Part One: Retribution
This was originally written as forum posts, reason "chapters" are so short. Combined them for easier reading. - K
Prologue
Obito let an arrow fly and had the following arrow out of his quiver and notched in his bow before the first buried in the chest of his target. The large centaur let out a howl of pain but his attention remained focused on the growling ball of fire in front of him, the bigger of the threats. His giant axe barely cut through Hotaru's armored skin as she continued to attack him. Obito let his arrow go and made no attempt to reach for another as the hoofed man crashed to the ground not to move again. The young hunter looked around the deserted camp.
"Hopefully, that will be enough vengeance for Master Longhorn." He told Hotaru as she returned to his side. "Let's go back to Freewind Post and give our report, then get some well deserved rest at the inn there. I brought a tasty treat for you my friend."
Hotaru cooed her appreciation as he activated the aspect of cheetah and raced toward the post. His tracking picked up a mountain lion so he adjusted his path slightly, there was nothing here which was a huge threat, but he just didn't feel like fighting any more today.
As he approached the elevator which would take him to his lofty perch for the evening, Hotaru let out a warning growl. Obito frowned and looked around, there was nothing in sight. "What is it my friend? Wait, where are the guards?"
The dragonhawk let out a terrifying screech as she fell dead at his feet, a large spear impaled completely through her. "Hotaru!" Obito reached for his bow but was jerked from his grasp as a large dark orc appeared.
Obito hadn't sensed him at all which meant is power extremely surpassed his own. Before he could reach for the sword at his side a strong arm grabbed him from behind, wrapping around his neck in a choke hold which took his breath away. A third orc appeared and nodded at the first. "Is this the right whelp?"
"Who's your father?" The orc demanded.
"I have none," Obito grasped, clawing at the arm that seemed to be squeezing the very life out of him.
The brute in front of him reached over and tore his tunic off him, revealing a small tattoo on his chest, the crest of Ravenwind. Obito had meant to burn the damn thing off but hadn't gotten around to it. The orc grinned, exposing his rotten teeth and nodded. The arm around his neck tightened and then jerked, everything went black.
Chapter One
Tyilo Ravenwind stood in middle of his study; in his hand was a small sphere of flames. Concentrating the fires within began to swirl and go from crimson to blue. A sharp rap on his door caused his attention to waver and the orb to shimmer, with a swift movement he tossed it toward an open window where it exploded harmlessly above the street below.
The Master of Ravenwind took a moment to get his rage in check from the interruption before giving a curt command for the other to enter. A young Sin'dorei entered with a package in his hand. "Forgive the disruption, Master Ravenwind. I was told to deliver this to you at all cost."
"And who deems themselves so important as to demand my attention?" The elder asked as he slid a small blade under the coarse string tied around package.
"An orc … a really scary looking orc," the last part was barely audible.
Tyilo Ravenwind opened the box, keeping his emotions in check when he revealed a slender severed pale ear. He gingerly reaching past the repulsive flesh to get a hold of the note included. His gaze hardened as he read the written words inside.
Setting the note down he reached for a quill and paper and quickly jotted down some names, he handed it to the youth who still stood dumbly in his doorway along with ten gold coins. The other gasped as he was probably given more cash than he'd acquired his whole life. "Please take the gold as payment for bringing notice to the names on that list there, tell them the Master of Ravenwind requires their presences this eve."
"Yes, sir, right way!"
Tyilo turned and looked over at a large painting which hung on the wall, a family portrait. His eyes lingered on the boy that stood at his side, looking so full ambition and life.
Later That Evening …
Tyilo Ravenwind looked out the small gathering before him; some of the most powerful Sin'dorei were seated at a large table in front of him. Ranger-General Halduron Brightwing Silvermoon's military commander, Knight-Lord Bloodvalor, Champion Vranesh, Huntress Tana, Mage Quithas, Priestess Belestra and the warlock Zanien.
"Thank you all for coming with such short notice, but time is not my friend this evening. I received a package this afternoon with dire meaning,"
The Blood Elves at the table sat silently as he took out the contents of the package. A couple grimaced but said nothing. "With the ear was a ransom note asking for an enormous amount of gold in the exchange for my son, Obito."
"As much as it pains me I don't see this as an issue where my talents are needed," Knight-Lord Bloodvalor said as he stood.
"Agreed, we can't keep going to the rescue for every child that gets themselves into trouble."
"The note is signed, Lord Victor Nefarius."
The Knight-Lord settled back down in his chair. "Deathwing's spawn still lives?"
"Why your son, what makes him so special that the Black Dragonflight takes notice of him?" Warlock Zanien said.
"I believe it's a personal vendetta from a battle that took place many years ago, I almost had his head. I guess he wants me to try again."
"So the ransom demand is just a ruse?"
"There is no doubt my son is already dead, no this is not a rescue mission … this is a search and destroy mission … they will burn. They will find out with their dying breath the Sin'dorei are not a race to be trifled with!"
Halduron Brightwing nodded. "All right, I'll lead … it will be a small elite force no more than forty. Tyilo have you tried contacting your son mentally? Priestess Belestra can you determine if the dead flesh there is young Ravenwind's?"
Belestra picked up the cold flesh in one hand and reached across the table to lay her hand on top of Tyilo's. She closed her eyes and both of her hands glowed a soft emerald. "Yes, the ear is Master Ravenwind's offspring's."
"I've been trying all day; there is nothing … absolutely nothing." Tyilo Ravenwind answered, emotion devoid from the reply.
"All right, Tana, Quithas, Belestra and Zanien make sure your teaching duties are covered and please bring your brightest students with you. Knight-Lord Bloodvalor and Champion Vranesh, it would be an honor to fight along your side once more. Please enlist the best of the guardians Silvermoon has to offer. We'll leave in the morning."
"My wife and I would like to accompany you as well."
"Of course, Tyilo, vengeance will be yours to give."
Chapter Two
Obito listened to the heavy footsteps outside his cell, silently praying they would continue past his door and shuddered slightly when they stopped. Summoning what little strength he had left he used the wall to stand and turned to face the door as it opened, he would not cower before his captors.
"Well my toy it seems the priest brought you back from death successfully once again. Though now you have one less eye to glare at me with hatred. Perhaps next time I'll bring a mirror so you can see how pretty you've become after only a couple days in our hands."
The hunter said nothing, his good eye focused on the glimmering blade in the orc's hand.
"You're shaking, from fear or from the lack of magic? Your people need arcane energy like most races need water. You may use your mana tap ability and take a small bit of mine."
Obito's hand slid up to the collar around his neck.
"It only keeps your magic in check and blocks any pesky people trying to contact you from afar, though as puny as you are it's a waste. Now stop your trembling and tap me."
Obito raised his hand, pausing a moment to take in the fact he was now missing two fingers; he'd never be able to pull the string of a bow again. Whispering in the language of his people a small burst of energy exploded from his hand and he sighed as the magic of the other entered his exhausted body.
"You're still shaking my toy, perhaps it is of fear?"
"Who are you; I thought orcs are our allies? Why are you doing this? What am I to you?" Obito demanded.
"Who are we?" A new voice said.
Obito turned his attention to the human male that just walked in the room, his powerful aura made the young hunter fall to his knees. As he struggled to stand, he was wrenched to his feet by his hair.
"You don't need to kneel before me; Blood Elf … isn't that what your people call themselves now? As for whom we are, we're called the Black Dragonflight. I'm their Lord, Victor Nefarius … ah yes, now you know how truly screwed you are." The Lord let out a dark laugh and turned his attention to the orc that had entered the cell first.
"So how many times have we denied this whelp freedom in death?"
The orc glanced up at the wall of the cell where bloody streaks lined up in a row. "Looks like we've killed him nine times, Master."
Nefarius's hand started to glow red with energy. Obito braced himself the best he could for what he knew would follow. At least in death he had a few moments free of pain and fear, though the collar he wore kept him bound to his body even when his heart stopped.
"Let's make it an even ten," the Master laughed as he released his burning power into Obito's chest. As his world became dark he heard Nefarius's voice, "Make sure the priest leaves most of the burn intact I want his father to see how much fun we had with him when he shows up."
Chapter Three
Tyilo Ravenwind rested on the cold floor of Blackrock Mountain, regaining his magic after summoning the needed provisions for the small raid force. Sitting close to him was his wife Amaya who was handing out her own conjured water and food to those that asked. She hadn't looked at him since he told her about the note. He watched her, her crimson curls circled her pale face but couldn't hide the tear streaks on her high cheeks. Tyilo sighed and turned his attention to the others gathered nearby. Amaya and Tyilo were grouped with two Silvermoon guardians by the names of Vorat and Atzul and the Priestess Belestra. The rest of the Sin'dorei were divided in similar five persons units, it's easier to watch the backs of four others than all forty.
Just then a slender elf appeared outside the portal, the rogue master Zelanis and his team had been sent in earlier on reconnaissance. Tyilo could tell by the blood on the other's leather armor that their journey had met with some futile resistance.
"Where is the rest of your team?" The Ranger-General asked.
"Just inside, Sir, finishing off a few orcs that decided to give us chase," Zelanis replied.
Their leader nodded. "Anything new to report?"
"They seem on edge but probably no more than usual. I do believe your choice of going through the Spires is wise, Nefarius has been known to watch the bloody arena matches held there." Zelanis's voice trailed off and his eyes darted toward Tyilo for a moment.
"Is there more to report?" Ranger-General Halduron Brightwing asked.
"Well, I don't mean to get anyone's hopes up but we did overhear two orcs talking about a 'pretty' prisoner. It could be a dwarf compared to the orcs but …"
Tyilo closed his eyes and focused on reaching out to his son. Once again he found nothing. He looked over to find the Ranger-General's eyes on him. He started to shake his head no when Amaya let out a small cry, "I sense something it's faint but I sense something!"
Frowning Tyilo tried once more this time adding more force than he would have liked when it came to contacting anyone mentally, too much power could do real harm. His mental whispers were answered this time but not by a voice, but like Amaya had said … something. "There is magical barrier blocking my whispers," Tyilo said aloud.
"Magical?" Mage Quithas said with a wry smile. "These brutes think any of their so called magic can stop the Sin'dorei? Let me join you and your wife and see if together we can break through their defenses."
Tyilo nodded as the three of them linked hands. "Just be careful, if it's my son's mind on the other side of the barrier he's not as strong as us and we could destroy him."
"He's stronger than you think my beloved." Amaya said as she added her power to the circle.
Chapter Four
The cockroach crawled along the cold stones and onto his still hand, Obito drew a ragged breath which startled the insect and caused it to scurry off. Through a half-closed eye he watched the orc priestess that brought him back to life leave through the heavy iron door.
"There isn't much life left in that one, if you continue there won't be anything left for me to bring back … all living forces have a limit to what they can endure and that whelp has reached his end."
A dry chuckle answered her. "I've only followed the Master's orders though this cub has lasted longer than most seasoned warriors. Next time it will end, we'll take his head to decorate a spike for the Master's chambers."
A painful cough escaped from Obito and the orcs glanced over at him. His guard let out a wicked grin obviously glad his captive had heard the plans soon to be carried out. Pushing himself up to a sitting position, his eyes unwillingly darted over to the broken mirror that had been brought in before the last death. The face that stared back at him was foreign, all Sin'dorei prided themselves in their looks, and the scarred creature that he saw in the reflection hurt more than any of the torture they had done to him. His left side of his face was nothing but a huge jagged scar; the sword had taken his eye as well. His right ear had been cut almost off when he'd first gotten here. His crimson locks were matted with blood and grime, if his eyes fell further they could see the open seeping burns on his chest, however the priestess had killed the nerve endings so he didn't feel anything. His right hand was the one missing fingers, his captor had really enjoyed taking his fingers knowing he was hunter, and wore the now shriveled flesh around his neck on a chain, along with other trophies he'd probably taken from previous prisoners. His legs had been broken several times but each time the priestess had healed them completely so he could stand for the next encounter. Obito closed his eyes and rested against the stone wall. A loud clang startled him and he found a metal tray dropped at his feet with a glass of liquid and a bowl of something he couldn't identify as well as a half loaf of bread.
Obito looked up at his captor confused; the entire time he'd been here they had never fed him. One of the bloody streaks on the wall was from a death caused by the lack of water; after that they gave him a small glass of foul smelling liquid twice a day to keep him alive so his deaths were by their choice.
"Even we give our prisoners their last meal, enjoy runt."
His door shut leaving him mostly in the shadows. He made no attempt to find the tray of food; instead he closed his eyes and tried to lose himself in memories of happier times.
The collar around his neck started to grow warm; Obito frowned and drew his hand up to the metal. He clawed at it as the heat intensified, was this how they were going to take his head as promised by burning it off. As suddenly as it started it stopped and the collar became cool to the touch, at the same moment he felt the magic denied to him by the orcs return. Though the abuse he'd suffered still made it a pitiful level of power.
"Obito … my son … Young Ravenwind … where are you …" Obito flinched and pushed the onslaught of whispers away from his mind. The mental attack relented and a second later one strong whisper searched him out again. "We're here, my son."
"Father? Why did you come for me? It's a trap … please leave they are monsters."
"I didn't come for you, I thought you were dead. Do not worry about me I'm with the best Silvermoon has to offer, these dragon loving orcs and their master are no challenge for us. You though are alive and my heart is joyful, however we are still not near you. Use whatever skill you've learned from the Rangers and stay alive until we find you."
Obito looked into the mirror once more. "Father … I'll try."
Chapter Five
The orc let out a grumble when he saw the still form on the cell floor. This was the first time the prideful whelp hadn't stood when he'd entered. The food he had left earlier had been eaten, if the empty tray was to be believed. He kicked him in the side with his iron boot and snarled when it brought no reaction. Bending down he jerked the elf up by his hair, it didn't take an IQ to realize he had a corpse. "Bah, you aren't supposed to die until we take your head. The Master wants to watch."
The orc dropped him and went to summon the priestess. As he reached the door he found himself frozen mid stride, surrounded by a large block of ice. He let out a roar of frustration and glanced over at the corpse, he wasn't surprised to find it gone and the room empty.
Obito raced along the darken hall, at his current level the ice trap he had set wouldn't last long. At most he'd get only a few seconds of a head start. The food he had eaten had recharged him slightly but the torture over the past days had a lasting effect. He sensed the approach of others and ducked behind a couple of boxes, hiding his presence the best he could.
Just then his captor came tearing around the corner and ran into the other patrol knocking one of them down. "What the hell do you think you're doing, runt!" the other demanded.
"The pretty boy tricked me and got out of his cell," his captor grumbled.
"The one that can barely breathe, you really are weak, grunt. Go back to your post we'll track him down and bring him to the Master."
Obito tried to slink further into what little protection the crates gave him as a fourth orc joined the group. "We're under attack from the North, seems like all of Silvermoon has invaded the keep. We need every able body to head them off … paint the halls with their blood my brothers."
"You three go, I'll go get a tracking hound to find our escaped rat."
As the orcs scattered Obito waited a few moment longer before leaving his shelter and running down the hall. As he turned a corner an orc suddenly appeared in front of him. "I lied," he growled. "I don't need a hound to track you."
Obito's cat like reflexes saved him from the other's grasp as he darted around him and kept running activating the cheetah within. Further down the hall a large dragonkin turned the corner, Obito ducked into a nearby door before he was spotted. As soon as he did he heard crash behind him and let out a small cry when he saw it was a metal gate. His hands formed fists as he slowly turned around and found himself in a large blood splattered room.
A wicked laugh drew his attention up and on the right side he saw the Lord of Blackrock clapping his hands. "Well done, young Ravenwind … to think you made it this far. Your guards will be the next ones in the arena. You sense him don't you? Your father is almost here, yet too far to save you. All he'll find is your head on a pike. But don't fret his will join yours soon enough. Maybe I'll use them as bookends."
Lord Victor Nefarius motioned to the onlookers which had appeared around the arena. "Ten gold to the one that brings me the whelp's head."
Obito picked up a discarded sword as the orcs dropped down into the arena. "The Sin'dorei will prevail!" He cried as they surrounded him. "Even if I fall," he thought to himself.
Chapter Six
Tyilo caused another orc to turn to ashes in front of him. It seemed the waves of foes weren't subsiding. He watched as his wife froze another in his tracks and let one of the guardians finish it off.
"Master Ravenwind, your son is close, but … but he seems to be surrounded by a dozen foes."
"Be it a dozen or a thousand they will fall, point the way Ranger!"
"Up the stairs," Huntress Tana said.
The Blood Elves fought their way up, hacking through the ranks of orc and dragonkin that appeared to stop them. Their own forces took no losses due to the superior healing by priests and blood knights.
As they cleared the top of the stairs Tyilo saw Nefarian across the room. The human form dragon let out a dark laugh. "Too late, Ravenwind, take his head my pets!"
Tyilo looked down in the arena and saw a pale figure on his knees and a large axe bearing down on him. "No!" he screamed.
"For the glory of Quel'Thalas!" Vorat, the Silvermoon Guardian, at his side, collapsed.
The orcs in the arena let out cries of frustration and it took a moment for Tyilo to figure out what had happened. Vorat had given his life to protect his son, no weapon or spell could reach him now.
Tyilo looked back over at the now enraged Lord of Blackrock. With a grin that held no humor Tyilo leapt over the edge of the arena wall.
"Remember the Sunwell! … The Sin'dorei will prevail!" The others shouted as the joined him.
"Burn, you wretches! Burn!" Tyilo cried as he caused flames to erupt from the ground. With his son safe inside the divine shield he knew he could unleash his full power and the blaze was fueled by his rage.
The orcs turned their attention to the new targets; the Sin'dorei charged into their ranks, sword and spells cutting them down with ease. Across the room a large gate opened and out spilled a massive throng of dragonkin, from brilliant blue whelps to the powerful warriors and casters. And above their heads was the mighty Rend Blackhand on his Chromatic Dragon Gyth.
"Let the games begin!" Nefarian cried from his throne.
"Form ranks around young Ravenwind," Ranger-General Halduron Brightwing shouted. "That shield won't hold much longer. Someone call Vorat back to the battlefield, casters stay toward the center … guardians and blood knights take the front, hunters unleash your pets and fall back to get the range to fire!"
Out of the corner of his eye he saw the Belestra using her magic to protect his son the best she could, as the divine shield faded. Defense would not save his son; no … they had to destroy everything that was a threat to him. Focusing his immense power he formed a small sphere in his hand, his eyes reflected the flames that danced within the globe.
"Amaya!" he shouted as he tossed it up into the air above their foes.
At his call his wife cast a frost bolt that struck his creation; the power unleashed melted the flesh and bones caught in the blast. A couple of Sin'dorei that had made their way into the ranks were barely saved by well timed heals and shields.
"Tyilo! What the hell was that?" The Ranger-General shouted. "You almost killed my men!"
"That was half of their forces falling," Tyilo said as he cast a simpler flamestrike into those that remained standing.
A short time later the Sin'dorei stood victorious; at their feet were the corpses of orcs and dragonkin alike, even the mighty Rend Blackhand laid dead. However, the Master of the Keep and escaped mid battle.
"Coward," Tyilo whispered as he hurried over to where Amaya knelt on the ground. Laid out on someone's cloak was his son Obito, at least he assumed it was. His child's face was almost unrecognizable, however when their gazes found each other there was no doubt.
"Father," Obito's hand reached up. Before he could grab it, his son pulled back trying to hide the lack of fingers by closing his hand.
Tyilo bent down and took the deformed hand in his own. "They will pay in blood, my son. Your fight is over for today; let me be the vessel for your vengeance."
"I can't heal him in these conditions," the Priestess Belestra said.
Standing and taking a small rune from his pack Tyilo chanted a spell opening a portal. "Take our son back to Silvermoon with Belestra, Amaya. I'll stay and make sure Nefarian pays."
Vorat who had recovered from his earlier sacrifice offered to carry Obito, much to his son's chagrin. However, there was no way he could stand on his own and soon the three of them disappeared into the portal.
Afterwards the rest of the Sin'dorei raid pushed their way deeper into the depths of the mountain, nothing that Dark Master could send their way would stop their thirst for retribution.