PROLOG

My name is Turllock Pippen, the only child of Joseph and Elizabeth Pippen from Elwynn Forest, on the continent of Azeroth.

I had a rather uneventful life growing up on our family farm. Helping plow the fields and raise the animals for food and trade.

We weren't wealthy, but our life was good.  There was always plenty to eat, and friends to gather with for the celebration of life and health.

In addition to our family, there were several folks that helped us in the fields and with the livestock. As children tend to do, I became restless, and bored from just being around the farm.  On special occasions we would hitch the wagon and head to Goldshire to have a nice meal at the Lyon's Pride Inn, and visit with friends from around Elwynn.

The forest always felt like a safe place to live.  Sure there was wildlife to be careful of, but I grew up understanding the forest, and the creatures who lived there.  This peaceful living was mainly due to Stormwind City, and their impressive guards who routinely patrolled the forest to keep the citizens protected.

In fact, our farm was in the shadow of one of their amazing outposts called, Ridgepoint Tower. My family frequently made extra food, and my mother would have me deliver it to the guards in the tower to the East. She said it was to thank these brave military folks for protecting us and keeping order.

The guards rotated out frequently, but I had never run across one that was unhappy with their position. I was envious of their dedication to duty, and found myself wishing that one day I could join their ranks.

Of course, being a farmer, there was no chance that I could become one of them.

Farming had instilled in me a great work ethic. I was strong, and learned a variety of things such as repairing farm equipment, shoeing horses, and growing food.  Mom even showed me how to cook, and mend clothes.

It was still not enough, and my father noticed this.

One day, while going with my dad to the Eastvale Logging Camp to the North, my dad surprised me. He told me that our family friend and caretaker of the stables, Randal Hunter, could use some extra help with the horses. I knew my dad was doing this to give me something new to occupy my time. He told me learning about horses from Mr. Hunter would only help increase my usefulness to him at the farm.

So every few weeks I would head North to the logging camp and stay for about a week helping Mr. Hunter, and his daughter Katie, take care of the horses. Learning from him improved my blacksmithing skills, and in addition to my previous knowledge, I quickly became a great asset to the Hunters.  In fact many folks at the logging camp soon would have me fixing their equipment.

It was during one of these weeks while I was at the camp that we heard horns ring throughout the forest.  This was not something we really heard often, but everyone knew exactly what it meant.  Invaders had come to Elwynn, and the guard was called to arms!

The sound had come directly South of the logging camp, from Ridgepoint Tower.

Marshal McCree, the Stormwind commander stationed at the logging camp, quickly sprang into action rallying his troops. The speed in which they were able to gather their weapons, mount their steeds, and head that direction was dizzying!

I glanced at Mr. Hunter, he nodded, and Kaitlin helped us saddle the horses. Mr. Hunter grabbed an old sword, I latched onto a large mallet, and we rode off toward Ridgepoint some time behind the guard contingent that left earlier.

By the time we arrived, the battle was over.  Horde raiders were laying dead around the farm grounds.  The guard had drove them off, but not before doing massive damage to the farm.

I later learned that this is exactly why the Stormwind guards are always prepared and ready for action. When attackers show up, it's typically a raiding party from the Horde looking for a thrill, or to make a name for themselves.  They will often grab a few miscreants like themselves, then run into the civilized areas causing chaos and destruction.

Luckily they are never any match for the guard.

Unfortunately, this time their target was my family farm.  When we arrived, the buildings were burned, the livestock slaughtered, and most of the people were missing or dead.

My father's body was discovered at the entrance to our home, still clutching an axe in his lifeless hand.  My mother was nowhere to be found.  To this day I still do not know what happened to her.  It would probably have been better off to have her slain with my father, than to be kidnapped by an evil raiding party.

Mr. Hunter was nice enough to take me in permanently. I gathered what little remembrances I could find in the smoldering ashes of our home, and returned to Eastvale with Mr. Hunter.

In the days that followed, I dove deep in my work.  I beat the hell out of the metal on the anvil, and kept to myself.  Mr. Hunter and Kaitlin tried to comfort me, but what could they say to make things any less painful? My family was gone, my home was gone, and I hated being cared for by the Hunters.  I tried to work even harder for them to earn my keep, but it felt hopeless.

I was a man without a home.

One day, I was working on Marshal McCree's horse shoes, when he approached.

"I know there is nothing I can say that will make you feel better Pip."

He put his large hand on my shoulder, and I noticed the gash he had received on his arm while trying to defend my home was healing.

He continued.

"I'm certain your parents are very proud of the man you have become. As I have watched you work for the Hunter's, I had often commented to my troops that you would make a fine addition to the Stormwind Guard."

It was at that moment that I had gone from not knowing where my life would end up, to having a spark of realization that there was something I could do.

"How can I join the guard sir?" I asked.

"If you're serious, I can have some guards take you to the grounds outside of Northshire Abbey. That is where all of our new troops begin their training.  You don't need to commit right away. Go to Northshire, talk to the instructors, and see if it would be a good fit for you."

Marshal McCree stopped and looked deep into my eyes.

"This is a big step son.  Are you sure you want to do this?"

I didn't hesitate.  For the first time I was never more sure of anything in my life.

"Yes sir!  When can I leave?"

Marshal McCree stood up straighter.

"As soon as you give the word."

"Let me go talk to the Hunter's. I can be ready in the morning."

"Very well.  I'll arrange it."

I finished with his horse, and couldn't wait to tell the Hunter's of my plans.  They were understandably concerned, but Mr. Hunter said he was honored that I wanted to dedicate my life to defending others.

The next morning, I rounded up my blacksmithing tools, and the guards brought me a horse.  Thanking the Hunter's for their hospitality, and caring for me in my time of need, I mounted my horse.  Taking one long look around at my temporary home, I waved and we were off toward Northshire.

As I finish this first entry into my journal, I am in a tent on the grounds outside the Abbey with some other new recruits.  Tomorrow we begin our training.

I am nervous, and excited, to start my new life.

Never in a million years would I have thought that I would be here, doing this.