Emerald Fire: Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - Jehoshaphat1

Dawn broke crisp and clear over the Arathi Highlands, Jehoshaphat had been up for several hours already and he watched as the sun rose over the castle walls. Below him, he watched as Stromgarde’s residents went about their business, the city watch in their red and white tabards patrolled the streets, and Jehoshaphat’s own guard lounged outside, their purple and silver tabards a sharp contrast with the city’s colors.2

Jehoshaphat heard a soft knock at his door, and he bid the visitor to enter. It was Taila Redsail, captain of his guard. “Lord, it is time.” He followed Taila down to the courtyard, his horse had already been saddled and two guardsmen, one from his father’s house and one from his mother’s house, were already mounted and ready to escort him. Jehoshaphat swung up into the saddle and rode slowly down the cobbled street to the other end of the city, where the Lightbringer Order made house.3

The complex housed all nine members of the elite paladin order and their staff. The council hall was considered a magnificent piece of architecture, the circular structure was decorated with statues of previous Lightbringer members, and the walls were carved with many of the Order’s past deeds. Eight sigils flew from its ramparts, signaling that eight members of the order were in house, the silver eagle flying highest. The ninth flag was gray, signaling that one position was unoccupied.4

* * *5

Jehoshaphat knelt before the Lightbringer council; eight of the nine chairs were occupied by the current members of the order. They were all imposing men and were considered the best paladins and most honorable men on Azeroth. His own uncle, Isaiah Black Oak held the honor of being a Lightbringer. Jehoshaphat had dedicated his life to becoming member of the order, and now on his 25th name day, he was finally considered worthy for judgment.6

The sound of shuffling papers broke the intense silence of the chamber, as Jonah Silverwing reviewed Jehoshaphat’s accomplishments. Silverwing, High Crusader of the order, was an ancient dwarf and the longest serving member of the Order. Jonah looked down at Jehoshaphat, “This Council has been called to judge Jehoshaphat of the Silver Hand. Is he of such worth to join our ranks? It is up to this council to decide.”7

Cal Nightingale started the questioning, “Why should you be given the privilege to bear the arms of a Lightbringer?”8

Jehoshaphat looked up at the silver haired human, “I have dreamed of this honor since childhood, but what I think matters little in the face of this council. It is my actions and the consensus of this council that determines my fate.” Jehoshaphat stood at this point, his eyes never leaving Nightingale’s face, “I follow the light and I’m dedicated to the cause of this order.”9

“And what is the Order’s cause?” Silverwing asked.10

Jehoshaphat turned his attention to the aging dwarf, “To show forth great light, even in the darkest of places." His gaze steeled, his expression betraying deep thought, and set determination as he continued "for when the light comes, the darkness has no choice but to flee. When you light a candle, the shadows do not resist. They do not fight back against its glow. Nay, they flee instantly before the new light. So it is. So it shall be. I shall bare the light do the darkest corners of this world, and darkness shall be...." He paused as he drew in a slight breath "... no more...."11

Silverwing nodded at Jehoshaphat’s statement, passion glowing in his eyes. 12

Tirone Bear leaned forward; the ancient Draenei was the eldest member of the Order and well respected, “It has come to my attention that your mother is not the trueborn daughter of Ezekiel and Mary Silver Oak.”13

A stunned whisper swept through the chamber. Silverwing’s gaze jumped from Bear to Jehoshaphat, “Is this true?”14

Jehoshaphat looked around at the council members, his back stiffening, “No, Sir!”15

Silverwing never removed his eyes from Jehoshaphat, “Are there any other council members that can clear up this accusation?”16

Far to the left, Isaiah Black Oak stood. He walked slowly down from his dais, his hooves clicked softly against the marble floor as he joined his Nephew in the center of the room. Isaiah placed a hand on Jehoshaphat’s shoulder as he turned to address the council, “Council members, 37 years ago my parents lost their only daughter, Grace, in the crash of the Exodar. They found a lost child, though, that was of the same age and look of my Sister. This child could not remember her name, nor anything that happened before the crash. My parents took this lost little girl in and called her their own.” Isaiah turned to Jehoshaphat, “I’m sorry, Nephew, I swore an oath to Mother and Father to never say anything, but I am obliged to reveal everything to this council.”17

Jehoshaphat could not believe what he was hearing, he grew up believing he was the next great paladin, in a long line of said paladins, but since his Mother’s lineage was now in question he felt lost. As his thoughts raced, he could only voice one question, “Does Mother know?”18

His uncle looked away, “she was never told the truth, as far as anyone was concerned she was Ezekiel and Mary’s trueborn daughter.”19

The other members of the council finished their discussion and Silverwing’s attention returned to Jehoshaphat, “The rules of the Order are strict and demanding. It is stated that no paladin who lineage cannot be traced back 6 generations can join our ranks. It is further stated that though both parents do not have to be paladins, there must be some history of paladins in each family. Since your Mother’s lineage is now unknown we must decline your request to join the Lightbringer Order.” Jonah Silverwing took a deep breath, “we are terribly sorry Jehoshaphat, you have been the best candidate to come to us in many a year, but the rules are clear.”20

Dismissed, Jehoshaphat turned and marched out of the council chamber, the last remarks still ringing in his ears. The golden doors pulled open upon his approach and he exited the Council Hall in stunned silence. His entire life had been a lie. Who was he, lineage was everything in the old families and here it was possible that his mother could have come from some common family. 21

Jehoshaphat entered the bright sunlight, his guardsmen jumping to their feet upon his appearance. They all mounted and returned to their quarters. Once inside, he ordered for his Captain and she appeared soon after. “Have everyone pack up, we’re going home. Riulto can port us there directly.”22

Taila didn’t say a word but bowed her acknowledgment and left. Jehoshaphat looked once more out his window; he could just make out the sigils of the Order flying above the roofs of the city. A nasty twisting knot churned in his stomach and Jehoshaphat growled, he turned his back to the window and started packing his own belongings.23