Chapter 6

Thorwin's heart still raced from the adrenaline of battle, his young hands trembling slightly as he wiped the blood from his face with the back of his sleeve. His wide, sapphire eyes glistened with a mixture of fear and a newfound understanding of the harsh realities of war. The weight of taking a life, even that of a savage brute, bore heavily on his young shoulders.

"I... I had to protect us, mother," Thorwin stammered, his voice wavering. "I had to protect you." His gaze fell to the lifeless orc at his feet, a grim reminder of the choices he had been forced to make to ensure their survival.

Adriana's heart ached for her son, knowing the burden he now carried. She wrapped her arms around him, drawing him close in a comforting embrace. "You did what you had to, my brave boy," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "In times of war, sometimes we are faced with difficult choices, and you acted with courage and selflessness. I am proud of you, Thorwin."

Cedric's arrival interrupted their moment, his battle-worn figure a testament to the fierce struggle he had endured to reunite with them. His concern for their well-being was evident in his bloodshot eye and furrowed brow. Despite his exhaustion, his determination to protect them remained unwavering.

"My Lady, Thorwin!" Cedric gasped, rushing to their side. His eyes quickly scanned Thorwin for any injuries, relieved to see him physically unharmed. His gaze then shifted to Adriana, seeking assurance that she, too, was unscathed.

"We need to leave," Cedric said firmly, the urgency in his voice clear. "More orcs are coming, and we must get to safety."

The soldiers accompanying them quickly lifted the gravely wounded, their faces filled with determination to protect Adriana, Thorwin, and Prince Varian. Tiffin's family accompanied them at the behest of Adriana, while they left behind the fallen comrades, paying their silent respects before focusing on their escape. As they hurried through the streets, the sound of approaching hooves echoed in the distance. Eleven mounted knights soon came into view, led by none other than Gavinrad. Relief washed over his face upon seeing Adriana safe, and he quickly dismounted, moving to assist with the wounded.

"Lady Adriana!" Gavinrad called out, his voice tinged with both concern and joy. He then turned to Prince Varian, his demeanor respectful and formal. "My prince," he greeted with a courteous salute. Then he reached down, his hands grasped the boy's arm and swung him in front of him. "I am sorry for such actions, my prince. But we must hurry for safety." Varian nodded, much to his annoyance from the sudden and rough movement of Gavinrad.

Adriana greeted Gavinrad with a grateful smile, appreciating his timely arrival. "Thank you, Gavinrad," she said, her voice carrying a sense of relief. "Your arrival brought solace in these desperate times."

Gavinrad's eyes held a mixture of admiration and reverence for the Lady he had sworn to protect. "It is my duty and honor to serve you, Lady Adriana," he replied earnestly. Not forgetting their mission, "Lord Anduin expects to meet us at the harbor, my Lady. Please ride one of the horses with Lord Thorwin."

A knight dismounted from his horse and offered the reigns to the Lady. He courteously assisted her and Thorwin from mounting the stallion. "We will lead you to safety, my lady." He offered words of solace. Then he approached Cedric to help with lifting the wounded towards the other horses. Tiffin's family, with Tiffin herself in her father's protective embrace, settled onto another horse, accompanied by one of Gavinrad's knights, who assured them of their safety. The knight offered comforting words to ease the young girl's fear. With the wounded now safely accommodated and the group ready to continue their escape, Cedric took the lead, closely followed by Gavinrad and his knights. Lady Adriana and Thorwin rode on one of the horses, flanked by two guards on either side for added protection. Prince Varian gripped the reins with determination, though his face expressed irritation whenever the Gavinrad's plate armor collided with his behind.

The streets were a mix of destruction and chaos, but the group pressed forward, determined to reach the harbor and the safety it promised. As they rode, the group encountered small pockets of resistance, fending off stray orcs that still lurked in the shadows. Thorwin's heart pounded with each encounter, his hands gripping the reins tightly. He couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for those around him, especially Tiffin, who looked up at him with wide, frightened eyes.

"Help!"

During their journey, the party was halted by a desperate cry for help echoing through a crossing path. They turned their gazes towards the source of the plea, a square in the distance, where a large group of survivors struggled to fend off a horde of savage orcs. The knights formed a protective circle around less than a hundred civilians who huddled together, their tear-stained faces reflecting a mix of fear and hope. Gavinrad's mind raced as he contemplated the difficult decision before him, torn between rescuing the survivors and ensuring the safety of everyone in their party. He looked towards Prince Varian, hoping the young boy might provide counsel in such dire circumstances. However, Varian's young face mirrored the same dilemma, caught between the desire to help those in need and the weight of responsibility to protect their own group.

Before Gavinrad could decide, Thorwin, with his little yet resolute voice, spoke up, his eyes filled with empathy and determination. "Let us save them. I beg you, Sir Gavinrad," he pleaded. The young boy's heartfelt plea resonated with the others, stirring a collective sense of duty and compassion. The knights exchanged glances, knowing the risks involved but also understanding the value of every life they might be able to save. The desperation in Thorwin's voice struck a chord in Gavinrad's heart. He glanced at the young lord, seeing the determination in his eyes, and then turned his attention to Lady Adriana, silently seeking her approval.

Adriana looked torn, knowing that every second they spent rescuing the civilians put their own group at greater risk. But she also understood the weight of Thorwin's words and the compassion in his heart. With a heavy sigh, she nodded, giving her consent.

Gavinrad made a quick decision, his mind weighing the risks and benefits. "We'll proceed to help them," he declared, his voice firm yet tinged with concern. He lifted Varian as if the boy weight as thin as paper and handed him to Cedric. "Cedric, protect them."

Cedric nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Be swift and careful," he warned, his eyes meeting Thorwin's. "Thorwin, Prince Varian, do not leave my sight."

Thorwin nodded back, a mixture of fear and determination in his young eyes. He couldn't bear to abandon those in need again, not after all the suffering he had witnessed throughout their escape. The sounds of clashing weapons and desperate cries grew louder in each distance they covered. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, and the ground was stained with crimson. The survivors fought with all their might, their faces etched with determination and desperation. Young boys, not much older than Varian, could be seen wielding swords alongside the knights, bravely standing their ground against the relentless onslaught of the savage orcs. But the cost of their defiance was evident, as the lifeless bodies of other boys their age lay strewn about, a heartbreaking testament to the brutality of the battle.

"For Stormwind!" Gavinrad's roar pierced through the din, his voice filled with a fierce resolve as he led the charge with their men. His grip on his sword tightened, and with each mighty swing, an orc met its end. The battlefield was a maelstrom of violence and death, with lives hanging in the balance. An orc lunged at Gavinrad from the side, but before it could deliver a fatal blow, a swift and deadly axe crushed its skull, sending its lifeless body crashing to the ground.

Gavinrad turned to find the source of his timely savior, and his eyes met those of a dwarf, clad in thick, heavy armor, worn and scarred from battles past. The dwarf's gruff voice carried a hint of jest as he spoke, "Aye, watch your sides, mate." Despite the grim circumstances, Gavinrad managed a brief nod of gratitude before refocusing on the ongoing battle, determined to press forward.

After the last orc had fallen, Gavinrad finally caught his breath. Just as relief washed over him, Cedric and the others arrived, their faces smeared with sweat and determination. Thorwin's gaze swept over the aftermath of the battle, his young eyes taking in every brave soul who had fought valiantly to protect the weak. Amidst the fallen, his eyes locked on a particular corpse - a young knight with a helm lying nearby, deeply dented by an orc's savage hammer blow. It was the same knight who had selflessly given up his horse to them, offering words of assurance during their desperate escape. The weight of the knight's sacrifice bore down on Thorwin, and he could not help but quiver with emotion.

Urged by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and grief, Thorwin extricated himself from his mother's protective grasp and swiftly dismounted from his horse. He approached the fallen knight's lifeless body and knelt beside him, his heart heavy with sorrow. He prayed fervently, seeking solace and guidance from the light, the elements, and any other benevolent forces that might hear his plea.

Behind him, the clanking sound of plate boots announced the arrival of two men. Thorwin turned his tear-streaked face towards them, and his voice trembled as he asked, "What was his name, Sir Gavinrad?" He wanted to ensure that the knight's memory would not be forgotten, and that his sacrifice would be honored.

"Lorin, My Lord," Gavinrad replied in a solemn voice, his hands bearing heavily on the young boy's shoulders, offering both comfort and strength. "He died bravely for the people, and you are not to blame for his death. Look, my lord, it was thanks to your resolute mind, and the courage of every man here, that we were able to protect these people." His voice was heard by everyone in the square. Beside him, the dwarven warrior stood in silent respect, his eyes showing an unspoken understanding of the cost of bravery.

Thorwin took a deep breath, his resolve firming. "Sir Gavinrad, let us leave now. We still need to lead the survivors to safety," he said, his voice quivering with determination. He wiped away his tears, realizing that his grief must be set aside for the sake of those who still depended on him.

Gavinrad admired the strength and maturity displayed by the young prince. He nodded in agreement, knowing that they had to continue their journey to ensure the safety of the survivors. "You are right, my lord," Gavinrad said, "We must press on, and honor the memory of those who fought bravely today."

He found a moment to collect himself before continuing to his horse. Just then, he was met by Adriana's intense gaze, her piercing eyes searching for answers. "Sir, what does this mean?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "What will people say about Varian?" She whispered, fully aware that this situation could potentially cause a rift between the two friends.

Gavinrad's expression softened as he regarded Adriana, understanding the weight of her words. "My Lady," he began, his voice gentle but resolute, "Lord Thorwin deserves recognition for his bravery and selflessness. He had made a choice that even I hesitated to follow. As for Prince Varian, he is going through a difficult time, and everyone needs a beacon of light in these dark hours, even if our own prince cannot be that light himself."

Adriana's brow furrowed, torn between her protectiveness of her son and her admiration for Thorwin's bravery. "But this could burden my son beyond his years," she said, her voice betraying a mix of fear and determination. She glanced at the dwarf standing beside Gavinrad, mindful of his presence. "We will speak of this again once we have overcome this ordeal," she decided firmly, knowing that they needed to focus on the immediate tasks at hand.

Gavinrad nodded in agreement, appreciating Adriana's wisdom, and understanding. He knew that her concerns were valid and that the delicate balance between the two young heirs must be preserved for the greater good. As Gavinrad prepared to mount his stallion, the dwarf beside him spoke up, his curiosity piqued. "Who's the lad?" he asked, pointing toward Thorwin, who was still on his feet, whose presence commanding despite his age.

"Lord Thorwin Stormsong," Gavinrad replied with pride. "Grandson of the legendary Sir Anduin Lothar, and it was he who had saved all of you."

The dwarf's eyes widened with newfound respect as he witnessed the courage and leadership displayed by the young boy. "He may be young, but he's got the heart of a true leader," the dwarf remarked with admiration.

Gavinrad smiled at the dwarf's words, grateful for the recognition of Thorwin's capabilities. "Indeed, he does," Gavinrad agreed. "And with the support of all those around him, he will grow to be a great leader, just like his grandfather."

The moon hung high in the night sky as Gavinrad and the weary survivors finally reached the narrow street leading to the Harbor. Exhausted and battered, they pressed on, seeking refuge from the horrors that had pursued them throughout their arduous journey. The once small group had grown, as more desperate souls joined their ranks, seeking safety in numbers. Yet, the path to the Harbor was not without its losses. Along the way, brave men and women had fallen, their lives snuffed out by the relentless attacks of small bands of Orcs. Their sacrifices weighed heavily on the hearts of those who remained, a reminder of the treacherous road they had traveled.

As they approached the harbor, the scene before them was both harrowing and awe-inspiring. The makeshift barricade was adorned with the impaled heads of savage orcs. The grim display served as a stark warning to any hostile forces that dared to approach. But amidst the grisly display, a spear wall formation of valiant soldiers stood at the ready. Their spears were lowered in a show of force, a testament to their unwavering dedication to protecting the survivors. Gavinrad recognized the determination in their eyes, knowing that these brave souls would do whatever it took to ensure the safety of those seeking refuge.

"Sir Gavinrad!" a bearded man, presumably the officer in charge, called out from behind the formation. "Men, onwards and protect the citizens at all costs!"

Gavinrad guided his horse forward, approaching the officer with a sense of relief. "I bring with me Prince Varian, Lady Adriana, and Lord Thorwin," he reported, his voice betraying the exhaustion of their journey.

The officer's face softened with gratitude at the sight of the young prince and his companions. "Thank the light for your safe arrival," he said, his tone reflecting the immense relief they all felt.

Gavinrad's response was humble yet assertive. "Thank the men who fought bravely to ensure our safe arrival," he interjected, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the soldiers who had accompanied them on their perilous journey. "What news of Lord Anduin?" he inquired, concerned for the safety of their leader.

"The Lord awaits news of everyone's safety at the docks," the officer replied, offering a glimmer of hope. "Please proceed, my men and I shall handle the rest here." The soldiers proceeded to form a protective barrier around the tail of the escaping civilians, their spears held at the ready to fend off any potential threats.

Thousands of weary and frightened survivors littered the grounds of the harbor, their anguished cries echoing through the air. Among them were children, clinging to their mothers, and widows grieving for their lost loved ones. The wounded, some unable to walk, were carefully assisted onto the waiting ships by compassionate clerics and strong soldiers, their faces etched with both exhaustion and determination.

The scene at the harbor was chaotic, with people scrambling to find safety on the ships. A long line of anxious individuals formed around each wharf, desperate to board and escape the horrors they had endured. Amidst the chaos, soldiers in decorated military garb stood at the forefront, barking orders to maintain some semblance of organization. Their spears were held firmly, not in a threatening manner, but as a necessary precaution to prevent the survivors from acting in disarray.

Gavinrad and his companions; Prince Varian, Adriana, Thorwin, and the dwarf, moved through the crowd, offering words of comfort and assurance. The young prince's presence seemed to bring a glimmer of hope to the weary survivors, and some of the children looked up at him with wide eyes, seeing a symbol of strength and protection.

In front of the ship's bow, a heated exchange of words unfolded among a group of men, each one adorned in resplendent clothes untouched by the ashes that still smoldered upon the city. Among them, a man clad in heavy armor, Anduin, stood with a look of disdain etched on his face. "Fools," he thought to himself, his eyes scanning the bickering men.

"We should depart, Lord Anduin!" pleaded Aedrick, his eyes darting anxiously between the others.

"It seems you cannot wait to transport your riches, Aedrick," retorted Darren, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"We're all the same, Darren! You're just stalling time for those mercenaries transporting your gold!" Aedrick shot back, his frustration evident.

As the argument raged on, the tension in the air became palpable. "I support Lord Anduin's decision to await the prince's arrival!" exclaimed one of the men, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty.

"And what good is hope when the enemy is at our doorstep?" Darren shot back, his frustration evident in his clenched fists.

"The prince might be dead by now! We've already rescued every commonfolk we could, the orcs could strike with full force at any moment!" Aedrick's voice trembled with fear and uncertainty.

Amidst the heated exchange, Anduin's anger reached its peak. With a fierce roar, he unsheathed his sword and slammed its blade into the cobbled ground, the clang echoing through the harbor. "Then we shall die alongside the prince!" he declared, his emotions running high.

As the distant sound of hoofs and horses neighing filled the air, a glimmer of hope flickered in the hearts of the weary survivors. They turned their ashen faces towards the source of the commotion, and there, not far away, appeared the party of Gavinrad and his companions, accompanied by a group of steadfast guards. The nobles who had previously advocated for abandoning the prince felt a deep sense of remorse wash over them as they realized the gravity of their words. The weight of their hasty decision settled heavily on their hearts when Gavinrad announced his arrival.

"Lord Anduin, I have arrived with Prince Varian!" Gavinrad's voice rang out, carrying a mix of relief and determination. He had braved countless dangers to bring the prince to safety, and the exhaustion of their arduous journey was evident in his every step. Anduin's eyes met Gavinrad's, and a surge of emotions washed over him. The sight of the man who had been his loyal lieutenant for years filled him with a sense of gratitude and admiration. Though, the burden that was truly gnawing on him was washed over as he saw his daughter, Lady Adriana, riding with Thorwin, her eyes brimming with tears of gratitude and joy. The sight of them safe and sound filled him with an overwhelming sense of relief.

"Father!" Adriana called out, her voice filled with a mix of relief and urgency. Without a moment's hesitation, she pulled the reins of the horse, dismounting with a swift jump to the ground. Her concern for her son outweighed any concern for proper ladylike behavior in that moment. With tender care, she lifted Thorwin from the saddle, and together they hurried towards Anduin, their footsteps quick and determined.

Anduin's eyes lit up after seeing his daughter and grandson approaching. He opened his arms wide, ready to embrace them both. "Adriana, my dear," he said warmly, a smile breaking through the weariness on his face. "You and Thorwin are safe. Thank the Light."

Tears welled up in Adriana's eyes as she reached her father. She embraced him tightly, her heart overflowing with gratitude and emotion. "Thank you, Father," she whispered, her voice choked with tears. "If it weren't for Gavinrad and his bravery, we might not have made it."

Anduin held his daughter close, his own emotions swelling within him. "Gavinrad deserves much admiration," he replied. "I am forever grateful for his courage and dedication."

Thorwin, still weary from their journey, clung to his grandfather's side. Though young, Anduin was sure that the boy had shown remarkable resilience throughout the ordeal. Anduin knelt to be at eye level with the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You are a brave young man, Thorwin," Anduin said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "I am sure you have done everything to protect your mother and Varian."

Thorwin looked up at his grandfather, his eyes shining with a mixture of exhaustion and grief. "I wish I could have saved more of them, Grandpa." he spoke softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

Anduin gazed at the boy, shocked by the words he had heard. His eyes wandered towards his daughter, Adriana, her head shaking in grief. "Thorwin…" She paused. Tears trinkling down from her eyes that brimmed with guilt. "You should not have seen such harrowing sights."

"It was my choice to accompany you here, Mother." Thorwin consoled. "And if I was not here, the monster would have taken you."

Adriana gently touched her child's cheeks, her fingers brushing against the dried blood splatters left by the savage orc. She couldn't help but notice the shock that flashed across her father's face, swiftly replaced by a fiery rage. "I will explain everything that transpired once we are aboard, Father. But for now, I believe you and the noble Lords should meet with Varian. The boy needs your presence and counsel in this troubling time."

Anduin took a deep breath, trying to compose himself after the whirlwind of emotions he had experienced. He nodded at Adriana's words, knowing that she was right. Varian needed him now more than ever, and he couldn't let his anger cloud his judgment.

"Very well," he replied, his voice steady. "Let us go."

Together, they made their way towards Varian and Gavinrad, tailed by their company, who were waiting by the horses. Anduin couldn't help but notice the blank look of the Prince. As they approached the group, a little color shone from Varian's eyes. "Sir Anduin," he spoke softly, rushing to meet them.

Anduin embraced the prince tightly, trying to convey his love and support without saying a word. He knew that Varian had been through so much, losing his father and now facing the harsh reality of war.

"I'm here now, Varian," Anduin said, his voice filled with reassurance. "We'll get through this together."

Varian nodded, his eyes still filled with fear and uncertainty. But there was also a glimmer of hope there, a determination not to give up.

Anduin turned to the nobles; his expression serious. "We've been through hell, but we're still here," he said, his voice carrying a sense of resolve. "Now is not the time to despair or prioritize our selfish desires. We must band together, support one another, and fight for our survival."

The other nobles that sided with Anduin cheered, some still visibly shaken by the recent events. But Anduin could see the sincerity in their eyes as well, the will to keep going despite the odds.

"We will honor King Llane's memory by staying strong and united," Anduin continued. "We shall hasten the boarding. There will be time to grieve and process what has happened, but for now, we must focus on getting through this."

Yet, the relentless sound of orcish horns and drums started echoing through the air. It was a grim reminder that the race for survival had only just begun.