Taking the Firelink shortcut, run straight through past where the tower knight was, don't head towards the balder knights. Kill the hollow soldiers and follow the path straight ahead into that little building. Downstairs is a bonfire, further downstairs is Andre of Astora, and out the door at the end is some new territory to explore. Give Andre your titanite shards to upgrade weapons. You'll want something to be at +5 as soon as possible.