pt 33 The Elders search

"So how about another flask of port my friend? You still look thirsty, and I'm still buying."

"Har har har!! Eff ey wasunt so drunk eyd be guessin dat yer up to sometin yeu old dawg... har har har... wut did yeu say yer name wus agin?"

"My name is Orkimedes, and I'm not up to anything my friend, I just have never been to Orgrimmar before, and I heard you were the Orc to talk to for information." I say with a wide grin.

"Yar!! dat is dah truef. Evry wone knows dat Sarok is dah best Orc een all of Orgrimmar fer helpin out.. Fer dah rite price dat is. Har har har!!!"

Sarok was as vile as Orcs come. He had none of the proud honor that the Orcs of Nagrand lived and died by. Instead, he seemed to live his life for the next drink.

As if on silent que, the barkeep brought over another bottle of port for Sarok, and a bottle of water disguised as alcohol for me. It's clear that he has seen this game played before.

As the drunken fool swills down the strong brew, I lean in close and whisper to him.

"So Sarak, tell me more about the warlocks that make their home in the Cleft of Shadows here in Orgrimmar."

It's clear by the sudden serious expression on his face that I asked the wrong question. He stares at me for a moment.

"Wut do ya be wantin wif dos Orcs for? Nobudy messes wif dah Or'locks and lives long ta talk about eet." he finally says with a drawn out slur in his voice.

"Oh no my friend" I reply cautiously "You are mistaken. I'm not looking for any trouble with the warlocks."

He continues to stare at me suspiciously for a long moment.

"Listin strangr." he says with a sneer "Eets pretie cleer yer not frum oround eer. Een fact ye talk funne like dose Orcs frum Outland. But, ey wooldunt be askin about stuf dats not yer biznuss. Dem or'locks ar too powerfool ta be mesed wif. Heck, evn Thrall isunt brave enuff ta cross dem. Dats why dey is still allowd in Orgrimmar!"

I shift uncomfortably for a moment. On Draenor the Warlocks held absolute power. Their mastery of demonic energies nearly destroyed my people and my world. I remember the horrific fervor that my clan fell into. That fervor that I nearly lost myself to. That is, until I returned to shamanism and found myself again.

"Rellok!!" Sarok stands up and yells.

From outside the inn a small little Orc child runs in carrying a set of bulging saddle bags. The boy looks beat up and abused. He has scratches and dried blood all over his arms and face. Like he had been fighting.

"Git mah worg ya yusless litul runt." Sarok commands the child as he starts for the door.

"Sarok, wait!" I say "is that child yours?"

The stumbling drunkard turns around like he is expecting a fight.

"Wuts eet ta yu Orki... wutever yer name ees?"

"No, he looks like a fine boy, very strong for his age." I say with smile

"Oh.. naw ea aint mah kid. Ea wus givin tah me as mah grunt'lin fer 'elpin out wiff dah Argunt Ternamint. Ees suppozd tah do as Ey sayz, but eez a lazy peon."

I frown in disappointment at Sarok, but I resist the urge to punch him in the mouth.

"Yeaa, evry un dat 'elped wiff dah Argunt 'umans git a grunt'lin." he says as he turns to stumble out the door and into the dusty streets of Orgrimmar.

I sit in quiet contemplation for a moment. Perhaps my suspicion that the warlocks may be sacrificing children to their dark masters is wrong. Maybe something is going on with these Gruntlings. Poor little Rellok looked like he had been fighting, and he is much too young to be allowed into the arena.

With renewed purpose I rise from the crappy little drinking establishment and make my way out into the crowded streets. Maybe my big brother can help me.

pt 32 Facing the Tyrant

"Damnit you morons!! Get yourselves up, we have a job to finish. Lady Sylvanas went after Arthas, and will need our help!!" Squish yells at the battered remenants of her warband.

Begrudgingly they all begin to rise. It had been a long and painful fight through the twisting halls of Icecrown Citadel. First, we had to slog through a place called the Forge of Souls, then through a hidden quarry where slaves were being used to mine vast quantities of the strange metal called Saronite. It was there that we faced a powerful scourgelord, one of Arthas's lieutenants, and found where the dreaded runeblade of Arthas, Frostmourne, was being kept unguarded. Lady Sylvanas siezed the opportunity and lead us into a place called the Halls of Reflection where we found the sword, and a trap, we were ambushed by Arthas himself. He turned his ghostly minions on us while Lady Sylvanas followed him up a corridor.

A female troll, our shaman healer steps forward "Give us a momeent Mon! We is all beat up from dah fight." she says forcefully.

The mysterious and beautiful Troll, whom we have come to know as Jezi, was not one to be taken lightly. She has been known to heal you one minute and then stab you the next. There is even rumors that she has secretly retained the forbidden troll practice of ritual cannibalism.

Squish eyesballs Jezi for a moment, looking for any sign that she is challenging her leadership. Satisfied that she is not, Squish turns and catches sight of Calmfury. He is in the corner of the room sitting in a daze, and looking at some battered piece of junk.

"What do you have there Tauren?" Squish says inquisitively as she walks across the icy floor.

The dazed Druid looks up at the Blood elf. He looks as though he is far away in a dream and barely cogniscent of what is going on in the room.

"It's a hilt to a broken sword" he says slowly.

Squish snatches the battered piece of junk out of the Tauren's hand and gives it a closer examination.

"It looks to be a Sin'dorei artifact." Squish says as she tosses it back to the Druid. "You should have it checked out by the Sunreavers when you get back to Dalaran."

The warband finally begins to rise as Squish walks about the room prodding them along. The hallway that Sylvanas chased Arthas down looks foreboading, but the warband presses on anyway. All of them know that if we can manage to kill Arthas here, then this whole nightmare would be over and we would be exalted heroes of the Horde.

Suddenly, Squish holds up her mace, signaling for us to stop. Then with a shout she surges forward, striking a bone giant that had been hiding in the dark recesses of hallway.

"Bloodlust!! Forward!! Bring down this monstrosity!!" the lithe Blood elf screams.

The warband rushes in to attack as the undead giant bellows incoherently.
He punches furiously at his assailants to no avail, each of the members of the warband are too fast and skilled to be hit by the giant. Yet, they take every opportunity to slash, bludgeon and sear him with spells and weapons.

Clearly frustrated with the losing fight, the bone giant raises his hands into the air and screams, the piercing cry nearly deafening all around the room. As if the haunted fortress itself hears him, coherant shadows descend from the ceiling to join the fight. The ghastly forms suddenly turn into replicas of the warband, complete with weapons, armor and a deadly knowledge of magic.

As if on que, Calmfury charges into the frey, swiping furiously at the imposters with his razor sharp claws. In each doppleganger, the tenacity and skill of the originals is evident. In fact, some members of the warband step away from the fight, clearly disgusted at the thought of fighting their comrades, even if they are just shadowy immitations.

"Fight you dogs!! Kill them now!!" Squish screams

Calmfury rises up and bellows a mighty roar that echoes through the icy chamber, for a moment the dopplegangers give pause. Long enough for the warband to pull together and take the initiative. One by one the shadows fall, and attention is once again turned to the Bone Giant.

Again, the giant is assaulted, his putrid flesh being torn and seared from his legs and abdomen. Finally, with one last scream, the monstrosity falls. As he comes apart and crashes to the ground the undead giant bellows a warning to Arthas.

"Master!! I have failed you!!"

A victory shout rises from the warband as they do a savage dance around the fallen guardian. Then, Squish points once again up the hallway.

"Bloodlust!! We have a king to murder this night. Forward!!" she shouts amidst spirited whoops and hollars from the bloodthirsty warband.

All except for one. The beast known as Calmfury stands stoicly in bear form, gazing back down the hallway at something in the shadows.

"Calm Mon, what do you be seein down dere?" Jezi says as she walks up to the druid and stares into the shadows. She can barely make out the shadowy form of a human dressed in tattered robes. He is standing against the wall, trying to hide.

The druid looks up at the shapely shaman. "I don't know. I think it's one of the shadows we just fought. He looks and smells familiar to me" Calmfury manages to say with his gravelly bear voice.

"Jezi and Calmfury, comon!! We haved no time to waste!!" Squish yells as she continues to lead her warband up the hallway.

The pair turn and follow, leaving the mysterious shadow alone in the hallway.

"Calmfury Mon, did ya notice dat dere were no shadows dat looked like a big smelly bear? Maybe dah Lich King don't be likin animals?" Jezi says as she smiles broadly through her glimmering fangs.

Suddenly, the sounds of battle can be heard up ahead. As the warband reaches the doorway at the end of the hall they can see a pitched battle between Arthas, and Lady Sylvanas. It looks as though that Sylvanas is on the losing end of the fight, and Arthas has barely been scratched.

"He is too powerful!!" Sylvanas screams "We have to escape and tell the others. It's going to take more than the Horde to defeat him!!"

pt 31 The rot at the root

Blood flowed like water in the Valley of Wisdom. The bodies of dozens of humans, orcs, elves, almost all the races of Azeroth were strewn around the streets like rag dolls in a tornado. Yet another failed attempt on the life of the mighty Warchief Thrall.

Through the midst of the devastation walks an elderly orc. His long grey beard and hair hanging like the mane of an ancient beast. Yet, despite his wild appearance, there was something mystical and powerful about this orc. The peons assigned to clean up the gore give him a wide berth. Even the guards standing in front of Grommash Hold hesitate to stop him.

"Hold it rite dere... No ones allowd een to see dah Warchief taday." the mighty Kor'kron guardsman says with authority.

The elderly orc looks up at the guardsman. His ancient face reveals no trace of emotion or even concern. Yet, in his eyes burns a terrifying fire.

"Guardsman, you are to fetch Eitrigg at once. Tell him his long lost brother is here to see him." the orc says, his deep voice cutting the air like a razor.

The guard stares in astonishment for a moment. "Weel okays, eyell git ehm, butt if yer lyin eymm gonna stomp yer gutz!" The guard wheels about and enters the fortress.

Several moments pass before the guard returns with another elderly orc at his side. It is Eitrigg, grizzled veteran of countless wars, and one of Thrall's closest advisers. He squints for a moment as he walks out into the sunlight. Then, a wide smile comes across his face as he sees the orc before him.

"Dretrigg!! My brother!! Is it really you?!?" Eitrigg exclaims as he embraces the strange visitor.

The two orcs stand in a silent embrace for a long moment. It's clear to everyone around that the pair have long been apart.

"Yes big brother, it is me. I had heard that you were serving the new Warchief on Azeroth, and I made my way from Nagrand, through the Dark portal to come and find you." Dretrigg says stoicly. "Please Eitrigg, can you get me in to see Thrall? I have something important to tell him."

Eitrigg steps back away from his little brother. Tears of joy streaming down his face. He stammers for a moment, obviously overcome with emotion.

"Why, of course I can see what I can do. The Warchief is very busy but I have his ear. Come in and make use of our hospitality." Eitrigg finally says. The big smile on his face showing his exhuberance.

The pair walk past the guards into Grommash Hold. The room beyond smelling of cooking meat, dusty stone, and the unmistakable scent of orcs.

"Dretrigg the last time I saw you was in Nagrand before Gul'dan led us through the portal. You were suffering from the Red Pox if I remember."

"Yes, I stayed in Nagrand through the great sundering. Afterwards I joined the shamans at the Throne of Elements, trying to heal the land, and to reclaim our home from the warlocks.

Eitrigg stops in the hallway before Thrall's chamber, the wide grin still on his face. "Brother, we have so much to catch up on."

Dretrigg looks his big brother deep in the eyes. His face still showing no emotion. "Brother, I need to speak with Thrall, it is very important."

Concern and worry makes Eitrigg's grin lessen. "Of course brother, I will see to it."

"And Eitrigg..." the old shaman says in a whisper. "I have many enemies within the ranks of the Warlocks. Many that would gladly see me dead. It is well known that Thrall keeps a coven of Warlocks here in Orgrimmar. Please don't call me by my birth name anymore. Since I have came to Azeroth I have gone by the name Orkimedes."

Eitrigg nods and smiles as he turns and enters Thrall's chamber.

The brooding Thrall sits heavily on his throne. Obviously he is deeply concerned about todays attack on Orgrimmar.

Dretrigg stands by the entryway as his brother approaches Thrall.

"Why Eitrigg, I have not seen you smile in a long time." Thrall's booming voice echoes across is throneroom. "It is not like you to be happy about bloodshed."

Eitrigg climbs the steps to Thrall's throne. "Warchief, I have a visitor that wishes to speak to you. He is an old friend, and he brings news from Nagrand."

Thrall stands and looks hard across the room at the elderly shaman.

"Eitrigg, if he is a friend of yours then I can trust him. Please come forward... uh?"

"Orkimedes is his name!" Eitrigg interrupts.

"Orkimedes" Thrall lets the almost comical name roll across his tongue.

The ancient orc strides confidently across the room stopping only to offer a polite bow to Thrall as he climbs the steps to his throne.

"Mighty Thrall, I have trekked from the Throne of Elements, through the Dark portal, across the seas, to this place. I have come to warn you of a dire threat." the shaman says with fire in his eyes.

Thrall's muscles tense and his demeanor turns dark. Clearly, more bad news was not what he was hoping for today. He motions for Orkimedes to come closer.

"Tell me of this threat!" Thrall exclaims

The old ork comes closer to Thrall, and sits down at the foot of this Throne.

"Warchief, all of the shamans at the Throne of Elements, including myself, have had visions of a dark menace here in Orgrimmar. As you know the widsom of the elements is great, and their knowledge spreads far across the span of the twisted nether." Orkimedes pauses to collect his thoughts.

"What are these visions of?" Thrall says with concern.

"They are of children." Orkimedes says "Children in great pain and suffering. Their anguish and desperation can be felt by the elements, and they call to us to save them."

A dark rage comes across Thrall's face "You mean this atrocity is happening here in Orgrimmar? How can this be?"

Eitrigg rises "Thrall, perhaps something is happening at the orphanage? That is the only place I can think of where there is a large concentration of children."

"Perhaps" Thrall nods "But, I cannot imagine that Matron Battlewail would ever let anything happen to her orphans. Nevertheless we need to check it out. Eitrigg, I want you to go over to the orphanage and have a look around."

"Yes Warchief" Eitrigg exclaims with a sharp salute. "I will investigate this and report back as soon as I find anything" He says as he turns around to leave.

"Rest assured Orkimedes, when we find whomever is doing this, they will be dealt with like the animals they are." Thrall says with a frown.

The elderly shaman bows to Thrall before turning around and following his brother out of the throneroom.

As the pair make their way out of the fortress, Eitrigg pauses and turns to his brother once again with a grin. "Dretrigg" he whispers "we have allies in Shattrath who maintain a portal to Orgrimmar. Why did you take the long way to get here?"

The old shaman frowns and looks down at the floor. "I haven't been to that city in years. Too many bad memories of dark times."

Eitrigg nods as the brothers begin making their way to the Valley of Honor.

pt 30 The assault begins...

How glorious it all is, the mighty army of the Argent Crusade as it makes its way through the horror that is Icecrown. Before us lies the imposing Icecrown Citadel. A vast and hideous black fortress atop a frozen mountain, its spires reaching high into the sky like black claws scratching the heavens.

This army is small, but it is the best that the combined might of the Alliance and the Horde has to offer. At its head stands the indomitable Trion Fordring, one of the finest humans I have ever met and the only person who could have conceived and built this unstoppable army. In truth, I wish my ability to lead my tiny warband was as good as his ability to inspire this army.

My name is Lady Annora Sunstrider... and I am a paladin of the light. I was inspired to become a leader by my great uncle Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. He was forced to lead my people, the Sin'dorei, when his father was killed in a battle with Arthas. It was much later in Outland that I was forced to kill my uncle because of his foolish plans to summon a great demon lord of the Burning Legion. After that time, I went into hiding and changed my name to Squish.

My reasons are my own for picking such a foolish sounding name. Sometimes I worry that it has undermined my authority and standing within the Horde. From what I gather Squish in the Orcish language means soft. Honestly, even knowing that, I kind of like its implications, it puts the other warlords who work for Garrosh off their guard.

A signal is given, and the column comes to a stop at the foot of the grand stairs that lead up to the Citadel. The siege equipment is being brought up for the assault.

I watch as Trion spurs his warhorse to the side of the column, in his hand he holds aloft the mighty sword Ashbringer, as if to strike fear in the enemies that watch him from above, and to inspire the crusaders he leads to this fight.

"Rise up Argent Crusaders!! The hour of justice has come!!" Trion cries out.

The assembled army lets out a mighty cry. I feel the pride and inspiration at being here in this moment of glory.

The siege train moves forward up the stairs to begin battering down the gates of Icecrown. Overhead I hear the chilling screams of gargoyles who have been harassing the crusade ever since we began our march. A few well placed spells and arrows are enough to keep them at bay.

"Lady Squish!!" A rider calls out as he brings his charger to a halt before us. "You are commanded to take your warband up to the westernmost heights of the Citadel."

The rider points to a series of balconies high above us "Up there where those Argent Crusade banners have been hung. You are to be part of a expeditionary force into the upper reaches."

"On whose orders are these commands given?" I shout over the din of battle around us.

"By order of Lady Sylvanas Windrunner. You are to meet her up there" the courier shouts back.

I am intrigued. An expeditionary force into the upper reaches? Perhaps a premptive strike against Arthas himself?

"Bloodlust!!" I cry "take to the skies!!"

At my command the two score members of my mercenary unit launch into the air on the backs of their wyverns, drakes and other assorted flying mounts.

Today we either charge to a hideous death, or to timeless glory as a hero of Azeroth.

pt 29 The father who couldn't love

"Comon ya litl runt!! Swing dah axe harda!!"

The massive weapon feels like a boat's anchor in my little hands. It is heavy and unbalanced, not at all like my beloved dagger.

The frothing beast lunges at me again, its razor sharp tusks nearly slicing me open. However, I am too quick for the starving boar and I deftly jump to the side. If I could use this stupid axe I would carry through with a killing blow. My feeble attempt to swing it is met with roaring laughter and cheers from the assembled crowds in the arena.

"Meekha git stronga, swing dah axe!!" my father yells to me from above the fighting pit. I look up to see his disgusting, pale face glaring down at me.

The boar pauses for a moment, as it lifts its head up to squeal ferociously at the crowd. Once again I miss an opportunity to finish it off because of this axe. Instead I retreat to the far edge of the fighting ring, dragging the useless weapon with me. The crowd boos my actions, I hear someone call me a coward.

Suddenly, I trip on something and fall hard on my backside into the blood stained sand. At my feet is a splintered leg bone.

The boar notices me again and charges. I try to scamper back away from it but it is on me in an instant. I grab its tusks to keep it from goring me, the beast bites and snorts frantically. My little arms can't hold the monster for long and my life flashes before my eyes.

Above me I see the crowds looking down on me. They all have an eager blood lust in their eyes. Here it doesn't matter who I am, where I have been, who I have loved, or who loves me. Instead I have one task, to die in the most memorable and grisly way to appease the masses. I look into the face of the Orc that I am told is my father. I don't see love or compassion. He's not going to jump down and save me. Instead I see what I think is anger, perhaps he is displeased that he will lose the money that he bet on me this night. What should I expect, he is a Death knight, I remember hearing someone say he lost his soul a very long time ago.

Without warning, the frothing boar whips his head to the side, tossing me through the air like a rag doll. I hit hard against the side of the arena and slide down into the dirt. Ragged and battered I look up to see the beast preparing another charge against me. I frantically feel around for something to fight with. Then, my hand lands on the splintered leg bone I tripped over before. Gripping it tightly, it feels like a dagger in my hand.

The boar squeals loudly and charges me in a flash. I hold my makeshift weapon up to protect myself. As the boar crashes into me, the bone pierces its tough flesh at the neck. Blood sprays everywhere as the boar screams in pain. The crowd roars with delight.

I jump to my feet and scurry across the ring to my axe. I grab its handle and put my back against the opposite wall. Meanwhile, the beast whirls in a circle trying to pull the bone out of its neck. Then it stops and looks at me hard. It's milky eyes filled with pain fuelled rage.

Time slows down again, as I watch the beast preparing to charge at me. I smell the stench of sweat, blood, and orcish ale. I once again look up at my so-called father, he glares at me with those hollow glowing eyes. I long for the love that I felt from my Master, he would never have subjected me to this nightmare.

The boar charges, its horrible squeal rising above the roar of the crowd and echoing through the arena. With all my strength I dodge to the side, and watch the boar smash hard into the arena wall. The beast stands helpless as I raise the axe into the air.

I swing the axe downward with all my might and watch the sharp blade bite into the back of the beasts neck, and slices through before jarring hard against the floor below. In an instant the horrible screaming stops and the beast falls down. Blood flows like a river across the ground.

The crowd roars again. Their blood lust has been fulfilled, and to my amazement it is not by my blood.

I look up at my father, hoping to see joy that I survived. Instead I am faced with that terrible glare. He does not celebrate with the others, instead he sits in disappointment, as if somehow he lost.

I watch as another Orc steps up to him with his hand out, and my father, Goregreedy the Death knight, presses a bag of coins into his hand.

pt 28 The reckoning

"Many of you have experienced a betrayal of trust. Yet you perservere, as we all must. In these times, no one is a stranger to the virtue of tenacity. In the face of depair and hatred, we continue to stand true to our beliefs and fight on. There can be no doubt as to your tenacity... but there are other virtues to consider."

I have taken up a seat in the makeshift Chapel of the Light in the Argent Pavilion at the Tournament grounds in Icecrown. Before us stands Argent Confessor Paletress. She is giving aa sermon to a group of Alliance and Horde warriors who are preparing for their march on Icecrown Citadel. This seems like to best place to be inconspicuous as I prepare for my grisly task. Outside the pavilion I can hear the hustle and bustle of soldiers preparing for war.

"Look across the aisle to those you call enemy. Despite the hatred that separated you, there are qualities to respect in your opponent. Their prowess should be acknowledged. Respect your opponent on the field, whether he be your brother or your sworn enemy. No matter where your beliefs truly lie, such respect is acknowledging a connection... and in acknowledging those connections, you are closer to the Light."

The Light... In all my years I have never come to understand this force that serves the saintly and the wretched zealot alike. I have known of powerful paladins like Trion, who seem to serve good. I have also met the mysterious Naruu, the source of the Light. Then, I have met fools that use the light for their own selfish ends like that paladin I killed in Thunderbluff. Then of course I have also met the sinister and wretched who use the light for evil deeds like the Dark Iron Dwarves. I just don't understand how this Light can be a tool of pure goodness. It is not balance.

"By feeling and understanding compassion in enemy and ally alike, you reaffirm your connection with the world. Acting on these tenets, these virtues, help make the world a place we all can appreciate. A world of honor and justice."

Honor and justice... important precepts. Clearly the basis of civilization. How can we believe in them when we have leaders like Varian Wrynn and Garrosh Hellscream? Today, I seek to change all that.

"... In the darkness that surrounds us all, the Light is needed more than ever. I'll be behind the confessional screen if anyone wishes to speak with me.."

One by one the congregation stands, Human and Orc, Troll and Dranaei. Some form a line at the confessional screen, others shuffle out of the chapel to prepare for the coming siege of Icecrown.

I sit for a cold and lonely moment. In facing death, all manner of weakness and doubt tends to creep into your mind. As the last of the warriors finish their confessions, I stand. My legs are tembling beneath me. Then, Paletress steps out from behind the screen and looks at me inquisitively.

"Tauren, do you want to confess anything? You seem to have a heavy weight on your soul. Any worries or doubts you have I will happily soothe.." she says to me with a smile.

I can't help but look at the zealot with a scowl on my face.

"Your Light cannot help me this day Paletress." I softly reply to her.

Once again she smiles at me. "The Light helps all who seek righteousness Tauren. Let me try to help you."

Her words remind me of the noble inspiration that Trion instills. Without saying a word I slowly walk behind her confessional screen. She steps in with me and looks at me expectantly.

"Well since you think that your light can help me I will tell you what troubles me." I pause for a moment to collect my thoughts, wondering why I am taking part in this foolishness. "I have come to the Argent Tournament grounds to murder Garrosh Hellscream. He killed my adopted daughter and her blood cries out for vengence."

Paletress looks at me with a horrified stare.

"As a druid I have learned and embraced the way of balance in all things. This war that Garrosh and your wretched King are taking us into is wrong, and I seek to stop it or die trying."

The priestess shakes her head. "Druid, you are mistaken. Killing Garrosh will only drive turmoil into the ranks of your people. It may even divide you. It is this divide that Varian will strike at and take advantage of. If you do this you will be the one bringing us to war."

Remarkably the anger does not rise in me as it once would at her words. Instead I am frustrated and confused.

"This is not the time to seek retribution Tauren. If Garrosh killed your daughter then justice must be done, but not now. Can't you see that the Horde and Alliance march together to rid the world of Arthas, who threatens to destroy us all. Your daughter would want a world that is rid of injustice."

"Your words Paletress..." I say with a sneer "are like snowflakes on a hot forge. Destiny has brought me here, overcoming obstacles that are unfathomable to you. Destiny will guide my hand this afternoon."

I stand up with renewed vigor and turn to leave the Chapel. Behind me Paletress stands and watches me go with a frown on her face.

As I step outside into the cold air I look about and see the Argent Crusade gathering for their march. Hundreds of souls from all the races of Azeroth have assembled in glorious order.

Then, I see them. Garrosh stands at the side of Thrall, nearby stands King Varian Wyrnn. Between them stands Trion Fordring. Around them are assembled their royal guards, and a woman I recognize from my days in Dalaran, the mage Jaina Proudmore.

All the threads of fate and balance have come to this point... If this is destiny then I can kill Garrosh and Varian at the same time. Everyone will see. The world will be shaken to its foundation.

"Tauren, don't do this" Paletress says from behind me.

Strength that I have never known surges through my body.

"Do not try to stop me human, or you will be next" I say to her over my shoulder.

"MEEKHA YOU WILL BE AVENGED THIS DAY!!!" I scream at the top of my lungs as I spring forward and shift into lion form.

All eyes turn to me as I sprint across the expanse towards my enemies. Everyone is so stunned that not even the royal guards react to my charge.

Suddenly, roots burst from the ground and catch me in their throny embrace. As I struggle to break their grasp a hammer hits me hard on the head. Then I am assaulted on all sides by Orc warriors. They seemed to be waiting for me!!

I roar with rage and frustration. However, instead of swords, axes and spears piercing my flesh, the mob surrounding me grabs me from all sides, holding me prone. I shift to bear form to escape, but they hold me fast. I was so close.

"What is the meaning of this!" Trion says as he walks up to the dog pile that holds me down.

From the assembled crowd steps a lithe Blood elf in the thick armor of a paladin.

"My Lord Fordring, please excuse our friend... he is not in his right mind and we have come to collect him before he hurts himself." the elf says with a smile.

That elf I immediately recognize as Squish. That vengeful bitch somehow knew of my plan and stopped me... but how did she know it was me?

Thrall and Garrosh walk over to survey the commotion.

"Lady Annora!! Why are you not getting your warband prepared for Icecrown Citadel" Garrosh exclaims. "Didn't you get my letter?"

"Of course I did Overlord, and we are ready as promised." Squish replies with a bow.

I continue in vain to struggle against my captors. Tears roll out of my eyes at the knowledge that righteous vengence has been robbed of me. Poor Meekha, there will be no rest for her soul.

Then I see her... a tall and graceful tauren women kneels before my face. It is Charibdys!! I should have known, she somehow found me, she lead them here to betray me!!

"Calm yourself" she says

My anger and frustration are too much to bear, but they give me new strength and I continue to struggle.

"Diogenes!!" Charibdys exclaims "calm yourself!!"

The utterance of my human name strikes through me like a nail. The shock forces me to lose control over my mastery of shapeshifting, I change back to tauren and my captors finally get a good hold on me.

Garrosh, Thrall and Trion turn back to their business of assembling the crusade. Meanwhile Squish joins Charibdys in front of my face.

"Ahh, here we have the mighty Calmfury. My what a cunning disguise you have. I would have never known it was you if you didn't reveal yourself like a moron." Squish says sarcastically.

"You vengeful elfin bitch!!" I spit on the ground. "How dare you stop me!! I was so close to getting vengence and stopping this entire war. You had no right!!"

"Oh but Calmfury, what in the world would you want to hurt our leaders for?"

"For my Meekha, he killed me daughter!!" I scream

"Calmfury!" Charibdys shouts in my face as she grabs me by my horn "Meekha is alive, Garrosh never killed her."

I am stunned. All my anger, all my rage, all my frustration melts away in an instant. Those words, I could never have imagined to be uttered.

"Alive... you are a liar!" I manage to say over my grief.

"No my dear Calmfury, she is alive" Squish says with a sort of twisted delight. "and if you help me in my assault on Icecrown Citadel, I will bring you to her."

Tears roll from my eyes like they never have before. I have no words to describe this feeling in my heart. It is like pain and relief all at the same time. I lay there in the snow for a long moment trying to come to grips.

"Vorack!" Squish exclaims to one of her warband. "I want you to fetch Darqyn, tell him we need a portal opened to Dalaran at once." the Forsaken scout nods as he turns to find the warbands mage.

Once again Squish turns to me. "So, what say you Calmfury, will you pledge yourelf to my cause?"

I look into her sneering elfin face for a moment. "It seems I have no choice." I manage to say with contempt.

"Good" Squish replies as she stands up. "and this time there will be no leaving. Your in my service for life."

pt 27 In search of...

How did this happen to me?!? Here I am a beautiful, intelligent and auspicious Blood Elf of noble birth, and I am surrounded by imbeciles. I can't get anything done because of the low grade morons I have in my employ.

It doen't matter how much I pay them. It doesn't matter that I have consistantly led them to success in whatever venture we have undertaken. They are like simplistic children who have to have their hands held in order to get anything done.

Now, their ineptitude has put my life in danger.

"Uh, Lady Squish, dere is someone ere to see you. Shees offerin money fer infermation" my orcish assistant says as he walks out on the balcony where I have made my office.

These days I have taken up residence at the Ledgermaine Lounge in Dalaran. I prefer to work on the balcony where I can see the crowds in the streets below. I'm hoping a public presence will help my effort to recruit mercenaries into my warband.

"You say this person wants information? About what, and how much is she offering?"

My blunt assistant stares blankly at me for a moment. Obviously he didn't bother to ask. Without saying a thing he turns and heads back into the inn.

Before me on my desk lies a letter delivered to me this afternoon:

Lady Annora Sunstrider,

Loktar!! Our time has finally come! I received word last night from the Argent Crusade that the siege of Ice Crown Citadel has begun. You must rally your warband and prepare to assault the gates within a few days time. I want Bloodlust to help lead the charge! It is critical that we crush the Alliance before they reach the Frozen Throne. The glory of defeating Arthas must go to the Horde!

Saurfang is expecting you soon. You had better be prepared! Otherwise, I have a place for your head on the spires of Warsong Hold. Don't fail me elf!!

Also, I heard that you are calling yourself Squish. It is clear that you don't have a understanding of the orcish language, Squish in orcish means you are soft. Change your name you moron!

Garrosh Hellscream, Overlord of the Warsong offensive

I can't help but squirm a bit as I re-read his letter. My warband is strong, but not strong enough to assault the Citadel. We have had losses, and recruitment is slow. We need skilled people for Bloodlust but they are few and far between.

"Uh, boss. Shes a taureen and is lookin fer sumone. She says u myte know weer to look. Shes offern alot of gold" my assistant says as he returns once again.

"Alot you say?" I reply "Lemme guess, more than you have fingers?"

He nods meekly at me as he looks a the floor. Honestly, I didn't pick my assistant for his ability to do arithmatic.

"Very well, send her in" I finally say.

After a moment a Tauren woman walks out on the balcony. She is tall and looks strong, wearing plain, handmade leather clothing from head to hoof. However, in her eyes I can see a twinkle. Something is different about this Tauren.

"I am told your name is Squish and that you lead the warband called Bloodlust" she says directly to me.

I look her up and down for a moment, still perplexed about what is different about her.

"Your information is correct Tauren" I say coldly "What business do you have with me?"

The Tauren pauses for a moment and then replies "I understand that you have employed a Druid by the name of Calmfury. I am interested in finding him."

She tosses a small leather bag on my desk. Sounds to be about 15 coins.

I pick up the bag and toss it back to her. "Save your money, everyone knows that Calmfury was cut to pieces by Garrosh over two months ago."

She looks at me with that strange twinkle in her eyes again.

"You are mistaken Elf." she says to me with a sneer "he has returned and is wandering around in a disguise of sorts. You haven't had any new mercenaries in your employ, that fit the description of a Tauren Druid that no one knows, have you?" She tosses the coins back onto my desk.

In a disguise? Came back? Maybe Slasherjoe lied to me.

I do my best to hide my curiosity as I sit back down in my chair.

"A disguise huh? Hiding out from Garrosh perhaps?" I reply.

"I doubt that he is hiding out. More like he is trying to get close to get revenge on Garrosh for killing his Gruntling. Anyway, if you hear anything would you let me know? I will be in town for the next month" The Tauren says as she turns to leave.

"Wait!" I exclaim as I jump up from my chair and grab the Taurens arm. "Perhaps we can help each other more than you know... uh, what was your name?"

She turns cautiously towards me again. "My name is Charibdys"

"Please, sit down and talk with me for a moment Charibdys" I motion to a nearby chair. "Let me buy you a drink. Poklix!!"

My assistant comes running out on the balcony. "Yesh My Ladee?"

"Bring me and my Tauren friend a drink."

With a simpleton grin on his face he turns to carry out his task.

"Now, Charibdys" I say "I think we can help each other out. You see, we are preparing to assault Ice Crown Citadel and I need people of skill in my warband. I remember you from a conversation I once had with Calmfury. He said you are a powerful healer, is that correct?"

The Tauren looks at me with caution in her eyes before nodding.

"This is good, I need healers. Now, I am also in need of having Calmfury back in my assault group. Perhaps if my warband helps you find him, and you agree to convince him to help me, then we can work together. Also, I want you to come and heal my warriors during our assault."

The obviously dim witted Tauren, like there is any other kind, sits quietly for a moment and ponders my offer. Meanwhile, Poklix brings us a bottle of wine.

"Squish, I shall have to think about this for a bit. Can we talk more about this tommorrow?" she finally replies.

"Why of course. Please, let me get you a room here at the Ledgermain. It is the least I can do."

The Tauren nods before standing up to leave.

"Oh, one more thing Charibdys. Garrosh did not kill Calmfury's gruntling. No, one of my warriors saved her and hid her away. From what I understand she is living with her father in Orgrimmar."

Charibdys wheels about to face me again in with a startled look on her face.

"Perhaps we can use this to our advantage to get Calmfury to work for me again" I say with a grin. "Poklix!! Get Charibdys a room!"

My assistant grabs Charibdys by the arm and leads her back into the Inn. Clearly she is at a loss for words.

If this plan works out then I will have all the people I need to once again lead Bloodlust to glorious victory.