Hello to everyone who has taken the time to read my story. I appreciate your time and comments. I have tried to create a story that while original it still fits within Blizzards official story and history rather than conflict with it. I intend to use 99% game locations and actual characters when in a historical perspective. However of course all of my characters are original as is the idea of "The Order of Farron" and all that is attached to it. Lastly I've tried to keep all of my characters believably within their factions however realistically nothing is that black and white and as a result my characters friendships and loyalties aren't.
I look forward to hearing your comments not only about the characters and story but also any grammatical problems.
The Order of Faroon
Chapter 1: Meetings
Kaz didn't like Stormwind. The humans there were all narcissists they acted as though they won the third war. Sure the war was over, but nobody won. Anyone who believed otherwise should try telling someone from Lordaeron about their victory. No, Booty Bay was more Kaz's kind of place. The crowd was rougher but you always knew where you stood with everyone. Like for example the ship captain.
"No way am I going to Theramore," argued the captain to the rough looking figure standing on his deck. "I'm not, nor am I about to sail an Alliance flag, and the kind of bureaucratic kodo shit I'd get into with the alliance and don't forget the fine. It's not even close to worth it!" He stormed across the ship deck as he continued to bark orders at his crew.
Kaz wasn't about to follow someone to have a conversation with them. "Then," he said much louder, "what would be worth it?"
The captain climb a rope ladder calling down to him, "Hell of a lot more than you've got! Just ride with us to Ratchet from they you can charter a guide to take you to Theramore. A hundred gold a head is a good price!"
Kaz looked up through his scraggly hair with the sun catching him in the eye, "Well there won't be just two of us it will be four of us".
"Still a good price, two hundred is almost half what the alliance ships will charge or the goblins!" replied the captain again.
It was obvious he was getting a rehearsed spiel from the captain, but he knew the type, "How about a thousand a head then, direct to Theramore, or perhaps like you suggest I should go to the Goblins!."
The captain swiftly grabbed a rope and road it back down to the deck, landing right next to Kaz. "No need to do that," he extended his hand and grabbed Kaz shaking his hand rigorously, "You've got yourself a ship direct to Theramore," he smiled.
"One catch though," Kaz said. The captain stiffened titling his head while his eyes remained locked on Kaz's. "I can only pay once we reach our destination; my financing is via a contact in Theramore."
"Ah, ha,"replied the captain, "so I need to cover all the expenses up front and hope that you'll, I mean your contact will come through. I wasn't born yesterday and I've been stiffed before and I make sure never to be caught in that position again!"
"How about a Lordaeron Knight's blade," Kaz pulled his sword from it's sleeve, "with the diamond still intact, as insurance and if there is any delay to you getting your money you keep it."
The captain grinned from ear to ear and shock his hand again, "You've got yourself a ship, names Norgan, Captain of the Tyanak."
Kaz removed his sword and handed it to Norgan who looked it over eying Kaz up and down again, then took it. "You also need to know in advance that," Kaz started.
"Kaz my friend for a thousand a head I don't need to know anything, that's my service to you. We sail at dawn," he finished over his shoulder as he walked up to the bridge.
The Captain spoke an easy language, money. As long as no one double crossed anyone money kept the world going round a lot better than any bureaucrats could. He could deliver the money as long as Norgan could get them there. They had to be in the barrens by week end.
Forget the Salty Sailor Tavern, too commercial. The Snapping Dragon was Kaz's favorite place to grab a drink in Booty Bay. Goblins ran it, and even with more Horde than Alliance customers he blended in well. Kaz wasn't one for the comforts of modern society he didn't need a cushy chair or even a clean glass just cold ale, and that was what The Snapping Dragon could deliver. The place had a full house and Kaz had to push his way to get to the bar. It was noisy with at least four languages flowing within earshot and a crowd as rough as ever. With the sun holding low in the sky it was never too early for a fight, he could see two Orcs were already settling a difference in a back corner. He pushed a large armored shoulder aside and reached the bar, a green face pushed back and turned to face him.
"Human, push again and I'll," the Orc caught his tongue giving Kaz the once over then turned his back on him again.
Kaz's weathered face was dominated by a scar beginning above his left eye brow and extending mid way down his cheek, giving him the look of someone who didn't turn away from a brawl. Next was his weathered dirty blond hair with a straggled look that had caused him to be asked if he pulled it out himself. The truth was Kaz used what ever knife was closest to cut his hair away and sometimes he found his face. Despite shaving daily a habit he acquired from his father he had a five o'clock shadow by eleven and given the late hour he looked haggard.
"Hey," he called out in an attempt to get the bar tenders attention," Hey!"
A Dwarf manning the bar set six mugs down on the counter before a group of Orcs, he turned to look at Kaz.
"What!" he cried out gruffly causing his beard to shake violently. "You think you're more important! Wait your turn or sit down!"
Kaz hated waiting more than anything, but he waited. He leaned on the bar looking around the room it was dark inside with a large open fireplace to the opposite wall of the bar and about twenty tables of various sizes. The walls were decorated with paintings of ships and bones from what he always assumed were dragons. It seamed the floors were always wet from spilled drinks and mixed with what dropped from patrons plates. Looking across the room Kaz could see various pets watching to make a move through the commotion to snatch up various food scraps.
Kaz caught glances from the few humans in the tavern, it wasn't uncommon to see humans in The Snapping Dragon, but they seldom traveled without their own kind in Booty Bay. He possessed a physic that even an Orc would call broad yet he remained nimble he maintained a strict discipline to always be in form. Presently he wasn't wearing his usual shoulder armor or leggings yet he wore an old dark red full length coat that was triple lined with a canvas exterior and a softer tight woven interior, but the secret that had saved him more than once was the middle layer was a light chain mail stronger than one would ever guess without knowing who it was made by. He still worn light arm wraps on his fore-arms and a few large rings that had no value at all but had torn up a few faces in brawls. The armor wraps didn't match and he had no interest in replacing them, the left was larger and held a hidden blade while the right fit tighter and kept his sword hand more mobile. They each had crests on them that meant little to Kaz he had no idea where he had acquired either of them anymore. Only his boots would give way that he traveled more than not. Heavy soles to ensure strong footings on mountain tops or rocky shores with light leather running up past his calve. Regardless of his rather intimidating form little to no though had been put in it, it was only derived from function.
Finally the dwarf slammed down a mug with the ale sloshing over the edge and Kaz paid him without a tip and waked away. He found a table of gnomes with a free seat and sat himself down dominating their table of smaller mugs with his large one. After a few moments and several scowling looks later and they all got up and left.
These goblin's brewed the best ale he'd had outside Brillbore Village he thought to himself. He watched as a drunken Orc crossed the room bumping into everyone along the way and spilling ale endlessly. He was convinced an Orc couldn't keep ale in a mug even if he was brining it to Thrall himself. He supposed he would have to get used to seeing Orcs after Theramore they were everywhere in Kalimdor.
Just then two trolls came in the door they scoped out the room, he made eye contact with them and nodded at the two open chairs across from him.
The trolls sat down and stared at Kaz for a moment. They were a pair that's for sure, both clearly jungle trolls, but one taller than the other and with darker greenish skin. He was dressed more and was wearing large boots, with wild blue hair standing all over the place. The other a shorter one perhaps 6'4 not a lot taller than Kaz he was with light blue skin and wearing brown baggy shorts and an open red shirt that nearly matched his long shaggy orange hair.
A goblin waitress walked by and Kaz leaned back in his chair with his arm out catching her shoulder, he immediately caught the eye the Orc bouncer at the door way and another beside the bar. He really liked this place, put his hands up making a shrugging motion and the little Goblin looked at both the Orcs then at Kaz.
"Did ya want something?" she questioned quickly.
"Yes something for each of my guests," Kaz said turning pointing with his two hands still up, then leaning back in his chair and crossing his hands behind his head.
The shorter troll looked a little shocked, he muttered something in their native tongue to the taller Troll who then looked just as shocked, he made a quick glance at Kaz and then back to the Goblin. They both made an order he hadn't heard of which surprised him. Then back in common the short Troll raised his eye brows at Kaz and ordered a round of Kodo Storms.
"Thoug I mak tings a bit intrasing," said the shorter troll leaning forward.
Kaz knew what he was intending, few non Trolls could hold down a Kodo Storm, it was a wrenched drink, even in the cheapest dives around was strong enough knock out a full grown man.
"Don't see why not," Kaz replied, "You might as well take advantage of my generosity"
"That wha I'm a lit curious aboot," Kaz couldn't discern where his accent was from, sounded like Westfall but a little like a Forrest troll in he North, maybe too much time with Goblins. "Ah Man, offing to pay our way to Kalimdor, plues trale expenses don't make much sense to meh." He looked suspiciously up at Kaz and then leaned back in his chair mimicking Kaz.
"Well first off," Kaz waited a moment as the drinks arrived. The Trolls had ordered themselves possibly the largest drink they could think of, it wasn't so much a mug as it was a large stone bowl with something floating in it. The taller Troll couldn't wait and took it right of the Goblins tray, taking it with both his large hands and pouring more than a few swallows worth of the dark liquid down his throat. The shorter one on the other hand didn't pay much attention to the drink as it was put down but watched the shots as she put each one on the table. He picked his up right away and looked at Kaz a challenge in his eyes.
"Nevar twalk business ba'fore a drink, can't trust no une like that," The short troll said before Kaz could continue.
"Well first off then, we drink," Kaz picked up the Kodo Storm in front of himself and held it in the air. The two trolls did the same but made no motion to cheers with him only with each other, Kaz made a wink at them both and then shot the whole drink back. It burned as it went down and he felt as though his eyes were going to tear up but he knew this was all about egos and putting up a front, "Yeah! Whoa," he shouted though no one apart from their table heard as it was noisy and only growing worse by the minute.
Naw, what's the rest of ta story?" asked the short one with a smile, then licking his lips to get the last taste of alcohol.
Kaz leaned on the table with his elbows speaking in a hushed voice now to catch the short ones attention, in doing so the taller one took notice of his dramatics, "I need two more for a little group we're putting together. However I'm not sure if you two would be right for the job, I'm not looking for someone to tag along for a day or two I need someone I can count on not a back stabber?" He turned up his voice and made the last bit a question. Well aware of Trolls reputations with Humans he wanted to see if the short one would try to prove otherwise. This brought about quick bit of chatter amongst the two of them as shorty translated for big hair.
"Whoa now," the short one broke out cutting off his friend who clearly was troubled by Kaz's innuendos, "We be no back stabbers! But why wou we want to trust a Human who likes to have Trolls do his dirty work?"
"Now, now," Began Kaz motioning then to keep if down while still speaking quietly, "I'm not looking for anyone to do my dirty work, truth be told I'm looking for partners. Barros who you met is not my employee in any way, he is my partner. We'd like to bring you both in and split everything twenty percent each way. That is if one of you is a Shaman?"
Again the short one needed to translate for big hair, who as he listened kept glancing at Kaz. He didn't know what to make of him, he got upset when he pushed his button's but otherwise he was fairly controlled he'd met Trolls who'd of killed him, for saying less to them. All in all it seamed as though Barros had found two reasonably good candidates. He wished he had a chance to talk to Barros again before meeting these two. He'd like to know who was the Shaman or if they were going to try to bring someone else in.
"We're not stu'id, we wan twenty-five percen each, because that's what's fair for partners!" the short one snarled while the tall one nodded. They both looked very pleased with themselves believing they'd cough some kind of a ruse.
"Well that would be fair if there were four of us but there is already three right now and if you meet the requirements then that would make five," Kaz spoke a little louder and speaking very matter-of-fact, like he no longer was interested in them. "Don't jump to conclusion's you've only met Barros and myself."
"Righ Right, five oh us then. Wha be these requirements you speak of?" He asked talking another drink from his bowl.
"As I said we need a Shaman for our group." Replied Kaz growing tired of this round about discussion.
"As I told Barros, yu are in luck. My friend here is a fourth level fifteenth season Shaman, he can tend to any medical issues as well as being accomplished with many orders of magic." He explained smugly.
"Then that's good for your friend, why should you be in our group then?" Kaz questioned looking around the room for the Goblin waitress again.
"Well eh, eh I'm an accomplished linguist and you'd need me to communicate with my friend." He replied confused that Kaz didn't pick up on that.
"Ugh," Kaz hesitated then figured he'd better explain something to the Trolls. "Barros my friend the Troll, you met with earlier he speaks Zandali of course. Also the fact that I'm accommodating adding two more Trolls to our group must indicate something to you?" He said rather quizzically.
The taller troll was clearly growing frustrated with the entire dialog in common and elbowed his friend then looked at him.
"Ya you must hate humans as much as I do," To which he burst out laughing and slapped his friend on the back and translated for him, soon they were both laughing. The taller Troll again spoke to him clearly dissatisfied with the translation of what the whole dialog had been regarding.
Finally tired of the dimwitted Troll not following Kaz's line of thinking he said to the taller troll in perfect Zandali with a costal dialect, "Your friend is trying to prove to me what his worth would be to our group. I think we should just leave him behind and give you the extra five percent," With this comment the taller Troll and Kaz had a great laugh at the short ones expense and the short one glared back at Kaz while his friend slapped him on the back. Then as the Goblin waitress came by again the tall Troll said to her to bring another round of Kodo Storms that he was buying this round, she only nodded and walked off.
"So, "Kaz continued on in the Zandali language, "What would you bring to our group?"
"I can speak Orcish and a few words of Nerglish, that's the Murloch language!" he spat back also in Zandali, which Kaz figured he was testing him to see where his linguistic limits lie.
"I know what Nerglish is, however I've never met a Murloch and taken the time to talk to them," again his taller friend laughed. "Besides our other companion speaks seven languages".
"Well then," Shorty replied sarcastically while looking rather dejected, "I can fight, and smith a sword as well as any human!' he squabbled rather desperately.
"You're a sword smith!" remarked Kaz now intrigued.
"Well not just swords I can smith anything you need," he again boasted.
"Why didn't you say so then? That's more than a small talent," Kaz extended his hand and said, " your in, at twenty percent each!"
The three of them all shook on it and the Trolls looked pleased with how things had gone. Kaz wasn't sure how trust worthy they were but for the moment he felt he had their respect particularly the taller one. He had gotten a real kick out of Kaz catching his friend of guard.
"What's your name?" the tall one asked.
"Kazzzz'neeren, "he replied drawing out the "z" sound with a mischievous smile.
The troll looked at him and shifted his head.
"That's an elv name, "the short one said distastefully.
"Well I hope you won't hold that against me. I was named after my grandfather who was named after an elf who had saved his father's life." Kaz rambled through the shortened version.
"Naw that doesn't bother me, as long as you don't tell me your half elf," Shortly said jokingly with a smile, but waiting for the answer.
"Not a chance, human all the way, originally from Lorderon." Kaz replied with a bit of poise that he promptly felt was arrogant and out of place. "Now you have my name what are yours?" Though really Kaz was just fine thinking of them as Shorty and Hair.
"I be Vojtova," he said pointing his thumb at himself, "and this here is Rubik," he pointed the same thumb at his friend, upon hearing his name Rubik nodded and smiled again. "You can call me Voj for short. Naw before I feel completely comfortable with this arrangement we gonna need a further explanation of why a Human would choose to associate himself with Trolls?" Voj looked at him waiting for his reply.
"Worried about the Alliance are you?" Kaz asked.
"Ha," Voj make a clearly mock laughing sound., "I don't worry about the Alliance even when I'm in Elwynn Forest!" he nearly spat the last word on the table. "The Alliance is just a bunch of arrogant do gooders who think there's the only right way." Kaz could hardly disagree with him on that one. There was a time when he thought that all the other races of Azeroth had it wrong and it was his duty to bring them to the Light. "I hate the whole Alliance, I wish the Scurage had wiped them off the face of Azeroth. However when I look at you I don't think that's going to be a problem. Is it?"
"No," Kaz said clearly being sure to come across very certain of his followings. "But I won't trivialize the Scurage, given the chance I'd die fighting them even if it meant only bringing down one last one."
"Lost to the Undead did you did? Then don't take this in any other way than I be saying it, I'm sorry for yee loss, your kind has lost more than most to the Scurage." Kaz could see clear signs of sorrow on Voj's face when he said this to him. He hadn't felt this way from a Troll besides Barros before. He decided right then that these would be good companions and he would stand by them no matter what their futures held.
"Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts. I take it that while you're no fan of the Alliance, Do you believe in the ways of the Scurage?" Inquired Kaz.
"What!, "Shouted Voj, "You misunderstand me, I Hate the Alliance with every fiber of my being, but how could anyone of Azeroth follow n the Scourage!" Voj was getting considerably upset and now was loud enough that a few people from other tables were looking at them.
"Calm, I meant no disrespect Voj, "Kaz said quietly hoping to get him to quiet himself. "You only said you wished the Scourage had wiped the Alliance off all of Azeroth"
"I sayz it more as a measure of me distain for the Alliance than to say anything for the Scourage. In fact I would fight along side anyone against the Scourage. Yet, thee fact is the Scourage has been destroyed and now the Alliance is as much my enemy as evar!"
"How about Humans, "Kaz asked quietly with some thought in the back of his mind.
"As a rule I dislike, distrust and avoid them! However you doesn't seam like any human I've met. You don't speak down to us, you speak with respect, this is more than I have ever encountered from a human. I think I can even trust you." Voj said then took another drink from his bowl. Rubik let out a sigh and both Voj and Kaz looked at him. As though through some agreed exchange Voj then asked, "Kaz would you like to join us for a meal, to, ugh, commemorate our new arrangement?"
"Respectfully I must decline. I need to meet with the others and make preparations for our departure tomorrow." Kaz replied taking that as his time to excuse himself from the table. They each exchanged pleasantries and made plans to meet on the eighth south dock tomorrow where they would board the ship. Kaz hoped that Captain Norgan wouldn't have problem transporting a party containing three Trolls, but he doubted it, not for a thousand a head he wouldn't. Though it would certainly make things awkward in Theramore, but not impossible.
Kaz left the Snapping Dragon and stepped out into the night, the sky was clear and the moon was reflecting on the bay. He wondered how his new companions would find the air in Kalimdor, it would be just as humid in Theramore but by the time they headed inland things would change rather quickly. The barrens were known for their extreme dryness, but nothing he hadn't experienced before. Kaz walked along the harbor boardwalk taking in the mixture of races and allegiances that Booty Bay attracted. Most avoided his glace and even stepped out of his way, he wasn't the tallest man nor the strongest but at a glance it could be see that he could more than handle himself. He carried a shield on his back with a long sword at his side, while in the city he went without any heavy armor. He trusted that their supplies and horses were safely in Goblin storage. If there was one thing you could say about a Goblin it's that as long as enough money was paid they were always reliable. However it's for that very same reason that Kaz only relied upon then were necessary.
At the eighth south dock leaning over the railing was Barros. He was watching Norgan's men aboard the Tyanak. It wasn't so much that he didn't trust these experienced sailors to be able to maintain their own ship. It was just that Barros didn't like sailing no matter whom or what the crew was. Decked out in his usual rugged canvases and leathers with a wide rimmed hat on his head, he'd almost look human. If it wasn't for the moon's glare coming off his white tusks that is. He was armed similarly to Kaz, when in town. Out on the road though, Barros would always choose his long bow over a sword. He much preferred ranged attack over close quarters whenever possible.
Barros' heard Kaz's approach by his distinctive boots and turned to look at him, "Hey mon, so what do you think of our two from Westfall?"
"That's where they're from eh?" Kaz chuckled.
Barros took a moment to reply, he was chewing on a rather serious looking sandwich. A few ducks had gathered beneath him to fight over the crumbs that were falling.
"Is that Quillbore?" Kaz asked curiously, partially regretting not staying to eat with Voj and Rubik.
"Naw, not in these parts, it's a Targabore" Barros sulked a little.
"Here give me a bite I'm starved," Kaz said. Barros held the layered meaty sandwich for him and Kaz awkwardly took a huge bite.
"Oh thanks sav me some, didn't realize I was feeding an orc, "Joked Barros, while Kaz with his mouth full could only chew.
A short ways down the boardwalk a hooded figure came around a corner. Wearing several layers of dark clothes closely bound to their slender form, the shape didn't give way to its owner's identity. The figure wore a patch work of armor upon its arms as well as shins however no visible weapons could be seen.
"Wat is your plan once we reach the barrens?" asked Barros looking at Kaz. Kaz looked beyond Barros at the dark figure slowly approaching.
"What do you mean?" he asked fully knowing what Barros meant.
"Well after we pick up our supplies from Aleksei in Theramore. Ten we are going Thunderbluff. We'll need to pass through the Barrens and dat's hardly neutral territory for a human to be travelling through."
"I'm well aware of whose territory it is." Kaz replied curtly. "We'll be running the usual prisoner routine and we won't have any trouble. Hell it should be easier to pull of with three trolls rather than one"
"And in the short term we may ave issues far sooner in Theramore, five o us with three being Trolls taint going to blend in the way we used to, "questioned Barros.
"Well if Aleksei could have met somewhere neutral we would have, but we don't have time to go to Ratchet and circle back. Regardless as long as Yevgeni finances us we go where they tell us," Kaz replied stubbornly.
"What have you told the two from Westfall?" Barros wondered.
"Nothing more than they needed to know," he replied. The dark figure was now just a short distance away. Gracefully coming up behind Barros. "Once we're supplied and in the Barrens and I have Yevgeni's latest updates I'll bring everyone up to speed. Nevertheless we're all partners now twenty percent each way, they'll learn more about what they've gotten into when the time comes for now they aren't even concerned with what, just how much."
In a swift motion the dark figure kicked out Barros's knees and slid and arm around his neck. He toppled back wards into the figure who put a blade to his neck then a female voice whispered loud enough so that Kaz could hear, "Maybe I don't want to spilt it five ways, how about I make it four."
"Ah for Light's sake!" Barros choked on a bite of the sandwich then pushed the hooded figured back, who stepped away first putting him off balance causing him to fall on his but. "Next time at least save me old friend".
"Sorry, old friend," Kaz replied with a sarcastic tone," She wants that extra five percent but I want your dinner." Kaz grasped Barros's arm helping him up, while he refused to put down the sandwich.
The hooded figured slide the small knife back into her sleeve, then unwrapped the lower portion of her face. Human, long blond hair showed at the sides of the now loose fitting hood. She pushed a simple cloth mask from her eyes up to her forehead. She was beautiful, perfect cheek bones, green eyes, thin eye brows and shapely lips. Though held a cold emotionless gaze always seaming to be looking a thousand miles away.
She spoke again no longer whispering, "I never agreed to a fifth member in our little party," Kaz caught just a hint of a smile and then it was gone.
He wanted to smile back but didn't. At least she was trying, he'd wait till a knife wasn't involved before he encouraged her any more.
"What did you find out?" Kaz asked Ninza.
"For one, secrets flow through this place like water. If we were staying a week I think we could pick up enough secrets to sell in Kalimdor. That is to anyone willing to listen and pick apart the hearsay and rumors. Seeing as we are leaving tomorrow though I believe I heard enough to keep us two steps ahead."
"So far that has worked for us," agreed Kaz..
"There is talk of a group of Night Elves traveling searching for Troll ruins," explained Ninza.
"Night Elves," Kaz questioned. "That I wasn't expecting."
"Ave the High Elves," started Barros.
"Not a chance," interrupted Kaz. "No this is something else. I just wonder if they were interested before or if Yevgeni's research is catching someone's attention."
"I have my doubts that there even are Night Elves in Stranglethorn Vale," Ninza interjected. "No one has details and some accounts sounded more like High Elves. Apparently there is about six of them and they are traveling only at night, which would make sense it they were Night Elves."
"I'm more concerned if they aren't Night Elves or High Elves," theorized Kaz with concern in his eyes.
"Wat The Order?" Barros looked at Kaz then at Ninza. "In the open"
"No I doubt that very much," Kaz wondering now. "I doubt The Order would be mistaken for Nigh Elves. If anything they would be insulted at such an idea and would make sure to correct it. But I just doubt that if it is The Order that after ten thousand years they they would be so careless as to be seen by the riffraff outside a pirate port."
"And if it is," Barros worried now. "Do you think they know about us?"
"Ninza leave some stories of our own behind," Kaz suggested.
"What kind?" she asked.
"Conflicting." Kaz replied.
"And exaggerated," said Barros seriously. "Like there's fifty of us with our own ship"
"No," Kaz said quickly, "Realistic and far from the truth and conflicting no one should no what to beleive."
"It's a good ting we are leaving tomorrow," Barros took a deep breath.
With that Kaz and Barros turned in for the night, each staying somewhere different. Meanwhile Ninza spend her night outside the city listening to stories and dropping a few of her own.