[Disclaimer]

I don't own WoW or anything.

Most of the characters contained within this story are based off of my own characters created within Blizzard's Azeroth.

I also employ use of several of their NPCs.

This disclaimer should be obvious to anyone born with a functional brain, but I'd rather not risk the possibility that someone who was not may run across my story and cry foul for want of a disclaimer.

Enjoy.

Chapter 1

"Draenei." The very word makes me sick to my stomach.

Pitiful, Self-Righteous Weaklings parading around as if they belong in this world. My world.

They look to the Naaru for guidance. They trust in the light for protection. But today, no counsel will save them from their fates. The Shadow of Death descends upon Azuremyst Isle...

...and we will snuff out the light.

A veritable army of Horde combatants stands at the ready behind me, the wooden dock creaking and flexing beneath their combined weight. The strange menagerie of restless wolves, raptors, hawkstriders, kodo and skeletal warhorses paws at the planks, eager to charge. As eager as their respective masters whose eyes shine with a deep, unquenchable hunger for blood.

There is little time for reflection. Precious little time that I shall use to tell my tale before this glorious massacre begins.

I was once a proud High Elven Ranger under the command of the Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner. She was as beautiful as she was deadly and I had admired her for some time before I was deemed worthy of her instruction. It was a true honor. I spent each day training without rest. When my peers would recover and replenish, I would continue to drive forward until my form was flawless. I was unrelenting. Tireless. Nothing could stop me.

The long nights that followed did not gift me with the rest of the weary. My mind was always blanketed in mist and chaotic thoughts raced inside my head unchecked.

I would question my training and attempt to conjure some method of enhancing its effectiveness so that I could become even stronger.

I would think of my father's bow; how its graceful curves made it a pleasure to use, how it shone with polished brilliance in even the faintest light, the flawless sounds of an arrow being propelled forward by the bow string before solidly finding its mark and, of course, I would wonder if perhaps it were still in tact somewhere. Perhaps my father was still using it to survive. Perhaps he was still trying to get back to Quel'thalas. Or perhaps it had been dragged away and abandoned by wolves who had feasted upon my father's remains.

I would imagine Lady Sylvanas taking note of my superior dedication and confessing her love for me.

Finally, I would drift off into a fitful sleep and awaken only a few hours later to do it all again.

Over time, I became an outstanding Ranger. I was truly one of Quel'thalas' best. At least, that's what I kept hearing from everyone except Lady Sylvanas. She largely ignored me. I suppose I shouldn't have been so critical of her attitude. She had more pressing matters to attend to, after all. She was wise, respected and an exceptional leader. It is likely for this reason that I jumped at the chance to obey her direct command.

"Ranger Shandor." Lady Sylvanas' beautiful voice was speaking my name. I could hardly breathe.

"Yes, my Lady? What is your will?" My voice faltered for a moment. I had been waiting for this for so very long. To be called into service by my Ranger-General. A chance to prove myself.

"I would like for you to travel South to Andorhal. A merchant's caravan carrying supplies sorely needed by the Citizens of Silvermoon has requested a Ranger escort to our gates." she replied.

My heart sank. "But... my Lady. Isn't that a task better suited to-"

"It is best suited to you." she interrupted me. She could clearly see the look of confusion on my face that I was no longer attempting to hide. "The caravan needs protection. That is why I am sending them one of our best."

The compliment was all but lost on me. Later, I would recall her words and swell with both pride and regret but at that moment I could only marvel over how I, Ranger Shandor Fateweaver, had been relegated to such a menial task. No longer thinking clearly, I lost my patience and spoke with a harsh, questioning tone. "It needs protection? From what? A couple of owls? A bear? Perhaps a billy goat?"

The chuckles of my peers were quickly cut short by Lady Sylvanas' glare. Her cheeks flushed pink and she stared me directly in the eyes. It felt like I was being dominated. I liked it.

"Do not question my orders, Ranger. You are to rendezvous with the merchant's caravan and escort it safely to our gates. However, I also wish for you to scout the area along the way. Take your time and make careful note of the conditions around Andorhal. Pay close attention to the populace and their behavior. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, anything at all, report it to me immediately upon your return to Eversong Forest." Her words ended with a tone of certain finality, implying that any further discussion would not be met with the temperance of their predecessors.

"Understood, my Lady." Though I did not understand at all. "It will be done."