Ch 1 - Prologue – The Human Spirit (4 years after Book 2)

King Varian Wrynn of Stormwind stood behind the tailoring guild watching the meeting proceed. The Lady Rhenn Ambrose was somehow able to keep order and calm tempers after an argument over silk prices broke out. The young woman was still beautiful and more than ten years younger than the king, but she was starting to show glimpses that she was becoming older. She had become frailer mostly due to not eating as much as she should the king suspected. She had been in a deep mourning period when her husband, Grekko Ambrose had been killed protecting his two grandchildren by Jamiy when a crypt lord invaded the refuge village where Rhenn's family was living on the coast. Rhenn had been there and watched him die in her arms. His injures were far too great for her, Helene, or the Tuskarr healers to mend.

Varian knew all too well the pain and heartache of having the person that was cared for most in the world taken and that there was nothing to be done, but watch then die. Varian had promised Grekko months ago if anything happened to him that the King would take care of the Marquise. The King watched over her as best he could, but she did travel to Outlands often to visit the peoples whom were now friends of the Alliance, the Kurenai and the Sporelings. She also traveled to Kalimdor to be with her furbolg friends she had befriended in the northern mountains of Winterspring. The bear men regarded Rhenn as one of them and when she was among them despite the cold she dressed as one of them and wore their facial piercings and ear feathers.

They called her "Vark Ursina", justice for the people. She fluently spoke their language and helped with disputes between the Timbermaw, dwarves, or elves. Because of this indoctrination into their culture she had also been accepted by the Stillpine furbolg's after she and her Draenai friend, Hartley, answered the call for aide to rescue the princess of the tribe. Once freed the princess explained to her father that her savior spoke their tongue and was a beautiful woman whose hair reminded her of a bloodmyst sunset. The chief was relieved and agreed her name was fitting among them. It was to these people Rhenn had gone when her husband had died to hide from the pain and be free of people asking after her. The Furbolgs were a closed society and no one could enter unless they were proven to be worthy. It had taken Rhonin and Highlord Tirion Fordring to once again find her and bring her home.

For now Rhenn sat stoically before the people of the guild. No one had noticed the King watching the meeting until it adjourned and he shifted from the shadows where he had been leaning against the wall.

"You majesty!" Several of the women gasped. Everyone bowed deeply to the king as he nodded to them.

"Good day all. I have come to steal the Marquise from you." Varian said

"But we have to have her look over the stocks." A woman protested.

Rhenn looked at Varian. Her look conveyed how tired she was and how truly boring the inspection would be. Varian came to her side and took her hand as she rose to her feet beside him. He kissed the knuckles of his friend and looked at the twenty people gathered before him. "I assure you she will look at the stores soon enough."

"But…"

"But for now she is needed elsewhere." Varian said. He wrapped an arm around Rhenn and ushered her out of the room and out into the sunshine. The woman covered her eyes a moment as they adjusted to the sudden brightness of the day.

"Thank you for that Varian." She said softly. "I would have been there all day and I have a wedding to help plan." She said. She smiled a little. It was the first smile Varian had seen on her lips in months and he smiled back. She was still paler than she ought to be, but he would see to that soon enough. She took a step and staggered slightly.

"When was the last time you ate?" He asked taking both her arms to steady her.

"Lunch yesterday, but I have to go order the dress and the flowers and…" Varian shook her lightly causing her to look up at him.

"Seeing you focus on something and smile again gives me pleasure Rhenn, but you are neglecting yourself again. Come." He ordered and gently pulled her toward the nearest tavern for a meal. The food was always good and cheap and it would be good to let his subjects see her. Many had asked in both word and letter where she was and how she was doing and what, if anything they could do to help the widow Marquise.

The barmaiden brought them Northshire wine and a hearty meal of meatloaf and boiled potatoes. Rhenn did not realize how hungry she was until she had eaten all the food on her plate and found herself asking Varian if he was going to finish his side of Night Elven Kim Chi. He paused on his bite and then passed the bowl to her. She promptly devoured it all to Varian's grin. The Kim Chi was a acquired taste, but much of the food she was raised on as an adopted Tuskarr pup he would put into the same category.

Varian saw her to the Cathedral before he continued to the Keep. She needed rest and be away from the people of the city. He would not have her become ill serving him.

Winter was fast approaching and the farmers were bringing in the harvest. With the season would be the harvest ball. Rhenn had found a beautiful black and gray gown that would be lovely for the ball, but all signal she was in mourning. However, she was spending her efforts helping plan for her daughter's marriage to Marius Coulter and the birth of their child Helene carried.

The wedding was set for two days from tonight, the night of the ball, to be held at the small chapel in Lakeshire. They would be honeymooning at Marius's estates in Westfall. He was a minor noble who had worked the lands granted to him by Lady Rhenn and made himself rich through grain and mineral sales. It was for this reason Rhenn and Grekko had agreed to allow the marriage a year ago. Marius had been injured in an accident where he had saved the life of a neighbor's daughter from a spooked horse with a hay cutter. He fought illness and gangrene in the wound for months before he was able to recover.

That was in part from Rhenn's Timbermaw ambassador to Stormwind. He was a shaman and had traveled with Rhenn to see the man whom would be her son-in-law. The furbolg had placed to the disgust of many in the room, maggots on the wound. They were all surprised, except the shaman healer, that the maggots ate the dead tissue allowing the growth to be unburdened by disease. It was the turning point. Helene was grateful and the Timbermaw minor chieftain explained he would do anything for Vart. His name was Moonbreak and Helene would never forget him. It was soon after as Marius recovered that Helene found she was with child.

Few, however, knew the other project Rhenn was involved with which was finding a princess for the stubborn and handsome Anduin, whom she regarded as a son. Anduin had grown closer to Rhenn in the last couple years finding he was in need of calm and female advice, of which neither his father could provide.

Varian had started putting pressure on the prince to find a woman and marry. The House of Nobles had paraded a dozen women under Anduin's nose, but the Crown Prince did not like the haughtiness and arrogance of the noble's daughters who were raised as aristocrats. He wanted something more, something he could not describe. He had confided in Rhenn that if he did not find a woman to marry and produce and heir on within the year his father planned to make him wed Kassandra Wishock, daughter of Lord Baurles K. Wishock. Anduin protested marrying the gangly brunette utterly, but she was the logical choice. He had escorted her several times and found her empty-headed and clingy. Varian was quick to point out that Tiffin and he had disliked each other utterly and they had grown to love each other so much.

Rhenn was seated at her dressing table. She wore the black satin dress with gray accents. About her neck she wore a simple choker of silver that matched the circlet about her black wimple. Her thick hair was in a thick braid down her back. About her shoulders was a velvet cloak of black to ward off the chill and to hide her if she wished to disappear into the shadows.

A knock came at her door as she arranged the blue sash on her body. She turned. "Enter." She said.

A young woman walked past the guard whom opened the door for her. She wore a dark blue dress that was bustled at the back into the ball gowns favored by the Gilneans. Rhenn had caused quite a stir when she had worn a full skirted dress to the King's ball two years ago. King Genn had found the fashion striking as had many in the land.

The girl was pretty, but not overly so. She dropped into a deep bow to Rhenn. "Lady Rhenn."

"Yes?" Rhenn asked.

"I have come to ask you if I may serve you."

Rhenn smiled. "Rise, child. I am not royalty." She said rising to her feet and taking the hand on the girl and raising her to her feet. She was petite, but she did have curves. Rhenn despised the trend for girls to become thin and what cost to the girl's body. This girl could not be called plain, but nor was she striking. She was the kind of beauty, however, that would haunt the dreams of any man who would look at her.

"My uncles says you are a Princess."

Rhenn laughed. "I was raised as a chieftain's daughter, but that hardly makes me a princess. King Varian gave me that title long ago." She smiled and looked at the girl. "I am a Marquise in these lands by gift of the King."

The girl nodded. "My uncle wishes me to be a lady to you."

"Why would your uncle wish that?" Rhenn asked. She had letters upon letters from families asking Rhenn if she could take on a daughter to educated her at the school. This would enhance the prospect of catching a noble or at least prosperous man to wed.

"My uncle is King Genn Graymane." The girl said. "My name is Ellsa." She looked down. "I am an orphan and I am sure he is just trying to find a place for me."

Rhenn clicked her tongue. "I am sure I can find a place among my people. Are you adept at writing or perhaps note taking as a scribe?" She asked.

The girl looked at her. "No, but I could learn." Her face brightened. "I heard many tales about you as I grew up. You and your daughter accepted my people and see us as people."

"You are human." Rhenn said firmly.

"Some, I feel, do not share that view."

"You are correct, but what does that matter in your case. As one of my ladies you will have the privileges and duties that come with the posting."

"I am able and ready." The girl said.

Rhenn chuckled as she walked toward the door. "Very well. Attend me this evening and we will test your meddle among the courtiers of this city." Rhenn lifted her skirt in her hand. "Come along my dear."

Rhenn led the way to the great hall of Stormwind Keep. The girl stayed close to her new mistress and gasped as she saw the lights and gowns in the room Rhenn greeted several people as she walked in. She nodded to the Chamberlin who rapped the floor with his staff of office.

"Her Grace, the Lady Marquise Rhenn Ambrose of Redridge and Westfall and a guest." The Chamberlin barked out over the noise of the talking crowd about the floor.

Rhenn leaned to him and whispered.

Again the staff rapped the floor. "Her Grace, the Lady Marquise Rhenn Ambrose of Redridge and Westfall and the Princess Ellsa of Gilneas." That caught the crowd's attention as many turned to see the newcomer.

Rhenn quickly made her way to the royal dais where King Varian sat in his chair. He rose instantly as Rhenn came to him and bowed.

"Lady Rhenn." He greeted and gently kissed both cheeks.

"King Varian, may I present, Ellsa, niece of Genn." Rhenn said. "She is to me my protégé."

The girl bowed deeply again bowing over her leg. Varian shot a questioning look to his friend before he offered Rhenn a hand. She rose to her feet and moved to stand at his side. Varian tucked her hand into his arm as he offered the other to the girl who took no notice as she looked downward.

"A pleasure it is to see a young Gilnean flower here." He smiled as she looked up.

"But there is some mistake I am not a…" she protested, but Varian pressed his hand down to her sight.

"You are of the House of Graymane, there for you are a Princess." Varian said. She took his hand hesitantly and he tucked her hand into his other elbow.

The staff knocked on the floor again. "His majesty, Crown Prince Anduin Wrynn, and his escort, Lady Kassandra Wischock."

The pair came into the circle of people with Varian and the two women at his sides. Anduin already looked bored, but Kassandra was excitedly chattering about the ball. Both bowed to the King. Anduin's eyes lifted and took in Ellsa of Gilneas. He was caught in the deep nearly violet pools of her eyes before he caught himself staring and looked down.

"Anduin, Kassandra. May I introduce Ellsa Graymane of Gilneas." Varian said taking the small long boned hand in his and kissing the knuckles. He watches his son as the young man bowed to the girl slightly and she to him.

"Ellsa." He smiled warmly.

"Highness." The girl said.

"Come let us get some punch." Kassandra said breaking the revere of the moment.

The look of appreciation had not been lost on Rhenn nor the King. Anduin reluctantly followed the escort to the punch table. She giggled at him as they walked. Varian looked over at Rhenn with an arched eyebrow. Rhenn only smiled and turned to join him on the dais. The girl stood behind the Marquise as the dances began.

Rhenn had danced with Varian, Anduin, her son Jamiy, her future son-in-law Marius, General Jonathan, and lastly Galadin. Alanis had never missed a Harvest Dance in Stormwind since she was a small child. Now a wife and a mother she was busily showing her child, who was a babe in arms yet, the beautiful dresses as he gurgled happily.

Rhenn's feet ached and she looked up as Anduin approached her. Ellsa had quickly fetched some punch for her mistress as she sat down. The girl was well groomed to be a lady-in-waiting.

Rhenn then noticed Anduin had extracted himself from his escort and was standing on the terrace outside. She smiled and nodded to her lady. Ellsa came to her and dipped her head down.

"I think I must have forgotten my necklace on the terrace when I went out there for air with King Varian. Can you look for it? It is a present from Prince Anduin."

Ellsa nodded and walked out. Anduin turned and she immediately bowed to him. "Apologies, your highness."

He looked at her. "No need." He smiled. "You are not from here are you?"

"No, your highness."

"My name is Anduin, my lady."

She blushed and kept her eyes down as she began to look about the benches.

"Are you looking for something?"

"A necklace. Lady Rhenn lost it. It was a gift from you." She said.

Anduin blinked and then lifted the necklace from his pocket. "I found it here a few moments ago. I recognized it." He held it to her. She took it and he caught her wrist. "Can I call you Ellsa?" He asked watching her.

She smiled as he kissed her fingers. "Yes, your majesty." She said and turned to return to her mistress.

Anduin stared after her.

Rhenn arched her eyebrow and caught Varian's eye. The man turned and caught her look and then followed her eyes to the girl returning indoors and his son standing there watching after. He was completely besotted. Rhenn smiled and Varian looked at her and smirked. Perhaps the prince would not be forced to marry after all.

Two days later Helene was standing before a mirror looking at her reflection. She gently cupped the fullness of her belly. She started to weep. Rhenn cooed softly as she placed the silver circlet of tooled ivy leaves and fir branches upon her head over the long veil.

"What is the matter, my child?" Rhenn asked hugging her daughter around the shoulders.

Helene looked at her mother and took a shaky breath. "I did not think anyone would want me after…" She shivered.

Rhenn smiled. "Your spirit is strong. Marius has seen this and this…" she pressed a hand to her daughter's belly. "Is proof you love each other." She smiled. She took a breath. "Your father would have been proud of you."

Helene nodded and wiped her eyes.

King Varian knocked and entered the room. "All well?" He asked looking at Helene.

"All is well." Helene said smiling.

Rhenn kissed her cheek. "All is well." She agreed.

Helene then took a breath and took Varian's arm. They walked together to the end of the aisle leading toward the alter where Tirion Fordring, Archbishop Benedictus, and Marius Coulter all were standing. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. Varian offered a deep smile of fatherly pride and then kissed her fingers and squeezed them.

Helene saw her mother join the rest of her family. Rhenn was in a dress of black with embroidered designs in the fabric. About her waist was an onyx belt with silver and she wore a simple silver circlet. The great sleeves enveloped her arms and she looked very regal though ordinary in the small gathering of people.

Helene's eyes locked with Marius and she knew she had found the man for her. Such love was reflected there. She also saw Highlord Darion Morgaine in attendance. He was standing near the back watching as if he were bored with the whole affair, but his look was restless as he watched her a moment. She returned to the task at hand and walked forward.

It did not hit her that this was real and not all a dream until Marius took her cool hand in his own and declared his love for her in his vows. She really was a bride and this was her husband. She felt her spirit lift and be happy for the first time in many years.

Helene quickly pulled on a simple shift to be a night dress as her husband watched from the bed in appreciation. "You are so beautiful." Marius said.

She smiled. "Thank you." She said. She brushed out her hair before the mirror. The thick locks fell to past her thighs when free of her restrictive hairstyles.

He came to her. "Are you nervous?" He asked. He kissed her softly. She was stiff in his arms and he cooed softly. She turned and drank down another glass of wine. He swallowed and caressed her head. How long before she would be able to bed with him without needing a drink to settle her nerves first. Given her history he hardly blamed her.

She looked in the mirror. "I am sorry."

"For what?" He asked looking at her reflection.

"For being a poor bedmate."

He dipped his head and kissed her cheek. "After what happened to you, I am just happy you are willing to bed with me and carry my heirs." He smiled.

She finished the wine and he kissed a deep kiss to her mouth. "I love you." She said.

"I love you, too." He said and led her to the bed.

There was an odd howling outside. Rhenn woke and looked about startled. Her husband gently rubbed her arms and pulled her back to him. He smiled and kissed her softly. "Be easy." He said. "Just the Coyotes."

"But it sounded close."

He kissed her softly. "They likely are just beyond the fence. Come rest, my love." He said softly

Suddenly a loud crash made them both sit up. He looked at Helene as she moved to light a candle. He took it and picked up his crossbow. He then kissed her she stood in her shift. "I will be back. Had to have been the cat, but I will make sure."

Helene could not fight the pit in her stomach. She pulled a shawl around herself.

It was some minutes and Marius did not return.

She opened the door and walked down stairs. "Marius…what is…"

She froze and cried out as she saw her husband on his knees. He looked up at her with sorry, shame, and pity. The man before him struck with a great sword driving the blade through his chest.

Helene cried out and ran forward, but found her legs bound to the floor by an ice block. She looked about wildly at the men and gnolls gathered there. The man whom had murdered her husband stood his arm up. "He had a brood mare he did not tell us about." He said noting her condition. He grinned at her as he came to her.

She struggled and he merely laughed and back handed her face sending her sprawling and unconscious as she fell earthwards. The last image she had was of her husband's body lying in a pool of his own blood. Then darkness.

Helene woke as she was unceremoniously set down. She looked about trying to get her bearings. She saw she was next to a field, but could not move. She was bound hand and foot. She felt something on her arm and gasped when she saw the owner was a powerfully built gnoll.

Gnolls. The feral race of Westfall.

She looked at the dog-like face as he looked her over. He then hissed. "Trouble." He barked.

Helene drew her knees close and curled in a ball. The gnolls seemed to be arguing about something. Suddenly a fight broke out and the gnolls turned from her to cheer one side of the other. She watched in horror as the two combatants fought with the vigor of two sides of a battle rather than being on the same side.

One crowed as he felled the other and there were cheers and hisses among the spectators. Helene then saw a human approach. He wore a bandana and was a burly man. He watched the prisoner as he knelt by her.

"Where am I?" Helene asked. "Why am I here?" She whimpered feeling ill at remembering watching her husband cut down and nearly cut to pieces by the gnolls.

"You are now under the guardianship of the Defias." The man smiled looking her over with appreciation. "Unfortunately, you as the wife of Marius Coulter must pay for his sins." He reached out and touched her hair. "But you seem strong." He nodded up at several of the men who joined him. "I am sure we will have a few days of fun out of you before you give up."

"I would see Edwin VanCleef." Helene said.

"No one sees the boss." One Defias sneered near her. "Least of all harlots of men who cheated us."

Helene gasped and then shifted. "I'm pregnant. Please. My mother is Lady Rhenn Amb…"

A hard backhanded slap silenced her drawing blood from her nose and lip. She cried out in pain and the men smiled. "Good job Jeffery. I was getting tired of her talkin'"

"But my baby…" Helene whimpered feeling her lifeblood run freely. She could taste it on her lips.

"Good." Another smirked. "Won't be ours in your belly when we finally kill you."

She started to weep in fear as the men moved about her. One pulled her face to his and kissed her roughly and then licked her cheek where the blood was. He grinned and looked at her with a sadistic grin. "Don't worry. I won't hurt you, love." He smiled. He moved over her looking her up and down.

"No you will not." A metallic voice rang out as the men turned stunned.

The man blinked and then dropped to the side as his head fell to the other direction. Helene shrieked and looked up and saw a dark form in the morning light. Her savior wore dark plate armor and held a long glowing sword. She gasped. "Darion?" She asked

Three more heads fell from the shoulders of three of the men in Darion Morgaine's fury. He turned on the others crouched ready for battle. He ignored her for now focused on killing the scum that tried to harm her.

"Grimpaw!" One of the Defias cried.

The gnolls turned and attacked the Death Knight, but in his plate armor and with his burning fury for what they had done to Helene, he slew them all. He turned back to the humans who turned to run in fear, but he gave chase and killed every single one of them.

Blood covered from his enemies he moved to held his sword as he walked back to Helene. She was still in her shift from sleeping and it left little to the imagination of the Death Knight as to her body. He dropped down and gently cut her bonds with a dagger. Once free she was free he put a shoulder under her arm and wrapped it about his shoulders. Half carrying, half dragging her along, he moved quickly before reinforcements arrived. He would leave these bodies to rot in the sun.

The moved toward a bridge. She whimpered and he paused swinging her to face him.

"Helene?" He asked softly.

There was no reply as her body sank earthwards. Darion Morgaine, as gently as he could, lifted the young woman in his arms and continued into the woods of Duskwood, a place few men and fewer Defias would venture.

Helene woke to a snapping sound. She felt heat near her. A fire.

She woke instantly, but when she tried to move she found her body would not obey. She took a breath wondering where she was and why she was here. She looked up at the trees. She had been in the home of her husband the last she remembered. She turned her head slightly. There was a fire with a cooking pot hanging over it. Something smelled yummy in the pot, but she could not place it.

She tried to sit up and her vision swam and she laid back. She found she was in a makeshift bed. She lifted and arm and found her cut had been bound.

Then a face came into view. A pale face with nearly white eyes, golden hair that flashed orange in the light. He gently looked at her. "How do you feel?" He asked. His odd metallic voice was strangely soothing to her with its familiarity.

"Darion." She whispered. How had the head of the Knights of Ebon Blade found her? He had been at the wedding, brooding, but he had been there and greeted the wedded couple.

He nodded and smiled. He dipped a cloth into a bowl of cool clean water and wrung it out. He pressed it to her brow. It was cool and soothing.

"Where are we?" She asked.

"Duskwood." The Death Knight answered. "We are safe here." He smiled. "I will protect you." He promised softly. "How do you feel?" He asked. "You have been out for hours."

"Must get back to my family." She protested. She tried to rise.

Darion reached out and pushed her back to sit. "There is nothing for you there except pain." He said.

"Where is my husband?" She asked.

He looked down. "He was murdered." He said slowly. "I found him. He had so many cuts with sword and dagger, he was barely recognizable."

She turned away and whimpered her hand going to her mouth to keep from being ill. She then cried out so loudly the Death Knight moved to her quickly and looked at her. "What is it?" He asked looking her over for an injure he had missed.

She was doubled over panting.

He watched her relax even as he caught the ripple against her belly. Labor pains. He looked down. The babe was only five months in the womb, Helene had told him. He laid her back hoping that easing her would help and calm the child so it would not come. Perhaps it just was feeling the sorrow of its mother. Sorrow that Morgaine felt, but sorrow, hatred, anger, fear, were all emotions that Death Knights could feed on and use to their advantage. It hit him. She was afraid and it was much like a drug for him, but he closed his eyes and willed himself and her to relax. Perhaps the Light she served would hear and calm the child.

He was wrong.

It was three hours later and he had helped her deliver the tiny human being. The little thing was too small even for his palm to hold. He swallowed regarding the tiny being he held in a handkerchief. Helene was curled in a ball sobbing. He had cleaned her and the area up as best he could. He would need to move Helene soon. The blood from the birth would soon attract wolves in Duskwood.

He buried the tiny thing in a shallow grave at the base of a tree and marked the bark should she wish to visit the tiny thing. He went over to her and took off his cloak. He wrapped it about her as the day wore on. She was cool feeling even to his fingers. He gently touched her shoulder.

"Helene. We must quit this place and find another so you may rest." He said.

"No. Go." She said. "I wish to die with my husband and the baby." She refused to look at him as she held herself.

"I will not let you." He said sternly. "The Light kept you alive for some purpose and what sort of friend would I be if I rescued you and then let you die in the wilds like a doe."

"A kind man." She said. "Please." She looked at the dark near them. "You should not have rescued me. You should have let me die."

"They were going to rape you to death." He said.

"Better that than living and suffering loss."

"I know what loss is and dying will not help your soul rest."

"What do you know of love?" She said suddenly turning to him. "You are undead. They cannot love. My heart is broken. Please. Do me this one kindness and leave me to join them."

He felt the pieces of what remained in his heard break for her and he dropped his head. He loved her. Loved her far too much to let her senselessly die so. He could finally own up to the emotion to himself, but he could not voice it to her. He loved all of her. Her spirit. Her determination. Her beauty.

"Think of your mother and brother." He said trying a different tactic. "Trials shape us." He said. "Time will heal the wounds."

She scoffed and held herself more.

He then shook his head then deciding for her own good he would use drastic measures. He lifted her in his arms, his cloak and all despite her protests. She beat her small fists on his chest plate. "Damn you, Damn you. No!"

He held her closer and more firmly. "As you say I am a death knight and kindness is not one of our virtues." He said his patience wearing a bit. "I will bring you to your godfather. He will be able to talk sense into you." He held her gently but firmly as he moved quickly toward Duskhaven. From there he could travel to Stormwind and seek a mage to aid him.