had arranged the interview with Shadon earlier by mail, but due to a mechanical problem with the goblin zeppelin, I was running late. What the problem was I could not say, as I have very little knowledge of goblin technology. Luckily, I had prepared questions in advance, so was not behind in that sense. My only worry was how the interviewee would take my lateness, and if he would wait for my arrival.

The goblins, after a lot of running around and shouting, eventually got the thing in the air.

The air in the Tirisfal Glades was thick and, to one who rarely visited those lands, tasted sickly with every breath. Still, I was a journalist and I had a job to do.

When we reached the dock near the Undercity, I ran down the path towards Brill dodging any Forsaken that where using it. I had never been to Brill before, but found it quite easily after following signs, never once having to stop and ask for directions. I saw the inn where Shadon wanted the interview conducted. I slowed to a walk and entered. I've never been fond of Forsaken inns. It's the smell, I

think. I find it displeasing and old, like a well used pair of leather boots.

The interviewee was still there, waiting for me, which instantly brought a smile to my face. I apologized for my lateness, but he smiled and didn't seem too bothered. Without further delay, we sat and the interview began.

Trogar Këgnash: Can you tell me, and our readers, a bit about yourself?
Shadon: (sighs) Well, there is not much to speak of about my undead life thus far, really. I was indoctrinated into the Deathstalkers shortly after my rebirth, and have trained hard to become what I am today. It was really the only way I could find purpose in the world. After all, rising from the dead in a cold sweat does confuse you somewhat. (grins)

T: The Deathstalkers? Who are they?
S: Yes, Varimathras' elite cadre of assassins, spies, and the like.

After answering this question, Shadon is called away by another Forsaken. Shadon informs me he will be back soon. Seeing how I had been late, and Shadon had kindly waited for me to arrive, I did not object to his temporary departure.

He returned shortly after, sat in the same seat as before, and told me to continue.

T: I've heard that you belong to a group called "The Red Horn", what exactly is your role in this?
S: I'm the resident alchemist and herbalist of the Horn. As well as our spy and informant, but those roles are often unneeded. (pauses) Assuming the Horn had such need, I'd probably be the one dispatched to assassinate any of our enemies. On an unofficial level, I also offer advice to our younger members, and other aid, such as material or financial aid.

T: So you would be an assassin then?
S: If it was needed, yes.

T: What did you want to achieve by entering the Blood Lord of the Horde event?
S: It was a self test, if you will.

T: What do you mean?
S: Suffice to say, in the near future I'm planning on throwing myself headfirst into a personal battle, that'll either end me, or make me. I hoped that, by testing myself against the finest of the Horde, I'd learn if I was on the right path to being ready for such a time. I also hoped I'd inspire other undead like myself. Not all of us find it easy coming back from the grave, to a world that has forgotten and changed without us.

T: You mean you chose to come back?
S: (looks angry) No one chooses to come back. It's just what happens, like the rain.

T: You were introduced as the Shadow Orphan. That's a strange name.
S: A name I styled for myself when I came back. (scratches his head) I've... forgotten my old name, the one I had in life. In life, I was a street thief, hiding in the shadows and stealing food to keep me and my half sister fed. (sighs) Our mother had left us, whether or not she was killed, I don't know or care. We were still orphans. So, the name came from that.

T: Is your sister still alive?
S: She is. She's still human too.

T: Have you ever met her since your death and eventual rise?
S: Just the once. She didn't recognize me at first, and we battled. She's become a powerful warlock, and I'll tell you now, being burned in hellfire by your own sister is not a happy experience.

T: You must be really proud of winning and being a champion. When you won, you mentioned giving all your prizes to the expedition into Stratholme. What did you mean?
S: Remember how I mentioned that personal battle earlier? That's the battle. Stratholme is where I was born, where I lived, and where, if I'm right, I'll meet my sister again.

T: So you just want to go home?
S: (shakes his head) No. I want to find my sister. In spite of everything that has happened, I'm still her older brother, and I still have to look out for her. I promised that a long time ago. The bond of family goes beyond allegiance and flesh. I might be an undead rogue bound to the Horde, and she a warlock of the Alliance, but that means nothing. We are still family.

T: Will you be back to compete for the title of Blood Lord next year?
S: Depends if I'm still alive then, but if so, then yes. I personally relish the prospect of challenging this year's Blood Lord, Camci. (grins wickedly)

T: Is there anything else you would like to add?
S: I don't think so.

We thank each over and salute. Before the Forsaken goes, I ask for his picture. With that over, Shadon and I leave the inn. Outside, the champion summons his steed, and disappears into the blackness.