ th&+ t&$e. Kh#d'#r +hook h&+ he#d. Ar, they he#d&n' tow#rd Nether'#rde6 We don2t know) Anton&d#+ #d$&tted. Perh#"+. They h#1e #(re#dy -een here) #nd to A(ter#, #+ we((. H&+ frown -e,#$e # f!((*f(ed'ed +,ow(. They +to(e the Eye of D#(#r#n) Kh#d'#r. The Eye6 Kh#d'#r knew we(( wh#t k&nd of # -(ow th#t w#+ to D#(#r#n. B!t wh#t doe+ the Horde w#nt w&th &t6 3 know not) -!t they were here +"e,&f&,#((y to +te#( &t) Anton&d#+ ,onf&r$ed. 2A h#ndf!( of de#th kn&'ht+ $#n#'ed to 'et "#+t #(( o!r defen+e+) t#ke &t) #nd !+e the dr#'on+ to e+,#"e. Dr#'on+ th#t +hort(y there#fter +(#!'htered the A((&#n,e for,e+ w#t,h&n' A(ter#,) no do!-t #t th#t tr#&tor Pereno(de2+ ,o$$#nd.22 Kh#d'#r $#de # f#,e. 3 wonder how Pereno(de $#n#'ed th#t. Yet #nother $y+tery. 3 know how $!,h yo! #r, de#(&n' w&th #(re#dy. Kh#d'#r. B!t 3 tho!'ht yo! +ho!(d know. Th#nk yo!. Kh#d'#r to(d h&$) #nd $e#nt &t. Ye+. 32d r#ther know. He frowned tho!'htf!((y) re#,h&n' to +troke h&+ -e#rd #nd $o$ent#r&(y non"(!++ed to f&nd on(y h&+ -#re ,h&n. And "erh#"+ 3 ,#n e1en f&nd o!t why the+e th&n'+ h#""ened. %&r+t the Book of $ed&1h) now the Eye of D#(#r#n. Why the+e +"e,&f&,#((y6 He +et h&+ w&ne'(#++ down on Anton&d#+2+ de+k #nd +tood) re(!,t#nt(y. 3 +ho!(d -e 'ett&n' -#,k.

B#,k to -e&n' # -oy &n #n o(d $#n2+ -ody. B#,k to w#t,h&n' A((er&# #nd T!r#(yon en#,t # "#&nf!( dr#$# of den&#( #nd h!rt&n' #nd +o(&t!de when #ny foo( ,o!(d +ee they wo!(d -e +tron'er #nd h#""&er to'ether. B#,k to f&'ht&n' or,+ #nd ,(o+&n' "ort#(+ #nd -e#r&n' the we&'ht of the wor(d on h&+ #rt&f&,&#((y #'ed +ho!(der+. He +&'hed he#1&(y. A+ yo! w&+h. Good (!,k) $y -oy. Anton&d#+ w#1ed h&+ h#nd) #nd Kh#d'#r #woke) +&tt&n' !" #t Nether'#rde2+ $eet&n' roo$ t#-(e. He w#+ -#,k &n h&+ e(der(y -ody now. #nd fe(t # w&+tf!( "#n' #+ he re'#rded h&+ w&thered h#nd+ #nd (on' wh&te -e#rd. R&+&n') Kh#d'#r (eft the dre#$ #nd the $eet&n' h#(( -eh&nd. He +"otted T!r#(yon #nd # few other+ #t the $#&n '#te. They were ,(!+tered #ro!nd # new "r&+oner. They (ooked !" #+ he #""ro#,hed #nd +te""ed -#,k. The #r,h$#', +!""re++ed # +h!dder #+ he +#w the ,re#t!re2+ rott&n') on,e*h!$#n f#,e #nd '(ow&n' red eye+. Kh#d'#r! T!r#(yon ,#((ed #+ he not&,ed h&+ fr&end. 3 w#+ 0!+t #-o!t to +end for yo!. 3 #++!$e yo! needed $y he(" w&th th&+ one6 W#+ the L&'ht &neffe,t&1e6 T!r#(yon (ooked fr!+tr#ted. >!&te the ,ontr#ry. H&+ re#,t&on w#+ +o e;tre$e 3 w#+ #fr#&d 3 w#+ 'o&n' to k&(( h&$. 3 tho!'ht "erh#"+ yo!/ Of ,o!r+e. Kh#d'#r +#nk down to # ,ro!,h -e+&de the "r&+oner) $eet&n' h&+ f&ery '#4e. Do yo! h#1e # n#$e) de#th kn&'ht6 The ,re#t!re $ere(y +n#r(ed) wr&th&n' #'#&n+t h&+ -ond+. They he(d f#+t) howe1er. 3f th#t2+ the w#y yo! w#nt &t) +#&d Kh#d'#r. +hr!''&n'. He +!$$oned "ower to h&$. then fo,!+ed th#t "ower &nto # t&'ht -e#$. The +"e(( e#+&(y "&er,ed the Horde ,re#t!re2+ defen+e+ #+ T!r#(yon2+ L&'ht "ro-#-(y h#d) -!t #(tho!'h the de#th kn&'ht +t&ffened) he w#+ not +o $#ddened -y #'ony he ,o!(d not +"e#k. And +"e#k he wo!(d. Yo!r n#$e6 The de#th kn&'ht '(#red #t h&$) $!rder &n h&+ e es, -!t h&+ $o!th o"ened #nd for$ed word+ of &t+ own #,,ord. G#4 So!(r&""er. Good. Now. how d&d the 3 (ord, reo"en the "ort#(6 Kh#d'#r de$#nded) #+ T!r#(yon #nd the other+ ,rowded ,(o+e -eh&nd h&$. Ner94h!() &t re"(&ed. Ner94h!( !+ed the Sk!(( of G!(2d#n to for,e the r&ft o"en #'#&n. 3+ +!,h # th&n' "o++&-(e6 T!r#(yon #+ked. Ent&re(y. Kh#d'#r +#&d. 3t2+ +t#rt&n' to $#ke +en+e now. We know G!(2d#n ,re#ted the D#rk Port#( &n the f&r+t "(#,e) work&n' to'ether w&th $ed&1h. 3t2+ (&ke(y th#t h&+ re$#&n+ wo!(d +t&(( h#1e # (&nk to &t) #nd therefore ,o!(d -e !+ed to '#&n 're#ter ,ontro( o1er the r&ft. A!+t (&ke the Book of $ed&1h. Ner94h!( h#d needed G!(2d#n) or #t (e#+t h&+ +k!(() to o"en the r&ft #'#&n. And w&tho!t th#t +k!(() Kh#d'#r ,o!(dn2t +h!t &t ,&ther) not ,o$"(ete(y. Now he !nder+tood why the r&ft h#d re$#&ned -efore. W&tho!t !+&n' G!(2d#n2+ +k!(() Kh#d'#r wo!(d ne1er -e #-(e to +e#( the r&ft for 'ood. And w&tho!t the -ook) he wo!(dn2t -e +!re he w#+ !+&n' the r&'ht +"e((. He fe(t # t#" on h&+ +ho!(der. G(#n,&n' !") he +#w T!r#(yon 'e+t!r&n' h&$ to +te" #w#y. P!44(ed) Kh#d'#r ,o$"(&ed. Good new+) T!r#(yon +#&d. O!r for,e+ #r, dr&1&n' the Horde -#,k tow#rd the D#rk Port#(. we #(+o h#d word fro$ Ad$&r#( Pro!d$oore. Other 'ro!"+ of or,+ #r, r!nn&n') too. A""#rent(y # -#nd of Horde or,+/-#,ked -y -(#,k dr#'on+) &t yo! can -e(&e1e &t!/+to(e +e1er#( -o#t+ fro$ $en,th&( H#r-or re,ent(y. Kh#d'#r +&'hed) re$e$-er&n' h&+ dre#$ ,on1er+#t&on w&th Anton&d#+. 3 ,#n -e(&e1e &t. 3/w#&t. Yo! +#&d -o#t+ 6 Aye. They he#ded +o!thwe+t) &nto the Gre#t Se#. Kh#d'#r 'r&""ed T!r#(yon2+ t!n&,. So!thwe+t6 D#$n &t! Wh#t &+ &t) Kh#d'#r6 They2re not r!nn&n'. The -o#t+/they were he#d&n' for the To$- of S#r',r#+! G!(2d#n tr&ed th#t on,e) #nd &t k&((ed h&$! Why wo!(d the or,+ do th#t6 $ed&1h &+ de#d and S#r',r#+ &+ 'one. The to$-2+ e$"ty. H&+ eye+ w&dened +(&'ht(y.

.. . 3+n2t &t6
3t #(( ,(&,ked &nto "(#,e. S#r',r#+ &+ 'one) Kh#d'#r +#&d +(ow(y) -!t th#t doe+n2t $e#n the to$- &+ e$"ty. we know the or,+ #r, +eek&n' #rt&f#,t+/wh#t &f S#r',r#+ (eft +o$eth&n' there6 The to$- w#+ +h&e(ded +o th#t no ,re#t!re of A4eroth ,o!(d enter/-!t the or,+ were ne1er fro$ here! The w#rd&n'+ wo!(d $e#n noth&n' to the$ now. 0!+t #+ they $e#nt noth&n' to G!(2d#n when he/th#t2+ &t. Th#t2+ 'ot to -e &t! Kh#d'#r t!rned -#,k to the de#th kn&'ht #nd dro""ed to h&+ knee+ -e+&de the ,re#t!re. Why d&d Ner94h!( +end or,+ to the To$- of S#r',r#+6 he de$#nded. G#4 So!(r&""er (#!'hed) fo!( -re#th fro$ de#d (!n'+ ,#re++&n' Kh#d'#r2+ f#,e. He2d "!((ed t&'hdy &nto h&$+e(f &n the few $o$ent+ of re+"&te #nd w#+ not #-o!t to +#y #nyth&n'. Kh#d'#r frowned. He e;tended h&+ $#'&, on,e #'#&n) th&+ t&$e w&tho!t #n1 effort #t f&ne++e) #nd the &((!$&n#t&on of h&+ +"e(( w#+ (&ke # (#n,e to the ,re#t!re2+ forehe#d. So!(r&""er #r,hed &n #'ony) -!t +t#yed +&(ent.

Te(( !+!
We/,#re noth&n' for yo!r wor(d! So!(r&""er 'r!nted) h&+ h#nd+ ,(en,h&n'. Kh#d'#r $#de # +!-t(e $o1e w&th h&+ f&n'er+) #nd th&+ t&$e G#4 So!(r&""er ,r&ed o!t. 3 need -etter th#n t at." Ah! The de#d th&n' -&t &t+ (&" &n "#&n) teeth +&nk&n' e#+&(y thro!'h rotted f(e+h. O!r de+t&ny/'re#ter th#n yo! ,#n &$#'&ne) h!$#n! Kh#d'#r2+ he#rt +"ed !". The+e h#(f*tr!th+) the+e h&nt+ . . . Wh#t w#+ the re#(&ty6 Swe#t dotted h&+ forehe#d) -!t not fro$ e;ert&on. He t&'htened h&+ 'r&") #nd the de#th kn&'ht ,on1!(+ed. Kh#d'#r . .. +#&d T!r#(yon) w&n,&n' # (&tt(e. 3 ,#n kee" th&+ !" #(( d#y. So!(r&""er. Kh#d'#r +#&d. When th,&e w#+ no re+"on+e) Kh#d'#r (&fted h&+ (eft h#nd to 0o&n h&+ r&'ht. An #rt&f#,t! the de#th kn&'ht +,re#$ed. %ro$ the to$-. The S,e"ter of S#r',r#+. Th#t2+ -etter. Wh#t #-o!t &t6 W*w&th th#t) the Book of $ed&1h) #nd the Eye of D#(#r#n) Ner94h!( ,#n/no! Kh#d'#r w#+ +!r"r&+ed #t the (e1e( of re+&+t#n,e the de#th kn&'ht ,o!(d "!t !". He +h#red T!r#(yon2+ d&+t#+te of tort!re) -!t they were +o ,(o+e. . . . Wh#t ,#n he do6 1ell us\" He/he ,#n o"en "ort#(+ fro$ Dr#enor to other wor(d+. Kh#d'#r &$$ed&#te(y ,e#+ed tor$ent&n' the de#th kn&'ht) who f(o""ed o1er) 'ro1e(&n' &n re,o1ery. He +#t) +t!nned for # $o$ent) then (ooked !" #t T!r#(yon. He +#w h&+ own horror $&rrored &n the yo!th2+ f#,e. Other . . . worlds/" T!r#(yon +#&d) h&+ 1o&,e f#&nt w&th +ho,k. A4eroth #nd Dr#enor . . . #ren2t the on(y one+6 He +t#red down #t the de#th kn&'ht) h&+ $o!th work&n' for # $o$ent -efore #nyth&n' ,#$e o!t. Wor(d+ . . . $ore th#n o!r+. Wor(d+ w&tho!t end) &nno,ent+ w&tho!t n!$-er f#((&n' -efore the$ . . . L&'ht +#1e !+. Kh#d'#r nodded. 3 know &t2+ d&ff&,!(t to 'r#+". The Horde we21e f#,ed w#+ h#(f*,r#4ed w&th de+"er#t&on #nd h!n'er. The&r wor(d &+ dy&n') #nd they needed to t#ke o!r+. Now they2re 'o&n' to o"en "ort#(+ to ,o!nt(e++ other wor(d+ #+ we((. Th&+ +#$e +,en#r&o w&(( -e re"e#ted #'#&n . . . #nd #'#&n #nd #'#&n. T!r#(yon -#re(y he#rd h&+ fr&end2+ word+. They +ee$ed to f#de #w#y) +$othered -y the th!dd&n' of h&+ own he#rt &n h&+ ,#r+. The h&deo!+ 1&+#'e of the de#th kn&'ht) too) w#+ f#d&n') drown&n' &n # +(ow -!t +te#dy '(ow of wh&te (&'ht th#t +ee$ed to -e ,o$&n' fro$ &n+&de the "#(#d&n2+ own he#d. He -!rned to "rote,t h&+ "eo"(e/the A((&#n,e/#(( (&fe on th&+ wor(d fro$ the h#1o, th#t the e1er*h!n'er&n' or,+ h#d ,ho+en to wre#k. Th#t +ee$ed d#!nt&n' eno!'h) -!t now/worlds! A!+t how $#ny were they t#(k&n' #-o!t) #nyw#y/one6 Two6 Two $&((&on6 Hy+ter&# -!--(ed !" &n+&de h&$ #+ he +#t &n the wh&te) e$"ty +"#,e #nd d#n,ed on the 1er'e of $#dne++ #+ he tr&ed to ,o$"rehend the &n,o$"rehen+&-(e. The &nno,ent were h&+ ,h#r'e. He h#d to "rote,t the$. B!t how ,o!(d he "o++&-(y do +o6 So $#ny who/ The "o!nd&n' of h&+ he#rt +!dden(y "#!+ed. And &n th#t "(#,e of "!re) -r&((&#nt (&'ht) he +#w # f&'!re th#t w#+ (&'ht/the L&'ht/&t+e(f. 3t ho1ered #nd '(owed) '(e#$&n' #+ &f &t+ for$ w#+ h#rd #nd ,ry+t#((&ne -!t #(+o +oft) !n+"e#k#-(y +oft) #+ +oft #+ # te#r) #+ +oft #+ for'&1ene++) #+ +oft #+ A((er&#2+ "#(e +k&n. Go(den +tr#nd+ dr#"ed the -e&n') #nd T!r#(yon ,o!(d not te(( #t f&r+t &f they were (e#d&n' fro$ or to the ,re#t!re/ #nd then he !nder+tood) &t w#+ -oth. A(( th#t w#+. w#+ th&+ -e&n') #nd th&+ -e&n') w#+ e1eryth&n'. Awe f(ooded h&$ #nd he dr#nk &n the +&'ht of th&+ -e#!t&f!() (!$&no!+ -e&n') fee(&n' &t f&(( h&$ w&th ho"e #nd ,#($ #+ &f he were #n e$"ty 1e++e(. 3o not despair, ,#$e # 1o&,e (&ke -e((+) (&ke ,h&$e+) (&ke the +&'h of the o,e#n. 1he ,ight is with ou. .e are with ou. $o matter how vast the dar"ness. ,ight wilt scatter it. $o matter what world, no matter what creature, the ,ight is there, in that place, in that soul. 4now this, and go !orward with a +o !ul heart, 1ural on. A+ &f &t +#n' &n re+"on+e) T!r#(yon2+ he#rt -e'#n to -e#t on,e $ore. He re#(&4ed &t h#d ne1er +to""ed5 th#t the (on') fro4en) r#"t $o$ent h#d -een (e++ th#n the -(&nk of #n e1e. Kh#d'#r '#1e T!r#(yon the +"#,e to (et &t +&nk &n. %&n#((y) T!r#(yon (&fted h&+ he#d. H&+ eye+ were fo,!+ed) ,(e#r) #nd h&+ f#,e w#+ re+o(!te. We h#1e to +to" the$) T!r#(yon +t#ted f&r$(y. We ,#n2t (et other) &nno,ent wor(d+ h#1e th&+. .. th&+ .. ) !n(e#+hed on the$. 3t end+ here. On A4eroth. No one e(+e +ho!(d h#1e to +!ffer #+ we h#1e. The L&'ht +h&ne+ on other wor(d+ th#n o!r+) #nd &t need+ o!r he(". 3t w&(( h#1e &t. Kh#d'#r he#rd +o$e re+entf!( $!r$!r&n'+ fro$ +o$e of T!r#(yon2+ $en. T!r#(yon he#rd &t too) for he +tood) frown&n') 3f yo! h#1e +o$eth&n' to +#y) +#y &t ,(e#r(y) he ordered. The +o(d&er+ who2d -een t#(k&n' e;,h#n'ed '(#n,e+) then one +te""ed !". S&r . . . why don2t we 0!+t (et the$ 'o6 3f they h#1e fre+h wor(d+ to t#ke) $#y-e they2(( 0!+t 'o #w#y #nd (e#1e !+ #(one.

E1en &f &t were th#t +&$"(e) we ,#n2t (et th#t h#""en. Don2t yo! !nder+t#nd6 T!r#(yon +#&d. We h#1e to +to" the$. We ,#n2t +#1e o!r wor(d #t the e;"en+e of ,o!nt(e++ &nno,ent (&1e+! Be+&de+. ,#$e A((er&#2+ ,(e#r 1o&,e #+ +he +trode !" to the$) d!+ty #nd +we#ty #nd +"#ttered w&th -(ood too d#rk to -e her own) wh#t &+ to +to" the$ fro$ ret!rn&n' on,e they h#1e 'otten f#t off "(!nder6 W&th her +h#r" +en+e of he#r&n') of ,o!r+e) +he2d he#rd e1eryth&n'. Kh#d'#r tho!'ht her # tr&f(e "#(er th#n !+!#() -!t +he w#+ #($o+t eer&(y ,o$"o+ed. Wo!(d yo! (&ke to -#tt(e # Horde tw&,e the +&4e of the one we f#,ed d!r&n' the Se,ond W#r. ,o$"(ete(y !n&ted) #nd w&th the #-&(&ty to o"en "ort#(+ to A4eroth fro$ #nywhere6 Kh#d'#r +#w the d&+#""o&nt$ent &n T!r#(yon2+ eye+. The "#(#d&n h#d ho"ed the $en wo!(d !nder+t#nd h&+ "o&nt. And $ore) he2d ho"ed A((er&# wo!(d. B!t &t +ee$ed th#t A((er&# w#+ +t&(( ,on+!$ed w&th h#tred for the or,+. She d&d not re#((y ,#re #-o!t other wor(d+. She w#nted to h!nt the or,+ down #nd k&(( the$ her+e(f5 +he h#d no w&+h to (et other+ +h#re th#t "#rt&,!(#r ,r!e( de(&'ht. She t!rned to T!r#(yon. #nd ,o(or ro+e -r&ef(y &n her f#,e) then +!-+&ded. S&r. wh&(e we were f&'ht&n') 3 +#w +o$eth&n' 3 th&nk yo! +ho!(d -e #w#re of. We not&,ed # 'ro!" of ... Kh#d'#r w#+ -#re(y (&+ten&n' to her $!+&,#( 1o&,e. So$eth&n' e(+e w#+ n#''&n' #t h&+ tho!'ht+ . . . +o$eth&n' w#+ not r&'ht. He '#+"ed #+ !nder+t#nd&n' -!r+t !"on h&$. 32$ #n &d&ot! Kh#d'#r ,r&ed) ,!tt&n' A((er&# off &n $&d*+enten,e. They2re not (o+&n'! he +ho!ted. They2re retre#t&n'! They21e fo!nd #(( the #rt&f#,t+ they needed #nd they2re ret!rn&n' ho$e to Dr#enor! The ent&re &n1#+&on w#+ 0!+t # fe&nt to d&+tr#,t !+) #nd now they2re done! G#4 So!(r&""er '(#n,ed !" #t h&$) +ho,k #nd fe#r &n h&+ '(ow&n' eye+. The de#th kn&'ht +!r'ed to h&+ feet) +n#""&n' the +to!t ro"e+ th#t -o!nd h&+ h#nd+ #nd feet #nd ,he+t. Terror (ent h&$ $#'&,#( +tren'th #+ we((/ fro$ +o$ewhere dee" &n+&de) G#4 +h!nted #+&de Kh#d'#r2+ $ent#( (#n,e #nd r#&+ed fre+h +h&e(d+ th#t -(o,ked the #r,h$#'e2+ ref(e;&1e #tte$"t to re'#&n ,ontro(. Yo! w&(( not &nterfere! G#4 ro#red) (e#"&n' #to" Kh#d'#r #nd wr#""&n' $#&(ed h#nd+ #ro!nd the #r,h$#'e2+ thro#t. Yo! w&(( not thw#rt o!r de+t&ny! The de#th kn&'ht -e'#n to +7!ee4e) #nd Kh#d'#r '#+"ed for #&r) +tr!''(&n' to "!+h the ,re#t!re #w#y e1en #+ h&+ 1&+&on +w#$. B(#,kne++ ,re"t &n #(on' the ed'e+ of h&+ +&'ht) fr#$&n' w&(d ,o(or+ f(#+h&n' -efore h&$. He ,o!(dn2t "!+h the h#nd+ #w#y) he ,o!(dn2t th&nk to +!$$on # +"e((. And +!dden(y thro!'h the &n+#ne(y +w&r(&n' "#(ette of ,o(or+ ,#$e # f(#+h of "!re wh&te. E1en #+ &t +,#red Kh#d'#r2+ eye+) &t wr#""ed h&$ &n re#++!r&n' w#r$th #nd # +en+#t&on of "e#,e +h#r"(y #t odd+ w&th the "#&n of h#nd+ ,r!+h&n' h&+ w&nd"&"e #nd ,!tt&n' off -(ood. Br&ef(y he wondered &f he w#+ #(re#dy de#d -!t h#dn2t 'otten #ro!nd to not&,&n' &t yet. The (&'ht +we((ed) then f#ded. The de#d h#nd+ #ro!nd Kh#d'#r2+ thro#t t&'htened ,on1!(+&1e(y -efore the "re++!re +!dden(y d&+#""e#red. Kh#d'#r +w#yed) -(&nk&n') d#44(ed fro$ the wh&te (&'ht) ,o!'h&n' #nd '#+"&n' #t the +#$e t&$e) h&+ (!n'+ +tr!''(&n' to -r&n' #&r -#,k &nto h&+ -ody. Yo! #(( r&'ht6 3t w#+ T!r#(yon) h&+ h#nd+) +t&(( '(ow&n' +oft(y) he("&n' Kh#d'#r to r&+e. G(#n,&n' down) Kh#d'#r not&,ed th#t h&+ 1&o(et ro-e w#+ now d!+ty %&a'/all th#t w#+ (eft of G#4 So!(r&""er. He (ooked #t T!r#(yon) +t!nned #'#&n -y the yo!n' 'ener#(2+ "ower. T!r#(yon re#d h&+ '(#n,e #nd +$&(ed +hee"&+h(y. Kh#d'#r ,(#+"ed h&+ fr&end2+ #r$. Th#nk yo!. 3t w#+ d&e L&'ht) not 3) T!r#(yon +#&d w&th h&+ ,h#r#,ter&+t&, $ode+ty. We(() yo!r d#$ned L&'ht k&((ed h&$ too f#+t. A((er&# 'row(ed. E1en Kh#d'#r -(&nked #t the 1eno$ &n her 1o&,e. We ,o!(d h#1e #+ked h&$ #-o!t the ,#rt+ 3 +#w. C#rt+6 Kh#d'#r #+ked. E;"(#&n. She t!rned to h&$. ,(e#r(y $ore ,o$fort#-(e +"e#k&n' w&th the $#'e th#n w&th T!r#(yon. 3 +#w +o$e of the or,+ 'o&n' thro!'h the "ort#(. B(#,k dr#'on+ #,,o$"#n&ed the$. There were ,#rt+) +e1er#( of the$) #(( ,o1ered. They were t#k&n' th&n'+ -#,k to the&r wor(d. They ,#$e to 'et #rt&f#,t+) not +o!1en&r+) 'r!nted Kh#d'#r. Wh#t wo!(d they need ,#rt+ for6 A((er&# +hr!''ed. 3 know not) -!t 3 tho!'ht yo! +ho!(d know. Another "!44(e "&e,e. A!+t when 3 tho!'ht we2d f&'!red &t o!t. Kh#d'#r -r!+hed d&+'!+ted(y #t h&+ ro-e) then (ooked !" #t the$. We21e 'ot 7!&te the t#+k #he#d of !+. We need to +end #n e;"ed&t&on &nto Dr#enor. We h#1e to f&nd #nd k&(( Ner94h!( -efore he ,#n o"en #ny $ore "ort#(+) retr&e1e tho+e #rt&f#,t+/ e+"e,&#((y the Book of $ed&1h /#nd G!(2d#n2+ +k!(() #nd de+troy the D#rk Port#( for 'ood. T!r#(yon nodded) +!$$on&n' # +,o!t w&th # 7!&,k 'e+t!re) e1ery &n,h the $&(&t#ry ,o$$#nder. Send word to the A((&#n,e k&n'+) he +#&d 7!&,k(y. The Horde &+/ H&+ word+ were ,!t off #+ # +h#dow "#++ed o1er the +!n. Sh&e(d&n' h&+ eye+ fro$ the '(#re) he '(#n,ed !") then -e'#n to (#!'h #+ the +h#dow -roke #"#rt &nto +e1er#( w&n'ed for$+ th#t ,&r,(ed down tow#rd the$. The+e were not #rrow*+tr#&'ht (&ke dr#'on+5 they were -ro#der) +to!ter) #nd +ofter) ,o1ered &n t#wny f!r #nd fe#ther+ of 'o(d #nd wh&te.

Wh#t took yo!6 T!r#(yon ,#((ed -#,k) (#!'h&n' w&th Kh#d'#r #+ K!rdr#n W&(dh#$$,r) (e#der of the W&(dh#$$,r dw#r1e+) +hook h&+ he#d #nd $#n#'ed to (ook e$-#rr#++ed fro$ #to" h&+ 'ry"hon. B#d w&nd+) the dw#rf #d$&tted) -r&n'&n' Sky2r,, &n for # (#nd&n'. The 're#t -e#+t (#nded 'r#,ef!((y #nd ,#wed) f(#""&n' &t+ w&n'+ one f&n#( t&$e -efore &t+ r&der d&+$o!nted. De+"&te the d&r,ne++ of the +&t!#t&on) Kh#d'#r fo!nd h&$+e(f +$&(&n'. 3t w#+ 'ood to +ee h#(e) 'r!ff K!rdr#n. Yo!r #rr&1#( &+ $o+t t&$e(y) the #r,h$#', +#&d) +te""&n' forw#rd to +h#ke the dw#rf2+ h#nd #nd "er$&tt&n' h&+ own to -e enth!+&#+t&,#((y "!$"ed !" #nd down. We21e # $e++#'e to -e de(&1ered) #nd 7!&,k(y. Aye6 A+ (on' #+ ye "ro$&+e $e #n? $e -oy+ we2(( 'et # ,r#,k #t tho+e 'reen+k&n+) we2(( t#ke # $e++#'e for ye. He w#1ed #t +o$e of the other W&(dh#$$,r+) who h#+tened forw#rd #nd +tood #t #ttent&on. We2(( need to d&+"#t,h +e1er#( $e++#'e+ to the 1#r&o!+ (e#der+) T!r#(yon +#&d) the 'r&n f#d&n'. Kh#d'#r wondered &f T!r#(yon re#((y knew 0!+t how no*non+en+e he ,o!(d (ook when he h#d to. Te(( the$ th&+8 The or,+ #r, retre#t&n' to Dr#enor) -!t they h#1e fo!nd # $e#n+ to o"en new "ort#(+ to other wor(d+. The dw#r1e+2 eye+ w&dened) -!t they d&dn2t &nterr!"t. They #r, t#k&n' w&th the$ ,#rt(o#d+ of +o$eth&n' they o-1&o!+(y 1#(!e) we do not yet know wh#t) T!r#(yon ,ont&n!ed. We &ntend to "!r+!e the$ thro!'h the D#rk Port#() #nd +to" the$ fro$ o"en&n' tho+e "ort#(+. By #ny #nd #(( $e#n+ ne,e++#ry. Ar, ye +!re) (#d6 #+ked K!rdr#n 7!&et(y) T!r#(yon nodded. E1eryone +tood +&(ent(y for # $o$ent) know&n' th#t T!r#(yon +"oke wh#t h#d to -e done) -!t e1en +o rendered $!te #t the re#(&ty. Now h!rry) T!r#(yon +#&d. :#ke th#t 'ry"hon e#rn her d&nner. The +,o!t+ nodded) +#(!ted) $o!nted the&r 'ry"hon+) #nd took to the +k&e+. T!r#(yon t!rned to h&+ fr&end+) And now) he +#&d +o$-er(y) we "re"#re to (e#1e o!r wor(d -eh&nd.

CHAPTER %OURTEEN
The re+t of th#t d#y #nd e1en&n' w#+ ,r#$$ed w&th ,h#ot&, "(#nn&n'. Who +ho!(d 'o6 Who +ho!(d +t#y -eh&nd6 Wh#t "ro1&+&on+ +ho!(d they t#ke6 How (on' +ho!(d they w#&t6 De-#te+ went fro$ d&+,!++&on to #r'!$ent to e1en +ho!t&n') #nd #t one "o&nt T!r#(yon tho!'ht A((er&# #nd K!rdr#n $&'ht ,o$e to -(ow+ o1er how -e+t to !t&(&4e the 'ry"hon+. %&n#((y # "(#n w#+ dr#fted th#t #(( ,o!(d -e +#t&+f&ed w&th. So$e) &n,(!d&n' A((er&#) w#nted to he#d o!t r&'ht then. :y r#n'er+ ,#n +ee #+ we(( or -etter th#n the or,+ #t n&'ht) +he "o&nted o!t) #nd e1en yo! h!$#n+ h#1e the $oon(&'ht) No) T!r#(yon h#d +#&d) "!tt&n' h&+ foot down) We don2t #(( h#1e yo!r 1&+&on. A((er&#. And we2re e;h#!+ted. The or,+ wo!(d def&n&te(y h#1e the #d1#nt#'e #t n&'ht. Yo!2(( not&,e they2re not #tt#,k&n' r&'ht now. Her eye+ h#d n#rrowed. No. they2re "ro-#-(y re+t&n' !" +o they ,#n -e fre+h &n the $orn&n' to h#1e #t !+ then. T!r#(yon (et her word+ h#n' there for # $o$ent. On,e +he re#(&4ed +he2d $#de h&+ #r'!$ent+ for h&$) +he +,ow(ed) -!t +t#yed +&(ent) T!r#(yon2+ r&'ht. Kh#d'#r +#&d. We2re e;h#!+ted. De#d on o!r feet. The "!r"o+e here &+n2t to k&(( #+ $#ny or,+ #+ "o++&-(e #nd 'o down +ho!t&n' -#td, ,r&e+) &t2+ to 'et to the other +&de w&th #+ $#ny #+ we ,#n +o we ,#n +to" +o$eth&n' -&''er th#n the h#ndf!( th#t2+ #t the '#te+ r&'ht now. T!r#(yon +!+"e,ted the ,o$$ent w#+n2t "#rt&,!(#r(y d&re,ted #t A((er&#. -!t &t +tr!,k ho$e nonethe(e++. She2d t!rned f&r+t red) then wh&te #+ # +heet) #nd +t#(ked fro$ the roo$. T!r#(yon #!to$#t&,#((y $o1ed to fo((ow) -!t Kh#d'#r2+ h#nd ,(o+ed on h&+ #r$. Let her 'o. he +#&d 7!&et(y. T#(k&n' to her now w&(( 0!+t $#ke th&n'+ wor+e. She2+ #+ e;h#!+ted #+ the re+t of !+ r&'ht now #nd &+n2t th&nk&n' ,(e#r(y #t the -e+t of t&$e+. Let her ,o$e to yo!. ,et her come to ou. T!r#(yon wondered) #+ #(w#y+) how $!,h the yo!n'*o(d $#'e knew) #nd &f the "hr#+e h#d -een ,#(,!(#ted or ,#+!#(. =,r#n#) # $o$ent) +#&d A((er&# #+ +he #nd her +e,ond*&n*,o$$#nd (eft the $eet&n' roo$ for the&r #++&'ned -#rr#,k+. She &nd&,#ted th#t the other e(f fo((ow her o!t+&de onto the w#(kw#y) !nderne#th the $oon #nd the +t#r+. Word(e++(y) =,r#n# o-eyed. There h#d ne1er -een #ny 7!e+t&on -!t th#t A((er&# wo!(d -e #$on' tho+e 'o&n' thro!'h the "ort#( #t d#wn to$orrow. =,r#n# #nd # few other+ wo!(d re$#&n -eh&nd) to #&d the Son+ of Loth#r &n ,#+e +o$eth&n' went wron'. =,r#n# t!rned &n7!&r&n'(y to her ,o$$#nder. 3 h#1e # +"e,&#( t#+k for yo!. One th#t 'oe+ -eyond yo!r $&(&t#ry d!t&e+) A((er&# -e'#n. 3t &+ not $#!d(&n to th&nk th#t 3 $&'ht not ret!rn. Th#t none of !+ $&'ht. We do not know wh#t we f#,e on the other +&de. =,r#n# (ooked tro!-(ed5 they h#d -een fr&end+ for de,#de+. B!t +he nodded. Of ,o!r+e. 3f 3 do not ,o$e -#,k... do not ,o$e ho$e ... -e#r # $e++#'e for $e to $y f#$&(y. Te(( the$ 3 took the f&'ht to the or,+2 own wor(d) to #1en'e >!,(2Th#(#+ #nd to kee" o!r "eo"(e +#fe fro$ f!t!re #tt#,k+. She tho!'ht of T!r#(yon2+

&$"#++&oned) &$"(#,#-(e word+/ th#t d&,y ,o!(d not re(e#+e the horror th#t w#+ the Horde on other) &nno,ent "eo"(e. A (!$" +!dden(y +we((ed &n her thro#t. Te(( the$) +he ,ont&n!ed) her 1o&,e ro!'h) te(( the$ 3 went to try to +#1e other wor(d+ #+ we((. Other+ who w&(() 3 "r#y) ne1er know the "#&n of wh#t we !nderwent. Te(( the$ 3 ,ho+e to do th&+ of $y own free w&(() #nd th#t wh#te1er h#""en+ to $e ... $y he#rt &+ w&th the$. She f!$-(ed &n # "o!,h #nd e$er'ed w&th three +$#(( ne,k(#,e+. E#,h w#+ 'r#,ed w&th # '(ow&n') -e#!t&f!( 'e$8 #n e$er#(d) # r!-y) #nd # +#""h&re. =,r#n# '#+"ed #nd (ooked !") ,(e#r(y re,o'n&4&n' the +tone+. Ye+. They2re fro$ the ne,k(#,e $y "#rent+ '#1e $e. A((er&# ,onf&r$ed. 3 h#d the ne,k(#,e $e(ted down &n Stor$w&nd) #nd three (o,ket+ $#de fro$ &t. 3 w&(( kee" th&+ one. She +e(e,ted d&e e$er#(d #nd f#+tened &t #-o!t her thro#t. 3 w#nted to '&1e the other two to =,r,,+# #nd Sy(1#n#+ when 3/ She -&t her (ower (&". P(e#+e. T#ke the+e ho$e w&th yo!. when yo! #r, #-(e to ret!rn. G&1e the$ to $y +&+ter+. Te(( the$ th&+ w#y. no $#tter wh#t h#""en+ ... we2(( #(w#y+ -e to'ether. =,r#n#2+ eye+ +hone w&th te#r+ th#t +(&""ed down her ,he,k+) A((er&# en1&ed her the #-&(&ty to wee". The other r#n'er +t!d&ed the &n+,r&"t&on+) wh&,h A((er&# knew -y he#rt8 1o S lvanas. ,ove alwa s, Alleria. 1o 5ereesa. .ith love, Alleria. Yo! w&(( ret!rn) $y (#dy) #nd '&1e the+e to yo!r +&+ter+ yo!r+e(f. B!t for now 3 w&(( kee" the$ +#fe !nt&( yo! do. Th&+ 3 +we#r. =,r#n# h!''ed her t&'ht(y) #nd A((er&# +t&ffened. She h#d not #((owed #nyone to to!,h her &n other th#n # "erf!n,tory $#nner +&n,e/ A((er&# (et her #r$+ 'o #ro!nd her fr&end #nd h!''ed =,r#n# -#,k for # (on' $o$ent) then d&+$&++ed her. =,r#n# +#(!ted) w&"ed her f#,e) #nd h!rr&ed -#,k to the&r -#rr#,k+. A((er&# (&n'ered) (ett&n' d&e fre+h #&r ,#($ her. An ,#r tw&t,hed #+ +he he#rd +oft +te"+. >!&,k(y +he f#ded &nto d&e +h#dow+) frown&n' to her+e(f #+ +he re,o'n&4ed T!r#(yon. He w#(ked to the w#(( #nd (e#ned #'#&n+t &t) h&+ -ro#d +ho!(der+ -owed &n the $oon(&'ht. Her +h#r" ,#r+ he#rd her n#$e wh&+"ered5 her +h#r" eye+ ,#!'ht # '(&tter of te#r+. She t!rned #nd 1#n&+hed) $o1&n' +&(endy the w#y +he h#d ,o$e. The t#(k w&th =,r#n# h#d !nner1ed her +!ff&,&endy. To +"e#k w&th T!r#(yon now ,o!(d !ndo e1eryth&n' +he h#d worked +o h#rd to ,re#te o1er the (#+t two ye#r+. She wo!(d not r&+k &t. The 'ener#( of the A((&#n,e for,e+ +tood #(one &n the $oon(&'ht. De+"&te h&+ #d1&,e to h&+ troo"+) he h#d fo!nd h&$+e(f !n#-(e to +(ee". Kh#d'#r2+ word+ #nd A((er&#2+ e;"re++&on h#d h#!nted h&$) #nd h&+ $&nd went -#,k) #+ &t h#d ,o!nt(e++ t&$e+ -efore o1er the (#+t two ye#r+) to the n&'ht when h&+ who(e wor(d h#d ,h#n'ed. He barel heard the so!t whisper above the pounding o! the rain on the !ield tent, and at !irst 1ural on thought it was merel wish!ul thin"ing when he heard Alleria's voice whisper, "1urab on/" He li!ted his head and in the dim orange glow o! the brazier saw her standing +ust inside the tent. "Alleria! ( the ,ight, ou're drenched!" 1ural on leaped up !rom his cot, clad onl in a pair o! light linen breeches, and rushed to her. Shivering, the el! gazed up at him mutel , her e es wide, her glorious golden hair plastered to her s"ull. A thousand questions crowded 1ural on's lips. .hen had she gotten bac"/ .hat had happened/ And most important, wh was she here, in his tent, alone at this hour/ All o! that would wait. She was soa"ed and chilled, and as he reached to undo her cloa" he !ound it to be as wet as i! she'd !allen in a la"e. "Here, he said, tossing the sodden thing awa . "Stand close to the brazier. #'ll get ou something dr to wear. His matter0o!0!act tone seemed to hearten her and she nodded, stretching out small hands to the warmth o! the growing embers while he rummaged through his trun". He !ound a shirt, breeches, tabard, and cloa". She'd swim in them, but the were dr . He turned to see that Alleria hadn't moved. Something was ver wrong indeed. "6ome on," he said, gentl , and led her to the trun", sitting her down on it. Usuall so sel!0controlled, almost iuiught , at this moment A.eria loo"ed li"e a despairing child. (iting his lip against the questions, 1ural on "nelt and drew o!! her boots. Almost an inch o! water was in them, and her !eet were ic to the touch. He rubbed them bris"l , noting how delicate and pale the were, until the warmed somewliat, then rose and helped her to her !eet. "Here are some dr clothes," he said, steering her bac" toward the brazier. "6hange into those and #'ll get something hot !or ou to drin". 1hen we'll tal"." 1ural on pressed the clothes into her hands and turned his bac", blushing a little. He heard a so!t rustling behind him and watted !or her to tell him she was read !or him to turn around. He inhaled swi!tl as he !elt a pair o! small hands slip around his waist !rom behind, and a slender !igure press against his bac". 1ural on did not move at once, then, slowl , too" the cold hands in his, li!ted them gentl , and pressed them to his heart. #t was racing. He shivered as he !elt chilled lips press a so!t "iss onto his shoulder, and closed his e es. How long had he wanted this/ 3reamed o! it/ He'd realized earl on that he'd !allen head over heels in love with Alleria, but until recentl he had never e*pected the emotion to be returned. 7ver the last !ew wee"s, however, it

seemed to him she had sought out his compan 8 had contrived to touch him more o!ten, though still in a teasing manner. And now.
H3?

''#'m c0cold," she whispered, her voice thic". "So cold." Unable to bear it an longer, 1ural on turned around in her embrace, sliding his hands up her bare bac", in awe o! how sil" her pale s"in was beneath his callused, war0roughened hands. 1he dim light o! the brazier caught the gleam o! three gems on a nec"lace that encircled a long, swanli"e throat and turned her s"in warm and golden. His vision blurred as she turned her !ace up to him, and he blin"ed bac" tears o! an emotion so pro!ound it shoo" his ver soul. "Alleria," he whispered into her long, pointed ear. Suddenl he tightened his arms around her, holding her close, pressing her against him. ",et me warm ou," he said, bro"enl . ",et me ta"e awa whatever it is tiiat's hurting ou, that's !rightened ou. # can't stand the thought o! ou in pain." He would do no more, as" !or nothing more. He was terri!ied that at an minute she would recover, tell him she was simpl pla ing with him, and retreat to a respectable distance to discuss tactics or strateg with him. 1ural on would let her, i! that was what she wanted. #! that was what she needed to recover, to get the light and li!e bac" into her e es, to banish this terri! ing stillness. She did not pull awa #nstead she reached to touch his !ace. "1ural on," she whispered, and then in her native tongue, "5endel'o eranu," He cupped her !ace in his hands in turn, !eeling the delicate bones o! her chee", realizing that !or all her s"ill and energ and !ire, she was !ragile. She'd never let him see her !ragilit be!ore. .ater rolled down her chee", and !or a moment, he thought she wept. He realized an instant later that it was onl a drop o! rain !rom her sodden hair. Slowl , tentativel , he bent to "iss her. She responded at once, passionatel , wrapping her arms around his nec". 1ural on !elt dizz as he drew bac" and she whispered, "6old, so cold ... He pic"ed her up in his arms, astounded at how light she was to bear, placed her on the cot, and drew the !urs about them both. And the were warm. T!r#(yon r!--ed #t h&+ +tr#&ned) t&red eye+) -(&nk&n' -#,k wh#t he &n+&+ted on th&nk&n' of #+ te#r+ of e;h#!+t&on. After the&r +&n'(e n&'ht to'ether) +he h#d -een 'one the ne;t $orn&n'. He2d e$er'ed fro$ h&+ tent to new+ th#t +ho,ked h&$ to the ,ore. A((er&# #nd her r#n'er+) of ,o!r+e) h#d ret!rned fro$ the&r +,o!t&n' $&++&on5 he (e#rned th#t 'r#y $orn&n') h&+ eye+ w&den&n' w&th ,o$"#++&on #nd "#&n) th#t the Horde h#d ,!t # dre#df!( +w#th thro!'h >!,(2Th#(#+. And th#t A((er&# h#d "er+on#((y (o+t no fewer th#n e&'hteen k&n of 1#r&o!+ de'ree+ of ,(o+ene++/ ,o!+&n+) #!nt+) !n,(e+) ne"hew+. And #$on' the de#d w#+ her yo!n'er -rother. He2d r!+hed to her) -!t when h&+ h#nd ,(o+ed on her +ho!(der) +he2d wren,hed #w#y. He2d tr&ed to t#(k to her) -!t +he2d -r!+hed #ny word+ #+&de. 3t w#+ #+ &f they h#d ne1er -een (o1er+ ... #+ &f they2d ne1er e1en -een fr&end+. T!r#(yon fe(t +o$eth&n' -re#k &n+&de h&$ #t th#t $o$ent) +o$eth&n' he2d +&n,e "!+hed #+&de #nd (et +,#r o1er) -e,#!+e he w#+ # 'ener#() he w#+ # (e#der) #nd he ,o!(d not #fford to &nd!('e h&+ "er+on#( "#&n. B!t when he2d +een her th#t d#y &n Stor$w&nd) +o#ked #'#&n to the -one) he2d tho!'ht/he2d ho"ed ... we(() he2d -een # foo( to ho"e. B!t # foo( he wo!(d -e) then) to the re+t of h&+ d#y+. %or de+"&te e1eryth&n') T!r#(yon knew he wo!(d #(w#y+ (o1e A((er&# W&ndr!nn,r) #nd ho(d f#+t to the&r one n&'ht to'ether #+ the -r&'hte+t #nd $o+t -e#!t&f!( of h&+ who(e -r&ef (&fe. They ,o$e. R,;;#r2+ 1o&,e w#+ dee" #nd ,#($. Gro$ (ooked to where the h#(f*o're "o&nted #nd nodded. So they do) he +#&d) #nd 'r&""ed Gorehow( #+ h&+ eye+ -r&'htened &n #nt&,&"#t&on of the +(#!'hter to ,o$e. 3t w#+ no token for,e th#t w#+ (eft -eh&nd #+ the re+t of the ,(#n+ de"#rted A4eroth. The A((&#n,e wo!(d f#,e fe#r+o$e o""onent+ th&+ d#y. H&+ '(ow&n' red eye+ n#rrowed #+ he +#w the n!$-er+ f(ood&n' #,ro++ the de#d (#nd. They h#d ,o$e &n for,e &ndeed. Where w#+ the (e#der) the one who h#d (eft h&+ $en to d&e to r&de for # w#rn&n'6 Gro$ "#rt&,!(#r(y #,hed to k&(( h&$. Be+&de h&+ $#+ter) H#r#th# wh!ffed &n #nt&,&"#t&on. R,;;#r ,h!,k(ed #t h&+ "et wo(f. Co$e) (&tt(e A((&#n,e) $!r$!red Gro$. Gorehow( &+ th&r+ty. T!r#(yon re&ned &n h&+ hor+e #+ h&+ 'ro!" ,(e#red the r&n' of h&((+ th#t en,&r,(ed # +$#(( -#+&n #nd -ehe(d the "ort#(. 3f the or,+ were &ndeed retre#t&n') there were +t&(( "(enty of the$ (eft -eh&nd. 3t w#+ not 'o&n' to -e #n e#+y ,#nter to the "ort#(. They2d h#1e to f&'ht the&r w#y thro!'h th#t o$&no!+ (&ne of 'reen*+k&nned -e&n'+ #nd the h!'e) tower&n') "#(e th&n'+ th#t fo!'ht #(on'+&de the$.

Two w#rr&or+ &n "#rt&,!(#r drew h&+ #ttent&on. T!r#(yon w#+ not e1en ent&re(y ,ert#&n one of the$ w#+ #n ore. He re+e$-(ed one) -!t h&+ +k&n w#+ ye((ow&+h*-rown) not 'reen) #nd he towered o1er the other+. H&+ -!&(d) too) +ee$ed +o$ehow d&fferent. Be+&de h&$ +tood # -(#,k wo(f th#t T!r#(yon +!+"e,ted w#+ #+ de#d(y #nd fo,!+ed #+ h&+ $#+ter. A "owerf!( w#rr&or) ye+) -!t not the (e#der. There. Th#t one. L#r'er th#n $o+t) w&th # th&,k $#ne of -(#,k h#&r "!((ed &nto # to"knot) # -(#,k 0#w) '(ow&n' red eye+) #nd he#1y -r#,er+ de,or#ted w&th +tr#n'e +y$-o(+) he +t#red -o(d(y !" #t the +!"er&or n!$-er+ of A((&#n,e w#rr&or+. The&r eye+ $et. E1en #+ T!r#(yon w#t,hed) theor,(e#der (&fted # $#$$oth #;e &n # +#(!te. We2re re#dy for yo! th&+ t&$e) yo! -#+t#rd+) D#n#th $!ttered. H&+ eye+ were -r&'ht #nd he w#+ $ore th#n e#'er for -#tt(e. A+ w#+ e1ery +o(d&er "re+ent. Son+ of Loth#r! Att#,k! T!r#(yon ,r&ed. H&+ troo"+ (et o!t # ye(( of the&r own #nd +tre#$ed down fro$ #(( +&de+. The -#tt(e w#+ on. 3t w#+ # +&$"(e "(#n/k&(( #+ $#ny or,+ #+ "o++&-(e wh&(e he#d&n' +tr#&'ht for the "ort#(. T!r#(yon fo!'ht f&er,e(y) +w&n'&n' h&+ h#$$er (eft #nd r&'ht #nd -e#t&n' -#,k the +n#r(&n' foe+ th#t +!r'ed !" to -(o,k h&+ "#th. C(o+e -y h&$ fo!'ht A((er&#) +ee$&n'(y #+ 'r&$(y 0oyf!( &n the +(#!'hter #+ e1er. So$e +&;th +en+e "r&,k(ed #t h&$ #nd he (ooked !" 0!+t &n t&$e to +ee the ,(1,n r#n'er -r&n'&n' # +word down on one h#"(e++or,wh&(e #nother (oo$ed !" -eh&nd her) (&ft&n' # -r!t#(*(ook&n' ,(!-. She d&dn2t +ee$ to not&,e the thre#t/her f#,e w#+ #(&'ht w&th h#r+h '(ee #+ +he "!((ed her +word free fro$ the 'reen ,or"+e. She w#+ too fo,!+ed) too &ntent on her re1en'e/ A((er&#! T!r#(yon ,r&ed) ,(#""&n' hee(+ to h&+ w#rhor+, #nd '#((o"&n' tow#rd her. A+ &f &n +(ow $ot&on) A((er&# r#&+ed her 'o(den he#d) her eye+ w&den&n') her #r$ (&ft&n' the -(oody +word to -(o,k the -(ow) -!t +he w#+ too +(ow) too +(ow) #nd he wo!(d ne1er 'et there &n t&$e/ The "r#yer (eft h&+ (&"+ #nd he thr!+t h&+ h#nd+ forw#rd. Wh&te (&'ht +hot forw#rd #nd +tr!,k theor,+7!#re &n the ,he+t. He #r,hed -#,kw#rd) the ,(!- t!$-(&n' he("(e++(y fro$ h&+ 'r#+" #+ he ,r!$"(ed to the e#rth. %or the -r&efe+t of &n+t#nt+) T!r#(yon2+ '#4e (o,ked w&th A((er&#2+) then +he w#+ on to the ne;t ore. #nd he too h#d t!rned -#,k to the fr#y. H&+ eye fe(( !"on theor,(e#der he2d +"otted e#r(&er. He +ee$ed to d#n,e thro!'h the A((&#n,e for,e+. The he#1y #;e &n h&+ h#nd +hr&eked #+ &t ,!t #&r #nd f(e+h #(&ke) #nd the +o!nd ro+e #-o1e the +,re#$+ #nd 'ro#n+ of h&+ $#ny 1&,t&$+. He "#!+ed now #nd then to +ho!t #nd "o&nt. B!t "owerf!( tho!'h he w#+) he #nd h&+ w#rr&or+ were o!tn!$-ered) #nd -y the (ook on h&+ f#,e he knew &t. The w#1e of A((&#n,e ke"t $o1&n' &ne;or#-(y forw#rd) to the "ort#(. Theor,+ee$ed to $#ke # de,&+&on. He t!rned #nd +ho!ted +o$eth&n' to # ,(o#ked f&'!re ne;t to the "ort#( &t+e(f) #nd the f&'!re nodded. Then the (e#der -e((owed +o$eth&n' e(+e) #nd #(( #,ro++ the 1#((ey h&+ or,+ h#+tened to o-ey) -#,k&n' #w#y fro$ the A((&#n,e #nd retre#t&n' +(ow(y -!t +!re(y tow#rd the w#&t&n' "ort#(. Another $o1e$ent ,#!'ht T!r#(yon2+ eye. A ,(o#ked f&'!re re#,hed down #nd "!((ed +o$eth&n' fro$ -e+&de the "ort#(2+ r&'ht$o+t "&((#r) T!r#(yon ,o!(dn2t $#ke o!t wh#t &t w#+) -!t &t w#+ $et#( #nd &t '(&nted &n the (&'ht. So$eth&n' #-o!t the w#y he f&dd(ed w&th &t $#de T!r#(yon ner1o!+ #nd for +o$e re#+on) h&+ $&nd went -#,k to h&+ ,on1er+#t&on w&th the 'no$e :ekk#tor7!e. How sa!e will it be/ . . . #'m willing to bet it will eventuall be as sa!e as the sa!est gnomish creation ever. . . . The or,+ were +!dden(y try&n' to 'et thro!'h) where#+ -efore they h#d fo!'ht. Kh#d'#r h#d ,onf&r$ed th#t they2d h#d the #rt&f#,t+ they needed #nd they were (&ke(y re#dy to/ D#$n &t! T!r#(yon ,r&ed. He ho"ed he w#+ wron'. He (ooked o1er the +e# of f&'ht&n' $en #nd or,+ #nd +#w Kh#d'#r #nd #nother 'ro!" of $#'&. He rode tow#rd the$) '#+"&n' o!t wh#t he2d +een. Kh#d'#r frowned #+ he (&+tened. 3f 3 were the$) 32d he#d for ho$e too/-!t f&r+t 32d de+troy the "ort#( -eh&nd $e +o no one here ,o!(d &nterfere. :y tho!'ht+ too. 3 th&nk &t2+ +o$eth&n' $e,h#n&,#(/(&ke +o$eth&n' the 'no$e+ wo!(d $#ke. Or the 'o-(&n+) +#&d Kh#d'#r. Both $en knew th#t) !n(&ke the 'no$e+) who were f&r$(y on the A((&#n,e +&de) the re,endy en,o!ntered 'o-(&n+ h#""&(y +o(d the&r $e,h#n&,#( '&4$o+ to -oth +&de+. We de+troyed the (#+t "ort#(. They ,#n ,ert#&n(y de+troy th&+ one. And w&tho!t $ed&1h2+ -ook #nd G!(2d#n2+ +k!(() 3 do!-t 3 ,o!(d reo"en &t. Then (et2+ 'o. 32(( ho(d the$ off) T!r#(yon +#&d) #(re#dy whee(&n' h&+ hor+e to ,h#r'e the "ort#(. Kh#d'#r w#+ r&'ht -eh&nd h&$. T!r#(yon -#ttered #w#y #t the or,+) ,!tt&n' # "#th thro!'h the$ (&ke # $#n "o++e++ed. Kh#d'#r -ore down on the "ort#( #nd the f&'!re #d0!+t&n' +o$eth&n' -e+&de &t. Le#n&n' o1er &n h&+ +#dd(e) Kh#d'#r +(#+hed #t the f&'!re) who t!rned #t the (#+t +e,ond) tho!'h not f#+t eno!'h to #1o&d # -(ow to the ne,k 3t w#+n2t # +tron' eno!'h -(ow to k&(( h&$ #t on,e) -!t the ,(o#ked f&'!re 'r!nted &n "#&n #nd dro""ed the de1&,e) h&+ h#nd+ f(y&n' to h&+ ne,k. Sw&n'&n' down fro$ h&+ hor+e. Kh#d'#r r#n o1er #nd 'r#--ed !" the +tr#n'e $#,h&ne. 3t w#+ the +&4e of # +$#(( +h&e(d) def&n&te(y $e,h#n&,#( . . . #nd &t w#+ $#k&n' #n odd t&,k&n' +o!nd. He #n#(y4ed &t 7!&,k(y) -!t the

,on+tr!,t&on w#+ too #(&en. There w#+ no w#y he ,o!(d +to" &t. Wh#te1er &t h#d -een &ntended to do) &t w#+ 'o&n' to do &t +oon. Gr!nt&n') the $#'e (&fted the "#,k#'e #nd threw &t #+ f#r #+ he ,o!(d) #!'$ent&n' h&+ "hy+&,#( +tren'th w&th $#'&, +o th#t &t #r,ed o!t o1er the 1#((ey #nd (ooked (&ke &t $&'ht e1en '(#n,e off the ,(&ff w#((+ #(on' th#t +&de. The e;"(o+&on ro,ked the ent&re 1#((ey. Gro$ +wore) d!,k&n' #nd ,o1er&n' h&+ he#d) fee(&n' +t&n'+ #(on' h&+ -#,k #nd +ho!(der+ where he h#d -een "e""ered w&th +$#(( fr#'$ent+ of +h#ttered ro,k. He (ooked !". r#'e -!rn&n' &n+&de h&$) #nd +trode w&th dre#df!( "!r"o+e to the w#r(o,k. Kr#2k!( (ooked #+ +ho,ked #+ Gro$ fe(t #nd ,owered #+ Gr#$2+ f&+t de+,ended. Tr#&tor! Yo! wo!(d k&(( !+! No! No. 3 +we#r) 3 w#+ to(d &t w#+ # +h&e(d) # +h&e(d to "rote,t !+! 3 d&dn2t know! Red +w#$ -efore Gr#$2+ eye+ #+ he (&fted the ,r&n'&n' w#r(o,k w&th one h#nd #nd +hook h&$. How he w#nted to ,r!+h the ore2+ w&nd"&"e) to r&" h&+ he#d off #nd throw &t #+ the e(der(y h!$#n h#d thrown the de1&,e th#t Gro$ h#d -een to(d wo!(d "rote,t the$ -!t &n+te#d h#d ne#r(y k&((ed the$. Who to(d yo! th&+6 Where &+ he) th#t 3 $#y te#r h&+ he#rt o!t! Ro!'h(y he +hook the w#r(o,k) ,!r-&n' h&+ -(ood(!+t w&th 're#t effort. 3 don2t know/:#(kor w#+ +ent to do &t/he to(d $e &t w#+ # +h&e(d/D C!r+&n') Gro$ h!r(ed the worth(e++ wret,h #w#y #nd t!rned -#,k to the f&'ht. Gro$ h#d -een to(d the de1&,e w#+ # +h&e(d) +o th#t #t the (#+t $o$ent) the W#r+on' ,(#n ,o!(d +#fety e+,#"e. He h#d -een (&ed to. So$eone &n # "o+&t&on of "ower/Goref&end6 Ner94h!(6/h#d &ntended th#t the w#rr&or+ (eft -eh&nd wo!(d not e+,#"e w&th the&r (&1e+. Gro$ 1owed to +!r1&1e th&+ -#tt(e) !n(&ke(y #+ &t +ee$ed) +o th#t +o$eone wo!(d "#y. The e;"(o+&on h#d r#tt(ed h&+ "eo"(e. The A((&#n,e h#d re,o1ered $ore 7!&,k(y th#n the or,+) #nd Gro$ +#w) f!r&o!+ #nd he("(e++) th#t they were -e&n' herded (&ke -e#+t+ to the +o!thwe+t. Yet he ,o!(d do noth&n' #-o!t &t. One 'ro!" ,#$e fro$ one +&de) # +e,ond -(o,ked off the e;&t fro$ #nother) for,&n' the or,+ -#,k #nd &nto # n#rrow 1#((ey $o!th) #w#y fro$ the "ort#(. Aw#y fro$ ho$e. So -e &t) he 'row(ed. The A((&#n,e $&'ht h#1e th&+ 1&,tory) -!t &t wo!(d ,o+t the$ de#r(y. He threw h&+ he#d -#,k) o"ened h&+ 0#w w&de) #nd (et forth # +,re#$ th#t fro4e two A((&#n,e w#rr&or+ &n $&d*+w&n'. %&'ht) $y W#r+on') f&'ht (&ke the or,+ yo! #r,! Let yo!r -(ood +&n' w&th -#tt(e (!+t! Te#r the$ to "&e,e+! -or the Horde!" * * So$eone h#+ to +t#y here #nd w#t,h th&+ ,rew) T!r#(yon +#&d) re&n&n' &n -e+&de A((er&# #nd Kh#d'#r #nd w#&t&n' for K!rdr#n to ,&r,(e (ow eno!'h to he#r the ,on1er+#t&on. 32(( +t#t&on +o$e $en #t the $o!th of th&+ 1#((ey to kee" the$ fro$ e+,#"&n' #'#&n. E1eryone e(+e/ He fe(( +&(ent. Kh#d'#r d&dn2t en1y h&$. No one re#((y w#nted to 'o thro!'h the D#rk Port#(/#(tho!'h he h#d to #d$&t) # +$#(( "#rt of h&$) the "#rt th#t h#d (ed to h&$ -e,o$e # $#'e &n the f&r+t "(#,e) w#+ 1ery ,!r&o!+ #-o!t wh#t (#y -eyond &t. We((. T!r#(yon +#&d. We know wh#t we need to do. E#,h of yo!) te(( yo!r !n&t+ one $ore t&$e th#t th&+ &+ # 1o(!nteer e;"ed&t&on. 32(( not for,e #ny +o(d&er to ,ro++ wor(d+ &f he doe+ not w&+h to. D#n#th nodded #nd whee(ed h&+ $o!nt #w#y) -e((ow&n' order+) A((er&# t!rned -#,k to her r#n'er+) #nd +"oke +oft(y to the$ &n the&r $!+&,#( (#n'!#'e. Kh#d'#r '#1e T!r#(yon # re#++!r&n' +$&(e) -!t the "#(#d&n d&dn2t ret!rn &t. >!&et(y he +#&d to Kh#d'#r) A((er&# w#+ #($o+t k&((ed tod#y. 3 w#+ -#re(y #-(e to +#1e her. T!r#(yon) Kh#d'#r +#&d) e7!#((y 7!&et(y) +he2+ # tr#&ned w#rr&or. She ,#n o!tf&'ht -oth of !+. "ro-#-(y. Yo! know th#t. Th#t2+ not wh#t 32$ worr&ed #-o!t. 3 know +he ,#n h#nd(e her+e(f) nor$#((y. B!t. . . +he 'et+ ,#re(e++. She %et(/ H&+ 1o&,e f#(tered) #nd Kh#d'#r h#d to (ook #w#y fro$ the "#&n on the yo!th2+ f#,e. She "!t+ k&((&n' or,+ -efore her own +#fety) Kh#d'#r +#&d) She t#ke+ !nd!e r&+k+. T!r#(yon nodded $&+er#-(y. We(() now we t#ke the f&'ht to the$) T!r#(yon. 3t ,o!(d -e 'ood for her. %or -oth of yo!) T!r#(yon f(!+hed +(&'ht(y) -!t d&dn2t #n+wer. H&+ eye+ were on h&+ troo"+ now) #nd he '!&ded h&+ hor+e +o th#t he w#+ #$on' the$. Son+ of Loth#r! he ,r&ed. We h#1e f#,ed -#tt(e -efore. We h#1e f#,ed (o++) #nd defe#t) #nd known 1&,tory. Now we f#,e the !nknown. He ,#!'ht Kh#d'#r2+ eye #nd +$&(ed +(&'ht(y. We t#ke the f&'ht to the$. And we +to" the$ /+o they ne1er tro!-(e !+. or other &nno,ent wor(d+) e1er #'#&n. %or the A((&#n,e! %or the L&'ht! He (&fted h&+ h#$$er #nd # ,heer ro+e !" #+ the h#$$er -e'#n to '(ow w&th # +h#r") ,(e#r wh&te r#d&#n,e. Kh#d'#r nodded to h&$+e(f. Th&+ w#+ wh#t -oth he #nd And!&n Loth#r h#d +en+ed &n T!r#(yon when they h#d f&r+t $et h&$. 3t +ee$ed # (&fet&$e #'o) now. Both the A((&#n,e ,o$$#nder #nd the $#'e h#d known e1en then th#t th&+ "r&,+t* t!rn,d*ho(y w#rr&or wo!(d r&+e to the ,h#((en'e. Wo!(d -(end h&+ #($o+t &nno,ent #nd &nherent de,en,y w&th # f&er,e deter$&n#t&on to "rote,t h&+ "eo"(e. Wo!(d +t#nd now. #t the he#d of #n #r$y) r#((y&n' the$ to ,ro++ &nto # ,o$* "(ete(y new wor(d. Kh#d'#r wondered &f h&+ fr&end +#w) re#((y saw, how $!,h he &n+"&red h&+ +o(d&er+. And how he &n+"&red one &n "#rt&,!(#r) who w#+ (ook&n' #t h&$ now w&th #n #((*too*r#re !n'!#rded e;"re++&on on her -e#!t&f!()

,(1,n f#,e. T!r#(yon t!rned h&+ hor+e #nd +"!rred &t !" the +tone r#$" tow#rd the D#rk Port#( &t+e(f. H&+ +teed +h&ed) re+&+t&n') -!t T!r#(yon he(d the re&n+ f&r$ #nd for,ed &t on. The +w&r(&n' (&'ht -e,koned) #nd he "#++ed thro!'h &t) &t+ 'reen&+h '(ow o1er"ower&n' h&+ own wh&te (&'ht for #n &n+t#nt -efore he 1#n&+hed ,o$"(ete(y -etween the ,o(!$n+. A((er&# #nd Kh#d'#r were r&'ht -eh&nd h&$. The $#'e wre+t(ed w&th h&+ hor+e #nd fe(t # ,!r&o!+ +en+#t&on #+ $#n #nd -e#+t entered the r&ft) # r&""(e of ,o(d #nd # t!''&n' fee(&n') #+ &f # +tron' ,!rrent "!((ed #t h&$. A ,h&(( +we"t o1er h&$) #nd for #n &n+t#nt he +#w -(#,kne++ #nd +t#r+ #nd +w&r(+ #nd f(#+he+ of +tr#n'e ,o(or+ #(( $&n'(ed to'ether. Then he w#+ e$er'&n') #nd the hot #&r w#r$ed +k&n th#t h#d 'rown &ne;"(&,#-(y ,o(d d!r&n' the -r&ef ,ro++&n'. Br&'ht ... &t w#+ +o 1ery -r&'ht. He #!to$#t&,#((y (&fted # h#nd to +h&e(d h&+ eye+ fro$ the '(#re. And hot) too) # dry) +#1#'e he#t th#t +tr!,k Kh#d'#r #+ -e&n' #($o+t "hy+&,#(. He -(&nked) (ett&n' h&+ eye+ #d0!+t/#nd '#+"ed. He +tood on +tone) dw#rfed -y # 1er+&on of the "ort#( th#t w#+ #+ h!'e #nd e(#-or#te #+ the one they2d 0!+t ,ro++ed thro!'h w#+ "erf!n,tory #nd h#+t&(y #++e$-(ed. St#t!e+ of hooded $en towered on ,&ther +&de) #nd the +t#&r+ (ed down to # +e,ond ,o!rty#rd f(#nked -y enor$o!+) +!((en(y -!rn&n' -r#4&er+. Two "&((#r+ to""ed w&th f&re +tood on ,&ther +&de of # +tr#n'e(y $#de ro#d #nd .. . The ,r#,ked) red) -#rren "(#&n th#t +tret,hed -efore the$ w#+ +o$ewh#t f#$&(&#r) e1o,#t&1e of the B(#+ted L#nd+. E1en #+ he +t#red) &n the d&+t#n,e the de+&,,#ted e#rth ,r#,ked o"en. %&re (e#"ed !"w#rd #+ &f # dr#'on were h#t,h&n') -re#k&n' thro!'h the e#rth #+ &f fro$ &t+ +he((. B!t Kh#d'#r2+ eye+ were f&;ed on the +ky. 3t )a( red) the dee" red of fre+h -(ood) #nd h&'h #-o1e +hone #n #n'ry ,r&$+on +!n) &t+ he#t -e#t&n' down u*on the$. And) L&'ht he(" h&$) the +ky) too) w#+ f#$&(&#r. No) he +#&d &n # -roken 1o&,e. No) he wh&+"ered #'#&n. Not here! Not (&ke th&+! Wh#t &+ &t6 A((er&# #+ked h&$. He &'nored her. 3t w#+ #(( #+ &t w#+ &n the 1&+&on/the +ky) the (#nd/ Kh#d'#r! Wh#t2+ wron'6 He +t#rted) #+ &f w#k&n' !". -!t the horr&-(e +,ene -efore h&$ d&d not d&++&"#te. He +hook h&+ he#d #nd for,ed # w#n +$&(e. Noth&n') he (&ed. Then) re#(&4&n' how tr#n+"#rent th#t f#(+ehood w#+) he ,orre,ted h&$+e(f. 3 h#1e h#d . . . 1&+&on+ of th&+ "(#,e -efore. 3 h#dn2t e;"e,ted/3 d&dn2t th&nk 3 wo!(d h#1e to f#,e the$ +o +oon. 3/&t o1erwhe($ed $e for # +e,ond. :y #"o(o'&e+. A((er&# frowned !" #t h&$) ,on,erned) -!t +#w th#t he w#+ not 'o&n' to e;"(#&n f!rther. 3t &+/ She ,(o+ed her $o!th) !n#-(e to f&nd the word+. She "!t # h#nd to her he#rt #+ &f &t "hy+&,#((y h!rt) #nd for # $o$ent Kh#d'#r ro!+ed fro$ h&+ own de+"#&r to "&ty her. She w#+ #n e(f) # ,h&(d of fore+t+ #nd tree+ #nd 'row&n') he#(thy (#nd+. She (ooked +t!nned) +&,kened/#($o+t #+ +&,k #+ Kh#dff#r fe(t. O!t of nowhere) # w&nd k&,ked !". W&th no "(#nt+ to #n,hor the +o&() the 'reedy -(#+t +e&4ed the de#d) d!+ty +o&( #nd +,o!red the$ w&th &t. They #(( ,o!'hed) #nd re#,hed for +o$eth&n') #nyth&n') to ,o1er $o!th+ #nd no+e+ #nd eye+. Th&+ w#+ &t. Kh#d'#r +!dden(y re#(&4ed th#t &n +te""&n' thro!'h the "ort#() he h#d +te""ed forw#rd &nto # de+t&ny he h#d ho"ed wo!(d -e # (on' t&$e ,o$&n'. 3n the 1&+&on) he (ooked #+ he h#d now/#n o(d $#n. And now he w#+ here. 3amn it, #'m +ust twent 0two. . . . Am # going to die here/ he tho!'ht +&,k(y) try&n' to re,o1er. #'ve hardl even lived/ The w&nd d&ed down #+ 7!&,k(y #+ &t h#d ,o$e. U'(y "(#,e. D#n#th Tro((-#ne +#&d) ,o!'h&n' #+ he drew !" #(on'+&de the$. Kh#d'#r (#t,hed onto the +te#dy w#rr&or+ $#tter*of*f#,t de$e#nor for +!""ort. 2And &+ &t $e or do the B(#+ted L#nd+ (ook # (ot (&ke th&+) #+ we((6 Kh#d'#r nodded. 3t w#+ 'ood to h#1e +o$eth&n' e(+e to fo,!+ on. The&r) !h/th&+ wor(d w#+ (e#k&n' &nto o!r+ thro!'h the r&ft. And wh#te1er ,#!+ed th&+ d#$#'e/3 +!+"e,t &t w#+ the&r w#r(o,k+ #nd the d#rk $#'&, they w&e(d/ -e'#n #ffe,t&n' o!r+ #+ we((. He for,ed h&$+e(f to #n#(y4e the&r +!rro!nd&n'+ w&th # d&+"#++&on#te eye. 3t w#+ not 0!+t de#d) &t (ooked (&ke th&+ wor(d h#d -een +!,ked dry. Wh#t h#d the or,+ done to th&+ "(#,e6 We $#n#'ed to h#(t the "ro,e++ on A4eroth. th#nk the L&'ht. B!t ,(e#r(y the (#nd here h#+ +!ffered the +#$e &n0!ry) on(y for $!,h (on'er. 3 +!+"e,t th&+ wor(d w#+ f#r $ore -en&'n on,e. A((er&# frowned. The ro#d . . . &t/ She went +!dden(y "#(e) then her (o1e(y f#,e ,ontorted &n #n'er. Tho+e ... $on+ter+ ... T!r#(yon h#d ,#ntered !" -e+&de her. Wh#t &+ &t6 The ro#d . . . A((er&# +ee$ed !n#-(e to f&nd the word+. She tr&ed #'#&n. 3t2+ . . . &t2+ "#1ed w&th bones." They #(( fe(( +&(ent. S!re(y A((er&# w#+ $&+t#ken. The ro#d +he &nd&,#ted w#+ no +$#(( "#th. 3t w#+ # ro#d "ro"er) $e#nt for do4en+ to r&de #-re#+t. %or h!'e en'&ne+ of w#r to tr#1er+e. 3t w#+ w&der th#n the -r&d'e o1er the w#ter th#t (ed &nto Stor$w&nd. #nd +o (on' th#t &t tr#&(ed o!t of +&'ht. %or &t to -e "#1ed w&th -one+ wo!(d $e#n th#t h!ndred+ ... no. no . . . thousands of -od&e+ h#d/ :er,&f!( L&'ht) # yo!n' $#n wh&+"ered. He2d 'one +t#rk(y wh&te) #nd $!r$!r+ ro+e -eh&nd h&$. E1en #+ the troo"+ re'&+tered th&+ horr&f&, &nfor$#t&on) the ene$y +howed &t+e(f. On(y # few or,+ h#d -een ne#r the D#rk Port#( when they2d "#++ed thro!'h. Kh#d'#r h#d ho"ed they2d -e the on(y one+ they2d f&'ht !"on enter&n' the or,+2 wor(d)

-!t tho+e few h#d h#d t&$e to +!$$on re&nfor,e$ent+. A(on' # r&d'e -eyond the ro#d of the de#d) Kh#d'#r ,o!(d now +ee do4en+ of or,+) the&r we#"on+ '(&nt&n' &n the h#r+h red (&'ht. %or the f&r+t t&$e +&n,e th&+ who(e n&'ht$#re w&th the r&ft h#d +t#rted) Kh#d'#r tho!'ht the +o(d&er+ $&'ht f#(ter. 3t2+ # +$#(( #r$y) he +#&d +oft(y. or,+ h#d -een &n h&+ 1&+&on #+ we(() or,+ +t#nd&n' on # r&d'e) -e((ow&n' #nd +n#r(&n' #nd ,!r+&n'. We h#1e #n #r$y of o!r own. A((er&# +#&d) (ook&n' #t T!r#(yon. We do) T!r#(yon re"(&ed) e$ot&on $#k&n' h&+ 1o&,e ,r#,k. He too h#d -een +h#ken -y the&r f&r+t +&'ht of th&+ wor(d) -!t now he wore # (ook of "#++&on#te re+o(1e. An #r$y th#t w&(( +t#nd -etween d&e or,+ #nd tho+e they wo!(d h#r$. Th#t w&(( not +t#nd -y #nd w#t,h &t+ own wor(d +!ffer) #+ th&+ "oor "(#,e h#+. He (ooked -#,k #t h&+ troo"+. Son+ of Loth#r. he +ho!ted. "1his is the f&'ht we were $#de for! :ore th#n e1er -efore) we f&'ht for o!r wor(d now! we w&(( not "er$&t the$ to do to !+ or other+ wh#t they h#1e done here! H&+ 1o&,e ,#rr&ed) ,(e#r #nd "!re #nd +tron') #+ -r&'ht #nd +h&n&n' #+ the h#$$er he now (&fted. %or Stor$w&nd! %or Lord#,ron) #nd 3ronfor',. #nd Gno$,r,'#n. -or Azeroth9" So be it, Kh#d'#r tho!'ht) #nd fo((owed h&+ 'ener#( &nto the fr#y.

CHAPTER %3%TEEN
Ner94h!( +#t !"on h&+ throne &n H,((f&r, C&t#de() the -rood&n') n&'ht$#r&+h fortre++ the Horde h#d -!&(t +hordy #fter the ,(#n+ !n&ted. He (o#thed th&+ "(#,e. 3t w#+ h&deo!+) # d&+t!r-&n') d&+0o&nted ,re#t&on of 0#''ed #n'(e+) d#rk +tone) #nd ,orr&dor+ #nd w#(kw#y+ d&#t tw&ned &n #nd o1er one #nother (&ke # $#ddened +n#ke. 3f &t -ore #ny re+e$-(#n,e to # tr#d&t&on#(or,1&((#'e) wh&,h w#+ # ,o((e,t&on of +$#(( -!&(d&n'+) h!t+. #nd +hort tower+) &t w#+ on(y the $o+t tw&+ted d&+tort&on of +!,h # who(e+o$e th&n') $!,h #+ the or,+ the$+e(1e+ h#d -e,o$e tw&+ted #nd d&+torted. Where#+or,h!t+ were f#-r&,#ted fro$ 'reen -r#n,he+ #nd ,o1ered &n -#rk) the+e -!&(d&n'+ were d#rk +tone -#nded w&th ro!'h &ron. Str#n'e +!""ort "&((#r+ ro+e #ro!nd the$) to""ed w&th '(e#$&n' +tee( +"&ke+) #+ &f ,o(o++#( ,(#wed h#nd+ were er!"t&n' fro$ the ,r#,ked 'ro!nd to 'r&" the +tr!,t!re+. The tw&+t&n') ,onne,t&n' "#th+ e;tended fro$ one roof to the ne;t) $ore #+ &f the -!&(d&n'+ h#d $e(ted #nd +h&fted th#n #+ &f the "#th+ were &ntent&on#(. At the -#,k ro+e # t#((er tower w&th # "e#ked roof. 3t w#+ here th#t they h#d +h#"ed # throne roo$ for B(#,kh#nd) the Sh#dow Co!n,&( '&1&n' # "!""et r!(er # "retend throne. Now th#t throne -e(on'ed to Ner94h!() the new Horde (e#der &n tr!th) #nd the re+t of the #-o$&n#t&on th#t w#+ the +tron'ho(d w&th &t. Ner94h!( d&d not '(#n,e o!t thro!'h the #r,h&n' w&ndow+ tow#rd the "ort#(. He h#d no de+&re to -e +tr!,k) #'#&n) -y how de+o(#te h&+ on,e*fert&(e wor(d h#d -e,o$e. B!t re#((y) there w#+ no #1o&d&n' &t. w#+ there6 A-+ent(y h&+ f&n'er+ went to to!,h the wh&te*"#&nted +k!(( on h&+ f#,e. De#th. The de#th of h&+ wor(d) the de#th of h&+ "eo"(e) the de#th of h&+ own &de#(&+$. B(ood w#+ on h&+ 'reen) 'n#r(ed h#nd+5 the -(ood of +o $#ny &nno,ent+. The -(ood of or,+ who h#d tr!+ted h&$. who$ he h#d &n#d1ertent(y (ed #+tr#y. %ou must stop thin"ing o! it that wa , ,#$e # 1o&,e &n+&de h&+ he#d. He &'nored &t. 3t w#+ e#+&er to &'nore the 1o&,e of the de#d G!(2d#n when he w#+ not &n "hy+&,#( ,ont#,t w&th the +k!((. Yet e1en #+ he 1owed not to '&1e &t heed) he ,#+t # '(#n,e #t &t now #+ &t +#t on # +$#(( t#-(e. Tor,h(&'ht d#n,ed off the ye((ow&n' -one. He fo!nd h&$+e(f +"e#k&n' to &t. #+ &f G!(2d#n ,o!(d he#r h&$. Wh&,h) &n # w#y) w#+ tr!e. We d&d $!,h h#r$) yo! #nd 3. D,#t(&-r&n',r+. doo$ ,#((er+) -oth of !+. B!t now we ,#n try to +#1e the$. And yo!r +k!(() $y o(d #""rent&,e ... yo!r +k!(( w&(( -e "#rt of th#t. De#d yo! #r, -etter !+e to the or,+ th#n yo! were #(&1e. B#,k yo! h#1e ,o$e) to yo!r o(d $#+ter. :#y-e to'ether we ,#n '&1e the$ # new ,h#n,e. (ut that's not what ou reall want, is it, m master: Ner94h!( -(&nked. Of ,o!r+e &t &+! 3 h#1e e1er +o!'ht to #&d $y "eo"(e! Th#t 3 h#1e -e,o$e de#th to the$ ... &t +,#r+ $e. 3t &+ why 3 we#r th&+. He to!,hed the "#&nt on h&+ f#,e yet #'#&n. Sk!((+8 the one -efore h&$) the one he #dorned h&+ f#,e w&th. De#th2+ he#d+. &erhaps it once was, #nd G!(2d#n2+ 1o&,e ,re"t &nto h&+ $&nd) +oft) +ooth&n'. (ut ou are greater than that, might $er;zhul. 1ogether, we can/ A +,!ff(&n' +o!nd drew h&+ #ttent&on) #nd Ner94h!( re(!,t#nt(y tore h&+ '#4e fro$ d&e +k!(() (e#1&n' the (#te+t de-#te w&th &t+ owner !nf&n&+hed. Goref&end +tood -efore h&$) #(on' w&th # h!$#n Ner94h!( d&d not re,o'n&4e) # t#(() +(ender $#n w&th d#rk ,!r(+ #nd # ne#t -e#rd. The +tr#n'er wore +!$"t!o!+ ,(oth&n' #nd $o1ed w&th the $#nner of # (e#der) #(( 'r#,e #nd ,onf&den,e. There w#+ +o$eth&n' #-o!t h&$ th#t d&d not r&n' tr!e) #nd Ner94h!( frowned) +en+&n' the "ower #ro!nd the +tr#n'er. 3 h#1e the #rt&f#,t+) Goref&end #nno!n,ed w&tho!t "re#$-(e) ho(d&n' !" # (#r'e +#,k. Ner94h!( fe(t ho"e +!r'e &n+&de h&$ #nd w#1ed the de#th kn&'ht forw#rd e#'er(y. Goref&end #""ro#,hed the throne) "!((&n' e#,h of the &te$+

&n t!rn fro$ the +#,k #nd "(#,&n' the$ &n h&+ r!(er2+ (#". Ner94h!( +t#red down #t the$) (&ft&n' e#,h one to #d$&re &t. A (#r'e) he#1y -ook) &t+ red ,o1er tr&$$ed &n -r#++ #nd e$-(#4oned w&th # r#1en &n f(&'ht. A ,ry+t#( the +&4e of # $#n2+ he#d) &t+ ,enter f#,eted (&ke # +t#r #nd ed'ed &n dee"e+t 1&o(et. And # (on') +(ender +,e"ter) +&(1er #nd wood w&th # (#r'e wh&te 'e$ '(&tter&n' #t &t+ "e#k. Ye+. Ner94h!( wh&+"ered) re+t&n' h&+ h#nd+ #to" the three &te$+. He ,o!(d fee( the "ower r#d&#t&n' fro$ the$) &$$en+e "ower/"ower eno!'h to te#r o"en the +"#,e -etween wor(d+. Ye+. w&th the+e we w&(( ,re#te new "ort#(+. We w&(( +#1e the Horde. We $!+t -e'&n work #t on,e! 3t w&(( t#ke +o$e t&$e to ,r#ft # +"e(( of th&+ $#'n&t!de) #nd e1eryth&n' $!+t -e e;#,t. He #((owed h&$+e(f # +$&(e. B!t w&th the+e three th&n'+) we ,#nnot f#&(. Goref&end -owed. 3 to(d yo! th&+ wo!(d work) he re$&nded Ner94h!(. He +te""ed -#,k # "#,e #nd t!rned tow#rd the h!$#n he h#d -ro!'ht w&th h&$. We ,o!(d not h#1e retr&e1ed the #rt&f#,t+ &f not for the -(#,k dr#'onf(&'ht. De#thw&n' &+ the&r f#ther #nd (e#der. De#thw&n'! Ner24h!(2+ h#nd+ t&'htened on the #r$+ of h&+ throne. Sk!((+) de#th kn&'ht+ . . . #nd now -efore h&$ # $&'hty -e&n' e1en n#$ed for de#th. Ner94h!( ,o!(d +ee the dr#'on2+ tr!e for$ wr#""ed #ro!nd h&+ h!$#n +he(( (&ke w&+"+ of +$oke) #nd +h&1ered &nw#rd(y. De#thw&n'2+ (&"+ ,!r1ed &n # +$&(e th#t w#+ not #t #(( w#r$&n') #nd he -owed w&th # h&nt of $o,kery. Ner94h!( tr&ed to ,#($ h&+ r#,&n' he#rt. Th&+) too. he h#d dre#$ed of/th&+ +h#dow of de#th. He free(y '#1e !+ the #&d of h&+ ,h&(dren &n e;,h#n'e for "#++#'e thro!'h the D#rk Port#( for h&$+e(f) h&+ k&n. #nd ,ert#&n ,#r'o he "ro1&ded) Goref&end +#&d. C#r'o6 Ner94h!( fo!nd h&+ 1o&,e) tho!'h he w&n,ed +(&'ht(y #t how tre-(e &t +o!nded &n h&+ ,#r+. Wh#t $#nner of ,#r'o6 Noth&n' yo! need worry yo!r+e(f #-o!t) De#thw&n' re"(&ed &n the +$ooth) ,oo( 1o&,e. 3t ,#rr&ed the +!-*de+t h&nt of # de#d(y +er&o!+ w#rn&n'. %or #n &n+t#nt the tor,he+ f(&,kered #+ &f # +h#r" w&nd +t&rred d&e$) #nd the dr#'on2+ +h#dow ro+e !" -eh&nd h&$) f&((&n' d&e roo$. %ou see/ <ven now ou +l with the dragon, all un w&tt&n'. %ou +l with the shadow o! death, $er;zhul. .ill ou not embrace it/ Ner94h!( w#nted to ,(#" h&+ h#nd+ to h&+ ,#r+) -!t he knew &t wo!(d -e # f!t&(e 'e+t!re. He took # dee" -re#th #nd for,ed h&$+e(f to -e ,#($. 3 th#nk yo! for yo!r #&d) De#thw&n'. We #r, 'r#tef!(. ",ord De#thw&n'. Of ,o!r+e/Lord De#thw&n'. The h!$#n*+ee$&n' dr#'on +tood there) not #,know(ed'&n' the +!-t(e d&+$&++#(. 3+ there #nyth&n' e(+e we ,o!(d he(" yo! w&th6 Ner94h!( +#&d. He w#nted th&+ ,re#t!re 'one. The dr#'on*$#n ,on+&dered. (&"+ "!r+ed) (on' f&n'er+ +trok&n' h&+ -e#rd. Ner94h!( 'ot the d&+t&n,t &$"re++&on th#t h&+ "onder&n' w#+ fe&'ned. Th#& &+ 'enero!+ of yo! to offer) no-(e Ner24h!(. he re"(&ed #fter # $o$ent) $#n#'&n' to tw&+t the word+ +o th#t they +o!nded +#r,#+t&,. And 3 wo!(d -e (y&n' &f 3 +#&d the +k!(( yo! h#1e o1er there d&d not &ntr&'!e $e 're#t(y. The word+ were "o(&te) d&"(o$#t&,) -!t they +!r'ed w&th -#re(y re+tr#&ned "ower) #nd the dr#'on2+ eye+ '(owed for #n &n+t#nt w&th # f&re th#t "!t the tor,he+ to +h#$e. Ner24h!( '!("ed. D&d De#thw&n' he#r G!(2d#n2+ 1o&,e too6 De#thw&n' ,h!,k(ed +oft(y #nd e;tended # w,((*$#n&,!r,d h#nd. A r&n' '(&ttered &n the (&'ht. Co$e) 'ood Ner24h!(. 3t2+ $y !nder+t#nd&n' th#t w&th the+e tr&nket+ 3 he("ed yo!r fr&end Goref&end o-t#&n) yo! h#1e #(( the "ower yo! need to #,h&e1e yo!r 'o#(+. The +k!(( &+ not ne,e++#ry to yo! #ny$ore. And 3 w#nt &t. Ner24h!( fo!'ht -#,k r&+&n' "#n&,. Wh&(e wh#t De#thw&n' +#&d w#+ tr!e) he d&d not w#nt to h#nd o1er the +k!((. G!(2d#n h#d -een h&+ #""rent&,e) #fter #(() #nd &f there w#+ #ny know(ed'e +t&(( (o,ked &n th#t ye((owed re(&,) +!re(y no one h#d # -etter r&'ht to &t th#n Ner24h!(. 3 'row &$"#t&ent) +#&d the +&(ky +$ooth 1o&,e of the dr#'on n#$ed for de#th. 3 don2t th&nk yo! w#nt $e to -e &$"#t&ent) Ner24h!(. Do yo!6 Ner24h!( +hook h&+ he#d #nd fo!nd h&+ 1o&,e. P(e#+e) t#ke the +k!(() &f yo! w&+h &t. 3t &+ # tr&f(&n' th&n'. A (&e) of ,o!r+e) #nd -oth he #nd the dr#'on(ord knew &t. De#thw&n' +$&(ed) +how&n' +h#r" teeth) #nd +trode to the +k!((. H&+ eye+ w&dened #+ &t ,#$e &nto ,ont#,t w&th h&+ f(e+h) #nd for #n &n+t#nt Ner24h!( +#w +"&ke+ #nd +,#(e+ #nd $et#( "(#te+ where f(e+h h#d -een) #nd +$o(der&n' red eye+ &n # (on') tr&#n'!(#r he#d. 3 $!+t +#y) 32$ "(e#+ed w&th o!r . . . "#rtner+h&". 3t +ee$+ to -enef&t !+ -oth. The 1o&,e w#+ w#r$) #($o+t '(o#t&n'. Know th#t) &f yo! +ho!(d h#1e need of !+) yo! h#1e -!t to ,#((. 3 +h#(( (e#1e yo! for now. Se1er#( of $y ,h&(dren w&(( re$#&n -eh&nd #nd heed #(( yo!r ,o$$#nd+ #+ &f they were $y own. He nodded to -oth Ner24h!( #nd Goref&end) then t!rned #nd e;&ted the roo$) the +k!(( &n h&+ h#nd) dr#"ed -ene#th # "ort&on of h&+ (on' ,(o#k.

Theor,+h#$#n #nd the de#th kn&'ht w#t,hed h&$ (e#1e. 3 w&+h he h#d not t#ken the +k!(() Goref&end +#&d #fter they were +!re the dr#'on h#d 'one. St&(() &f we do not need &t) &t &+ # +$#(( "r&,e to "#y for the #rt&f#,t+ he he("ed !+ #,7!&re. Ner24h!( took # dee" -re#th) #+ &f the #&r &n the roo$ w#+ +!dden(y -re#th#-(e #'#&n. Do yo! h#1e #ny &de# wh#t he w#nt+ &t for6 he #+ked Goref&end. None) the de#th kn&'ht #d$&tted re(!,t#nt(y. The&r eye+ $et. 3n Goref&end2+ '(ow&n' red de"th+) Ner24h!( +#w +o$eth&n' th#t #(#r$ed h&$ #($o+t #+ $!,h #+ the dr#'on2+ "re+en,e h#d8 worry. T&$e 'row+ +hort) #nd o!r w&ndow &+ n#rrow. Let !+ $#ke #(( "re"#r#t&on+ #+ +w&ft(y #+ we $#y. They needed to (e#1e th&+ de#d wor(d -efore &t w#+ too (#te.

CHAPTER S3BTEEN
Kh#d'#r fo!nd he (&ked (ook&n' #t the n&'ht +ky &n th&+ wor(d. . 3t w#+n2t red*He +&'hed #nd #d0!+ted h&+ te(e+,o"e) fo,!+&n' &n on # "#rt&,!(#r(y -r&'ht +t#r. 3t w#+ # t&ny -&t ,(o+er to the ,on+te((#t&on he2d d!--ed T!r#(yon2+ H#$$er. Now. &f &t wo!(d 0!+t/ How $!,h (on'er6 Kh#d'#r +t#rted) -e'#n to +(&") #nd 'r#--ed # h#ndho(d on the roof D#$n &t) A((er&#) 7!&t +ne#k&n' !" on $e (&ke d&#t! The -e#!t&f!( r#n'er) "eer&n' #t h&$ fro$ the w&ndow) +&$"(y +hr!''ed. 3 ,#n2t he(" &t &f 3 $o1e 7!&et(y. And yo!2re +o fo,!+ed yo! wo!(dn2t he#r #n o're tr!nd(&n' !" here. How $!,h (on'er6 The $#'e +&'hed #nd r!--ed h&+ eye+. The tower who+e roof he w#+ ,!rrendy "er,hed #to" w#+ "#rt of #n o!t"o+t they2d n#$ed Honor Ho(d. 3t h#d t#ken $onth+ to (#1 the fo!nd#t&on+ for &t #nd $onth+ $ore to %&n&+h the o!ter w#((+ #nd one or two -!&(d&n'+) &n,(!d&n' th&+ one. D!r&n' th#t t&$e they2d h#d to f&'ht off re"e#ted Horde #tt#,k+) tho!'h fort!n#te(y $o+t h#d -een (&tt(e $ore th#n -r&ef +k&r$&+he+. Th#t the Horde w#+ o!t there w#+ ,ert#&n. Th#t they were ho(d&n' -#,k w#+ #(+o ,ert#&n. %&'!r&n' o!t w&ry they were ho(d&n' -#,k w#+ one of the re#+on+ Kh#d'#r ,#$e o!t) n&'ht #fter n&'ht) to (ook #t the +t#r+. The (#+t +e1er#( $onth+ h#d not -een w&tho!t the&r ,h#((en'e+. S&n,e #rr&1&n' #nd e$er'&n' 1&,tor&o!+ &n th#t f&r+t -#tt(e w&th the or,+ on the&r n#t&1e wor(d) the A((&#n,e h#d he(d the "ort#(. At (e#+t on th&+ +&de. Short(y #fter th&+ e;"ed&t&on h#d ,o$e thro!'h) they h#d ,heered #t the +&'ht of $ore troo"+ #nd +!""(&e+ fo((ow&n' the$. Co!rte+y of the k&n'+ of d&e A((&#n,e) they2d -een to(d. P#rt&,!(#r(y we(,o$e h#d -een # few ke'+ of #(e. %or th#t (&tt(e (!;!ry) they h#d :#'n& Bron4e-e#rd to th#nk. B!t th#t h#dn2t (#+ted. When the +e,ond ,#r#1#n of +!""(&e+ h#d f#&(ed to $#ter&#(&4e on the #""o&nted d#y) # +$#(( 'ro!" +ent to &n1e+t&'#te h#d ret!rned 7!&,k(y w&th new+ th#t the or,+ were ,!rrent(y &n ,h#r'e of the A4eroth&#n +&de of the "ort#(. And +o &t h#d 'one) the +!""(&e+ th#t $#de e;&+ten,e -e#r#-(e/e1en "o++&-(e/ ,o$&n' on(y +"or#d&,#((y. S"or#d&,#((y) too) ,#$e the "ro$&+ed troo"+. T!r#(yon h#d o"t&$&+t&,#((y "red&,ted -e&n' #-(e to $o!nt #n #++#!(t w&th&n # $onth) -!t w&th the "ort#( ,h#n'&n' +&de+ +o often) the "ro$&+ed troo"+ were !n#-(e to 'et thro!'h. The or,+ were -#+ed &n # fo!(*(ook&n' fortre++ to the we+t of Honor Ho(d. 3t w#+ h!'e #nd we((*fort&f&ed &n #dd&t&on to -e&n' #e+thet&,#((y re"!'n#nt) #nd #ny #tt#,k wo!(d t#ke # (ot of tho!'ht #nd "re"#r#t&on &f &t w#+ to -e +!,,e++f!(. Soon) Kh#d'#r to(d A((er&#. 3t w&(( h#""en +oon. 3t h#d -een # "!44(e) #t f&r+t. Short(y #fter they h#d #rr&1ed #nd -!&(d&n' h#d -e'!n on Honor Ho(d) the or,+ h#d +t#rted #tt#,k&n'. Th#t &n &t+e(f w#+ not +!r"r&+&n'. Wh#t w#+ +!r"r&+&n' w#+ th#t they ke"t #tt#,k&n'. Not d#&(y) #nd not # (ot of the$. B!t eno!'h. A(+o +tr#n'e w#+ th#t d&,y +ee$ed not to ,#re #-o!t the "ort#( #ny$ore. Wh#te1er e(+e yo! ,#n +#y #-o!t the Horde) they21e ne1er -een +t!"&d. T!r#(yon +#&d one e1en&n' #+ he +"oke w&th D#n#th. A((er&#) K!rdr#n) #nd Kh#d'#r. So why do they kee" 0!+t throw&n' the$+e(1e+ #t !+6 The&r n!$-er+ #r, too +$#(( to t#ke the ho(d. And they2re not #fter the "ort#(. 3 do not th&nk we #r, too (#te to "re1ent Ner94h!( fro$ o"en&n' "ort#(+ to other wor(d+) Kh#d'#r $!+ed. Tho!'h why he h#+ not done +o) 32$ not ,ert#&n. He h#+ the #rt&f#,t+ he need+. He $!+t need +o$eth&n' e(+e. Kh#d'#r h#d (e#ned -#,k &n the ro!'h wooden ,h#&r) +trok&n' h&+ (on' wh&te -e#rd tho!'htf!((y. Wo!(dn2t &t t#ke $#++&1e #$o!nt+ of "ower) #nd +o$e 1ery ,o$"(e; +",((work6 #+ked D#n#th. :#y-e he2+ +"ent #(( th&+ t&$e 0!+t work&n' o!t the det#&(+. Do!-tf!() Kh#d'#r +#&d. 3t2+ ,o$"(&,#ted) ye+. B!t 32$ +!re he w#+ work&n' on &t wh&(e he w#+ h#1&n' the #rt&f#,t+ retr&e1ed. S,e"ter) -ook) #nd Eye) he $!+ed) th&nk&n'. And wh#t e(+e6 Wh#t ,o!(d he -e w#&t&n' for6 They2d tr&ed &nterro'#t&n' # few or,+ they h#d ,#"t!red) -!t none of the$ h#d to(d the$ #nyth&n' !+ef!(. The+e were not de#th kn&'ht+) -!t "eon+/,#nnon fodder) +ent on(y to de(#y the A((&#n,e wh&(e Ner94h!( w#&ted for .. . wh#te1er.

Wh&(e know&n' the need to tr#1e( (&'ht) Kh#d'#r h#d nonethe(e++ "er$&tted h&$+e(f to t#ke # few &te$+ w&th h&$. One w#+ # r&n' th#t en#-(ed h&$ to !nder+t#nd #ny (#n'!#'e/#nd to -e !nder+tood. 3t w#+ wh#t h#d en#-(ed the$ to &nterro'#te d&e or,+) who +"oke on(y the&r own) '!tt!r#( (#n'!#'e. A$on' the other &te$+ were # h#ndf!( of -ook+ /+",((-ook+ #nd one -ook th#t h#d on,e -e(on'ed to $ed&1h. There w#+ noth&n' $#'&,#( #-o!t &t) 0!+t note+ #-o!t Dr#enor) &t+ +k&e+) &t+ ,ont&nent+. Kh#d'#r fo!nd ,o$fort &n '#4&n' !" #t the +k&e+ #t n&'ht5 they were on(y red &n the d#y(&'ht) #nd Kh#d'#r #$!+ed h&$+e(f -y &dent&fy&n' ,on+te((#t&on+ wh&(e (ett&n' h&+ $&nd ,hew on Ner94h!(2+ $y+tery. Co$"rehen+&on ,#$e to h&$ one n&'ht wh&(e he w#+ +o en'#'ed) #+ &f the +t#r+ h#d the #n+wer. And &t t!rned o!t they d&d. S,e"ter) -ook) #nd Eye! he2d e;,(#&$ed to K!rdr#n #+ he r!+hed o!t of h&+ 7!#rter+. Eh6 'r!nted the +t#rt(ed dw#rf. Lo+t y,r $&nd f&n#((y) h#1e ye) (#dd&e6 Get the other+. We need to t#(k. A few $o$ent+ (#ter) the ,o$$#nder+ of the 1#r&o!+ for,e+ were &n the tower. "Tu&al'on/yo! f&r+t. Get out there and loo+ thro!'h the te(e+,o"e. Te(( $e wh#t yo! +e,. T!r#(yon d&r,w h&$ # (ook of !tter -#ff(e$ent) -!t o-eyed. Peer&n' thro!'h the te(e+,o"e) he +#&d) 3 +ee ... +t#r+. Wh#t #$ 3 +!""o+ed to -e (ook&n' #t6 Con+te((#t&on+. Gro!"+ of +t#r+. Kh#d'#r w#+ +o e;,&ted th#t the word+ t!$-(ed o!t of h&$. Wh#t do they (ook (&ke6 2 We(() one2+ k&nd of # +7!#re. The other2+ (on' #nd th&n. 3 ,#n2t +ee #ny other d&+t&n,t&1e +h#"e+. No . . . yo!2re not !+ed to (ook&n' #t the$. One of $ed&1h2+ $#ny #re#+ of e;"ert&+e w#+ #+trono$y. He h#d -ook+ w&th +t#r $#"+ of ,on+te((#t&on+ 32d ne1er e1en +een. Con+te((#t&on+ of th&+ wor(d. Th#t2+ #(( we(( #n2 '!d) (#d) -!t 32$ not #-o!t t#, ,r#w( !" there w&tho!t !nder+t#nd&n' why ye w#nt $e t#,) K!rdr#n 'r!$-(ed. Look #t th&+. Kh#d'#r +ho1ed # -ook &nto the dw#rf2+ h#nd+. T!r#(yon ,ont&n!ed to (ook thro!'h the te(e+,o"e #+ A((er&#) D#n#th) #nd K!rdr#n e;#$&ned the -ook Kh#d'#r h#d fo&+ted !"on the$. Wh#t do yo! +e,6 Con+te((#t&on n#$e+) D#n#th +#&d. The St#ff . . . the To$e . . . #nd the Seer. S,e"ter) -ook) #nd Eye) A((er&# +#&d +(ow(y) (&ft&n' her f#&r he#d to +t#re #t Kh#d'#r w&th #d$&r#t&on. So . . . Ner94h!( needed tho+e #rt&f#,t+ -e,#!+e they ,orre+"onded w&th th&+ wor(d2+ ,on+te((#t&on+6 Ye+/#nd no) +#&d Kh#d'#r) -#re(y #-(e to re+tr#&n h&+ e;,&te$ent. There2+ $!,h $ore. On,e e1ery f&1e h!ndred #nd forty*+e1en ye#r+) there2+ # ,e(e+t&#( e1ent th#t &n1o(1e+ the+e three +t#r+. +ee th#t redd&+h dot &n the $&dd(e of the -ook6 Th#t2+ the f&r+t th&n' th#t #""e#r+. 3n #-o!t # $onth yo!2(( -e #-(e to +ee # ,o$et +tre#k&n' thro!'h the +,e"ter. And #t the ne;t $oon ,y,(e) the $oon w&(( -e f!(( r&'ht +$#,k &n the $&dd(e of the Eye. A""#rent(y &t2+ 7!&te the +"e,t#,(e) #,,ord&n' to the+e note+. So &f Ner94h!( h#+ &te$+ th#t ,orre+"ond to the+e ,on+te((#t&on+) T!r#(yon +#&d +(ow(y) +t&(( "eer&n' #t the +t#r+) #nd he !+e+ the #rt&f#,t+ #t # t&$e when +o$eth&n' e;tre$e(y r#re &+ h#""en&n' &n the +k&e+ to tho+e three ,on+te((#t&on+/&t #!'$ent+ h&+ "ower) r&'ht6 The h#r$ony +o e+t#-(&+hed) the +y$"#thet&, re+on#n,e/-y the L&'ht) T!r#(yon) 32$ not +!re &t2d -e "o++&-(e to f#&( #t #ny +"e(( !+&n' th#t k&nd of ener'y. T!r#(yon (&fted h&+ he#d fro$ the te(e+,o"e. When6 w#+ #(( he +#&d. %&fty*f&1e d#y+. And the "ower w&(( (#+t for three. They w#&ted for $ore re&nfor,e$ent+) ,h#f&n' #t the de(#y. At (e#+t they knew "re,&+e(y how (on' they ,o!(d w#&t) #nd when they wo!(d h#1e to #tt#,k re'#rd(e++ of the&r n!$-er+. Kh#d'#r +&'hed #t the r#n'er who h#d &nterr!"ted h&+ +t#r'#4&n' #+ he +(&""ed -#,k thro!'h the w&ndow. We2re one d#y ,(o+er th#n we were ye+terd#y. 3 ,#n2t r!+h the +t#r+) A((er&#. Soon) +oon5 "#t&en,e &+ # 1&rt!e) A((er&# $!ttered #n'r&(y #+ Kh#d'#r ,(&$-ed -#,k &nto the roo$. 32$ +&,k of d&e "(#t&t!de+. %or #n e(f) yo!2re #wf!((y &$"#t&ent. %or # h!$#n) yo! dr#' yo!r hee(+. 3 w#nt to -e f&'ht&n') not ho(ed !" here. Kh#d'#r2+ &rr&t#t&on +!dden(y -o&(ed o1er. Yo! don2t w#nt to f&'ht) A((er&#) yo! w#nt to d&e. She +!dden(y went 1ery +t&((. Wh#t do yo! $e#n6 We21e #(( +een &t. Yo! r!+h o!t there) on f&re for -(ood. On f&re for yo!r re1en'e. Yo!2re re,k(e++. Yo! f&'ht -#d(y) A((er&#) #nd yo! d&dn2t !+e to. Th#t2+ why T!r#(yon kee"+ order&n' yo! to +t#y ,(o+e) #nd +o$et&$e+ not e1en 'o o!t #t #((. He2+ worr&ed he2+ 'o&n' to (o+e yo!. Her '#4e w#+ h#!'hty) ,o(d) #nd #n'ry. 3 #$ not h&+ to (o+e. 3 -e(on' to no one -!t $y+e(f. Kh#d'#r knew he +ho!(d 0!+t +h!t !". B!t he ,o!(dn2t. He h#d he(d -#,k #(( th&+ t&$e) w#t,h&n' A((er&# #nd T!* r#(yon) who o-1&o!+(y +t&(( (o1ed e#,h other) ,&r,(e one #nother (&ke w#ry do'+. He ,o!(d t#ke &t no (on'er. Yo! don2t e1en -e(on' to yo!r+e(f. Yo! -e(on' to the de#d. Ao&n&n' the$ won2t -r&n' the$ -#,k) A((er&#. There2+ # 'ood)

k&nd) &nte((&'ent $#n r&'ht here &n th&+ kee" who ,o!(d te#,h yo! # th&n' or two #-o!t how to (&1e. Yo! +ho!(d try (&1&n' for # ,h#n'e/o"en&n' yo!r+e(f to +o$,d&&n' r#re #nd wonderf!( &n+te#d of +(#$$&n' door+. She $#r,hed !" to h&$ !nt&( the&r f#,e+ were on(y &n,he+ #w#y. How d#re yo! +#y +!,h th&n'+ to $e! 3t2+ none of yo!r -!+&ne++! Why do yo! ,#re how 3 ,hoo+e to (&1e $y (&fe6 3 ,#re -e,#!+e 3 don2t get to ,hoo+e! The ,onfe++&on -!r+t fro$ h&$ -efore he ,o!(d +to" &t) #nd they -oth fe(( +&(ent) +t#r&n' #t e#,h other. He h#dn2t re#(&4ed the tr!th h&$+e(f) -!t there &t w#+) o!t &n the o"en now) n#ked #nd r#w. 3 know yo! th&nk of o!r (&1e+ #+ +ho,k&n'(y -r&ef. O!r yo!th+ #r, e1en -r&efer. Wh#t) ten ye#r+ to -e yo!n' #nd +tron') #t the $o+t... $o+t #(&1e we2(( e1er -e6 3 d&dn2t e1en 'et th#t. 3 -e,#$e #n o(d $#n #t +e1enteen. A((er&#) 32$ e1en yo!n'er th#n T!r#(yon! Look #t th&+ f#,e. 32$ twenty*two/-!t wh#t twenty*two ye#r o(d '&r( wo!(d h#1e th&+ o(d $#n6 He "o&nted #n'r&(y #t h&+ f#,e/(&ned) fr#$ed -y +now*wh&te -e#rd #nd h#&r. She '#+"ed +(&'ht(y #nd +te""ed -#,k. Co$"#++&on +oftened her e;"re++&on. S!dden(y e$-#rr#++ed) Kh#d'#r (ooked #w#y. 3 0!+t/to w#t,h the two of yo! throw&n' #w#y +o$eth&n' 32(( ne1er e1en 'et to t#+te/&t -other+ $e) +o$et&$e+. And 32$ +orry. 3 +ho!(dn2t h#1e t#ken &t o!t on yo!. No/32$ +orry. 3 d&dn2t th&nk. The +&(en,e h!n') he#1y #nd #wkw#rd) -etween the$. %&n#((y Kh#d'#r +&'hed. Co$e on. Let2+ 'o f&nd T!r#(yon #nd the other+. We need to f&n#(&4e o!r "(#n+. Be,#!+e) th&+ &+ 'o&n' to h#""en . . . we(() yo! know. Soon) +he +#&d) #nd '#1e h&$ #n !n,h#r#,ter&+t&,#((y 'ent(e +$&(e. The "(#,e &+ enor$o!+) A((er&# e;"(#&ned. T!r#(yon h#d #+ked her #nd her r#n'er+ to +,o!t the ,&t#de() #nd now the two of the$) "(!+ Kh#d'#r) K!rdr#n) #nd D#n#th) were &n the $eet&n' h#(( d&+,!++&n' wh#t they2d fo!nd. The w#(kw#y+ on the w#((+ #(one +!""ort do4en+ of or,+. There #r, w#t,h tower+ here. She &nd&,#ted the "(#,e+ on the $#". We +ho!(d #tt#,k fro$ th&+ #re#) here. Wh&(e yo!2re d&+tr#,t&n' the$ there) 3 ,#n +end r#n'er+ &n #nd d&+"#t,h the +entr&e+. W&tho!t #n #(#r$ -e&n' r#&+ed) the re#( f&'ht&n' for,e w&(( ,o$e &n fro$ the $#&n '#te/wh&,h we2(( h#1e o"ened for yo!. Good) T!r#(yon +#&d. We2(( -e #tt#,k&n' on two +&de+) one ,o$"(ete(y !ne;"e,ted. We2(( need to h&t the$ h#rd. Bo; the$ &n) don2t '&1e the$ roo$ to e+,#"e) #nd then ,(o+e r#nk+ #nd ,!t down #nyor,+t&(( f&'ht&n'. We2(( -e #tt#,k&n' fro$ #-o1e) K!rdr#n "o&nted o!t) k,e"&n2 the$ -!+y wh&(+t yo! (#d+ #nd (#++e+ ,h#r'e #,ro++ t#, f&n&+h the 0o-. T!r#(yon nodded) -!t A((er&# +hook her he#d. Yo!2(( -e -!+y w&th yo!r own "ro-(e$+) +he +#&d. They21e 'ot dr#'on+) re$e$-er6 They h#d #(( +een the (on' d#rk +h#"e+ ,&r,(&n' #-o!t d&e ,&t#de() +woo"&n' #nd d&1&n' (&ke 're#t -&rd+ #t "(#y. B!t K!rdr#n (#!'hed. Aye) -!t on(y # h#ndf!() (#++&e! We2(( -e k&((&n2 the$ #fore yo! ,#n -(&nk) don2t y# know6 T!r#(yon ,o!(dn2t he(" -!t +$&(e #t the W&(dh#$$,r (e#der2+ ,onf&den,e. Nonethe(e++) he +#&d) we2d -e+t not #++!$e #ny he(" fro$ yo!r 'ry"hon r&der+) 0!+t &n ,#+e@2 K!rdr#n nodded. He (ooked o1er #t Kh#d'#r. C#n yo! do #nyd&&n' to ne'#te the&r w#r(o,k+) or the dr#'o
US.

32$ +!re 3 ,#n ,o$e !" w&th +o$eth&n'. Kh#d'#r re"(&ed. He '(#n,ed #t K!rdr#n. 3 h#1e +o$e &de#+ th#t $&'ht '&1e yo!r 'ry"hon+ e1en $ore of #n #d1#nt#'e) #nd "ro1&de he(" for the +o(d&er+ #+ we((. T!r#(yon nodded. The "(#n w#+ -e'&nn&n' to ,o$e to'ether. Now for the "#rt he dre#ded. He took # dee" -re#th. We2(( need +o$eone to +t#y -eh&nd #nd -e &n ,h#r'e of Honor Ho(d) &n ,#+e we need to f#(( -#,k. A((er&#. 32d (&ke th#t to -e yo!. Wh#t6 She +t#red #t h&$. o"en$o!thed. 3t2+ key th#t +o$eone 3 tr!+t +t#y here. Th&+ &+ o!r -#+e. We ,#n2t r&+k (o+&n' &t &f they +"(&t the&r/ Yo! need $e on the #++#!(t. 3 to(d yo!. 3 need yo! here. Send yo!r r#n'er+ to t#ke o!t the +entr&e+. She +hook her 'o(den he#d. No yo! don2t. Any +o(d&er here wo!(d know how to ho(d th&+ kee". :y r#n'er+ #n+wer to $e. And 3 w&(( not +end the$ w&th yo!. Not &f yo! order $e to +t#y -eh&nd. Be re#+on#-(e. he -e'#n) -!t +he &nterr!"ted h&$. Re#+on#-(e6 32$ # 1eter#n of $ore -#tt(e+ th#n yo! h#1e ye#r+) T!r#(yon! A((er&#) yo!2re/yo!2re re,k(e++) T!r#(yon +#&d) h#t&n' to h#1e to +#y &t -!t +ee&n' no other ,ho&,e. 321e +#1ed yo!r (&fe when/ And 321e +#1ed #(( of yo!) $ore th#n on,e! Gent(e$en) Kh#d'#r +#&d +$oot&&(y) ,(#$"&n' # h#nd down on K!rdr#n2+ #nd D#n#th2+ +ho!(der+ #nd +teer&n' the$ tow#rd the +t#&r+) 32$ +!re yo! -oth w#nt to +ee th#t ,e(e+t&#( #(&'n$ent 32$ t#(k&n' #-o!t) O,h) #ye. +#&d K!rdr#n) #nd the three of the$ (eft the roo$ 7!&,k(y)

T!r#(yon w#+ too fo,!+ed on A((er&# to not&,e th#t they2d -een '&1en # $o$ent of "r&1#,y. A((er&#) yo! don2t f&'ht +$#rt. Not #ny$ore. 3 ,#n2t kee" w#t,h&n' yo!r -#,k to +#1e yo! fro$ yo!r+e(f! 3 h#1e # r&'ht to re1en'e! They -!t,hered $y f#$&(y/$y "eo"(e/ Yo! th&nk L&r#th wo!(d h#1e w#nted yo! to throw yo!r (&fe #w#y6 Wh#t k&nd of te+t#$ent to h&+ (&fe wo!(d th#t -e6 3t w#+ the f&r+t t&$e he h#d +"oken of A((er&#2+ -rother) #nd the n#$e +t&((ed the hot word+ on her (&"+. Re,k(e++(y) T!r#(yon ,ont&n!ed -efore +he ,o!(d +"e#k #'#&n. 3 know yo!2re # 'ood f&'hter. A!+t/not r&'ht now. L&r#th ... the other+ ... 3 w#+n2t there w&th the$. 3 $&'ht h#1e -een #-(e to do +o$eth&n'. B!t 3 w#+n2t there. 3 +t#yed +#fe wh&(e they d&ed. Te#r+ +tood &n her -r&'ht 'reen eye+) #nd T!r#(yon &nh#(ed +w&ft(y. He h#d not +een her wee" for her (o+t k&n+$en -efore. So 3 d&d the ne;t -e+t th&n'. 3 went #fter the&r $!rderer+. And &t he("ed. 3t ke"t "!+h&n' the "#&n #w#y. And +!dden(y T!r#(yon !nder+tood. Wh#t yo! to(d $e th#t n&'ht) he +#&d) "r#y&n' he w#+ +#y&n' the r&'ht th&n') 3 h#d &t tr#n+(#ted. He he+&t#ted) then wh&+"ered) 2He(" $e for'et.2 The te#r+ we((ed #nd +(&""ed down her #n'!(#r ,heek-one+) B!t 3 d&dn2t w#nt to for'et. 3 don2t w#nt to (et then& 'o. 3f 3 don2t 'r&e1e the$ . . . &t2+ #+ &f they2re not re#((y 'one) Te#r+ +t!n' T!r#(yon2+ own eye+. H&+ he#rt w#+ -re#k&n' for her. B!t +he needed th&+. She needed to 'r&e1e) to $o!rn the de#d. K&(t&n' or,+ w#+ no (on'er the "#n#,e# &t on,e h#d -een5 &t w#+ no (on'er kee"&n' the "#&n #t -#y. #nd +he w#+ +t#rt&n' to ,o$e !ndone w&th the ho(d&n'*&n of #(( of &t. 3 ,#n2t +t#y -eh&nd. Don2t #+k $e to. 3 +t#yed -eh&nd the (#+t t&$e. 3 won2t w#t,h +o$eone 3 (o1e 'o to h&+ de#th wh&(e 3/ S!dden(y her #r$+ were #ro!nd h&$. her he#d -!r&ed #'#&n+t h&+ ,he+t) #nd he he(d her t&'ht. Her +(ender -ody +hook w&th +o-+ too (on' he(d &n ,he,k) #nd +he ,(!n' to h&$ (&ke # drown&n' wo$#n) T!r#&yon "re++ed # k&++ #'#&n+t her 'o(den h#&r) &nh#(&n' her +,ent of "&ne #nd (o#$ #nd f(ower+. 3 w&(( ne1er (e#1e yo! -eh&nd) he 1owed. She t!rned her wet f#,e !" to h&+) And 3. +he wh&+"ered #+ he -ent to k&++ her. w&(( ne1er (e#1e yo!.

CHAPTER SE=ENTEEN
%&n&+hed! Ner94h!( +#nk -#,k onto h&+ throne #nd 3,(o+ed h&+ eye+ # $o$ent) -efore '(#n,&n' down #t the +,ro(( th#t (#y !nro((ed #,ro++ h&+ (#". 3t h#d t#ken h&$ $onth+ of re+e#r,h) "(#nn&n') +t!dy) #nd ,on,entr#t&on) -!t #t (#+t the +"e(( w#+ ,o$"(ete! On,e the #(&'n$ent o,,!rred) he wo!(d -e #-(e to o"en "ort#(+ to the other wor(d+) #nd h&+ "eo"(e ,o!(d on,e $ore h#1e # wor(d $#ny of th,8n. e1en #+ 1&-r#nt #+ they were the$+e(1e+. And &t wo!(d #(( -e -e,#!+e of h&$. Good) K&(ro'' r!$-(ed fro$ h&+ +t#n,e ne#r-y. A few $ore d#y+ !nt&( d&e #(&'n$ent &+ ,o$"(ete) then we ,#n f&n#((y #-#ndon th&+ for+#ken "(#,e to the h!$#n+ #nd -e'&n the t#+k of re-!&(d&n' o!r "eo"(e! Ner94h!( re'#rded the one*eyed o(d w#rr&or tho!'htf!((y. K&(ro'' h#d #(w#y+ &$"re++ed h&$) #+ $!,h for h&+ +h#r" $&nd #nd e;,e((ent t#,t&,#( +en+e #+ for h&+ f&'ht&n' +k&((+) #nd when the +,#rred B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,h&eft#&n h#d (&$"ed -#,k thro!'h the "ort#(. Ner94h!( h#d +een th#t +end&n' h&$ -#,k o!t &nto -#tt(e wo!(d -e # w#+te. Be+&de+) there weren2t $#ny B(eed&n' Ho((ow w#rr&or+ (eft/two ye#r+ of h&d&n' fro$ h!$#n+ #nd the&r #((&e+ h#d t#ken # he#1y to(( on the on,e*(#r'e ,(#n. Ner94h!( h#d ,ho+en to kee" K&(ro'' -y h&+ +&de &n+te#d) #nd to $#ke the B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,(#n h&+ -ody'!#rd+. H&+ own Sh#dow$oon ,(#n h#d not -een "(e#+ed w&th th#t) of ,o!r+e) -!t they were +t&(( n!$ero!+ eno!'h to -e # for,e #'#&n+t the A((&#n,e. Be+&de+) Ner94h!( tho!'ht) he w#+ w#r,h&ef of the Horde now) not 0!+t ,h&eft#&n of the Sh#dow$oon. He ,o!(dn2t +how f#1or&t&+$. We h#1e # 0o!rney #he#d of !+ f&r+t) he to(d K&((ro'' #nd 'e+t!red #t the ,&t#de( #ro!nd the$. 3 ,#nnot r&+k the +"e(( f#&(&n'. we h#1e the +k&e+ ,oo"er#t&n' w&th !+5 we $!+t ,o$$#nd the ,oo"er#t&on of the 1ery (#nd #+ we((. 3 need to #,,e++ the (ey (&ne+) #+ $#ny #+ "o++&-(e) +o th#t Dr#enor her+e(f w&(( "ower the +"e(( th#t re(e#+e+ !+ fro$ her d&+e#+ed 'r&". He +&'hed. There &+ on(y one "(#,e th#t &+ &de#( for +!,h # t#+k. The Te$"(e of K#r#-or. K&(ro''2+ one eye w&dened) -!t h&+ e;"re++&on d&d not ,h#n'e otherw&+e. The B(#,k Te$"(e! he +#&d &n # h!+hed tone. Ner94h!( nodded. He d&d h&+ -e+t not to re1e#( the d&+'!+t he fe(t. He +t&(( re$e$-ered the w#r #'#&n+t the dr#en,& w&th re1!(+&on #nd not # (&td, '!&(t) #nd the &de# of enter&n' the&r for$er te$"(e +ent ,h&((+ down h&$) -!t he knew K&(ro'' #nd the re+t of the Horde d&d not +h#re h&+ +ent&$ent. %or the$ the de#th of the dr#en,& w#+ +t&(( # '(or&o!+ 1&,tory) #nd the B(#,k Te$"(e # no-(e +"o&(. 3t w#+ t&$e for Ner94h!( to -e(&e1e th&+ #(+o) &f he were to (e#d the$ ,orre,t(y. 3f 3 "erfor$ the r&te there) we ,#nnot -!t +!,,eed. 3 w&(( $#ke #rr#n'e$ent+ for !+ to de"#rt #t on,e then) K&(ro'' +#&d.

De"#rt6 Where #r, we 'o&n'6 K#r'#th #+ked #+ he +to$"ed &nto the throne roo$. The Sh#ttered H#nd ,h&eft#&n h#d # -roken #rrow +h#ft "rotr!d&n' fro$ h&+ (eft +ho!(der. He re#,hed !" now #nd tore &t o!t w&th # 'r!nt. Ner94h!( h#d "!t K#r'#th &n ,h#r'e of the #tt#,k+ #'#&n+t the A((&#n,e +tron'ho(d) #nd the foo( &n+&+ted !"on (e#d&n' $#ny of the +k&r$&+he+ h&$+e(f. :o+t of the t&$e they ne1er e1en f#,ed #ny of the h!$#n+ d&re,t(y/the A((&#n,e #r,her+ r#&ned de#th down !"on the$ fro$ #-o1e !nt&( K#r'#th 'ot fed !" #nd +&'n#(ed the retre#t. B!t #t (e#+t &t ke"t the A((&#n,e o,,!"&ed/#nd K#r'#th #+ we((. 3 $!+t 'o to the B(#,k Te$"(e when the +t#r+ #(&'n to ,#+t the +"e(( #nd o"en the new "ort#(+) Ner94h!( e;"(#&ned) ro((&n' the +,ro(( #nd t!,k&n' &t +e,!re(y &n+&de the "o!,h h#n'&n' fro$ h&+ -e(t. He ro+e fro$ h&+ throne #nd "#tted &t #-+ent(y. 3t w#+ not the $o+t ,o$fort#-(e +,#t he h#d e1er h#d) -!t &t w#+ ,ert#&n(y the $o+t &$"re++&1e. He wo!(d h#1e # new one ,r#fted on wh#te1er wor(d the1 went to ne;t. 3 w&(( '#ther the troo"+) K#r'#th re"(&ed) t!rn&n' to 'o) -!t Ner94h!( +to""ed h&$. No. he +#&d. Not yet. S!$$on D,n&#r' #nd Goref&end &n+te#d. 3 w&(( +"e#k w&th the fo!r of yo! here) #nd '&1e yo! e#,h yo!r order+. K#r'#th he+&t#ted) #nd Ner94h!( -#rked) Now! K#r'#th r#&+ed h&+ +,ythe*-(#de h#nd &n +#(!te #nd h!rr&ed fro$ the roo$. 3 w&(( +end word to He((+,re#$) K&(ro'' +#&d) #nd t!rned to (e#1e. No. K&(ro'' t!rned +(ow(y) eye&n' Ner94h!(. They #r, +t&(( on A4eroth. We need to '&1e Gro$ #nd h&+ ,(#n order+ #+ we((. No) we do not. Gro$ He((+,re#$ #(re#dy h#+ h&+ order+. He &+ "#rt of th&+ "(#n #+ we((. At K&(ro''2+ (ook of !n,#+e) Ner94h!( drew h&$+e(f !" to h&+ f!(( he&'ht. Yo! do not do!-t $y w&+do$) do yo!) K&(ro''6 The $o$ent dr#''ed o!t) he#1y w&th ten+&on) -!t K&(ro'' e1ent!#((y &n,(&ned h&+ he#d. Of ,o!r+e not) +h#$#n. Go '#ther yo!r w#rr&or+) Ner94h!( +#&d to K&(ro'' #fter K#r'#th h#d 'one. Te(( the$ to $#ke re#dy. we w&(( de"#rt +hort(y. K&(ro'' nodded #nd (eft #+ we(() #nd Ner94h!( -e'#n "#,&n' the roo$. He wondered &f the -o$- h#d worked #+ Goref&end #++!red h&$ &t wo!(d. 3t $!+t h#1e5 Gro$ h#d not ,h#r'ed thro!'h) red eye+ -(#4&n') de$#nd&n' -(ood. Th#t w#+ we((. He((+,re#$ h#d #(w#y+ -een # d&ff&,!(t one to $#n#'e) -!t he h#d +er1ed h&+ "!r"o+e. He w#+ no (on'er ne,e++#ry. K&(ro'' ret!rned +hort(y) # +&$"(e nod ,onf&r$&n' th#t h&+ w#rr&or+ wo!(d -e re#dy. Goref&end #rr&1ed # few $&n!te+ (#ter) #nd -oth K#r'#th #nd Dent#r' were r&'ht -eh&nd h&$. Good) Ner94h!( +#&d when #(( h&+ (&e!ten#nt+ were "re+ent. 3 h#1e ,o$"(eted the +"e(() he to(d Goref&end #nd Dent#r') #nd the two +$&(ed. 3 knew yo! ,o!(d do &t) $#+ter! Dent#r' +#&d. Yo! w&(( -e 'o&n' to the B(#,k Te$"(e) then6 Goref&end #+ked) #nd h&+ +$&(e w&dened to # 'r&n #t -oth Ner94h!(2+ #nd Dent#r'2+ +!r"r&+e. Ner94h!( re#(&4ed he +ho!(d h#1e e;"e,ted th&+. Goref&end h#d -een one of the $o+t "ro$&+&n' yo!n' +h#$#n he h#d +een) &n ter$+ of #-&(&ty #nd ",r,,"t&1,n,++ &f not e$"#thy) #nd he h#d 'rown &nto # "owerf!() ,onf&dent) ,(e1er w#r(o,k e1en -efore h&+ de#th. S&n,e ret!rn&n' #+ # de#th kn&'ht) he h#d on(y 'rown &n +tren'th #nd ,!nn&n'. He wo!(d -e,o$e # d#n'er +oon. Ye+. 3t &+ the &de#( "(#,e to ,#+t +!,h # +"e((. 3 ,#n h#1e the Horde w#rr&or+ re#dy -y n&'htf#(()2 K#r'#th re"orted. We w&(( (e#1e -eh&nd # +$#(( for,e to $#n the w#((+ here) #nd the re+t w&(( "rote,t yo! #(on' yo!r w#y. B!t Goref&end +hook h&+ he#d. The A((&#n,e won2t f#(( for o!r r!+e $!,h (on'er. And when they re#(&4e we h#1e on(y -een +tr&k&n' to kee" the$ "&nned !" &n the&r ho(d) they w&(( #tt#,k w&th the&r f!(( +tren'th. Ner94h!( nodded/*he h#d #(re#dy '!e++ed #+ $!,h h&$+e(f. Yo! w&(( re$#&n here) w&th yo!r ,(#n) he &n+tr!,ted K#r'#th. Ho(d off the A((&#n,e for,e+ when they #tt#,k) wh&(e we 'o #he#d to the B(#,k Te$"(e) He frowned. 3 w&(( need t&$e. Yo! $!+t de(#y the$ #+ $!,h #+ "o++&-(e. 3f yo! +!r1&1e) $eet !+ there. K#r'#th "#(ed +(&'ht(y) then +tr#&'htened #nd nodded. The "(#&n+ -efore the+e w#((+ w&(( -e "&(ed h&'h w&th the -od&e+ of the&r de#d! he "ro$&+ed) r#&+&n' h&+ +,ythe*h#nd. He nodded to the other three) #nd then t!rned on h&+ hee( #nd +t#(ked off. They ,o!(d he#r h&$ +ho!t&n' order+ on,e he2d (eft the roo$. They ,#nnot w&n) Dent#r' ,o$$ented #fter # $o$ent. They don2t h#1e to) Ner94h!( re"(&ed. A(( he h#+ to do &+ kee" the A((&#n,e fro$ fo((ow&n' !+ (on' eno!'h for $e to ,o$"(ete the +"e((. He +hr!''ed. Th&+ ,&t#de( &+ +tron') #nd h&+ Sh#ttered H#nd w#rr&or+ #r, to!'h. They w&(( "!t !" # 'ood f&'ht) #nd the re+t of o!r "eo"(e w&(( honor the&r $e$ory on #(( the wor(d+ we ,on7!er &n the&r n#$e. Of ,o!r+e. Dent#r' took the +!-t(e re-!ke w&th on(y # +(&'ht w&n,e. 3 do not do!-t K#r'#th2+ (oy#(ty) or the "rowe++ of h&+ w#rr&or+. He w&(( f&'ht to the end. Ye+. Ner94h!( eyed the Sh#dow$oon o're $#'e. And yo! w&(( f&'ht w&th h&$.

Wh#t6 Th&+ t&$e Dent#r' ro,ked -#,k &n +!r"r&+e. B!t $#+ter) yo! w&(( need $e #t the B(#,k Te$"(e! :y "(#,e &+ #t yo!r +&de! S!dden f!ry we((ed !" &n+&de Ner94h!() hot #nd "!re. Yo!r "(#,e &+ where1er 3 te(( yo! &t &+! He +n#r(ed) h&+ 1o&,e dee"en&n' w&th h&+ #n'er. Dent#r'2+ eye+ w&dened. Yo!r f#,e . . . ) he $!r$!red) ,r&n'&n' -#,k) fe#r #nd +ho,k on h&+ own 1&+#'e. The +k!((...! The $o$ent "#++ed) #nd Ner94h!( fe(t the f!ry (e#1e h&$. He re#,hed to to!,h h&+ wh&te*"#&nted f#,e5 &t fe(t the +#$e to h&$ #+ &t #(w#y+ h#d. They h#1e $#'& of the&r own) the+e h!$#n+) he +#&d) h&+ 1o&,e 'ent(er. So$eone $!+t -e here to +to" the$) +o$eone w&th eno!'h $#'&, to ho(d h&+ own. So$eone 3 ,#n tr!+t. He +te""ed forw#rd) +tret,h&n' h&+ h#nd !" to "(#,e &t on the o're2+ +ho!(der. Dent#r' +te""ed -#,kw#rd) #nd Ner94h!( (et h&+ h#nd f#((. Th#t +o$eone $!+t -e yo!. Dent#r' '(#n,ed down #t Goref&end. Why doe+n2t he +t#y6 3 h#1e f#r $ore know(ed'e of r&ft+ #nd "ort#(+ th#n yo! do) the de#th kn&'ht +#&d. Ner94h!( w&(( need $y he(" w&th the r&t!#() or 3 wo!(d +t#y here #nd te#,h tho+e h!$#n+ # th&n' or two #-o!t $#'&,. Dent#r'2+ +$#(() "&''y eye+ d#rted -#,k to Ner94h!(. 3 do need h&$ w&th $e) Ner94h!( +#&d &n #n #1!n,!(#r) #($o+t #"o(o'et&, tone. And wh&(e 3 wo!(d h#1e yo! there #+ we(() yo! ,#n #&d $e f#r $ore -y -e&n' here #nd (end&n' K#r'#th yo!r +or,,ro!+ +k&((+. The o're f&n#((y nodded. 3 w&(( do #+ yo! ,o$$#nd) $#+ter. 3 w&(( +to" the h!$#n $#'&. And &f 3 +!r1&1e) 3 w&(( 0o&n yo! #t the B(#,k Te$"(e. The de+&re to +ee th#t "(#,e #nd w#(k &t+ h#((+ w#+ n#ked &n h&+ 1o&,e. Good. Ner94h!( nodded #nd t!rned #w#y. They -oth knew the ,h#n,e+ of Dent#r'2+ +!r1&1&n' were +(&$. 3 w&(( (e#1e the -(#,k dr#'on+ here to he(" &n the -#tt(e. Go now #nd ,oord&n#te w&th K#r'#th. %ro$ the ,orner of h&+ eye he +#w Dent#r' nod. #nd (&+tened #+ the o're +t#(ked o!t of the roo$. On,e tho+e th!ndero!+ foot+te"+ h#d f#ded #w#y) Ner94h!( t!rned -#,k to K&(ro'' #nd Goref&end) G#ther yo!r w#rr&or+ #nd yo!r de#th kn&'ht+. he to(d the$. We (e#1e #t on,e) Le++ th#n #n ho!r (#ter. Ner94h!( w#+ #+tr&de # wo(f (o"&n' fro$ H,((f&r, C&t#de() +!rro!nded -y K&(ro'' #nd h&+ w#rr&or+) Goref&end #nd h&+ de#th kn&'ht+ +,o!ted #he#d on the&r re#n&$#ted +teed+. Beh&nd the$) K#r'#th B(#def&+t #nd h&+ or,+ ,heered fro$ the ,&t#de( w#((+) ,h#nt&n' Ner94h!(2+ n#$e. The Horde (e#der re+ted one h#nd on h&+ "o!,h) $#k&n' +!re the +,ro(( w#+ +t&(( there) knotted the other &n h&+ wo(f2+ th&,k "e(t) #nd rode on. He d&d not (ook -#,k.

CHAPTER E3GHTEEN
A((er&# h#d +t#yed w&th T!r#(yon th#t n&'ht. They h#d t#(ked for # (on') (on' t&$e) #nd the ,h#+$ th#t h#d y#wned -etween the$ h#d -een -r&d'ed. When they ,o!(d +"e#k no (on'er) they (et the&r he#rt+ #nd -od&e+ ,ont&n!e the he#(&n'. They h#d e$er'ed fro$ h&+ 7!#rter+ to'ether the ne;t $orn&n') #nd &f there were know&n' 'r&n+ fro$ the&r fr&end+) -oth knew there w#+ #(+o 'en!&ne h#""&ne++. E1en tho!'h they f#,ed de#th tod#y) they wo!(d do +o know&n' th#t there w#+ $!,h 0oy w#&t&n' for the$ &f they +!r1&1ed. And they wo!(d +!r1&1e. T!r#(yon w#+ not #-o!t to (et her 'o. not now th#t they2d fo!nd e#,h other #'#&n. He h#d k&++ed her h#rd) #nd +he h#d +(&""ed off &n the "red#wn (&'ht w&th her r#n'er+. They h#d d&+,!++ed +&'n#(+ #nd +!,h) #nd f&n#((y de,&ded on # t&$e. We w&(( do!+e the (&'ht+ for ten he#rt-e#t+) then re(&'ht the$ &f we h#1e t#ken the w#t,h tower) +he h#d +#&d. 3f we h#1en2t t#ken the$ #(( -y the t&$e the +!n &+ #-o!t to ,(e#r the hor&4on) ,o$e #nyw#y) A((er&# h#d +#&d. They w&(( -e #-(e to +ee #+ we(( #+ yo! #n ho!r (#ter #nd th&+ "(#n w&(( h#1e -een for n#!'ht. He2d nodded. T!r#(yon w#+ #t "e#,e w&th her f&'ht&n' o!t of h&+ +&'ht now5 he knew +he wo!(d t#ke no !nne,e++#ry r&+k+. She h#d ret!rned to her+e(f #'#&n. D#n#th wo!(d (e#d the &n&t&#() de,oy ,h#r'e) wh&(e T!r#(yon wo!(d -r&n' !" the $#&n offen+e on,e the Horde for,e+ h#d en'#'ed the$ &n ,o$-#t. D#n#th #nd h&+ $en wo!(d -e o!tn!$-ered) -!t not for (on'. 3t w&(( -e h#rrow&n' for # wh&(e) T!r#(yon w#rned h&$. Yo!2(( h#1e to tr!+t th#t #(( &+ 'o&n' #,,ord&n' to "(#n. He he+&t#ted. 3t $&'ht fee( (&ke the "ort#( -#td, #(( o1er #'#&n) D#n#th. D#n#th h#d re'#rded h&+ ,o$$#nder w&th +tee(y eye+. No &t won2t. Th&+ t&$e) we2re the one+ who #r, t#k&n' tho+e 'reen -#+t#rd+ -y +!r"r&+e. 3 tr!+t yo!) T!r#(yon. The 'ho+t+ of tho+e de#d -oy+ w&(( -e f&'ht&n' #(on'+&de !+. They2(( -e #t "e#,e when we tr#" the or,+ -etween two front+. T!r#(yon h#d +h&1ered # (&tt(e. D#n#th . . . he h#d -e'!n. D#n#th h#d w#1ed &t #+&de. 321e no de#th w&+h) he +#&d) don2t worry #-o!t th#t. 3 w#nt to 'et ho$e one d#y) #nd to -r&n' the+e -oy+ ho$e w&th $e. 3 don2t w#nt to wr&te one d#$ned $ore (etter th#t -e'&n+ 3t &+ w&th dee"e+t +y$"#thy.22

T!r#(yon h#d 'r&""ed h&+ +e,ond*&n*,o$$#nd2+ +ho!(der #nd nodded. D#n#th wo!(d ho(d the or,+ (on' eno!'h for the +e,ond for,e to ,r#+h !"on the$ (&ke # t&d#( w#1e. K!rdr#n #nd h&+ 'ry"hon r&der+) #(on' w&th Kh#d'#r #nd +o$e other $#'&) wo!(d -e re#dy to -e "#rt of th#t w#1e. T!r#(yon wo!(d $&++ the $#'e2+ "re+en,e/ they h#d -een to'ether thro!'ho!t the Se,ond W#r) #nd &t wo!(d fee( +tr#n'e to 'o to -#tt(e w&tho!t Kh#d'#r -y h&+ +&de. B!t &f #(( went we(( they wo!(d $eet !" #nd ,e(e-r#te the&r 1&,tory. Now he w#&ted &n the ,h&(( "red#wn for the +&'n#(. D#n#th2+ 'ro!" h#d 'one #ro!nd #nd wo!(d -e #tt#,k&n' fro$ the re#r w&th hor+e+ #nd (o!d +ho!t+ wh&(e T!r#(yon2+ 'ro!" h#d $o1ed ,#ref!((y) 7!&et(y) on foot to # "(#,e ,(o+e eno!'h to +ee the +&'n#( -!t f#r eno!'h #w#y th#t the n&'ht +t&(( h&d the$. He '#4ed #t the ,&t#de() #t the $&(e*(on') +o(&d w#(( th#t en,#+ed &t. At &nter1#(+ #(on' th#t w#(() h!'e -r#4&er+ -!rned +!((en(y) ,#+t&n' 0!+t eno!'h &((!$&n#t&on to +how the -#re+t h&nt+ of the &ron +"&ke+ th#t #dorned the ,&t#de(. A#''ed) "owerf!() d#rk/the -!&(d&n' h#d # 1&1&d "re+en,e. T!r#(yon +o$ehow fe(t th#t not on(y wo!(d they need to defe#t the or,+ w&th&n &t+ w#((+/the (&1&n' one+ #nd the de#th kn&'ht+*/*-!t they2d h#1e to defe#t the ,&t#de( &t+e(f 3t w#+ #n !tter(y h&deo!+ "(#,e) #n'!(#r #nd or'#n&, #t the +#$e t&$e) #+ &f &t were +o$e $#++&1e -e#+t who+e f(e+h h#d $e(ted &n "(#,e+ to e;"o+e the +h#r" -one+ th#t h#d '&1en &t for$. He +t#red #t the w#t,h tower+ !nt&( h&+ eye+ #,hed fro$ the +tr#&n. There . . . one of the$ h#d 'one o!t. And then -een re(&t. On,e the f&n#( (&'ht h#d -een do!+ed #nd re(&t) T!r#(yon he#rd the +o!nd of h!$#n 1o&,e+ r#&+ed &n # -#tt(e +ho!t #nd the th!nder of hoo1e+. He w#nted de+"er#te(y to ,h#r'e &n) -!t he for,ed h&$+e(f to w#&t. The r#n'er+ wo!(d need t&$e #nd the o""ort!n&ty to 'et to the '#te) #nd th#t wo!(d on(y ,o$e when the or,+ $#nn&n' &t h#d -een ,#((ed to f&'ht D#n#th2+ $en. E1ery +e,ond w#+ #'ony. %&n#((y) when he he#rd the +o!nd of we#"on+ ,(#+h&n' #nd the -e((ow ofor,w#r ,r&e+ $&;&n' w&th tho+e of h&+ $en) he knew the $o$ent h#d ,o$e. T!r#(yon (&fted h&+ h#$$er #nd r#&+ed &t to eye (e1e() where &t+ d!(( $et#( he#d ,#!'ht the e#r(y $orn&n' (&'ht. :#y the Ho(y L&'ht 'r#nt !+ +tren'th. he +#&d 7!&et(y) #nd tho+e '#thered #ro!nd h&$ nodded) # $!r$!r +"re#d&n' #$on' the$ #+ h&+ h#$$er -e'#n to +h&ne #nd then to '(ow fro$ w&th&n. :#y &t '!&de !+ &n th&+ ende#1or) (e#d&n' !+ to 1&,tory) to honor) #nd to '(ory. %or #n &n+t#nt the h#$$er +ee$ed ,o$"o+ed of wh&te (&'ht. Then th#t (&'ht -!r+t o!tw#rd) w#+h&n' #,ro++ the$ #(( &n # w#1e) #nd T!r#(yon knew the other+ fe(t the +#$e +tren'th #nd "e#,e he d&d. A f#&nt #!r# ,(!n' to the h#$$er #nd to e#,h of the$) o!t(&n&n' the$ #'#&n+t the red ro,k #(( #ro!nd) #nd he +$&(ed #t th&+ o"en +&'n of the L&'ht2+ -(e++&n'. T!r#(yon (ed h&+ $en #t # f#+t (o"e tow#rd the w#((. The ,&t#de( (oo$ed -efore the$) #nd the ,(o+er they ,#$e) the $ore o""re++&1e #nd $#$$oth &t 'rew. He ,o!(d +ee the '#te now. (ook&n' (&ke # $o!th &n # h&deo!+ f#,e. And then) r&'ht when he w#+ wonder&n' &f he h#d $&+t&$ed the ,h#r'e) the '#te -e'#n to o"en. She d&d &t) one of the $en wh&+"ered. Of ,o!r+e +he d&d) T!r#(yon +#&d +oft(y. She2+ A((er&# W&ndr!nn,r. L&'ht) how he (o1ed her. They were not the on(y one+ who h#d not&,ed the '#te o"en&n') howe1er. E1en #+ A((er&# #nd her r#n'er+ d#rted forw#rd to 0o&n w&th T!r#(yon2+ 'ro!") # h#ndf!( of or,+ r#,ed #fter the$. T!r#(yon ,#!'ht # '(&$"+e of A((er&#2+ 'o(den h#&r &n the f#&nt (&'ht) #nd he +"ed !") -re#k&n' &nto # f!(( r!n. H&+ h#$$er ro+e #($o+t of &t+ own #,,ord #nd -e'#n to '(ow #'#&n) # '(e#$&n' wh&te (&'ht he(d h&'h #-o1e h&+ he#d. Th#t ,#!'ht one ore2+ #ttent&on) #nd the ,re#t!re t!rned tow#rd h&$ &n+te#d of the r#n'er+. 3t ,h#r'ed) #nd for # $o$ent he tho!'ht &t we#"on(e++ #nd $#d/ !nt&( he +#w the +,ythe th#t +er1ed the ,re#t!re for # h#nd. %or the Son+ of Loth#r! the "#(#d&n ,r&ed) ton'!e (&-er#ted #+ the need for +te#(th e1#"or#ted. He -ro!'ht the h#$$er ,r#+h&n' down) ,r!+h&n' the ore2+ +k!((. E1en #+ the f&r+tor,dro""ed) T!r#(yon h#!(ed h&+ we#"on -#,k #ro!nd) +tr&k&n' # '(#n,&n' -(ow to one &n front of h&$ -efore +$#+h&n' #nor,two "#,e+ o1er w&th h&+ f!(( +tren'th. Anotheror,r#,ed tow#rd the$) -!t #n #rrow +!dden(y "rotr!ded fro$ &t+ (eft eye #nd &t to""(ed w&tho!t # +o!nd. A f&fth +n#r(ed #nd +w!n' the he#1y ,(!- #t &t+ +&de) -!t A((er&# (e#"ed forw#rd) d!,ked d&e -(ow) #nd thr!+t) her +word -(#de "&er,&n' the 'reen*+k&nned ,re#t!re2+ thro#t #nd e$er'&n' fro$ the -#,k of &t+ he#d. T!r#(yon h#d +"!n #nd f&n&+hed off theor,he2d +t!nned) #nd now he ,h#r'ed !" the +t#&r+ #t f!(( +"eed) A((er&# #nd her r#n'er+ #nd h&+ $en r&'ht -eh&nd h&$. A troo" of or,+ $et T!r#(yon #+ he ro!nded # -end &n the +t#&r+ h#(fw#y !". They h#d the #d1#nt#'e of +&4e) +tren'th) #nd "o+&t&on) -!t he h#d $o$ent!$ #nd deter$&n#t&on. Ho(d&n' h&+ h#$$er -efore h&$) h&+ h#nd+ 'r&""&n' &t 0!+t -e(ow the he#d) T!r#(yon !+ed &t (&ke # +$#(( -#tter&n' r#$) +(#$$&n' &nto oneor,#fter #nother. The for,e of d&e &$"#,t+ 0o(ted h&$) #nd he h#d to f&'ht not to totter -#,k # +te") -!t the or,+ fo!nd the$+e(1e+ to++ed #+&de #nd ,&ther +(#$$ed &nto the w#(( or to""(ed fro$ the +t#&r+) #nd fe(( to the 'ro!nd -e(ow. The or,+ th#t ret#&ned eno!'h "re+en,e of $&nd to #tt#,k h&$ &n t!rn fo!nd the$+e(1e+ "&er,ed w&th #rrow+) ,o!rte+y of A((er&# #nd her

r#n'er+) #nd #nyor,T!r#(yon +t!nned -!t d&dn2t k&(( the $en -eh&nd h&$ f&n&+hed off #+ they r#,ed !" the +t#&r+ -eh&nd h&$. 3n wh#t +ee$ed (&ke $&n!te+) -!t T!r#(yon knew h#d "ro-#-(y -een (on'er) he re#,hed the to". The ,&t#de(2+ r#$"#rt+ +tret,hed o!t -efore h&$) f#r (on'er d&#n Honor Ho(d2+ -!t (e++ e1en) $ore ,h#ot&, #nd odd(y +h#"ed. So$e or,+ +tood here) he#1y +"e#r+ &n h#nd) re#dy to h!r( the$ down !"on the #""ro#,h&n' #r$y) -!t $o+t of d&e Horde h#d "o!red o!t of the front '#te+. T!r#(yon +#w. #nd were r!nn&n' to $eet the A((&#n,e he#d*on. He #(+o +#w (on' -(#,k f&'!re+ ,&r,(&n' #-o1e) #nd knew the -(#,k dr#'on+ were 0!+t w#&t&n' for the r&'ht $o$ent to 0o&n the f&'ht. 2A((&#n,e! T!r#(yon +ho!ted) ho(d&n' h&+ h#$$er h&'h #nd r#,&n' to the r#$"#rt2+ front ed'e. 2A((&#n,e! %ro$ here he +"otted D#n#th r&d&n' ne#r the front of h&+ 'ro!") #nd the w#rr&or r#&+ed h&+ +word &n re+"on+e. He w#+ ,o1ered w&th -(ood #nd 'ore) -!t none of &t w#+ red h!$#n -(ood. Nor h#d he (o+t $#ny $en. The L&'ht was w&th the$! Then wh#t or,+ were +t&(( !" here re#,hed h&$) #nd T!r#(yon w#+ -!+y defend&n' h&$+e(f #nd ,(e#r&n' the r#$"#rt+ of the&r defender+. The +o!nd+ of -#tt(e were e1erywhere8 $et#( #'#&n+t $et#() +tone #'#&n+t "(#te) f(e+h #'#&n+t f(e+h) $&;ed w&th 'row(+ #nd ro#r+ #nd -e((ow+ #nd ,r&e+. The -od&e+ were #(( $&n'(ed to'ether) the 'reen of the or,+ #'#&n+t the "&nk of the h!$#n+ #nd the -rown+ #nd -(ond+ #nd -(#,k+ of the hor+e+) w&th the '(e#$&n' +heen of #r$or #nd the d!(( (!+ter of #;e+ #nd h#$$er+ $&;ed &n #+ we((. At one "o&nt when he w#+ #-(e to +"#re # '(#n,e) T!r#(yon $#n#'ed to "&,k o!t D#n#th #'#&n) #nd w#t,hed #+ the w#rr&or &$"#(ed # ,h#r'&n'or,!"on h&+ +word) y#nked d&e -(#de free) #nd wh&r(ed to +(&,e #nother2+ thro#t o"en. T!r#(yon h#d 0!+t +$#+hed down the (#+tor,when he he#rd # (o!d +hr&ek fro$ #-o1e. G(#n,&n' !") he +#w # ,(o!d +wee"&n' down tow#rd the ,&t#de() ,#rry&n' # -(#+t of hot #&r w&th &t. He 'r&nned #t the +!dden $o&+t he#t. The ,(o!d h#d -roken #"#rt) for$&n' # h#4e th#t +ett(ed o1er the ,&t#de() -(#nket&n' &t &n fo' th#t -(!rred ed'e+ #nd h&d +h#"e+ #nd det#&(+. The fo' "(#yed tr&,k+ w&th +o!nd #+ we(() #nd +o when # (o!d whoo" +o!nded) T!r#(yon ,o!(d not "&n"o&nt &t+ (o,#t&on. Ne&ther ,o!(d the dr#'on+) &t +ee$ed) for they f(ew &n ,&r,(e+) ne,k+ ,!r(&n' #+ they t!rned the&r he#d+ th&+ w#y #nd th#t) +eek&n' the +o!r,e of th#t +o!nd. Th,1 d&dn2t h#1e to +e#r,h for (on'/# +$#(( +h#"e "(!$$eted o!t of the fo') dro""&n' (&ke # +tone tow#rd one +t#rt(ed dr#'on. A!+t #+ they +ee$ed #-o!t to ,o((&de the +h#"e e;tended) (on' w&n'+ !nf!r(&n') #nd &t+ r#"&d de+,ent -e,#$e # +h#r" whee(&n' d&1e. The 'ry"hon/for +!,h &t h#d to -e/ -#nked #ro!nd the +!r"r&+ed dr#'on. The dr#'on +n#""ed #t &t. (&ke # do' #t #n &n+e,t) -!t the h#(f*(&on) h#(f*e#'(e ,re#t!re w#+ too f#+t. 3t d#rted -ene#th the dr#'on #+ the $#$$oth 0#w+ ,(o+ed r&'ht where &t h#d -een) #nd the dr#'on fo((owed. 3t re#red -#,k #nd $#'$# +"ewed &n # (on') f&ery -(#+t fro$ &t+ $!44(e. A'#&n the 'ry"hon #nd &t+ r&der were too 7!&,k. O1er # do4en or,+ +hr&eked &n #'ony #+ the dr#'on #,,&dent#((y &n,&ner#ted &t+ #((&e+) too &ntent !"on the +w&ft 'ry"hon to not&,e where &t h#d d&re,ted &t+ #tt#,k. The dr#'on +,re#$ed &n #n'er) +(#$$&n' &nto the ,&t#de( #nd ,r#,k&n' the +t!rdy w#((+ w&th # tre$endo!+ no&+e. Before &t ,o!(d '#ther &t+e(f #nd #tt#,k #'#&n) the W&(dh#$$,r #to" the 'ry"hon +tood &n h&+ +t&rr!"+ #nd h!r(ed h&+ +tor$h#$$,r #t the fe#r+o$e -e#+t. A+ &t +tr!,k the dr#'on &n the eye) # th!nder,(#" tore the fo' #+!nder #nd -r&((&#nt +!n(&'ht +tre#$ed down. The W&(dh#$$,r whoo"ed) h&+ h#$$er ret!rn&n' to h&+ h#nd #+ h&+ 'ry"hon +o#red -#,k !") the +!n(&'ht '(e#$&n' on &t+ fe#ther+. Sho,ked) d#4ed) the dr#'on tr&ed to f(y) -!t the $er,&(e++ W&(dh#$$,r dw#rf (ed &t on # $erry ,h#+e) +tr&k&n' re"e#ted(y #t &t+ wo!nded eye !nt&() h#(f*-(&nded #nd d&44y) &t #'#&n +(#$$ed &nto the w#(() wh&,h ,o((#"+ed -ene#th the !n&ntent&on#( #++#!(t of the 're#t -e#+t. The dr#'on +(&d down to the e#rth) +h#k&n' &t w&th &t+ de#d we&'ht) # 1&,t&$ of &t+ own 1&o(en,e. The re$#&n&n' dr#'on+ +,re#$ed the&r r#'e #nd h!rt(ed tow#rd the (one 'ry"hon r&der) who t!rned to $eet the&r f!r&o!+ he#d(on' f(&'ht. B!t 0!+t #+ they n,#r,d h&$) $ore 'ry"hon+ -!r+t fro$ the re$#&n&n' ,(o!d+ #-o1e #nd de+,ended !"on the dr#'on+. E#,h dr#'on w#+ e#+&(y fo!r t&$e+ the +&4e of # +&n'(e 'ry"hon) -!t the 'ry"hon+ h#d +"eed #nd #'&(&ty) whee(&n' #-o!t the (#r'er -e#+t+) (!r&n' the$ to the fortre++) d&re,t&n' the&r f&ery #tt#,k+ or +end&n' the$ ,#reen&n' &nto one #nother #+ they tr&ed &n 1#&n to ,#t,h the e(!+&1e #er&#( d#n,er+. 3t (ooked to T!r#(yon #+ &f K!rdr#n2+ e#r(&er -o#+t $&'ht &n f#,t "ro1e to -e tr!e. H&+ W&(dh#$$,r+ were*h#1&n' eno!'h +!,,e++ w&th the dr#'on+ #(re#dy th#t they $&'ht we(( -e done w&th tho+e ,re#t!re+ +oon eno!'h to (end # h#nd w&th the $#&n #++#!(t. One of the 'ry"hon+ -roke #w#y fro$ the re+t. he#d&n' tow#rd T!r#(yon. 3t -ore two r&der+) one +$#(( #nd the other f#r (#r'er) #nd the (#tter (e#"ed down wh&(e they were +t&(( # +hort w#y+ #-o1e the -ro#d +tone w#(kw#y) 1&o(et ro-e+ +tre#$&n' #ro!nd h&$. T!r#(yon fe(t h&+ f#,e +tret,h &n # 'r&n. Kh#d'#r! The $#'e w#1ed h&+ th#nk+ to the W&(dh#$$,r who h#d ,#rr&ed h&$ #+ the 'ry"hon -e#t &t+ w&n'+ #nd ro+e -#,k !" to re0o&n the #er&#( fr#y. Then he t!rned h&+ wh&te he#d tow#rd the $#&n tower) eye+ n#rrow&n'. 32(( ,o$e he(" yo! when 32$ done here. the $#'e +#&d to T!r#(yon. 'r&""&n' h&+ +t#ff &n one h#nd #nd dr#w&n' the +word #t h&+ +&de w&th the other. There2+ +o$eone &n there/#n o're $#'e. 3 need to de#( w&th h&$ f&r+t.

T!r#(yon nodded. He2d +een $ore th#n eno!'h $#'&, o1er the "#+t few ye#r+ to re+"e,t Kh#d'#r2+ o"&n&on on the $#tter. He t!rned #+ two $en +t#t&oned -y the f#r +t#&r+ ,#$e h!rry&n' o1er) -ro#d 'r&n+ on the&r f#,e+. Before T!r#(yon ,o!(d #+k why) he he#rd foot+te"+ fro$ th#t d&re,t&on. And then he#d+ #""e#red #+ +e1er#( f&'!re+ ,h#r'ed !" the +t#&r+ #nd onto the r#$"#rt+. %&'!re+ we#r&n' A((&#n,e #r$or. S&r! one of the$ ,#((ed #+ they #""ro#,hed. We h#1e ,(e#red the north w&n'! T!r#(yon nodded #nd ret!rned the +o(d&er+2 +#(!te+. Good. 32(( (e#1e # few $en here. He '(#n,ed #t A((er&#) who re#d&ed her -ow. The re+t of yo!. ,o$e w&th $e. We2(( +wee" the ,&t#de( to $#ke +!re &t2+ ,(e#n) #nd then throw o"en the '#te+ for the re+t of o!r $en. They ,heered) #nd he (ed the$ down the w#(kw#y Kh#d'#r h#d 0!+t t#ken) t!rn&n' off &t h#(fw#y #,ro++ to fo((ow # n#rrower +t#&r down. A+ he2d ho"ed) &t (ed h&$ &nto the he#rt of theor,+tron'ho(d) #nd +oon T!r#(yon w#+ too -!+y f&'ht&n' off the or,+ who h#d re$#&ned w&th&n to worry #-o!t Kh#d'#r. Kh#d'#r "#,ed the w#(kw#y +(ow(y) h&+ +en+e+ e;tended to +t!dy the #re# #he#d of h&$. The o're w#+ +t&(( there) he knew) -!t d&d not +ee$ to -e do&n' #nyth&n'/no +",((,#+t&n') no r&t!#(+. 3t w#+ +&$"(y w#&t&n'. W#&t&n' for h&$. The w#(kw#y ended #t the tower) #nd Kh#d'#r +te""ed &n+&de. The roo$ he entered w#+ (#r'e #nd odd(y +h#"ed) not 7!&te ,&r,!(#r #nd w&th !ne1en(y +"#,ed #n'(e+) #+ &f &t h#d -een ,#r1ed fro$ +o$eth&n' r#ther th#n ,on+tr!,ted. At the f#r end ro+e # $on+tro!+ ,h#&r th#t +ee$ed to -e "&e,ed to'ether o!t of ,o(o++#( -one+/he +h!ddered to th&nk wh#t -e#+t $&'ht h#1e y&e(ded +!,h +"e,&$en+. 3t+ h&'h -#,k re#,hed #($o+t to the #r,hed ,e&(&n' #-o1e) #nd tor,he+ '!ttered to ,&ther +&de. B!t the throne w#+ e$"ty. :y $#+ter &+ 'one. # dee" 1o&,e r!$-(ed) #+ # $#++&1e f&'!re det#,hed &t+e(f fro$ the +h#dow+ #nd $o1ed to &nter,e"t h&$. Kh#d'#r h#d +een o're+ -efore) of ,o!r+e) -!t they h#d -een down on the f&e(d #nd he h#d -een -#,k w&th the other $#'&) +tr&k&n' fro$ # d&+t#n,e. Th&+ w#+ h&+ f&r+t en,o!nter w&th one !" ,(o+e) #nd he fo!nd h&$+e(f '!("&n' #+ he +t#red !" . . . #nd up. The ,re#t!re2+ he#d ne#r(y -r!+hed the ,e&(&n') #nd wh&(e &t+ fe#t!re+ were -r!t&+h) &t+ dee"*+et eye+ '(&ttered w&th &nte((&'en,e. Then he re'&+tered wh#t &t h#d +#&d) +&(ent(y th#nkf!( for the r&n' th#t en#-(ed h&$ to !nder+t#nd &t. Gone6 The o're 'r&nned) re1e#(&n' +!r"r&+&n'(y +$#(() +h#r" teeth #nd (#r'e f#n'+. 3ndeed) &t #n+wered. He (eft here +o$e t&$e #'o. E1en now he &+ tr#1e(&n' to "erfor$ the r&t!#() wh&(e yo!r A((&#n,e &+ f&'ht&n' &t+ w#y "#+t !+. The ,re#t!re +,ow(ed) then +et &t+ 0#w. We $#y d&e) -!t o!r de#th+ w&(( en+!re th#t the Horde (&1e+ on) #nd ,on7!er+ wor(d+ w&tho!t end! D#$n! Kh#d'#r ,!r+ed) +ee&n' wh#t h#d h#""ened. The or,+ h#d tr&,ked the$! They2d #((owed th&+ #tt#,k +&$"(y +o Ner94h!( ,o!(d e+,#"e. Nonethe(e++) &f we2re f#+t eno!'h we ,#n +t&(( 'o #fter h&$) he to(d theor,def&#nt(y. Yo! ,o!(d) the o're #'reed. B!t f&r+t) yo! $!+t 'et "#+t $e. 3t r#&+ed &t+ h#nd+) e#,h one (#r'er th#n Kh#d'#r2+ he#d) #nd they -e'#n to '(ow w&th # +&,k(y 'reen (&'ht th#t +ee$ed to r&+e fro$ -ene#th the +k&n. 3 #$ Dent#r') of the Sh#dow$oon ,(#n. An honor#-(e d!e() then. Kh#d'#r of D#(#r#n) Kh#d'#r re"(&ed. He r#&+ed h&+ +t#ff) #nd the t&" -e'#n to +hed # -r&'ht 1&o(et '(ow. The o're e;e,!ted # ,(!$+y -ow. Then &t +tr!,k. Both of &t+ $#++&1e h#nd+ +(#$$ed forw#rd) #+ &f "hy+&,#((y +ho1&n' Kh#d'#r -#,k. Green (&'ht er!"ted fro$ the$ &n # w#1e of ener'y th#t thre#tened to en1e(o" #nd ,r!+h the h!$#n $#'e. Kh#d'#r r#&+ed h&+ +t#ff) the 1&o(et (&'ht 'row&n' $ore &nten+e) #nd the 'reen w#1e +"(&t #ro!nd h&$ -efore -!--(&n' #w#y to noth&n'. Ne;t Kh#d'#r +tr!,k) "o&nt&n' the +t#ff #t the o're2+ ,he+t. The 1&o(et (&'ht (#n,ed forw#rd) +t#--&n' tow#rd the o're2+ he#rt. B!t Dent#r' -#tted the ener'y -e#$ #+&de w&th h&+ h#nd+) the 'reen +t&(( +!ff!+&n' the$) "rote,t&n' h&$ fro$ #ny &(( effe,t. We #r, we((*$#t,hed) the o're re$#rked) ,(#""&n' &t+ h#nd+ to'ether. When &t +"re#d the$ w&de) d#rkne++ -&((owed !" -etween the$) # 're#t ,!rt#&n of -(#,k th#t +we"t #,ro++ the roo$. Perh#"+) Kh#d'#r re"(&ed. He d&d not $o1e #+ the d#rkne++ fe(() #nd w&th&n +e,ond+ he h#d 1#n&+hed fro$ +&'ht) #+ h#d e1eryth&n' e(+e. Thro!'h h&+ other +en+e+ he ,o!(d +t&(( (o,#te the o're) howe1er) #nd knew th#t h&+ o""onent w#+ +e#r,h&n' for h&$. Kh#d'#r w#&ted #nother $o$ent) !n$o1&n') then +(#$$ed h&+ +t#ff down !"on the f(oor. The +ho,k w#1e +"(&t the d#rkne++) ,r#,k&n' &t #+ &f &t were -(#,kened '(#++ #nd (e#1&n' +(&1er+ #nd +h#rd+ of &t !"on the f(oor) #nd threw the o're fro$ h&+ feet #+ we((. The ,r#+h Dent#r' $#de #+ he fe(( w#+ #($o+t e7!#( to the f&r+t +ho,k w#1e) #nd the o're 'ro#ned &n "#&n. Kh#d'#r +w&ft(y ,(o+ed the d&+t#n,e -etween the$. The (&'ht #ro!nd h&+ +t#ff &n,re#+ed) !nt&( &t w#+ # -e#$ of +o(&d (&'ht) too -r&'ht to -e 1&o(et tho!'h +t&(( t&n'ed w&th th#t h!e. He +(#$$ed the -e#$*en,#+ed +t#ff #'#&n+t the r&+&n' o're2+ thro#t #nd he(d on #+ Dent#r' +,re#$ed) h&+ f(e+h +$ok&n' where the +t#ff to!,hed &t. 3t w#+ not # $#'&,#( #tt#,k th#t +#1ed the o're then -!t #n &n+t&n,t&1e one. He he#1ed Kh#d'#r off -od&(y #nd $#n#'ed to re'#&n h&+ feet) tho!'h h&+ ne,k -ore # ,h#rred -(#,k (&ne #,ro++ &t. Dent#r' +n#r(ed) +how&n' h&+ f#n'+)

#nd ,h#r'ed Kh#d'#r. he#d down. B!t the h!$#n $#'e +&de+te""ed the #tt#,k #nd +w!n' h&+ +word #+ the o're +tor$ed "#+t) +(&,&n' the ,re#t!re2+ !""er #r$. Dent#r'2+ ,ry ,h#n'ed fro$ one of r#'e to one of "#&n. Green (&'ht ro+e #'#&n fro$ h&+ h#nd+) tho!'h &t f(&,kered here #nd there #nd f(#+he+ of ,r&$+on +hot thro!'h &t. Br&n'&n' h&+ h#nd+ to'ether #'#&n) Dent#r' (et the ener'y -!&(d -etween the$) !nt&( he h#d # '(o-e of "!re $#'&, th#t wr&thed #nd ro&(ed w&th h#tred. Th&+ he h!r(ed #t Kh#d'#r. "!tt&n' #(( h&+ for,e -eh&nd &t. Kh#d'#r +t!d&ed the f#+t*#""ro#,h&n' '(o-e ,#($(y. Then he +he#thed h&+ +word #nd he(d o!t h&+ h#nd) "#($ o!tw#rd. The '(o-e ,onne,ted w&th h&+ f(e+h. +tr&k&n' the "#($ +7!#re(y/#nd 1#n&+hed &nto h&$) #-+or-ed w&tho!t # tr#,e. Th#nk yo!) he to(d the #+ton&+hed o're. 3 fee( $!,h -etter now. He +t#$"ed one foot #nd # $&nor +ho,k w#1e to""(ed Dent#r' #'#&n. The o're (#nded he#1&(y on h&+ knee+) #nd -owed h&+ he#d) know&n' he w#+ &n the "re+en,e of # +!"er&or o""onent. Kh#d'#r +"#red h&$ #ny f!rther h!$&(&#t&on) dr#w&n' h&+ +word #'#&n #nd -r&n'&n' &t down !"on the o're2+ e;"o+ed ne,k w&th #(( h&+ $&'ht. %(e+h #nd -one "#rted ,(e#n(y) #nd he +te""ed -#,k #+ the o're2+ he#d ro((ed #,ro++ the f(oor) +"r#y&n' -(ood &n &t+ w#ke. %or # $o$ent he ,#!'ht h&+ -re#th) (ook&n' #ro!nd the throne roo$) tho!'h he knew Dent#r' h#d +"oken the tr!th. He (ooked down #t the o're ,or"+e) nodded) +#t&+f&ed) #nd h!rr&ed -#,k to f&nd T!r#(yon. They wo!(d need to $o1e 7!&,k(y. Good new+! T!r#(yon +ho!ted when he ,#!'ht +&'ht of Kh#d'#r #'#&n. We ho(d the ,&t#de(! We were tr&,ked) Kh#d'#r +#&d w&tho!t "re#$-(e. Ner94h!( &+ not here. He (eft we(( -efore the #tt#,k. He $!+t h#1e t#ken the #rt&f#,t+ w&th h&$. 3 wonder &f he took the +k!(( #+ we((. T!r#(yon +t#red #t h&$. 3t w#+ #(( # d&1er+&on) then6 And we fe(( for &t) Kh#d'#r ,onf&r$ed. T!r#(yon frowned) try&n' to f&nd the 'ood &n th&+. St&((/th&+ w#+ !ndo!-ted(y the -!(k of the&r w#rr&or+. And we ,r!+hed the$! We21e #(+o t#ken the&r ,&t#de(*e1en &f Ner94h!( h&$+e(f w#+n2t here) th&+ w#+ +t&(( the&r he#d7!#rter+) #nd now &t -e(on'+ to !+. The&r $&(&t#ry $&'ht &+ -roken for 'ood. Aye) they2(( not f&e(d #nother #r$y #'#&n) D#n#th +#&d) #""ro#,h&n' the$ &n t&$e to he#r the end of T!r#(yon2+ +t#te$ent. H&+ #r$or w#+ -#ttered &n "(#,e+) #nd he -ore +e1er#( ,!t+ on h&+ #r$+) (e'+) #nd f#,e) -!t he +ee$ed !nf#4ed -y the &n0!r&e+ #+ he re&ned &n #nd d&+$o!nted -e+&de the$. T!r#(yon ,(#""ed h&$ on the +ho!(der) h#""y to +ee th#t h&+ (&e!ten#nt h#d +!r1&1ed. Yo! d&d # f&ne 0o-. he to(d D#n#th. B!t Kh#d'#r h#+ d&+,o1ered +o$e &(( new+. Ner94h!( &+ not here/he knew we wo!(d #tt#,k) #""#rent(y) #nd +to(e #w#y -efore we #rr&1ed. And we th&nk he took the #rt&f#,t+ w&th h&$. A((er&# #nd K!rdr#n h#d 0o&ned the$ now. #nd T!r#(yon f&((ed the$ &n #+ we((. We(() we2d -e+t -e #fter 2&$) then) eh6 K!rdr#n re"(&ed. Do yo! know where they2re 'o&n'6 A((er&# re"(&ed. 3 don2t know. Kh#d'#r +#&d. B!t 3 ,#n f&nd o!t. He +$&(ed. 3 know G!(2d#n2+ $#'&,#( #!r# fro$ the w#r. #nd 3 know the Eye of D#(#r#n #+ we((. 3 ,#n tr#,e -oth of the$. The other+ +te""ed -#,k #+ he ,(o+ed h&+ eye+) $!tter&n' +o$eth&n' -ene#th h&+ -re#th. The #&r #ro!nd h&$ +ee$ed to +h&$$er +(&'ht(y) #nd # w&nd #""e#red fro$ nowhere) t!''&n' #t the&r ,(othe+ #nd h#&r. Then the $#'e2+ eye+ +n#""ed o"en. %or #n &n+t#nt they '(owed # -r&((&#nt wh&te #nd +howed +tr#n'e &$#'e+ d#n,&n' w&th&n the$. T!r#(yon +h!ddered) (ook&n' #w#y. When he t!rned -#,k h&+ fr&end2+ eye+ were nor$#( on,e $ore. 3 fo!nd the$) Kh#d'#r re"orted) (e#n&n' +(&'ht(y #'#&n+t h&+ +t#ff. 3t w#+n2t e#+y) tho!'h. T!rn+ o!t they2re &n two d&fferent (o,#t&on+. A((er&# +hook her he#d. The +k!(( #nd the Eye #ren2t to'ether6 Why wo!(d Ner94h!( (et ,&ther one o!t of h&+ +&'ht6 3 don2t know) -!t he h#+. The +k!(( went north) -!t the Eye &+ he#ded +o!thwe+t) thro!'h wh#t 3 th&nk they ,#(( T,rokk#r %ore+t. 3 +en+ed the Book of $ed&1h there #+ we(() wh&,h $#ke+ $e th&nk th#t2+ the w#y Ner94h!( went. 32d #++!$ed th#t he needed the +k!(( for the r&t!#() 0!+t #+ 3 need the -ook #nd +k!(( to ,(o+e the "ort#(+. B!t #""#rent(y he +ent the +k!(( +o$ewhere e(+e) tho!'h 3 ,#n2t &$#'&ne why. And yo! need -oth6 The +k!(( #nd the -ook6 T!r#(yon #+ked. Ye+) Kh#d'#r re"(&ed. 3 ,#n2t ,(o+e the r&ft ,o$"(ete(y w&tho!t the$. T!r#(yon nodded. Then we2(( h#1e to 'o #fter -oth. he de,&ded. He '(#n,ed #t the other+) we&'h&n' o"t&on+ &n h&+ he#d. D#n#th. 3 th&nk yo!2d (&ke to k&(( # few $ore or,+. 3ndeed) +&r. ye+ 3 wo!(d. T!r#(yon +&'hed. 3t "#&ned h&$ to +ee tho+e he w#+ fond of +o re1en',*r&dden. B!t who w#+ he to 0!d'e/ he h#d not +een h&+ who(e ,ont&n'ent +(#!'htered wh&(e he f(ed to 'et #&d. D#n#th wo!(d h#1e to $#ke "e#,e w&th h&+ "#&n &n h&+

own w#y) #+ A((er&# h#d f&n#((y done. He wo!(d need to (e#rn th#t yo! ,o!(d f&'ht w&tho!t h#te &n yo!r he#rt/f&'ht for +o$eth&n') r#ther th#n #'#&n+t &t. Then yo! 'o #fter Ner94h!(. He2+ 'ot # he#d +t#rt on !+. +o K!rdr#n) yo! #nd yo!r 'ry"hon r&der+ +,o!t #he#d #nd f&nd Ner94h!( #nd h&+ ,o$"#n&on+. Att#,k the$ #t on,e/k&(( the$ or #t (e#+t +(ow the$ down #nd re"ort -#,k to D#n#th. He2(( -e fo((ow&n' w&th 'ro!nd for,e+. T#ke +o$e of $y r#n'er+ w&th yo! for +,o!t&n') A((en # +#&d. T!r#(1on +$&(ed h&+ th#nk+ #t her #nd +#&d to
J

D#n#th. Yo!r 0o- &+ to de+troy Ner94h!( #nd -r&n' -#,k tho+e three #rt&f#,t+. Con+&der &t done) (#d. K!rdr#n re"(&ed) #nd t!rned #w#y to h&+ 'ry"hon+) D#n#th nodded) +#(!ted) #nd went #+ we(() to '#ther the $en #nd 'et the$ re#dy for tr#1e(. T!r#(yon t!rned -#,k to A((er&# #nd Kh#d'#r. Gett&n' th#t +k!(( #nd ,(o+&n' the "ort#( #re $y re+"on+&-&(&t&e+. Kh#d'#r. yo!2re the on(y one who ,#n tr#,e the -(#+ted th&n'. And A((er&# . . . He +$&(ed +oft(y. 3 "ro$&+ed yo! 3 wo!(d ne1er (e#1e yo! -eh&nd. 3ndeed yo! d&d) $y (o1e. And do not th&nk 3 won2t ho(d yo! to &t. He e;tended # h#nd) #nd +he took &t #nd +7!ee4ed &t t&'ht for # $o$ent. There wo!(d -e no $ore "#rt&n'+ for the$ . . . !nt&( the f&n#( one. And $#y-e not e1en then. She 'r&nned. Let2+ 'o. To'ether the three fr&end+ t!rned #w#y fro$ the ,on7!ered ,&t#de( #nd the "ort#( &n the d&+t#n,e. They wo!(d f&nd the 'ho!(&+h re(&, th#t wo!(d +e#( th#t r&ft fore1er) or d&e try&n'.

CHAPTER N3NETEEN
They #r, '#&n&n' on !+. Ner94h!( '(#n,ed o1er #t K&(ro''. Then we $o1e f#+ter. The B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,h&eft#&n 'row(ed #nd +hook h&+ he#d. We #r, #(re#dy $o1&n' #+ f#+t #+ we ,#n w&tho!t k&((&n' o!r $o!nt+ #nd o!r+e(1e+. he "o&nted o!t -&tter(y. Any f#+ter #nd $y w#rr&or+ w&(( dro" de#d -efore the A((&#n,e e1en re#,he+ !+. And who w&(( "rote,t yo! then6 They h#d -een $#r,h&n' for #($o+t # week now. #nd the f&r+t few d#y+ h#d -een !ne1entf!(. They h#d re#,hed T,rokk#r %ore+t w&tho!t #ny "ro-(e$) #nd h#d +te""ed !nder d&o+, t#(() tw&+ted tree+ w&th # h&nt of re(&ef. The fore+t w#+ #+ d#rk #nd '(oo$y #+ e1er) the d#rk ,(!$"ed fo(&#'e of &t+ tree+ h&'h eno!'h o1erhe#d th#t (&tt(e +!n(&'ht ,o!(d "&er,e the&r ,o1er) the 'ro!nd ,o1ered &n f&ne d#rk $o++ #nd +hort +,r!- -!t otherw&+e -#re. B!t #fter d#y+ of w#(k&n' !nder the hot +!n &t w#+ "(e#+#nt to f&nd +h#de) #nd the fore+t +ee$ed ,oo( #nd "e#,ef!(. Unt&( one of K&(ro''2+ w#rr&or+) who h#d +t#yed f#r -#,k fro$ the re+t to +,o!t -eh&nd the$) h#d ,o$e r!nn&n' to f&nd the$ where they ,#$"ed for the n&'ht. The A((&#n,e! the w#rr&or h#d '#+"ed) "#nt&n' #nd +we#t&n' fro$ h&+ r!n. They #r, r&'ht -eh&nd !+! They $!+t h#1e t#ken H,((f&r, C&t#de( f#+ter th#n we2d e;"e,ted) Goref&end h#d +#&d. D#$n K#r'#th! He w#+ +!""o+ed to ho(d the$! K&(ro'' h#d re$#&ned ,#($) #+ #(w#y+. How $#ny #r, there6 The +,o!t h#d +h#ken h&+ he#d. 3 ,o!(d not 'et # ,(e#r ,o!nt of the$) -!t $#ny. :ore th#n we h#1e here) for ,ert#&n. And they2re $o1&n' #t # fren4&ed "#,e. They2re "!+h&n' the$+e(1e+ to the&r (&$&t+) K&(ro'' h#d $!+ed) &d(y +trok&n' the +,#r -e(ow h&+ $&++&n' eye. H#te (end+ one +"eed. How (on' -efore they re#,h !+6 Goref&end h#d #+ked. They #r, "erh#"+ two d#y+ -eh&nd !+) the +,o!t h#d #n+wered. B!t the&r (e#der dr&1e+ the$ (&ke # $#d$#n) #nd they #r, ,(o+&n' the d&+t#n,e r#"&d(y. Ro!+e the ,#$") K&(ro'' h#d de,&ded. E1eryone !". We w&(( $#r,h thro!'h the n&'ht to "!t $ore d&+t#n,e -etween the$ #nd !+. :o1e! W&th&n $&n!te+ they h#d -een on the $o1e #'#&n. S&n,e then they h#d t#ken on(y +hort -re#k+) +to""&n' -e+&de one of T,rokk#r2+ $#ny '(&tter&n' +tre#$+ #nd r&1er+ for w#ter #nd to ,#t,h the&r -re#th. B!t +t&(( the A((&#n,e ,#$e on) #nd the '#" w#+ (e++en&n'. And now they f#,ed #n #wf!( ,ho&,e. We ,#n +t#nd #nd f&'ht) Goref&end +!''e+ted) -!t K&(ro'' w#+ #(re#dy +h#k&n' h&+ he#d. They o!tn!$-er !+) the one*eyedor,"o&nted o!t) -y # +&'n&f&,#nt $#r'&n. He +,ow(ed. 3 h#te to +#y &t) -!t &f we f#,e the$) they2(( +(#!'hter !+. And wh&(e 3 w&(( '(#d(y d&e for the Horde) #+ w&(( $y ,(#n) dy&n' here w&(( not 'et yo! to the B(#,k Te$"(e. And we ,#nnot o!tr!n the$) Goref&end offered. 3 do not th&nk th#t w&th the&r "rey &n +&'ht) they w&(( f#(( -eh&nd. We ,#n t#ke +he(ter &n/ Ner94h!( -e'#n) -!t K&(ro'' ,!t h&$ off 7!&,k(y.

Th#t &+ +t&(( d#y+ #w#y) he &nterr!"ted h#+t&(y. S!re(y we do not need to ,on+&der th#t 0!+t y,t6 Swe#t -e#ded #,ro++ h&+ -row #nd Ner94h!( w#+ -oth +!r"r&+ed #nd #$!+ed to re#(&4e th#t K&(ro'' De#d,ye) # (e'end#ry f&'!re known for h&+ ,o!r#'e #nd +heer '!t+) w#+ #fr#&d. Th&+ w#+ not the t&$e to -e +7!e#$&+h) howe1er. 3t &+ o!r on(y o"t&on) he "o&nted o!t) h&+ tone +h#r" eno!'h to "re1ent K&(ro'' fro$ -re#k&n' &n #'#&n. They #r, +t&(( '#&n&n' on !+) #nd &f we ,#nnot r!n #nd ,#nnot f&'ht we $!+t h&de. And the on(y "(#,e &n th&+ fore+t we ,#n effe,t&1e(y do th#t &+/ Th&+ t&$e the &nterr!"t&on ,#$e not fro$ one of the two (&e!ten#nt+ -efore h&$ -!t fro$ #-o1e. Ner94h!( fe(t # ,h#n'e &n the #&r. #nd the ,r#,k(e of # "o++&-(e +tor$) -!t !n!+!#((y &nten+e #nd ,on,entr#ted &n # t&'ht (&ne th#t -ore down !"on the$. On &n+t&n,t he do1e for the 'ro!nd. A he#rt-e#t (#ter +o$eth&n' h!rt(ed thro!'h the +"#,e where h&+ he#d h#d -een) tr#&(&n' (&'htn&n' -eh&nd &t. He ,#!'ht # '(&$"+e of # d#rk -(!r th#t +o#red -#,k !" &nto the #&r #nd f(ew -etween the tree+/to (#nd +o(&d(1 &n the h#nd of # +to!t
J

f&'!re r&d&n' # w&n'ed -e#+t th#t w#+ -e#r&n' down !"on the$. Gry"hon+! K&(ro'' +ho!ted) r#&+&n' h&+ #;e #-o1e h&+ he#d. T#ke ,o1er! Ch#o+ er!"ted. or,+ d!,ked -eh&nd tree tr!nk+ #nd +(&d &nto the ne#r-y r&1er or h!''ed &t+ -#nk+. E1eryone w#+ +t!$-(&n' #nd r!nn&n' #nd f#((&n') +,r#--(&n' &n the d#rkne++ to #1o&d the d&$(y +een f&'!re+ !" #-o1e. A +e,ond (&'htn&n' -o(t +tre#ked thro!'h the tree+ #nd +,#red Ner94h!(2+ +&'ht) (e#1&n' noth&n' -!t # -(&nd&n' wh&te for #n &n+t#nt #nd f(#+h&n' #fter&$#'e+ when th#t h#d f#ded. Then # th!nder,(#" +hook the fore+t) r#td&n' the tree+ #nd throw&n' $#nyor,w#rr&or+ off the&r feet. C(e#r(y one of the W&(dh#$$,r+2 #tt#,k+ h#d -een +!,,e++f!(. The W&(dh#$$,r+ f(ew down !"on the&r 'ry"hon+) h!r(&n' the&r +tor$h#$$,r+ (eft #nd r&'ht. So$e #tt#,k+ $&++ed d&,&r t#r'et) -!t tho+e #,,!r+ed h#$$er+ $ere(y ro+e #nd ret!rned to the&r owner+) who (oo+ed the$ #'#&n (&ke 1en'ef!( +"&r&t+. L&'htn&n' +"(&t the #&r #'#&n #nd #'#&n) #nd the th!nder w#+ #n #($o+t ,on+t#nt ro#r. When they were not throw&n' the&r h#$$er+) they were +woo"&n' &n +o ,(o+e th#t the 'ry"hon+ the$+e(1e+ ,o!(d #tt#,k the or,+) +(#+h&n' thro#t+ w&th ,(#w+ the +&4e of #nor,h#nd) "e,k&n' o!t eye+ #nd fr#,t!r&n' +k!((+ w&th # +&n'(e 0#- of # de#d(y -e#k. Between f(#+he+ Ner94h!( +#w th#t +o$e of the or,+ h#d ,(!+tered to'ether) #++!$&n' +#fety &n n!$-er+ -!t &n re#(&ty on(y "ro1&d&n' #n e#+&er t#r'et. He w#t,hed # h#$$er -(ow +,#tter # do4en or,+ #t on,e. After the th!nder #nd (&'htn&n' on(y one of the$ e1en +t&rred) #nd th#t fee-(y. They2re +(#!'hter&n' !+! he h&++ed #t Goref&end) who w#+ ,ro!,hed -e+&de h&$. Do +o$eth&n'! The de#th kn&'ht '(#red #t h&$. #nd # +(ow) ,#(,!(#t&n' 'r&n +"re#d #,ro++ h&+ rott&n' f#,e. Th&+ &+ -!t # h#ndf!( of +hort h!$#n "retender+ #nd o1er'rown -&rd+. 3 tho!'ht the $&'hty Ner94h!( wo!(d -e #-(e to h#nd(e +!,h # "#thet&, #tt#,k. B!t no $#tter. 3 ,#n) &f yo! #r, !n#-(e. He +t#rted to r&+e. The &$"!den,e! Ner94h!(2+ $&nd +hot -#,k to the ,on1er+#t&on w&th G!(2d#n2+ +k!((. Arrogance! He should not spea" so to ou. $o. He should not. Yo! +ho!(d not +"e#k +o to $e) Teron Goref&end) he +#&d) h&+ 1o&,e &,y. Goref&end -(&nked) +!r"r&+ed #t h&+ tone. Nor w&(( 3 "er$&t &t fro$ yo! #'#&n. Ner94h!( ro+e) f!e(ed -y h&+ #n'er. He ,(en,hed h&+ %&+t+ #nd ,on,entr#ted on the e#rth -ene#th the$ #nd the #&r #ro!nd the$. H&+ +h#$#n&+t&, $#'&, h#d on,e $#de h&$ one w&th th&+ wor(d) #-(e to t#" the e(e$ent+ the$+e(1e+. B!t the e(e$ent+ no (on'er heeded h&+ ,#((/they h#d not +&n,e he h#d +worn #((e* '&#n,e to K&(20#ed,n) #+ &f the e(e$ent+ were d&+'!+ted -y the de$on&, ener'y th#t now t#&nted #(( h&+ r#,e. B!t no $#tter. He h#d (e#rned new +k&((+ +&n,e. Where#+ -efore the fore+t h#d -een +t&(() +#1e for the ,r&e+ of #tt#,k #nd the w#&(+ of the dy&n') now # w&nd er!"ted o!t of nowhere. A 'ry"hon th#t h#d # $o$ent -efore -een d&1&n' +$ooth(y for #nother "#++) -e#k o"en &n #n #n'ry +hr&ek) ,(#w+ e;tended) now ,#wed fr#nt&,#((y #+ &t w#+ -!ffeted #-o!t #+ &f -y #n !n+een h#nd. 3t+ r&der +tr!''(ed to $#&nt#&n h&+ +,#t) -!t f#&(ed #nd fe(( he#1&(y tow#rd the 'ro!nd. The !n-!rdened 'ry"hon +o!'ht the +k&e+. Ner94h!( 'e+t!red w&th -oth h#nd+ ,o$$#nd&n'(y) #nd the w&nd +n#t,hed !" dry 'r#y +#nd #nd "ro,eeded to +,o!r -oth dw#rf #nd 'ry"hon w&th &t. The W&(dh#$$,r ,r&ed o!t) not &n 1&,tory -!t &n #'ony #+ h&+ +k&n w#+ +,o!red fro$ h&+ -one+. 3t w#+ # +weet +o!nd to Ner94h!(2+ ,#r+. 3t+ $o!nt w#+ no (!,k&er. %e#ther+ f(ew #nd dro"(et+ of -(ood were ,#!'ht !" &n the wh&r(w&nd. Se,ond+ (#ter there w#+ noth&n' -!t two "&(e+ of '(&+ten&n' f(e+h on the fore+t f(oor. B!t Ner94h!( w#+ nowhere ne#r done. A w#1e of h&+ (eft h#nd) #nd ro,k+ the +&4e of h&+ he#d d&+(od'ed the$+e(1e+ fro$ the e#rth #nd +hot !"w#rd #+ &f h!r(ed -y the 1ery 'ro!nd r&""(&n' -ene#th the$. Ner94h!( t!rned h&+ #ttent&on to the re+t of the W&(dh#$$,r+. :ore ro,k+ er!"ted fro$ the 'ro!nd) "ro"e((ed &nto the +ky) #nd the 'ry"hon+ #nd the&r r&der+ tr&ed to dod'e the +!dden(y #n&$#te +tone+. The #tt#,k #'#&n+t the or,+ ended #+ the W&(dh#$$,r+ fo!nd the$+e(1e+ for,ed to ,on,entr#te on e1#d&n' th&+ new $en#,e.

Ner94h!( t!rned to Goref&end) # +(&'hdy +!"er&or +$&(e on h&+ (&"+. The de#th kn&'ht (ooked +!r"r&+ed) -!t re,o1ered 7!&,k(y. N&,e(y done) Goref&end +#&d. Now (et $e +ee &f 3 ,#n #dd to the ,onf!+&on. St!dy&n' the for$+ d#rt&n' #-o!t o1erhe#d) the de#th kn&'ht +tood +t&(( # $o$ent) eye+ n#rrowed. There) he +#&d #t (#+t) 'e+t!r&n' tow#rd one dw#rf &n "#rt&,!(#r. 3 h#1e +een th#t one -efore) d!r&n' the Se,ond W#r. He &+ the&r (e#der. Goref&end +tood !" #nd r#&+ed h&+ h#nd+ h&'h. They -e'#n to '(ow w&th # "!(+&n' 'reen (&'ht) #nd then th#t ener'y +hot !"w#rd) +tr&k&n' -oth 'ry"hon #nd r&der. The 'ry"hon +7!#wked &n o-1&o!+ "#&n #nd "(!$$eted) &t+ w&n'+ f!r(ed t&'ht(y #ro!nd &t. At the +#$e t&$e) &t+ r&der ,on1!(+ed #+ we(( #nd to""(ed o!t of h&+ +#dd(e. The 'ry"hon $#n#'ed to +h#ke off &t+ &n0!r&e+ #nd +"re#d &t+ w&n'+ 0!+t &n t&$e) t!rn&n' # de#d f#(( &nto # ,ho""y '(&de #nd then -e#t&n' h#rd to r&+e -#,k !" #-o1e the (ower -r#n,he+ #nd &nto the +h#dow+. 3t+ r&der w#+ not +o fort!n#te. The dw#rf +(#$$ed &nto the 'ro!nd #nd (#y !n$o1&n'. Goref&end w#+ #(re#dy +"r&nt&n' tow#rd the -ody) #+ w#+ K&(ro'') #nd Ner24h!( 0o&ned the$. Th&+ w#+ the f&r+t dw#rf Ner24h!( h#d e1er +een !" ,(o+e) #nd he +t!d&ed the +tr#n'e (&tt(e f&'!re &ntent(y) t#k&n' &n the +to!t $!+,!(#r -!&(d) the ,r#''y fe#t!re+. the (on' -r#&ded -e#rd #nd h#&r) #nd the t#ttoo+ th#t ,o1ered $o+t of the dw#rf2+ f(e+h. The W&(dh#$$,r w#+ -(eed&n' fro$ +e1er#( '#+he+) -!t h&+ ,he+t +t&(( ro+e #nd fe(( re'!(#r(y. E;,e((ent) K&(ro'' ,o$$ented) "!((&n' # (e#ther +tr&" fro$ h&+ -e(t "o!,h #nd ty&n' the dw#rf2+ h#nd+ to'ether -eh&nd h&+ -#,k) then do&n' the +#$e to h&+ feet. Now we h#1e # ,#"t&1e. He (&fted the -o!nd dw#rf to h&+ feet) #nd -e((owed) Be'one) w&n'ed "e+t+) or we w&(( +(#!'hter #nd de1o!r yo!r (e#der wh&(e yo! w#t,h! The W&(dh#$$,r+ #""#rent(y de,&ded they h#d h#d eno!'h. The 'ry"hon+ ,#wed #nd ,(#,ked the&r -e#k+) then whee(ed #nd f(ew !" -eyond the tree+) d&+#""e#r&n' fro$ 1&ew. On(y K&(ro''2+ ,#"t&1e re$#&ned -eh&nd. B!t th#t ,o!(dn2t (#+t. We need to #++e++ o!r (o++e+. K&(ro'' "o&nted o!t #fter the W&(dh#$$,r+ h#d 'one. 2And we +ho!(d "o+t +,o!t+ to ,he,k on the re+t of the A((&#n,e #r$y Ner24h!( nodded. T#ke ,#re of &t) he +#&d #-+ent(y. He wo!(d d&e -efore #d$&tt&n' &t) -!t he fo!nd h&$+e(f +!r"r&+ed -y h&+ own "ower. 3t h#d ,o$e +o e#+&(y) #nd w#+ +o +tron'. And "rod!,ed +!,h &$"re++&1e re+!(t+. 3t fe(t. .. 'ood. We (o+t # f!(( 7!#rter of o!r for,e+) K&(ro'' re"orted +o$e t&$e (#ter) +te""&n' -#,k !" -e+&de Ner24h!( where the +h#$#n w#&ted #'#&n+t one of the (#r'er tree+) Tho+e dw#r1e+ know how to #tt#,k 7!&,k(y #nd effe,t&1e(y) #nd they !+ed the tree+ to 'ood #d1#nt#'e) Ner24h!( ,o!(d he#r the 'r!d'&n' re+"e,t &n the #'&n' ,h&eft#&n2+ tone) K&(ro'' w#+ too 'ood # +tr#te'&+t not to #""re,&#te +o!nd t#,t&,+) e1en &f they were fro$ the other +&de. Then Goref&end 0o&ned the$) The re+t of the&r #r$y &+ +t&(( r#,&n' tow#rd !+) he ,onf&r$ed. C(e#r(y they +ent the dw#r1e+ on #he#d to wo!nd !+ #nd +(ow !+ down. The de#th kn&'ht -#red h&+ teeth #t the&r ,#"t&1e) who (#y on the 'ro!nd ne#r Ner94h!(2+ feet. He h#d 'ro#ned +e1er#( t&$e+ -!t h#d not yet re'#&ned ,on+,&o!+ne++. How f#r -eh&nd !+ #r, they6 Ner24h!( de$#nded. St&(( # d#y. "erh#"+ two. And &n o!r ,!rrent +t#te we ,#nnot +t#nd #'#&n+t the$. Ner24h!( nodded) Then on(y one ,o!r+e of #,t&on re$#&n+. he +t#ted. We $!+t 'o to A!,h&ndo!n. K&(ro'' +t#rted) h&+ eye+ -!('&n') tho!'h he $!+t h#1e known th&+ w#+ ,o$&n'. N*no! he +t!ttered. We ,#nnot! Not there! Do not -e +!,h # whe(". Goref&end +neered #t h&$. We #r, o!t of o"t&on+! Th#t &+ the on(y w#y we ,#n ho"e to +!r1&1e the A((&#n,e #r$y #nd re#,h the B(#,k Te$"(e! B!t the one*eyed or, +hook h&+ he#d h#rd. There $!+t -e #nother w#y! He 'r#--ed Ner94h!(2+ #r$ w&th one h#nd #nd K&(ro''2+ w&th the other. There $!+t -e! We ,#nnot 'o to A!,h/to there! 3t w&(( -e the end of !+! 3t w&(( not. Ner94h!( re"(&ed ,o(d(y "!((&n' h&+ #r$ free #nd +t#r&n' #t the ore. 2A!,h&ndo!n &+ #n !n"(e#+#nt r!&n) #nd # re$&nder of #n !'(y t&$e &n o!r "#+t. Noth&n' $ore. 3t w#+ $ore) of ,o!r+e. :!,h $ore. A!,h&ndo!n h#d -een we(( o1er # h!ndred +!$$er+ o(d when Ner94h!( h&$+e(f h#d -een on(y # -#-y. 3t h#d -e(on'ed to d&e dr#en,& then #+ #(w#y+) h&dden #w#y dee" w&th&n T,rokk#r %ore+t. The o(d +h#$#n h#d to(d the$ th#t &t w#+ # +#,red "(#,e where the dr#en,& -!r&ed the&r de#d #nd then ret!rned to ,o$$!ne w&th the&r +"&r&t+) 0!+t #+ theor,+h#$#n ,o$$!ned w&th the&r own #n,e+tor+. A+ yo!th+ Ner94h!( #nd h&+ ,(#n$#t,+ h#d ,re"t thro!'h the fo&e+t to +t!dy the +tr#n'e "(#,e) +t#r&n' #t &t+ tower&n') ,h&+e(ed +tone do$e. They h#d ,h#((en'ed e#,h other to enter) to r#,e thro!'h the t#(( doorw#y ,#r1ed &nto the #r,h&n' +tone -(o,k th#t $#rked the do$e2+ front) to!,h +o$eth&n' w&th&n) #nd $en ret!rn. None of the$ h#d d#red #tte$"t &t. Ner94h!( h#d 'one f#rther th#n $o+t) ,ree"&n' !" to the ,ntryw#y #nd r!nn&n' h&+ h#nd+ #(on' the ro!'h +tone th#t for$ed &t+ $#++&1e doorw#y) -!t he ,o!(d not -r&n' h&$+e(f to 'o f#rd&,r. A,,ord&n' to h&+ ,(#n2+ +h#$#n) no one e1er h#d. The dr#en,& de#d "rote,t the&r own) he h#d +#&d. Then the w#r h#d ,o$e. The or,+ h#d -#nded to'ether) +ett&n' #+&de the&r ,(#n r&1#(r&e+. A+ # +&n'(e $#++ they h#d #tt#,ked the "e#,ef!( dr#en,& #nd +(#!'htered the$. Ner94h!( tr&ed not to re$e$-er the "#rt he h#d "(#yed &n th#t de+tr!,t&on) or the f&ery ,re#t!re who h#d '&1en the order to de+troy tho+e 7!&et) !nthre#ten&n' ne&'h-or+. And when

Ner94h!( h#d ref!+ed to +!-0e,t h&+ "eo"(e to +!,h #n o!t+&der2+ ,ontro() when he h#d re+&+ted th#t +tr#n'er2+ 'r#nd&o+e "(#n+) he h#d -een re"(#,ed. H&+ own #""rent&,e. G!(2d#n) h#d w&((&n'(y '&1en h&$+e(f to the +tr#n'er) -&nd&n' h&$+e(f to the ,re#t!re2+ w&(( #nd '#&n&n' &$$en+e "ower &n ret!rn. G!(2d#n h#d fed the Horde2+ -(ood(!+t) tr#n+for$&n' the or,+ &nto the +#1#'e+ they were tod#y. Then they h#d ,r!+hed the dr#en,& #nd the&r ent&re ,!(t!re. On(y # few h#d e+,#"ed) #nd tho+e h#d f(ed &nto A!,h&ndo!n) ho"&n' the or,+ wo!(d not "!r+!e the$ there. They h#d -een $&+t#ken. G!(2d#n2+ (!+t for "ower knew no (&$&t+) #nd h&+ new $#+ter h#d "ro$&+ed h&$ !nto(d $&'ht &f he w&"ed the dr#en,& fro$ the f#,e of the wor(d. So G!(2d#n h#d +ent #'ent+) # 'ro!" of w#r(o,k+ fro$ h&+ Sh#dow Co!n,&() wh&,h ,ontro((ed the Horde w#r,h&ef B(#,kh#nd fro$ -eh&nd the +,ene+. They h#d $#r,hed &nto A!,h&ndo!n) ,onf&dent &n the&r 1&,tory #nd #(re#dy &$#'&n&n' the "ower they wo!(d w&e(d fro$ the #rt&f#,t+ r!$ored to -e -!r&ed there. B!t +o$eth&n' h#d 'one wron'. They h#d fo!nd #n #rt&f#,t) to -e +!re) on(y to d&+,o1er th#t &t ,ont#&ned # +tr#n'e ent&ty/# -e&n' they h#d freed) tho!'h whether de(&-er#te(y or thro!'h ,#re(e++ #rro'#n,e no one ,o!(d now -e +!re. Be,#!+e the ,re#t!re2+ e;!(t#nt e+,#"e h#d +h#ttered A!,h&ndo!n &t+e(f) the 're#t +tone do$e ,r!$-(&n') the $#++&1e te$"(e w&th&n &t torn to "&e,e+) #nd the ,o!nde++ !nder'ro!nd t!nne(+ th#t ho!+ed the dr#en,& de#d e;"(od&n' o!tw#rd &nto ,o!nde++ fr#'$ent+. The &$"#,t h#d de+troyed the fore+t for o1er # (e#'!e &n e1ery d&re,t&on) #nd (&ttered the now*-#rren 'ro!nd w&th -one+ fro$ the dr#en,& who h#d on,e (#&n #t re+t w&th&n A!,h&ndo!n2+ ,#t#,o$-+. On(y # few of the Sh#dow Co!n,&( $e$-er+ h#d +!r1&1ed #nd e+,#"ed) f(ee&n' -#,k to G!(2d#n to re"ort the 'r#1e*,&ty 'one -!t #ny dr#en,& w&th&n #++!red(y k&((ed #+ we((. No one h#d e1er ret!rned there) #nd to th&+ d#y or,+ #1o&ded the Bone W#+te+) #+ the #re# #ro!nd A!,h&ndo!n h#d -een n#$ed. Unt&( now. We h#1e no ,ho&,e) Ner94h!( re&ter#ted) f&;&n' f&r+t K&(ro'' #nd then Goref&end w&th h&+ '#4e. We $!+t 'o there. So$e of the t!nne(+ $!+t +!r1&1e) #t (e#+t for # +hort (en'th) #nd w&th&n the$ we $#y -e #-(e to defend o!r+e(1e+. W&tho!t +!,h "rote,t&on the A((&#n,e for,e+ w&(( k&(( !+ #(() #nd o!r r#,e w&(( d&e w&th !+. K&(ro'' +"!ttered +o$eth&n' !n&nte((&'&-(e. Goref&end +t#red #t h&$ ,onte$"t!o!+(y) red eye+ n#rrow&n'. Ner94h!( &+ r&'ht. We21e no other ,ho&,e. B!t we $!+t "ro,eed w&th ,#!t&on. 321e no w&+h to w#ken +o$eth&n' we ,#n2t defe#t. 3t &+ +ett(ed) then) Ner94h!( +#&d. 3+ &t not) K&(ro''6 3 +ho!(d h#te to (e#1e yo! -eh&nd. The o(d ,h&eft#&n +w#((owed h#rd #nd (owered h&+ he#d. Ner94h!() yo! know 3 #$ #fr#&d of noth&n' th#t (&1e+. Noth&n' th#t 3 ,#n f&'ht #nd te#r to "&e,e+. B!t th#t "(#,e ... He +&'hed dee"(y. The B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,(#n w&(( 'o where Ner94h!( (e#d+. Good. Between !+ we w&(( -e $ore th#n # $#t,h for #nyth&n' th#t w#&t+ w&th&n tho+e w#((+. Now '#ther o!r w#rr&or+) #nd yo!r de#th kn&'ht+) he to(d h&+ two (&e!ten#nt+. We $!+t re#,h the Bone W#+te+ #+ +oon #+ "o++&-(e. K&(ro'' nodded #nd w#(ked #w#y Goref&end '(#red #fter h&$) then +#(!ted Ner94h!( #nd fo((owed) h&+ fe((ow de#th kn&'ht+ ,(!+ter&n' #ro!nd h&$ -efore he h#d 'one f#r. Ner94h!( t!rned #w#y #+ we(() h&+ h#nd+ ,(!t,h&n' the -#' #t h&+ +&de #nd fee(&n' the ro!'h +h#"e+ of the #rt&f#,t+ &t ,ont#&ned. De+"&te h&+ +tron' word+) he wondered wh#t they wo!(d f&nd &n A!,h&ndo!n. D&d the dr#en,& de#d +t&(( (&n'er there6 Wo!(d they ho(d h&$ re+"on+&-(e for the #,t&on+ of h&+ for$er "!"&() or wo!(d they +ee th#t G!(2d#n h#d -etr#yed Ner94h!( #+ we((6 Wo!(d the +tr#n'e r!&n+ "ro1e # $!,h*needed +he(ter fro$ the A((&#n,e #r$y) or wo!(d t#k&n' h&+ or,+ there on(y e;"o+e the$ to e1en 're#ter d#n'er6 He d&d not know. B!t he ,o!(d not th&nk wh#t e(+e to do) #nd +o they wo!(d f&nd o!t. Ner94h!( 0!+t ho"ed he w#+ not $#k&n' # 'r#1e error. The Horde w#rr&or+ ,#$e to # +to") +t#r&n'. The tree+ ended 0!+t -eh&nd the$) #nd -efore the$ +tret,hed the 'r#y +o&( #nd (&ttered fr#'$ent+ of the Bone W#+te+. A!,h&ndo!n ro+e &n &t+ $&d+t) +7!#t #nd !'(y) the re$#&n+ of &t+ +h#ttered do$e 0!tt&n' !"w#rd (&ke -roken teeth) the r!&ned te$"(e ne+t(ed w&th&n &t (&ke # -#ttered he#d h#(f*-!r&ed &n the d!(( 'ro!nd. Ner94h!( +t#red #+ we((. He ,o!(dn2t he(" &t. The (#+t he h#d +een of th&+ "(#,e) the dr#en,&2+ ho(y re+t&n' "(#,e) &t h#d -een o$&no!+ #nd &nt#,t. Now) w&th 're#t '#"&n' rent+ &n the te$"(e w#((+) w&th ent&re +e,t&on+ o"en to the +ky) w&th the fore+t th#t h#d ,r#d(ed &t -(#+ted #w#y #nd -one+ ,o1er&n' the 'ro!nd) he ,o!(d -#re(y re,on,&(e &t w&th the dre#df!( $#0e+ty of the $on!$ent th#t h#d +o terr&f&ed h&$ &n h&+ 1o!th. The 'ro!nd +ee$ed to +h#ke #(( #ro!nd h&$) #nd #t f&r+t Ner94h!( tho!'ht &t w#+ $ere(y the r!+h of -(ood "o!nd&n' thro!'h h&+ 1e&n+) h&+ he#rt r#,&n' fro$ the +&'ht of the #n,&ent 'r#1e*,&ty. Then he re#(&4ed the 1&-r#t&on+ were ,o$&n' fro$ +o$ewhere o!t+&de h&$+e(f) #nd '(#n,ed #ro!nd. H&+ or,+ +tood +t&(( or 7!&et(y +h!ff(&n') +o$e (ook&n' #ro!nd #+ &f +e#r,h&n' for the +#$e th&n' he w#+. Then he (ooked -eh&nd the$) thro!'h the tree+) #nd +#w +h#"e+ f(&,ker&n' there. The A((&#n,e &+ r&'ht -eh&nd !+! he +ho!ted) h&+ 1o&,e ,#rry&n' e#+&(y here where the tree+ d&d not &$"ede &t. We $!+t t#ke +he(ter! 3nto A!,h&ndo!n! H!rry!

:o1e &t) yo! worth(e++ ,ret&n+! K&(ro'' #dded) +(#$$&n' h&+ #;e #'#&n+t # ne#r-y tree +o h#rd the ent&re tr!nk +h!ddered. The +o!nd #nd the $ot&on +ee$ed to w#ke the w#rr&or+ fro$ the&r +ho,ked tr#n,e) #nd they -roke &nto # r!n) #(( he#d&n' for the dr#en,& -!&(d&n'2+ r!&ned doorw#y. P#++&n' thro!'h th#t $#++&1e) (o"+&ded "ort#() Ner94h!( fe(t # +h&1er of fe#r r#,e thro!'h h&$. Were there +t&(( +"&r&t+ '!#rd&n' th&+ $#++ to$-) #+ he h#d fe(t there were when he h#d f&r+t #""ro#,hed &t +o (on' #'o6 Or h#d they f(ed w&th the -!&(d&n'+ r!&n#t&on6 There w#+ no t&$e to "onder +!,h th&n'+. He h#+tened dee" &nto the de$o(&+hed te$"(e #nd down thro!'h # '#"&n' ho(e &nto wh#t re$#&ned of the (#-yr&nth -e(ow) K&(ro'' #nd Goref&end -e+&de h&$ #nd +e1er#( of K&(ro''2+ $o+t tr!+ted w#rr&or+ -efore #nd -eh&nd the$. Under'ro!nd) A!,h&ndo!n w#+ $ore e(#-or#te th#n w&tho!t) &t+ ,#r1&n'+ $ore &ntr&,#te. So$e th&n'+) &t +ee$ed) h#d +!r1&1ed) #t (e#+t to +o$e de'ree. An e(e'#nt #r,h) now +h#ttered) ro+e #-o1e the -#+e of the +t#&r+ they h#d !+ed) #nd #-o1e th#t Ner94h!( +#w +tr#n'e(y 'r#,ef!( +h#"e+ th#t +ee$ed (e++ f#&thf!( th#n re"re+ent#t&1e. Th&,k "&((#r+ h#d on,e +!""orted # h&'h roof d&re,t(y -ene#th the te$"(e f(oor) #nd "ort&on+ of the$ re$#&ned) the&r ro!'h !n#dorned +!rf#,e+ # +tron' ,ontr#+t to the de,or#ted w#((+ #ro!nd the$. N&,he+ h#d -een ,#r1ed &nto tho+e w#((+) row !"on row of the$) #nd h&nt+ of wh&te #nd ye((ow w&th&n to(d h&$ wh#t he wo!(d f&nd there. Bone+. No do!-t #(( the w#((+ h#d ,ont#&ned +!,h dr#en,& re$#&n+) #nd &t w#+ the&r ,ontent+ th#t were now +trewn #,ro++ the Bone W#+te+) the dr#en,& #n,e+tor+ e;"o+ed to the e(e$ent+ where on,e they h#d re+ted &n "e#,ef!( +h#de -ene#th he#1y +tone. The f(oor here w#+ +tone #+ we(() +$#(( t&(e+ &ntr&,#te(y worked &nto # ,!nn&n' "#ttern) #nd -ro#d +t#&rw#y+ ,onne,ted d&fferent (e1e(+. G(#n,&n' down Ner94h!( +#w #t (e#+t +&; f(oor+ -e(ow the$) the&r ,enter+ r&""ed #w#y -y th#t f#tef!( e;"(o+&on) the re$n#nt+ now e;"o+ed to o"en #&r. Then the other+ "!((ed h&$ &nto # w&de t!nne( th#t r#n off to one +&de fro$ th&+ ,entr#( +"#,e. The w#((+ here #re +t&(( +o!nd) K&(ro'' w#+ +#y&n') '(#n,&n' #-o!t #nd nodd&n' &n #""ro1#(. Ner94h!( w#+ "(e#+ed. K&(ro'' h#d worr&ed h&$ e#r(&er) w&th h&+ #($o+t ,r&""(&n' fe#r. B!t now th#t he h#d $#de !" h&+ $&nd) K&(ro'' w#+ ,o$$&tted #nd ,#($. A few ,o((#"+e+) -!t $o+t of the ,e&(&n' re$#&n+ #nd the f(oor &+ +t&(( "#++#-(e. We ,#n 'ro!" o!r w#rr&or+ # -&t f#rther -#,k) where there +ee$+ to -e (e++ d#$#'e. He 'e+t!red tow#rd the t!nne(2+ -#,k end) wh&,h +tret,hed on &nto +h#dow. Ner94h!( +#w th#t he w#+ r&'ht/there w#+ (e++ r!--(e there #nd the ,e&(&n' +ee$ed !n-roken. We ,#n +et !" # +tron' defen+&1e "o+t here. The A((&#n,e w&(( h#1e # h#rd t&$e d&''&n' !+ o!t on,e we2re +et &n. So$e of the (ower t!nne(+ $#y +t&(( -e &nt#,t) Goref&end "o&nted o!t. We +ho!(d ,he,k tho+e ,#ref!((y -efore 1ent!r&n' forth. 3f noth&n' . .. e(+e &+ there) they $&'ht "ro1&de #n e1en -etter +tron'ho(d. K&(ro'' nodded #nd det#&(ed +o$e of h&+ w#rr&or+ to +e#r,h the re+t of th&+ t!nne( #nd +e1er#( to +e#r,h the t!nne(+ ne#r-y) tho!'h he w#rned the$ not to +tr#y too f#r. The other+ he ordered to ,#rry r!--(e to the t!nne( $o!th #nd to -!&(d # (ow w#(( #,ro++ &t #+ -e+t they ,o!(d. Then he) Goref&end) #nd Ner94h!( +ett(ed &n to w#&t #nd to d&+,!++ -#tt(e +tr#te'&e+. A few ho!r+ (#ter one of K&(ro'' + +,o!t+ ret!rned. The w#rr&or2+ eye+ were w&de) -!t # f#&nt +$&(e "(#yed #,ro++ h&+ (&"+. There &+ +o$eth&n' yo! need to +e,! Wh#t &+ &t6 Ner94h!( #+ked) r&+&n' to h&+ feet #nd d!+t&n' h&+ h#nd+ #'#&n+t h&+ th&'h+. He #nd Goref&end h#d -een work&n' on # ,ont&n'en,y "(#n th#t $&'ht !(t&$#te(y +#1e the$ #(() -!t &t w#+ not yet f&n&+hed. 3/we fo!nd +o$eth&n') +&r. the w#rr&or re"(&ed. The +$&(e w#+ -ro#den&n' &nto # 'r&n now) #nd th#t (&fted Ner94h!(2+ +"&r&t+. Wh#te1er &t w#+ they h#d fo!nd) ,(e#r(y th&+ +,o!t d&d not ,on+&der &t # thre#t. Ner94h!( 'e+t!red for theor,to (e#d on. #nd fo((owed h&$ o!t of the roo$ they h#d ,(#&$ed for the&r "ro0e,t #nd down the (on' t!nne( -eh&nd &t. Other w#rr&or+ were ,(!+tered there) #nd #+ Ner94h!( #""ro#,hed they fe(( -#,k. By the #n,e+tor+! Ner94h!( wh&+"ered) the word+ f#((&n' fro$ +(#,k (&"+ #+ he '#"ed o"en(y. Before h&$ +tood +e1er#( f&'!re+. One w#+ #n o're #nd the re+t. . . were or,+! Ner94h!( d&d not re,o'n&4e the$) d&o!'h. #nd the&r #tt&re #nd #dorn$ent were who((y +tr#n'e to h&$. Who #r, yo!6 he de$#nded) +to""&n' on(y # few feet fro$ the+e +tr#n'er+. And wh#t #r, yo! do&n' here &n A!,h&ndo!n6 One of the or,+ +te""ed forw#rd. He w#+ +hort #nd +to!t) $!,h #+ G!(2d#n h#d -een) #nd &ndeed Ner94h!( +#w $!,h of h&+ for$er +t!dent &n the +tr#n'er2+ fe#t!re+ #nd "o+t!re. The new ore2+ do$ed he#d '(&+tened &n the tor,he+ the w#rr&or+ h#d "(#,ed #(on' the h#(() #nd h&+ (on' fr&n'ed -e#rd w#+ -(#,k +tre#ked w&th +&(1er. Yet there w#+ #n #!r# of "ower #ro!nd h&$ #+ he +tood there &n +tr#n'e r!ne*+,r&-ed -(#,k ro-e+) #n orn#te +t#ff &n one h#nd. Ner94h!(6 he +#&d +oft(y) h&+ 1o&,e ro!'h. 3+ th#t yo!6 Where &+ G!(2d#n6

G!(2d#n &+ de#d) the tr#&tor) K&(ro'' re"(&ed) +n#r(&n' #t the +tr#n'er #nd '(ower&n' down #t h&$ w&th h&+ one eye. He ne#r(y +#w the de#th of !+ #(( for h&+ own tw&+ted #$-&t&on+! Ner94h!( r!(e+ the Horde on,e $ore! The +tr#n'er nodded) #""#rent(y not +ho,ked -y th&+ new+) Then 3 +!-$&t to yo!r (e#der+h&") Ner94h!() he re"(&ed) the word+ h#(t&n' #+ &f he h#d not +"oken &n +o$e t&$e. 3 #$ =or"&() on,e of the Sh#dow Co!n,&() tho!'h "erh#"+ yo! do not re,o'n&4e $e) =or"&(! Ner94h!( +t#red #t the +tr#n'er) +7!&nt&n' &n the d&$ (&'ht. Ye+) &t w#+ =or"&() who$ he re$e$-ered #+ # "ro$&+&n' yo!n' Th!nder(ord +h#$#n. B!t th#t =or"&( h#d "o++e++ed # th&,k d#rk -r#&d of h#&r th#t re#,hed down h&+ -#,k) #nd h&+ -e#rd w#+ +hort #nd -(#,k #+ we((. Wh#t h#d h#""ened to h&$) to #'e h&$ +o #nd '&1e h&$ +!,h de#r $y+t&,#( +tren'th6 Goref&end +te""ed forw#rd now. for he h#d #(+o -een "#rt of G!(2d#n2+ Sh#dow Co!n,&(. =or"&(6 he wh&+"ered. How ,#$e yo! here) o(d fr&end6 =or"&( h&++ed #nd 0!$"ed -#,k) #+ d&d the other+. %e#r f(&tted #,ro++ h&+ -(!nt fe#t!re+ #+ he 'ot # 'ood (ook #t the de#th kn&'ht. Be e#+y. +oothed Goref&end. (&ft&n' h&+ h#nd+ &n # ,#($&n' 'e+t!re) 3t2+ $e) Teron Goref&end. %or # (on' $o$ent =or"&( +t#red #t Goref&end. h&+ eye+ n#rrow&n' #+ he +t!d&ed the de#th kn&'ht w&th $ore th#n $ere +&'ht. After # +e,ond tho+e eye+ w&dened. Teron Goref&end6 he #+ked. 3t . . . ye+) &t fee(+ (&ke yo!) tr#""ed w&th&n th#t rott&n' $e#t. The or,+ (owered the&r we#"on+ #nd (ooked !ne#+&(y #t e#,h other) -!t tr!+ted the&r (e#der. =or"&( +te""ed forw#rd he+&t#nt(y. Wh#t h#+ h#""ened to yo!6 Wh#t de#d th&n' do yo! dr#"e #-o!t yo!r +"&r&t (&ke # ,(o#k6 3 &nh#-&t the -ody of # ,re#t!re ,#((ed # h!$#n. Goref&end #n+wered. At the -(#nk (ook+ he re,e&1ed) he #dded. 3t &+ one of the r#,e+ we en,o!ntered when we went to th#t other wor(d/A4eroth. The one G!(2d#n ,re#ted # "ort#( to. Other wor(d6 Ner94h!( w#+ 'row&n' &$"#t&ent. When o!r wor(d w#+ dy&n') G!(2d#n w#+ #-(e to o"en # "ort#( &nto #nother wor(d known #+ A4eroth. 3t &+ there th#t we $et the+e h!$#n+) #nd Goref&end2+ +"&r&t &nh#-&t+ one of the&r ,or"+e+. :ore we w&(( te(( yo! (#ter) -!t r&'ht now we wo!(d he#r yo!r t#(,) for th#t $#y #&d !+ &n o!r ,!rrent "(&'ht. Wh#t "(&'ht6 #+ked the (#r'er f&'!re Ner94h!( h#d not&,ed e#r(&er) +te""&n' forw#rd to 0o&n the ,on1er+#t&on. Ar, yo! &n d#n'er6 Th&+ ,re#t!re w#+ #n o're) #+ Ner94h!( h#d #(re#dy re#(&4ed) -!t not 0!+t #ny o're) he +#w #+ the tor,h(&'ht re1e#(ed # +e,ond he#d #to" tho+e $#++&1e +ho!(der+. Two*he#ded o're+ were r#re) #nd two*he#ded o're w#r(o,k+*/#+ the d#rk ener'&e+ e$#n#t&n' fro$ th&+ one to(d Ner94h!( &t w#+/were r#rer +t&((. On(y two +!,h h#d -een "#rt of G!(2d#n2+ &nner ,&r,(e) he re$e$-ered8 G!(2d#n2+ own r&'ht h#nd) Cho2'#(() #nd/ B(#,kh,#rt) Goref&end wh&+"ered) h#1&n' o-1&o!+(y re#,hed the +#$e ,on,(!+&on. 3+ &t re#((y yo!6 The ,re#t!re2+ two he#d+ nodded. 3t &+) one #n+wered. Tho!'h not "erh#"+ #+ yo! re$e$-er !+) the +e,ond #dded. Th#t w#+ ,ert#&n(y tr!e. Ner94h!( h#d ne1er h#d de#(&n'+ w&th B(#,kh,#rt d&re,t(y/G!(2d#n h#d re,r!&ted the o're w#r(o,k "er+on#((y) #fter t#k&n' ,on* tro( of the Horde/-!t he h#d +een the ,re#t!re #ro!nd $ore th#n on,e) # tower&n' f&'!re w&th (on' w#rr&or -r#&d+ #nd "&er,&n' -(#,k eye+. Tho+e eye+ were 'one now. One he#d h#d # +tr#n'e $et#( "#t,h o1er &t+ r&'ht eye) e1&dent(y we(ded &n "(#,e) #nd the other eye -ore # +or,,ro!+ t#ttoo #ro!nd &t. The other he#d) wh&,h w#+ ,o1ered &n # ,(o+e ,ow() h#d on(y # +&n'(e eye #-o1e &t+ no+e) tw&,e the +&4e of #ny n#t!r#( or-. Str#n'e r!ne+ ,o1ered B(#,kh,#rt2+ f(e+h) # +&n'(e $#++&1e +&'&( #,ro++ h&+ ,he+t #nd two -e(ow # -#nd on e#,h #r$. The o're wore # (oo+e ro-e dr#"ed #,ro++ -oth +ho!(der+ #nd then down #,ro++ &t+ -e((y) # -e(t ho(d&n' the f#-r&, o1er &t+ (o&n+. Th&,k -r#,er+ ,o1ered -oth wr&+t+) #nd &t he(d # $#++&1e +"&ked h#$$er &n one o1er+&4ed h#nd. B(#,kh,#rt2+ +heer +&4e #nd +tren'th h#d #(w#y+ -een &$"o+&n') -!t now he "re+ented # tr!(y +#1#'e f&'!re. 3 #+k #'#&n) the o're r!$-(ed) wh#t "(&'ht6 The A((&#n,e &+ r&'ht -eh&nd !+) K&(ro'' +#&d. The h!$#n+ we +"oke of e#r(&er) #nd other r#,e+ they work w&th) We #re o!tn!$-ered #nd ,#nnot +t#nd #'#&n+t the$) not w&tho!t #&d. We ,#nnot f#(() Goref&end #dded. The f#te of o!r "eo"(e re+t+ !"on Ner94h!( re#,h&n' the B(#,k Te$"(e. He w&(( "erfor$ # r&te th#t w&(( +#1e !+ #((. He d&d not e;"(#&n f!rther) -!t -oth B(#,kh,#rt #nd =or"&( nodded. We h#1e -een here +&n,e G!(2d#n +ent !+ to A!,h&ndo!n to "(!nder &t) =or"&( to(d the$) +!r1&1&n' w&th&n the+e t!nne(+ #nd ho"&n' to one d#y ret!rn to the Horde. Now the Horde h#+ ,o$e to !+. We know the+e r!&n+ we(() for they h#1e -een o!r ho$e for ye#r+. The other+ -eh&nd h&$ nodded. We w&(( f&'ht the+e h!$#n+ #(on'+&de yo!) #nd he(" yo! defe#t the$. 3 w&(( ,r!+h #ny who +t#nd #'#&n+t !+) B(#,kh,#rt #'reed) r#&+&n' h&+ enor$o!+ h#$$er +o the to" +"&ke+ -r!+hed the h#((w#y2+ h&'h ,e&(&n'. We w&(( rend the$ (&$- fro$ (&$-! h&+ other he#d #++!red the$.

O!r #n,e+tor+ h#1e +$&(ed !"on !+) to re+tore yo! to !+ &n th&+ ho!r of need) +#&d Ner94h!(. Know th#t yo! #r, we(,o$e &n the Horde on,e $ore) #nd w&(( +h#re &n o!r "eo"(e2+ tr&!$"h. The w#rr&or+ #ro!nd the$ ,heered) ,h#nt&n' Ner94h!(! #nd =or"&(! #nd B(#,kh,#rt! #nd Horde! (o!d eno!'h for the w#((+ to tre$-(e) #nd Ner94h!( +$&(ed. He h#d -een r&'ht to -r#1e A!,h&ndo!n. W&th the+e newfo!nd #((&e+) he wo!(d +!re(y $#ke &t to the B(#,k Te$"(e &n t&$e.

CHAPTER TWENTY
D#n#th +(#$$ed h&+ f&+t &nto h&+ other "#($) We h#1e the$! he +ho!ted) Now #(( we h#1e to do &+ 'o &n #nd 'et the$! Ye+) -!t not now) T#(thr,++#r re"(&ed. One of A((er&#2+ r#n'er+) he h#d +o$ehow #++!$ed the ro(e of D#n#th2+ #d1&+er d!r&n' the&r "!r+!&t of the Horde) #nd de+"&te h&+ #(oof $#nner D#n#th (&ked h&$. Too) $ore often th#n not the e(f w#+ r&'ht. We need to w#&t !nt&( $orn&n'. By $orn&n' they2(( h#1e d!' &n) D#n#d& "rote+ted) '(#r&n' down #t the +(ender r!++et*h#&red r#n'er #nd then #,ro++ the -on,*(&tt,r,d +tret,h of (#nd to where the ,o(o++#( r!&n+ +"ro!ted. 3f we #tt#,k now we ,#n t#ke the$ -efore they21e h#d # ,h#n,e to +ett(e #nd -!&(d !" defen+e+! Look #ro!nd yo!) T#(thr,++#r !r'ed. Yo! $#y -e re#dy to f&'ht) -!t yo!r $en #r, not. 3t &+ 'row&n' d#rk) #nd they #r, we#ry. Wo!(d yo! h#1e the$ +t!$-(&n' #-o!t !nder'ro!nd) -(&nd to d#n'er #nd too t&red to defend the$+e(1e+ fro$ &ne1&t#-(e #$-!+h6 D#n#th t!rned #n #n'ry) #n'!&+hed f#,e to the e(f. They k&((ed K!rdr#n! The new+ h#d +h#ken # 'ro!" of $en who were #(re#dy e;h#!+ted fro$ the -r!t#( "#,e D#n#th h#d +et the$. When the W&(dh#$$,r+ h#d ret!rned) $#k&n' no effort to h&de the te#r+ &n the&r eye+ #t the tho!'ht of the&r f#((en/ &n,(!d&n' the&r -e(o1ed (e#der/D#n#th h#d -een for,ed to t!rn #w#y h&$+e(f. He2d (o+t +o $#ny) #nd now the -(!ff) 0o1&#( dw#rf too/how $#ny wo!(d h#1e to d&e -efore the+e d#$ned 'reen th&n'+ were stopped/ 3 know. T#(thr,++#r +#&d 7!&,dy. And yo! w&(( not honor h&+ +"&r&t &f yo! t#ke $en too e;h#!+ted to f&'ht to #1en'e h&$. They w&(( +&$"(y 0o&n h&$ &n de#th. D#n#th +,ow(ed) -!t he knew the e(f w#+ r&'ht. He2d "!+hed h&+ $en h#rd #(( the w#y fro$ the or,&+h ,&t#de( try&n' to ,#t,h Ner94h!(2+ for,e+ &n t&$e. 3t w#+ &ron&, th#t now th#t they h#d) they were too t&red to do #nyth&n' #-o!t &t. One n&'ht) he +#&d f&n#((y. We2(( ,#$" one n&'ht) re+t) #nd #tt#,k #t f&r+t (&'ht. A w&+e ,ho&,e) T#(thr,++#r #'reed) #nd #+ !+!#( D#n#th ,o!(d not te(( &f the r#n'er w#+ -e&n' +#r,#+t&, or +&n,ere. And. #+ he #(w#y+ d&d) he de,&ded to &'nore the e(f2+ tone #nd t#ke h&+ word+ #t f#,e 1#(!e. H#1e the $en f#(( o!t #nd +et !" ,#$". D#n#th &n+tr!,ted h&+ (&e!ten#nt. We #tt#,k #t d#wn. Then. tr!+t&n' h&+ +!-ord&n#te+ to t#ke ,h#r'e) he d&+$o!nted #nd (ed h&+ e;h#!+ted #nd th&r+ty hor+e down to the r&1er to dr&nk. He +"(#+hed w#ter on h&+ d!+ty) +we#ty f#,e #nd dr#nk dee"(y h&$+e(f) then he#ded -#,k to 1&rt!#((y ,o((#"+e &n h&+ tent. A few ho!r+ (#ter when D#n#th #woke) he w#+ +!r"r&+ed to +ee not on(y other tent+ -!t #(+o +e1er#( t#(( "o+t+ o!t(&n&n' # (#r'e) ro!'h +7!#re. Wh#t &+ #(( th&+6 he #+ked H,rr&,k) one of h&+ +er'e#nt+. We2re on(y here one n&'ht. H,rr&,k +hr!''ed. So$e of the $en $ent&oned dr&+2d -e # 'ood "(#,e for # fort. he e;"(#&ned. They w#nted to +et "o+t+ to $#rk &t o!t. 3 d&dn2t +ee the h#r$ to &t) +o 3 +#&d ye+. 3t went f#+t/the e(1e+ he("ed. 3n (&'ht of the +#,r&f&,e of o!r dw#r1en fr&end+) 3 tho!'ht &t wo!(d -e # 'ood 'e+t!re) +#&d T#(thr,++#r) +te""&n' fro$ the +h#de of # ne#r-y tree #nd '(&d&n' o1er to the$. We #r,. #fter #((. #n #((&#n,e. How -etter to +y$-o(&4e th#t th#n to +t#rt # +tron'ho(d to'ether6 D#n#th +t#red #t the e(f. Yo!2re the one who w#+ "o&nt&n' o!t how t&red $y $en were! And now &n+te#d of re+t&n' they2re ,!tt&n' #nd "(#,&n' "o+t+6 T#(thr,++#r +$&(ed. 3t &+ -!t # few "o+t+) #nd $#ny h#nd+ $#ke (&'ht work. +ee for yo!r+e(f the re+!(t+) D#n#th (ooked where he &nd&,#ted. Dw#rf) h!$#n) #nd e(f +tood to'ether t#(k&n' 7!&,dy They +t&(( (ooked t&red) -!t there were +$&(e+ on the&r f#,e+) #nd one of D#n#th2+ $en ,(#""ed the e(f #nd dw#rf on the +ho!(der+ #+ they +"oke. Yo!r $en were r&'ht. Not on(y doe+ &t h#1e +tr#te'&, 1#(!e) -!t th&+ &+ the on(y "(#,e we h#1e +een th!+ f#r on th&+ "(#net th#t w#+ not red #nd (&fe(e++. Th&+ fore+t) #t (e#+t) &+ +t&(( 1ery $!,h #(&1e. 3f we +o$e d#y ret!rn to the+e wood+ #nd ,o$"(ete wh#t w#+ -e'!n here tod#y) we +h#(( n#$e &t the A((er&#n Stron'ho(d. 3t &+ f&tt&n'/the or,+ de+troyed $!,h of >!,(2Th#(#+) #nd +o &n ret!rn we w&(( ,(#&$ th&+) the one 'reen re'&on (eft !"on th&+ for+#ken wor(d. And &f not) the+e "o+t+ w&(( +t#nd #+ # re$&nder th#t the A((&#n,e entered th&+ fore+t #nd ,(#&$ed &t #+ the&r own. T#(thr,++#r2+ 1o&,e h#d $ore "#++&on &n th&+ +hort +"ee,h th#n D#n#th h#d e1er he#rd fro$ h&$ -efore. D#n#th took #nother (ook #t h&+ $en #nd nodded. Let2+ 'et tho+e or,+ f&r+t) eh6

He #,,e"ted the food H,rr&,k "re++ed !"on h&$) fo!nd # 7!&et "(#,e -y one of the ,#$"f&r,+ to ,#t) #nd then +tret,hed o!t h&+ (e'+) ,ro++ed h&+ #r$+ o1er h&+ ,he+t) (e#ned -#,k #'#&n+t the tree tr!nk -eh&nd h&$) #nd #'#&n fe(( #+(ee". D#n#th +t#rted #w#ke to the +o!nd of ye((&n' &n Th#(#++&#n #nd # +tr#n'e) eer&e +7!#wk&n' +o!nd. He (e#"ed to h&+ feet. Wh#t2+ 'o&n' on6 He d&dn2t 'et # 1er-#( #n+wer &n the ,h#o+. R!nn&n' tow#rd the +o!r,e of the no&+e) D#n#th +#w wh#t +ee$ed to h&$ (&ke # do4en e(1e+ "&(ed #to" +o$eth&n' th#t w#+ $#k&n' the #wf!( +,ree,h&n' +o!nd. Ste" -#,k! he ordered. The e(1e+ re(!,t#nt(y ro+e) d!+t&n' the$+e(1e+ off) wh&(e two of the&r fe((ow+ ke"t # f&r$ 'r&" on one of the +tr#n'e+t th&n'+ D#n#th h#d e1er +een. The &ntr!der wore dee" "!r"(e ro-e+) now torn #nd +t#&ned w&th -(ood #nd 'r#++. 3t w#+ #-o!t the +&4e of # $#n #nd h#d #r$+ #nd (e'+) -!t the re+e$-(#n,e +to""ed there. A!tt&n' fro$ the ,ow! w#+ not # h!$#n f#,e) -!t the he#d of # -&rd. 3t h#d # (on') +h#r" f#,e) $o+t of &t # '(o++y 1&o(et -e#k) #nd +(#nt&n' o1#( eye+ th#t '(owed ye((ow &n the n&'ht. A ,(!+ter of fe#ther+ ro+e #-o1e e#,h eye (&ke # h!$#n -row) #nd the+e $er'ed w&th the +ho,k of red) "!r"(e) 'o(d) #nd -rown fe#ther+ #(( #ro!nd the he#d to for$ the e7!&1#(ent of h#&r. One -r&'ht eye w#+ "#rt&#((y ,(o+ed5 the e(1e+ h#d not -een 'ent(e &n the&r ,#"t!re. Wh#t $#nner of ,re#t!re #r, yo!) #nd wh#t were yo! do&n' +k!(k&n' #-o!t o!r ,#$"6 T#(thr,++#r de$#nded. Yo!2re w#+t&n' yo!r -re#th) D#n#th +#&d. 3t ,#n2t !nder+t#nd o!r (#n'!#'e. B!t Gr&44&k) ye+! He do,+! And no h#r$ he $e#n+! The ,re#t!re2+ 1o&,e w#+ # +tr#n'e tr&(() -!t ,(e#r(y !n* der+t#nd#-(e. D#n#th -(&nked #t h&$. He2+ (&ke # tr#&ned "#rrot/#(( +o!nd) no $e#n&n') one of the $en $!ttered) #nd r#&+ed # f&+t to +&(en,e the -&rd* $#n. No) w#&t) D#n#th ordered. S#y th#t #'#&n. Gr&44&k! No h#r$ he $e#n+) no no! On(y w#nt to know/who yo! -e6 Why yo! ,o$e6 D#n#th '(#n,ed #t T#(thr,++#r) who +hr!''ed) +te""ed -#,k) #nd (et D#n#th d&re,t the &n7!&+&t&on. Yo!r n#$e2+ Gr&44&k6 At d&e r#"&d nodd&n') D#n#th ,ont&n!ed) 2An+wer o!r 7!e+t&on+ #nd $#y-e we(( #n+wer yo!r+. Wh#t #r, yo!6 Gr&44&k &+ #r#kko#) the -&rd*$#n #n+wered) h&+ word+ odd(y ,(&""ed #nd e#,h fo((owed w&th wh&+t(e+ #nd +&'h+. O(d r#,e. O(de+t $#y-e &n wor(d. Gr&44&k ,!r&o!+. No h#r$! So yo! kee" +#y&n'. B!t why were yo! +"y&n' on !+6 How do yo! know o!r (#n'!#'e6 Ar#kko# ,(e1er) Gr&44&k +#&d "ro!d(y. S$#rt. Gr&44&k fo((ow yo!) (&+ten ,(o+e) (e#rn f#+t! Th&nk yo! +tr#n'e. C!r&o!+. Ar, the #r#kko# fr&end+ of the Horde or the&r ene$&e+6 Th#t "rod!,ed the 're#te+t re#,t&on yet. Gr&44&k2+ f#,&#( fe#ther+ "!ffed !" (&ke # fr&'htened -&rd2+ #nd he h!dd(ed &n on h&$+e(f. %e#r #nd h#te the$ Gr&44&k . . . 3 . . . do. Not -#d on,e. 3 h#1e +een. B!t now . . . . He +h&1ered. D#n#th h#d +een eno!'h of Gr&44&k -y now to re#(&4e he w#+ no "hy+&,#( thre#t #nd nodded to the e(1e+ who +t&(( he(d the &ntr!der. G&1e h&$ w#ter) #nd tend to h&+ wo!nd+) he to(d the$. To Gr&44&k) he +#&d) E;"(#&n. Ar#kko# #n,&ent "eo"(e. We +t#y to +e(1e+. B!t! We w#t,h "e#,ef!( dr#en,&) "r&$&t&1e or,+. B!t who ,o!(d know6 :#dne++ ,o$e to or,+. Wh#t/we know not. De+"&te h&+ he#1y ro-e) he +h&1ered) fe#ther+ +h&ft&n' !ne#+&(y -efore he $#de # 1&+&-(e effort to ,ont&n!e. Ore+ #nd the dr#en,& not fr&end+/-!t they not h#te. Re+"e,t. Who#) who#) +#&d D#n#th) ho(d&n' !" # h#nd. S(ow down. or,+ #nd dracnei= Dr#en,& #+ &n Dr#enor6 Dr#enor &+ n#$e they ,#(( wor(d) ye+. They "ro!d of +e(1e+) they n#$e who(e wor(d for +e(1e+. They +tron' . . . -efore. Yo! +#&d there w#+ # $#dne++ . . . the or,+ t!rned on the+e dr#en,&6 Gr&44&k nodded. Ye+) ye+. On,e $#ny) $#ny dr#en,&. They !+e -r&'ht (&'ht. L&1e here (on' t&$e. They th&nk +e(1e+ +tron' #nd 'ood) no one +to" dr#en,&) no no. B!t or,+/ Gr&44&k $#de # whoo+h&n' +o!nd #nd +we"t h&+ #r$ -efore h&$. Gone. On(1 few (eft now. Now on,e*"ro!d dr#en,& h&de #w#y. D#n#th fe(t # ,h&((. The or,+ . . . w&"ed o!t # who(e ,&1&(&4#t&on6 He '(#n,ed !" #t T#(thr,++#r. So!nd+ (&ke the Horde d&d # "r#,t&,e r!n -efore they ,#$e to A4eroth. 3ndeed &t do,+. E;,e"t A4eroth d&d not f#(( to the$ #+ Dr#enor h#+. We were +tron'er. L!,k&er) $#y-e. He +hook h&+ he#d) h&+ f#,e h#rd. 2A who(e ,&1&(&4#t&on of "e#,ef!( "eo"(e. Wh#t # d#$ned +h#$e. He ret!rned h&+ #ttent&on to the #r#kko#. Kee" t#(k&n'. Yo! +#&d d&e dr#en,& were "e#,ef!() -!t #(+o "ow* erf!() #nd th#t the or,+ were "r&$&t&Er #t f&r+t. How &+ &t they were #-(e to w&"e o!t the+e dr#en,&6 The or,+ ) . . Gr&44&k 'ro"ed for word+. Co$e to'ether. No (on'er +e"#r#te. The or,+ do h#1e d&fferent ,(#n+) T#(thr,++#r +#&d. 3t +o!nd+ #+ &f they were not #(w#y+ # !n&f&ed) d&re,ted Horde.

Lon' E#r+ &+ r&'ht! ,h&r"ed Gr&44&k e;,&ted(y. At #ny other t&$e D#n#th wo!(d h#1e (#!'hed #t the offended (ook th#t ,ro++ed T#(thr,++#r2+ f#,e #t the &n+!(t. Or, !n*!n&t,d. They 'rew +tron') ,r!e(. Sk&n t!rn fro$/h$) %ro$ th&+) #nd he "o&nted to # -rown fe#ther) to th&+) #nd he &nd&,#ted # 'reen one. The&r +k&n t!rned ,o(or6 %ro$ -rown to 'reen6 D#n#th +#&d) r#&+&n' #n eye-row. Ye+! Then 'reenor,#tt#,k #nd +(#y dr#en,&. Ar#kko# +#y) we #r, ne;t! He "o&nted to d&e $#++&1e r!&n+ 0!+t 1&+&-(e thro!'h the t&re+. A!,h&ndo!n. Dr#en,& de#d +(ee" d&,r,. 3t &+ ho(y. :o+t/ 3t "#tted the +o&(. :o+t &+ -e(ow 'ro!nd6 D#n#th #+ked. Gr&44&k nodded. W&nd&n') -e(ow 'ro!nd) ye+. A(( de#d now. A tho!'ht o,,!rred to D#n#th. H#1e yo! -een $ere6 To A!,h&ndo!n6 To the+e w&nd&n' t!nne(+6 Gr&44&k nodded enth!+&#+t&,#((y. Do yo! know yo!r w#y thro!'h6 D#n#th #+ked. Gr&44&k nodded. 3 h#1e -een down) down) $#ny t&$e+. B!t.. . why yo! w&+h to 'o there6 3 #$ D#n#th Tro((-#ne) of the A((&#n,e) D#n#th re+"onded. We h#1e "!r+!ed the or,&+h Horde here fro$ o!r own wor(d) #nd 3 &ntend to #tt#,k the$ on the $orrow #nd +ee the$ de#d #nd the&r thre#t de+troyed. They2re h&d&n' &n tho+e t!nne(+. 32$ 'o&n' to f&nd the$. We ... ,o!(d !+e yo!r he(". T#(thr,++#r (ooked d&+#""ro1&n'(y #t D#n#th) -!t the h!$#n &'nored the '(#re. Gr&44&k +ee$ed h#r$(e++ eno!'h) #nd he o-1&o!+(y h#ted the Horde. 3f he ,o!(d +#1e the$ fro$ 'ett&n' (o+t &n # $#4e &n # ,&ty of the de#d) D#n#th w#+ #(( for &t. Gr&4/3. 3 know # w#y &n. W#y th#t e1en or,+ who (&1e there now do not know. He (e#ned forw#rd. 3 know where they (&1e) #nd wh&,h "#++#'e new or,+ w&(( "&,k. D#n#th #nd T#(thr,++#r #'#&n e;,h#n'ed # '(#n,e. Th#t2+ &n,red&-(y !+ef!( &nfor$#t&on) D#n#th +#&d #fter # $o$ent. We/ Ah! The #r#kko# 'ot to h&+ feet e;,&ted(y) +t#r&n' #t the 'ry"hon+ wh&,h roo+ted &n the tree+) ,(#w+ d&''&n' &nto the -r#n,he+ they h#d ,ho+en) he#d+ t!,ked !nder one w&n'. He h!rr&ed tow#rd the$. :#'n&f&,ent! he wh&+"ered) re#,h&n' o!t to +troke the ne#re+t 'ry"hon #(on' # +ho!(der. The -e#+t +h!ddered +(&'ht(y -!t d&d not w#ke !". D#n#th not&,ed th#t Gr&44&k2+ h#nd+ were $ore (&ke t#(on+ th#n #nyth&n' e(+e) -!t h&+ to!,h #,ro++ the 'ry"hon2+ fe#ther+ w#+ 'ent(e. 2Ere now) wh#t #r, ye do&n'! e;,(#&$ed one of the W&(dh#$$,r+) h!rry&n' tow#rd Gr&44&k. E#+y) %,r'!n) D#n#th +#&d -efore the dw#rf t#,k(ed the&r "otent&#( new '!&de. They2re ,#((ed 'ry"hon+. fro$ o!r wor(d) D#n#th e;"(#&ned to Gr&44&k. E#,h 'ry"hon h#+ # r&der) # W&(dh#$$,r dw#rf (&ke %,r'!n here. Gr&44&k h#d re#,hed the (#+t 'ry"hon &n (&ne) # $#'n&f&,ent -e#+t th#t +tood +h&1er&n' #+ &f ,o(d) de+"&te the f#,t th#t &t w#+ # w#r$ n&'ht. She 'r&e1e+) he +#&d) +trok&n' her +ho!(der #nd -#,k. At2+ Sky2r,,) %,r'!n +#&d &n # 1o&,e th#t w#+ 'r!ffer th#n !+!#(. K!rdr#n2+ $o!nt) Gr&44&k ,(#,ked h&+ -e#k #nd ,o,ked h&+ he#d #+kew) "eer&n' #t D#n#th. Sky2r,,2+ r&der) K!rdr#n) w#+ the (e#der of the W&(dh#$$,r+) D#n#th e;"(#&ned. He ... he fe(( &n -#tt(e tod#y. Gr&44&k nodded. Ah. Pr&+oner. 3 +ee h&$. Pr&+oner6 D#n#th e;,(#&$ed. The or,+ -r&n' ,#"t&1e w&th the$ &nto A!,h&ndo!n. Look (&ke h&$) #nd the -&rd*$#n "o&nted #t %,r'!n. Red f!r on ,h&n. B(!e dr#wn on +k&n. He 1ery (o!d. D#n#th fe(t # +!r'e of e;,&te$ent. K!rdr#n w#+ #(&1e6 He t!rned to T#(thr,++#r. We need to re+,!e h&$. The dw#rf knew the r&+k) the r#n'er re"(&ed ,oo((y. And the $&++&on $!+t ,o$e -efore "er+on#( #tt#,h$ent+. B!t D#n#th +hook h&+ he#d. K!rdr#n &+ one of T!r#(yon2+ $o+t tr!+ted (&e!ten#nt+. The f#,t th#t he2+ e1en #(&1e $e#n+ th#t the Horde re#(&4e+ he know+ th&n'+ #-o!t o!r for,e+ th#t they2d f&nd 1ery 1#(!#-(e/ &f they ,#n ,r#,k h&$. We need to 'et h&$ o!t of there -efore th#t h#""en+. And th&+ . . . #r#kko# ,#n t#ke !+ to h&$. T#(thr,++#r +&'hed. Gr&44&k. No do!-t &t &+ d#n'ero!+ for yo! to he(" !+. Why do yo! do +o6 3+ +&$"(e #n+wer. Yo! o""o+e Horde) Gr&44&k re"(&ed w&th # de,&+&1e ,(#,k of h&+ -e#k. 3 too h#te Horde) for wh#t they h#1e done to #r#kko#) to o!r wor(d. D#n#th (ooked fro$ Gr&44&k to T#(thr,++#r. The r#n'er nodded. 3t w#+ the -e+t ,h#n,e they h#d/#nd &f Gr&44&k d&d try to -etr#y the$) he2d "#y) #nd 7!&,k(y. Let2+ do &t) he +#&d. By the t&$e Gr&44&k h#d +ket,hed o!t # -#+&, $#" of A!,h&ndo!n #nd the 1#r&o!+ t!nne(+) #nd e;"(#&ned the$ &n Co$$on th#t 'rew ,(e#rer #($o+t -y the $o$ent) D#n#th h#d #-#ndoned the &de# of t#k&n' # +$#(( for,e &n to re+,!e K!rdr#n. 3n+te#d) he h#d # f#r -etter "(#n.

Now he +trode down # (on') d#rk t!nne() on(y the tor,h &n h&+ h#nd "ro1&d&n' #ny (&'ht. Gr&44&k w#+ "erh#"+ ten feet &n front of h&$) #nd T#(thr,++#r w#+ -etween the two of the$) ne&ther the #r#kko# nor the e(f re7!&r&n' #dd&t&on#( (&'ht to $#ke the&r w#y. And -eh&nd D#n#th w#(ked f!((y h#(f the A((&#n,e #r$y T!nne(+ #r, w&de/ten A((&#n,e*"eo"(e ,#n 'o to'ether) Gr&44&k h#d #++!red h&$) And t#((. E1en o're on(y +too"+! Dr#,n,& -!&(t the$ we((. E;"(o+&on th#t de+*de+troyed ,entr#( "#++#'e+ not re#,h the o!ter t!nne(+. St&(( ,(e#n #nd dry #nd +e,!re@2 Th#t h#d ,on1&n,ed D#n#th) e+"e,&#((y on,e Re((&#n h#d 'one w&th Gr&44&k #nd re"orted -#,k on the t!nne( the -&rd* $#n h#d +hown h&$. 3t2+ (&ke the (on' h#(( &n # "#(#,e)22 the r#n'er h#d +#&d. E;#,t(y #+ he to(d !+) #nd 3 +#w no other $o1e$ent) not e1en 1er$&n. We w&(( d&1&de &n two) D#n#th h#d de,&ded. H#(f of o!r for,e+ w&(( fo((ow $e thro!'h the t!nne(+ #nd !" &nto A!,h&ndo!n. The other h#(f w&(( #tt#,k the front) +ne#k&n' &n thro!'h the te$"(e r!&n+ #nd down to d&+tr#,t the Horde wh&(e we #""ro#,h fro$ -eh&nd. On,e we2re &n "o+&t&on we2(( +tr&ke #nd ,r!+h the$ -etween !+. And now) (e++ th#n #n ho!r #fter enter&n' the t!nne() Gr&44&k w#+ +to""&n' #nd 'e+t!r&n' tow#rd # w&de door +et &nto the w#((. Beh&nd th&+) +t#&r+) the #r#kko# e;"(#&ned. Le#d !+ down &nto A!,h&ndo!n "ro"er. D#n#th +,ow(ed) re$e$-er&n' the $#4e the #r#kko# h#d +ket,hed o!t for h&$. And yo! don2t know where e;#,t(y the Horde w&(( -e) or where they21e t#ken the&r "r&+oner6 he #+ked #'#&n. Unfort!n#te(y) the -&rd*$#n2+ #n+wer w#+ the +#$e #+ -efore. 3 know w#y &nto A!,h&ndo!n) he +#&d #'#&n) -!t (&tt(e -eyond th#t. %or # +e,ond the +h#dow+ of h&+ ,ow( '#1e h&+ (on') +h#r"*"(#ned f#,e # +&n&+ter ,#+t. :y "eo"(e /we not tr!(y we(,o$e here. Dr#,n,& re1ere the&r de#d) not #""re,&#te &ntr!+&on. 3 w#nder) 3 e;"(ore here/(e#rn # (&tt(e. On(y # (&tt(e) tho!'h. D#n#th nodded. He2d known &t w#+ too $!,h to ho"e th#t the #r#kko# ,o!(d (e#d h&$ +tr#&'ht to K!rdr#n) -!t +t&(( he d&dn2t re(&+h the &de# of w#nder&n' #&$(e++(y thro!'h $&(e+ of t!nne( wh&(e the Horde w#rr&or+ ,ro!,hed &n #$-!+h. Gr&44&k re#,hed for the door/#nd 0!$"ed -#,k) -e#k ,(#,k&n' &n +!r"r&+e) t#(on,d h#nd+ r&+&n' e1en #+ he ,ro!,hed) #+ the door +h&fted #nd ,re#ked o"en. D#n#th r#&+ed h&+ +h&e(d #nd (&fted h&+ +word #+ we((/ #nd +to""ed) +t#r&n' #t the f&'!re o!t(&ned &n the now*o"en door.

CHAPTER TWENTY*ONE
3t w#+ not #n ore. 3t w#+ no r#,e D#n#th h#d e1er +een -efore. The f&'!re w#+ t#(( #nd -ro#d*+ho!(dered) w&th "#(e -(!e +k&n th#t ne#r(y '(owed &n the d&$ tor,h(&'ht. 3t+ fe#t!re+ were +tron' #nd no-(e) +&$&(#r to #n e(f2+ -!t $ore r!''ed) w&th +$#((er "o&nted ,#r+ #nd w&de +(#nt&n' eye+. A row of r&d'ed "(#te+ ,o1ered the f&'!re2+ h&'h forehe#d) end&n' 0!+t #-o1e the +tern -row) #nd th&,k tent#,(e+ h!n' down fro$ the 0#w on ,&ther +&de of # +$#(( t!fted -e#rd. S&(1er h#&r +we"t -#,k #ro!nd the he#d #nd fe(( -eyond the +ho!(der+ of the +tr#n'er2+ r&,h(y -ro,#ded -!t he#1&(y worn ro-e+) #nd he he(d # (on') orn#te +t#ff &n one h#nd. C(o1en hoo1e+ e$er'ed -e(ow the ro-e2+ fr#yed he$) D#n#th +#w. #nd # +wee" of $ot&on -eh&nd the$ to(d h&$ th&+ +tr#n'e f&'!re h#d # t#&( #+ we((. The f&'!re +"oke &n # dee" +$ooth 1o&,e) r#&+&n' the +t#ff -efore h&$. #nd &t+ t&" f(#red w&th # "#(e 1&o(et (&'ht th#t ref(e,ted &n h&+ eye+. Tho+e eye+ ,#!'ht +&'ht of Gr&44&k) who w#+ ,ower&n' -eh&nd D#n#th) #nd they n#rrowed. He +"oke #'#&n) &n #n'ry tone+) #nd Gr&44&k re"(&ed &n the +#$e (#n'!#'e. Wh#t &+ th&+ ,re#t!re6 Wh#t2+ &t w#nt6 D#n#th -#rked #t Gr&44&k. He ,ert#&n(y doe+n2t +ee$ h#""y to +ee yo!. 3 te(( h&$) 3 (e#d no-(e w#rr&or+ here) th#t2+ #((. The -e&n' t!rned tow#rd the$ #'#&n #nd &$"#(ed D#n#th w&th h&+ '#4e. Then he $!r$!red +o$eth&n' #nd h&+ +t#ff '(owed yet #'#&n. He o"ened h&+ eye+ #nd +"oke/&n "erfe,t Co$$on. Th&+ . . . ,re#t!re . . . te((+ $e he (e#d+ yo! here. Wh#t #r, yo!) #nd wh#t &+ yo!r 'o#( here) #$on' the re1ered de#d6 D#n#th (owered h&+ +h&e(d #nd +he#thed h&+ +word) +ho,ked th#t the other knew h&+ (#n'!#'e) -!t ,#r&n' $ore #-o!t ,on1&n,&n' h&$ to (et the$ "#++ th#n &n f&nd&n' o!t how he (e#rned &t. 3 #"o(o'&4e for the &ntr!+&on) he to(d the +tr#n'er. We wo!(d not d&+t!r- yo!r de#d) or yo!r+e(f. B!t the or,&+h Horde h#+ t#ken ref!'e &n yo!r t!nne(+) #nd h#+ ,#"t!red o!r fr&end. We +eek to re+,!e h&$ #nd to defe#t the$ #+ we((. The -e&n'/D#n#th #++!$ed &t w#+ +o$e +ort of dr#en,&) +&n,e Gr&44&k h#d +#&d th&+ w#+ the&r te$"(e/ '(#red #t the $ent&on of the Horde) -!t nodded when D#n#th h#d f&n&+hed. Ye+) the or,+ h#1e &n1#ded o!r t!nne(+) he ,onf&r$ed) (ower&n' h&+ +t#ff to re+t &t+ -#+e !"on the f(oor. They h#1e (#&d ,(#&$ to the Sh#dow L#-yr&nth) the dee"e+t "#rt of A!,h&ndo!n #nd the (e#+t d#$#'ed. 3t &+ there they w&(( h#1e t#ken yo!r fr&end) #nd there yo! w&(( f&nd the $#0or&ty of the Horde for,e+. The $#0or&ty6 D#n#th #+ked) (e#n&n' forw#rd e#'er(y.

So$e of the or,+ d&d not #rr&1e re,ent(y) the dr#en,& +#&d. They h#1e -een here for +o$e ye#r+) +&n,e 0!+t -efore the e;"(o+&on. They re+&de w&th&n # d&fferent t!nne(. He +hook h&+ he#d) # $&;t!re of #n'er #nd 'r&ef on h&+ no-(e fe#t!re+. They h#1e +!((&ed th&+ te$"(e w&th the&r "re+en,e for f#r too (on'. We2(( +oon f&; th#t) D#n#th #++!red h&$. Yo! h#1e to(d $e yo!r "!r"o+e. Now te(( $e wh#t $#nner of ,re#t!re yo! #re. :#ny "(#,e+ 3 h#1e tr#1e(ed) -!t 3 h#1e ne1er +een yo!r (&ke -efore. 3 #$ h!$#n) D#n#th re"(&ed. We h#&( fro$ A4eroth) #nother workF/the or,+ for'ed # "ort#( -etween there #nd Dr#enor #nd &n1#ded) -!t we h#1e -roken the&r #r$y #nd "!+hed the$ -#,k. Now we +eek to +e#( the "ort#( on,e #nd for #(() to "rote,t o!r ho$e #nd o!r "eo"(e. The dr#en,& +t!d&ed h&$) tho+e (#r'e eye+ !n-(&nk&n') #nd D#n#th knew the +tr#n'er w#+ +o$ehow te+t&n' the tr!th of h&+ word+. At (#+t he nodded. Th#t &+ # no-(e 'o#() he +t#ted) #nd +te""ed o!t of the doorw#y to +t#nd -efore D#n#th. 3 #$ N,$!r##n) one of the (#+t of the A!,h,n#&) he &ntrod!,ed h&$+e(f. We were the "r&e+t+ of o!r "eo"(e) #nd ,#red for the de#d here &n A!,h&ndo!n. D#n#th &ntrod!,ed h&$+e(f #nd T#(thr,++#r) #nd -oth -owed +(&'ht(y. 3 #""(#!d yo!r deter$&n#t&on) -oth &n re+,!&n' yo!r fr&end #nd &n re$o1&n' the Horde2+ t#&nt. N,$!r##n ,ont&n!ed. 3 ,#n he(" yo! w&th -oth t#+k+) &f yo! w&(( #((ow &t. 32d -e 'r#tef!() D#n#th #n+wered hone+t(y. He +howed the A!,h,n#& the ro!'h $#" Gr&44&k h#d +ket,hed o!t. Th&+ &+ #(( 3 know of A!,h&ndo!n. N,$!r##n e;#$&ned the ,r!de dr#w&n' #nd ,h!,k(ed) tho!'h &t w#+ # -&tter +o!nd. D&d th#t one dr#w th&+ for yo!) then6 he #+ked) &nd&,#t&n' the #r#kko# w&th # 7!&,k 0erk of h&+ t,nt#,(,d ,h&n. Gr&44&k w#+ no (on'er ,ower&n') tho!'h he w#+ ,#ref!((y +t#y&n' -#,k #$on' the A((&#n,e w#rr&or+. D#n#th noted) He h#+ -een "row(&n' thro!'h o!r h#((+ for ye#r+. the A!,h,n#& ,ont&n!ed #fter D#n#th nodded) -!t he know+ (&tt(e -eyond where to +e#r,h for &te$+ to +te#() 3 $e#nt no h#r$! Gr&44&k "rote+ted. 3 not know #nyone re$#&ned w&th&n A!,h&ndo!n! 3 ne1er h#1e t#ken #nyth&n' &f 32d tho!'ht/ 3f yo! tho!'ht yo!2d 'et ,#!'ht6 N,$!r##n &nterr!"ted. Be ,#ref!( w&th th&+ one) he w#rned D#n#th. The #r#kko# were e1er # de1&o!+ r#,e) #nd # +e(f&+h one. He h#+ -een tr!e to h&+ word th!+ f#r. D#n#th re"(&ed) #nd 3 -e(&e1e h&$ when he +#y+ he h#te+ the Horde. Ye+! Gr&44&k #'reed fer1ent(y) h&+ d#rk eye+ '(&tter&n'. 3 h#te the$ #((! P(e#+e "(e#+e! We h#1e ,o$$on ene$y! Th#t we do. N,$!r##n #d$&tted #fter # $o$ent. =ery we(() #r#kko#) we w&(( +t#rt fre+h #+ of th&+ $o$ent. The A!,h,n#& t!rned -#,k to D#n#th) t#k&n' the "#r,h$ent fro$ h&+ h#nd #nd "rod!,&n' # +$#(( -(#,k +t&,k fro$ # fo(d &n h&+ ro-e+. W&th +e1er#( 7!&,k $#rk+ he #(tered # few (&ne+) (&nked # few t!nne(+) #nd e;"#nded the $#" ,on+&der#-(y. The or,+ w&(( -e here) he e;"(#&ned) &nd&,#t&n' one +e,t&on. Co$e. 3 w&(( (e#d yo! to the$. W&tho!t #nother word N,$!r##n thr!+t the $#" -#,k #t D#n#th #nd t!rned #w#y) +t#rt&n' -#,k !" the +t#&r+) h&+ hoo1e+ ,(o""&n' on the +tone f(oor. D#n#th '(#n,ed #t T#(thr,++#r #nd R,((&#n) who nodded. He took # dee" -re#th) #nd fo((owed the dr#en,& &nto A!,h&ndo!n) H#1e yo! (&1ed here -y yo!r+e(f #(( the+e ye#r+6 he #+ked +oft(y #+ N,$!r##n (ed the$ &nto # +e,ond w&de h#((w#y #nd then thro!'h # +er&e+ of tw&+t&n' ,orr&dor+. There #r, other+) the A!,h,n#& re"(&ed) h&+ +t#ff r#&+ed to (&'ht the w#y. Se1er#( of !+ +!r1&1ed the Horde2+ #tt#,k #nd f(ed &nto the t!nne(+. Other dr#en,& 0o&ned !+ (#ter) +eek&n' ref!'e fro$ the Horde2+ +!dden on+(#!'ht. :#ny of the$ d&ed &n the e;"(o+&on) #nd other+ h#1e -een (o+t +&n,e. On(y # h#ndf!( of !+ re$#&n) D#n#th '(#n,ed #ro!nd) wonder&n' where the+e other+ $&'ht -e. -!t #he#d of h&$ N,$!r##n +hook h&+ he#d. Yo! w&(( not +ee the$. Tho!'h yo! +ee$ no-(e #nd tr!e) &t wo!(d not -e w&+e for $e to "!t the re+t of $y "eo"(e #t r&+k. They w&(( re$#&n h&dden wh&(e 3 #&d yo!. +o th#t &f yo! do -etr#y $e) o!r r#,e w&(( yet ,ont&n!e) A w&+e "re,#!t&on) D#n#th #'reed. 32d h#1e done the +#$e) They ,ont&n!ed to w#(k for +o$e t&$e) f&n#((y +to""&n' #t #nother doo&. Th&+ $#rk+ the +t#rt of the Sh#dow L#-yr&nth) N,$!r##n e;"(#&ned. Beh&nd &t (&e+ the Horde. He t!rned #nd +t!d&ed D#n#th ,(o+e(y) h&+ f#,e +o$-er yet h&+ eye+ #(&'ht w&th ... #nt&,&"#t&on6 Aoy6 3 wo!(d #&d yo! f!rther) &f yo! w&(( "er$&t &t) he offered +oft(y) tho!'h 3 w#rn th#t the ty"e of #&d $&'ht "ro1e !n+ett(&n' to +o$e. D#n#th frowned #nd r#&+ed #n eye-row. Wh#t do yo! $e#n6 The A!,h,n#& -owed h&+ he#d. 3n $y kee"&n' #r, the +o!(+ of #(( o!r de"#rted) he e;"(#&ned h!$-(y) h#nd+ ,(#+"ed on h&+ +t#ff. At t&$e+ of 're#t need 3 $#y ,#(( !"on the$. 3 wo!(d do +o now/they wo!(d re(&+h the ,h#n,e to ,(e#n+e the+e h#((+ of the or,+2 fo!( to!,h.

D#n#th w#+ # (&td, +h#ken #t the $#tt,r*of*f#,tne++ w&th wh&,h th&+ w#+ "re+ented. He knew the Horde2+ de#th kn&'ht+ wereor,+"&r&t+ "(#,ed &n h!$#n -od&e+) +o ,(e#r(y +"&r&t+ ,o!(d +!r1&1e -eyond de#th) #(tho!'h he2d #(w#y+ -een t#!'ht the de#d +ho!(d -e (eft to re+t &n "e#,e. B!t &f N,$!r##n w#+ # "rote,tor of the de#d) &t wo!(d -e #(( r&'ht &f he #+ked for the&r he(" . . . wo!(dn2t &t6 D#n#th h#d +#&d to T!r#(yon e#r(&er th#t the 'ho+t+ of the $en who h#d f#((en wo!(d f&'ht w&th h&$ when they fo!nd the or,+) -!t he2d -een +"e#k&n' $et#"hor&,#((y. 3t (ooked #+ tho!'h the 'ho+t+ of +o$eone2+ f#((en took +!,h ,o$$ent+ (&ter#((y. %&n#((y D#n#th +hr!''ed. S!,h 7!e+t&on+ were for tho+e of # $ore e+oter&, $&nd*+et) #nd fro$ # $&(&t#ry +t#nd"o&nt he ,o!(d ,ert#&n(y !+e #(( the he(" they ,o!(d 'et. 3 #$ honored) he to(d N,$!r##n. And &f &t wo!(d not d&+t!r- or #n'er the$) we wo!(d we(,o$e the&r #++&+t#n,e. N,$!r##n nodded #nd -owed dee"(y) ,(e#r(y "(e#+ed w&th D#n#th2+ re"(y) then +tr#&'htened #nd r#&+ed h&+ +t#ff h&'h. =&o(et (&'ht -(o++o$ed down the (en'th of the h#((w#y) f&((&n' &t w&th (&'ht #nd #w#ken&n' #n+wer&n' '(e#$+ #(( #(on' the ,e&(&n'. The+e '(e#$+ 'rew -r&'hter r#ther th#n d&$$&n') the&r ,o(or+ +h&ft&n' fro$ 1&o(et to -(!e to 'reen to 'o(d #+ they de+,ended #nd e;"#nded) '#&n&n' +h#"e #nd def&n&t&on. The one ne#re+t D#n#th #nd N,$!r##n #(tered to re1e#( # $#++&1e f&'!re) ,(e#r(y # dr#en,& -!t -!r(&er th#n N,$!r##n #nd we#r&n' orn#te "(#te #r$or r#ther th#n ro-e+) # '&#nt w#rh#$$,r #,ro++ one +ho!(der #nd # (on' ,#"e tr#&(&n' -eh&nd h&$. Other+ ,#$e &nto ,r&+" fo,!+ #+ we(() f&((&n' the roo$. And they were #(( +t#r&n' #t D#n#th #nd h&+ $en. A w&nd +"r!n' o!t of nowhere) r!+t(&n' D#n#th2+ ,#"e) +t&rr&n' T#(thr,++#r2+ (on' h#&r. A dee" ,o(dne++ +e&4ed D#n#th #nd he -e'#n to +h&1er !n,ontro((#-(y. The +"e,tr#( w#rr&or+ #d1#n,ed) -e#!t&f!( #nd &$"(#,#-(e) #nd D#n#th w#+ rooted to the +"ot &n +!dden terror. The&r (e#der e;tended # h#nd #nd -r!+hed D#n#th2+ forehe#d w&th &t. The h!$#n ,r&ed o!t #+ &$#'e+ f&((ed h&+ $&nd/yo!n' %#rro( #nd =#nn &n the +t#-(e+ -efore de"#rt&n'. =#nn2+ word+ ,!t off #+ #nor,,(!- h#d +&(en,ed h&$ fore1er. Cro!,h&n' (ow o1er h&+ hor+e) (&1&n' +o the de#d ,o!(d know "e#,e. Sky2r,,) ret!rn&n' r&der(e++. Bod&e+ ... +o $#ny of the$) m bo s, m bo s, #'m sorr , #'m so sorr / The &$#'e of the Horde) +tron' #nd #r$ed) r#,&n' o1er fert&(e f&e(d+ th#t were not A4eroth) H!ndred+ of f&e(d+) h!ndred+ of wor(d+) &nno,ent "eo"(e dy&n' #+ # 'reen w#1e th#t d&d not -e(on' &n th#t "(#,e +n!ffed the (&fe o!t of &t. :o1&n' on to the ne;t) #nd the ne;t/ Yo!r +o!( &+ tro!-(ed) D#n#th Tro((-#ne of the A((&#n,e) +#&d the +"&r&t) tho!'h h&+ f#,e d&d not $o1e. The word+ were &n h&+ $&nd. Yo! 'r&e1e for the f#((en. Tho!'h yo! h#1e ,o$e here w&th 'r&ef #nd r#'e &n yo!r he#rt) the tr!e re#+on+ th#t dr&1e yo! #r, 'ood #nd 0!+t. Be #t "e#,e. 3 #$ Bo!(e+tr##n. on,e known #+ the B(&nd&n' L&'ht) #nd $y #r$y #nd 3 +h#(( #&d yo! &n yo!r +tr!''(e. The ,o(d terror f#ded) re"(#,ed -y #n odd +ort of "e#,e. D#n#th -(&nked. He (ooked #'#&n #t the +"&r&t #nd +#w w&th # +t#rt th#t &t+ eye+ were "!re 'o(d) #nd th#t # f(#re of 'o(den (&'ht ro+e fro$ &t+ -row #+ we((. We #r, &n yo!r de-t) D#n#th $#n#'ed. 3t w#+ d&ff&,!(t to for,e the word+ o!t) or to te#r h&+ eye+ fro$ the f&'!re -efore h&$. #nd D#n#th wondered &f th&+ w#+ wh#t T!r#(yon $e#nt when he referred to the '(ory of the Ho(y L&'ht) %or Bo!(e+tr##n #nd h&+ 'ho+t(y w#rr&or+ were no (on'er terr&fy&n' &n the (e#+t. They were '(or&o!+) 'o(den #nd '(e#$&n' #nd -e#!t&f!(. D#n#th re#(&4ed he2d 0!+t -een te+ted) #nd re(&ef w#+hed o1er h&$ #+ he re'#rded the dr#en,& de#d ho1er&n' "rote,t&1e(y #ro!nd h&+ $en. W&th # 7!&,k +h#ke to ,(e#r h&+ he#d) D#n#th +ett(ed h&+ +h&e(d !"on one #r$. Dr#w&n' h&+ +word) he 'r&""ed the (e#ther*wr#""ed "o$$e( f&r$(y. He '(#n,ed #t T#(thre++#r #nd Re((&#n. On,e we2re o!t) yo!2re w&th $e) he to(d the$. We h#1e to f&nd K!r*dr#n. T!rn&n' to the $en &n h&+ ,h#r'e) he +#&d. The or,+ #r, -eh&nd th&+ door. They don2t know we #r, here) #nd #r, (&ke(y e;"e,t&n' # d#wn #tt#,k &n # few ho!r+. We h#1e the ,(e$ent of +!r"r&+e/ (et2+ !+e &t to f!(( #d1#nt#'e. On,e thro!'h the door) #tt#,k the f&r+tor,yo! +e,. Sho!t #nd ye(( #nd k&,k th&n'+ o!t of yo!r w#y. We w#nt the$ ,onf!+ed) "#n&,ked) #nd !n+!re of how $#ny foe+ they f#,e #nd where. He 'r&nned. Th#t w&(( (e#1e the$ e#+y $#rk+ for o!r -(ow+. The $en nodded -#,k) #nd r#&+ed the&r f&+t+ &n # +&(ent ,heer. D#n#th r#&+ed h&+ f&+t #+ we(() d&e tor,h he(d h&'h. Then he t!rned -#,k tow#rd the door) re#d&ed h&$+e(f) #nd nodded for N,$!r##n to o"en &t. The A!,hen#& ,#+ed the door h#nd(e) then +(#$$ed the door o"en w&th +!r"r&+&n' for,e) the th!d of +tone #'#&n+t +tone # +h#r" ,r#,k th#t e,hoed (&ke th!nder &n the en,(o+ed +"#,e of the r!&n+. %or the Son+ of Loth#r! D#n#th +ho!ted #+ he (e#"ed thro!'h the o"en&n'. The door h#d o"ened onto # $ed&!$* +&4ed t!nne( not f#r -eh&nd # $#ke+h&ft w#(() #nd there were "erh#"+ # do4en or,+ here) (o!n'&n' #nd +(ee"&n' #nd re"#&r&n' 'e#r. They '(#n,ed !". +t#rded) #+ he -!r+t &n #$on' the$. Se1er#( +t!$-(ed to the&r feet) +,r#$-(&n' for we#"on+. B!t they were too +(ow. D#n#th2+ f&r+t -(ow took #nor,&n the thro#t 0!+t #+ &t w#+ r#&+&n' &t+ he#d to +ho!t #n #(#r$. He ,ont&n!ed the +w&n' #ro!nd) ,!t #notheror,#,ro++ the forehe#d) #nd +t#--ed the ,re#t!re thro!'h the he#rt wh&(e &t +hook &t+ he#d to ,(e#r &t+ 1&+&on. By now +e1er#( of h&+ $en #,,o$"#n&ed h&$.

Then &n ,#$e the '(ow&n') 'o(den de#d) &$"(#,#-(e #nd -e#!t&f!() the&r we#"on+ +"e,tr#( -!t (eth#(. The or,+ "#n&,ked #t the +&'ht) -e((ow&n' &n terror) $#ny of the$ dro""&n' wh#t we#"on+ they2d r#&+ed #nd f#((&n' to the f(oor) #nd they were 7!&,k(y d&+"#t,hed. :o+t of the or,+ here h#d not e1en -een f!((y #r$ed yet. Go! D#n#th +ho!ted to h&+ $en e1en #+ the (#+t few or,+ fe((. Go! K&(( e1eryor,yo! +e,! He '(#n,ed #t Bo!(,+tr##n. Send yo!r w#rr&or+ w&th the$) he +#&d) #nd the dr#en,& ,o$$#nder nodded) h&+ +"&r&t*w#rr&or+ #(re#dy +"(&tt&n' off to #,,o$"#ny D#n#th ?+ $en. N,$!r##n/+how $e to the&r "r&+oner! The A!,h,n#& nodded #nd o"ened # door &n the f#r w#(() then (ed D#n#th #nd the two ,(1,n r#n'er+ thro!'h &t #nd &nto # +horter) n#rrow ,orr&dor. Gr&44&k fo((owed ,(o+e -eh&nd the$. They "#++ed #(on' th#t #nd &nto # (#r'er roo$ #t the end) where $ore or,+ +#t or #te or +(e"t. %ort!n#te(y) -oth r#n'er+ h#d the&r -ow+ #t the re#dy) #nd #rrow+ f(ew fro$ the&r 'r#,ef!( f&n'er+) k&((&n' +e1er#( or,+ -efore the other+ e1en re#(&4ed they were not #(one. Then D#n#th w#+ &n #$on' the$) h&+ +word -&t&n' dee") #nd the +,re#$+ #nd 'ro#n+ of h&+ 1&,t&$+ $&n'(ed w&th the +o!nd+ of ,h#o+ he he#rd fro$ the roo$+ -eh&nd the$) where h&+ $en were en'#'ed &n the +#$e 'r&+(y work. Nor w#+ Gr&44&k &d(e. The -&rd*$#n (#!n,hed h&$+e(f forw#rd &n # +tr#n'e '(&d&n' (e#" th#t ,#rr&ed h&$ +o!nd(e++(y -eh&nd +e1er#( or,+) h&+ (on' t#(on,d h#nd+ d#rt&n' forw#rd #nd +(#+h&n' one ore2+ thro#t o"en w&th # +&n'(e +w&"e. A +e,ondor,t!rned) #;e r#&+ed h&'h) -!t the #r#kko# d!,ked -ene#th the #wkw#rd -(ow #nd tw&+ted #ro!nd to the front) then "e,ked the ore2+ eye+ o!t -efore +hredd&n' h&+ thro#t #+ we((. Wh#te1er e(+e the #r#kko# w#+) D#n#th tho!'ht) ,#t,h&n' '(&$"+e+ of the 7!&,k) +&(ent ,#rn#'e) he w#+ no "#,&f&+t. Th&+ w#y! N,$!r##n !r'ed on,e the roo$2+ defender+ were de#d) #nd (ed the$ #,ro++ the -(ood*+"#ttered ,h#$-er to #nother door. The A!,h,n#& h#d not #tt#,ked #ny of the or,+ h&$+e(f) tho!'h h&+ 1ery "re+en,e #nd the (&'ht fro$ h&+ +t#ff h#d +ee$ed to ,onfo!nd the$ #nd $#ke the$ e#+&er to d&+"#t,h. Th&+ new door o"ened onto # $!,h +$#((er roo$) #nd o,,!"y&n' h#(f the +"#,e w#+ # +tr#n'e wooden fr#$ework (&ke # ro!'h t#-(e w&th r#&+ed ,ro++-e#$+. L#+hed to tho+e -e#$+ w#+ # +hort) $!+,!(#r f&'!re. B(ood h#d dr&ed &n # "oo( #ro!nd h&$) h#d ,#ked on h&+ f(e+h. He +#''ed) !n,on+,&o!+) #'#&n+t the re+tr#&nt+) #nd D#n#th. +e#+oned w#rr&or tho!'h he w#+. +t#red for # "re,&o!+ $o$ent &n +&$"(e horror #t the #tro,&t&e+ "er"etr#ted on h&+ fr&end) A +&n'(e he#1y*+etor,(e#ned #'#&n+t the w#(( ne#r-y) # +"&ked ,(!- #t &t+ +&de) ,(e#r(y +et to '!#rd the "r&+oner. 3t "!+hed off the w#(( #+ D#n#th ,#$e &nto the roo$) # (ook of +!r"r&+e on &t+ -r!t&+h f#,e) #nd &t+ eye+ w&dened f!rther when the e(1e+ "!t # "#&r of #rrow+ &n &t+ ,he+t. A th&rd #rrow +tr!,k r&'ht -etween the eye+) #nd theor,d&ed -efore &t ,o!(d e1en +"e#k. D#n#th w#+ #(re#dy h#,k&n' #t the ro"e+ -&nd&n' h&+ fr&end. K!rdr#n! he +ho!ted) 'r#+"&n' h&+ fr&end. K!rdr#n! T#(thr,++#r $!r$!red +o$eth&n' &n h&+ $!+&,#( ton'!e) -!t he too w#+ "#(e #+ he he("ed D#n#th (ower the W&(dh#$$,r to the t#-(e. D#n#th w#+ +t&(( &n +ho,k. Both of K!rdr#n2+ #r$+ -ent &n !nn#t!r#( w#y+) #nd h&+ $!+,!(#r -ody +ee$ed to h#1e $ore we(t+ #nd ,!t+ th#n t#ttoo+ now. H&+ h#nd+ #nd feet were !tter(y -roken) #+ &f ,r!+hed w&th # ,(!-5 the on(y +&'n th#t he w#+ e1en #(&1e w#+ # f#&nt r&+e #nd f#(( of h&+ ,he+t. The dw#rf (ooked (&ke +o$eth&n' they2d f&nd &n # -!t,her2+ +hoo. Wh#t h#d the or,+ done to h&$6 L&'ht... 3 don2t e1en know where to +t#rt. D#n#th +#&d) h&+ 1o&,e th&,k) +t#r&n' #t the -(oody) -roken -ody. 3 do ... &f yo! w&(( "er$&t $e. D#n#th2+ he#d wh&""ed !". N,$!r##n h#d ,o$e forw#rd) h&+ +t#ff '(ow&n'. 3 #$ # "r&e+t of $y "eo"(e. 3 wo!(d do wh#t 3 ,#n to he#( h&$. B!t yo! +ho!(d know/yo!r fr&end2+ +"&r&t ,(&n'+ to (&fe on(y ten!o!+(y. 3 ,#n try to he#( h&$) or 3 ,#n ,#+e h&+ ,ro++&n'. 3f yo! wo!(d r#ther (et h&$ G"#++ No! D#n#th ,r&ed. 321e +een too $#ny/"(e#+e. 3f yo! ,#n he#( h&$) "(e#+e do &t. D#n#th #nd T#(thr,++#r +te""ed -#,k #+ the dr#en,& e;tended # h#nd. He "(#,ed &t on K!rdr#n2+ he#d) $#tted w&th dr&ed -(ood) #nd (&fted h&+ +t#ff w&th the other h#nd. C(o+&n' h&+ eye+) the A!,h,n#& -e'#n to "r#y. D#n#th '#+"ed +oft(y #+ # "!re) 'ende r#d&#n,e (&$ned N,$!r##n2+ for$. He d&dn2t know the word+) -!t they ,#($ed h&+ he#rt. The '(ow -r&'htened #t the dr#en,&2+ h#nd where &t re+ted on K!rdr#n2+ -row. The r#d&#n,e &n,re#+ed) !nt&( &t w#+ +o -r&'ht D#n#th re(!,t#nt(y ,(o+ed h&+ eye+ #'#&n+t &t. He2d +een th&+ -efore. Th&+ -e&n' fro$ #nother wor(d) th&+ dr#en,&) +o +tr#n'e &n #""e#r#n,e to h&$/ he w#+ w&e(d&n' the L&'ht) A!+t #+ T!r#(yon d&d. A 'r!nt $#de D#n#th o"en h&+ eye+. Eh6 Wh#t6 K!rdr#n $!ttered) h&+ he#d to++&n' fro$ +&de to +&de. Do y,r wor+t) ye 'reen*+k&nned -,#+t&,+! He o"ened h&+ eye+ #nd +t#red +tr#&'ht !" #t the -(!e f&'!re -end&n' o1er h&$. 3t2+ #(( r&'ht. D#n#th #++!red h&$ -efore he ,o!(d +tr!''(e) "(#,&n' # h#nd on the dw#rf2+ +ho!(der. Ne$!r##n +te""ed -#,k) the (&'ht #ro!nd h&$ +t#rt&n' to f#de) #nd +$&(ed. He2+ . .. w&(( he -e . .. 6 3 h#1e done #(( 3 ,o!(d. He &+ he#(ed) for the $o+t "#rt. B!t not #(( +,#r+ ,#n -e er#+ed) nor th&n'+ th#t #re -roken $#de #+ they were -efore. Who2+ -roken6 K!rdr#n +norted. He +#t !" +(ow(y) f(e;&n' h&+ h#nd+ #nd feet) to!,h&n' h&+ -ody. H,h. D&nn# know 3 h#d th#t $!,h -(ood &n $e. He "eered !" #t D#n#th. Ah) D#n#th. (#d! he +#&d when he re#(&4ed who w#+

-e+&de h&$) h&+ -ro#d f#,e +"(&tt&n' &nto # w&de 'r&n. 3t2+ ye) then) eh6 And #-o!t -(oody t&$e! Not to worry/tho+e -,#+t&,+ 'ot not # word o!t o2 $e. D&d ye -r&n' $y h#$$er6 He +ho!(d re+t) the dr#en,& w#rned. B#h! Re+t &+ f,r the de#d) K!rdr#n 'row(ed. And +o$et&$e+ not e1en for the$) T#(thr,++#r +#&d 7!&et(y) '(#n,&n' #t N,$!r##n. He2+ # W&(dh#$$er) D#n#th +#&d to the "r&e+t5 &t w#+ the -e+t e;"(#n#t&on he ,o!(d ,o$e !" w&th. 3 -ro!'ht &t) K!rdr#n. Here. The h#$$er h#d -een on Sky2r,, when the 'ry"hon h#d ret!rned) #nd D#n#th h#d "o++e++ed eno!'h fore+&'ht to -r&n' &t w&th h&$ &nto the t!nne(. He h#nded o1er the we#"on) #nd ,o!(dn2t he(" 'r&nn&n' #+ the dw#rf took the "ondero!+ h#$$er #nd hefted &t) tho!'h K!rdr#n $o1ed $ore +(ow(y #nd +t&ff(y th#n -efore. Good. K!rdr#n &n+"e,ted the h#$$er 7!&,k(y) then nodded h&+ #""ro1#(. Now then) wh#t2+ the "(#n) (#dd&e6 And who -e y,r fr&end+6 A nod of h&+ he#d &nd&,#ted Gr&44&k #nd Ne$!r##n. #nd D#n#th d&dn2t $&++ the re1!(+&on th#t w#+hed #,ro++ the A!,h,n#&2+ f#,e #t -e&n' ,on+&dered &n the +#$e -re#th #+ the #r#kko#. N,$!r##n &+ #n A!,hen#&) # dr#en,& "r&e+t of the de#d. D#n#th e;"(#&ned 7!&,k(y. He &+ one of the (#+t of th&+ "(#,e2+ '!#rd&#n+. Yo! owe yo!r (&fe to h&$/he he#(ed yo!. Ah) +#&d K!rdr#n) "!tt&n' the "&e,e+ to'ether. Th#nk ye. (#d. The W&(dh#$$,r+ d&nn# f,r',t +!,h de-t+. N,$!r##n &n,(&ned h&+ he#d 'r#,&o!+(y. And th#t2+ Gr&44&k the #r#kko#. D#n#th ,ont&n!ed. He h#te+ the or,+ #nd '!&ded !+ &nto th&+ "(#,e fro$ the fore+t. And the "(#n6 He r#&+ed h&+ +word. The troo"+ #r, +tor$&n' the t!nne(. The re+t w&(( #tt#,k +oon #nd dr#w the or,+2 #ttent&on #w#y. And we w&(( f&nd Ner94h!( #nd -r&n' h&+ he#d -#,k on # "o(,#r$. Aye. th#t2+ # "(#n 32$ (&k&n'. Where -e th&+or,+h#$#n) then6 They -oth '(#n,ed #t N,$!r##n) who t&(ted h&+ he#d to one +&de. The $o+t defen+&-(e roo$ &+ o!r for$er "r#yer ,enter. the A!,hen#& +#&d #fter # $o$ent. Th#t &+ where he &+ $o+t (&ke(y to -e fo!nd. Le#d on. then! D#n#th +#&d) #nd N,$!r##n nodded) t#k&n' the$ o!t of th#t roo$ #nd down # +hort ,orr&dor to # w&de) he#1y +tone door ,o1ered &n e(#-or#te de+&'n+. Here. he to(d the$. Beh&nd th&+ door (&e+ the "r#yer ,enter. Gr&ef +hone fro$ h&+ eye+. We wo!(d ,o$e here to "#y o!r re+"e,t+ #nd ,o$$!ne w&th o!r de#d. R,((&#n tr&ed the h#nd(e. Lo,ked. he +#&d) St#nd -#,k) (#d. K!rdr#n !r'ed #+ he r#&+ed h&+ h#$$er. Th&+ $#y +"(&nter +o$e. He w#+ +t&(( !n+te#dy on h&+ feet) #nd D#n#th -&t -#,k # "rote+t. He wo!(dn2t try to +to" K!rdr#n5 the WUdh#$$,r needed to re#++!re h&$+e(f he ,o!(d +t&(( f&'ht) D#n#th he(d h&+ -re#th #+ the dw#rf +te#d&ed h&$+e(f) #nd then h!r(ed the +tor$h#$$,r #t the -#rr&er -efore the$. The th!nder,(#" th#t +o!nded !"on &$"#,t ne#r(y kno,ked D#n#th off h&+ feet. A (o!d ,r#,k #nd # ,(o!d of d!+t fo((owed) #nd #+ he w#1ed th#t #w#y D#n#th +#w th#t the -(ow h#d +h#ttered the door. Thro!'h &t he ,o!(d +ee # (#r'e ro!nd roo$ -eyond) #nd # $#++ of f&'!re+ ne#r &t+ ,enter. Se1er#( of the$ '(#n,ed !") +!r"r&+e e1&dent &n the&r f#,e+) -!t two d&d not/# $#++&1e one*eyed or, #nd #n o(der*(ook&n' or, who+e f#,e h#d -een "#&nted wh&te to re+e$-(e # +k!((. Th#t h#d to -e Ner94h!(. The&r eye+ $et for # fr#,t&on of # +e,ond. Then) -efore D#n#th ,o!(d -e'&n h&+ ,h#r'e. Ner94h!( +#&d +o$eth&n' to the one*eyed ore) t!rned) #nd +(&""ed "#+t h&$. r#,&n' thro!'h # door #t the f#r end of the roo$. No yo! don2t! D#n#d& ,r&ed) +t#rt&n' #fter Ner94h!() -!t the one*eyedor,+trode forw#rd) -(o,k&n' h&$. A (on' +,#r r#n down the +&de of the (#r'e ore2+ f#,e) #nd # "#t,h ,o1ered th#t eye. -!t the other '(#red #t D#n#th w&tho!t fe#r. 3 #$ K&(ro'' D,#d,y,. theor,#nno!n,ed "ro!d(y &n he#1&(y #,,ented Co$$on) "o!nd&n' h&+ ,he+t w&th one h#nd e1en #+ he r#&+ed # $#++&1e w#r #;e w&th the other. 3 #$ ,h&eft#&n of the B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,(#n. :#ny h!$#n+ h#1e 3 +(#&n. Yo! w&(( not -e the (#+t. 3 #$ ,h#r'ed w&th +to""&n' yo! fro$ "#++&n') #nd +o ... yo! +h#(( not. D#n#th eyed th&+ new foe ,#ref!((y. He ,o!(d +ee fro$ the +tre#k+ of wh&te &n h&+ h#&r #nd the (&ne+ on h&+ f#,e th#t th&+ K&(ro'' w#+ o(der th#n he) -!t h&+ -ody w#+ +t&(( he#1&(y $!+,(ed #nd he $o1ed w&th the 'r#,e of # n#t!r#( w#rr&or. He +ee$ed to h#1e honor) too. %or +o$e re#+on) D#n#th w#+ "ro$"ted to re+"ond &n k&nd. So -e &t) he re"(&ed) r#&+&n' h&+ +word to +#(!te h&+ o""onent. 3 #$ D#n#th Tro((-#ne) ,o$$#nder of the A((&#n,e #r$y. 3 h#1e +(#&n $#ny or,+) #nd yo! won2t -e the (#+t. And 3 w&(( "#++! W&th th#t he ,h#r'ed) +h&e(d -r#,ed -efore h&$) +word #(re#dy $o1&n' &n # 1&,&o!+ downw#rd +troke. K&(ro'' -(o,ked the -(ow w&th h&+ #;e) #($o+t wren,h&n' the +word fro$ D#n#th2+ 'r&" #+ the -(#de ,#!'ht -etween the #;e -(#de #nd h#nd(e. D#n#th d&d not +(ow) howe1er) #nd h&+ +h&e(d +(#$$ed f!(( for,e &nto K&(ro''2+ ,he+t. Theor,+t#''ered -#,k # "#,e. D#n#th took #d1#nt#'e of the $o$ent to +et free h&+ +word #nd +w&n' #'#&n) th&+ t&$e (ow #nd to the +&de. The ed'e ,(&""ed K&(ro''2+ tor+o 0!+t #-o1e the w#&+t) #nd the B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,h&eft#&n 'r!nted #+ the +tr&ke drew -(ood.

The wo!nd d&d not +(ow h&$ down) howe1er) #nd K&(ro'' re+"onded w&th #n #tt#,k of h&+ own. He +(#$$ed h&+ he#1y f&+t #'#&n+t D#n#th2+ +h&e(d) dent&n' the +t!rdy $et#( #nd $#k&n' D#n#th f#(ter on h&+ feet) then -ro!'ht h&+ #;e #ro!nd #nd !" w&th #n #($o+t (#4y #r, th#t dro1e &t -ene#th the +h&e(d2+ -otto$ ed'e. D#n#th h#d to 0!$" -#,k to #1o&d -e&n' d&+e$-owe(ed) #nd w&n,ed #+ the #;e2+ -#,k ed'e -#+hed &nto the &n+&de of h&+ +h&e(d) dr&1&n' &t h#rd #w#y fro$ h&$ #nd wren,h&n' h&+ +h&e(d #r$ &n the "ro,e++. D#n#th '(#n,ed !") #nd the&r eye+ $et. The h!$#n +#w h&+ own 'r!d'&n' #d$&r#t&on ref(e,ted &n the ore2+ +&n'(e eye #+ K&(ro'' nodded. E#,h fo!nd the other # worthy foe. The te$"er#t!re +!dden(y "(!$$eted) #nd D#n#th 'r&nned f&er,e(y. Cr&e+ ro+e fro$ e(+ewhere &n the roo$) +o!nd+ of not on(y "#&n -!t fe#r5 on,e #'#&n Bo!(,+tr##n2+ +"&r&t*+o(d&er+) -e#!t&f!( #nd terr&-(e) h#d ,o$e to the #&d of the A((&#n,e for,e+. T#(thr,++#r #nd R,((&#n were f&r&n' #rrow #fter #rrow) dro""&n' or,+ w&th we((*"(#,ed +hot+. K!rdr#n) $e#nwh&(e) w#+ fo,!+&n' !"on the or,+ &n the front of the roo$) the W&(dh#$$,r +&n'(e*h#nded(y kee"&n' the$ #t -#y w&th f!r&o!+ +w&n'+ #nd throw+ of h&+ +tor$h#$$,r) h&+ f&'ht&n' +"&r&t !n-roken #(tho!'h the or,+ h#d done the&r d#$nede+t to -re#k h&+ -ody. K&(ro'' not&,ed #(( th&+ #+ we((. He ro#red &n r#'e #nd ,h#r'ed/not #t D#n#th -!t #t # ,(!+ter of $en off to h&+ +&de. The he#1y #;e ro+e #nd fe(( w&th (&'htn&n' +"eed #nd two of the +o(d&er+ dro""ed) -(ood +"#tter&n' e1erywhere #+ the&r fe((ow+ (e#"ed -#,k) de+"er#te(y try&n' to ho(d the&r own #'#&n+t the enr#'edor,(e#der. The dr#en,& +"&r&t+ f(o#ted tow#rd h&$ w&th dre#df!( "!r"o+e) -!t K&(ro'' e1#ded the&r #tt#,k+) ,on,entr#t&n' h&+ effort+ on the h!$#n+ &n+te#d. A+ f#+t #+ D#n#th2+ troo"+ ,!t down the other or,+) K&(ro'' ,#r1ed # +"#,e thro!'h the$ &n ret!rn. S!dden(y D#n#th w&n,ed. A +tron' dron&n' no&+e w#+ dr&((&n' &n h&+ he#d. Wh#t the/he (ooked e1erywhere -!t ,o!(d not (o,#te &t. Then he re#(&4ed th#t &t w#+ ,o$&n' fro$ the other door) the one Ner94h!( h#d d&+#""e#red thro!'h $o$ent+ #'o. And th#t the ed'e -ene#th the door w#+ '(ow&n'. The +o!nd+ were # ,h#nt) D#n#th re#(&4ed +!dden(y. Between the '(ow #nd the ,h#nt&n') #nd the h#&r+ r&+&n' on the -#,k of h&+ ne,k) D#n#th knew they $!+t -e work&n' +o$e +ort of $#'&,. By the L&'ht) w#+ he o"en&n' the "ort#(+ r&'ht now6 Get "#+t the$! he +ho!ted to h&+ $en. Get &n the ne;t roo$! Now! B!t +t&(( K&(ro'' -(o,ked the w#y. The B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,h&eft#&n w#+ #($o+t #(one now) #(( h&+ w#rr&or+ ,!t down -y the e(1e+ #nd dw#rf #nd h!$#n+ #nd dr#en,& work&n' to'ether) -!t he +howed no +&'n of '&1&n' !". D#n#th ,o!(d te(( th#t the -&'or,w#+ w&((&n' to +#,r&f&,, h&$+e(f to -!y Ner94h!( the t&$e he needed for wh#te1er $#'&, he w#+ work&n'. A 1o&,e +!dden(y +ho!ted fro$ the other +&de of the door. D#n#th ,o!(dn2t !nder+t#nd the '!tt!r#( (#n'!#'e) -!t he d&dn2t need to/wh#te1er Ner94h!( h#d -een try&n' to do) he2d done. There w#+ # f#&nt -!r+t&n' +o!nd) #nd the '(ow !nder the door &nten+&f&ed +!dden(y) f&((&n' the roo$ w&th (&'ht #nd +o!nd. Then &t f#ded 0!+t #+ r#"&d(y #nd +oon w#+ ,o$"(ete(y 'one) (e#1&n' the roo$ e1en d#rker th#n &t h#d +ee$ed -efore. K!rdr#n $#n#'ed to 'et "#+t the -!r(y ore) howe1er. P#nt&n' he#1&(y) he +w!n' w&th #(( h&+ $&'ht) +tr#&'ht #t the now*d#rkened door. The "ort#( +h#ttered w&th # (o!d ,r#,k #nd the W&(dh#$$,r (e#der k&,ked the fr#'$ent+ #+&de) re1e#(&n' # +$#((er roo$ w&th # r!ne*+,r&-ed ,&r,(e +et &nto the +tone f(oor. The roo$ w#+ e$"ty. K&(ro'' h#d '(#n,ed tow#rd the door #+ we(() #nd now he 'r&nned. Yo! d&d 'et "#+t $e/3 '&1e yo! th#t. We(( fo!'ht) -!t &n the end) yo! h#1e f#&(ed) h!$#n. :y $#+ter h#+ 'one #he#d to the B(#,k Te$"(e to ,#+t h&+ +"e((. Yo! ,#nnot +to" h&$ now) #nd wor(d+ w&tho!t end w&(( know the tr#$"(&n' feet of the Horde. 2By the L&'ht) #t (e#+t yo! won2t fo((ow h
&$( I"

D#n#th renewed the #tt#,k) f!e(ed -y h&+ #n'er. He r#&ned -(ow #fter -(ow) -!t e#,h one w#+ -(o,ked -y the w&(y o(d w#rr&or. K&(ro'' 'r#--ed the +h&e(d w&th one h#nd) +ho1&n' &t #+&de) #nd +(#$$ed h&+ #;e down w&th the other) kno,k&n' the +word #w#y -efore &t ,o!(d re#,h h&+ -e((y. Then he 'r&nned #t D#n#th) +how&n' the (on' ,!r1&n' t!+k+ th#t +"r#n' fro$ h&+ (ower (&". Yo! w&(( h#1e to do -etter th#n th#t) h!$#n) theor,,h&ded. T#k&n' h&+ #;e &n -oth h#nd+) #'#&n he +w!n' for D#n#th2+ f#,e) then re1er+ed d&re,t&on #nd +w!n' on,e #'#&n) for,&n' D#n#th to +te" -#,k or (o+e h&+ he#d. On the ne;t +w&n' D#n#th d!,ked #nd -ro!'ht h&+ +h&e(d !" h#rd. 3t +$#+hed &nto K&(ro''2+ #r$+) for,&n' the$ !" #+ we(() #nd threw theor,off*-#(#n,e. Then D#n#th thr!+t) h&+ +word ,#t,h&n' theor,&n the -e((y #nd +&nk&n' dee". He w#+ #($o+t +!r"r&+ed th#t he2d $#n#'ed &t. W&th # ro#r K&(ro'' +(#$$ed h&+ fore#r$+ down) +end&n' the +h&e(d ,r#+h&n' onto D#n#th2+ he#d) #nd +t#''ered -#,k. He w#+ -(eed&n' he#1&(y fro$ the '!t wo!nd) -!t th#t on(y +ee$ed to enr#'e h&$. R#&+&n' h&+ #;e #'#&n) K&(ro'' -ro!'ht &t down +7!#re(y #to" D#n#th2+ +h&e(d) the he#1y -(#de +&nk&n' dee" &nto the "rote,t&1e $et#(. He y#nked -#,k #nd the +h&e(d tore #w#y fro$ &t+ +tr#"+) (e#1&n' D#n#th defen+e(e++. Now we f#,e e#,h other -(#de to -(#de) K&(ro'' to(d h&$) r&""&n' the +!ndered +h&e(d fro$ h&+ #;e -(#de #nd to++&n' &t #+&de. And on(y one w&(( (&1e to +&n' of the -#tt(e.

%&ne -y $e) D#n#th $!ttered -#,k thro!'h ,(en,hed teeth. T#k&n' h&+ +word &n -oth h#nd+) he r#n forw#rd) +tr#&'ht for K&(ro'') +word he(d h&'h o1er one +ho!(der. B!t 0!+t #+ theor,,h&eft#&n +te""ed !" to $eet h&$) D#n#th +to""ed +hort) !+&n' h&+ $o$ent!$ to "&1ot on one foot &n+te#d) one h#nd re(e#+&n' the +word #nd the other #r,&n' o!tw#rd +o th#t h&+ +tr&ke ,#$e fro$ the o""o+&te +&de. K&(ro''2+ -(&nd +&de. The f(#+h&n' -(#de took the +!r"r&+edor,&n the ne,k) +(&,&n' thro!'h h&+ thro#t) #nd K&(ro'' to""(ed) h&+ #;e f#((&n' fro$ h&+ h#nd+ #+ they f(ew !" to +to" the -(ood +"!rt&n' fro$ h&+ wo!nd. B!t the B(eed&n' Ho((ow ,h&eft#&n w#+ 'r&nn&n' #+ he dro""ed to h&+ knee+. By $y -(ood . . . the Horde . . . (&1e+) theor,$#n#'ed to '#+" o!t) h&+ 1o&,e # -!--(&n' wh&+"er. 2An,e+tor+ ... 3 ,o$e. . . . Then h&+ eye+ '(#4ed o1er #nd K&(ro'' D,#d,y, to""(ed +&dew#y+) to (#nd he#1&(y !"on d&e ,#r1ed +tone f(oor of the "r#yer roo$. D#n#th w#+ "#nt&n') -!t (&fted h&+ +word &n +#(!te to # f#((en foe. We(( done) (#d) K!rdr#n +#&d) +te""&n' !" -e+&de D#n#th #nd "#tt&n' h&$ on the #r$. B!t D#n#th +hook h&+ he#d. 3 f#&(ed) he +#&d -&tter(y) '(#n,&n' down #t K&(ro''2+ -ody. He w#+ r&'ht. He d&d wh#t he w#+ +!""o+ed to do/he '#1e the$ eno!'h t&$e to e+,#"e. D#n#th +,ow(ed #nd 'r&tted h&+ teeth. Wh#te1er +"e(( they !+ed tr#n+"orted the$ +tr#&'ht to +o$e "(#,e he ,#((ed d&e B(#,k Te$"(e! How ,#n we "o++&-(y +to" the$ now6 3 don2t e1en know where th&+ "(#,e &+! The #r#kko# t!rned) h&+ eye+ -r&'ht. Gr&44&k know! C#n t#ke yo! there! Yo! know where/ S&r! One of D#n#th2+ $en -!r+t &nto the roo$) fo((owed -y N,$!r##n #nd the f(ow&n') dr&ft&n' for$+ of the dr#en,& de#d. We h#1e the or,+ on the r!n) +&r! So$e of the$ h#1e f(ed dee"er &nto the t!nne(+) tho!'h! He "#!+ed) ,(e#r(y e;"e,t&n' # re"(y) #nd +ee$ed "!44(ed when D#n#th d&d not re+"ond. S&r6 K!rdr#n n!d'ed D#n#th. Y,2re &n ,h#r'e) (#d) the W&(dh#$$,r re$&nded h&$ 7!&et(y. E1en &f ye fee( ye21e f#&(ed) ye ,#nn# (et y,r troo"+ know &t) eh6 He w#+ r&'ht) of ,o!r+e. D#n#th nodded and +tr#&'htened. Then he $et the +o(d&er+ eye+. Let the or,+ r!n) he +#&d. We know where Ner94h!( went) #nd we2re 'o&n' to fo((ow h&$. We2(( -e $#k&n' for # "(#,e ,#((ed the B(#,k Te$"(e. The B(#,k Te$"(e6 D#n#th t!rned #t the #n'er he he#rd &n Bo!(,+tr##n2+ +"e,tr#( 1o&,e) #nd +#w the +"&r&t '(ower&n') tho!'h not #t h&$. Th#t w#+ on,e K#r#-or) o!r ho(&e+t "(#,e. B!t the or,+ def&(ed &t) #+ they def&(e #(( d&#t they to!,h. H&+ h#nd+ t&'htened on h&+ '(ow&n' h#$$er) wh&,h w#+ +t&(( ,o$"(ete(y ,(e#n de+"&te the or,+ he h#d +(#&n w&th &t. 3 "r#y when yo! re#,h &t) yo! w&(( dr&1e the or,+ fro$ &t+ h#((owed 'ro!nd. D#n#th nodded. Th#t2+ the "(#n. Th#nk yo! for yo!r he(". 3t h#+ -een #n honor f&'ht&n' #(on'+&de 'ou.$ %or !+ #+ we(() Bo!(,+tr##n re"(&ed) -ow&n'. Yo! #nd yo!r A((&#n,e #r, no-(e w#rr&or+) #nd honor#-(e "eo"(e. 3 w&+h yo! we(() D#n#th Tro((-#ne. We 'o to o!r re+t) !nt&( +!$$oned #'#&n. Then he #nd h&+ w#rr&or+ f#ded #w#y) (e#1&n' on(y +oft '(ow+ -eh&nd) !nt&( tho+e d&ff!+ed #+ we(() D#n#th t!rned to N,$!r##n. On &$"!(+e) he +#&d) Co$e w&th !+. Th&+ &+ no "(#,e to (&1e) #nd yo! ,#n +er1e yo!r "eo"(e $ore -y (e#1&n' here #nd ret!rn&n' to the wor(d. We wo!(d e1en t#ke yo! to A4eroth w&th !+) &f yo! (&ked. N,$!r##n +$&(ed. Tr!(y yo!r wor(d $!+t -e # wondro!+ "(#,e) to h#1e "rod!,ed +!,h # "eo"(e) he ,o$"(&$ented) #nd 3 #""re,&#te yo!r offer. B!t no) $y "(#,e &+ here. O!r de#d re$#&n &n th&+ wor(d/honor#-(y (#&d to re+t &n A!,h&ndo!n) or +,#ttered &n the fore+t) e1en "#1&n' the "#th the or,+ $&+n#$e the P#th of G(ory. Here they (&e) &n Dr#enor) #nd here 3 +t#y) to tend the$. The Ho(y L&'ht h#+ "(#,ed !+ here for # re#+on) #nd +o$e d#y &t w&(( tr&!$"h o1er #((. Unt&( then) 3 re0o&,e &n the know(ed'e th#t 3 h#1e #&ded yo!) #nd th#t yo! #nd yo!r "eo"(e ,#rry the L&'ht #+ we((. Go forth) #nd (et yo!r ,o!r#'e #nd +tren'th dr&1e the or,+ -efore yo! (&ke ,h#ff -efore the +tron' w&nd. And who know+6 Perh#"+ one d#y o!r "eo"(e+ w&(( &ndeed -#tt(e +!,h e1&( +&de -y +&de. He he+&t#ted. 2A f#1or) -efore yo! 'o6 D#n#th nodded. N#$e &t. Do not (et th#t one !ndo wh#t the L&'ht h#+ wro!'ht. A no-(e #nd f&er,e w#rr&or he &+ to -e +!re) -!t w&+do$ $#rk+ # w#rr&or #+ $!,h #+ -r#1ery. He &nd&,#ted K!rdr#n) who +,ow(ed #nd ,o(ored +(&'ht(y. 3n the $&d+t of h&+ worry) D#n#th $#n#'ed # +$#(( +$&(e. 32(( do wh#t 3 ,#n/-!t yo! +ee how +t!--orn he &+. B#h) the (ot of ye. Co$e on) w#(k&n' wo!nded) D#n#th +#&d to K!rdr#n. We21e # B(#,k Te$"(e to t#ke. And w&th # f&n#( nod to the A!,h,n#&) D#n#th Tro((-#ne he#ded -#,k &nto the ,orr&dor+ of the ,&ty of the de#d) ho"&n' th#t N,$!r##n2+ "r#yer+ for the A((&#n,e wo!(d -e #n+wered.

CHAPTER TWENTY*TWO

Don2t worry/we2re +t&(( on the r&'ht tr#,k) Kh#d'#r fe(t ,o$"e((ed to +#y #+ the 'ro!" +to""ed for # re+t #nd to dr&nk +o$e "re,&o!+ w#ter. They needed the re#++!r#n,e. They h#d tr#1e(ed north fro$ the or,&+h ,&t#de() +k&rt&n' the +#1#'e ,o#+t(&ne to the ,#+t. The 'ro!nd h#d re$#&ned ,on+&+tent w&th wh#t they h#d +een ne#r the "ort#( &t+e(f) tho!'h (e++ +e1ere8 ,r#,ked e#rth) 'r#y) d!+ty +o&() w&thered "(#nt+ #nd tree+. They h#d "#++ed "#t,he+ of 'reenery here #nd there) -!t $o+t of Dr#enor w#+ dre#ry #nd de+o(#te #nd -&tter. Now the 'ro!nd #ro!nd the$ h#d 'rown $ore !ne1en) &t+ d&"+ #nd r&+e+ $ore +&'n&f&,#nt) #nd w&nd wh&""ed -y on #(( +&de+. :o+t #++!red(y # $o!nt#&n r#n'e) -!t (&ke none he2d e1er +een. Stone +"&ke+ "rotr!ded fro$ the ,(&ff w#((+ #ro!nd the$) 0!tt&n' o!tw#rd &n e1ery d&re,t&on #+ &f the "e#k+ the$+e(1e+ were h!n'ry for -(ood. The ro,k w#+ # d!(( redd&+h -rown. too. the ,o(or of dr&ed -(ood) #nd the +ky +ee$ed # 1&1&d +,#r(et &n ,o$"#r&+on. 3t w#+ one of the $o+t !nwe(,o$&n' "(#,e+ he2d e1er en,o!ntered) #nd he +!+"e,ted the +h!dder th#t "#++ed thro!'h h&$ h#d #+ $!,h to do w&th th#t #+ w&th the +h#r" w&nd+ kn&f&n' #$on' the +"&ke+. 3d(y) Kh#d'#r re#,hed o!t to to!,h the ne#re+t +"&ke) -!t +to""ed 0!+t +hort of #,t!#( ,ont#,t/"erh#"+ te$"t&n' the f#te+ w#+ not the -e+t "(#n. The +k!(( &+ not f#r. he +#&d #'#&n. Yo!2re ,ert#&n6 T!r#(yon #+ked. Oh. tr!+t $e. 32$ ,ert#&n. He ,o!(d +en+e &t+ "re+en,e &n h&+ he#d w&tho!t e1en +e#r,h&n' now) # d!(( "!(+e 0!+t -eh&nd the eye+ th#t #($o+t -e,#$e 1&+&-(e when he +7!ee4ed the$ +h!t. Def&n&te(y ,(o+e. Good) T!r#(yon re"(&ed) heft&n' h&+ h#$$er #nd eye&n' the +"&ke+. 321e h#d eno!'h of th&+ "(#,e. 3 th&nk w,/ -e'#n Kh#d'#r) -!t A((er&# (&fted # ,o$$#nd&n' h#nd for +&(en,e. L&+ten! Kh#d'#r +tr#&ned to he#r) -!t h&+ ,#r+ were not #+ +h#r" #+ #n e(f2+. :o$ent+ "#++ed5 #(( he he#rd were the w&nd+. And then/there &t w#+. # +ort of f(#""&n' +o!nd) (&ke w&n'+) -!t +o$ehow +h#r"er th#n tho+e of #ny -&rd he knew. The on(y ,re#t!re he2d e1er en,o!ntered th#t $#de # no&+e (&ke th#t &n f(&'ht w#+/ Dr#'on! he +ho!ted) 'r#--&n' T!r#(yon #nd y#nk&n' h&+ fr&end down #+ he do1e to the 'ro!nd h&$+e(f. A!+t -eh&nd h&$ he he#rd #n #n'ry ro#r #nd # h&++. Wh&te*hot "#&n -(o++o$ed &n h&+ #r$. #nd e1en #+ he +!,ked &n h&+ -re#th #t the #'ony he he#rd $ore h&++&n'. There w#+ # +$ok&n' ho(e &n h&+ +(ee1e) #nd # n#+ty*(ook&n' -!rn &n h&+ #r$ -e(ow th#t. The h&++&n' w#+ the +o!nd of +o$eth&n' e#t&n' #w#y #t the ro,k+ -e(ow the$ #+ we((. :#'$#. Kr#+!+ h#d +#&d th#t -(#,k dr#'on+ +"#t $#'$#. G(#n,&n' !") Kh#d'#r +#w +e1er#( +$#(( d#rk for$+ f(&t #$on' the +"&ke+ #nd then r&+e #nd +woo" -#,k #ro!nd. Sh&e(d+ !"! T!r#(yon +ho!ted) r&+&n' to h&+ feet) #nd we#"on+ #t the re#dy! They2re not f!((y 'rown dr#'on+/We ,#n t#ke the$! T!r#(yon w#+ r&'ht. The ,re#t!re+ #tt#,k&n' the$ were no (#r'er th#n the hor+e+) "erh#"+ +&; feet (on') -!t w&th # w&n'+"#n w&der th#n th#t. They h#d +$#(( he#d+ #nd on(y # few +"&ke+ #(on' the&r -#,k) #nd Kh#d'#r re#(&4ed th#t the+e $!+t -e #n &$$#t!re for$. Dr#ke+) he re$e$-ered Kr#+!+ ,#((&n' the$ on,e. Ye+. dr#ke+. Dr#ke+/yo!n' dr#'on+) he w#rned T!r#(yon. r#&+&n' h&+ +t#ff #+ the -(#,k dr#ke+ ,&r,(ed for # +e,ond #tt#,k. Not #+ +tron' #+ the&r "#rent+) -!t +t&(( d#n'ero!+. T!r#(yon nodded) -!t h&+ fo,!+ w#+ on the #tt#,k&n' ,re#t!re+. He w#+ -#,k &n h&+ ,(e$ent now) #nd h#d +ett(ed #t on,e &nto the $&(&t#ry ,o$$#nder $&nd*+et. Ar,her+) f&re #t w&((! he +ho!ted. Be+&de h&$ A((er&# -e'#n (oo+&n' #rrow+ #t the +$#(() #'&(e ,re#t!re+. One of her +hot+ took # dr#ke thro!'h the thro#t) the "ower of her (on'-ow "ro"e((&n' the +h#ft ,(e#n thro!'h the dr#'on yo!th2+ (&'hter +,#(e+) #nd the th&n' re#red !") ,(e#r(y &n "#&n. A +e,ond #rrow "&er,ed &t+ eye #nd -r#&n) #nd &t fe(( to the 'ro!nd w&th # ,ro#k #nd (#y +t&((. Th#t he#rtened the +o(d&er+) #nd they +w!n' w&th enth!+&#+$) +w#tt&n' #t the yo!n' dr#'on+ #nd d!,k&n' to #1o&d the ,re#t!re+2 +$#(( -!t +h#r" ,(#w+ #nd the f&+t*+&4ed 'o--et+ of (#1# they +"ewed. The dr#ke+ +hot "#+t the$) then -#nked) ,&r,(&n' -#,k. There were fewer of the$ now/+e1er#( of the&r fe((ow+ (#y de#d #$on' the +"&ke+. T!r#(yon t!rned to +#y +o$eth&n' e(+e to Kh#d'#r/ #nd +to""ed) to""(&n' w&tho!t w#rn&n' #nd ,#t,h&n' h&$+e(f 0!+t &n t&$e to #1o&d -e&n' &$"#(ed !"on the ne#re+t d!+ter of +tone +"&ke+. E1eryone w#+ +t#''er&n' #-o!t) try&n' to kee" the&r foot&n') #+ the 'ro!nd &t+e(f d#n,ed -ene#th the$. Wh#t &n the n#$e of the L&'ht6 T!r#(yon #+ked) h&+ word+ 0#rred o!t of h&$5 then he w#+ +t#r&n' -#,k #nd to the (eft of Kh#d'#r. Afr#&d to +ee -!t terr&f&ed of not know&n'. Kh#d'#r '(#n,ed -eh&nd h&$+e(f. And #($o+t fe(( o1er fro$ +ho,k. The ,re#t!re "o!nd&n' thro!'h/not #ro!nd -!t through/the +tone +"&ke+ w#+ $on+tro!+ e1en ,o$"#red w&th #n o're. 3t +tood e#+&(y tw&,e #+ t#(( #+ tho+e '&#nt ,re#t!re+) &t+ +k&n #+ th&,k #nd ro!'h #+ ro,k) +wee"&n' de+&'n+ ,#r1ed &nto &t+ #r$+ #nd +ho!(der+. A r&d'e of d#rk +"&ke+ r#n (&ke # $&n&#t!re $o!nt#&n r#n'e down &t+ -#,k) #nd $ore +"&ke+ "rotr!ded fro$ &t+ +ho!(der+ #nd !""er #r$+. B!t the f#,e/the f#,e

w#+ "erh#"+ the $o+t horr&f&, th&n' of #((. 3t re+e$-(ed th#t of #n o're) -!t w#+ f#r $ore &nte((&'ent. The ,re#t!re h#d no t!+k+ -!t &t+ teeth were (on' #nd +h#r" #nd ye((ow&n') &t+ ,#r+ "o&nted #nd t!fted) #nd &t+ +&n'(e eye '(#r&n' #nd '(ow&n'/#nd f#+tened on the$. 3ntr!der+!22 the -ehe$oth +ho!ted) the for,e of h&+ ,ry ,r#,k&n' +tone #(( #ro!nd the$. Cr!+h the$! :ore f&'!re+ e$er'ed fro$ the +tone th&,ket to the ,#+t #nd we+t. The+e were o're+ of the +#$e ty"e/#nd +&4e/ th#t Kh#d'#r h#d en,o!ntered -efore) #nd they +n#r(ed #nd 'row(ed #nd (#!'hed #+ they $o1ed tow#rd the A((&#n,e +o(d&er+. W#&t! Kh#d'#r +ho!ted. To h&+ re(&ef) the th&n'+ #,t!#((y "#!+ed. Th#nk the L&'ht) he h#d the $e#n+ to #t (e#+t ,on1er+e w&th the$. We $e#nt no offen+e! Offen+e6 Yo! (&1e) th#t &+ offen+e! The ,re#t!re ro#red #nd ,ont&n!ed to #d1#n,e. Wh#te1er yo!2re te((&n' h&$. &t &+n2t work&n') T!r#(yon $!ttered. And d#$n &t) here ,o$e the dr#ke+ #'#&n. Kh#d'#r ne1er tho!'ht he2d -e h#""y to +ee dr#'on+) -!t when the dr#ke+ ,&r,(ed -#,k r&'ht #t th#t $o$ent for #nother #tt#,k) he w#nted to th#nk the$. The o're+ #nd the&r $#+ter were ,o$"(ete(y d&+tr#,ted when the dr#ke+ -e'#n +"&tt&n' $#'$# #t -oth 'ro!"+) #nd t!rned the&r #ttent&on to the #++#!(t fro$ the +k&e+. They r#&+ed $#++&1e ,on&,#( ,(!-+/Kh#d'#r re#(&4ed #t on,e th#t they were +&$"(y !+&n' +"&re+ they2d -roken off the $o!nt#&n &t+e(f. Kh#d'#r re#(&4ed #n o""ort!n&ty when he +#w one. The dr#ke+! he ,r&ed. 2Att#,k the dr#ke+! A((er&# +t#red #t h&$ for # $o$ent) #nd Kh#d'#r knew wh#t +he w#+ th&nk&n'. Th&+ wo!(d -e # "erfe,t t&$e to f(ee) to (et the dr#ke+ #tt#,k the o're+ #nd the&r +tr#n'e (e#der for the$. B!t T!r#(yon 'r&nned #nd nodded5 he2d 'otten &t. Now the A((&#n,e $e$-er+. too) fo,!+ed on the f(y&n' re"t&(&#n ,re#t!re+) +ett&n' to the$ w&th +word #nd #rrow+. B!t the&r effort+ were fee-(e ,o$"#red w&th wh#t the o're+ d&d to the dr#ke+. The o're+ e#+&(y +$#+hed the -e#+t+ o!t of the +ky #nd then +to$"ed on the$) ,r!+h&n' the &$$#t!re dr#'on+ -ene#th the&r $#++&1e feet. The&r o1er+&4ed (e#der k&((ed # dr#ke #+ we(() -!t &t d&dn2t -other w&th # ,(!-/&n+te#d &t +&$"(y re#,hed !") ,#t,h&n' # ,h#r'&n' -(#,k dr#ke #+ e#+&(y #+ Kh#d'#r h#d on,e ,#!'ht #n #""(e # fr&end h#d to++ed to h&$. The ,o(o++#( -e#+t he(d the dr#ke &n one h#nd) &t+ th!$- #nd foref&n'er "&nn&n' the yo!n' dr#'on2+ w&n'+ to'ether #+ &t +tr!''(ed to 'et free. Then the -e#+t -ro!'ht the dr#ke to &t+ $o!th) t&(ted &t+ he#d -#,k) #nd en'!(fed the +,#(ed -ody &n # +&n'(e f&er,e -&te) ,hew&n' # few e;tr# t&$e+ to 'et the re+t of the w&n'+ &nto &t+ ,#1erno!+ $o!th -efore f&n#((y +w#((ow&n'. Th#t w#+ . . . T!r#(yon +t#rted) -!t he ,o!(dn2t f&nd word+ to en,o$"#++ wh#t he2d 0!+t +een. He (owered h&+ +word #nd (&fted h&+ 1&+or) -#re(y #w#re of h&+ #,t&on+. Yo! .. . tho+e .. . The ,re#t!re "eered #t h&$. Dr#'on+ ,o$e. Yo! not r!n) -!t ,o!(d h#1e. Yo! +t#y #nd f&'ht/he("ed !+. There w#+ # -&t of #+ton&+h$ent &n th#t e#rth*dee" 1o&,e) Kh#d'#r ,o!(d we(( !nder+t#nd &t. He w#+ w&((&n' to -et th#t few h#d w&((&n'(y r&+ked the$+e(1e+ to he(" the o're+ -efore. H&+ he#rt (&fted +(&'ht(y5 th&n'+ were 'o&n' e;#,t(y #+ he2d ho"ed. No) we do not r!n. We #r, not yo!r ene$&e+. We on(1 w&+h/
J

Kh#d'#r h#d 0!+t dr#wn -re#th to ,ont&n!e to ne'ot&#te the tent#t&1e tr!,e when the 'ro!nd -e'#n to +!dden(y +h#ke #'#&n) #nd the ,re#t!re '(#n,ed -#,k the w#y &t h#d ,o$e. 3t h!n,hed &n !"on &t+e(f) #r$+ wr#""&n' "rote,t&1e(y #ro!nd &t+ -ro#d ,he+t) #nd # +tr#n'e +o!nd e$er'ed fro$ &t+ h&deo!+ $o!th) h#(f +n#r( #nd h#(f wh&$"er. W#t,h&n' &t) Kh#d'#r wo!(d h#1e +worn th&+ -e#+t) wh&,h h#d 0!+t #(( -!t +w#((owed # dr#'on who(e) (ooked fr&'htened. He +h!ddered to th&nk wh#t ,o!(d +,#re +!,h # th&n'. Th#t 7!e+t&on w#+ #n+wered # few $&n!te+ (#ter) when # +e,ond $on+tro!+ -e#+t +trode fro$ the $o!nt#&n+. Th&+ ,re#t!re w#+ e1en (#r'er th#n the f&r+t one) #nd h#d $ore +tone +"&ke+ "rotr!d&n' fro$ &t+ -#,k #nd #r$+. 3t+ +k&n w#+ redder th#n th#t of the other) &t+ one eye +o "#(e &t w#+ #($o+t wh&te #(( the w#y #,ro++) #nd &t+ teeth were (on'er #nd +h#r"er. Th#t wh&te eye he(d 're#t &nte((&'en,e) #nd &t f#+tened !"on Kh#d'#r #nd T!r#(yon #nd the other h!$#n+. Who yo!6 &t de$#nded. 2And why yo! +t&(( (&1e6 We #r, on(y "#++&n' thro!'h) Kh#d'#r +t#$$ered. The 're#t -e&n'2+ eye n#rrowed &n +ke"t&,&+$. We #ren2t yo!r ene$&e+. A!+t (et !+ 'o #nd we2((/ No. The f&n#(&ty of the +&n'(e word w#+ ,h&((&n'. Yo! (e#1e) yo! +"e#k. S"e#k of 'ronn. S"e#k of Gr!!(. The '&#nt -e&n' th!$"ed h&+ ,he+t. Horde ,o$e. No) -e+t yo! d&e. Se,ret +t#y +#fe. Gronn +t#y +#fe. T!r#(yon '(#n,ed #t the f&r+t ,re#t!re he2d -een ,on1er+&n' w&th) ho"&n' for he(") -!t Kh#d'#r ,o!(d te(( they wo!(d not 'et #ny there. The $#++&1e -e&n' h#d ,!r(ed &n !"on &t+e(f #fter the re-!ke) (ook&n' (&ke noth&n' +o $!,h #+ # re,ent(y "!n&+hed ,h&(d. And th#t) he re#(&4ed) w#+ e;#,t(y wh#t &t w#+. The +e,ond ,re#t!re w#+ &t+ "#rent #nd th&+ w#+ the -#-y. The tho!'ht $#de h&$ +h!dder. We w&(( kee" yo!r +e,ret! we he("ed the/the 'ronn w&th the dr#'on+! Th&+ one ,#n te(( yo! +o h&$+e(f! The '&#nt th#t h#d ,#((ed &t+e(f Gr!!( +,ow(ed #nd '(#n,ed #ro!nd) #""#rent(y on(y now not&,&n' the -(#,k dr#ke ,or"+e+ +,#ttered #ro!nd the $o!nt#&n+&de. Yo! dr#'on*k&((er+6 Ye+) Kh#d'#r #n+wered de+"er#te(y.

B!t Gr!!( w#+ not +o e#+&(y tr&,ked. He t&(ted -#,k h&+ $on+tro!+ he#d) h&+ f#n'*f&((ed $o!th '#"&n' o"en/#nd (#!'hed. The dee" "e#(+ +hook the w#((+ #ro!nd the$ #nd +ent +e1er#( +$#(( +"&re+ +h#tter&n' to the 'ro!nd. K&(( -#-y dr#'on+) $#y-e) &t +#&d) +t&(( 'r&nn&n'. We do th#t. Not need he(". No) yo! d&e. W#&t! Kh#d'#r ,r&ed. Wh#t do yo! w#nt he(" w&th6 They ,o!(d "ro-#-(y t#ke down $ore th#n dr#ke+) &f they #-+o(!te(y h#d to. Gr!!( +o-ered #t on,e. Yo! too we#k. Yo! ,#nnot he(". :#y-e we ,#n. A+k. Gr!!( w#+ +&(ent) then he +#&d &n # +o$-er 1o&,e) B(#,kw&n' Gre#tf#th,r. 3t took Kh#d'#r # +e,ond to f&'!re o!t wh#t Gr!!( $e#nt. H&+ eye+ w&dened) he -!r+t o!t) De#thw&n'6 Yo! w#nt !+ to k&(( De#thw&n'6 Wh#t6 ,r&ed T!r#(yon. De#thw&n'6 Here6 And they w#nt !+ to k&(( h&$6 A((er&# ,h&$ed &n. Kh#d'#r w#+ #+ +ho,ked #+ they. They2d known the -(#,k dr#'on+ h#d #((&ed w&th the Horde) #nd h#d +een +e1er#( of the$ d#rt thro!'h the "ort#( to Dr#enor) -!t he2d #++!$ed &t w#+ on(y (e++er $e$-er+ of the dr#'onf(&'ht) not the dr#'onf(&'ht "#tr&#r,h . . . the&r 're#t #nd terr&-(e +&re ... h&$+e(f! He (eft +o$e -(#,k dr#'on+ -eh&nd #+ '!#rd+ for the or,+ #t the ,&t#de() T!r#(yon $!ttered. B!t he -ro!'ht the re+t of the$ !" here) to the+e $o!nt#&n+. Kh#d'#r nodded) then re#(&4ed Gr!!( w#+ +t&(( w#t,h&n' the$ e;"e,t#nt(y He took # dee" -re#th #nd drew h&$+e(f !" to h&+ f!(( he&'ht. Ye+. Of ,o!r+e. Do not worry/We ,#n h#nd(e De#thw&n') he to(d the 'ronn w&th for,ed #++!r#n,e. He won2t -e # "ro-(e$ for !+. He d&d h&+ -e+t to &'nore the +t!nned +&(en,e r#d&#t&n' fro$ h&+ fr&end+ #nd "r#yed Gr!!( ,o!(dn2t +ee the +we#t dr&""&n' off h&+ -row) or th#t &f he d&d. he d&dn2t !nder+t#nd &t+ +&'n&f&,#n,e. Gr!!( nodded) # 'rote+7!e +$&(e +"(&tt&n' h&+ $#++&1e (&"+. Good) he #nno!n,ed. %oo(&+h) -!t -r#1e! Gr!!( (&ke. He "eered down #t the$. Now "ro1e &t. He 'e+t!red) h&+ enor$o!+ h#nd (&ft&n' to &nd&,#te # "e#k not f#r #w#y. De#thw&n') the 'ronn e;"(#&ned. K&((. He(" 'ronn r&d $o!nt#&n of "e+t+. Then . . . yo! "#++. H&+ +$&(e +h&fted down to # +,ow( th#t re1e#(ed #(( h&+ f#n'+. Te(( no one! Kh#d'#r nodded. A'reed. He ho"ed h&+ 1o&,e d&dn2t +o!nd 7!&te +o 7!&1,ry to Gr!!( #+ &t d&d &n h&+ own ,#r+. Gr!!( t!rned #nd -e'#n $#k&n' h&+ w#y #,ro++ the $o!nt#&n+&de. The $#++&1e 'ronn d&dn2t -other +e#r,h&n' for # "#th) he ,re#ted one) h&+ he#1y feet +h#tter&n' +tone #nd (e#1&n' # w&de) ,r#,ked tr#&( thro!'h the +tone +"&re+) wh&,h -roke off #'#&n+t h&+ th&,k +k&n. The +$#((er 'ronn h!rr&ed to fo((ow &t+ "#rent) #nd the o're+/Kh#d'#r w#+ horr&f&ed to re#(&4e he now tho!'ht of the$ #+ +$#(() e1en tho!'h they were tw&,e h&+ own he&'ht/+h!ff(ed #(on' -eh&nd the&r two o1er+&4ed (e#der+. Gr&$(y Kh#d'#r fo((owed. A tho!'ht o,,!rred to h&$. De#thw&n' w#+ here ... #nd the +k!(( w#+ &n th&+ d&re,t&on. . . . He "#!+ed for # +e,ond) ,(o+&n' h&+ eye+) #nd then he 'r&nned. Wh#t #r, yo! do&n'6 A((er&# wh&+"ered to h&$ #+ +he #nd T!r#(yon fe(( &nto +te" -e+&de h&$. We2re +!""o+ed to -e (ook&n' for G!(2d#n2+ +k!(() not 'o&n' !" #'#&n+t De#thw&n'! Do yo! h#1e #ny &de# wh#t th#t dr#'on &+ ,#"#-(e of6 Ye+) #,t!#((y) he #n+wered. B!t he2+ 'ot the +k!((. Wh#t6 e;,(#&$ed T!r#(yon. The +k!(( &+ r&'ht &n front of !+) #nd +o &+ De#thw&n'. We2d h#1e h#d to ,onfront h&$ re'#rd(e++) $o+t (&ke(y. Wonderf!(. Now #(( we h#1e to do &+ f&'ht De#thw&n' to 'et the +k!(( -#,k! She +h!ddered. 32d r#ther f#,e the ent&re Horde #ny d#y! Pr&1#te(y) Kh#d'#r #'reed w&th her) -!t he +#w no other o"t&on. They needed the +k!(() #nd De#thw&n' h#d &t. He w#+ dee" &n tho!'ht) 'o&n' o1er h&+ +"e((+ &n h&+ $&nd) when T!r#(yon 'r&""ed h&+ #r$ #nd "o&nted. Look) he +#&d &n # 7!&et 1o&,e. They h#d re#,hed # dee" 1#((ey th#t (ed !" to the "e#k &n 7!e+t&on) #nd h#d +to""ed) f#nn&n' o!t #ro!nd the 1#((ey2+ ed'e. E''+. The 'ro!nd w#+ (&ttered w&th the$. They were #-o!t # y#rd (on' #nd +hone fro$ w&th&n w&th # "!(+&n' red '(ow th#t re1e#(ed d#rk 1e&n+ thro!'h the e''+he((+ the$+e(1e+/#nd ,o&(ed for$+ ,o,oon,d &n+&de. Th#t2+ wh#t w#+ &n tho+e w#'on+ A((er&# +"otted! T!r#(yon wh&+"ered) +t#r&n'. No wonder the dr#'on+ were f(y&n' r&'ht #-o1e the$! De#thw&n' -ro!'ht the+e here to Dr#enor! 3f they h#t,h) the -(#,k dr#'on+ w&(( o1err!n th&+ ent&re wor(d! Then we h#d -e+t $#ke +!re they don2t h#t,h) A((er&# ,o!ntered) r#&+&n' her -ow #nd no,k&n' #n #rrow. Kh#d'#r "(#,ed h&+ h#nd on her (eft #r$ #nd "o&nted. Let2+ $#ke tho+e yo!r f&r+t t#r'et+. The other+ fo((owed h&+ '#4e #nd ,!r+ed +oft(y #+ they +#w the d#rk +h#"e+ w&n'&n' tow#rd the$ fro$ the 1#((ey2+ f#r +&de.

%ort!n#te(y) &t +ee$ed th.&t none o! the (#r'e+t dr#'on+ were "rote,t&n' the e''+. The f&r+t f(ed'(&n' dr#'on to #""ro#,h w#+ +w#tted #+&de -y Gr!!() h&+ ,#+!#( 'e+t!re +(#$$&n' the +$#(( dr#'on &nto d&e 1#((ey2+ f#r w#(( h#rd eno!'h to ,r#,k the +tone there #nd dro" the -ody &n # +h#ttered he#". The ne;t one fe(() tw&t,h&n') w&th one of AU,r&#2+ #rrow+ thro!'h &t+ r&'ht eye) #nd Kh#d'#r fro4e # th&rd &nto +o(&d &,e w&th # 7!&,k &n,#nt#t&on. Tho+e three h#d on(y -een the 1#n'!#rd) howe1er/# f&er,e +hr&ek&n' #ro+e fro$ #(( #ro!nd the 1#((ey) #nd +!dden(y $ore d#rk) d#rt&n' for$+ de+,ended. The o're+ e;,e((ed #t -r!te for,e. Tho!'h +$#((er th#n the 'ronn) they were +t&(( (#r'e eno!'h to wre+t(e # dr#ke down #nd +n#" &t+ (on' ne,k or -#+h &n &t+ +k!((. :#ny of the$ #(+o "ro1ed to -e +",((,#+t,r+) f&r&n' -o(t+ of #r,#ne $#'&, th#t +,#red thro!'h dr#'on w&n'+ #nd h&de #(&ke. The +heer n!$-er of dr#ke+ wo!(d h#1e o1erwhe($ed the$) howe1er) &f not for #&d fro$ -oth 'ronn #nd A((&#n,e w#rr&or+. T!r#(yon h#d h&+ $en !+&n' the&r +h&e(d+ for "rote,t&on fro$ the dr#ke+2 ,(#w+ #nd teeth) then +(#+h&n' #t the&r w&n'+5 tho!'h to!'h #+ (e#ther) the w&n'+ were +t&(( the dr#ke+2 we#k +"ot) #nd on,e # w&n' h#d torn the ,re#t!re w#+ for,ed onto the 'ro!nd) where &t (o+t $o+t of &t+ #'&(&ty. The o're+ 7!&,k(y ,#!'ht on to th&+ t#,t&, #nd -e'#n te#r&n' w&n'+ off ent&re(y) h!r(&n' the (e#thery #""end#'e+ #+&de wh&(e the now*'ro!nded ,re#t!re+ were +to$"ed f(#t w&th he#1y feet. Kh#d'#r w#+ re$&nded) w&th # +&,k fee(&n') of # ,r!e( ,h&(d te#r&n' the w&n'+ off -!tterf(&e+. At one "o&nt T!r#(yon $!ttered) Yo! know) 32$ not +!re we2re f&'ht&n' the r&'ht ene$y. Kh#d'#r h#d to #d$&t the+e t#,t&,+ were -r!t#() #($o+t 'ho!(&+h) -!t he ,o!(dn2t #r'!e w&th the re+!(t+. Gr!!( #nd the other 'ronn/Kh#d'#r tho!'ht of the$ -oth #+ $#(e/h#d +e(e,ted th&,k +"&re+ fro$ the ,(&ff+ 0!+t -eyond the 1#((ey. They +w!n' the+e ,(!-+ #ro!nd the$ w&th eno!'h for,e to ,re#te +tron' w&nd+ th#t -!ffeted the dr#ke+) dr&1&n' the$ -#,k &nto one #nother #nd $#k&n' the$ e#+&er t#r'et+ for the o're+ #nd h!$#n+. Any dr#ke !n(!,ky eno!'h to #,t!#((y -e w&th&n the ,(!-+2 r#d&!+ w#+ ,r!+hed &n+t#nt(y) #nd the 1#((ey f(oor w#+ +oon th&,k w&th -od&e+. The e''+ ne;t) Kh#d'#r +#&d to T!r#(yon. B!t the "#(#d&n he+&t#ted) "eer&n' #t one of the e''+ -!t $#k&n' no $o1e tow#rd &t. Kh#d'#r frowned #t h&$. Wh#t2+ wron'6 Kh#d'#r #+ked. 3 . . . dr#'on+ #r, +ent&ent ,re#t!re+. They th&nk) they fee(. 3t2+ one th&n' to f&'ht the dr#ke+) -!t/the+e #r, &nf#nt+. A!+t . . . -#-&e+) re#((y. They ,#n2t e1en f&'ht -#,k. And we2d -e -!t,her&n' the$. T!r#(yon) A((er&# +#&d) L&'ht) do 3 (o1e yo!) not (e#+t for th#t ,o$"#++&on#te he#rt of yo!r+. B!t the+e #r, -(#,k dr#'on+. Yo! know wh#t w&(( h#""en &f they2re not k&((ed now. T!r#(yon nodded 'r&$(y) $#k&n' yet #nother one of tho+e d&ff&,!(t de,&+&on+ #ny 'ener#( h#+ to $#ke &n the th&,k of -#tt(e. De+troy the e''+! he +ho!ted) +tr&d&n' to the ne#re+t #nd -r&n'&n' h&+ h#$$er down #to" &t. The th&,k +he(( +h#ttered w&th # (o!d ,r#,k) fo((owed -y # +ofter th!d #+ the h#$$er ,onne,ted w&th the h#(f*for$ed dr#'on &n+&de. L#r'e #+ # $ed&!$*+&4ed do') the !n*h#t,hed dr#'on h#d +$oky red +k&n) #nd n!-+ where he#d #nd w&n'+ wo!(d h#1e -een. 3t d&d not $o1e #+ &t w#+ #tt#,ked) +#1e to tw&t,h +(&'ht(y. A "#(e redd&+h f(!&d oo4ed fro$ the -roken e'' #+ the +he(( ,r!$-(ed #w#y #nd the whe(" w&th&n +(!$"ed to the 'ro!nd) &t+ f&n#( +h!dder+ #(re#dy f#d&n'. The re+t of the A((&#n,e w#rr&or+ 7!&,k(y fo((owed +!&t. A!+t #+ T!r#(yon w#+ -re#,h&n' the (#+t e'' #nd the o're+ were d&+$e$-er&n' the (#+t dr#ke+) Kh#d'#r he#rd # (o!d +hr&ek fro$ the "e#k #-o1e/the +#$e "(#,e where he h#d (#+t +en+ed the +k!((. G(#n,&n' !") he +#w #nother +h#dow (#!n,h &t+e(f &nto the #&r. &t+ w&n'+ ,o1er&n' #(( the 1#((ey &n d#rkne++. 3t+ -!(k dw#rfed e1en Gr!!(. who +hr#nk -#,k #'#&n+t the 1#((ey w#(( -efore 'row(&n' #nd +tr#&'hten&n' def&#nt(y. H&+ o're+ #nd the (e++er 'ronn were not $#de of +!,h +tern +t!ff5 they +hr&eked #nd f(ed &n terror. The +h#"e "(!$$eted down) +!n(&'ht '(&nt&n' off &t+ +k&n) &t+ (on' ne,k #r,hed) &t+ 0#w+ w&de. L#1# -!r+t fro$ &t+ thro#t) # torrent of '(ow&n' $#'$# th#t &n+t#nt(y &n,&ner#ted o're) h!$#n) de#d dr#ke) +h#ttered e''/#nyth&n' !n(!,ky eno!'h to f#(( w&th&n &t+ +"r#y. P!(( -#,k! T!r#(yon +ho!ted to h&+ $en) who were #(re#dy +,r#$-(&n' #w#y fro$ the $on+tro!+ #""#r&t&on. B#,k to the 1#((ey w#((! They ,(!+tered there. Kh#d'#r #nd T!r#(yon #nd A((er&# #t the forefront) #nd w#t,hed the '#r'#nt!#n dr#'on #(&'ht. Kh#d'#r '!("ed. He2d known the ,re#t!re wo!(d -e &$"re++&1e) -!t th&+/De#thw&n' w#+ #($o+t &n,on,e&1#-(y h!'e. The dr#ke+ they h#d -een f&'ht&n' +ee$ed #+ todd(er+ ,o$"#red w&th the&r 're#t "#rent. Kh#d'#r ,o!(d -#re(y t#ke &t #(( &n. B!t one d&&n' +tr!,k h&$ #+ ,!r&o!+) e1en &n the $&d+t of h&+ #we. The f#ther of the -(#,k dr#'onf(&'ht h#d "(#te+ of +&(1ery) '(&nt&n' $et#( r!nn&n' #(on' h&+ +"&ne. Bene#th tho+e "(#te+ were '(ow&n' (&ne+ of red) (&ke the $#'$# De#thw&n' h#d 0!+t #tt#,ked the$ w&th. The dr#'on2+ $#++&1e ,(#w+ d!' dee" &nto the +tone of the 1#((ey f(oor. A(( -!t h&+ (eft f-r,,(#w) Kh#d'#r +#w. Th#t w#+ he(d h&'h #nd ,!r(ed &nw#rd) #+ &f &n0!red/or ho(d&n' +o$eth&n'. The +k!((! he wh&+"ered to T!r#(yon #nd A((er&#. He h#+ d&e +k!(( w&th h&$! N&,e of h&$ to -r&n' &t to !+) T!r#(yon $!ttered. B!t how do we 'et &t6

De#thw&n' fo(ded h&+ w&n'+ -eh&nd h&+ +&n!o!+ -ody #nd +ett(ed on h&+ h#!n,he+. H&+ (on' ne,k re#red !" #nd '(#red -#(,f!((y down #t the$) h&+ red eye+ #(&'ht w&th r#'e. ") children!" the dr#'on how(ed) h&+ 1o&,e (&ke f&re (&,k&n' #t -!rn&n' wood) (&ke $et#( ,h&""&n' -one. A(on' w&th the #n'er w#+ # dee" 'r&ef. :y ,h&(dren) $!rdered! H&+ t#&( (&fted) +(#$$ed down) #nd # ,r#,k r#n #(on' the e#rth) Co$e forw#rd) d&+'!+t&n') ,ow#rd(y wret,he+) $!rderer+ of defen+e(e++ &nf#nt+) #nd know tor$ent #nd $#dne++ -efore 3 de1o!r yo! who(e! Who w&(( -e the f&r+t to -e -(#+ted to #+he+6 H&+ '(e#$&n' eye+ n#rrowed #+ they fo,!+ed w&th dre#df!( &ntent !"on Gr!!(. Yo!. he +#&d) dr#w&n' o!t the +&n'(e +y((#-&, +o th#t &t ,ont#&ned # wor(d of "ro$&+ed #'ony) h&+ 1o&,e dro""&n' to #($o+t # wh&+"er) #($o+t # ,#re++) #nd L&'ht he(" h&$) Kh#d'#r knew # +h#r" 'r#t&t!de th#t th#t terr&-(e '#4e h#d) for the $o$ent) "#++ed h&$ o1er. Yet Gr!!( d&d not 7!#&(. 3! he "ro,(#&$ed. 3 #$ Gr!!() 're#te+t of 'ronn! Th&+ $y (#nd. :y $o!nt#&n+. And yo! w&(( not t#ke the$! Yo! 'o or end !" (&ke ,h&(dren! De#thw&n'2+ ro#r of f!ry ne#r(y de#fened Kh#d'#r. :y ,h&(dren! he w#&(ed) #nd the "#&n &n h&+ 1o&,e #($o+t/ #($o+t/$#de Kh#d'#r fee( # tw&n'e of +y$"#thy. Perfe,t&on &n,#rn#te . . . -e#!t&f!( #nd defen+e(e++ . . . The word+ t!rned !n&nte((&'&-(e #+ De#th w&n' how(ed #nd #($o+t f(#&(ed &n h&+ #n'er #nd 'r&ef) $#'$# dr&""&n' fro$ h&+ 0#w+) +hredd&n' the +tone !"on wh&,h he +tood) h&+ f(#""&n' w&n'+ ,re#t&n' #($o+t torn#do for,e '#(e+. Kh#d'#r -e'#n to w&+h he2d (&+tened to T!r#(yon2+ re(!,t#n,e to +$#+h the e''+. Wh#t h#d they -een th&nk&n'6 L&'ht) wh#t h#d he -een th&nk&n') to +t#nd !" to th&+ $on+ter) th&+ #n,&ent) e1&() terr&fy&n' 1&+&on of r#'e6 How ,o!(d d&,y "o++&-(y defe#t h&$6 Oh) how -r#1e of yo!! De#thw&n'2+ 'r&ef h#d +h#r"ened &nto +,orn) (e++ r#w -!t no (e++ de#d(y. S!,h ,o!r#'e &t $!+t h#1e t#ken) to +$#+h +he((+ #nd $!rder defen+e(e++ &nf#nt+! A "&ty yo! w&(( not (&1e to -r#' #-o!t +!,h # no-(e fe#t! H&+ w&n'+ f(#red o!t -eh&nd h&$ #nd -e#t down #'#&n) the "owerf!( '!+t they ,re#ted +(#$$&n' Gr!!( -#,k #'#&n+t the w#((. Gr!!(2+ o're+ yow(ed &n fe#r #nd ,r&n'ed -#,k) #($o+t h!''&n' the w#((+ of the 1#((ey. Gr!!( wo!(d 'et no #&d fro$ the$. P!ny $ort#(+! 3 h#1e h#d $#ny n#$e+ thro!'ho!t h&+tory) #(( of the$ +"oken w&th dre#d8 N,(th#r&on. B#;#+) #nd $#ny $ore. Yet yo! +h#(( know $e -e+t #+ De#thw&n') for +o 3 #$! 3 #$ the -#n, of (&fe) the d#rkne++ w&th&n h&+tory) the (ord of de#th) d&e $#+ter of de+tr!,t&on. And 3 te(( yo! now. #nd +o &t &+ tr!e) th#t th&+ wor(d &+ $&ner Ne1er! Gr!!( re"(&ed) +n#r(&n') #nd (#!n,hed h&$+e(f #t De#thw&n'. The '&#nt 'ronn +(#$$ed &nto the ,o(o++#( dr#'on2+ ,he+t w&th #n &$"#,t d&#t ,r#,ked the ,(&ff+ #ro!nd the$ #nd +ent ro,k ,#+,#d&n' down fro$ the fr#,t!red "e#k+. 3t dro1e $o+t of the A((&#n,e for,e+ fro$ the&r feet #nd e1en the o're+ to the&r knee+. Other dr#'on+ h#d #""e#red #(on' the 1#((ey w#((+) w#t,h&n' the&r f#ther &ntent(y) #nd they were for,ed -#,k # +te" #+ we((. B!t when the d!+t h#d ,(e#red) Gr!!( w#+ +h#k&n' h&+ he#d #nd De#thw&n' +tood !n$#rr,d #nd !n$o1ed. 3+ th#t the -e+t the oh +o $&'ht1 Gr!!( ,#n do6 De#thw&n' +neered) (ower&n' h&+ he#d +o th#t h&+ -ony forehe#d r&d'e -r!+hed !" #'#&n+t Gr!!(2+ own th&,k -row. 3+ th#t #(( yo! h#1e6 He (&fted one for,,(#w) the other +t&(( ,(o+ed #nd ,!r(ed !" to h&+ -re#+t) #nd he(d &t o1er Gr!!(2+ he#d #+ &f he were "re"#r&n' to +7!#+h #n &n+e,t. 3t w#+ (&ke # +&'n#(. The dr#'on+ +hr&eked # -#tt(e ,ry) +"r#n' fro$ the&r "er,he+) #nd f(ew w&th (eth#( 'r#,e tow#rd the h!$#n+) o're+) #nd 'ronn (&n&n' the w#((+ of the 1#((ey. The o're+ +ee$ed to -e "#r#(y4ed) +t#r&n') +(#,k*0#wed) #t the w&n'ed doo$. Son+ of Loth#r! Att#,k! T!r#(yon2+ 1o&,e w#+ ,(e#r #nd +tron') #nd ,#rr&ed $!,h f#rther th#n &t +ho!(d h#1e. He (&fted h&+ h#$$er) h&+ eye+ -r&'ht) #nd ,h#r'ed forw#rd to $eet the dr#ke+. The h#$$er '(owed #+ &t +tr!,k the f&r+t dr#ke +7!#re &n the +k!((. The -e#+t dro""ed (&ke # +tone. %or >!,rTh#(#+! A((er&# #nd her r#n'er+ -e'#n f&r&n'. B#tt(e ,r&e+ ro+e fro$ the A((&#n,e +o(d&er+) e(f #nd h!$#n #(&ke) #nd &t w#+ 0o&ned -y the ,#r+"(&tt&n' ro#r of the o're+ #nd 'ronn #+ they ro!+ed the$+e(1e+ fro$ the&r terror. The dr#'on+ +woo"ed down) he#dy w&th e;,&te$ent #nd "r&de &n the&r f#ther) +"ew&n' $#'$# or ,(#$"&n' the&r 0#w+ on the&r ene$y. The o're+ #nd 'ronn +ee$ed to re$e$-er th#t they h#d fo!'ht dr#ke+ -efore) #nd #'#&n -e'#n to "(!,k the ,re#t!re+ fro$ the 1ery #&r #nd r&" off the&r w&n'+. One o're +(#$$ed h&+ f(#""&n' 1&,t&$ +o h#rd &nto the w#(( of the 1#((ey th#t # who(e ,h!nk of &t ,r!$-(ed) +(&d&n' +(ow(y down &n # $#++ of -roken +tone #nd d!+t) -!ry&n' &n &t+ "#th tho+e too +(ow to e+,#"e. Kh#d'#r ke"t h&+ eye+ on the -#td, -etween De#thw&n' #nd Gr!!(. The 'ronn w#+ -r#1e to e1en 'o !" #'#&n+t the -(#,k dr#'on) -!t he wo!(d (o+e +oon. The $#'e +!+"e,ted the on(y re#+on he h#dn2t (o+t -efore now w#+ -e,#!+e De#thw&n' w#+ toy&n' w&th h&$) tor$ent&n' the ,re#t!re he -e(&e1ed h#d +(#&n h&+ "re,&o!+) o-+,ene off+"r&n' -efore d&+"#t,h&n' h&$. And when he w#+ done w&th Gr!!(... They h#d to 'et th#t +k!(( fro$ h&$. H#d to.

Kh#d'#r r#&+ed h&+ +t#ff h&'h) #nd $!ttered word+ of "ower. The re+!(t&n' (&'htn&n' +tr&ke +,#red h&+ e es, -(&nd&n' h&$ for #n &n+t#nt #nd (e#1&n' #fter&$#'e+ when he -(&nked. The $#++&1e -o(t +tr!,k De#thw&n' +7!#re &n the ,he+t #nd #,t!#((y +!,,eeded &n 0o(t&n' the dr#'on -#,k # few feet. L&'htn&n' +k&ttered #(on' the $et#( +"&n#( "(#t&n' (&ke w#ter dro"(et+ on # hot +k&((et) -!t Kh#d'#r re#(&4ed th#t the dr#'on w#+ !nh#r$ed. We(( +tr!,k) (&tt(e $#'e) De#thw&n' #,know(ed'ed) tho!'h h&+ (on' $o!th ,!r1ed !" &n # ,o(d +$&(e. B!t 3 $#+tered +!,h $#'&,+ $&((enn&# -efore yo!r r#,e f&r+t (e#rned of the$/yo! w&(( h#1e to try $!,h h#rder th#n th#t &f yo! w&+h to -re#,h $y +k&n! Gr!!( h!r(ed h&$+e(f &nto the fr#y on,e $ore) ro!+&n' re(!,t#nt #d$&r#t&on fro$ Kh#d'#r #+ the $#'e fr#nt&,#((y ,on+&dered wh#t to do. De#thw&n' t!rned h&+ #ttent&on to the 'ronn) we#ther&n' &t+ #we+o$e -(ow+ e#+&(y #nd -#tt&n' h&$ #+&de w&th # 7!&,k f(&" of h&+ w&n'+. Kh#d'#r +t#red #t the dr#'on) # +&,ken&n' fee(&n' +"re#d&n' thro!'h h&$ e1en #+ the $#'e #tt#,ked #'#&n. He w#t,hed w&th horror #+ De#thw&n' +hr!''ed off # +"e(( th#t +ho!(d h#1e t!rned h&+ 1ery -one+ to &,e. De#thw&n' w#+ r&'ht. Kh#d'#r re#(&4ed he2d -een #n #rro'#nt foo(. There w#+ no w#y to "&er,e th#t #r$ored h&de. Ar$ored... Kh#d'#r2+ eye+ n#rrowed. De#thw&n' +hone &n the red +!n(&'ht) '(e#$&n' (&ke d#rk -r#++ or "oo(+ of -(ood) #nd Kh#d'#r +t!d&ed h&$. :et#( "(#t&n'... W&th '#"+ #nd f&++!re+ !nderne#th &t th#t '(owed $#'$#*red... And &t #(( ,(&,ked. H&+ &,e +"e(( h#dn2t worked -e,#!+e &t ,o!(dn2t ho"e to ,o$"ete w&th the he#t De#thw&n'2+ ent&re -ody 'ener#ted. The -(#,k dr#'on w#+ 1&rt!#((y $#de of (#1#! And tho+e "(#te+ #(on' h&+ +"&ne/wh&,h Kh#d'#r now +#w were red*hot #(on' the ed'e+ #nd #t the 0o&nt+/were ho(d&n' h&$ to'ether. L&'htn&n' d&dn2t work. %&re #nd &,e were !+e(e++. H&+ $o+t "owerf!( $#'&,+) #nd they d&dn2t to!,h the dr#'on. B!t wh#t #-o!t one of h&+ we#ke+t6 Wh#t #-o!t one of the f&r+t +"e((+ they t#!'ht &n D#(#r#n) # "#r(or tr&,k e1ery #""rent&,e ,o!(d "erfor$ #t w&((6 Ho"e) "#&nf!( #nd yet &nto;&,#t&n') ro+e &n+&de h&$. 3t ,o!(d work/$#y-e. 3t w#+ the (#+t ,#rd he ,o!(d "(#y) #nd +o "(#y &t he wo!(d. P(#y &t he h#d to. B!t he wo!(d need to 'et ,(o+er. Stee(&n' h&$+e(f) Kh#d'#r +7!#red h&+ +ho!(der+ #nd "!+hed forw#rd) -r!+h&n' "#+t where T!r#(yon #nd A((er&# were -#tt(&n' # -(#,k dr#'on #(on'+&de two o're+. And w#(ked) #(one) tow#rd De#thw&n'. %ort!n#te(y) Gr!!( w#+ kee"&n' De#thw&n' -!+y) #nd ne&ther of the $#++&1e ,re#t!re+ not&,ed the o(d*+,,$&n' $#n who ,re"t tow#rd the$ !nt&( he w#+ on(y ten "#,e+ fro$ De#thw&n'2+ he#d. Gr!!( w#+ +tr!''(&n' to e+,#"e the he#1y) t#(on,d foot De#thw&n' h#d "&nned h&$ w&th) #nd the dr#'on w#+ (e#n&n' &n) h&+ (on' 0#w+ o"en&n' to -&te) when Kh#d'#r r#&+ed h&+ h#nd+ #nd ,#+t h&+ +"e((. Sen+&n' the $#'&,) De#thw&n' '(#n,ed #ro!nd #nd) +"y&n' Kh#d'#r) (#!'hed #t h&$. :ore w&4#rdry6 the dr#'on $o,ked) eye+ +(&tt,d (&ke tho+e of #n #$!+ed ,#t. How entert#&n&n'. H#1e yo! not re#(&4ed yet th#t yo!r $&'ht&e+t +"e((+ ,#nnot h#r$ $e6 B!t then the word+ of Kh#d'#r2+ &n,#nt#t&on re'&+tered) #nd the dr#'on2+ eye+ f(ew w&de w&th #(#r$. Wh#t #r, yo!/ "#thet&, wret,h) 3 w&(( +&(en,e yo!! He t!rned #nd) &'nor&n' Gr!!( !tter(y) -ore down w&th terr&-(e "!r"o+e on Kh#d'#r. The +&'ht w#+ +o horr&fy&n' Kh#d'#r #($o+t for'ot to ,o$"(ete the +"e((. Sh#k&n' h&+ he#d) he r#((&ed) #nd +"oke the ,o$$#nd word+ &n # 1o&,e th#t +hook. A (o!d ,re#k&n' ro+e fro$ the dr#'on -efore h&$. De#thw&n' +,re#$ed #'#&n) wr&th&n' &n "#&n) #+ the $et#( "(#te+ ,o1er&n' h&+ -ody -e'#n to +h&ft) -end&n' #w#y fro$ h&$. Ao&nt+ +n#""ed #nd +e1er#( "(#te+ fe(( #w#y ,o$"(ete(y/ where th#t h#""ened) $#'$# er!"ted #+ &f fro$ # 1o(,#no) '!+h&n' o!t #nd +"&((&n' onto the 1#((ey f(oor. The #r$or re#((y h#d -een ho(d&n' De#thw&n' to'ether) #nd #+ Kh#d'#r2+ +"e(( re$o1ed &t) the dr#'on -e'#n to (o+e ,ohe+&on. No! De#thw&n') &f +!,h # th&n' were "o++&-(e) (ooked !tter(y t#ken #-#,k. He ,r#ned h&+ ne,k to (ook #t the d#$#'e) #t the ,r!n,hed) w#r"ed $et#() the +ee"&n' $#'$#) then t!rned '(ow&n' eye+ on Kh#d'#r. Yo! $#y h#1e won th&+ -#tt(e) 3 '&1e yo! th#t. B!t he#r th&+) #nd he#r &t we(() # have seen ou, mage." Kh#d'#r '!("ed) !n#-(e to te#r h&+ '#4e #w#y. 3 h#1e -!rned yo!r f#,e &nto $y $e$ory) De#thw&n' ,ont&n!ed) h&+ 1o&,e re1er-er#t&n' #(on' Kh#d'#r2+ -one+. 3 w&(( h#!nt yo!r dre#$+ #nd yo!r w#k&n' $o$ent+ #(&ke. Re+t #++!red) 3 w&(( ,o$e for yo!) #nd when #t (#+t 3 do) yo! w&(( -e' $e for yo!r de#th #+ the on(y re+"&te fro$ yo!r terror. H&+ $&'hty w&n'+ !nf!r(ed #'#&n) h&+ ,(#w+ +"#+$&n' o"en to re(e#+e -oth Gr!!( #nd the +k!(() #nd De#thw&n' took to the #&r) h&+ w&n'+ -e#t&n' h#rd #+ he f(ed the $o!nt#&n+. Kh#d'#r2+ (e'+) wh&,h h#d -een +h#k&n') f&n#((y ,o((#"+ed #nd he +#t on the 'ro!nd for # (on' $o$ent) '#+"&n' #nd #,!te(y #w#re th#t he2d 0!+t -een terr&-(y) terr&-(y (!,ky. W&th the&r f#ther #nd r!(er 'one) the re$#&n&n' -(#,k dr#'on+ +ee$ed to (o+e he#rt #nd fo,!+. One of the (#r'er ,re#t!re+ #-#ndoned the f&'ht &$$ed&#te(y) h&+ -ody ,o1ered w&th he#1y '#+he+ #nd one w?&n' -ent #t #n odd #n'(e.

%#ther) he ,r&ed) (e#n&n' -#,k to +n#" #t where the +$#((er 'ronn h#d h&+ t#&( &n # de#th 'r&". %#ther) w#&t for $e! S"&tt&n' $#'$#) the dr#'on -!rned the 'ronn2+ h#nd+ !nt&( he re(e#+ed h&+ ho(d) then took off #fter De#thw&n'. W&th the horror th#t w#+ De#thw&n' for,ed &nto retre#t) the o're+ #nd the 'ronn +ee$ed to 'o $#d for +(#!'hter. They de+,ended !"on tho+e dr#'on+ th#t h#d not e+,#"ed &n t&$e) r&""&n' the$ #"#rt w&th h!'e $e#ty f&+t+ #nd teeth) ,r!n,h&n' the&r thro#t+) (&ft&n' the -od&e+ to the +k&e+) #nd then &$"#(&n' the +t&((*wr&th&n' dr#ke+ !"on the ro,ky +"&re+. Kh#d'#r took #d1#nt#'e of the ,onf!+&on to 'r#- !" the +k!(( De#thw&n' h#d dro""ed. Human . . . but power!ul. .hat great potential # sense here! (ut that is to be e*pected, &+ it not, !rom the oung ap0 prentice to )edivh/ %ou can become stronger et, i! ou have the courage to embrace our destin . .h not become m apprentice/ # will teach ou that blood and slaughter are the "e s to true/ Ah! Kh#d'#r '#+"ed) #($o+t dro""&n' the +k!((. G!( d#n! 33, 'r&&t,d h&+ teeth #nd +h!ttered h&+ $&nd. E1en de#d) &t wo!(d +ee$) G!(2d#n w#+ # d#n'er. >!&,k(y he +t#+hed the +k!(( &n # "o!,h #nd h!rr&ed -#,k to where T!r#(yon #nd the other+ +t&(( fo!'ht. 3 h#1e the +k!((. he to(d T!r#(yon) f&nd&n' h&+ fr&end 0!+t -#,k&n' #w#y fro$ # dr#'on2+ de#th throe+. We(( done. T!r#(yon +#&d. Now (et2+ 'et o!t of here. We retre#t. Now. The&r $en were 7!&,k(y '#thered) #nd A((er&# ro!nded !" her r#n'er+. The o're+ #nd the 'ronn were too -!+y tor$ent&n' the dr#'on+ to e1en not&,e the&r de"#rt!re. T!r#(yon (ed the$ 7!&,k(y -#,k o!t of the $o!nt#&n+. Yo!r '#$-(e worked. Kh#d'#r. #nd -r&((&#nt(y. he to(d h&+ fr&end on,e they were we(( ,(e#r of the 1#((ey #nd &t+ ,#rn#'e. We 'ot the +k!(() #nd we de#(t w&th the dr#'on+/ they won2t -e #&d&n' the Horde #'#&n #ny t&$e +oon. Kh#d'#r tho!'ht #-o!t De#thw&n'2+ "#rt&n' thre#t #nd ,o!(dn2t +!""re++ # +h&1er. He w#+n2t +o +!re T!r#(yon2+ o"t&$&+$ w#+ w#rr#nted. Ne1erthe(e++) he nodded #+ &f he -e(&e1ed &t. A(( th#t2+ (eft &+ Ner94h!(. On,e 3 'et th#t -ook) 3 ,#n ,(o+e the "ort#( for 'ood. A(( th#t w#+ (eft w#+ +to""&n' # "owerf!( +h#$#n) one who h#d the "ower+ of the +k&e+ #nd the e#rth) fro$ o"en&n' "ort#(+ &nto ,o!nt(e++ wor(d+. St&(() they2d 0!+t de#(t #n e;tre$e(y "owerf!( dr#'on # +et-#,k. Who knew) $#y-e they2d -e #-(e to do th&+ #fter #((. One th&n' w#+ ,ert#&n. 3f they d&dn2t +to" the or,+ now) on Dr#enor .. . they wo!(d ne1er +to" the$.

CHAPTER TWENTY*THREE
=&((#'e !" #he#d) B#2r#k re"orted) (e#n&n' o1er w&th h&+ h#nd+ on h&+ (e'+ #+ he +tr!''(ed to ,#t,h h&+ -re#th. Dr&ed -(ood +t&(( ,o#ted h&+ +&de -ene#th the ro!'h -#nd#'e+ they2d r&''ed for h&$ #fter K#r'#th B(#def&+t h#d ordered the Sh#ttered H#nd ,(#n to #-#ndon H,((f&r, C&t#de(. Yet B#2r#k w#+ #,t!#((y one of the (e#+t &n0!red #$on' the&r (&tt(e -#nd. Wh&,h w#+ why they were here. 32(( 'o on -y $y+e(f) K#r'#th to(d B#2r#k #nd the other+. 3 w&(( $#ke -etter t&$e. He '(#n,ed #ro!nd #t the other or,+. He#( 7!&,k(y. When 3 ret!rn we2(( +et o!t for the B(#,k Te$"(e. A+ he w#(ked) K#r'#th wondered how &t h#d ,o$e to th&+. Tr!e) when Ner94h!( h#d '&1en h&$ tho+e order+ to +t#y -eh&nd #nd de(#y the A((&#n,e #t H,((f&r, C&t#de(. &t h#d -een o-1&o!+ the +h#$#n d&d not e;"e,t the$ to +!r1&1e. Nor w#+ de#th &n -#tt(e # "ro-(e$ for K#r'#th or #ny of h&+ Sh#ttered H#nd or,+. B!t dy&n' w&th honor w#+ one th&n'/dy&n' for no re#+on w#+ #nother. And (e#1&n' Ner94h!( #nd the other+ defen+e(e++ #'#&n+t the A((&#n,e wo!(d -r&n' d&+honor on the$ #nd the&r ent&re ,(#n) e1en &f they h#d d&ed &n the "ro,e++. Th#t w#+ why) when he h#d +een th#t the A((&#n,e h#d ,on7!ered the ,&t#de( #nd +h#ttered #(( the&r defen+e+. K#r'#th h#d '#thered wh#t w#rr&or+ he ,o!(d f&nd #nd h#d +et o!t for the B(#,k Te$"(e &t+e(f. B!t he2d h#d fewer th#n he2d ho"ed) #nd $#ny of the$ h#d -een +o -#d(y wo!nded they h#dn2t e1en +!r1&1ed the f&r+t n&'ht. Now he h#d on(y # h#ndf!( (eft) none of the$ !n&n0!red. He +t#(ked on) # "#rt of h&$ not&n' the (#nd+,#"e #ro!nd h&$. :o+t of Dr#enor re+e$-(ed H,((f&r, Pen&n+!(#) w&th &t+ ,r#,ked red 'ro!nd #nd -#re +tret,he+. Why) then) w#+ th&+ re'&on +t&(( +o 'reen6 L!+h 'r#++ ,!+h&oned h&+ +te"+) #nd ,(!$"+ of -!+he+ #(tern#ted w&th t#(( tree+. N#'r#nd h#d ,(e#r(y not -een to!,hed -y the +#$e de+o(#t&on #+ the re+t of the&r wor(d) -!t why6 3t w#+ &ron&,) &n # w#y/the 'reene+t) he#(th&e+t "#rt of Dr#enor) #nd &t w#+ ho$e to +&,k #nd we#kened or,+. A+ he ,re+ted # (ow h&(() K#r'#th +#w d&e 1&((#'e +"re#d o!t -efore h&$. 3t+ t&'ht(y -!&(t w#((+) do$ed roof+) #nd "(#nk "or,he+ were &n the +#$e +ty(e #+ $o+tor,1&((#'e+) &n,(!d&n' h&+ own. %or # +e,ond K#r'#th entert#&ned d&e not&on of -r&n'&n' h&+ w#rr&or+ here) ,h#+&n' o!t the ,!rrent &nh#-&t#nt+) #nd ,(#&$&n' the 1&((#'e #+ the&r own. They ,o!(d (et the w#r "#++ the$ -y/ Ner94h!( d&d not e;"e,t to +ee #ny of the$ #'#&n) +o he wo!(dn2t -e +!r"r&+ed when they ne1er #""e#red. They

,o!(d (et the Horde 'o on to other wor(d+ #nd (&1e o!t the&r d#y+ here &n+te#d) tend&n' herd+ #nd ,ro"+ #nd -#tt(&n' wh#te1er -e#+t+ (&1ed &n the fore+t+ whene1er they fe(t the o(d -(ood(!+t r&+e. B!t no. K#r'#th +,o(ded h&$+e(f. He h#d +worn #n o#th to f&'ht for the Horde. How ,o!(d he (&1e w&th h&$+e(f/or (ook #ny of h&+ w#rr&or+ &n the eye/&f he d&d not '&1e the$ h&+ #((6 Be+&de+) he tho!'ht w&th # +h&1er) ,(#&$&n' th&+ 1&((#'e wo!(d $e#n f#,&n' &t+ ,!rrent re+&dent+) #nd he d&dn2t th&nk #ny of h&+ w#rr&or+ were !" for th#t. W#(k&n' down the h&(() K#r'#th #""ro#,hed the 1&((#'e ,#!t&o!+(y. He +#w # few or,+ $o1&n' #ro!nd +(!''&+h(y) "#t,he+ of -rown #'#&n+t the 'reen of the&r +!rro!nd&n'+) -!t they h#dn2t not&,ed h&$ yet. When he w#+ +t&(( # h!ndred feet or +o fro$ the ne#re+t h!t) K#r'#th +(owed to # h#(t) G,y#h! he +ho!ted) -re#k&n' &nto # +hort +"#te of ,o!'h&n' #+ the dee" -re#th e;#,er-#ted h&+ &n0!r&e+. Gre#t$oth,r G,y#h! The or,+ he2d not&,ed e#r(&er (ooked !") +t#rt(ed) then d&+#""e#red &nto the ne#re+t h!t+. Ho"ef!((y they were +!$$on&n' G,y#h) K#r'#th tho!'ht -&tter(y. He do!-ted he h#d the +tren'th for #nother +ho!t r&'ht now. A $o$ent (#ter the ,!rt#&n+ o1er # h!t entr#n,e r!+t(ed #nd then were "!+hed #+&de. Gre#t$oth,r G,y#h e$er'ed #nd +to$"ed tow#rd h&$) +7!&nt&n' #'#&n+t the +!n(&'ht. Who2+ there6 +he ,#((ed o!t) her 1o&,e #+ +h#r" #+ e1er. K#r'#th B(#def&+t) ,h&eft#&n of the Sh#ttered H#nd ,(#n) he re"(&ed) for,&n' h&$+e(f to +t#nd !" +tr#&'ht #+ +he #""ro#,hed. K#r'#th) eh6 321e not +een yo! for $#ny # ye#r) G,y#h ,o$$ented. She f&n#((y +to""ed h#(fw#y -etween h&$ #nd the h!t+ #nd $et h&+ '#4e. Her eye+ were +t&(( 1&o(et) K#r'#th noted) #nd her (on' h#&r w#+ +t&(( th&,k) &f +tre#ked w&th 'r#y She d&dn2t (ook &((. 3$"#t&ent) tho!'h. And the ,!r( of her (&"/w#+ th#t re1!(+&on he +#w there6 Wh#t do yo! w#nt here6 +he de$#nded) ,onf&r$&n' h&+ &$"re++&on. An A((&#n,e #r$y h#+ &n1#ded Dr#enor) K#r'#th to(d her) h&+ +en+e of !r'en,y w#rr&n' w&th the re+"e,tf!(ne++ h&+ e(der+ h#d dr!$$ed &nto h&$ #+ # yo!th. They21e o1erthrown H,((f&r, C&t#de( #nd w&(( -e $#r,h&n' on the B(#,k Te$"(e +oon. Eh6 And wh#t2+ th#t to $e6 G,y#h #+ked) +n&ff&n'. :on!$ent+ to w#r) the -oth of tho+e "(#,e+. We2re -etter off w&th the$ 'one. 3 need w#rr&or+) K#r'#th e;"(#&ned) ho"&n' he +o!nded ,onf&dent #nd de$#nd&n' r#ther th#n de+"er#te. 2Anyor,#-(e to f&'ht $!+t ,o$e w&th $e #t on,e. G,y#h +t#red #t h&$) her eye+ w&de. 2Are yo! $#d6 +he -!r+t o!t. Th&+ &+ # 1&((#'e of the +&,k) or h#1e yo! for'otten th#t6 She +t!d&ed h&$) #nd # +(y 'r&n f(&,kered #,ro++ her (&"+. No) 3 ,#n +ee yo! h#1en2t/or wo!(d yo! r#ther we ,ont&n!ed th&+ d&+,!++&on &n+&de one of the h!t+6 When he +h&fted !ne#+&(y fro$ foot to foot) her 'r&n w&dened. 2A+ 3 tho!'ht. Yo! know who dwe((+ here. Her 'r&n t!rned to # +,ow(. 2And now yo! w#nt to #dd to the&r +!ffer&n' -y dr#''&n' the$ &nto yo!r foo(&+h w#r6 Why +ho!(d they f&'ht6 Why +ho!(d #ny of !+6 She '(#red #t h&$. Yo! &n1#ded the h!$#n+2 wor(d. Th&+ &+ the ,on+e7!en,e. K#r'#th fe(t h&+ own (&"+ "!((&n' -#,k &n # +n#r( #+ h&+ #n'er -e'#n to o!twe&'h h&+ fe#r. We #r, #(( "#rt of the Horde) he re$&nded her +h#r"(y. We #r, one r#,e) #nd #(( $!+t +!r1&1e or f#(( to'ether. He +t!d&ed her for # +e,ond) then +w&t,hed to # d&fferent t#,k. Ner94h!( +#y+ he ,#n 'et !+ off th&+ he((ho(e. 3f he ,#n 'et to the B(#,k Te$"(e #nd ho(d off the A((&#n,e (on' eno!'h) he ,#n o"en "ort#(+ to other wor(d+. Yo! ,o!(d h#1e #n ent&re wor(d to yo!r+e(f) for yo! #nd yo!r "#t&ent+. Wh#t2+ wron' w&th th&+ wor(d6 G,y#h re+"onded. She 'e+t!red #t the 'reenery #(( #ro!nd the$. 3 (&ke &t 0!+t f&ne. Th&+ wor(d &+ dy&n'. On(y "#rt of &t) +he ,o!ntered. The "#rt yo! #nd yo!r foo( w#r(o,k+ h#1e t#&nted. N#'r#nd &+ #+ 1&-r#nt #+ e1er. She (ooked +$!'. 3t &+ $#'2h#r/!n,orr!"t,d. And +o #r, &t+ "eo"(e. They $#y -e +&,k w&th the red "o;) e1en dy&n' fro$ &t. B!t #t (e#+t the&r "o,ked +k&n &+ -rown) #nd they h#1e not -een fo!(ed -y the Horde2+ d#rk $#'&,+. 3t &+ yo!r d!ty! K#r'#th &n+&+ted. A(( yo!r w#rr&or+ $!+t ,o$e w&th $e #t on,e! G,y#h (#!'hed #t h&$ then. Yo! w#nt the$6 +he #+ked. Get the$ yo!r+e(f. Dr#' the$ o!t of the&r +&,k-ed+ #nd yo! ,#n t#ke the$ w&th yo! to yo!r w#r. K#r'#th '(#red #t her) -!t h&+ #n'er w#+ !" now #nd o1erwhe($&n' #(( e(+e) &n,(!d&n' h&+ fe#r. They don2t (ook th#t &((. he +#&d) +t#r&n' "#+t her to where $#ny of the or,+ +he tended h#d e$er'ed fro$ the 1#r&o!+ h!t+ to w#t,h the e;,h#n'e. %ro$ here he ,o!(d +ee th#t +o$e of the$ were (&$"&n' #nd other+ were -ent or -owed or h!n,hed) -!t they #(( #""e#red to h#1e the r&'ht n!$-er of (&$-+. And #t th&+ "o&nt #+ (on' #+ they ,o!(d ho(d # ,(!- he2d t#ke the$. He +t#rted tow#rd the 1&((#'e) 0!+t #+ one of the f&'!re+ +te""ed #w#y fro$ &t+ h!t #nd #""ro#,hed the$. 3t w#+ # $#(e) # yo!n' w#rr&or) #nd #+ he n,#r,d) K#r'#th ,o!(d +ee he w#+ t#(( #nd $!+,!(#r. He w#+ #(+o +t#''er&n') +w#y&n' on h&+ feet) #nd h&+ -rown +k&n w#+ "#(e e;,e"t where #n'ry red "!+t!(e+ $#rred &t) $#ny of the$ +ee"&n' # th&n red f(!&d th#t (ooked $ore (&ke t#&nted te#r+ th#n -(ood. W&th # +t#rt K#r'#th re#(&4ed he knew the yo!d&. 3t w#+ G#rro+h He((+,re#$. +on of Gro$!

Wh#t h#+ h#""ened6 G#rro+h de$#nded) (!r,h&n' to # +to" -e+&de G,y#h. Why #r, yo! here6 3+ &t the Horde6 A +tr#n'e (ook ,#$e o1er the yo!th2+ f#,e. 3+ &t $y/! A horr&-(e wet 'ro#n ro+e fro$ h&+ thro#t) drown&n' o!t h&+ word+) #nd then G#rro+h fe(( to h&+ knee+) '#+"&n' #+ -(ood #nd -&(e +"&((ed fro$ h&+ $o!th) "o!r&n' down h&+ ,h&n #nd ,he+t #nd +o#k&n' &nto the 'r#++ -e(ow. 3 w#rned yo! not to e;ert yo!r+e(f! G,y#h +n#""ed) +te#dy&n' h&$ w&th # h#nd on h&+ +ho!(der. She d&d not +ee$ ,on,erned #-o!t the r&+k of to!,h&n' h&$. The "o; &+ +t&(( !"on yo!) #nd yo!2re nowhere ne#r we(( eno!'h to (e#1e yo!r h!t yet! Then +he '(#red #t K#r'#th. # n#+ty +$&(e on her f#,e. Do yo! w#nt h&$ to 0o&n yo! for -#tt(e6 Ar, the+e the w#rr&or+ yo!2d ho"ed to f&nd6 K#r'#th h#d re,o&(ed when G#rro+h +t#rted +"&tt&n' !" -(ood) #nd he ,ont&n!ed to -#,k #w#y now. No. They #r, no w#rr&or+. D&+'!+t #nd de+"#&r #dded 1eno$ to h&+ word+. They #r, not e1en or,+ #ny$ore/ they #r, !+e(e++. He '(#red #t G,y#h. #t G#rro+h) #nd #t the other 1&((#'er+ -eh&nd the$. Yo! "#thet&, we#k(&n'+! he +n#r(ed) r#&+&n' h&+ 1o&,e #+ -e+t he ,o!(d. Do the Horde # f#1or #nd d&e here! 3f yo! ,#n2t he(" defend yo!r "eo"(e) yo! h#1e no r&'ht to (&1e! W&th th#t he t!rned on h&+ hee( #nd +t#(ked off. There w#+ noth&n' for &t now -!t to t#ke h&+ re$#&n&n' w#rr&or+ #nd d&+#""e#r &nto the h&((+. He (#,ked the n!$-er+ to $#ke # d&fferen,e #t the B(#,k Te$"(e) Too) the $ore he tho!'ht #-o!t &t) #fter -e&n' #-#ndoned #t H,((f&r, C&t#de() K#r'#th fe(t th#t he d&d not owe Ner94h!( #nyth&n' #nyw#y. No. he wo!(d t#ke wh#t few +o(d&er+ he h#d (eft #nd f&nd +o$e "(#,e to ho(e !" #nd re-!&(d. So$e d#y they wo!(d -e +tron' #'#&n) #nd then they wo!(d re,(#&$ H,((f&r, C&t#de( #nd the re+t of the (#nd fro$ there. And when he d&d f&n#((y d&e) K#r'#th 1owed) &t wo!(d -e on h&+ feet. He +h!ddered #t wh#t (#y -eh&nd h&$. No $#tter wh#t) he wo!(d not end !" (&ke the$. We need to 'et yo! -#,k to yo!r -ed) G,y#h +,o(ded G#rro+h) tho!'h $ore 'ent(y now. G#rro+h +hook off her h#nd+. Wh#t d&d he +#y6 he de$#nded &n # ho#r+e wh&+"er) h&+ thro#t +t&(( +"#+$&n' #fter to++&n' o!t +o $!,h (&7!&d. W#+ &t/w#+ &t #-o!t $y f#ther6 3+ he/&+ he +t&(( #(&1e6 G,y#h (ooked #w#y) !n#-(e to $eet the ho"e f(&,ker&n' &n the -oy2+ eye+. W#+ Gro$ #(&1e6 She h#d no &de#. Not th#t &t $#ttered. She h#d he#rd "(enty #-o!t the o(der He((+,re#$ o1er the "#+t few ye#r+) #-o!t h&+ +#1#'ery #nd h&+ -#tt(e fren4y #nd h&+ #""et&te for 1&o(en,e. He h#d -een the f&r+t to '&1e h&$+e(f to the Horde #nd to G!(2d#n2+ fo!( $#'&,) +he knew) #nd &t h#d ,orr!"ted h&$ !tter(y. E1en &f he +t&(( (&1ed) he wo!(d +!re(y -e -eyond rede$"t&on. He d&dn2t +#y #nyth&n' #-o!t yo!r f#ther) +he to(d G#rro+h now) 'r&""&n' h&+ #r$ #'#&n #nd ref!+&n' to -e "!t off # +e,ond t&$e. 3 #$ +!re he &+ +t&(( #(&1e #nd we(() e(+e K#r'#th wo!(d h#1e $ent&oned &t. G#rro+h nodded #nd (et h&$+e(f -e (ed #w#y) h&+ ener'y +"ent. G,y#h2+ he#rt went o!t to h&$) #nd to #(( the or,+ +he tended here. Wo!(d they +!r1&1e the red "o;6 So$e of the$) "erh#"+) -!t not #((. Yet # "#rt of her ,o!(dn2t he(" fee(&n' th#t #t (e#+t the&r de#th+ wo!(d -e ,(e#ner th#n tho+e of the or,+ who+e +o!(+ h#d -een +o t#&nted5 the $#rk +howed thro!'h to the&r 1ery +k&n. She +hook her he#d #nd ,ont&n!ed w#(k&n' w&th G#rro+h) ref!+&n' to '(#n,e -#,k to where the e$er#(d*+k&nned K#r'#th w#+ +t&(( $#r,h&n' #w#y.

CHAPTER TWENTY*%OUR
Ho) (#d+! T!r#(yon '(#n,ed !". +!r"r&+ed. 3t w#+ o1er,#+t) #nd # +h#"e h#d 0!+t dro""ed o!t of the he#1y ,(o!d+)
"(!$$et&n' thro!'h the d#rk +ky. The +ho!t w#+ #(( th#t +to""ed A((er&# #nd her r#n'er+ fro$ (oo+&n' #rrow+ #t the de+,end&n' f&'!re) #nd "re1ented T!r#(yon fro$ order&n' h&+ $en &nto defen+&1e "o+&t&on+. 3n+te#d he +te""ed -#,k #nd w#&ted) h#nd+ #t h&+ +&de) # +$#(( +$&(e on h&+ (&"+) #+ Sky2r,, +"re#d her w&n'+ #nd +woo"ed &n for # (#nd&n'. K!rdr#n w#+ #(re#dy ,(&$-&n' down fro$ Sky2r,,2+ -#,k wh&(e her t#(on+ were +t&(( d&''&n' &nto the e#rth. #nd +trode !" to T!r#(yon where he #nd A((er&# #nd Kh#d'#r w#&ted. T!r#(yon2+ "(e#+!re #t +ee&n' the dw#rf w#+ d#$"ened) howe1er) -y the dw#rf2+ +t&ff) +(ow '#&t) #nd ,h#n'ed to ,onf!+&on -y the +tr#n'e. h!n,hed f&'!re th#t d&+$o!nted #nd +,!rr&ed #fter h&$. Ah. 32$ '(#d to +ee y, #(() K!rdr#n +#&d) ,(#+"&n' h#nd+ w&th T!r#(yon #nd Kh#d'#r &n t!rn #nd k&++&n' A((er&#2+ h#nd. 2An2 &t were # ne#r th&n') too) for tho+e 'reen -e#+t+ ,#"t!red $e) they d&d. T!r#(1on frowned #nd +t!d&ed h&+ +hort fr&end. 32$
J

'(#d yo! e+,#"ed. N#y) re+,!ed) 3 w#+) #nd he#(ed !" r&'ht "ro"er) K!rdr#n ,orre,ted. The (#d D#n#th +"r!n' $e) #n2 +tor$ed the&r 're#t r!&n t# -oot. C#((ed A!,h&ndo!n) &t were. %o!nd o!r+e(1e+ # +tr#n'e*(ook&n' fr&end there who $&'ht te#,h e1en y, # th&n' or two #-o!t he#(&n' w&2 the L&'ht. Good th&n' too/3) ,r) w#+n2t #t $e -e+t. T!r#(yon (ooked w&th fre+h #d$&r#t&on #t h&+ fr&end. Wh#t K!rdr#n h#d +#&d #$o!nted to # ,onfe++&on of -e&n' #t de#th2+ door. 32$ '(#d) he +#&d fer1ent(y. Eh) ye2(( n#, -e +o '(#d #-o!t the ne;t "#rt. Ner94h!( 'ot #w#y. He #nd h&+ "et de#th kn&'ht ,#+t # +"e(( th#2 took the$ +tr#&'ht t# # "(#,e ,#((ed th2 B(#,k Te$"(e) #n2 we ,o!(dn# +to" the$.

T!r#(yon +&'hed #nd "(#,ed h&+ h#nd on K!rdr#n2+ +ho!(der. Don2t worry) K!rdr#n. 3 know yo! #nd D#n#th d&d yo!r -e+t. 32$ 'r#tef!( yo!2re #(( r&'ht. He r#n # h#nd thro!'h h&+ h#&r) th&nk&n'. B(#,k Te$"(e/ +o!nd+ o$&no!+. Wh#t do we know #-o!t &t6 N#, $!,h) -!t yon fe#thered ,re#t!re here w&(( t#ke !+ t# &t. K!rdr#n 0erked # th!$- #t the f&'!re who h#d #,,o$"#n&ed h&$ #to" Sky2r,,. 3t -owed o-+e7!&o!+(y. Th&+ &+ Gr&44&k. He (ed D#n#th &nto A!,h&ndo!n) #n2 then D#n#th fo!nd h&+ w#y t# $e. Gr&44&k know+! &t +t#ted) &t+ 1o&,e h&'h #nd reedy. 3 te(( yo! of B(#,k Te$"(e. 3 know wh#t #nd where! 3+ th&+ yo!r -enef#,tor6 A((er&# #+ked. The one who he#(ed yo!6 N#y) n#y) th#t2+ # dr#en,&. 3t doe+ 'et ,o$"(&,#ted. Then wh#t #r, yo!6 A((er&# #+ked +oft(y) #nd T!r#(yon re#(&4ed her ,(1,n eye+ h#d "&er,ed the +h#dow+ of the h,#w ,ow( &h#t h&d Gr&44&k2+ f#,e. 3 #r#kko#) Gr&44&k #n+wered) f(&n'&n' -#,k h&+ ,ow() #nd T!r#(yon tr&ed not to +t#rt #t the +tr#n'er2+ (on' -e#k #nd fe#thered h#&r. We -orn of th&+ wor(d) #+ #r, or,+. Lon' h#1e #r#kko# ke"t to o!r+e(1e+. L&tt(e h#1e we to do w&th or,+ or dr#en,&. Then or,+ ro+e !". -#nd&n' to'ether) for$&n' Horde. S(#!'htered dr#en,&. A!,h&ndo!n w#+ # dr#en,& -!r&#( ,&ty) K!rdr#n e;"(#&ned. So Gr&44&k2+ to(d $e. And B(#,k Te$"(e) the&r+ #+ we(() Gr&44&k #dded. Tho!'h &t w#+ not ,#((ed th#t then. There dr#en,& $#de the&r (#+t +t#nd) #nd there $y -rethren #nd 3) too) ,#$e to f&'ht or,+. H&+ eye+ '(&ttered w&th wh#t T!r#(yon took for r#'e) tho!'h there +ee$ed +o$eth&n' $#(&,&o!+ &n the$ #+ we((. We f#&(ed. Tho!'h not fro$ (#,k of #r$+. or,+ h#1e +or,erer) G!(2d#n. He 1ery +tron'. He #(ter e#rth &t+e(f) r#&+&n' 're#t 1o(,#no &n o!r $&d+t. Now h&+ +$#(( eye+ ,(e#r(y -(#4ed w&th #n'er. G!(2d#n) eh6 Kh#d'#r +w!n' the +#,k down fro$ h&+ +ho!(der) o"ened &t. #nd "!((ed o!t the +k!((. Here2+ #(( th#t2+ (eft of h&$. He won2t -e ,#!+&n' yo! #ny $ore tro!-(e. the yo!n'*o(d $#'e to(d the #r#kko# -efore dro""&n' the +k!(( -#,k &n+&de w&th # 7!&,k(y ,on,e#(ed (ook of re(&ef. Gr&44&k2+ eye+ were w&de. Yo! +(ew G!(2d#n6 he #+ked) h&+ 1o&,e # -re#thy wh&+"er. No. T!r#(yon #d$&tted. So$eone e(+e 'ot to h&$ f&r+t. B!t we h#1e de+troyed the Horde2+ "ower #nd -roken one of &t+ $#0or +tron'ho(d+. Now we 0!+t need to re#,h the B(#,k Te$"(e) f&nd Ner94h!() #nd k&(( h&$ #+ we((. The #r#kko# -o--ed h&+ he#d. 3 ,#n +how yo! w#y. he #++!red the$. T!r#(yon ,#!'ht K!rdr#n + eye. #nd the W&(dh#$$,r (e#der +hr!''ed. T!r#(yon !nder+tood/the ,(e1er dw#rf w#+n2t +!re whether to tr!+t Gr&44&k ,&ther) -!t wh#t ,ho&,e d&d they h#1e6 Th#nk yo!) he to(d the #r#kko#. We we(,o$e yo!r he(". He t!rned to K!rdr#n. We2(( dr#w@ !" # ro!'h $#" ton&'ht) -#+ed on Gr&44&k2+ &nfor$#t&on) he +#&d. To$orrow 3 w#nt yo! to he#d -#,k to D#n#th. We2(( de,&de where to $eet !" for the f&n#( #++#!(t. K!rdr#n nodded. 2Aye) (#d) th#2+ # f&ne "(#n) he #'reed. Now) who2+ 'ot #(e for $e. #nd +o$e food6 On,e 32$ refre+hed 32(( te(( ye the f!(( o2 o!r trek) #nd the -#tt(e #t A!,h&ndo!n. T!r#(yon +$&(ed. 3 ,#n2t w#&t to he#r &t) he to(d the dw#rf) #nd &t w#+ tr!e. He ,#!'ht A((er&#2+ eye #nd +$&(ed #+ +he +(&""ed her h#nd &nto h&+. To$orrow they wo!(d -e'&n the $#r,h #'#&n) -!t for ton&'ht) #t (e#+t) they ,o!(d +&t #nd dr&nk #nd (&+ten to the W&(dh#$$,r2+ no do!-t ,o(orf!( t#(,. Se1er#( d#y+ (#ter they rode -etween two (ow $o!nt#&n r#n'e+ #nd +#w # w&de 1#((ey +tret,h&n' o!t -efore the$. K!rdr#n h#d fo!nd the$ when they were #($o+t (e1e( w&th wh#t T!r#(yon now knew the or,+ ,#((ed H,((f&r, C&t#de( #nd the D#rk Port#(. Gr&44&k h#d (ed the$ f#r f#rther +o!th #nd then ,#+t) +k&rt&n' the w#ter+ the #r#kko# h#d to(d the$ were ,#((ed the De1o!r&n' Se#. There) #t the 1ery ed'e of the (#nd) +tood the B(#,k Te$"(e) where the Sh#dow$oon =#((ey r#n !" #'#&n+t the $o!nt#&n+ th#t dro""ed off &nto the r#'&n' +e#. And &t w#+ there th#t D#n#th #nd the re+t of the A((&#n,e #r$y were w#&t&n' for the$. D#n#th #nd the od&,r+ h#d not -een &d(e. T!r#(yon +#w #+ he re&ned &n. A ,r!de -!t effe,t&1e ,#$" +tood ne#r the +o!thwe+t ed'e of the 1#((ey) #nd th&,k (o' w#((+ were #(re#dy h#(f*ere,ted #ro!nd &t. K!rdr#n2+ &de#) D#n#th +#&d #+ he #""ro#,hed the$) ,(#+"&n' T!r#(yon2+ h#nd &n 'reet&n'. He fe(t we2d need # "(#,e where we ,o!(d kee" #n eye on th&n'+ #,ro++ the 1#((ey) #nd th&+ +tr!,k !+ -oth #+ # 'ood 1#nt#'e "o&nt. T!r#(yon nodded. 3t w#+ &ndeed th#t/fro$ there they ,o!(d +ee #(t the w#y #,ro++ to the (#nd2+ ed'e) &n,(!d&n' the $#++&1e 1o(,#no r&+&n' !" &n the ,enter #nd -&((ow&n' +$oke #nd #+h #nd (#1# &n e1ery d&re,t&on. Aye) #nd &t2+ -e+t &t were +o$eone #+ d&dn2t need t# +et foot on th#2 'ro!nd. K!rdr#n #dded #+ he 0o&ned the$. Th#t (#1#2+ 'reen) &f n ye ,#nn# te(( fro$ here) #n2 the 1ery 'ro!nd2+ +#t!r#ted w&th &t. Kh#d'#r nodded #nd T!r#(yon not&,ed the "#&ned e;"re++&on on h&+ fr&end2+ f#,e. %,( $#'&,. he wh&+"ered ho#r+e(y. The "!re+t 321e e1er +een. The #r,h$#'e +hook h&+ he#d. 3 don2t e1en w#nt to know wh#t +ort of +"e((+ G!(2d#n worked to ,#!+e th&+. 3t2+ # 1&o(#t&on of n#t!re &t+e(f/no wonder th&+ wor(d &+ dy&n'. He frowned #t K!rdr#n. Kee" yo!r "eo"(e #+ f#r fro$ th#t th&n' #+ "o++&-(e. he w#rned) #nd don2t enter the 1#((ey #ny $ore th#n ne,e++#ry.

O,h. #ye) we2(( +teer we(( ,(e#r) K!rdr#n #++!red h&$. The 'ood new+) tho!'h) &+ th#t we21e #(re#dy +,o!ted the 1#((ey for ye. He "rod!,ed # ro(( of "#r,h$ent #nd +howed the$ the $#" he2d +ket,hed o!t. The B(#,k Te$"(e -e there) #t the f#r ,#+t end) he +#&d) 'e+t!r&n' tow#rd where # $#++&1e d#rk +tr!,t!re ,o!(d -e ,(e#r(y +een #,ro++ the 1#((ey. 2An2 there2+ no e#+y w#y o!t fro$ &t. ,&ther) 2,,"t&n' thro!'h th&+ 1#((ey 3t2+ # -&' hor+e+hoe) &t &+) #nd &t+ o"en end "o&nt+ th&+ w#y. Any +&'n of Ner94h!(6 A((er&# #+ked. Aye) he2+ there) K!rdr#n #n+wered. An2 tho+e de#th kn&'ht+ #+ we((. P(!+ +o$e or,+) tho!'h not $#ny. He 'r&nned. We21e 'ot the$ "&nned &n/they2(( n#, -e 'o&n2 #nywhere. T!r#(yon '(#n,ed o1er #t D#n#th. who nodded. We (#&d +&e'e to the te$"(e #+ +oon #+ we #rr&1ed) he e;"(#&ned. 3 d&dn2t w#nt to r&+k the$ 'ett&n' re&nfor,e$ent+. Good. T!r#(yon t!rned to the other+. We need to 'et o1er there o!r+e(1e+. Kh#d'#r) yo!2re the key here/we need yo! to t#ke o!t Ner94h!( #nd +to" h&+ +"e((. A((er&#) yo! #nd yo!r r#n'er+ "rote,t h&$ fro$ (on'*r#n'e #tt#,k+. Shoot down #nyth&n' th#t e1en (ook+ h&+ w#y. 32(( -e r&'ht -e+&de h&$ to t#ke ,#re of #nyth&n' ,(o+e -y. We +$#+h thro!'h the&r defen+e+. f&nd Ner24h!() k&(( h&$) t#ke -#,k the #rt&f#,t+) #nd 'et the he(( o!t. A'reed6 A-+o(!te(y) Kh#d'#r #'reed) #nd the other+ nodded #+ we((. Good. T!r#(yon +&'hed #nd +#&d # 7!&,k "r#yer) ,#((&n' down the Ho(y L&'ht2+ "rote,t&on !"on the$ #((. He fe(t &t "o!r&n' o1er the$ #(() w#r$ #nd ,#($&n') #nd th#nked &t. He ,(#+"ed h#nd+ w&th K!rdr#n) D#n#th) #nd Kh#d'#r) then t!rned to A((er&#. She +$&(ed -r#1e(y !" #t h&$) -!t +he knew) #+ he d&d. the r&+k+. A((er&#. Th#nk the L&'ht) they h#d not -een +o +t!"&d #+ to +t&(( -e +h!nn&n' one #nother. 3n+te#d) they h#d fo!nd +tren'th #nd ,o$fort &n e#,h other. He fo(ded her ,(o+e for # (on' $o$ent) re+t&n' h&+ ,h&n on her +h&n&n' h#&r) then t&(ted her he#d !" to k&++ her. P!((&n' -#,k) he '#1e her h&+ -e+t +$&(e #nd hefted h&+ h#$$er. Let2+ 'o. They ,h#r'ed #,ro++ the 1#((ey) the re$#&n&n' A((&#n,e for,e+ r&'ht -eh&nd the$/on(y # h#ndf!( of $en +t#yed -eh&nd to '!#rd the ,#$". A+ they r#,ed #ro!nd the 1o(,#no) T!r#(yon +#w the B(#,k Te$"(e for the f&r+t t&$e) #nd on(y h&+ f#&th ke"t h&$ fro$ 0erk&n' h&+ hor+e to # +to" #nd then k&,k&n' &t &nto # '#((o" &n #ny other d&re,t&on. The "(#,e w#+ enor$o!+) tower&n' o1er e1en the 1o(,#no 0!tt&n' !" fro$ the 1#((ey f(oor. C#r1ed of +o$e +tone th#t h#d "erh#"+ on,e -een -r&'ht -!t w#+ now ,o#ted &n #+h #nd other fo!( +!-+t#n,e+ th#t +w#((owed the (&'ht) &t (oo$ed (&ke # "&e,e of +h#dow '&1en +o(&d for$) +7!#t #nd !'(y #nd d#n'ero!+) $o,k&n' the #r$y th#t threw &t+e(f #'#&n+t &t+ w#((+. T!r#(yon ,o!(d te(( th#t e1ery +!rf#,e w#+ he#1&(y ,#r1ed) tho!'h he ,o!(d not $#ke o!t det#&(+ yet) #nd the to" of the ,entr#( "ort&on h#d "rotr!+&on+ th#t re$&nded h&$ of # h#nd 'r#+"&n' #t the +ky. E1en #+ T!r#(yon tr&ed to t#ke &t #(( &n) h&+ hor+e +t!$-(ed) #nd he w#+ ne#r(y thrown #+ the e#rth ro,ked -ene#th h&$. L&'htn&n') 'reen #nd (o!d #nd o$&no!+ #nd ,r#,k(&n' w&th d#rkne++ &n+te#d of &((!$&n#t&on) +h#ttered the +k&e+. H&+ hor+e wh&,kered &n terror #nd re#red. 3t+ r&der w#+ on(y $#r'&n#((y (e++ fr&'htened) -!t d&d h&+ -e+t to ,#($ the #n&$#(. Wh#t2+ 'o&n' on6 he +ho!ted to Kh#d'#r o1er the ro(( of th!nder. The +k&e+ #r, r&'ht) Kh#d'#r +ho!ted -#,k. 3 fe#r th#t/ H&+ word+ were +n#t,hed #w#y #+ the e#rth +hook #'#&n #nd the +k&e+ f(#+hed 'reen. T!r#(yon +#w #nother f(#+h) #nd h&+ he#d wh&""ed !". The "ort&on th#t e1oked the &$#'e of # h#nd re#,h&n' for the +k&e+/&t w#+ '(ow&n'. Oh no) he -re#thed) #nd t!rned to Kh#d'#r. 3 w#+ r&'ht) Kh#d'#r ye((ed. Ner94h!( h#+ -e'!n h&+ +"e((. C#n we +t&(( +to" h&$6 3 ,#n) Kh#d'#r #n+wered 'r&$(y. A!+t 'et $e there &n t&$e. Con+&der &t done. T!r#(yon r#&+ed h&+ h#$$er h&'h o1erhe#d #nd +!$$oned h&+ f#&th) ,h#nne(&n' &t &nto the -(e++ed we#"on. The h#$$er2+ +!rf#,e -e'#n to '(ow) the (&'ht +"re#d&n' #+ &t 'rew) !nt&( &t +hone +o -r&((&#nt(y the 1o(,#no d&$$ed #(on'+&de &t. The or,+ #nd de#th kn&'ht+ -#tt(&n' -efore the B(#,k Te$"(e t!rned #w#y) -(&nded) -!t the (&'ht d&d not +,#r A((&#n,e eye+ #nd h&+ +o(d&er+ ,heered #+ T!r#(yon '#((o"ed "#+t the$) h&+ h#$$er -!rn&n' # "#th thro!'h d&e te$"(e2+ defender+. Unt&( one f&'!re +te""ed o!t &nto h&+ "#th. Yo!r (&tt(e (&'ht doe+ not fr&'hten $e! Teron Goref&end ,#((ed o!t) # 0ewe(ed tr!n,heon &n h&+ h#nd. 3t w#+ o-1&o!+ to #nyone w&th eye+ th#t the de#th kn&'ht w#+ (y&n'. He h#d (et h&+ hood f#(( -#,k #nd h&+ h&deo!+) de,#y&n' f#,e #nd -!rn&n' red eye+ were "(#&n(y 1&+&-(e. Th#t f#,e w#+ ,ontorted w&th "#&n) #nd the -ody +tr#&ned #+ &f w#nt&n' to f(ee of &t+ own #,,ord. Goref&end (&fted the +tr#n'e we#"on he he(d. 3t '(owed w&th # $!(t&,o(ored (&'ht) #nd th#t 1#r&ed r#d&#n,e -#ttered #t T!r#(yon2+ '(ow) #tte$"t&n' to o1er"ower &t. The Ho(y L&'ht &+ #(( th#t yo! #r, not) $on+ter) T!r#(yon +ho!ted &n re"(y) "o&nt&n' the h#$$er #t Goref&end #nd (oo+&n' # -!r+t of (&'ht (&ke # $&++&(e. 3f yo! do not te#r &t. then e$-r#,e &t! 2

The -!r+t +tr!,k Goref&end) -!t he +we"t h&+ tr!n,heon -efore h&$ #nd &t +,#ttered T!r#(yon2+ #tt#,k) d&ff!+&n' the -r&((&#nt wh&te &nto r#y+ of ,o(or. Then the de#th kn&'ht +tr!,k &n t!rn/he (e1e(ed h&+ tr!n,heon #t T!r#(yon) #nd # +h#dow e$er'ed fro$ &t+ t&") en'!(f&n' the A((&#n,e ,o$$#nder. T!r#(yon fe(t the d#rkne++ ,on+tr&,t) +$other&n' h&+ (&'ht #nd h&+ (&$-+ +&$!(t#neo!+(y) #nd fo!'ht #'#&n+t &t) wr&th&n' to -re#k free. A&r "#++ed -ene#th h&$ #nd he h&t the 'ro!nd h#rd) ro((&n' #nd +tr!''(&n'/,(e#r(y the #tt#,k h#d ,#rr&ed h&$ fro$ h&+ hor+e) -!t the d#rkne++ +t#yed on h&$) "re++&n' h&$ down &nto the e#rth. He '#+"ed for #&r) -!t h&+ (!n'+ ref!+ed to &nf(#te) ref!+ed to o-ey h&+ ,o$$#nd+. He2d f#((en. Of ,o!r+e he h#d/he w#+ not e1en 'ood eno!'h to +t#y #to" h&+ hor+e. Wh#t k&nd of 'ener#( w#+ he6 H&+ troo"+ wo!(d d&e too. He2d (ed the$ +tr#&'ht to the&r de#th+. Loth#r wo!(d -e +o #+h#$ed of h&$. ... T!r#(yon +"#+$ed on the e#rth) w&((&n' h&$+e(f to -re#the) -!t tendr&(+ of d#rkne++ wr#""ed #ro!nd h&+ ,he+t) ,r!+h&n' &t. Sn#k,(&k,) they wo!nd !" #ro!nd h&$) "&nn&n' h&+ #r$+ to h&+ +&de+) for,&n' the&r w#y &nto h&+ $o!th) h&+ no+tr&(+) h&+ eye+/#h) &t -!rned! Te#r+ +"&((ed fro$ t&'ht(y ,(o+ed (&d+) -!t on(y &nf(#$ed the f&re. And +o he wo!(d d&e) # f#&(!re) # ,#t#+tro"he. A(( tho+e de#th+ wo!(d -e on h&+ he#d. Tho+e &nno,ent+ &n other wor(d+) '#"&n' &n horror #+ the 1#+t 'reen t&de +we"t o1er the$. The $en who h#d -e(&e1ed h&$ when he to(d the$ the L&'ht wo!(d -e w&th the$. L&'ht . . . wh#t L&'ht/where w#+ &t now) now th#t &t $#ttered/ Alleria! De#d) too) +he wo!(d -e) 0o&n&n' her f#$&(y) ,!r+&n' h&$ &n wh#te1er #fter(&fe the e(1e+ -e(&e1ed &n. She ne1er (o1ed h&$5 he +#w th#t now. He w#+ # toy) one +he wo!(d h#1e o!t(&1ed) one +he2d h#1e $o1ed on fro$. Kh#d'#r/ K!rdr#n/D#n#th/ The d#rk tendr&(+ t&'htened) T!r#(yon o"ened h&+ eye+) +t#r&n' -(#nk(y. #'m sorr , ,othar. # !ailed ou. #'m not ou. # led them/ He -(&nked. He (ed the$ the -e+t he2d known how. No) he w#+n2t And!&n Loth#r) the L&on of A4eroth. On(y Loth#r ,o!(d -e Loth#r. 3t wo!(d -e the he&'ht of #rro'#n,e to #++!$e otherw&+e. He w#+ T!r#(yon) #nd the L&'ht was w&th h&$5 &t h#dn2t f#&(ed h&$ yet) not when he h#d "r#yed w&th h&+ who(e he#rt. =ust as". All ou have to do is as", with a pure heart. 1hat's wh ,othar pic"ed ou. $ot because he thought ou'd be him. (ecause he "new ou'd be ou. T!r#(yon took # +h#((ow -re#th) ,on+tr#&ned -y the d#rk tendr&(+) #nd "r#yed. He o"ened h&+ eye+) #nd he knew w&tho!t !nder+t#nd&n' how he knew th#t they were +h&n&n' w&th "!re wh&te r#d&#n,e. He (ooked down #t the tendr&(+ of d#rkne++ #nd they $e(ted) retre#ted) #+ +h#dow+ $!+t #(w#y+) $!+t e1er retre#t) -efore the L&'ht. H&+ ,he+t he#1ed w&th # 're#t -re#th #nd he ,(#$-ered to h&+ feet #nd 'r#--ed h&+ h#$$er) +w&n'&n' &t thro!'h wh#t re$#&ned of the +h#dow+. The #tt#,k h#d (#+ted on(y # few +e,ond+) tho!'h &t h#d fe(t (&ke #n etern&ty. Goref&end h#d !+ed the d&1er+&on to ,ree" ,(o+er) #nd when T!r#(yon ,o!(d +ee #nd $o1e free(y #'#&n he re#(&4ed the de#th kn&'ht w#+ on(y # few feet #w#y. H&+ red eye+ w&dened #+ T!r#(yon took # +te" forw#rd/,(e#r(y he h#d not e;"e,ted the yo!n' A((&#n,e ,o$$#nder to w&n free +o 7!&,k(y) &f #t #((/#nd he w#+ not "re"#red for the he#1y -(ow T!r#(yon2+ h#$$er +tr!,k h&$ f!(( &n the ,he+t. T!r#(yon w#+ +!re he he#rd -one+ +n#" -ene#th the worn #r$or) #nd the de#th kn&'ht +t!$-(ed -#,k) tho!'h he d&d not f#((. Yo! ,#nnot w&n) Goref&end h&++ed thro!'h 'r&tted teeth. 3 #$ #(re#dy de#d/wh#t &+ the wor+t yo! ,o!(d do to $e6 H&+ tr!n,heon 0#--ed forw#rd) ,#t,h&n' T!r#(yon &n the +to$#,h #nd do!-(&n' h&$ o1er) #nd Goref&end2+ h#nd -r!+hed the -#,k of T!r#(yon2+ he($. 3n+t#nt(y "#&n -(o++o$ed &n T!r#(yon 's he#d) #+ &f # 1&+e h#d 'r&""ed h&+ he($ #nd w#+ +7!ee4&n' &t t&'ht onto h&+ te$"(e+ #nd +k!((. St#r+ e;"(oded -eh&nd h&+ eye+ #nd he fe(t the wor(d t&(t ,r#4&(y #ro!nd h&$. 3n de+"er#t&on he +w!n' h&+ h#$$er #'#&n) # $&'hty two*h#nded #r,) #nd fe(t the he#1y he#d +tr&ke +o$eth&n' +o(&d. There w#+ # r#tt(e #nd # '#+" #nd the "#&n 1#n&+hed. B(&nk&n' #w#y +"ot+ #nd t#k&n' # dee") r#,k&n' -re#th to ,(e#r h&+ he#d) T!r#(yon '(#n,ed !" &n t&$e to +ee Goref&end +t#''er # +te") one #r$ h#n'&n' (&$". Wh&(e the de#th kn&'ht w#+ off*-#(#n,e T!r#(yon (!r,hed forw#rd) h#$$er r#&+ed h&'h. He +!$$oned h&+ f#&th to h&$ #'#&n) #nd the r#d&#n,e +hone fro$ h&+ (&$-+ #nd fro$ h&+ we#"on) too -r&'ht to (ook !"on #+ he #d1#n,ed !"on h&+ foe. The de#th kn&'ht ,r&ed o!t) r#&+&n' h&+ h#nd+ to +h&e(d h&+ eye+ fro$ the r#d&#n,e) wh&,h w#+ now #,t!#((y +t#rt&n' to $#ke h&+ f(e+h +$oke #nd ,!r(. By the L&'ht! T!r#(yon ,r&ed) "r#&+e) "r#yer) #nd "ro$&+e #(( &n one. The (&'ht f(#red -r&'ht(y) +o -r&'ht(y) #nd #+ he -ro!'ht the h#$$er down &t d&d $ore th#n +&$"(y ,r!+h the re#n&$#ted -ody. 3t ,(e#1ed thro!'h &t) the (&'ht ,#r1&n' #n #r, thro!'h Teron Goref&end) r&""&n' thro!'h h&$ !nt&( the de#d f(e+h fe(( &n # +o''y) re,k&n' he#") A horr&-(e w#&(&n' "&er,ed T!r#(yon2+ ,#r+ #nd he +t#''ered -#,k) +t#r&n' &n horror #nd d&+-e(&ef #+ the 0#''ed) +hr&ek&n' w&+" th#t w#+ Teron Goref&end2+ +o!( tw&+ted !"w#rd fro$ the wre,k#'e of h&+ -ody. The "#(#d&n (&fted the '(ow&n' h#$$er #nd +w!n' on,e $ore) -!t he w#+ # fr#,t&on of # +e,ond too (#te) #nd the +"&r&t w#+ 'one)

+hr&ek&n' &n "#&n #nd fr!+tr#t&on) f(ee&n' &nto the ,r#,k(&n' 'reen #nd -(#,k +ky. Co$e on! ,#$e A&(,r&#2+ 1o&,e) +t#rt(&n' T!r#(yon. H&+ he#rt +we((ed to +ee her. He 7!&,k(y (e#"ed #to" h&+ hor+e #nd '#((o"ed tow#rd her. R&d&n' #he#d of the$ w#+ Kh#d'#r. #nd they ,#!'ht !" 7!&,k(y. The de#th kn&'ht h#d -een the te$"(e2+ (#+t -#rr&er. Now they were w&th&n the B(#,k Te$"(e &t+e(f) #nd f#,ed the (on' +t#&r+ w&nd&n' !" tow#rd the to" #nd the +&,k(y (&'ht th#t "!(+ed forth fro$ th#t he&'ht. A((er&# . . . Kh#d'#r . .. D#n#th . . . K!rdr#n/d#$n &t. they were not 'o&n' to d&e here. W&th # "hy+&,#( +h#ke of h&+ he#d) T!r#(yon d&+"e((ed the (#+t of the +h#dow2+ ho(d on h&$) 'r&""ed h&+ h#$$er) #nd rode tow#rd h&+ de+t&ny.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FlVE
Ner94h!( +tood !"on the roof of the B(#,k Te$"(e) &n the ,enter of the &n+,r&-ed ,&r,(e. A-o1e h&$) o-+,!red -y the (ower&n' ,(o!d+ #nd f(#+he+ of 'reen (&'htn&n') the 're#t ,on0!n,t&on &n1o(1&n' the W#t,her) the St#ff) #nd the To$e w#+ re#,h&n' &t+ "e#k. And #+ #-o1e) +o -e(ow. A(+o -e(ow) -ene#th h&+ feet) Ner94h!( ,o!(d +en+e Dr#enor2+ (ey (&ne+ ,ro++&n' o1er #nd #ro!nd #nd thro!'h h&$) #nd #+ he ,(o+ed h&+ eye+ he ,o!(d fee( the ent&re wor(d tre$-(&n' &n h&+ 'r#+". Th&+ w#+ why the dr#en,& h#d -!&(t the&r te$"(e here) #nd why &t w#+ the on(y "(#,e where he ,o!(d ,#+t th&+ +"e((. %ro$ here he ,o!(d (&ter#((y t#" the ent&re "(#net for the "ower to ,#+t h&+ +"e((. Arr#yed #ro!nd h&$) &n the (#r'er ,&r,(e th#t +!rro!nded the f&r+t) were +e1er#( of Goref&end2+ de#th kn&'ht+) the few w#r(o,k+ who h#d +!r1&1ed Doo$h#$$er2+ wr#th) #nd # h#ndf!( of h&+ own Sh#dow$oon or,+. The (#tter 'ro!" +tood &n the th&rd #nd (#r'e+t ,&r,(e) f#,&n' o!tw#rd) we#"on+ r#&+ed. They were there for "rote,t&on) wh&(e the other+ #&ded Ner94h!( &n t#""&n' the "(#net2+ "ower #nd "erfor$&n' the r&t!#(. They h#d #(re#dy -een ,#+t&n' for #n ent&re d#y. +&n,e the $o$ent the ,e(e+t&#( #(&'n$ent w#+ r&'ht) #nd on(y the ener'y f(ow&n' thro!'h the$ ke"t the o(d +h#$#n fro$ ,o((#"+&n' fro$ f#t&'!e or h!n'er. A+ &t w#+) h&+ +k&n t&n'(ed #nd h&+ h#&r d#n,ed #-o!t h&$ #+ &f ,#rr&ed h&'h -y #n !n+een w&nd. They were n,#r&n' the end of the +"e((. The A((&#n,e h#d ,r#+hed #'#&n+t the B(#,k Te$"(e2+ th&,k w#((+ ho!r+ -efore) #nd were &n d#n'er of -re#,h&n' &t+ defen+e+ #t #ny $o$ent. B!t they wo!(d -e too (#te. Ner94h!( tho!'ht tr&!$"h#nt(y. He r#&+ed the S,e"ter of S#r',r#+ &n h&+ r&'ht h#nd) #nd the Eye of D#(#r#n &n h&+ (eft. Both '(e#$ed -r&'ht(y) &nner (&'ht +h&n&n' fro$ the he#d of the +,e"ter #nd d#n,&n' fro$ f#,et to f#,et w&th&n the Eye2+ 1&o(et ,enter. Tho+e two #rt&f#,t+ fo,!+ed the (ey (&ne ener'y) ,o#(e+,&n' &t &nto #($o+t "hy+&,#( for$) #nd then "!(+ed the +tren'th &nto Ner94h!(2+ (&$-+. Now h&+ ent&re -ody w#+ thr!$$&n') #nd he knew th#t he w#+ no (on'er +t#nd&n' on the +tone roof -!t ho1er&n' 0!+t #-o1e &t #+ the ener'y (&fted h&$ fro$ the +!rf#,e. Now! he +ho!ted) to!,h&n' the t&" of the +,e"ter to the ,enter of the Eye #nd fee(&n' the re+t of the&r +tored ener'y f(#+h thro!'h h&+ (&$-+ #nd &nto h&+ he#rt #nd $&nd. He knew h&+ eye+ were '(ow&n' -r&'ht. -r&'hter th#n the +!n) #nd he ,o!(d +ee the (&ne+ of $#'&, et,hed !"on the wor(d #nd thro!'h the #&r) +ee the +o!(+ of tho+e +!rro!nd&n' h&$) +ee the ,onne,t&on -etween the$ #nd th&+ wor(d) #nd -etween th&+ wor(d #nd the re+t of the ,o+$o+. He ,o!(d fee( the ,!rt#&n+ +!rro!nd&n' Dr#enor) +e"#r#t&n' &t fro$ other re#(&t&e+. And) w&th # +&n'(e 7!&,k) +(#+h&n' 'e+t!re of the +,e"ter) he tore thro!'h tho+e ,!rt#&n+) +hredd&n' the$ #+ e#+&(y #+ he $&'ht +(&,e thro!'h th&n "#r,h$ent. The wor(d +hook. The 'ro!nd tre$-(ed. The +ky r!$-(ed. A terr&-(e 'r&nd&n' +o!nd e,hoed !" fro$ f#r -e(ow #nd $et #n ,#r+"(&tt&n' +hr&ek de+,end&n' fro$ #-o1e the ,(o!d+. Dr#enor +,re#$ed #nd thr#+hed &n "#&n. The other "#rt&,&"#nt+ +t#''ered #+ the B(#,k Te$"(e +h&fted) $#ny of the$ f#((&n' to the&r knee+. Ner94h!() too) +t#''ered -!t $#n#'ed to +t#y !"r&'ht) -!oyed -y the "ower ,o!r+&n' thro!'h h&$. He ,o!(d fee( the $#'&, re#,h&n' #,ro++ re#(&ty) (&ke # f&+h&n' (&ne ,#+t &nto the 1o&d. 3t (e#"ed forw#rd) Dr#enor2+ own ener'&e+ '&1&n' &t 1#+t $o$ent!$/ #nd hooked onto +o$eth&n' +o(&d. Another wor(d. The (&ne 'rew t#!t) #nd w&th # tw#n' th#t 1&-r#ted r&'ht thro!'h h&$ # re+"ond&n' ,hord r#,ed -#,k down the (&ne/#nd tore o"en # ho(e &n the&r re#(&ty. A r&ft. 3t w#+ # r&ft. Ner94h!( re,o'n&4ed the fee( of &t) the r#w "ower th#t fr#yed #&r #nd e#rth #nd n#t!re) the thro--&n' (&nk th#t -o!nd th&+ wor(d to the ne;t. Bene#th the +k!(( f#,e "#&nt) h&+ (&"+ +"(&t &nto # -ro#d +$&(e) #nd he ,(o+ed h&+ eye+) dr&nk&n' &n the he#dy fe,& of +!,,e++. He h#d done &t! He h#d o"ened # r&ft! And not 0!+t one. He ,o!(d +en+e other r&ft+ #""e#r&n' #(( #,ro++ Dr#enor) (&ke t&ny -!--(e+ e$er'&n' fro$ the +e# #nd -!r+t&n' o"en when they to!,hed the r#w #&r) (&ke (&'htn&n' +tr&ke+ fro$ # +tor$ th#t -(#nketed the ent&re "(#net. E#,h one -!rned &n h&+ $&nd (&ke # new 1o(,#no. He ,o!(d +end +,o!t+ thro!'h e#,h r&ft) to re"ort -#,k on the wor(d+ they fo!nd. Then he wo!(d ,hoo+e the $o+t (&ke(y #nd (e#d the Horde thro!'h to # -etter "(#,e. And. "erh#"+) to #nother #fter th#t. And #fter th#t #+ we(() !nt&( h&+ "eo"(e h#d #+ $#ny wor(d+ #+ they w#nted) #+ $#ny #+ they ,o!(d ,o$fort#-(y ho(d. Unt&( e#,h ,(#n h#d &t+ own wor(d) &f they (&ked. Then no one wo!(d -e #-(e to +to" the$. O-r&+) one of the $#ny who h#d -een '!#rd&n' the +",((,#+t,r+ #(( th&+ t&$e) +#&d) "1his &+ o!r new wor(d6

3ndeed) wh#t they ,o!(d +ee thro!'h the !nd!(#t&n' r&ft w#+ not "(e#+#nt. 3t w#+ not $!,h) -!t eno!'h to -e d&+t!r-&n'8 So$eth&n' f(!ttered #nd (oo$ed !") then w#+ 'one. A +&,k(y (&'ht +!r'ed d!((y) then 1#n&+hed. Th&+ doe+n2t (ook (&ke #nyth&n' we/D S&(en,e! Ner94h!( ,r&ed) wh&r(&n' to f#,e O-r&+. We/ And &n th#t $o$ent of &n#ttent&on) w&th&n h&+ 'r#+") the Eye tre$-(ed. Ner94h!( frowned #nd ,(!t,hed &t h#rder. 3t +ee$ed to wr&the (&ke # f&+h #nd -efore he re#(&4ed wh#t h#d h#""ened) &t (e#"ed fro$ h&+ h#nd) f(ew thro!'h the #&r / /#nd ,#$e to re+t &n the h#nd of # t#(() -ro#d*+ho!(dered $#n w&th wh&te h#&r #nd 1&o(et ro-e+. A +t#ff &n one h#nd +hone w&th "ower) #nd h&+ eye+ -(#4ed w&th f#r $ore h&dden dee" w&th&n. A h!$#n w&4#rd/#nd he h#d (&ter#((y +n#t,hed 1&,tory fro$ Ner94h!(2+ 'r#+". Beh&nd the $#'e +tood # $#n &n f!(( #r$or) ,#rry&n' # h#$$er th#t '(owed w&th # -(&nd&n' wh&te (&'ht. Ner94h!( re#(&4ed th&+ $#n w#+ not 0!+t # w#rr&or) -!t #k&n to # +h#$#n/e;,e"t th#t the for,e+ he t#""ed were +o$ehow on # 'r#nder +,#(e th#n # $ere "(#net2+. The ,(1,n fe$#(e who +tood -e+&de the$ h#d no +!,h $#'&,#( #-&(&t&e+) -!t her f#,e +howed r&'hteo!+ #n'er. She h#d #n #rrow no,ked #nd #&$ed d&re,t(y #t h&$. Ner24h!( tre$-(ed. How d#re they6 How dare they &nterr!"t h&+ $o$ent of #-+o(!te '(ory! Ner94h!( re#(&4ed he fe(t no fe#r) no worry/0!+t #-+o(!te o!tr#'e. The Eye w&(( not +er1e yo! when yo! #r, d!+t! he ,r&ed) #nd (et the o!tr#'e t#ke h&$. 3t -(#4ed thro!'h h&$) "!re #nd hot #nd de#d(y. W&th # ,ry he (&fted h&+ h#nd+. The tort!red ro,k #nd +tone o-eyed &n #'ony) ,r#,k&n' -ene#th the &ntr!der+2 feet. B#re(y &n t&$e) the A((&#n,e &ntr!der+ (e#"ed #+&de) ro((&n' to ,o$e !" w&th we#"on+ #t the re#dy. B!t Ner94h!( w#+ not done. Not yet. He w#+ 0!+t 'ett&n' +t#rted. The ro,k+ th#t h#d ,r#,ked now ro+e !" #nd h!r(ed the$+e(1e+ #t the A((&#n,e &nter(o"er+. W&nd #nd r#&n wh&""ed #ro!nd the$) +n#t,h&n' the$ !" to ho1er he("(e++(y &n the #&r -efore +(#$$&n' the$ $er,&(e++(y down on the !ny&e(d&n' +tone. Ner94h!( took 're#t "(e#+!re &n w#t,h&n' the$ +!ffer. 3t w#+ w&th effort th#t he t!rned -#,k to ye(() Thro!'h the r&ft! Now! G(ory #nd fre+h wor(d+ #w#&t !+! O-r&+ '#"ed #t h&$. K&(( the A((&#n,e #nd (et !+ '#ther o!r Horde! Yo! ,#nnot "o++&-(y $e#n th#t on(y we few w&(( e+,#"e6 Wh#t #-o!t o!r -rothe(2+) who f&'ht e1en now6 Gro$ #nd the W#r+on' #r, +t&(( &n A4eroth. There #r, fe$#(e+ #nd ,h&(dren +,#ttered #(( o1er. We ,#nnot #-#ndon the$! To do +o wo!(d -e the $o+t '!t(e++) ,ow#rd(y/ So$eth&n' +n#""ed &n Ner94h!(. So$eth&n' th#t h#d -een ho(d&n' h&$ down) he +!dden(y re#(&4ed. 3t w#+ on(y now /now th#t he w#+ free of '!&(t) of +h#$e) of try&n' to +t&(( do 'ood for h&+ "eo"(e/th#t he re#(&4ed wh#t # -!rden &t h#d tr!(y -een. He h#d on,e #,,e"ted de#th #+ "#rt of the ,y,(e5 then fe#red &t5 then re#(&4ed he w#+ the -r&n',r of &t) #nd #(( the he#1y we&'ht th#t th#t &$"(&ed. No $ore. He w#+ free. He d&dn2t e1en f#1or O-r&+ w&th # retort. Ner94h!( e;tended h&+ h#nd. L&'htn&n' -#((ed &n h&+ "#($ #nd r#,ed &n # ,r#,k(&n' #r, tow#rd the other ore) +(#$$&n' &nto O-r&+2+ ,he+t w&th # th!nder,(#" #nd h!rt(&n' h&$ -#,kw#rd. He ,r#+hed &nto the w#(( #nd +(&d down) # +$ok&n' -(#,k ho(e &n h&+ ,he+t. He d&d not r&+e. Wh&r(&n') Ner94h!( t!rned to tho+e #ro!nd h&$. who +t#red #t h&$ &n +ho,k. The other or,+ #re (o+t. They h#1e +er1ed the&r "!r"o+e. %ro$ th&+ "o&nt on) #(( th#t we '#&n w&(( -e o!r+ #(one. 3 #$ the Horde) #nd 3 w&(( +!r1&1e. Choo+e $e) or ,hoo+e de#th! When they d&d not $o1e) he 'row(ed #nd (&fted the +,e"ter. Now they d&d $o1e) #+ &f +!dden(y freed) r!+h&n' tow#rd the f(&,ker&n' r&ft. 3t ho1ered # few &n,he+ #-o1e the roof2+ +!rf#,e #nd ro+e to ne#r(y ten feet. Ner94h!( went (#+t) ho(d&n' the r&ft o"en w&th h&+ "ower #nd h&+ w&(() then +te""ed &nto the r&ft h&$+e(f. He h#d 0!+t eno!'h t&$e to '#+" -efore the r&ft 1#n&+hed -eh&nd the$.

CHAPTER TWENTY*S(B
Kh#d'#r2+ he#d +w#$) -!t he fe(t w#r$ he#(&n' ener'y +"re#d&n' thro!'h h&+ -ody. He 'ot to . h&+ feet) +w#y&n') #nd +wore. The r&ft w#+ 0!+t f#d&n' fro$ 1&ew) (e#1&n' # f#&nt #fter&$#'e (&ke # +te#$ tr#&(. And Ner94h!( #nd h&+ or,+ were 'one w&th &t. ... we2re too (#te. 3t2+ 'one. Gone6 By the L&'ht) no! T!r#(yon w#+ r&'ht -eh&nd Kh#d'#r -!t #""#rent(y h#dn2t +een the r&ft. Then #'#&n) Kh#d'#r h#d fe(t &t w&th h&+ other +en+e+ -efore he2d #,t!#((y +een &t. A(tho!'h T!r#(yon too w&e(ded 're#t "ower) h&+ f#,&(&ty w&th the Ho(y L&'ht '#1e h&$ no "#rt&,!(#r &n+&'ht &nto #r,#ne $#'&,. He $!+t h#1e ,(o+ed the r&ft -eh&nd h&$) Kh#d'#r '!e++ed #+ he #nd T!r#(yon +te""ed -#,k onto the roof &t+e(f) A((er&# r&'ht -eh&nd the$.

B!t yo! 'ot the Eye of D#(#r#n -#,k) A((er&# "o&nted o!t. Th#t2+ &$"ort#nt) &+n2t &t6 Kh#d'#r nodded. We(() wh#t do we do now6 She t!rned her he#d to '#4e down fro$ the B(#,k Te$"(e. 3t (ook+ (&ke we2re w&nn&n' down there) #t (e#+t. Any w#y yo! ,#n fo((ow h&$6 T!r#(yon #+ked. Kh#d'#r +hook h&+ he#d. 3 don2t know the +"e(( Ner94h!( w#+ !+&n') he #d$&tted) or how to f&nd wh#te1er wor(d th#t r&ft took h&$ to. So e1en &f 3 ,o!(d o"en # new r&ft here) there2+ no '!#r#ntee &t wo!(d o"en onto the +#$e wor(d. H&+ #ttent&on w#+ ,#!'ht -y +o$eth&n' e(+e) howe1er) #nd he frowned) +te""&n' forw#rd #nd w#(k&n' to the tr&"(e ,&r,(e &n(#&d &n the roof Wh#t &+ &t6 Power) Kh#d'#r +#&d #-+ent(y :ore "ower th#n 321e e1er fe(t &n #ny one "(#,e +#1e $ed&1h2+ tower. He ,o,ked h&+ he#d to the +&de. Th#t2+ why) he $!ttered. 32d wondered why Ner94h!( (eft H,((f&r, C&t#de( to !+ &n+te#d of defend&n' &t "ro"er(y #nd ,#+t&n' the +"e(( fro$ there. B!t he ,o!(dn2t. He h#d to -e here. He needed the $#'&, here to f!e( h&+ r&t!#(. Do,+ th#t he(" !+ #ny6 A((er&# #+ked. 32$ not +!re) he re"(&ed. Perh#"+. He +te""ed &nto d&e ,enter ,&r,(e) #nd h&+ he#d +n#""ed -#,k) $o!th f#((&n' o"en &n # +&(ent +,re#$. S!,h "ower! 3t "o!red thro!'h h&$ (&ke w&(df&re) &'n&t&n' h&+ 1e&n+) +end&n' e1ery +en+e &nto o1er(o#d. Ner94h!( w#+ # +h#$#n) not # $#'e. H&+ $#'&,+ ,#$e fro$ the e#rth #nd the +ky #nd the w#ter) fro$ the wor(d &t+e(f. And th#t w#+ wh#t th&+ "(#,e w#+) # fo,#( "o&nt for the wor(d2+ "ower. %or Ner94h!( &t wo!(d h#1e -een (&ke t#""&n' f!(( for,e &nto +o$eth&n' he h#d #(re#dy -ro#,hed re"e#ted(y) -!t on # (e++er +,#(e/ he wo!(d know how to h#nd(e &t. %or Kh#d'#r) howe1er) &t w#+ # ,o$"(ete(y new e;"er&en,e. And # d#n'ero!+ one. B!t Kh#d'#r w#+ not #n #r,h$#', for noth&n'. He h#d -een # "ro$&+&n' +t!dent #t D#(#r#n) #nd h#d (e#rned $!,h d!r&n' h&+ -r&ef #""rent&,e+h&" w&th $ed&1h/#nd f#r $ore #fterw#rd. He w#+ # $#+ter of $#'&,) #nd wh&(e th&+ for$ w#+ new) &t w#+ +t&(( $#'&,. And th#t $e#nt &t w#+ +t&(( # $#tter of w&(("ower. And Kh#d'#r h#d w&((. S(ow(y he re&ned &n h&+ +en+e+) for,&n' the new ener'y down !nt&( &t w#+ $ere(y # -#,k'ro!nd h!$. Then he o"ened h&+ eye+/#nd '#+"ed. St#nd&n' here now) f(ooded w&th the "ower of # who(e wor(d) he ,o!(d +ee wh#t he ,o!(dn2t +ee "re1&o!+(y) Oh) no) he -re#thed. Wh#t &+ &t6 T!r#(yon #+ked. The r&ft+ . . . ) Kh#d'#r -re#thed) -#re(y #-(e to f&nd the word+ to en,o$"#++ the +,o"e of &t. Ner94h!( d&dn2t 0!+t o"en one. He o"ened $#ny/+o $#ny) #(( o1er th&+ "oor wor(d. They f(&,kered #nd '(&ttered) (ook&n' #($o+t (&ke f&ref(&e+ on # hot +!$$er e1en&n'. The +,o"e of th&+ ... 3 don2t th&nk Dr#enor ,#n -e#r &t. 3t ,#n2t ho(d #(( th&+. R&ft+ #r, te#r+/#nd the+e te#r+ #r, 'o&n' to r&" th&+ who(e d#$ned "(#,e #"#rt. And us with it, he tho!'ht) -!t d&d not +#y. T!r#(yon #nd A((er&# (ooked #t e#,h other. A+ one) they t!rned to Kh#d'#r. Wh#t do we do6 And how (on' do we h#1e6 E1en #+ he for$ed the word+ # +h!dder "#++ed thro!'h the te$"(e #nd the (#nd #ro!nd &t. The 1o(,#no -efore &t tre$-(ed) +"ew&n' e1en $ore of &t+ no;&o!+ (#1# o!t &nto the #&r #nd ,re#t&n' # -&((ow&n' 'reen ,(o!d. Then they he#rd # horr&-(e ,r#,k #nd # de#fen&n' r!$-(e fro$ -eh&nd the$. G(#n,&n' o1er h&+ +ho!(der) Kh#d'#r w#t,hed #+ # $o!nt#&n of ro,k ,#+,#ded down) (&ter#((y. The B(#,k Te$"(e h#d -een -!&(t !" #'#&n+t the $o!nt#&n+ th#t o1er(ooked the +e#) #nd tho+e "e#k+ were ,r!$-(&n' #w#y. :o+t of the de-r&+ w#+ f#((&n' &nto the w#ter+) -!t +o$e of &t e;"(oded tow#rd the$ &n+te#d. Th&nk&n' 7!&,k(y) Kh#d'#r $!r$!red # +"e(( th#t +h&e(ded the$ fro$ the on+(#!'ht) #nd the three of the$ +tood !nto!,hed #+ ro,k #nd 'r#1e( #nd d!+t f(ew -y on ,&ther +&de. A +e,ond +"e(( "rote,ted the #re# d&re,t(y -e(ow) where the A((&#n,e for,e+ were #(re#dy $o""&n' !" the re$#&n&n' Horde. :#ny of the or,+ h#d +,#ttered when the -#tt(e h#d t!rned #'#&n+t the$) #nd the +!dden #1#(#n,he on(y h#+tened the&r he#d(on' f(&'ht. Dr#enor) #+ he h#d re#(&4ed &t wo!(d -e) w#+ # -e#+t &n "#&n te#r&n' &t+e(f to "&e,e+. And) Kh#d'#r re#(&4ed) Dr#enor $&'ht not d&e #(one. 2A4eroth &+ &n d#n'er! he ye((ed o1er the d&n. The+e r&ft+ #r, (&nk+ -etween wor(d+. And the D#rk Port#( &+ the (#r'e+t #nd the on(y +t#-(e one. There w#+ #n odd +&(en,e #+) for the $o$ent) the e#rth +t&((ed. Kh#d'#r +"oke 7!&,k(y. O!r wor(d+ #r, ,onne,ted. D#$#'e here ,o!(d (e#k thro!'h the "ort#( #nd #ffe,t A4eroth #+ we((! He 'r&$#,ed #nd +te""ed o!t of the ,&r,(e) try&n' not to 'ro#n &n d&+$#y #+ h&+ ener'y (e1e(+ "(!$$eted -#,k to nor$#(. 3t w#+ (&ke t!rn&n' #w#y fro$ # -onf&re #nd #,,e"t&n' # we#k tor,h &n &t+ "(#,e. B!t he knew th#t to +t#y there (on'er wo!(d end#n'er the$ #((. 3 h#1e to 'et -#,k to the D#rk Port#(! Do yo! h#1e wh#t yo! need to ,(o+e &t6

3 h#1e the +k!((. And the -ook &+ here) +o$ewhere. 32(( f&nd &t) he +#&d w&th $ore #++!r#n,e th#n he fe(t. T!r#(yon nodded. 32(( r#((y the troo"+) he "ro$&+ed. B!t Kh#d'#r +hook h&+ he#d. There2+ no t&$e! he &n+&+ted) 'r#--&n' h&+ fr&end2+ +ho!(der. Don2t yo! !nder+t#nd6 32$ +orry) T!r#(yon) +o +orry/-!t &f 3 ,#n2t +h!t down the "ort#( r&'ht #w#y) when Dr#enor &+ de+troyed &t ,o!(d t#ke A4eroth w&th &t! He +#w the re#(&4#t&on d#wn &n T!r#(yon2+ eye+) #nd h#ted the 'r&$ re+&'n#t&on he +#w #,,o$"#ny &t. B!t h&+ fr&end $ere(y nodded. We2(( t#ke 'ry"hon+) he #nno!n,ed. Th#t2+ the f#+te+t w#y -#,k. Then he +7!#red h&+ +ho!(der+. 3 w&(( +"e#k to the troo"+ -efore we 'o. Howe1er +hort t&$e $#y -e) they de+er1e th#t. He e;tended # h#nd to A((er&# #nd to'ether they r#n down the +t#&r+. Kh#d'#r -#re(y not&,ed the$ de"#rt. He2d +n#t,hed the Eye r&'ht o!t of Ner94h!(2+ h#nd) -!t he h#dn2t h#d t&$e to (o,#te the Book of $ed&1h -efore Ner94h!( h#d ret#(&#ted) &t w#+ here) he to(d h&$+e(f/&t h#d to -e &n order for the +"e(( to work &n h#r$ony w&th the three ,on+te((#t&on+. Ner94h!( h#d +t&(( -een ,(!t,h&n' # +&(1er*tr&$$ed +,e"ter when he2d d&+#""e#red) "re+!$#-(y the S,e"ter of S#r',r#+. %&ne/f#r +#fer for +!,h #n #,,!r+ed &te$ to -e we(( #w#y fro$ A4eroth. B!t where w#+ the -(#+ted -ook6 He needed &t to f&n&+h d&e 0o-) #nd th#t 0o- h#d to -e f&n&+hed r&'ht now) -efore &t w#+ too (#te for #(( of the$. He e;tended h&+ +en+e+) -!t there w#+ too $!,h $#'&, &n the #&r for h&$ to +en+e #nyth&n' ,(e#r(y. 1he boo" could be right beneath m nose or miles awa . 3amn it! he tho!'ht &n fr!+tr#t&on. Kh#d'#r ,#!'ht # '(&$"+e of $o1e$ent o!t of the ,orner of h&+ eye. He wh&r(ed) re#dy to defend h&$+e(f One of the -od&e+ h#d $o1ed) 0!+t # (&tt(e. 3t+ $&d+e,t&on w#+ -#d(y ,h#rred) #nd Kh#d'#r re#(&4ed th#t th&+ w#+ theor,Ner94h!( h#d #tt#,ked 0!+t -efore 'o&n' thro!'h the "ort#(. The one who2d ,#((ed Ner94h!( # ,ow#rd for (e#1&n' the other+ -eh&nd. A'#&n) Kh#d'#r w#+ 'r#tef!( he2d -ro!'ht the r&n' th#t h#d en#-(ed h&$ to !nder+t#nd other (#n'!#'e+) #nd he (owered h&+ h#nd+) w#t,h&n' ,(o+e(y. Theor,he#1ed #nd 'r!nted) o-1&o!+(y &n tre$endo!+ "#&n. 3t re#,hed for +o$eth&n' #nd) w&th 're#t effort) he(d &t o!t to Kh#d'#r w&th #n #r$ th#t +hook. 3t w#+ # (#r'e) he#1&(y e$-o++ed re,t#n'(e w&th ,#r1ed $et#( ed'e+. Kh#d'#r ,#!'ht h&+ -re#th #+ he re,o'n&4ed &t. The Book of $ed&1h. 3 #$ no . . . +h#$#n. B!t O-r&+ &+ +$#rt eno!'h to know . .. th#t th&+ w&(( -e of !+e to yo!) w&(( &t not6 Kh#d'#r he+&t#ted. Theor,w#+ # few +te"+ #w#y fro$ de#th) -!t &t ,o!(d +t&(( -e +o$e k&nd of tr&,k. Ye+) he +#&d #t (#+t. Why do yo! '&1e &t to $e then6 3 #$ yo!r ene$y. Yo! #t (e#+t #r, #n honor#-(e foe) O-r&+ 'row(ed. Ner94h!( -etr#yed !+. He re*for$ed the Horde) #nd for,ed $y L#!'h&n' Sk!(( ,(#n -#,k &nto the fo(d. He "ro$&+ed !+ # new +t#rt. B!t #+ +oon #+/ He ,o!'hed #nd then ,ont&n!ed &n # r#''ed 1o&,e. A+ +oon #+ he fo!nd +#fety) he f(ed. He #nd h&+ f#1or&te+ (&1e. . . . The re+t of !+ ... we #r, noth&n' to h&$. The eye+ f(#+hed w&th # f&n#( +"#rk. 3t wo!(d "(e#+e $e to know $y (#+t #,t . . . w#+ to defy h&$. T#ke &t. T#ke &t) ,!r+e yo!! T#ke &t #nd $#ke h&$ "#y for h&+ tre#,hery. Kh#d'#r $o1ed tow#rd the dy&n'or,#nd 'ent(y took the -ook fro$ h&+ -(#,kened) -(oody h#nd+. 3 "ro$&+e yo!) O-r&+8 We w&(( do e1eryth&n' &n o!r "ower to +to" Ner94h!(. Theor,nodded) ,(o+ed h&+ eye+) #nd went +t&((. 1he vagaries o! !ate, Kh#d'#r $!+ed) 7!&,k(y !ndo&n' d&e ,(#+"+ #nd o"en&n' the -ook to '(#n,e thro!'h &t+ "#'e+. He re$e$-ered f&r+t +ee&n' th&+ $#++&1e to$e -#,k &n $ed&1h2+ (&-r#ry on(y # few ye#r+ #'o. So $!,h h#d ,h#n'ed +&n,e then5 &t fe(t (&ke # (&fet&$e. Then) he h#d -een terr&f&ed of the -ook -!t o1er"owered -y ,!r&o+&ty. %ort!n#te(y) &t+ w#rd+ h#d "re1ented h&$ fro$ e1en t!rn&n' the ,o1er) or e(+e the $#'&,+ ,ont#&ned w&th&n $&'ht h#1e de+troyed h&$. Now Kh#d'#r -y"#++ed the$ w&th ,#+e) #nd +k&$$ed the -ook2+ ,ontent+ w&th 'row&n' e;,&te$ent. A+ he e;"e,ted) the -ook ,ont#&ned det#&(+ #-o!t how $ed&1h #nd G!(2d#n h#d worked to'ether to ,re#te the r&ft. Ar$ed w&th the+e ne,e++#ry det#&(+ #nd the +t&((*(&n'er&n' "ower &n G!(9d#n2+ +k!((. Kh#d'#r w#+ ,onf&dent he ,o!(d now +h!t down the D#rk Port#( for 'ood. B!t ,o!(d he do +o &n t&$e6 He '(#n,ed !" #t the +o!nd of -e#t&n' w&n'+. Se1er#( 'ry"hon+ were ,&r,(&n' the roof) w&n'+ +"re#d #+ they "re"#red to (#nd. Kh#d'#r +"otted K!rdr#n) #nd #nother W&(dh#$$,r w#+ 'e+t!r&n' to the $#'e. Nodd&n') he threw the -ook &n h&+ +#,k) h#nded the "re,&o!+ -#' !") then 'r&""ed the W&(dh#$$,r2+ o!t+tret,hed h#nd #nd +w!n' h&$+e(f onto the 'ry"hon. Where #r, A((er&# #nd T!r#(yon6 Kh#d'#r +ho!ted to K!rdr#n. S",#k&n2 t#, 2&+ troo"+) the dw#rf re"(&ed. They2(( h#1e to ,#t,h !") then) Kh#d'#r +#&d) +h#k&n' h&+ he#d. We h#1e no t&$e to w#+te! To the D#rk Port#(! The 'ry"hon+ +7!#wked #+ the&r r&der+ t!''ed on the re&n+) then they whee(ed #-o!t #nd ro+e) w&n'+ -e#t&n' h#rd #'#&n+t the w&nd #nd the we&'ht of two "#++en'er+ e#,h. Kh#d'#r w#t,hed the B(#,k Te$"(e +(&" #w#y -eh&nd the$ #nd ,(o+ed h&+ eye+) h&+ h#&r #nd -e#rd +tre#$&n' o!t -eh&nd h&$. He he(d the +#,k

,(o+e. W&th the 'ry"hon+ they wo!(d re#,h the "ort#( &n $&n!te+ &n+te#d of ho!r+ or d#y+. He 0!+t ho"ed &t w#+ +oon eno!'h. A((er&# re+ted her he#d on her (o1er2+ +ho!(der #+ the 'ry"hon they rode ho1ered o1er the B(#,k Te$"(e. She +7!ee4ed T!r#(yon2+ w#&+t 'ent(y) '&1&n' h&$ +&(ent +!""ort. She knew how -(e#k h&+ he#rt w#+ #t wh#t he w#+ #-o!t to do. B!t +he #(+o knew he wo!(d not +h&rk wh#t h#d to -e done. Son+ of Loth#r! T!r#(yon ,r&ed) r#&+&n' h&+ h#$$er h&'h #-o1e h&+ he#d. A((er&# '(#n,ed #w#y5 &t+ (&'ht "&er,ed the ,(o!d+ '#ther&n' #-o1e) +hedd&n' # -r&((&#nt wh&te r#d&#n,e !"on the ent&re 1#((ey) fro$ the B(#,k Te$"(e -eh&nd the$ to the $o!th of the A((&#n,e fort f#r #he#d. :onth+ #'o) we ,#$e thro!'h the D#rk Port#() not know&n' wh#t #w#&ted !+) -!t know&n' th#t we h#d to ,o$e. We h#d to ,o$e to +to" the Horde fro$ t#k&n' other wor(d+ #+ &t tr&ed /#nd f#&(ed!/to do w&th o!r -e(o1ed A4eroth. And the $o$ent to do "re,&+e(y th#t h#+ #rr&1ed) Kh#d'#r h#+ wh#t he need+ &n order to ,(o+e the "ort#() -!t th&+ wor(d &+ &n ,h#o+. A4eroth/o!r ho$e/&+ &n d#n'er on,e #'#&n. We $!+t #(( do e1eryth&n' we ,#n/+er1e #+ -e+t we $#y/ to +#1e &t) #nd o!r f#$&(&e+ we h#1e (eft -eh&nd. He (ooked o!t o1er the $en -efore h&$) #nd A((er&# knew he w#+ -!rn&n' e#,h f#,e &nto h&+ $e$ory. 3 'o to he(" Kh#d'#r) to "rote,t h&$) for 3 #$ +!re there w&(( -e re+&+t#n,e. Yo! ... $!+t ho(d the (&ne here. Yo! h#1e ne1er f#&(ed $e yet. 3 know) $y -rother+) yo! w&(( not f#&( $e now. H&+ 1o&,e ,r#,ked. Thro!'h the te#r+ &n her own eye+) A((er&# +#w th#t he we"t. None of !+ know+ wh#t w&(( h#""en. We $#y +!r1&1e th&+) #nd f&nd # w#y ho$e) #nd (&1e to # r&"e o(d #'e w&th +tor&e+ to d#44(e o!r 'r#nd,h&(dren. Or we $#y d&e here) w&th th&+ wor(d. And &f +!,h &+ o!r f#te) 3 know e#,h one of yo! ,hoo+e+ &t '(#d(y. %or we f&'ht for o!r wor(d/o!r f#$&(&e+/o!r honor. We f&'ht +o th#t other+ $&'ht (&1e free -e,#!+e of wh#t we do here) tod#y) th&+ ho!r) th&+ $o$ent. And &f there &+ #nyth&n' &n th&+ wor(d or #ny other worth dy&n' for/the L"% t know+) &t &+ th&+. A((er&# +t#red #t h&$. H&+ eye+) tho!'h +t&(( f&((ed w&th te#r+) +hone now w&th the r#d&#nt wh&te (&'ht. Awe +h&1ered thro!'h her. (right. . . 1ural on, m love, ou are so bright. Son+ of Loth#r! The L&'ht &+ w&th yo! ... #+ &t #(w#y+ h#+ -een) #nd #(w#y+ w&(( -e. %or A4eroth! H&+ h#$$er '(owed -r&'hter th#n the d#y) #nd $#ny of the ,#"t!red or,+ ne#r-y fe(( to the 'ro!nd +,re#$&n' #+ &t+ #!r# -!rned #t the&r eye+. T!r#(yon2+ +o(d&er+ were +tren'thened -y the '(ow) howe1er) #nd ,heered #+ the 'ry"hon ro+e) ,#rry&n' T!r#(yon #nd A((er&# #fter the W&(dh#$$,r+) tow#rd the D#rk Port#(. 3 wo!(d 3 ,o!(d +t#nd w&th the$) he $!r$!red +oft(y. She k&++ed h&+ ne,k. Yo! do) -e(o1ed. The&r he#rt+ #r, f&((ed w&th the L&'ht. . . #nd +o yo! #r, there. The +,ene #ro!nd the D#rk Port#( w#+ !tter ,h#o+. T!r#(yon h#d to(d h&+ troo"+ the !n1#rn&+hed tr!th/ Kh#d'#r wo!(d need defend&n'. He 0!+t h#dn2t re#(&4ed how $!,h he #nd h&+ fr&end+ wo!(d -e defend&n' the w&4#rd fro$. D#n#th) Kh#d'#r) K!rdr#n) #nd +e1er#( other+ h#d #rr&1ed -efore the$ #nd were f&er,e(y f&'ht&n' the&r w#y to the "ort#(. 3t +ee$ed the or,+ h#d r#((&ed. N,r24h!%+ #-r!"t de"#rt!re h#d +tr#nded +e1er#( ,(#n+ on Dr#enor) #nd #(( of the$ h#d re#(&4ed the +#$e th&n'/the D#rk Port#( w#+ the on(y +t#-(e r&ft) #nd the on(y one th#t (ed to # wor(d they knew w#+ ho+"&t#-(e. Nor w#+ the -#tt(e 0!+t on Dr#enor. One w#+ r#'&n' on the other +&de of the "ort#( #+ we((/&t wo!(d +ee$ th#t on,e #'#&n) the or,+ h#d wre+ted ,ontro( of the "ort#( fro$ the A((&#n,e. They were try&n' to "!+h the&r w#y thro!'h the "ort#( #nd -#,k &nto Dr#enor) !n#w#re of the ,#t#,(y+$ 'r&""&n' the&r ho$,wor(d. The A((&#n,e for,e+ there were ho(d&n' the$ #t -#y for the $o$ent) -!t T!r#(yon ,o!(d e;"e,t no #&d. He #nd th&+ h#ndf!( were #(( th#t +tood -etween the Horde #nd A4eroth. B!t they weren2t here to w&n # -#tt(e) he re$&nded h&$+e(f. Th#t w#+ ent&re(y +e,ond#ry r&'ht now. The&r 'o#( w#+ +&$"(y to "rote,t Kh#d'#r #nd the other $#'& wh&(e they ,(o+ed the "ort#( on,e #nd for #((. Do wh#t yo! h#1e to do) he to(d Kh#d'#r) who +tood ne#r-y) the other $#'& ,(!+tered #ro!nd h&$. The yo!n'*o(d #r,h$#', nodded #nd r#&+ed h&+ h#nd+) (ett&n' h&+ eye+ ,(o+e. H&+ +t#ff w#+ &n one h#nd) the Sk!(( of G!(2d#n &n the other) #nd he -e'#n to ,h#nt) ener'&e+ ,o#(e+,&n' #nd +w&r(&n' #ro!nd h&$. The or,+ o!tn!$-ered the$ -y # +&'n&f&,#nt $#r'&n) #nd were f&'ht&n' &n # fren4y) de+"er#te to e+,#"e the&r ,o((#"+&n' wor(d -y #ny $e#n+ ne,e++#ry. The 'ro!nd w#+ tre$-(&n' +o 1&o(ent(y w#rr&or+ ,o!(d -#re(y kee" the&r feet) #nd the -#tt(e de1o(1ed &nto $ere -r#w(&n' #+or,#nd h!$#n +w!n' w&(d(y #t e#,h other) !n#-(e to ,on,entr#te eno!'h to #tt#,k $ore ,ffe,t&1e(y. The +ky +"(&t w&th (&'htn&n' +tor$+ #""e#r&n' #nd d&+#""e#r&n' #t -(!rr&n' +"eed+) +t#r+ 1&+&-(e one &n+t#nt #nd the +!n the ne;t. The "(#net w#+ 'o&n' $#d. Between +k&r$&+he+ T!r#(yon ,#!'ht '(&$"+e+ of Kh#d'#r. The other $#'& h#d 0o&ned &n now. #(( of the$ o!t(&ned &n r#d&#n,e) #nd when he +7!&nted T!r#(yon ,o!(d 0!+t +ee the tr#&(+ of ener'y they were "o!r&n' &nto Kh#d'#r) who +tood #t the&r ,enter. He knew h&+ fr&end w#+ #-+or-&n' #(( th#t $#'&,) +o th#t he ,o!(d fo,!+ &t !"on the "ort#( #nd de+troy &t for 'ood.

A!+t #+ Kh#d'#r2+ ,h#nt&n' re#,hed # fe1er "&t,h. T!r#(yon he#rd # +tr#n'e r&""&n' +o!nd) +h#r" -!t +o$ehow f#&nt #+ we(() #+ &f &t h#d o,,!rred -oth ne#r-y #nd 1ery f#r #w#y. He h#d he#rd +o$eth&n' +&$&(#r #to" the B(#,k Te$"(e) #nd #fter d&+"#t,h&n' #notheror,he '(#n,ed #ro!nd #nd +#w # +tr#n'e +h&$$er &n the #&r not f#r fro$ the$) # +hort w#y+ -eh&nd the $#'&. A new r&ft! The e#rth +hook -ene#th h&+ feet #nd on "!re '!t &n+t&n,t T!r#(yon (e#"ed -#,kw#rd. A f&++!re o"ened where he2d -een +t#nd&n'0!+t # +e,ond -efore) w&den&n' (&ke # h!n'ry $o!th. Cr#,k+ r#,ed #ro!nd 0#''ed(y #nd then +!dden(y #n enor$o!+ ,h!nk of e#rth +!r'ed !"w#rd) ,#rry&n' w&th &t # +$#(( ,(!+ter of $en #nd or,+) -!,k&n' the$ off (&ke #n !n-roken +teed #+ &t t!rned w&(d(y &n $&d#&r. Kh#d'#r h#dn2t e;#''er#ted. Dr#enor 7!&te (&ter#((y w#+ "hy+&,#((y te#r&n' &t+e(f to "&e,e+. He w#+ +t&(( +t#r&n' #t the f(o#t&n' h!nk of e#rth when Kh#d'#r r#&+ed h&+ +t#ff h&'h #nd # -e#$ of (&'ht +hot fro$ &t to +tr&ke the D#rk Port#( &n &t+ ,enter. The (&'ht w#+ too -r&'ht to (ook !"on) -!t !n(&ke the Ho(y L&'ht th&+ w#+ $#ny ,o(or+ #(( #t on,e) +w&r(&n' #nd d#n,&n' #nd +h&ft&n'. 3t w#+ "!re $#'&, wro!'ht &nto # "owerf!( +"e(() #nd when &t +tr!,k the wh&r(&n' +!rf#,e of the "ort#( he he#rd # +o!nd (&ke +h#tter&n' '(#++. Then the D#rk Port#( -e'#n to ,r!$-(e) &t+ ,!rt#&n of ener'y +"(&tt&n' #nd fr#'$ent&n' #+ the +"e(( !nwro!'ht &t. 3t &+ done) Kh#d'#r +#&d we#r&(y) "(#nt&n' h&+ +t#ff #'#&n+t the 'ro!nd #nd (e#n&n' he#1&(y !"on &t. Then he (ooked !" #nd +"otted one of K!rdr#n2+ dw#r1e+) # yo!n' W&(dh#$$,r who h#d 0!+t h!r(ed h&+ +tor$h#$$,r #t # h!(k&n'or,th#t h#d thre#tened D#n#th. Yo!! Kh#d'#r +ho!ted. T#ke the+e! He +(#$$ed the +k!(( &nto h&+ +#,k #nd thr!+t the !nw&,(d1 -!nd(e #t the +!r"r&+ed dw#rf. T#ke &t #nd f(y -#,k to A4,ro!h! Th&+ need+ to 'et to the K&r&n Tor! B!t +&r) the yo!n' dw#rf +#&d) #r, ye n#, ,o$&n' thro!'h y,r+,(+6 Kh#d'#r +hook h&+ wh&te he#d. No. We21e 'ot to +h!t &t down here. 3t2+ the on(y w#y to $#ke +!re the d#$#'e h#""en&n' here won2t fo((ow !+ &nto A4eroth. T!r#(yon &nh#(ed +w&ft(y. So there &t w#+. then. Kh#d'#r h#d ne1er -een one to $&n,e word+ #nd he2d 0!+t +#&d -(!ndy wh#t they2d #(( +!+"e,ted. On(y th&+ one dw#rf wo!(d $#ke &t -#,k. The re+t of the$ wo!(d -e +tr#nded &n # wor(d th#t (!r,hed ,(o+er to noth&n'ne++ -y the +e,ond. So be it. The "#(#d&n +#w the yo!n' W&(dh#$$,r he+&t#te) not +!re how to re+"ond) #nd then '#+"ed #+ he +#w the '(e#$&n' #r, of # $#++&1e #;e +(&,&n' d&re,t(y tow#rd the !nw#ry dw#rf B!t -efore T!r#(yon ,o!(d +ho!t # w#rn&n') # +tor$h#$$,r f(#+hed "#+t) +tr&k&n' the #;e w&,(d,r w&th # th!nder,(#" th#t r#n' &n h&+ ,#re) #nd #;e #ndor,#(&ke fe(( to the 'ro!nd. Go on) (#d! K!rd r#n ordered) h&+ +tor$h#$$,r ret!rn&n' to h&+ 'r#+" #+ he whee(ed Sky2re, #(on'+&de the +!r"r&+ed dw#rf. The yo!n'er dw#rf nodded) (e#n&n' down to 'r#- d&e +#,k fro$ Kh#d'#r #nd then n!d'&n' h&+ 'ry"hon w&th hee( #nd knee #nd e(-ow. She re+"onded #t on,e) -e#t&n' her w&n'+ h#rd #nd r&+&n' (&ke # +hot) then #rrow&n' +tr#&'ht for the ,o((#"+&n' "ort#(. B!t #+ +he "#++ed !nder &t+ ,r#,k&n' #r,he+) the +#,k f(#red w&th (&'ht) #nd the "ort#( re+"onded) the re+!(t&n' '(#re -(&nd&n' the$ #((. T!r#(yon he#rd the 'ry"hon +hr&ek &n "#&n) #nd the dw#rf +,re#$ed #+ we(() -!t he ,o!(d not +ee wh#t h#d h#""ened to the$. The terr&-(e +o!nd+ were drowned o!t -y # fero,&o!+ r!$-(&n'. Before he f!((y re#(&4ed wh#t h#d h#""ened) there w#+ # de#fen&n' ,r#+h #nd Kh#d'#r w#+ f(y&n' -#,kw#rd. He (#nded h#rd) -(#,k&n' o!t for # +e,ond. When he ,#$e to #n &n+t#nt (#ter) #,h&n' #nd -#re(y #-(e to -re#the) he (ooked &$$ed&#te(y tow#rd the "ort#(. 3t w#+ 'one. The '&#nt +t#t!e+ th#t h#d '!#rded &t h#d t!$-(ed to !nre,o'n&4#-(e -o!(der+. The three "&((#r+ th#t h#d for$ed the '#tew#y) th#t h#d ,ont#&ned the r&ft &n '(or&o!+ ,#r1ed $#0e+ty) were now noth&n' -!t r!--(e. No +&'ht of A4eroth re$#&ned. They h#d done &t. They h#d de+troyed the r&ft #nd the "ort#(. And now) they were fore1er ,!t off fro$ e1eryth&n' they h#d known. A(( #ro!nd h&$. Horde #nd A((&#n,e were +t#''er&n' to the&r feet) on(y to fee( Dr#enor -!,k -ene#th the$ #'#&n. The or,+ took off) not !nder+t#nd&n') #+ Kh#d'#r d&d) th#t there w#+ re#((y nowhere for the$ to r!n. The "ort#(2+ ,o((#"+e h#d #""#rent(y &n0!red Dr#enor f!rther) #nd the !"he#1#(+ 'rew &n &nten+&ty #nd fre7!en,y. They were ,on+t#ndy 0#rred #nd to++ed #-o!t #+ &f they were # +$#(( -o#t on #n #n'ry +e#) the 'ro!nd r&""(&n' (&ke w#ter #nd the +ky th&,ker th#n fo'. .hat an ignominious death, Kh#d'#r tho!'ht w&th # h&nt of wry #$!+e$ent. Having one's brains bashed out b a chun" o! earth. He (ooked #ro!nd one (#+t t&$e #t h&+ fr&end+/D#n#th +t&(( on h&+ feet) +t&(( f&'ht&n' wh#t or,+ h#dn2t f(ed. A((er&# h#d f#((en #nd T!r#(yon w#+ he("&n' her to her feet) 7!&,k(y wr#""&n' (&nen #ro!nd # n#+ty '#+h on her #r$.

Perh#"+ fee(&n' Kh#d'#r2+ '#4e) T!r#(yon (ooked !". The&r eye+ $et for # $o$ent) #nd T!r#(yon +$&(ed th#t ,#($) 'ent(e +$&(e th#t Kh#d'#r #++o,&#ted w&th the "#(#d&n) A((er&# '(#n,ed #t the #r,h$#', #+ we(() #nd nodded her he#d) the -r&'ht 'o(d d&$$ed w&th d!+t #nd $#tted here #nd there w&th -(ood. K!rdr#n) +t&(( ho1er&n' on Sky2r,,. r#&+ed # h#$$er &n +#(!te. And +o &t wo!(d end. Kh#d'#r h#d #(w#y+ +!+"e,ted they wo!(dn2t +!r1&1e th&+) -!t he w#+ f&er,e(y 'r#tef!( they2d -een #-(e to ,(o+e the "ort#( #nd +#1e the&r wor(d. And he w#+ e7!#((y 'r#tef!( th#t &f they h#d to d&e/wh&,h) he $!+ed wry(y) #(( $en d&d/&t wo!(d -e here) to'ether) f&'ht&n' +&de -y +&de #+ they #(w#y+ h#d. A f#&nt '(&$$er ,#!'ht h&+ eye. He -(&nked. No) &t w#+ there/# r&""(e &n the f#-r&, of +"#,e #nd t&$e. Another r&ft. Another wor(d. One th#t) "erh#"+) w#+n2t +h!dder&n' &n &t+ de#th throe+. There! he ye((ed #+ (o!d(y #+ he ,o!(d) "o&nt&n' #t the r&ft. We 'o thro!'h there! 3t2+ the on(y ,h#n,e we21e 'ot! T!r#(yon #nd A((er&# (ooked #t one #nother. Kh#d'#r ,o!(dn2t he#r wh#t they +#&d o1er the de#fen&n' no&+e+ of # wor(d +h#k&n' &t+e(f to "&e,e+) -!t he +#w the$ ho(d e#,h other for # $o$ent -efore) h#nd+ 0o&ned) they t!rned to the r&ft. They h#d #(( 1ent!red forth thro!'h the D#rk Port#( &nto Dr#enor) -!t #t (e#+t they2d h#d # 1#'!e &de# of wh#t they wo!(d f&nd. B!t th&+ .. . Dr#enor2+ de#th throe+ ,ont&n!ed) #nd Kh#d'#r h&t the e#rth h#rd. S,r#$-(&n' to h&+ feet) knee+ #nd "#($+ +,r#"ed r#w) he (ooked tow#rd the r&ft. S#(1#t&on) or # yet wor+e f#te6 He d&dn2t know. None of the$ knew. They2d 0!+t h#1e to f&nd o!t . . . one w#y or the other. Kh#d'#r) #r,h$#',) o(d $#n) yo!th) +w#((owed h#rd) +tee(ed h&$+e(f) #nd r#n thro!'h.

CHAPTER TWENTY*SE=EN
P!+h on. Horde w#rr&or+! we #re not f#r! Gro$ He((+,re#$2+ 1o&,e ,!t thro!'h the d&n. he#rten&n' tho+e who he#rd &t. R,;;#r +"!n) the -#tt(e*#;e &n h&+ (eft h#nd +he#r&n' thro!'h #n A((&#n,e w#rr&or2+ ne,k #nd the $#t,h&n' #;e &n h&+ r&'ht +(&,&n' down to +"(&t #nother w#rr&or fro$ +ho!(der to w#&+t. Be+&de h&$ h&+ wo(f H#r#th# +n#r(ed #nd (!n'ed &n) h&+ $#++&1e 0#w+ +n#""&n' +h!t !"on # th&rd w#rr&or2+ fore#r$. R,;;#r he#rd the d&+t&n,t&1e ,r!n,h of teeth +"(&nter&n' -one #nd the $#n ,r&ed o!t) the +word f#((&n' fro$ h&+ h#nd. H#r#th# re(e#+ed the $#n'(ed #r$ #nd) &n # (&'htn&n'*f#+t $o1e) +"r#n' #nd ,r!n,hed the $#n2+ thro#t &n h&+ 0#w+. They $#de # (eth#( te#$. Off to one +&de R,;;#r ,o!(d +ee Gro$ He((+,re#$) ,h&eft#&n of the W#r+on') Gorehow( +hr&ek&n' #nd +(&,&n' thro!'h foe+. Other W#r+on' w#rr&or+ fo!'ht -e+&de the&r (e#der) the&r ,h#nt+ #nd -#tt(e ,r&e+ -(end&n' to'ether &nto #n eer&e $e(ody of de#th #nd de+tr!,t&on. R,;;#r w#+ one of the few (eft who w#+n2t fro$ th#t ,(#n) -!t th#t w#+ not !n!+!#( for h&$. He d&dn2t re#((y h#1e # ,(#n. At (e#+t) not one &n1o(1ed &n the Horde. H&+ own "eo"(e) the $ok2n#th#() h#d #(w#y+ -een +t!--orn(y &nde"endent. S$#(( &n n!$-er) the&r (&1e+ h#d -een d&ff&,!(t #nd fo,!+ed on $#&nt#&n&n' the&r tr#d&t&on#( (#nd &n the B(#de2+ Ed'e :o!nt#&n+) defend&n' &t #'#&n+t the o're+ who +o!'ht to ,(#&$ &t. R,;;#r h#d tr&ed to te(( h&+ f#ther) L,oro;;) #-o!t the D#rk Port#( the or,+ were -!&(d&n'5 #-o!t the ,h#n,e to f&nd # fre+h new wor(d for the -e(e#'!ered $ok2n#th#(. B!t Leoro;; +#w on(y th#t h&+ +on w#+ not +t#y&n' where he h#d -een -orn) to f&'ht to "rote,t h&+ ho$e(#nd. Both h#d the 'o#( of he("&n' the&r "eo"(e5 -!t &n the end) R,;;#r h#d fo((owed the Horde) #nd -een d&+owned for h&+ ,ho&,e. Now) &t w#+ the on(y f#$&(y he h#d. B!t then) he2d #(w#y+ -een d&fferent. Another h!$#n went down. R,;;#r '(#n,ed !") h&+ he&'ht #((ow&n' h&$ to +ee o1er the other w#rr&or+. Gro$ w#+ r&'ht/they were not f#r fro$ the D#rk Port#(. Perh#"+ # h!ndred h!$#n+ +tood -etween h&$ #nd h&+ ho$,wor(d. R,;;#r 'r&nned #nd r#&+ed -oth #;e+. He w#+ #-o!t to th&n th#t n!$-er ,on+&der#-(y. O1er the (#+t few $onth+) the fort!ne+ of w#r h#d +w!n' -#,k #nd forth. The A((&#n,e h#d "enned the$ &n # +$#(( 1#((ey #d0o&n&n' th&+ one for # +hort t&$e) -!t ,o!(d not ho(d the Horde there for (on'. The h!$#n w#rr&or+ h#d !ndere+t&$#ted the w&(( #nd fero,&ty of the ,ornered or,+) #nd Gro$ h#d (ed h&+ "eo"(e to freedo$. They h#d re'ro!"ed &n # "(#,e to the north ,#((ed Ston#&d. 35 h#d -een the f&r+t o!t"o+t the Horde h#d ,re#ted when they h#d ,o$e thro!'h the D#rk Port#( or&'&n#((y. The +w#$") tho!'h fet&d #nd !n"(e#+#nt) he(d (&fe #nd w#ter) #nd Gro$ h#d ref!+ed to (et the or,+ f#(( &nto de+"#&r. They h#d -!&(t !" Ston#rd) #!'$ented &t w&th r#&d+ on A((&#n,e +!""(&e+) #nd h#d e1ent!#((y re'#&ned ,ontro( of the "ort#(. B#,k #nd forth the Horde #nd A((&#n,e h#d 'one. B!t now) the (&tt(e '#$e w#+ #t #n end. Gro$ h#d de,&ded th#t &t w#+ t&$e to ret!rn. No other ,(#n+ h#d ,o$e to #&d the$) #nd wh&(e they were +t&(( # f&'ht&n' for,e to -e re,koned w&th/#+ the A((&#n,e w#+ d&+,o1er&n' now/the&r n!$-er+ were +(ow(y dw&nd(&n') wh&(e the A((&#n,e +ee$ed to -reed $ore -y the $&n!te. Too) there w#+ the $#tter of th#t +tr#n'e de1&,e/the one the w#r(o,k+ h#d tr&ed to #,t&1#te. They h#d told Gro$ th#t &t wo!(d ,re#te # +h&e(d to "rote,t d&e$ fro$ #tt#,k #nd $#ke &t e#+&er to defend the D#rk Port#(. B!t the th&n' h#d -een de+&'ned to de+troy) not to "rote,t. So$eone w#+ re#dy to #-#ndon the$

here/#nd Gro$ He((+,re#$ wo!(d not (et h&+ "eo"(e d&e -e,#!+e of #nother2+ tre#,hery. R,;;#r w#nted to -e #ro!nd when Gro$ ret!rned #nd ,onfronted the one who h#d &++!ed the order. A h!$#n ,h#r'ed h&$ on hor+e-#,k) +word r#&+ed h&'h #nd +h&e(d +et -efore h&$) -!t the +o(d&er h#dn2t ,o!nted on R,;;#r2+ he&'ht. R,;;#r +tr!,k the +h&e(d # he#1y -(ow w&th one #;e) +$#+h&n' &t &nto the $#n) wh&(e kno,k&n' the +word #w#y w&th the other. A+ the r&der w#+ 0o(ted fro$ h&+ +#dd(e) R,;;#r -ro!'ht -oth #;e+ !" #nd (et the $#n2+ own $o$ent!$ &$"#(e h&$ on the -(#de+. He 'r&nned #nd (et (oo+e # f&er,e w#r ,ry #+ he y#nked the #;e+ free #nd +te""ed o1er the de#d +o(d&er) the r&der(e++ hor+e t!rn&n' #nd f(ee&n' H#r#th#2+ +n#""&n' 0#w+. So$et&$e+ &t w#+ 'ood to -e h#(f o're. So$eth&n' f(&,kered #t the ,orner of h&+ 1&+&on) fro$ &n+&de the D#rk Port#(. He h#d on(y +een &t for # +e,ond) -!t he2d 'otten # ,(e#r &$"re++&on of (&'htn&n') ro((&n' d!+t ,(o!d+) (#+h&n' w#1e+) #nd +h&ft&n' 'ro!nd. A(w#y+ -efore the "ort#( h#d +hown the other +&de) +o he h#d -een #-(e to ,#t,h '(&$"+e+ of Dr#enor d!r&n' d&e f&'ht. B!t wh#t he2d 0!+t +een/th#t w#+ not h&+ ho$,wor(d. 3t w#+ # "(#,e of n&'ht$#re. Another A((&#n,e +o(d&er #tt#,ked h&$ then) #nd th#t -ro!'ht R,;;#r2+ $&nd &n+t#nt(y -#,k to the -#tt(e. He d&+"#t,hed d&e w#rr&or e#+&(y) -!t # h#nd+"#n or two #w#y fro$ h&$ #notheror,w#+ not +o (!,ky. C(#d &n the ro-e+ of # w#r(o,k) theor,h#d the 'reen +k&n of $o+t Horde $e$-er+/!n(&ke R,;;#r h&$+e(f) who h#d not 0o&ned the Horde !nt&( +hort(y -efore they &n1#ded A4eroth. There were +e1er#( w#r(o,k+ here) +o$e of the$ 7!&te "owerf!() -!t the&r de#th $#'&,+ took t&$e) #nd th&n'+ h#""ened 7!&,k(y &n -#tt(e. Two w#rr&or+ #tt#,ked the w#r(o,k to'ether) #nd wh&(e theor,h#d $#n#'ed to d&+#-(e one) +end&n' h&$ f(ee&n' &n $&nd(e++ terror) the o$,r h#d +t#--ed the w#r(o,k thro!'h the ,he+t -efore # ne#r-y W#r+on' w#rr&or h#d ,#1ed &n the h!$#n2+ +k!(( w&th # +hr&ek&n' w#r,(!-. Now the w#r(o,k +t#''ered) one h#nd "re++ed to the -(o++o$&n' -(ood+t#&n #,ro++ h&+ front) h&+ +k&n #(re#dy t!rn&n' "#(e) +we#t -re#k&n' o!t on h&+ -row. R,;;#r $ere(y 'r!nted #nd +hook h&+ he#d. He h#d (&tt(e !+e for w#r(o,k+) #nd th&+ one h#d ,(e#r(y not -een "re"#red for ,o$-#t. The $ot&on ,#!'ht the w#r(o,k2+ '#4e) #nd the wo!ndedor,+t#red #t R,;;#r) d&+'!+t #nd d&+d#&n w#+h&n' #,ro++ h&+ fe#t!re+ &n t!rn. Then he +t#''ered forw#rd) h&+ other h#nd "#($ o!t. Yo!! the w#r(o,k +ho!ted. H#(f*-reed! Yo! #r, not tr!e Horde) not # tr!e ore. B!t yo! w&(( do. Co$e here! R,;;#r +t#red #t the w#r(o,k) too +!r"r&+ed to re+"ond. Wh#t6 Th&+ w#r(o,k &n+!(ted h&$ #nd then e;"e,ted h&$ to he("6 W#+ he ,o$"(ete(y $#d6 B!t then) #+ d&e w#r(o,k drew ,(o+er) R,;;#r +#w the 'reen '(ow o!t(&n&n' the ore2+ f&n'er+) #nd +!,ked &n # 7!&,k -re#th #+ he fe(t # r#re -!r+t of fe#r. No) the w#r(o,k d&dn2t w#nt h&+ he(". He w#nted R,;;#r2+ (&fe. W#r(o,k+ ,o!(d (ee,h (&fe ener'y off other+) he#(&n' the$+e(1e+ -y dr#&n&n' #nother. The "ro,e++ h#d # h&'h ,o+t) #nd # +e1ere wo!nd ,o!(d e#+&(y render # he#(thyor,(&fe(e++. And th&+ w#r(o,k2+ wo!nd w#+ $ort#(. R,;;#r tr&ed to +te" -#,k -!t he w#+ -o;ed &n) the or,+ #nd h!$#n+ -eh&nd h&$ too t&'ht(y "#,ked for h&$ to $o1e. He 'row(ed &n+te#d #nd r#&+ed -oth #;e+) deter$&ned to ,!t down the w#r(o,k r#ther th#n d&e h&$+e(f) -!t theor,'e+t!red #nd +!dden(y R,;;#r dro""ed to h&+ knee+) !n-e(&e1#-(e #'ony r#,&n' thro!'h h&$. Wh#t) no (on'er +o +!re of yo!r+e(f6 the w#r(o,k t#!nted +oft(y) +te""&n' !" ,(o+e eno!'h th#t h&+ -re#th t&,k(ed R,;;#r2+ +k&n. R,;;#r ,r!$"(ed #nd wr&thed &n "#&n) too ,r&""(ed -y &t to +tr!''(e. Do,+ &t h!rt6 Do not worry. Soon the "#&n w&(( -e 'one. He r#&+ed h&+ h#nd) +(ow(y) de(&-er#te(y dr#w&n' the $o$ent o!t) #nd R,;;#r +t#red #+ the 'reen*(&$n,d f(e+h &n,hed ,(o+er. A(re#dy he tho!'ht he ,o!(d fe,& h&+ ener'y -e&n' dr#wn fro$ h&$) #nd # w#1e of f#t&'!e w#+hed o1er h&$. A f&er,e +n#r( ,!t thro!'h the h#4e of tor$ent #nd # (#r'e -(#,k -(!r +(#$$ed &nto the w#r(o,k. H#r#th#) no! W&th the w#r(o,k2+ d&+tr#,t&on) the +"e(( -roke #nd R,;;#r ,o!(d $o1e #'#&n. B!t he w#+ too (#te. H&+ de1oted wo(f ,o$"#n&on h#d +ho1ed the w#r(o,k #w#y) -!t &n the "ro,e++ the ore2+ h#nd h#d to!,hed H#r#th#2+ th&,k "e(t. R,;;#r +t#red) horr&f&ed) #+ h&+ fr&end +hr&1e(ed -efore h&+ eye+) the "owerf!( wo(f +hr&nk&n' &n !"on h&$+e(f &n #n &n+t#nt #nd then ,o((#"+&n') h&+ -ody t!rn&n' to d!+t th#t the w&nd ,#rr&ed #w#y. Ah) th#t fee(+ -etter) the w#r(o,k re$#rked) r&+&n' to h&+ feet #nd -r!+h&n' off h&+ ro-e+. The -(ood+t#&n re$#&ned -!t he now $o1ed w&tho!t &n0!ry. Yo!r "et 0!+t +#1ed yo!r (&fe) he to(d R,;;#r w&th # n#+ty 'r&n. Ye+) he d&d) R,;;#r re"(&ed +oft(y) tw&r(&n' -oth #;e+ !" #nd #ro!nd. B!t who w&(( +#1e yo!r+6 W&th # +n#" of h&+ wr&+t+ #nd # ro(( of h&+ +ho!(der+ the #;e+ ,#$e #r,&n' -#,k down) to dr&1e dee" &nto the w#r(o,k2+ ,he+t on ,&ther +&de of h&+ he#d. R,;;#r h#d "!t $!,h of h&+ ,on+&der#-(e +tren'th &nto the -(ow+) #nd the w#r(o,k ,r#+hed to h&+ knee+ #+ the &$"#,t dro1e h&$ down) the #;e+ r&""&n' thro!'h h&$ #nd (e#1&n' h&$ to ,o((#"+e &n "&e,e+ !"on the -(ood*+o#ked 'ro!nd. R,;;#r +t#red #t the -ody) "#nt&n') then t!rned to (ook #t the +"ot where the wo(f h#d d&ed) the r#'e +t&(( ro#r&n' thro!'h h&$ #nd th!nder&n' &n h&+ ,#r+. He kne(t #nd "(#,ed h&+ h#nd) wet w&th the w#r(o,k2+ -(ood) on the d!+t for # $o$ent.

Yo! #r, #1en'ed) $y fr&end) he +#&d +oft(y) tho!'h 3 wo!(d yo! were +t&(( -y $y +&de. He took # -&e#th) ro+e) #nd ,h#nne(ed h&+ 'r&ef #nd r#'e &nto #,t&on) ,#((&n' o!t for the W#r+on' (e#der. Gro$ (ooked !") +#w R,;;#r) #nd w#1ed h&+ #;e to #,know(ed'e the h#(f*or,. One th&n' R,;;#r h#d #(w#y+ (&ked #-o!t the W#r+on' (e#der/for #(( h&+ +#1#'ery #nd 1&o(en,e) Gro$ h#d #(w#y+ '&1en h&$ the +#$e re+"e,t he wo!(d +how #ny w#rr&or. He2d #(w#y+ +hown Gro$ the "ro"er re+"e,t &n t!rn) -!t r&'ht now re+!(t+ were $ore &$"ort#nt th#n $#nner+. The "ort#(! R,;;#r ye((ed) "o&nt&n'. So$eth&n' &+ wron'! Gro$ '(#n,ed tow#rd the "ort#( 0!+t #+ # h#ndf!( of or,+ +t#''ered thro!'h. At f&r+t R,;;#r2+ he#rt (&fted) th&nk&n' the Horde h#d +ent the$ he(" #fter #((. B!t then he +#w th#t the+e or,+ were #(re#dy -#ttered #nd -(eed&n') #nd th#t they were r!nn&n' r#ther th#n $#r,h&n'/r!nn&n' #+ &f f(ee&n' +o$eth&n'. So$eth&n' on the Dr#enor +&de. R!n! one of the$ +ho!ted #+ he -#rre(ed &nto #n A((&#n,e +o(d&er h#rd eno!'h to kno,k the $#n o1er) #nd ke"t r&'ht on 'o&n' w&tho!t e1en +to""&n' to #tt#,k the "rone t#r'et. R!n! Wh#t &+ 'o&n' on6 Gro$ de$#nded) #nd R,;;#r +hr!''ed) 0!+t #+ ,onf!+ed. They were -oth +t&(( +t#r&n' tow#rd the D#rk Port#( #+ the +,ene &t fr#$ed ,h#n'ed fro$ the ,r#4ed (#nd+,#"e of # $o$ent -efore to #n !tter $#e(+tro$ of +w&r(&n' ,o(or #nd then to ,o$"(ete d#rkne++. And then) &t 1#n&+hed. A he#rt-e#t (#ter) the +tone fr#$ework th#t h#d en,(o+ed the D#rk Port#() the r&ft -etween wor(d+) &t+e(f -e'#n to ,re#k #nd 'ro#n. The +o!nd+ &n,re#+ed) +tr#&n&n') r&+&n' to # ,re+,endo) #nd then the ,enter +n#""ed) the two $#++&1e h#(1e+ to""(&n' &nw#rd #nd ,o((&d&n' w&th # (o!d ,r#,k #nd # ,(o!d of d!+t #nd ro,k ,h&"+. The +!""ort "&((#r+ fe(( ne;t) kno,ked off*-#(#n,e -y the &n&t&#( &$"#,t) #nd R,;;#r d!,ked h&+ he#d) "!((&n' the ed'e of h&+ hood o1er h&+ $o!th to #1o&d ,hok&n' on d&e d!+t th#t -&((owed forth. or,+ #nd h!$#n+ #(&ke were +,#tter&n') try&n' to e+,#"e d&e ,onf!+&on #nd the de-r&+. No! +o$eone w#+ +,re#$&n') #nd other 'ro#n+ #nd ,r&e+ f&((ed d&e #&r. %or h&+ "#rt) R,;;#r w#+ +tr!,k d!$-) +t#r&n' #t the r!--(e th#t h#d on,e -een # '#tew#y -etween wor(d+. The "ort#(/'one6 D&dn2t th#t $e#n they ,o!(d ne1er 'o ho$e6 Wh#t wo!(d h#""en to the$ now6 %ort!n#te(y) oneor,ke"t h&+ he#d. We w&(( re'ro!"! Gro$ +ho!ted) +(#""&n' R,;;#r on the +ho!(der. Yo! '#ther e1eryone on th#t +&de) 32(( 'et the$ fro$ th&+ +&de! :o1e tow#rd the $o!th of the 1#((,1! R,;;#r w#+ 0#rred fro$ h&+ "#r#(y+&+ #nd nodded) h!rry&n' to o-ey. He (et the hood f#(( #'#&n on,e he w#+ ,(e#r of the +w&r(&n' d!+t. He ,o!(d +t&(( fee( the "#n&, w&th&n -!t for,ed &t -#,k -y ,on,entr#t&n' on the t#+k Gro$ h#d #++&'ned h&$. E1eryor,he +#w) he d&re,ted -#,k tow#rd the 1#((ey2+ front) #nd whether -e,#!+e of h&+ +&4e) or the #;e+ he w&e(ded) or +&$"(y -e,#!+e they were de+"er#te for order+) the or,+ #(( o-eyed w&d&o!t d&+"!te. By the t&$e R,;;#r re#,hed the $o!th h&$+e(f) Gro$ w#+ -#,k #+ we(() #nd #(( the Horde $e$-er+ +t&(( on A4eroth were w&th the$. :o+t of the$ (ooked #+ +t!nned #+ R,;;#r fe(t. Gro$! The "ort#( &+ 'one! one of the$ w#&(ed. Wh#t do we do6 Ye+. The "ort#( &+ 'one. And the A((&#n,e re'ro!"+) Gro$ #nno!n,ed (o!d(y) 'e+t!r&n' to where the h!$#n+ were '#ther&n' &n front of wh#t h#d -een the "ort#( 0!+t $o$ent+ -efore. They th&nk we w&(( -e e#+y "rey. They th&nk we w&(( -e (o+t) #nd fr&'htened w&tho!t the "ort#(. B!t they w&(( -e wron'. We #r, the Horde! H&+ '(ow&n' red eye+ +,#nned the ,rowd -efore h&$) #nd he (&fted Gorehow(. We he#d north) -#,k to Ston#rd. We d&+,o1er wh#t h#""ened to o!r wor(d. We tend o!r wo!nded. We +!r1&1e. Then we2(( re'ro!" +o we ,#n f#,e the h!$#n+ on o!r ter$+ r#ther th#n the&r+. He 'row(ed. The A((&#n,e ,(o+e+ &n. W&(( they t#ke !+6 A re+o!nd&n' No! (&fted fro$ wh#t R,;;#r "r&1#te(y fe#red w#+ the (#+t re$n#nt+ of the or,&+h Horde. Gro$ 'r&nned) t&(ted h&+ he#d -#,k) o"ened h&+ -(#,k*t#ttooed 0#w) #nd !ttered h&+ -#tt(e ,ry -efore he ,h#r'ed) h&+ "eo"(e fo((ow&n'. Th#t one. Gro$ $#r,hed !" to theor,+&tt&n' h!dd(ed -e+&de the f&re #+ they ,#$"ed &n Ston#rd th#t n&'ht. He w#+ not d!+ty or -(oody #nd Gro$ knew #(( h&+ w#rr&or+. Gro$ ,(#$"ed h&+ h#nd down on the ore2+ +ho!(der #nd y#nked h&$ -#,kw#rd) (oo$&n' o1er the ore) who+e eye+ were w&de w&th +!r"r&+e. Be+&de Gro$ towered R,;;#r. A+ e#+&(y #+ &f he were ho&+t&n' # ,h&(d) Gro$ (&fted theor,#nd he(d h&$ &n the #&r. The ore2+ feet k&,ked #nd f(#&(ed. The W#r+on' ,h&eft#&n (e#ned &n ,(o+e. Now) Gro$ +#&d +oft(y) # dee" +,ow( on h&+ f#,e. Wh#t &n the n#$e of the #n,e+tor+ h#""ened -#,k there6 Sh&1er&n') theor,fr#nt&,#((y to(d #(( he knew. The other or,+ (&+tened. The on(y +o!nd w#+ the ore2+ r#"&d t#(k&n') the ,r#,k(e of the f&re) #nd the o$n&"re+ent +o!nd+ of the +w#$" #t n&'ht. When he f&n&+hed) no one +"oke. They +&$"(y +t#red) +ho,ked -eyond +"ee,h. %&n#((y) #fter +e1er#( $&n!te+. Gro$ +hook h&$+e(f. So) he 'row(ed) '(#r&n' #t the other+ #nd h#(f*+h#$&n') h#(f* &nt&$&d#t&n' the$ &nto (ook&n' #w#y) +h!ff(&n' the&r feet) #nd +tr#&'hten&n' !". We "re"#re) then.

Pre"#re6 R,;;#r ,r&ed) #nd Gro$ t!rned to f#,e the h#(f*or,) h#(f*o're w#rr&or. Pre"#re for wh#t) He((+,re#$6 O!r who(e wor(d &+ de#d) o!r "eo"(e #r, de#d) #nd we2re tr#""ed here fore1er. A(one. Wh#t &n the n#$e of the #n,e+tor+ +ho!(d we "re"#re !or/" R,;;#r2+ 'r&" on h&+ #;e+ w#+ +o t&'ht Gro$ tho!'ht he he#rd the +tone h#ft+ ,re#k&n' fro$ +tr#&n. We "re"#re for 1en'e#n,e for the de#d! Gro$ +n#""ed) #n &$#'e of G#rro+h (e#"&n' &nto h&+ $&nd2+ eye on,e $ore. H&+ +on #nd he&r. ) bo , he tho!'ht5 m bo . 3ead, li"e all the rest. We2re #(( th#t2+ (eft! he &n+&+ted) ro!nd&n' !"on the other or,+. ".e #r, the Horde now! 3f we '&1e !") &t $e#n+ the end of e1eryth&n' we knew) e1eryth&n' we ,#red #-o!t! O!r r#,e w&(( not d&e !n(e++ we (&e down #nd #,,e"t de#th (&ke ,r#1en we#k(&n'+! 3f Ner94h!(2+ "(#n+/ Ner94h!(! R,;;#r +ho!ted) (e#n&n' down +o h&+ f#,e w#+ r&'ht -y Gro$2+. Th&+ $!+t -e h&+ f#!(t! Who e(+e ,o!(d h#1e ,#!+ed # wor(d to +h#tter +o6 He -etr#yed !+ #((! He +#&d he wo!(d +#1e Dr#enor #nd &n+te#d he de+troyed &t! We don2t know th#t! Gro$ &n+&+ted) We knew he w#+ de#(&n' w&th e;tre$e(y "owerf!( $#'&, to o"en "ort#(+ to other wor(d+. Perh#"+ +o$eth&n' went wron'. Or $#y-e &t went "erfe,t(y r&'ht/for h&$! R,;;#r ,o!ntered f!r&o!+(y. :#y-e he w#+ 0!+t !+&n' !+. #(( of !+. o!r ent&re wor(d) to f!rther h&+ own #$-&t&on+. Th#t2+ wh#t G!(2d#n d&d) &+n2t &t6 :#ny of the #++e$-(ed or,+ 'r!nted or $!r$!red or +n#r(ed #'ree$ent/ e1eryone knew of G!(2d#n2+ -etr#y#( #nd how &t h#d ,o+t the$ the Se,ond W#r. 2And who tr#&ned G!(2d#n6 R,;;#r ,ont&n!ed. Who t#!'ht h&$6 Ner94h!(! C(e#r(y the fr!&t d&d not f#(( f#r fro$ the 1&ne! The $!tt,r&n'+ were (o!der #nd #n'r&er now) #nd Gro$ knew he h#d to +to" the$ -efore the 'ro!" of w#rr&or+ de1o(1ed &nto #n #n'ry $o-. Do yo! not +ee th#t &t doe+n2t $#tter6 he +t#ted) ,!tt&n' thro!'h R,;;#r2+ #n'er -y "ro0e,t&n' ,#($. Sh#(( we de,&de wh#t we do -#+ed !"on r!$or #nd worry6 Sh#(( we "&ne for wh#t ,o!(d h#1e -een or fret #-o!t wh#t $&'ht h#1e h#""ened6 3+ th&+ how the $&'hty Horde -eh#1e+6 He (ooked fro$or,to ore. &n,(!d&n' the$ #(( &n th&+ ,on1er+#t&on) #nd w#+ "(e#+ed to he#r the $!r$!r+ d&e down #+ they w#&ted to he#r wh#t e(+e he h#d to +#y. We h#1e +!r1&1ed! We #r, on A4eroth) # wor(d f!(( of (&fe #nd food #nd (#nd #nd -#tt(e! We ,#n re+tore the Horde #nd +wee" #,ro++ th&+ wor(d on,e $ore! So$e of the other or,+ ,heered h&+ +t#te$ent) #nd Gro$ !+ed th#t ener'y to f!e( h&+ own fer1or) wh&""&n' Gorehow( #ro!nd o1er h&+ he#d +o &t+ +hr&ek&n' wo!(d #dd # -#,kdro" to h&+ word+) Ye+. the A((&#n,e &+ h!nt&n' !+) he +ho!ted) #nd ye+) we #r, no $#t,h for the$ tod#y. B!t one d#y) #nd th#t d#y +oon) we w&(( -e! Here we ,#n re+t) re,o1er) #nd +tr#t,'&4,. Here we w&(( (#!n,h #tt#,k+) #+ we h#1e #(re#dy -een do&n' for the (#+t +e1er#( t!rn+ of the&r $oon+. We w&(( 'row +tron' #'#&n. We w&(( -e,o$e the "red#tor+ on,e $ore) #nd the h!$#n+ w&(( 7!#ke w&th fe#r! He 0erked h&+ #;e to # +to" #nd he(d &t +t&(( #-o1e h&+ he#d) (ower&n' h&+ 1o&,e +o h&+ word+ fe(( +oft(y &nto the +!dden 7!&et. 2And one d#y we) the Horde) w&(( r&+e #nd t#ke o!r 1en'e#n,e #'#&n+t the h!$#n+ w&th # tr!e #nd f&n#( 1&,tory! The w#rr&or+ ,heered #nd whoo"ed #nd +ho!ted) r#&+&n' the&r own we#"on+ h&'h) #nd Gro$ nodded. P(e#+ed. They were #(( -eh&nd h&$ #'#&n) #(( !n&ted on,e $ore. A(( e;,e"t one. Yo! h#1e -een -etr#yed re"e#ted(y) e#,h t&$e -y #notheror,,(#&$&n' (e#der+h&") #nd +t&(( yo! ,ont&n!e down th#t +#$e "#th) R,;;#r +#&d +oft(y) tho!'h h&+ eye+ -!rned w&th r#'e. Yo! h#1e no re#+on (eft to f&'ht! Before) we fo!'ht to "rote,t o!r "eo"(e -y ,(#&$&n' th&+ wor(d for the$. B!t they #r, 'one! We no (on'er need th&+ wor(d! W&th the h#ndf!( (eft) yo! ,o!(d f&nd # "(#,e the h!$#n+ h#1e ne1er 'one #nd ,(#&$ &t w&tho!t +hedd&n' # +&n'(e dro" of -(ood! Where wo!(d -e the '(ory &n th#t6 one of the other or,+ +ho!ted. Gro$ nodded. Wh#t &+ (&fe w&tho!t -#tt(e6 he de$#nded of R,;;#r. Yo! #re # w#rr&or/yo! !nder+t#nd th#t! %&'ht&n' kee"+ !+ +tron') kee"+ !+ +h#r"! Perh#"+) the h#(f*-reed #d$&tted) B!t why f&'ht when there &+ no need6 Why f&'ht 0!+t for &t+ own +#ke6 Th#t &+ not f&'ht&n' to +#1e #nyone) or to w&n #nyth&n') or e1en for '(ory. 3t &+ f&'ht&n' fro$ +heer -(ood(!+t) fro$ (o1e of 1&o(en,e #(one. And 3 #$ +&,k of th#t. 3 w#nt no "#rt of &t. Cow#rd! +o$eone +ho!ted) #nd R,;;#r2+ eye+ n#rrowed #+ he +tr#&'htened to h&+ f!(( he&'ht) the tw&n #;e+ r&+&n' to +ho!(der (e1e(. Ste" forth #nd +#y th#t) he ,h#((en'ed) h&+ 1o&,e #n o$&no!+ r!$-(e. Ste" #w#y fro$ the re+t) where 3 ,#n +ee yo! ,(e#r(y) #nd ,#(( $e # ,ow#rd to $y f#,e! Then +ee whether 3 +hr&nk fro$ # f&'ht! No one $o1ed) #nd #fter # +e,ond R,;;#r +hook h&+ he#d) # +neer on h&+ he#1y fe#t!re+. Yo! #r, the ,ow#rd+) he "ro,(#&$ed) +"&tt&n' the word+ down !"on the$. Yo! #r, too #fr#&d to (&1e tr!(y) o!t+&de the +h#dow+ of (&e+ #nd "ro$&+e+ yo! h#1e -een -o!'ht w&th. Yo! h#1e no ,o!r#'e) #nd no honor. Th#t &+ why yo! ,#nnot -e tr!+ted. The h#(f*or,2+ +ho!(der+ +(!$"ed. %ro$ now on) on(y the -e#+t+ w&(( 3 tr!+t.

Gro$ fe(t # $&;t!re of e$ot&on+ #+ he w#t,hed the tower&n' w#rr&or de"#rt. How d#re R,;;#r #-#ndon the$ now) when they $o+t needed to +t#y to'ether6 At the +#$e t&$e) who ,o!(d -(#$e h&$6 He w#+ not e1en "#rt of the Horde &n the nor$#( +en+e) for the $ok2n#th#( were e1er re(!,t#nt to (e#1e the B(#de2+ Ed'e :o!nt#&n+. To the -e+t of Gro$2+ know(ed'e) on(y R,;;#r h&$+e(f h#d re+"onded to the Horde2+ "(e#) to f&'ht d!r&n' the %&r+t W#r #nd then #'#&n d!r&n' the Se,ond. And wh#t h#d &t '#&ned h&$6 He h#d (o+t h&+ wor(d) h&+ "eo"(e) #nd e1en h&+ ,o$"#n&on the wo(f. W#+ &t #ny wonder the h#(f*or, fe(t -etr#yed6 No one w#(k+ #w#y fro$ the Horde! +o$eone &n+&+ted. We +ho!(d dr#' h&$ -#,k -y h&+ ,#r+) or k&(( ($! He &n+!(ted !+ #((! #nother "o&nted o!t. He +ho!(d d&e for h&+ &n+o(en,e! We need h&+ +tren'th) # th&rd ,o!ntered. We ,#nnot #fford to (o+e h&$! Eno!'h! Gro$ +ho!ted) '(#r&n' #t the$ #((. The d&++enter+ fe(( +&(ent. Let h&$ 'o) he ordered. R,;;#r h#+ +er1ed the Horde we((. Let h&$ h#1e h&+ "e#,e now. 2And wh#t #-o!t !+6 one of the w#rr&or+ de$#nded. Wh#t w&(( we do now6 We know wh#t to do) Gro$ re"(&ed. Th&+ wor(d &+ o!r ho$e now. Let !+ (&1e &n &t f!((y. B!t e1en #+ they nodded #nd ret!rned to the f&re) to +"e#k +oft(y &n 1o&,e+ #-o!t "(#n+ #nd 1&,tory #nd +!""(&e+) R,;;#r2+ word+ ret!rned to h#!nt h&$) #nd # "#rt of Gro$ wondered &f they wo!(d e1er f&nd th#t wh&,h they h#d (o+t +o (on' #'o8 "e#,e.

CHAPTER TWENTY*E3GHT
T!r#(yon e$er'ed fro$ the r&ft) -(&nk&n'. 3+ . .. &+ th&+ ... Dr#enor6 They h#d e+,#"ed Dr#enor2+ de+tr!,t&on -y +te""&n' thro!'h &nto #nother wor(d) one they ,o!(d -#re(y $#ke +en+e of. Kh#d'#r #nd the other $#'& h#d +h&e(ded the$ fro$ the tre$or+ "#++&n' thro!'h the r&ft) #nd on,e &t h#d 7!&eted they h#d ret!rned) ho"&n' to +e#r,h for #ny of the&r ,o$r#de+ th#t $&'ht h#1e +!r1&1ed. B!t #+ h&+ eye+ re'&+tered wh#t they +#w) T!r#(yon 0erked to # h#(t) +t#r&n'. On(y A((er&#2+ t!' on h&+ h#nd re$&nded h&$ to $o1e o!t of the w#y +o the re+t ,o!(d e$er'e #+ we((. 3t &+. Wh#t2+ (eft of &t) #nyw#y) Kh#d'#r +#&d. T!r#(yon re,o'n&4ed the r!--(e of the f#((en D#rk Port#( -eh&nd the$) w&th Honor Ho(d #nd H,((f&r, C&t#de( &n the d&+t#n,e. The ,r#,ked red e#rth w#+ the +#$e #+ we((. B!t the +ky /! 3t r&""(ed w&th ,o(or now) #nd r&--on+ of (&'ht +hot thro!'h &t (&ke $!(t&h!,d (&'htn&n' -o(t+ th#t tr#1e(ed #,ro++ &n+te#d of e1er to!,h&n' the e#rth. The +!n h#d 1#n&+hed #nd the +ky w#+ # d#rk red. -!t he ,o!(d +ee the $oon ho1er&n' h&'h #-o1e) (ook&n' f#r (#r'er th#n &t e1er h#d -efore) A +e,ond +"here) th&+ one ro+y) w#+ (ow on the hor&4on) #nd # th&rd) +$#((er #nd # -r&'ht -(!e) f(o#ted 0!+t #-o1e th#t one. W&+"+ (&ke tendr&(+ of ,(o!d dr&fted here #nd there. And wh&(e the e#rth w#+ the +#$e &n ,o(or #nd ,on+&+ten,y) not f#r #w#y T!r#(yon +#w # +$#(( wed'e of ,r#,ked 'ro!nd/on(y &t w#+ "erh#"+ # h!ndred feet !"! 3t -o--ed +(&'ht(y) -!ffeted -y the f&er,e w&nd+ th#t r#'ed #(( #ro!nd the$) -!t otherw&+e +t#yed &n "(#,e. Other fr#'$ent+ f(o#ted here #nd there #+ we((. The d#$#'e h#+ +!ndered re#(&ty #+ we know &t) Kh#d'#r ,ont&n!ed. Gr#1&ty) +"#,e) "erh#"+ e1en t&$e &t+e(f no (on'er f!n,t&on "ro"er(y here. Kh#d'#r2+ word+ were +w#((owed -y # te#r&n' +o!nd -ene#th the$. T!r#(yon 'r#--ed h&+ #r$ w&th one h#nd #nd A((er&#2+ w&th the other) &n+t&n,t&1e(y t!''&n' the$ -oth -#,k tow#rd wh#t h#d -een the re+t of the (#nd. %#(( -#,k! T!r#(yon +ho!ted) tho!'h he w#+n2t +!re the $en ,o!(d he#r h&$ o1er the rend&n' of the e#rth or the how(&n' of the w&nd+ o1erhe#d. B#,k #w#y fro$ the r&ft! They ,o!(d +ee h&$) howe1er) #nd he 'e+t!red to the we+t) tow#rd Honor Ho(d. They r#n then) #(( order for'otten &n the&r "#n&,. And not # $o$ent too +oon. A+ T!r#(yon "!((ed Kh#d'#r #nd A((er&# #(on') the 'ro!nd -ene#th the&r feet -e'#n to ,r!$-(e. They h!r(ed the$+e(1e+ tow#rd the 'ro!nd -eyond) -#re(y re#,h&n' &t -efore the (ed'e -eh&nd the$ ,o((#"+ed) ,h!nk+ of ro,k #nd e#rth f#((&n' #w#y. Before) the D#rk Port#( h#d -een "#rt&#((y en,&r,(ed -y $o!nt#&n+ to the ,#+t) #nd -eyond th#t h#d -een the +e#. Now $o+t of the $o!nt#&n+ h#d 1#n&+hed) #nd) +ho,k&n'(y) +o h#d the w#1e+. On(y e$"ty +"#,e w#&ted to +w#((ow the f#((&n' de-r&+) #+ the wor(d2+ re$#&n+ now h!n' &n # 're#t y#wn&n' d#rkne++ +hot thro!'h w&th r&""(e+ #nd f(#+he+ of (&'ht here #nd there. S&r) one of the $en "&"ed !". W#+n2t . . . w#+n2t th#t where the r&ft w#+6 Ye+) T!r#(yon +#&d. 3t w#+. The r&ft thro!'h wh&,h they h#d f&r+t f(ed Dr#enor #nd then ret!rned to &t h#d &ndeed -een on th#t (ed'e) #nd h#d ,o((#"+ed when the e#rth -ene#th &t h#d +h#ttered) (e#1&n' -eh&nd on(y the re$n#nt+ of the D#rk Port#(. There w#+ +&(en,e) #nd T!r#(yon +en+ed the&r 'row&n' de+"#&r. Look there) he to(d the$) +"ott&n' # f#$&(&#r ,(!+ter of -!&(d&n'+ # +hort d&+t#n,e #w#y. Honor Ho(d +t&(( +t#nd+. We -!&(t &t to +er1e #+ o!r +tron'ho(d here on Dr#enor) #nd +o &t w&(( -e.

He t!rned to (ook #t the$/d!+ty) -(oody) e;h#!+ted. We knew when we ,#$e thro!'h we $&'ht not -e ret!rn&n'. L&'ht) we e;"e,ted to d&e/-!t we d&dn2t. The "ort#(2+ ,(o+ed. We d&d wh#t we ,#$e here to do. Wh#t we do now/ th#t2+ !" to !+. There #r, other+ +t&(( o!t there/we need to f&nd the$) -r&n' the$ -#,k. We2(( e;"(ore. :#ke new #((&e+. Kee" f&'ht&n' the Horde) wh#te1er2+ (eft of &t here) +o they don2t e1er try to do +o$eth&n' (&ke th&+ #'#&n. The L&'ht &+ +t&(( w&th !+. We +t&(( h#1e # 0o- to do. Th&+ wor(d w&(( -e wh#t we ,hoo+e to $#ke of &t. AU,r&# +te""ed -e+&de h&$) her eye+ +h&n&n'. He +7!ee4ed her h#nd t&'ht(y. T!r#(yon '(#n,ed o1er #t Kh#d'#r) who nodded) h&+ yo!n' eye+ ,r&nk(&n' &n #n #""ro1&n' +$&(e. The "#(#d&n #'#&n (ooked tow#rd h&+ $en. They were +t&(( worr&ed. St&(( !n+!re. B!t the de+"#&r #nd "#n&, were 'one. 1his world will be what we choose to ma"e o! it. Co$e on) T!r#(yon +#&d) #nd "o&nted to Honor Ho(d. Let2+ 'o ho$e.

EP3LOGUE
Ner24h!(! Theor,+h#$#n #nd Horde w#r,h&ef ,r&ed o!t #t the +o!nd of h&+ n#$e) h&+ eye+ f(&,k&n' o"en. At on,e the +tr#n'e +w&r(&n' noth&n'ne++ #(( #ro!nd h&$ #++#!(ted h&+ +en+e+) #nd he +7!ee4ed h&+ eye+ +h!t) ho"&n' to for,e #w#y the we(ter of +en+#t&on th#t thre#tened to dr&1e h&$ $#d. Then) thro!'h the thr!$+ #nd how(+ #nd ,r#,k(&n'+) he he#rd &t #'#&n. Ner94h!(! B(&nk&n') he '(#n,ed #ro!nd h&$. A +hort w#y+ #w#y/or +o &t +ee$ed) tho!'h #n &n+t#nt (#ter he wo!(d h#1e +worn &t w#+ $&(e+ d&+t#nt/Ner94h!( +#w # d#rk for$. 3t w#+ +h#"ed (&ke #n ore) #nd # (on'er (ook ,onf&r$ed &t) re1e#(&n' 'reen +k&n #nd t!+k+ #nd (on' -r#&d+. Def&n&te(y #n ore) #nd one Ner94h!( re,o'n&4ed #+ one of h&+ own Sh#dow$oon w#rr&or+. The w#rr&or d&d not $o1e) howe1er/Ner94h!( tho!'ht he +#w the other ore2+ ,he+t r&+&n' #nd f#((&n') -!t &n th&+ "(#,e he ,o!(d not -e +!re of #nyth&n'. Other +h#"e+ (&ttered the +tr#n'e $#e(+tro$ of (&'ht #nd +h#dow. A(( tho+e who h#d fo((owed h&$ thro!'h the r&ft #""e#red to -e here w&th h&$. The 7!e+t&on w#+. where w#+ here/ Why h#dn2t the r&ft (ed the$ to #nother wor(d6 %or wh#te1er th&+ "(#,e $&'ht -e) Ner94h!( w#+ +!re &t w#+ not # nor$#( wor(d. Wh#t h#d h#""ened6 Why w#+ he #w#ke #nd #w#re) wh&(e #(( the other+ were tr#""ed &n # dee" +(ee"6 A ,o(!$n of (&'ht ro((ed "#+t) #nd for #n &n+t#nt Ner94h!( +#w e,ho&n' '(&$$er+ #ro!nd e#,h of the other or,+/#nd #ro!nd h&$+e(f. H&+ eye+ w&dened) then ,(#$"ed +h!t #+ they o1er(o#ded fro$ the +&'ht+ #++#!(t&n' the$. B!t he knew wh#t he h#d +een. They were tr#""ed &ndeed/+o$eth&n' w#+ -&nd&n' the$ to th&+ "(#,e! Ner94h!(! H&+ n#$e w#fted #,ro++ the +tr#n'ene++ yet #'#&n) -!t th&+ t&$e Ner94h!( fe(t +o$eth&n' t!' !"on h&+ ,he+t #nd h&+ (&$-+. The other or,+ re,eded r#"&d(y) or "erh#"+ he w#+ the one $o1&n' wh&(e they re$#&ned (o,ked &n "(#,e/&t w#+ &$"o++&-(e to te(( here. B!t w&th&n $&n!te+ Ner94h!( w#+ #(one) the re+t of h&+ or,+ on(1 d&+t#nt +h#dow+.
J

And then # (#r'er) d#rker +h#dow fe(( #,ro++ h&$) #nd he (ooked !"/ /&nto the f#,e of wr#th &t+e(f. Before Ner94h!( h!n' # $#++&1e -e&n' #rr#yed &n he#1y #r$or of et,hed -(ood*red $et#(. The f&'!re2+ f#,e re+e$-(ed th#t of # dr#en,&) &nte((&'ent*(ook&n' #nd ,(e1er) -!t w&th -r&'ht red +k&n #nd # de$on&, ,#+t. The ,re#t!re h#d +hort) ,!r1&n' horn+ r&+&n' fro$ h&+ h&'h te$"(e+) #nd two +tr#n'e "rotr!+&on+ (&ke tent#,(e+ e;tend&n' -e(ow h&+ $o!th #nd we(( "#+t the +hort -e#rd ,o1er&n' h&+ ,h&n. Se1er#( e#rr&n'+ '(e#$ed) #nd the ,re#t!re2+ eye+ '(owed # dee" ye((ow. And Ner94h!( knew h&$ #t on,e. Gre#t One! Ner94h!( '#+"ed) do&n' h&+ -e+t to -ow tho!'h h&+ (&$-+ were +t&(( -o!nd +o$ehow. Ah) Ner94h!() $y !nf#&thf!( (&tt(e +er1#nt) re"(&ed K&(20#,d,n) de$on (ord of the B!rn&n' Le'&on. D&d yo! th&nk 3 h#d for'otten #-o!t yo!6 No) Gre#t One) of ,o!r+e not. 3n tr!th Ner94h!( h#d ho"ed +o. #nd #fter the f&r+t few ye#r+ h#d -e'!n to th&nk &t tr!e. Now h&+ he#rt +#nk #+ the de$on (ord ,ont&n!ed +"e#k&n'. Oh. 3 h#1e -een w#t,h&n' yo! ,(o+e(y #(( th&+ t&$e) Ner94h!() K&(20#,d,n #++!red h&$. Yo! ,o+t $e # 're#t de#() yo! know. The de$on (ord (#!'hed) # ,h&((&n') 'r#t&n' +o!nd. 2And now yo! +h#(( "#y for +!,h f#&(!re! 3/) Ner94h!( -e'#n) -!t h&+ -r#&n ,o!(d -#re(y for$!(#te word+. Yo! ,o!(d not (e#1e we(( eno!'h #(one) K&(20#,d,n f&n&+hed for h&$. 3 knew th#t e1ent!#((y yo! wo!(d try yet #'#&n to ,#+t $#'&,+ yo! were not re#dy to h#nd(e #nd d&d not !nder+t#nd. 3 w#&ted) know&n' th#t +o$e d#y yo!r own #rro'#n,e wo!(d -r&n' yo! to $e. He +"re#d h&+ '#!nt(,t,d h#nd+ w&de. 2And here we #r,! H&+ eye+ n#rrowed

to $ere +(&t+. Yo! h#1e dre#$ed of de#th. Yo! tho!'ht to e+,#"e &t. Now) $y (&tt(e "!""et) de#th w&(( -e #(( yo! e1er know. Br&ef '(&$"+e+ +,#red Ner94h!(2+ -r#&n8 A'ony #+ "&e,e+ of f(e+h were torn fro$ h&+ +t&((*(&1&n' -ody5 the de#d +!rro!nd&n' h&$) ,(o+&n' &n on h&$) the&r -(ood on h&+ h#nd+) h&+ own -(ood ,o#t&n' the$) # $or-&d !n&on of de#th) (&fe) #nd e;,r!,&#t&n' tor$ent. No! Ner94h!( +ho!ted) thr#+h&n' #-o!t) try&n' e1eryth&n' to free h&$+e(f fro$ h&+ &n1&+&-(e -ond+. :y "eo"(e +t&(( need $e! L#!'hter +hook the de$on2+ "owerf!( for$) # horr&-(e) eer&e +o!nd th#t $#de Ner94h!(2+ he#rt +"#+$. 3 know f!(( we(( they $e#n noth&n' to yo!. So do not worry) the de$on (ord wh&+"ered) +t#--&n' the t&" of one (on' f&n'er &nto Ner94h!(2+ ,he,k. The $ot&on -!rned) +end&n' +"&ke+ of he#t #nd "#&n thro!'h Ner94h!(2+ f(e+h. There &+ no +#1&n' the$. Do yo! not yet !nder+t#nd6 L&tt(e "!""et) yo! ,#nnot e1en +#1e yo!r+e(f. Then he tw&+ted th#t f&n'er) the re+t of h&+ +"(#yed h#nd (#t,h&n' onto Ner94h!(2+ f#,e) #nd theor,+h#$#n (et h&+ he#d f#(( -#,k) # horr&-(e +,re#$ wren,h&n' &t+ w#y o!t "#+t h&+ tre$-(&n' (&"+. He knew &t w#+ -!t the f&r+t of $#ny.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

AARON ROSENBERG &+ or&'&n#((y fro$ No1 Aer+ey #nd New York. He ret!rned to New York C&ty &n 3HHI #fter +t&nt+ &n New Or(e#n+ #nd K#n+#+. He h#+ t#!'ht ,o((e'e*(e1e( En'(&+h #nd worked &n ,or"or#te 'r#"h&,+ #nd -ook

"!-(&+h&n'.
A#ron h#+ wr&tten no1e(+ for Star 1re", Star6ra+i, .arcra!t, .arhammer, #nd <*ahed. He #(+o wr&te+ ro(,"(#y&n' '#$e+ #nd h#+ worked on d&e Star 1re", .arcra+i, #nd .arhammer '#$e+. He wr&te+ ed!,#t&on#( -ook+ #+ we((. A#ron (&1e+ &n New York C&ty w&th h&+ f#$&(y. %or $ore &nfor$#t&on #-o!t h&+ wr&t&n' yo! ,#n 1&+&t h&$ on(&ne #t www.ro+,n-,r'-ook+.,o$. Aw#rd*w&nn&n' #!thor CHR3ST3E GOLDEN h#+ wr&tten th&rty*two no1e(+ #nd +e1er#( +hort +tor&e+ &n the f&e(d+ of +,&en,e f&,t&on) f#nt#+y #nd horror. Go(den (#!n,hed the TSR >avenlo!i (&ne &n 3HH3 w&th her f&r+t no1e() the h&'h(y +!,,e++f!( 5ampire o! the )ists, wh&,h &ntrod!,ed ,(1,n 1#$"&re A#nd,r S!n+t#r. To the -e+t of her know(ed'e) +he &+ the ,re#tor of the ,(1,n 1#$"&re #r,hety"e &n f#nt#+y f&,t&on. 5ampire o! the )ists w#+ re"r&nted &n tr#de "#"er-#,k #+ 1he >avenlo+l 6ovenant? 5ampire o! the )ists &n Se"te$-er JKKI. f&fteen ye#r+ to the $onth #fter &t+ or&'&n#( "!-(&,#t&on. She &+ the #!thor of +e1er#( or&'&n#( f#nt#+y no1e(+) &n,(!d&n' 7n -ire's W&n'+5 #n Stone's 6lasp8 #nd Under Sea's Shadow L,!rrent(y #1#&(#-(e on(y #+ #n e*-ookF the f&r+t three &n her $!(t&*-ook f#nt#+y +,r&e+ 1he -inal 3ance fro$ LUNA Book+. @M Stone's 6lasp won the Co(or#do A!thor2+ Le#'!e Aw#rd for Be+t Genre No1e( of JKKN) the +e,ond of Go(d,n2+ no1e(+ to w&n the #w#rd. A$on' Go(d,n2+ other "ro0e,t+ #r, o1er # do4en Star 1re" no1e(+) &n,(!d&n' the -e+t+e((er+ Homecoming #nd 1he -arther Shore, #nd the w,((*r,,,&1,d Star6ra!i? 3ar" 1emplar tr&(o'y/%&r+t-orn) Shadow Hunters, #nd the !",o$&n' 1wilight. An #1&d "(#yer of B(&44#rd2+ ::ORPG .orld o! .arcra!i, Go(den h#+ wr&tten +e1er#( no1e(+ &n th#t wor(d @,ord o! the 6lai*s, >ise o! the Horde9 w&th $ore &n the work+. Go(den (&1e+ &n Co(or#do w&th her h!+-#nd #nd two ,#t+.