"I realized there was no hope. And the anti-eyes have completely taken the luster from the souls of my people. I feel that the Horde will devour itself from within, and it's only a matter of time. ”

"Where did it come from, Itrieg, and what caused your people to be so depraved?" Tirio asked.

Itregu's eyebrows furrowed, and he looked like he was deep in thought. "In my grandfather's time, my people were simple and self-respecting. There were dozens of tribes at that time. They live, hunting in the wild of our world. Back then, they were all hunters - mighty warriors all lived by a code of honor, and they themselves worshipped elemental spirits. Thunder and lightning flowed through the blood of my ancestors!" Itreg said proudly, immersed in a hazy fantasy. "Wise shamans guide them and keep the peace between the tribes. ”

Tirio leaned forward, pondering the old orc's words. Of course, human ears have never heard so much orc history before. "And then?" Tirio asked anxiously. He wondered if this was what Tyran felt, like he had when he had read him children's stories before he went to sleep. Itreg continued depressedly.

"A new organization has risen from the tribes, promising to unite them and make them a powerful nation. Many shamans abandoned their ancient traditions and began to practice dark magic. They began to call themselves warlocks. For some evil purposes, they have corrupted tribes with the power of the Shadows and forced them to commit abominable acts of violence. They succeeded in uniting my people, but only barely," Itreig recounted with a grim expression. "Under the rule of the Warlocks, the various clans were united - as a rampaging tribe. Our noble warrior traditions have been twisted to serve their dark sneaky goals. It was the Warlock who brought my people into your world, humanity. They are the ones who have forced us to wage war against you. ”

Tirio shook his head, completely confused. "Didn't anyone say a word against them, and didn't any of the whole clan of warriors want to fight them?" Tirio asked passionately.

"There is very little who does not obey. One of the dissenting tribes was led by an orc named Durotan who openly challenged the warlocks and tried to convince the other tribes to abandon their stupidity. I remember the mighty Durotan vividly. He's an amazing hero. Unfortunately, few orcs heed Durotan's warnings. The sorcerer's control over their minds caused them to lose their rational thinking. Because of his bravery, Durotan was banished, along with his tribe. I've heard that the Warlock's assassins eventually killed him, and that was years later. That's the fate of the tribe," Itreig finished. "Crazy," Tirio said. "If your people really believe in the values of honor, as you say, then I can't believe that they will let themselves be controlled so easily. ”

Itreg grimaced, and sat there quietly for a while. He looked up with a stern gaze and replied, "In those days, it was an awesome trend that bit us tightly, humanity. After Durotan was expelled, fear and paranoia overwhelmed my people. No one will stand up against the Warlock. ”

Tirio scoffed.

Filled with rage, Itreig erupted. "Have you ever stood up against the will of an entire people, human race? have you ever questioned an organization knowing that if you don't obey you, you'll die immediately?"

Tirio's gaze shifted elsewhere. No. He could scarcely imagine what that would be like.

Itreg nodded, feeling that his meaning had already been delivered. "Rumor has it that warlocks are in alliance with demons and use their demon armies. Personally, I believe it to be true. Darkness has taken control of my people, but it will not be born from our hearts. ”

Tirio tensed. He remembered hearing that orcs spread demons and terror to all levels of humanity. The thought sent creeps to his bones. "It seems that your people have suffered greatly, Itrieg, even before they provoked my wrath," Tirio said with pride in his voice. Itreg glanced at him with slanted eyes. "Still, your story is really good. I am afraid that I will judge you and your people unfairly in every way. ”

Itreg grunted as if she was happy, and stood up and stretched her back. "Actually," Tirio continued, "we resemble each other, you and me. We are all veterans and sacrificed a lot, for our-"

Itrig interrupted him with a wave of his muscular hand. "We don't look like anything like humans," he growled. "I am a traitor, as an exile living in a hostile land! you are a rich lord, loved by a free people, able to live the life you want. We don't look like it at all!" Embarrassed by his outburst, the old orc grimaced and turned his gaze into the distance.

Tirio pondered for a moment the orc's harsh words. "You're right, of course. Our people are still at war. Therefore I must ask you, Itreig, in your glory - are there any other orcs in my land, and are the tribes planning to attack this area?"

Itreg sighed heavily, and sat down again. He shook his head in frustration and looked Tirio in the eye. "As I tell you, human beings, I live here alone. I have no interest in associating with others of my kind. I haven't seen any other orcs in a few years. I can't tell you what your tribe is planning right now. I can only assure you that I, a wounded old warrior, have no plans to raid your castle or cause you any kind of trouble. I just want to live alone outside and live the rest of my life in the middle of nowhere. After a lifetime of unsuccessful conquest, peace is the only thing that reassures me. ”

Tirio nodded. "As a warrior of honor, I take your words, Itreig. And, in return for saving my life, I will grant you your abode of seclusion. As long as you remain in seclusion, and keep my people safe, you can stay here as long as you wish. ”

Itreg chuckled in disbelief. "I feel like your brothers are going to hunt me instead of you, human. For them, I am a collection of fears," said the old orc.

"But I'm my lord, Itreig. They'll do as I say. I solemnly swear to you that as a paladin who swears to the Light, your secret abode will be safe. No one will hunt you down when I have the power to stop it," Tirio swore an oath. After a short while, Tirio regretted making such a rash statement. It occurred to him that if the situation became complicated, it would be quite difficult to fully fulfill this vow. If his comrades found out that he had made such an agreement, they would surely put the notoriety of a traitor on him. Still, his instincts told him that it was the right decision. He stood up and made up his mind.

Itreg purred in satisfaction. "With your honor as a guarantee, then," he said, standing up again. Tirio noticed the orc's lame leg again. Itregg was visibly in terrible pain.

"Vouch for my honor," Tirio repeated, staring at the orc's injured leg.

"You know, Itreig, I can heal your wounds. I have such a power," he said.

The orcs laughed like a pastime. "Thank you, but you don't need to," Itreg said. "Pain is a good teacher. Obviously, I still have a lot to learn even after all my fights. ”

Tirio burst out laughing. He really started to like the old orc, which he hadn't done an hour before, and he thought he was a wicked villain. "Maybe one day, I'll be able to come back and have a good chat with you. I must admit that you are not at all what I thought you were," reproached the paladin.

Itreig's large, yellowed fangs seemed to stretch out as he laughed. "You're not what I thought you were, human. ”

Tirio saluted again, then let out a grunt and rode on Mirada. He stabbed the spur into the stallion's side, then rode out of the orc's field of vision and vanished.

As Tirio rode home along the winding path, a thousand different thoughts flooded into his consciousness. He pondered whether it would be a mistake to provide shelter to this orc on his own land. However, he had already said that, he should have kept the orc's hideout safe. Whatever else happened, honor bound him to protect the old orc from persecution. (To be continued.) )