Ande'thoras-ethil Kaldorei

[erender]

The Dream:

...I opened my eyes, darkness was all that surrounded me, and a slight headache was all that my mind new so far. As I stood up, I began to look in every direction - hoping to be able to see some form of outline at the most. Nothing. After it seemed like a minute or two passed, I began to worry; My eyes should have permitted me to see, even in a place as dark as this. I knew panic would only lead to problems, on that thought I began to recollect my consciousness and move around a bit - my arms in front of me, wanting to feel something that might give me a general idea of where I was at. As I wandered around for a bit, tripping every now and then over what seemed like rocks, my hand finally felt something. However, this object was sharp and seemed to have a curve to it; as I "examined" it closer I noticed it was an axe. At that very moment there was a flash of light nearby that caused me to go blind for a few seconds. I shielded my eyes and looked away, blinking wildly trying to regain my vision from the instant change of brightness.

As I opened my eyes, I saw what I had been standing in... bodies, everywhere. Weapons scattered about: Spears, arrows, swords, axes, bows... blood staining the forest floor as if it was just raining it. My eyes were wide open now, as well as my legs shaking at what sights were before me... I quickly fell to my knees as I couldn't hold myself up anymore. I looked to my right, where I left of my investigation of the object, and saw it was embedded in a Night Elf's severed head... his eyes too were as wide open as mine with blood streaming down around them. However much it pained me to look at it, my eyes were glued to the sight... even if I did try to look another way I would only see more carnage. Would it be worse that what I saw right now? Or would it be a "prettier" sight? ...I could not take that risk... but something else finally drew my look away, a blood curdling scream that came from the source of the light. As I turned toward the sound, I saw a female Night Elf's body drop next to what appeared to be some sort of demon, ritual markings ran all over his body - from his chest all the way to his hands, where he wielded two dual blades. The light however, grew much dimmer with the female's death... as if that was what caused it to shine. I was so caught up in seeing another body being added to the heap that I didn't even notice the demon had spotted me; as the light grew dimmer however, I noticed this to be a Male Night Elf - not a demon as I previously thought. As my eyes caught his, a grin spread across his face, and pulled up another body that was lieing on the ground beside him... this one still alive, but badly wounded. As the executer lifted up the other with ease - as if he weighted as much as a child - he set him in the same position as the last: on his knees with his head looking at the earth. From what I could see, he was garbed differently than all the rest, clothing made from leaves or other flora from nature... a Druid.

As I sat there on the ground, I thought to myself, "Your not going to let him kill another one, are you? How could you sit by and watch this happen?".

As my mind urged me to do something, my body refused, it was if I was pinned down by some unseen weight. The executer raised one of his blades... but before he descend it the invalids neck, he grinned at me again and lowered his blade. He grabbed the Elf's hair and thrust his head back, showing me his face. I wasn't sure why he did this, but a moment later he spoke.

"I'm sorry... you had to... see this...", he coughed a bit of blood up, "I... love you... my son".

The executer then dropped the mans head back so it hung limply, quickly raising the same blade, and cut straight down.... severing the Night Elf's head. My eyes grew wide as it rolled toward me and the body fell over. I couldn't believe what I had just heard and seen, this man... my father... I had just let die. The one person in life that I still had hopes for surviving somewhere, had just died. Some rage began to build up in side me... something broke the invisible shackles holding me down and forced me to stand up. Foolishly, I charged the armed executer with nothing but my bare fists to fight him with. I was rushing at him, full speed with nothing on my mind but killing this murderer; as I got within feet of him I leaped at him, surprisingly making contact and taking him off his feet. As we hit the ground I pinned him down, cursing at him, and breathing heavily... I began to let the rage out slowly. When I was calmer and more clear minded,

I asked him in a voice that had as much life it in that was left in my father, "Why did you do it? He was the only family I had left and you murdered him!... Why did you do it?"

There came that grin again... but this time more wicked, wider, his teeth bared, or rather fangs...

He replied in a cool voice "... The question isn't why did I do it... the question is: Why did YOU do it?"

At that moment, my eyes went wide again, I had not taken note of it till this point but it was as if I was starring into a mirror, seeing a more matured version of me on the other side. As I starred, transfixed upon him, he began to laugh a maniacal, deep laugh. All of a sudden, his body sank into the ground... all that was left was his shadow. I could feel my headache start up again, I reached for my forehead with my right hand. Immediately, "his" arms wrapped around mine and so did his legs to mine... as if they were snakes. The blood across the battlefield began to slosh around, creating huge puddles, then waves raging around rapidly. Without realizing it, I was surrounded by the liquid, I tried to breath but all I sucked it was blood. I coughed and tried to swim up, but the shadow was still holding me tight. As I held my breath my headache became more painful and more painful. I opened my eyes to try to see, but it was just like before, I could see nothing, only this time it was red, not black, and my eyes started to sting the longer I held them open. I shut them quickly and tried to wipe them with my hands but they were still tied down. My eyes stung and my headache grew as I tried to struggle free. My lungs were starting to wane from lack of air. I was trapped like this for what felt like an hour, thinking to myself
"This is it... this is where it all ends... Damn... it...".
As the pain increased I began to think unlike myself. I began to believe death was my salvation over this torture. I could not go on any longer, whether I wanted to or not... I was giving in. As I let my head dangle forward, I began to feel relaxed... as if a great burden had been lifted. I began to feel a cool water over my forehead, a sense of relief spread over my entire body however. My head still ached, but my eyes no longer felt pain. At once I opened them.

...It was dark... again. I tried to sit up, but something caught me half way to my destination and slowly dropped me back down. I was back at the village, my mentor right beside me with a bucket of water, a cloth on my forehead that had been soaked in it not too long ago. He spoke to me in our native tongue...
"Erender, how do you fare?"
I groaned a little before answering softly "I'm... fine... what happened?"
He set the pale on the other side of him and looked back at me, replying "You broke out in a fever when you were sleeping. Some of the others said they heard yelling coming from here, so I thought you might be in trouble. I began to see if you were physically hurt, but it didn't seem so; although you did have a fever. Shortly before you woke up I fetched a pale of water and a cloth to hopefully stop it, you were trashing about wildly though when I got back so I had to watch over you from there on out.
I slowly nodded, grabbing the bucket of water I began to drink from it to quench my thirst. A smile came over his face as he saw I was okay.
"You should get some rest" He said "You've been through a lot tonight... I assume"
I nodded and pulled the blanket back over me, laying on my back, I stared up at the ceiling, slowly closing my eyes. As I did I heard my mentor get up and walk to the door, stopping at the entrance to say "Good night". Then he left.

... Again... darkness...

[erender]

The Vision (Part 1)

The fever stayed with me for about another week, I'm not sure about the exact time for I was in a deep sleep most of it; and when not resting I was not awake enough to fully be aware of what was going on. Dreams came and went, however the nightmare never showed again although it was not forgotten either. When the sickness left me and I was well enough to get up and walk around, I began wandering through the forest that surrounded the village. The verdant forest with it's calm atmosphere was a welcome change from the four four walls I resided in for the past week. However, even the beauty of Ashenvale couldn't disperse the nightmare from me mind, no matter how hard I tried to forget it.
“Death itself is one thing, but me causing so much of it is too much to bear.”
I shook my head trying to lessen the thought and continued wandering around, looking this way and that trying to take my mind off the thought.

Before long, It was approaching day light and I decided to head back to Calmacil ((The village)). As I walked towards my abode I glanced over at the Moonwell and saw my mentor, Galdor, praying at it's base.
He has always been a wise one, maybe he could shed some light on this dream.
I turned and walked towards him, hoping I wouldn't interrupt his current task. As I approached him he mumbled a few final words then stood up, bowing to the spirits, and turning to face me.

“Ishnu-alah, young one. What brings you to me?” He said in his low, mellow voice.
Bowing before him I replied. “Ishnu-alah, Shan'do. I was wondering...”, I paused for a moment thinking if there was any less embarrassing way of saying this, but couldn't think of any with his gaze upon me, “if I could consult you about a dream I had during the past week.”
He nodded and smiled warmly at me, then sat down on the stone steps of the Moonwell, motioning me to do the same where I stood. As I sat down he began to inquire about the nightmare.

“Please... tell me this dream of yours”.
I closed my eyes and took a moment to recalled the events which had taken place, opening my eyes I looked up at him and began.
“It all began with me waking up to pitch black surroundings, I couldn't make out anything for the next few minutes. After that time elapsed, a light flashed in front of me and the field where I stood was littered with bodies, blood, weapons, and sorrow. When I looked straight head of me I saw a figure... a Night Elf... who was cutting down more people. After his last victim he looked at me and then picked up another Elf who was injured badly. The Elf looked at me and...”, I paused for a moment, “and claimed to be my father". Galdor shifted his position, carefully listening to everything described until I mentioned my father. He then seemed even more intrigued.

“The other Elf then decapitated my “father” and stood there, staring at me with a grin while I was transfixed on what had just happened. I then rushed him out of some unknown adrenaline and tackled him. I then asked what his motives were for doing all this and he just cackled maniacally and replied as to me doing these actions. That's when I noticed him to have a strong resemblance to me. However, what happened afterwards was nothing I would have expected.”

I paused for another moment to catch up on my thoughts and think about the best way to explain it. “He suddenly dissolved into the ground but his shadow remained. Seconds later the arms and legs of his shadow wraped around mine and pulled me to the floor. The blood of the battlefield began to swirl and move about here and there. Finally, I was drowning in a sea of blood, unable to swim to the top for the shadow still held me down. After a great headache struck me and I felt I was moments away from death, I woke up and... and that was the last of it.”

Galdor nodded and sat up right. “Ailments can cause strange things to happen to those affected by them. The worse the sickness, the worse the illusions. In your case though, it seems different... possibly a vision?”I shrugged. “If it is a vision, I hope it never to come.”

He sighed and looked into my eyes. “Unfortunately I can't decipher the true meaning of it, sometimes visions can be straight forward and other times they can me quite cryptic. I'll tell you what, tomorrow night we will head over to the Night Elf town of Astranaar to consult a druid about this matter; I am good friends with one who makes his residence there in fact. Clintar Dreamwalker has always been good at spiritual matters like this and I'm sure he will be able to make some sense of it.”

He stood up and dusted his clothes off a bit. I got up as well, smiled at him, and bowed. “Thank you, Shan'do. Your generosity is more than I could have ever hoped for from anyone”. Galdor returned the smile and wished told me to get some rest. “...Lest you forget your dreams on a weary mind.”

I nodded and walked towards my home as he started towards his. I entered my room and laid down on the thin pile of blankets I called a bed with some bundled up animal pelts stuffed with feather for a pillow. Staring up at the ceiling, I thought about all that had happened in the past few weeks, as well as wondering what tomorrow held for me. I glances at the dawn's sun-light shining through the bottom of the door; then, turning on my side, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

[erender]

The Vision (Part 2)

"Erender."
...
"Erender!"

Startled, I quickly turned my attention to Galdor, "Er... sorry, I thought I heard something over there.", I pointed jadedly with my hand to the nearby bushes and trees, still half asleep.

"It may be night but that doesn't mean there are any less preditors on the prowl, stay sharp and don't dose off. You are not a child, Erender, you should know better." Galdor responded, a bit irritated with my behavior, as I had the same ammount of imbarrasment about it. I nodded solemly as he turned and continued the journey to Astrannar, me walking about ten feet behind him, still glancing from the corner of my eye at the brush I was paranoid about.

I turned my focus back ahead of me, glancing around the forest out of interest like some dumb tourist, as if I never been in this part of the woods before. Even if I hadn't though, it didn't really matter -- Ashenvale looked the same pretty much everywhere one went; tall trees dwarfing any being to pass them and blocking out all except a few beams of sunlight -- dim, yet still enough to give Ashenvale that magical glow.

And then there are the bushes... not much to say about them except sometimes landing in them might hurt if they have thorns. I made a quick expression of remorse as the memory of a young child plummeting into a supposed "pile of leaves" came out of the incident looking like a porcupine. I looked up to the bows of the trees while still having the thought on my mind.

Surprising how stupid I was back then, although I suppose the lesson is learned.

A grin spead across my face as I recalled minutes later on that day when that idiot child came sobbing back to the village, mainly back to the hunter Galdor.

What an embarrasment I was...

Shortly after thinking that I was forced to the ground by some unknown force behind me. Hitting the forest floor hard I was dazed for a few seconds before looking up around me to see Galdor crouched about a foot away to the left me, his eyes locked on something in the distance. Of course I was more focused on what had happened to me, and how I hadn't noticed him stopping and falling back to me, rather than what he was peering at.

"What the hell was tha..."

"Stay still and keep quite..." He replied quitely yet sternly as he cut me off. It was about now that I noticed he was concentrating on something and my eyes tried to mimic his, failing at seeing what he witnessed.

"What are you looking at, I don't see anything." I said in a whisper, hoping he would answer instead of telling me to keep it down so I don't scare whatever he was looking at away... which I thought was what happened already.

"Probably what you saw earlier, and from the short glance I got from it, it looked big."

"Like a nightsaber?"

"No, this looked more humanoid, but bulkier than the average Night Elf."

"...A demon? I know they had been driven off with Archimonde centuries ago but... is it possible there were still remnents of them that remained?"

"I doubt it, but I wont disregauard it as a possibility, however much I hope it's not." Galdor stood up cautiously and motioned for me to do the same. "We are sitting ducks just staying put like this, if we reach Astranaar at least we will have the might of the Sentinels guarding us."

"We're not helpless you know," I said while getting up quickly, "even if it is a demon -- we haven't come unarmed." I pointed to the quiver and bow on my back as well as motioned behind his right shoulder where his was vasable.

"A demon is nothing like a wolf or a fox, Erender," he snaped, "mear arrows will do nothing against a rain of hellfire or the shear prowess of a demon. Not to mention, if there is one, I doubt he... she... it is alone."

I nodded and continued following him down the verdant path, a bit closer that before now that there was a threat but not too close to show that I was helpless. I looked away from the foliage and at him and noticed he was the one glancing around suspiciously this time, except he did it in more of a hunters way of scanning his surroundings rather than just observing. I began to 'help him out', trying to immitate him yet again, and yet again failing at doing so as well as him which made me stop and pretend I was doing something so it wouldn't look like I was just walking along while this man... elf in front of me was doing all the work.

Even though we had recently, possibley, found a demon or some threat stalking us, Ashenvale was still as peaceful as ever. The wind whistling through the maze of vegetation, the sound and sight of wildlife going about their business here and there ((I'm not referring to that...)), no one could really wish for a better pla...

"We're here" Galdor said quickly, breaking the silence as well as making me jump by doing so. I took my eyes off of my surroundings and looked ahead to the Night Elf city of Astranaar where the populace carried on with their dayly lives.

"Erender, are you comming?" Galdor was standing a few yards from the small arched bridge leading across a narrow river into the city. Apparently I stopped at the sight of Astranaar; I wasn't sure why though as I've been here many times before. I quickly strode up to Galdor looking everywhere but at him.

"Sorry, I must have trailed off again."

"Are you feeling alright? You seem to have been acting strange ever since we left Calmacil.

"I'm fine, maybe just a bit nervous about this for some reason."

"That "reason" being?"

"If I knew I would have told you."

He frowned a little at this sharp reply, then turned around and headed into Astrannar with me follwing by his side. On our way through Astranaar we passed buildings, one and two stories, gazebos, shops, untill finally arriving at a small house, more verdant that the others, but still recognizable as more than a tree.

I remained a few feet away from the door as Galdor walked up and knocked softly on it's oak surface. After about half a minute a latch was heard on the inside and the door sung open, revealing an older looking elf with short, green hair and robes made from what looked like whatever he could find on the forest floor.

Yup... this must be him.

At least that is what I thought before I noticed Galdors long pause before speaking to elf standing in the doorway.

"... Greetings, druid. I don't suppose you would know where I could find Shan'do Dreamwalker?" Galdor finally said, breaking the awkward silence. The druid's bewilderment turned more friendly as a weak smile formed on his face.

"Ah... you must be Galdor Taurnil." The druid bowed before continueing. "It is a pleasure to meet you, but I'm afraid Master Dreamwalker is away on important business. Ah... but where are my manners, I'm his apprentince, Quintis Jonespyre."

I let out a soft sigh... Great... and 'apprentice' to decipher what this damn dream means.

Quintis turned his attention to me. "Don't worry thero'shan, I may be an apprentice when measured to his prowess, but I'm an adept at what I do."

I paused for a moment before simply nodding. "Forgive me for doubting you, Shan'do."

He smiled weakly again "You are forgiven, child."
"Child?!" I ssnapped so quickly that even if he could read my thoughts it would be quicker just to hear the word.
"Erender." Galdor said as he put a hand on my shoulder. "Do not get worked up over nothing."
"Sorry..." I replied solemnly and quietly. There was a moment of silence again before the druid spoke up.

"Well, now that that is out of the way. Please, come inside." He steped aside and beckoned us in. As we entered he closed the door and whirled around to us, walking past us and motioning for us to follow him to a room down the hall. As we passed a room to our right I glanced inside to see a potted plants on nearly every window sill, desk, and anywhere else where they would get adequite sunlight while still being out of the way. The second room we passed on the left was filled with reagents and powders here and there.

Probably for dream telepathy

I glanced ahead just in time to see Quintis nod. The last room before the one at the end of the hall was littered with vials, parchments, and tons of alchemic items and utensils as well as potions and elixirs neatly arranged in an opened cabinet. Yes... this was truely the home of druid.

"Right in here please, watch your step." Quintis said this as he opened the door and stood aside while we walked in. "Please have a seat at the table, I willbe just a moment." Quintis walked down the hall and turned into the room with the reagents. As he did so Galdor and I sat on the outer perimeter of the small pool of water that rested in the middle of the room surrounded by rocks that was giving off small hints of magical auras -- a miniature moonwell.

When I sat down I glances back through the doorway and saw Quitis walk back towards the room with a few small puches of who knows what, only to turn into the room with all the alchemy needs. Creaking of cabinet doors and clinging of glass vials were heard every few seconds untill he emerged back in the hallway and made his way to us with two new items -- a viel of red liquid and a viel of teal liquid.

He sat down, opposing me, and laid the reagents and potions out in front of him, picking up the one with the teal liquid in it and holding it out to me.

"Drink this, it will put you in what is known as a dreamless sleep. Don't worry, it is not painful, on the contrare it is more of an anesthetic than a poison or any other harmful substance. This one," he held up the vial with red liquid in it, "is what we call an elixir of dream vision. It will allow me to explore your mind to a greater extent, and once again, it will be completely safe and painless.

"But... I thought you could already read my mind and thoughts.

"True, but the five sences are both linked, and yet very different. Such as the scents that hit you when you ventured into this house, you could smell them, but you had no idea what they were. Same goes for other things... such as Ashenvale. If you were to tell someone of this forest it would not be the same as if they actually explored it themselves." I nodded and held the elixir inches from my mouth.

"How long will I be out?" I asked, thinking ahead.

"Not long, maybe about and hour at the most, but I will more than likely awaken you before that. I must ask you to try to remember the events that took place in this dream in as great detail as you can. You will not be put in them again but whatever you think, I will see. So, whenever you are ready."

I nodded and drank the elixir then put the vial down next to me on the floor, then looked over at Galdor, then to Quintis who was now sprinkling in the reagents in the small pouches into the moonwell which made the waters change colors. As the waters began to churn I felt an emense fatigue overcome me and began to feel my eyes close, falling back on the floor with a thud. The last thing I saw was Quintis drink the potion.

"Maybe I should have told him to lay down."

"Doesn't matter now I suppose

Then, darkness...

But it didn't feel as if I was sleeping.

This is weird... well, it isn't painful though so I guess Quintis was right. Hm... weird.

I stared around the darkness for a bit untill I remembered I was supposed to be remembering the dream. I began reciting the even in my head as clearly as I could, trying to remember ever single detail and hoping Quintis could see all of it. I was about half way through the dream when the darkness turned into a bright green and then a warm feeling shot through me.

"... Erender..."

"... Maybe I shouldn't have had him drink so much of the stuff..."

"... Erender..."

I slowly blinked my eyes as if I was waking from a deep sleep. I sat up and rubbed my eyes a bit before looking up at Quintis then Galdor, and back to Quintis. "Did something go wrong? I was only half wa..."

I turned my head towards the front door as a child's scream was suddenly heard outside followed by a loud bang...

[erender]

"That's why I had to wake you." I heard Quintis say as I was still looking down the hallway at the front door. Once I heard him speak up I looked back at him, then to Galdor when I heard him chime in.

"There appears to be a coordinated attack on Astranaar that just started, meaning this is no bandit raid or crazed Furbolg attack. They are attacking from the eastern bridge of Astranaar but thankfully The Sentinels have rallied forced to prevent them from easily taking over Astranaar. Whoever these beings are though, they are not residents of Ashenvale, for we would have known the presence of an army this large much sooner". He then motioned for me to get up and pointed to me gear lying on the floor. "Get up and get your equipment, The Sentinels will need every abled body defending this city -- whether it be a trained soldier of the military," Galdor grinned a little, "or two hunters who happened to be passing through here on odd business".

I smiled weakly and stood up, slinging my quiver over my shoulder and picking up my bow. Galdor was already making his was to the door so I began heading his was after gathering all of my things. He was peering out the door that was ajar, trying to figure out more of the current battle and possibly who the invaders were... and if they were winning. As I approached him he looked up at me, then back out the door to remain updated about the battle.

"By the looks of it, the invaders are pushing into Astranaar, they are currently only a little ways past the bridge though which is still not bad, but I don't know if The Sentinels will be able to fend them off". He took a look back at Quintis who was now strolling down the hall coolly. "What of you Quintis? Will you stay and help defend Astranaar against the encroaching force?"

Quintis shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. Shan'do Dreamwalker instructed me that if anything ill was to befall Astranaar that I should come find him immediately, without hesitation."

"I see," Galdor began, "Do you know where he departed to?"

Once again Quintis shook his head in disappointment. "Again, no. He left without saying anything to me bu what I just told you, I'm not even sure what direction to start looking in". Quintis's face brightened up a bit as a smiled weakly. "However, I'm sure nature will guide me swiftly to him if fate permits it. He may have foreseen this and went to the nearby Sentinel outposts to seek rally forces to aid the defense here. If I bring him the news, perhaps he will bring any reinforcements to our doorstep quicker."

Galdor nodded. "I hope he has found forces to aid us here, and I hope that luck is on your side with finding your mentor," he glanced back outside the door at the battle still raging, "for it seems to be evading us here. Ande'thoras-ethil, Quintis." Galdor then looked at me, "Are you ready Erender? We've wasted too much time here as it already is". I simply nodded and listened to the rest of what Galdor had to say. "Good, now, when I give the signal you will run across the road to the two story house over there." He opened the door wider so I was able to see the building he was talking about. "I'll go first, then I'll keep watch as you cross. Even though the battle is taking place about one hundred yards away on the eastern side of town, there could be agents roaming around deeper within Astranaar. Stay low and stick to the shadows."

That was the last thing he said before scanning the area outside one last time before dashing across the road to the designated rendezvous point. As he was making his way across the path I heard Quintis's voice.

"Hunter, take this. Drink of it when all seems lost and death is near, but make sure to escape from that danger as quickly as possible, for Elune's blessing will not last forever." I nodded and took the small vial of clear, but obviously powerful, liquid.

"Thank you, Shan'do. Hopefully I will be able to repay you one day for all the help you have given me."

I looked back outside and across the road, only to see that Galdor was becoming impatient as he had probably already told me to cross multiple times by now. I did a quick scan of the area before sprinting across the road, arriving safely by Galdor.

"What took you so long?" Galdor whispered to me as I was within feet of him.

"Just a few last words Quintis wanted to tell me, nothing important." I replied as I kneeled down behind the wall. I took a look back at the house and noticed a hooded figure emerge and run to and out the western gate.

At least he made it out okay.

Galdor nodded, probably not caring if it was important or not, then explained the next step of his plan. "From here I am able to see the battle better but I still can't make out much. We will do the same plan as before except this time we will just be heading inside this house so it wont be as risky. This building, like many others here, is completely opened on the front of both the first and second floor which should work as a good observation post."

Without saying anything more Galdor turned his head back around and darted around the corner, jumping over the wooden railing in the front of the house. Several seconds later I did the same and successfully made it inside without detection of any of the "agents" wandering around. I didn't see Galdor anywhere around so I assumed he was already on the second floor. Making my way up there I saw he was kneeled down near the opening of the second story, returning to overseeing the battle. I came up and knelt down behind him as he began explaining his plan.

"From what I can see," He motioned me over to his side so I could see what he was talking about, "they are slowly making their way into Astranaar, as I predicted. However, that one right there with the fur robes and wolf's head," he pointed to on of the invaders with a wolf's head as a mask, "seems to be calling the shots. If we can take him out, we can possible end this battle a lot quicker and have a lot less blood be spilled from both sides. You know, cut the head off and the body will soon follow?" I nodded in understanding of the overview as well as the use of this cliche proverb.

"Good, now listen up, here's the plan. You will back track down stairs and across the road to Quintis's... Clintar's house and go around back, heading east from there and taking cover behind the other buildings along the way in doing so. I on the other hand will go around the back of this house and proceed east on the opposite side of Astranaar. This way we will be able to flank them and keep our options open in case on was becomes blocked by the advancing forces. If all works according to plan, we will have these green skinned brutes retreating in no time. Are you ready?"

Wait a minute... green skinned brutes... could the shadow we saw earlier on our way here from Calmacil be the same as these people?

"...Erender!" I quickly snapped out of my thought as Galdor shook my shoulder a bit.

"Er... sorry, just thinking about something else. But yeah, I'm ready."

Galdor looked at me sternly. "Stay low and stick to the shadows, we can't afford to be making any mistakes right now. If you do, I'm not sure I, nor anyone else, will be able to save you from possible death. Oh yeah, try not to space out either like you've been doing lately." There was silence for a moment, then without saying a word to him I hopped down and made my way across the street to, and behind Clintar's house -- stopping there to check my surroundings. I'm not sure what Galdor did next but I assumed he went along his route shortly after my departing.

As I made my way to the eastern bridge the sounds of battle got louder, as the sounds of axes being blocked by glavies and visa versa kept ringing in my ears. There was also the sound of steel ripping through flesh, or rather the screams of agony as the victim would fall to the ground with the last thought of loved ones or honor on their mind, knowing that their fight has come to an end as well as their time on this world.

Continuing along my route, I made sure to stop and check around corners before running from house to house, in case there were any of those "assassins" Galdor was so sure of stalking the city. Albeit, paranoia did get the best of me seeing as how I began glancing on the rooftops every now and then and whirling around every time I got a chill down my back from the cold night's breeze. I assumed it was just because this was the first battle I actually was ever in, and I thanked the gods, fate, whatever decided this, if anything, that it was a small raid on a moderately defended city rather than a ravine where thousands upon thousands of soldiers would clash and fall on a bloodstained battlefield.

Bloodstained battlefields... just like in the dream...

I quickly shook the though from my head, remembering that it would serve me no good and the only place it would lead me is to my own grave; which I had no intention of going now, or any time soon.

Finally, as I scaled the wall of the last house I kneeled down by the corner and peaked around to see if anything had changed. To my amazement, The Sentinels were still holding the green skinned brutes fairly close to the bridge, maybe they pushed a bit further into Astranaar from the last time I saw them, but never-the-less, they were still no that far in. As I looked at the bridge I saw that their leader was still barking orders at them which only sounded like grunts from what I could hear over the clashing of steel. I retracted from view and looked around to find a couple of trees, bushes, and a good amount of foliage a few feet to my east that would make a perfect spot for me to take aim at.

I took one last look around the corner before sneaking slowly and cautiously over. When I got within a foot of the bushes I quickly dived behind them, making sure that no part of me was still visible to any stray eyes. After laying by gear down I got to crouching position and began digging through the bush, breaking twigs and brushing away leaves to leave a permanent, yet unnoticeable, hole to while I could spy on my target. I then picked up my bow and took and arrow out of my quiver, nocking the projectile, I slowly pulled back on the string, never taking my eyes off the commander.

As I got closer to completing this assassination, I began to grow more nervous... and excited. Sweat began to form on my forehead and run down my face, my heart beat faster as well as the rate of my breathing. My muscles began to grow taunt from holding the bow string back for over a minute now, but I needed to wait for the right moment... it needed to be perfect I thought to myself. Suddenly, I saw the opening I was looking for, and I rose form the shelter and lined up my sights with the commander. My arms were shaking from fatigue but I steady my aim, promising them rest after just a few seconds. I took a deep breath and held it there, and at that moment the sounds of battle, the war cries and battle shouts, the screams, began to grow quieter. Time seemed to slow down as well.

A heart beat...

I released the string and let the arrow set sail.

It flew with unnatural grace to the commanders neck, soon to stop his barking and shouts once and for all, I could all but smirk at the sight.

And at that moment...


just as if nothing could possibly go wrong...


the unimaginable happened.


In an effort to save herself from death, a Sentinel quickly countered one of the invading grunts and send him off-balance, and falling backwards as well... right into the path of the arrow. My jaw dropped as the soldier intercepted this perfect shot and fell to the ground with eyes wide open. I could not believe it, this amazing display of archer concluding on something so unfit was as if a peasant walked right up to his king and slapped him right in front of all the delegates of his royal court.

I stared at the lifeless corpse for several seconds before snapping out of my trance and looking back up at the commander, which to my horror, was looking straight into my eyes, as I was now looking straight into his. His beady, black eyes began to pulse with fire, soon setting ablaze but not in a harmful way, but more in a magical one. His hands soon after began to pulse the same way but they cackled with lightning. As he put his two hands together it collided the two storms and formed a sphere of lighting, bolts lunging out and singing the wooden bridge here and there. He grinned as he began chanting something I couldn't make out over the ambiance of the battle. As his channeled lightning became stronger I recalled Quintis's words.

Drink of it when all seems lost and death is near.

Without hesitation, I began fumbling through my pockets, trying to figure out where I had put it, but my mind was too concentrated on what was going on to think logically. I looked back up at the spell caster and realized he was seconds away from ending his incantation. Right when all seemed like it was said and done, his eyes grew wide and the storm in his hands began to diminish as he dropped to the floor on his knees as the arrows that was shot through the back of his head and straight through his mouth, biting his tongue, caused him to form no more words. As he dropped to the floor next to the grunt, I looked up and saw Galdor with his bow still risen and hand still back from releasing the arrow and a wicked grin shot across his face across his face. I thought this was either from him thinking "you are sooo lucky", or that his plan worked out flawlessly. I went with the latter thinking that he usually doesn't try to make himself look like a big-shot and is more about completing stuff with efficiency.

But just as quickly as the grin came to him, a look of dread replaced it as his eyes widened and he mouthed something that sounded like "Look out behind you!". Of course I didn't know it then and right after he said that I heard a voice from behind me speak in common, but still a rough tone that was with the grunts.

"Thought you were pretty slick there, huh?"

Before I could turn around I felt an immense pain on the back of my head as something blunt struck me, then I fell to the grassy floor of Astranaar, slipping into unconsciousness as the sounds of the battle faded, as well as a menacing laugh.

[erender]

"Unh... where... where am I...?" I began regaining consciousness, but still having a headache from hours, days, or however long it had been since the battle. I put a hand to my head, and with the other slowly got myself to a sitting position, still feeling too light-headed to stand.

"So your finally awake are you? You've been as still as a corpse for a few hours now," I heard a rough voice say, followed by a grunt which formed a toothy grin on his face as I looked up to see who this was. "But don't worry, you'll be going back to that way in a while... forever." The beast stood up and laughed the same menacing way as my attacker, I assumed they were the same person.

"W-Who are you? What is this place?" I asked jadedly, feeling a bit better but still woozy.

"Who are we?!" The beast roared and smashed his fist against the bars of the cage, obviously irritated with my lack of understanding. "We are none other than the mighty Warsong Clan of the Orcish Horde! How dare you even think of ignoring our existence! Your people are thousands of years old and still you are as naive as pink skins."

He grunted and began to walk away, stopping a few feet and turning back, stomping his feet as he marched back to my cell, clenching the bars tight. "I almost forgot... you are in Splintertree Post right now, scum," He spat, "But you wont be for much longer once our interrogations start with you." He pushed away from the cage and walked down to wards the main part of the camp to a large bonfire surrounded by war0like buildings that were fortified with with wooden pikes and metal spiked lining the edged of the fortifications.

When the Orc was settled down at the camp, I got up and rushed to the sides of the cage, looking for a malfunction in the imprisoning structure somewhere It was no use... Even the spot where the Orc bashed his fists was dented, but the metal bars were far from budging. I slid to the ground and laid back with my hands together behind me head, looking up at the gray metal of the cage's roof, hoping I could've seen the Ashenvale's dawn. I closed my eyes and began to think of a way out of here. I hoped either a successful plan would come to me, or maybe the Sentinels would launch a raid on this place and rescue me and any others they had taken prisoner.

Wait, taken prisoner... could Galdor be here as well? I shook my head at the thought, Galdor was too experienced to be captured by these "Orcs". My last thoughts of Galdor came to my mind, about him shouting for me to watch out for the rogue that crept up behind me. "Damn... if only I would have reacted quicker I wouldn't be in this mess right now." I said quietly to myself. I rested my mind for a while, thinking about all of this only made the headache worse, hopefully I would be able to rest here for a bi...

"Hey, elf, wake up!" I heard a different, but still a grumbled voice shout. "The chief wants to see you, so get up and follow me... and be quick about it!" I heard him shout again as I propped myself up with the help of the cage bars.

"Lead the way" I said with a sigh, disappointed that this had come an such an inconvenient time. The Orc jailer began fumbling with keys on a ring to try and find the right one, grunting every time it failed and becoming more irritated as he kept guessing wrong. Finally he got the right one and smiled a little as it slid noisily into the key hole. Before twisting it to unbolt the locking mechanism he looked me square in the face. "And don't even try to escape, or we will be all over you within seconds. Hacking your limbs off and murdering you in the worst way possible." He said the latter with a grin, probably hoping I'd be foolish enough to do so so he could have some entertainment in this bleak camp.

As he opened the cage he jerked me out while made me fall to the floor, quickly getting up I dusted myself of as I heard the cage creak closed and he walking in front of me with his axe over his shoulder. I followed closely to him to give no excuse for him to barrage me with reasons why it looks like I was attempting to escape; he was, of course, disappointed with this, but I didn't really give a damn about how he felt -- I couldn't help but smile a little at his boredom.

"What are you so happy about, scum?"

"Oh, it's nothing really. It's just such a beautiful day today isn't it? The sun is rising, the birds chirping in the distance, the wind bl...". I coughed up blood as I was stopped short by him thrusting the butt end of his axe into my stomach, knocking the wind out of me and sending me to the floor with both arms wrapped around my abdomen.

"Shut your damn mouth your cursed elf!" He shouted as a few Orcs around the camp a few yards away looked over and grinned. "Now get up and keep moving without any more spouting any more bullshit!" He roared as he grabbed the collar of my shirt and jerked me up. I resumed following him to what I assumed was the biggest of the fortifications, probably the capital, or in this sense, some great hall. Every second the pain in my stomach pulsed, but it was well worth it to see the jailer get so worked up over it.

As we neared the great hall the Orc walked to the side of the entranced and gestured with his head for me to go in. "Get in, and don't keep the warden waiting." He said, surprisingly without roaring or spit flying out of his tusked mouth. I departed from my "escort" and made my way in without delay, not wishing to suffer another blow to the stomach without first satisfying my humor. As I neared the end of the first hallway a path curved both to the right and left, I assumed they both went the same way so I turned to the left. Along the way I passed two guards, the first one looking at me with a look of disgust and the second with an 'I wish I could kill you right now' glare.

I turned to my right as a second passage opened and saw a more elite looking Orc standing in the center with his back to me, consulting with what I assumed was an officer or lieutenant of his unit. As I neared him the other Orc looked over the chief/warden's shoulder at me, amazingly not giving me any ill looks -- although I inferred he was beyond that level of immaturity, as I found out the chief/warden was as well. He did a quick bow before walking out the opposing hallway and turning right, proving my theory of both ways leading to the same place in the end.

"So, you must be the newest addition to our prisoners of war, am I right?" The chief said in a gruff and commanding voice. "Please, sit, I wouldn't want any of my guests to feel uncomfortable while in my hall." He gestured to a wooden chair lined with what looked like bear fur next to a larger chair which I assumed was his throne. I walked over and sat in the chair as he took his place in the one adjacent.

He remained silent, examining his 'newest addition' before speaking up again. "Yes, you are definitely of warrior material. Tell me, how many more of you are there out there in these mysterious woods? My soldier return every time with reports of new outposts of yours begin erected over night, every night."

I sighed before answering his question, hoping he would be pleased at the "information" I had to offer. "I'm sorry to disappoint you but, I am but a hunter and in no way associated with The Sentinels. That being said, I have no idea where any of their military instillations are, how many numbers they have. But I'm guessing they are making new fortifications so easily because they have the forest on their side."

The chief frowned a little and clasped his hands together and thought for a second, then resumed his questioning. "It seems that nature is a powerful force in these lands, countless times I've gotten reports on trees rooting up from the ground and charging me soldiers. But, we have nature on our side as well you see, our shamans are conduits with the spirits in every land they have set foot in. You've probably seen them before, one of them was killed in action while raiding the town we found you in, you can recognize them by fur robes and the head of a wolf." I nodded remembering the individual he was talking about.

"But perhaps we have also gained natures bane, for our warlocks walk a completely different path -- one of destruction and chaos. Although, I can't part with them, they make too good of interrogators and always seem to get the information out of the tortured." He finished this comment with a wide grin.

His grin was swept from his fact as a more serious one replaced it. "So I'll ask you again, where are your encampments, how many bolster your ranks, and any of your army's future plans to attack us?"

I sighed again, knowing that he wouldn't like the same reply, but there was nothing else I could say. "Like I said, I am a mere hunter and in no way affiliated with The Sentinels so I have no information about their location or any of their strategic battle plans. The breathed out heavily and looked away, annoyed with my answer as he probably thought I was trying to keep something I knew from him.

"...Come with me." He got up and motioned with his hand for my to do the same, then he walked out of the great hall with me following as instructed, not wanting to anger him any more than what was inevitable. When outside the great hall he beckoned a black-robed Orc over who had blood red eyes. "Warlock, bring one of the prisoners forth as well as enough of your kin to summon a demon," He glanced back at me, then turned back to the warlock, "suitable for an example. The warlock looked up at me and grinned wickedly, carrying out the task while cackling maniacally.

Minutes later the warlock returned with two of his kin carrying a struggling Night Elf Female by he arms, one of The Sentinels was my best guest, possibly even another captured from Astranaar. They set her down in a purple ritual circle that was engraved on the scorched forest floor surrounded by dead grass and undergrowth. The warlock came walking up to the chief and saluted, "The prisoner has been brought, what do you with of us to do with it?"

"You'll all burn in hell for this you monsters!" The Night Elf shouted, gritting her teeth.

"On the contrary," The chief began, talking loud enough so the whole camp could hear, "you will be the one to burn." As he said this the whole camp began to roar in favor and bang their axes on the ground in unison. The warlock grinned happily at the chiefs decision and went to the others to begin the summoning. The chief just stood there and watched, awaiting the climactic entertainment that he was praised for by his soldiers.

Wait... maybe I could save this person if I made up something that the chief would want to here.

Once I had it all planned out in my head, I sought to seek an audience with the chief, he was displeased that I interrupted though. "Honored chief, please do not kill this soldier on my behalf. Please, I will tell you all you have asked for." He simply laughed at my pitiful attempt.

"Clearly you don't expect me to believe this sad excuse for a lie do you? Even if it wasn't a lie, there will be hundreds of more prisoners we will take that actually do know the information I'm looking for and will be glad to give it up." He replied, having a tone of sarcasm when you said "glad". "By the way, let this elf's death be on your shoulders." He said with a grin as he turned back around, failing about making me feel worse that I already was about the situation. After a few seconds, he waved for me to come to his side, and when I did he pointed down at the ritual that was just completed. In the middle of the three warlocks now stood a demon that had to be at least twelve feet tall that was adorned with ebony and gold armor and gloves, with spikes jutting from his spine as dark as night, wielding an axe that he swung around with ease.

As he saw the prisoner her eyes widened in horror as his widened in delight from the main warlock giving the order to attack. The chanting grew louder from the onlookers as the felguard charged the elf and impaled her with his razor sharp claws of his left hand. With the axe in the other, he brought it down on first her left arm, then her right, then tossing her aside like a rag doll -- her screaming matching the shouts of the Orcs that surrounded the brutality.

While everyone was so into the fight, I decided this moment might be the perfect on for me to make my escape. As I began to sneak away, the demon walked over to her and picked her up, carrying her back over to the purple circle, the whole time his claws ripping into her flesh. Upon setting he down and blood spilling on the graphics, the circle began to pulse with dark energies. At this moment the main warlock began to channel a spell and his hands burst into fire, much like the shamans except he seemed to pull the spell off much quicker. After a few seconds, the Elf ignited instantly and began to scream louder than any of the Orc's cheering. The demon was holding her down so there was no means of her doing anything but remaining there on her knees and burning to death.

As her screams died out from either death being a split second away, or he lungs bursting, the crowd began to die down and clap for the job well done by their "entertainers". At that moment the chief leaned over the where I was and began to speak, still keeping his eye on the corpse.

"You see, this is what will happen to you regardless if you relieve and information to me or not before the sun sets. Now, let me get the jailer to ta..." At this moment he turned his head to see the horror of empty space. His eyes began to burn an intense red as his face twisted into one of pure anger, then with the booming voice of one thousand roars. "The prisoner has escaped! Find the Elf and tear him limb from limb! Reap the soul from his body! Kill him!!!" At once the Orcs picked up their weapons and split up, half of them searching the camp and half of them heading off into Ashenvale. At this time I was about one hundred yards away from the camp but I sure as hell heard the bloodcurdling scream of the Orc. I didn't get over confident though, I knew if I slowed down any that they would be on top of me in no time. I just kept heading east, to what I hoped was safety.

After running for what seemed like and hour, I collapsed behind a big oak tree and closed my eyes and breathing heavily and loudly.

"This... should be... far enough..." I said to myself and hopefully no other Orcs that happened to have found my trail. My head raced once again from fatigue and the headache had returned. I feel over on my side and fell into an exhausted sleep.

"Yet again, you think yourself to be so cunning."

I awoke and suddenly jumped to my feel and turned around to see nothing but the oak tree. I looked up in the bowed of the tree to see nothing, and the surrounding area held nothing either.

Just the shadows playing tricks on me again

I rubbed my eyes and looked up again, noticing that night had come and I was still alive, flames must have been shooting out of the chiefs eye right now in his throne room. I smiled and thought that even if I was one of them, I would not want to be anywhere near that building right now. I turned back to the west and continued my journey that way, knowing that soon I would come to the coast, and possibly Astranaar where there might still be forces. I shrugged.

Whatever is to come, it will certainly be better than heading back east.


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The Third war carried of for a few more years before the demonic forces of the Burning Legion were driven back with the fall of Archimonde at the World Tree where the forces of the Orcish Horde under the wise shaman - Thrall, The Human Alliance, and The Night Elves made a pact that would not last much longer after the Third War's conclusion. As for myself, I struggled for survival in Ashenvale until news of the Third War found me at the inn of the rebuilt Astranaar. However, this land was still in chaos and I decided to head up north to a coastal province known as Darkshore to seek safe passage to the distant lands of the Eastern Kingdoms.

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"All aboard! Last call for the Eastern Kingdoms!" I heard the deck-hand yell as roamed around the deck of the ship. After a few minutes I heard him yell again to raise the anchors and set sail. At this time I walked casually up the stairs to the second level and went to the back of the ship. Looking back onto the lands I had known since I was a child left me with a deep sadness, but I knew that there was nothing left for me there at the time being. I took one last glance of Kalimdor, the citizens of the port town going about their daily business, children running around and playing, fishermen sitting upon the dock with lines cast in the sea, shopkeepers sweeping the the porch of their stores. A tear came to my eye and I turned my head, unable to bear the sadness of seeing it fade away anymore. I closed my eyes and swept away the tear, then opened them to see the sun rising over the vast blue sea. I looked longingly out for a minute before uttering a few words: "Ande'thoras-ethil, Kaldorei," (May your troubles be diminished, Children of the stars), then walked down and into the cabins below to rest... to finally sleep without the fear of never waking from that slumber.






The End