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silently for a moment. He looked up with stern eyes and replied, “It was a terrible momentum that gripped us in those days, human. After Durotan was taken away, fear and paranoia overtook my people. None would stand against the Warlocks.”
    Tirion scoffed derisively.
    Bristling with anger, Eitrigg erupted. “Have you ever stood against the will of an entire nation, human? Have you ever questioned an order, knowing that to disobey meant immediate death?”
    Tirion looked away.
No.
He could scarcely imagine what that must have been like.
    Eitrigg nodded, feeling his point had been made. “It was rumored that the Warlocks consorted with demons and drew on their infernal powers. Personally, I believe it to be true. The darkness that took hold of my people could not have been born in our hearts.”
    Tirion tensed. He remembered hearing that the orcs had set demons loose to sow terror throughout the human ranks. The very thought appalled him. “It seems your people have suffered greatly, Eitrigg, even before they roused the wrath of mine,” Tirion said with a note of pride in his voice. Eitrigg gave him a sidelong glance. “However, your story is a remarkable one. I fear I may have misjudged you and your people along many lines.”
    Eitrigg grunted as if amused and stood up to stretch his back. “Actually,” Tirion continued, “we are much alike, you and I. We are both old soldiers who have sacrificed much for our—”
    Eitrigg cut him off with a wave of his sinewy hand. “We are
nothing
alike, human,” he growled. “I am a renegade living as an exile in a hostile land! You are a wealthy lord, loved by a free people, able to live life as you wish. We are nothing alike!” Embarrassed by his outburst, the old orc scowled and looked away into the distance.
    Tirion considered the orc’s harsh words for a moment. “You are right, of course. Our people are at war. Thus, I must ask you, Eitrigg, on your honor—are there any other orcs in my land? Does the Horde plan to attack this region?”
    Eitrigg sighed heavily and sat back down. He shook his head in dismay and looked Tirion in the eye. “As I have told you, human, I live here alone. I have no interest in dealing with others of my kind. I haven’t even seen another orc in years. I cannot tell you what the Horde plans now. I can only assure you that this broken old warrior has no plans to assault your keep or make any trouble for you whatsoever. I just want to be left alone to live out my remaining years in solitude. After a lifetime of fruitless war, peace is the only comfort I have left.”
    Tirion nodded. “As a warrior of honor, I accept your words, Eitrigg. And, in return for having saved my life, I will allow you your solitude. So long as you remain hidden and leave my people unmolested, you may stay here for as long as you wish.”
    Eitrigg smirked slightly in disbelief. “I think perhaps your brethren will hunt me down despite you, human. To them, I am the sum of their fears,” the old orc said.
    “Yet I am their lord, Eitrigg. They shall do as I say. I give you my solemn oath as a Light-sworn Paladin that your secret will be safe. None shall hunt you while I have power to prevent it,” Tirion vowed. For a brief moment, Tirion regretted making such a bold statement. He knew it would be extremely difficult to fulfill his charge if matters became complicated. If his comrades ever found out that he had made such a pact, they would certainly brand him as a traitor. However, his instincts told him that this was the right decision. He stood, resolved.
    Eitrigg grunted in satisfaction. “On your honor, then,” he said, rising to his feet once more. Tirion noticed the orc’s limp again. Eitrigg was obviously in great pain.
    “On my honor,” Tirion replied, gazing at the orc’s wounded leg. “You know, Eitrigg, I can heal your wound. It is a power I have,” he said.
    The orc chuckled in amusement. “Thank you, but it’s not necessary,” Eitrigg