Chapter I

There were three riders beside Cavalry Sergeant Valorcall, head of all the cavalry of the remnants of Stromgarde, as he did his daily patrol for those of the Horde that walked the main road that was once dominated by the people of his kin.

At his rear was Guy De Sermonte. His father served Stromgarde's cavalry, and thus, as tradition states it, he too must join the cavalry of Stromgarde. And Guy is as traditional as one of Stromgarde can be – he does his best to give himself a suitable physical appearance, and shines his plate armor on a daily basis so he may shine like the sunlight over the water. He speaks highly to his lords and those of higher superiority, and speaks low and dirty to those beneath his boot, as he puts it.

To Valorcall's left was his brother, both in arms and blood, Valdric. Valdric ever since he was born has remained extremely close and loyal to his older and higher-in-command sibling. And Valorcall to him, even though he is not one to listen to anyone's, even his own brother's, suggestion for a battle plan, which was probably the main reason why a spear went through Valdric's chest in an ambush two years prior. Despite that setback, Valdric has remained loyal to his brother, if not more loyal, considering Valorcall dragged his brother's pierced body onto his horse, under heavy fire from arrow and bullets, and rode of to Stromgarde to have his brother mended.

At Valorcall's right was the most important man in the group, even more so than the Cavalry Sergeant, the Lord of the Horse, and entitled Keeper of the Honorable Truth, Valorcall himself. Valignar Trollbane, distant nephew of Thoras Trollbane, barely a fourth of royal blood in his body. Thoras' son, Galen, ordered that all those that even hint of being descended from Lord Ignaeus must be protected at all costs in battle.

Valorcall wasn't exactly pleased when his Lord stated this, considering he will have to protect the son of his father's foe. Valignar's father, Sir Thrim, gained the title of "Great Hero of the Strom" over Valorcall's father, and the two have had a little war ever since. Those closets to Valignar's father and those to Valorcall's would fight skirmishes in the streets like the gangs of Alterac. Thoras, furiated by their meager rivalries and disagreements, ordered that if they fought again – public or otherwise – those that fought and those related to them would be hanged. But the two families's still had a feud against one another, and many saw Galen's move as one that could bring only disaster.

But, perhaps Galen had a reason for the union. It is not exactly morale-rising to know two families hate each other like they hate the Horde, and perhaps Galen saw that war would unite the Trollbanes and the Valorcalls.

Of course, the two families have a better chance of mating with a Gnome than getting along with one and another.

"You would do good to stay back, Master Trollbane" mocked Valdric as their steeds approached a river laying beneath the protective gaze of a waterfall "Lest water will splash onto your face and scar your good features!" Guy only sighed at the remark, and Valorcall gave a scowl at his younger brother. When the patrollers got off their steeds so they may be allowed to drink, Valorcall pulled Valdric close to him and whispered him a warning.

"We will not create more strife than there is already among us, brother. I detest those of Thrim's line as much as you, but these are dishonorable times, little brother. War is on the sea, but I fear you will bring it to Stromgarde's beaches."

"You wish for peace with Thrim's kin? After how he humiliated father, who died for Stromgarde? I have stayed by you for many years, through great perils, many of which have been of your doing, and I never argued against your judgment." Valdric bit his lip then, trying to hold back his tears. He put his head down, as if in shame, and snorted. He quickly gave a final stare to his brother, asking if war has made him made, unreasonable, cold to his kin and allies with his enemies.

"I do what I must, brother."

Guy only sighed in embarrassment as he shined his helmet with his wet rag, and Valignar was simply adding some weights to his warhammer, ensuring that it remained heavy enough to kill an Orc with just a single swing. It is not as simple as it sounds however: add too much weight to one side, and it will be too light. Too much weight to the other and nothing less than an Ogre can lift it with grace, if such a retarded creature as an Ogre can be anything close to capable of grace.

"You are in hard times, Valignar" Guy remarked, keeping his blue eyes on his shining helmet. "Last of a great line, and riding and fighting with the enemies of your kin." Guy gave a quick glance to the young warrior when he asked how Valignar managed to keep breathing without having a dagger stick through his chest.

"Fear, Guy. Fear keeps them from striking me"

Guy only frowned in disappointment. "Fear is a fragile alliance. One that can quickly turn it's blade towards your throat."

"It hasn't yet" Valignar said with a cocky grin.

"Aye, but that can quickly change."

The conversation was quickly erupted by Valorcall, who looked very flustered, and full of anger. "Come, Lord Trollbane! We must be off before those from Hammerfall see us."

"Aye" agreed Valignar, "But to where? The Horde doesn't dare travel the western roads towards Stromgarde, in fear of our many patrols, and the hills are plagued with beasts and vermins, not to mention the Ogre tribes."

"There is talk of a deposit of steel south of Hammerfall. I wish to confirm it."

"But that can very well be too close to the Horde" interrupted Guy as he placed his gleaming helmet on his tired brow. "And I do not wish to be remembered for my foolishness."

"That much is true. But Stromgarde is low on steel, and Galen is getting desperate. If he hears of it, he will surely send all of Stromgarde towards battle with the inhabitants of the mine, and I'd rather have a casualty of" he stopped for a moment, choosing his words quickly. He remembers full well his brother's feelings towards Valignar, but Valorcall remembers even clearer his King's orders to keep all that have any royal blood in them at all alive. "Of…of…three, than a hundred, of which Galen cannot replace. He can replace a few cavalrymen."

Everyone nodded in agreement, including Valignar, but Valdric still had a face of anger stamped on his face. Valorcall clasped his hand on his brother's shoulder.

"We will have our honor, brother."