Authors Note - Do note, this is the fourth installment so far, So It's suggested that you read Why We Fight, For The Light, and A Kingdom Under Fire (in that order) so your not completely lost. Otherwise, returning readers, do enjoy!
Chapter One
Terenas Outpost was full of activity this morning, soldier's rushed up and down the docks and across the grounds of the post just north of Brill. Normally, tensions wouldn't be this high, however a visit from the Queen and King of Loraderon. Aydeline would be arriving from a mid-sea transfer, between a Horde Ship and a Loraderon Ship. The Loraderon ship, The Cutlass, would be arriving with the returning Queen, and a set of Horde Emissaries, as they would visit Tavin's lands as guests.
Tavin himself now stood at the end of the dock, with Commander Elmsworth, the man in charge of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Marines, the men responsible for the protection of the coasts of the land. All the Commanders of the Battalions throughout the lands were splendid at their jobs, but Tavin held a bit of favoritism for Elmsworth... he did his job slightly better, trained his men slightly harder and throughout it all... it paid off.
Tavin shook his head of the thoughts, and focused back on Elmsworth as he began talking. "Our patrol's have extended slightly more over into the waters, after those recent raids, I've raised our alertness up a few notches." he said, probably just making conversation with Tavin for the moment. Tavin nodded, however, in agreement. A few months ago, Vrykul from the North, as well as Deep Sea Pirates had begun attacking merchant ships enroute to the Outpost. After one ship was lost, the 2nd Battalion took the raids more seriously, and to a better extent pushed the raiders back to the North and West, making the waters once again safe. It was a short month of excitement, but it was certainly an eye opener for the Kingdom.
"Tension's are certainly high today Commander..." Tavin mused aloud, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Elmsworth smiled slightly, "The men have achieved perfection, sir.. they're only trying to achieve more today, especially in your presence, as well as they liked to give the Horde a good first impression." he said. Tavin grinned, "Well spoken Commander.. have you any word on the exchange of the embassy to our ships?" he asked. Elmsworth nodded, A Sloop sailed ahead to send word of their arrival, not an hour ago perhaps... They say the main "fleet" was not far behind, and that they'd be arriving within another hour... and that time should be any moment now.." he said, glancing up at the sky. Tavin nodded, "And of the exchange itself?" "It went well, I hear Queen Aydeline conducted everything smoothly." he answered, knowing the Queen was the main part of his King's question. Tavin nodded again, satisfied with the answer.
"But, I shall take my leave, sire... I need to ready the men to fall in line for the arrival." he said. Tavin turned to the Commander, saluting him sharply. "Very well Commander, take your leave." he said. Elmsworth saluted back, and briskly walked off, hurrying for the barracks.
Tavin sighed and brushed his jacket off absentmindedly. He had decided not to wear his full regalia today, instead trading his heavy plates and the Ashbringer, which was hidden away under his Throne, for simple nobles clothing... and a leather chest harness too, for certain precautions. His father had made him one not long ago, also acquiring him several well made daggers with the Wilhelm family crest emblazoned in the hilts. Tavin reached inside his jacket, his fingers brushing one of the dagger's hilts, but his hand grabbing a small object, pulling it out of his jacket to reveal it as a thin silver case. He flicked it open, revealing two cigar's inside, with several matches tucked away underneath. He pulled out a cigar and a match, and then slid the case back into his jacket, then lighting the cigar and dropping the match into the water.
He took a puff of the cigar... he was never one to smoke alot, but being around his father had made him grow accustomed to pipes and cigars, especially Longbottom Leaf, his fathers favorite. Now, from time to time, Tavin would allow himself one cigar. He took another puff and merely stood at the end of the docks, thinking for awhile.. waiting for the further preparation and shouting to begin, once the boat was sighted.
However, no sooner did he think this though, the telltale words rang out behind him... "Cutlass on the horizon!" a scout shouted from his post. Tavin smiled silently as the scouts words set of a chain reaction of officers yelling orders to men behind him. Slowly the large frigate entered view, its sails emblazoned with the large insignia of Lordaeron, flashing brightly as the wind caught the sails in full effect, pushing the frigate through the waters. He could see many figures rushing about the deck and helm, but he couldn't quite make out any faces yet. The ship angeled itself away from the docks, but with a sudden sharp turn, the bow cut through the waters and placed the ship parallel with the dock's. The sail's began to pull up as men atop the mast started to turn them up, cutting some speed away from the ship. Tavin watched as the anchor was dropped with a large splash, and the ship came to a shuddering stop at the dock, the sail's now up and tied, and the anchor dropped in the water.
Soldier's rushed past Tavin, catching hawsers from the men aboard the ship and tying them around the iron tipped bollard's on the deck, mooring the ship and preventing it from drifting forward, backwards or away from the dock. Once the soldier's had the ship tied down and moored completely, they fell into two lines, making a "tunnel for the embassy and Queen to pass through.
"Men! Present, Arms!" a voice shouted beside Tavin suddenly. The men snapped to and in unison pulled their swords from their scabbards, raising them first vertically, then bearing them downwards at an angle. The Horde Embassy appeared and exited the deck, consisting of four different members. The first two were trolls, one a man, the other a woman. They wore fine robes of subdued colors, with many shamanisitic beads and trinkets around their neck. The next was a Tauren woman, someone Tavin instantly recognized; Hroun's wife, Beruna. Tavin hid his surprise, and glanced back to the fourth member of the escapade, one Tavin didn't recognize. An elven male, whom carried himself with a bit of dignity, no doubt a member of the Royal House in Silvermoon.. but Tavin pushed the thoughts from his mind as the four approached him.
He bowed deeply, "Ambassadors to the Horde, welcome to the lands of New Lordaeron... your in safe lands now, as you are our guests." he said, brushing his hands off of the ash and remains from his cigar. The male troll spoke up, "We be hon'aed to be here, yah majesty." he said, obviously the "leader" of the embassy. Tavin nodded, "But, as I understand, your journey has been long, and no doubt you wish for food and lodging... merely follow Commander Elmsworth here, and he will find you said things." he said, glancing at Elmsworth, whom nodded. "We can, and will, talk about politics and negotiation's later, my guests." The ambassador's nodded, and brushed past Tavin, following Elmsworth as he led them back into the Outpost.
Tavin glanced up at the men, whom were still standing at attention. "At ease, fall out." he murmured to them quickly. They exhaled with a bit of relief and slipped away from the dock, off to fill in their posts once more.
At last, there was only two left of the dock; Tavin, and Aydeline.
"You look tired." Tavin whispered, stepping up to her. She sighed and ran a weary hand through her hair. "There's been more tremors and earthquake's down south and in Kalmidor... I'm merely glad it hasn't reached our borders. But Varian seems to be taking advantage of these and has been "expanding" his reach to Kalmidor more." she said, sounding exhausted. More and more earthquakes have been striking Azeroth, tearing apart outposts, uprooting towns, and destroying lives in their wakes. Tavin didn't know what they were coming from, nor what the world was coming too, but it was beginning to worry him. So far, Loraderon hadn't been effected by any earthquakes, as they were practically unheard of this far north.. he feared, though, that refugee's would soon flee for Lordaeron, as they had become the "peace-keepers" of Azeroth almost.
"Varian's becoming to arrogant.." Tavin whispered, "We may actually have to step in on this one." he said. Aydeline nodded, "The most contested area right now is the Barrens... the damn place has been split in two, and Varian has already sacked two towns, setting up a forward command there." she murmured. "He's becoming a madman, bent of genocide." Aydeline shook her head. Tavin nodded, "We'll discuss it with the ambassador's come the time." he whispered. Aydeline nodded and they departed for the main hall, where no doubt the Ambassador's would be waiting... He had offered them sleep and food, before talking, but Light knew they'd rather do the latter two at the same time... at least it solved two things at once. They slipped past the four guards in front of the main hall, walking into it. Tavin glanced around, the main hall, or Nest, as Elmsworth detailed it, contained a large table of the seas, and shores of Lordaeron. On it were small models depicting where Elmsworth's forces were deployed, along with the forces of the other Regiment. There was an exact replica of the same table back in the Capital. Around this one now stood several officers, Gold Fists or Plated Swords shining off their lapels, signifying their ranks.
Tavin joined them at the table, finding himself next to Elmsworth. Elmsworth looked up, "Ahh! Field Commander Wilhelm has joined us!" he said humorously to his King. Elmsworth normally called Tavin by his former rank, rather than by his regal title.. something Tavin both missed, and enjoyed. He smiled, "Where have the Ambassador's gone to, Commander?" he asked. Elmsworth pointed towards the left wing of the building, "That way, sir." he said. Tavin nodded, "Thank you Commander." Elmsworth saluted and nodded back.
They both slipped away from the table, passing through the doors to the left wing, which housed the sleeping quarters and mess hall of the soldier's, instantly spotting the Ambassadors at the head of the Officer's table, plates of food already before them. The mess hall was otherwise devoid of any soldier's, and so the two made their way across the hall, finding the head set saved for Tavin, and the seat beside him for Aydeline. They took the seats, each Ambassador looking up. "I can sense you wish to speak as well." Tavin said slyly, grinning a bit. They all nodded, the troll speaking up, "Aye ya majesty, we be eaga to talk to yah'." Tavin nodded, "Then tell me why is it you've requested to have audience here." he said, sitting back. A Sergeant appeared suddenly beside Tavin, setting two glasses of wine down on the table, before he slipped off, saluting before he did. "Tension's in the Barren's are steadily rising, as we've had to quickly erect walls and a gate to protect Mulgore, as well as any foothold's we have in the Barrens." Beruna spoke up, glancing at Tavin. He took a sip of his wine, "From what Aydeline has mentioned, these earthquakes have literally split parts of Kalmidor, and even some sections of the Eastern Kingdoms... but its worse in Kalmidor, is it not?" he asked. Beruna nodded, "The Barrens are split in two, and that foolish King has suddenly drove up from the Marshes, sacking two of our towns and setting up forward posts!" Beruna angrily slammed her fist on the table, "It is slaughter what he does! They have no honor!" she seethed, her voice cracking slightly. Tavin nodded, "As you know, Lordaeron takes neither the complete side of the Alliance, nor the Horde. But, saying such, the Alliance, mainly the Kingdom of Stormwind, is tipping the scales of this conflict... I am considering adding my men to the Horde's cause, but only to drive the Alliance away from the Barren's and your lands..." he said, trailing off. The Elf spoke up, "We only seek to recover from these natural disasters, and reset out borders and towns, if we can manage to drive Varian away, and perhaps draw up a treaty, and draw boundaries... then that is what we will advance for. We do not seek Alliance blood." he shook his head. "The only men we kill is out of defense, we only seek justice and peace now."
Tavin nodded, "Are you acting upon Garrosh's orders?" he asked. It'd be rather surprising if Garrosh was seeking peace for once. They all shook their heads, "As you can see, their are no Orc's among us." the Elf spoke up. "The Troll's have successfully migrated back to southern Durotar, as well as finding homes in Mulgore. And we elves are content with our lands, as courtesy of you." he said, acknowledging Tavin's agreement to still allow the elves their homelands. "The majority of the Orc's want to go to war with Varian, and in truth, the way is clear towards Ogrimmar. Any Orc's or Horde members against this new conflict have escaped to our lands, or Mulgore... but Garrosh himself is enlisting recruits for a war in the Barrens." he said.
Tavin nodded again, "If Garrosh is going to persist, you cannot stop him, you can only sever ties with him, and retreat back within your lands... I can send men to successfully help you do this, we can hold the line so you can fall back to Mulgore." he said. Beruna spoke up, "We have gates and walls erected in Mulgore, as well as our small mountain holds in the surrounding areas, the Night Elves are calling a neutrality with us, and are allowing us to border their lands... it seems the only two really going for this conflict are the Orc's and Humans." she said. Tavin smiled, "Just like history, its repeating itself..." he said, sighing sadly. "I will commit my men from the second battalion then, we will protect you as you can retreat back to Mulgore, and myself will take a convoy to their camps to try and find Varian.. perhaps I can stall the attacks for a bit." he said.
They all nodded, "This will be most wonderful, your majesty." the Elf said. "I will notify my Commander, a hundred men and three ships will be ready in the morning for our trip to Kalmidor... I only hope we can reach it in time." Tavin said. "I have magically communed with a contact within Ogrimmar, it seems Garrosh is going to force march in four days time, he will likely meet the Alliance forces at the Battlescar, a bottleneck area vital to both sides... It both sides commit, then I fear the gulch will be filled with bodies in a matter of hours... we have to stop this before it happens." Tavin nodded in agreement, "Then we shall rushed to Kalmidor come morning." he said. "But for now, ease you minds, as you have my support on this matter, and in turn, eat and enjoy the hours here." he said, standing up from the table, his glass of wine in his hand. "I shall see you all in the morning" he said. They all nodded and tipped their heads towards Tavin and Aydeline.
The two briskly escaped the hall, making way for the Officer's quarters in the northern tip of the building, where Elmsworth had Tavin's field quarters erected, in case Tavin ever found himself held down out here. And now, those were becoming useful, as it gave the two a place to lodge for the night. Before then, Tavin spotted Elmsworth still at the table. He pulled him aside with a silent motion, and the two placed themselves away from the table and earshot of the other Officers. "Yes sir?" Elmsworth said. "Ready one hundred men, three ships, and a several Crow's" he said in a low tone. Elmsworth raised an eyebrow at the last request, "I can sense we're aiding the Horde then?" he asked, and Tavin nodded, "Only to help them retreat and possibly draw boundaries with Varian... I hope no men are lost against our own Allies." he said. Elmsworth nodded, "When to depart, sire?" he asked. "Sunrise, Commander." he answered. Elmsworth nodded and stepped back, saluting. "It will be done, my lord."
Tavin nodded and slipped away, Aydeline following him as they made way for their temporary quarters. They slipped into the northern wing, Tavin pulling a small iron key from his waist, jamming it instantly into the lock of their door in the center of the Quarters, turning it with a snick, and slipping into his field quarters. Tavin closed the door behind them, and locked it again, tossing the key up on his desk. Aydeline glanced around the Quarters, actually never being inside it before. It was furbished with only a small vanity, a bed, a washcloset, and an enormous desk. On the desk were several papers, and a map of Azeroth, several small wooden figures on it. In the corner was an armor stand with a set of Marine's armor on it, the white emblazoned numeral two on the shoulders and sleek helmet. Next to the stand were display stands with swords on each. She turned back to him though, remembering part of Tavin's conversation with Elmsworth.
"Crow's?" she asked. Tavin sighed and nodded, "Light know's what this will come too..." he said sadly. The Gray Hand, and its agents, or Crows, were the personal spies and assassin's of Lordaeron, cliche slightly, but much like Stormwind's SI:7, the Forsaken Deathstalkers, or the Watchers in their missions. Tavin had only personally requested them twice, as they were normally assigned to the field, or to trail Tavin by orders, but both times Tavin had personally asked for them, the reason's why had been trumped by the Crow's... he placed his full respect and trust in their training and willingness to die for him. The current commander of the Crows, was named the Dove, whom in fact was General Aleric Hawkin's, the former Leader of the Deathstalker's, but as the majority of Forsaken entered the Undercity to rest in peace, he stayed awake, deciding to offer his services to Tavin, alongside Hroun actually. Hawkin's operated the Crow's smoothly, and silently. Not one of them had ever been publicly seen, and only a select few knew about them... to join them was an honor, and was by invitation only, hand picked by Aleric and Tavin.
"They'll aid us while over there, need be, I can send them to capture vital figures to the conflict, and hold them until a treaty is formed... I don't want to bring it to kidnapping or assassination.. but need be to save the Horde from genocide, or the Alliance from a costly war, I will." he said. Aydeline nodded, "It's a wise move..." she whispered. Tavin slipped his jacket off, revealing his harness underneath, with his dagger's in the scabbards. Underneath his jacket, he wore a tunic of black leather, with a thin plate of metal in the leather too, to protect him from arrows or daggers. Aydeline slipped up to him, "Can I ask a question?" she whispered. Tavin placed his arms around her, "Of course." he said. "Why have you, lately, forsaken your paladin ways, more times using your daggers and silent attitude, instead of your regal and paladin terms?" She asked. Tavin sighed, "No real war plagues us, and so I find it useless to wear full regalia everyday, nor to carry around the Ashbringer, as it unofficially places me apart from everyone else... as a Paladin, I silently carry a "Holier-than-thou" attitude, but as a more subdued man in simple clothing, with hidden daggers, I place myself among my citizens, becoming a regular man, in appearance." he answered. "I still pray every day, I still conduct myself to my Paladin virtues.. but I carry the appearance of a normal day man, but in turn carry the weapon's of a Rogue... If one wishes to be a man, my love, then he must look at all sides of the spectrum of nature's... Not only the sword swinging, plate wearing side of a soldier or paladin, nor the darker, sleeker nature of a Rogue... understand?" he said, glancing down at her.
She nodded, "I do, I was merely wondering." she asked. "Will you be wearing full regalia for this, although?" she asked. Tavin nodded, "Elmsworth will send for the Crow's to bring my armor and the Ashbringer, apart from you, Hroun and Faux, Aleric is the only other that knows how to retrieve the Ashbringer." he said. She nodded, and blinked her eyes wearily, "We should get some rest then, morning will come quicker than we wish." she said. Tavin agreed, "Aye, and I these next few days will be vital to the bearing of Kalimdor.." he said.
Authors Note:
I have, of course, this series still working (as I do enjoy writing it) I only write it for enjoyment and to have a hobby, but my new series focuses on more current events, from Varian Wrynn's view.. So do review both, and tell me which you like more :) I'll be updating both, of course at different times!
-Tavin
