"Nonsense!" The man puffed out his chest and glared down at the dwarf. "Do you know to whom you speak?"
She didn't flinch, even though she had to look almost straight up to maintain eye contact. "Aye!" she said accusingly. "I speak to the thief who ran out of the Hall of Explorers with as many artifacts as he could carry!"
She glared at him, ignoring the complaints of the passersby who were trying to get through the city gates. The man laughed heartily and winked at the crowd of spectators that were beginning to gather. "My lovely Dwarven mistress!" the man reached down to pat her head but jerked his hand back as her bear snarled and took a menacing step forward. He turned the gesture into a courtly bow instead. "Mistress," he continued. "I see it is not only human women who tend to let their fancies run away with them. He drew himself to an impressive height and looked solemnly at her and their gathering audience. "I am Sir Arthur Sternchaser, son of Amian of the Glade. I am the slayer of Deathwing, Tauren Mill Terror, and Explorer of Kalimdor," he smiled kindly down at her. "I believe you have the wrong man."
The dwarf ground her teeth. "You're a thief," she said, crossing her well-muscled arms at him.
"Look at me," he commanded her. "do I look like a rogue? Do I look like someone who could pass anywhere unnoticed? Where do you get these fanciful ideas?"
Gradually, the passers-by stopped jostling and began gawking. A few murmured in agreement, and some laughed. The laughter ceased abruptly as the clanging of marching guards overtook the noise of the crowd. The growing mass of people crowded to the sides of the bridge, allowing a small group of guards to pass.
"What's going on here?" asked the Lieutenant in the lead.
Sir Arthur Sternchaser, son of Amian of the Glade, slayer of Deathwing, Tauren Mill Terror, and Explorer of Kalimdor smiled a greeting. "Good morning! No problem here, just a bit of mistaken identity. I'm afraid the little lady-"
"My name is Shalleck Ironbrand," the woman interrupted. "And this man is a thief!"
"Such fire you dwarven women have!" Arthur said admiringly. "It must be all the heat from that great forge of yours, eh?" He winked at her and turned to the guards. "Unfortunately I haven't been anywhere near Ironforge in several years. I just returned from an expedition in Tanaris. Quite the welcome I'm receiving!" He chuckled.
The Lieutenant looked him up and down. "Blocking the gates is not allowed. Please accompany me," he said sternly. Sir Arthur began to object, but the crowd behind him quickly drowned him out with loud encouragements to stop holding everyone up. The guards flanked the duo and escorted them resolutely into Stormwind. Sir Arthur contented himself with a courtly bow before accompanying them. A few people applauded.
"I know a lovely tavern in the trade district," Arthur began conversationally. "Perhaps once this is cleared up we could-"
"No," Shalleck spat curtly.
"Oh, I won't hold any grudges. All's forgiven! I know how your kind gets-" he broke off in a sharp gasp of pain as Shalleck swung the butt of her rifle sharply into his knee. Some of the children playing in front the orphanage broke into laughter.
"Why you bitch-" he spat out through gritted teeth.
The Lieutenant stopped suddenly and swung around. "You will remain silent if you cannot conduct yourself as a gentleman within the gates of Stormwind."
Sir Arthur stood on one foot, grasping at his swelling knee. "Did you see what she did?"
The Lieutenant glanced at his men, who remained silent. "I'm sorry if you've injured yourself. Surely a warrior such as yourself must be used to grievous injuries." He turned and continued walking. Sir Arthur glared at Shalleck and limped along. He walked the rest of the distance to City Hall in huffy silence.
"Please be seated," The Lieutenant directed them toward some chairs in the lower level of City Hall. "Someone will be with you in a few hours."
"A few hours? Now see here!" Sir Arthur broke in. "I am of the house of Sternchaser! I've been more than patient with you people, but I needn't wait on the whims of some commoner from dwarfland! I insist you send for my cousin, Lord Percival Sternchaser. Perhaps you've heard of him? I look forward to giving him a full report of the courtesy I have met at the hands of his city guards." His voice was still hearty, but his smile a little tighter than it had been. Shalleck didn't recognize the name, but she looked at the Lieutenant to gauge his reaction. His face was still impassive, but he certainly didn't look any happier.
"You do have the right to send for a representative." He nodded to one of his men. "Find a pen and paper for this man, and deliver his message. The guard saluted and started to search through one of the bookshelves. The Captain looked at Shalleck.
"Are you an official delegate of Ironforge?"
"I'm not."
"Of the Explorer's League, then?"
She shook her head. "No."
He looked her over. "I see. Perhaps you would care to send for an official representative?"
She paused. "Er... of course," she said slowly. He gestured her to a writing desk in the corner and she slowly made her way over to it. She sharpened a pen and dipped it thoughtfully in the inkwell while Arthur angrily dashed out a missive and the desk next to her. She ground her teeth together, and began writing.
"... far too busy a man to kick my heals here because some dwarf fancies my pendant..." Sir Arthur finished his note and gave it to the soldier with the instruction not to dawdle but to deliver the note as promised and he might expect a handsome reward. He winked broadly. The footman stared at him for a moment, saluted, and turned to Shalleck. She sealed her note and handed it to him. "Thank you," she told him politely. He saluted her, and left.
She looked at Arthur to find him eyeing her speculatively. "Well, my lassie! Er, may I call you Lassie? That's what you dwarfish women call each other, eh? Tell me something about yourself. Ironbrand, eh? Not sure I recognize the name. I thought I knew all the important families of Ironforge."
She glared at him unresponsively.
"Oh come, now. If we're to wait for some hours, we may as well get to know one another a bit. What's your father's name?"
"Ravick Ironbrand," she said.
"Hmm," he made a show of rubbing his poorly shaven chin. "Ravick. Ironbrand. Nope. Don't know the name. I wish I did," he said with a winning smile. "So that I could have asked him sooner to introduce me to his lovely daughter."
Before she could respond, she was interrupted by the sound of greaves stomping down the stairs. A young blond man appeared at the bottom of the steps and bowed to them. "The Magistrate will see you now."
"Naturally," Arthur smiled. "He is eager to receive such a guest s myself, I'm sure." He bowed to Shalleck and gestured her toward the stairs. "My Lady."
She climbed the stairs into a small chamber dominated by a desk where two men stood. "I am Magistrate Jonath Archen," the taller man told them without preamble. He leaned back on his heels and craned his arms around to clasp them behind his back, ignoring the creaks of his plate armor. "You will address me as 'Lieutenant Archen' or as 'Sir,'" He spoke quickly and evenly, as though he were reciting out of habit. "I represent the law in Stormwind and the will of His Majesty King Varian Wrynn. You will each have an opportunity to speak; a judgment shall be rendered by which you will both abide." He paused, and took a moment to glance mildly at them both. He sat down at the long table covering a full half of the room. A slight man in leather armor sat on his right, efficiently sharpening his quill. Lieutenant Archen scratched his chin and frowned.
"Please state your name and affiliations," he looked at Shalleck.
"My name is Shalleck Ironbrand. I am here because-"
"Thank you," He interrupted firmly. "And you?" He indicated Arthur.
"My name is Arthur Sternchaser…" he broke into a long list of his titles and affiliations while Shalleck's mind wandered to the Magistrate. He listened politely if unencouragingly to Arthur's litany while the scribe next to him scribbled madly. The Magistrate's armor was clean and neat, but not polished to a high shine as was fashionable with Stormwind Guards. She guessed that his neatly trimmed mustache not a millimeter longer or shorter than exact military length. When Arthur paused for breath, the Captain nodded curtly and turned to Shalleck.
"Of what do you accuse this man?"
"Theft of a crate of research and artifacts."
"A misunderstanding! Nothing more," Sir Arthur grumbled. "When my cousin arrives-" he was interrupted by a disturbance in the doorway. "Ah! that should be him now," Sir Arthur finished boisterously. The guard at the door fell back in sudden confusion, glancing at the Magistrate for guidance. A tall man in black robes stepped into the room, holding a mahogany staff in front of him. He glanced down his long nose at the assembled company, his gaze settling finally on Arthur.
"Cousin," he said coolly.
"Percival! How nice to see you again after such a long sojourn in Tanaris." he emphasized the last word slightly, making a meaningful grimace at his cousin.
Sir Percival gazed at him passively, one corner of his mouth pulling into a slight sneer. "Quite." He looked at Magistrate Archen. "I understand there is some misunderstanding?"
"Your cousin is accused of theft," the Magistrate told him.
"Oh dear! And, er, if it may be asked, who accuses him?"
"Shalleck Ironbrand," Shalleck said. His gaze swung around to her and she found herself gazing into his disinterested blue eyes.
"I see," he said. "And who are you exactly? A representative of Ironforge?"
"No," she said evenly.
"Of the Explorer's League then?"
She raised her eyebrows in sudden surprised triumph. "Who told you the theft was from the Explorer's League?"
His eyebrows lifted slightly and his eyes narrowed into a glare. A moment later, the look was gone. "What else does Ironforge have to steal except their precious artifacts? Of course the theft was from the Explorer's League."
She pressed her lips together and glanced at Magistrate Archen. He looked consideringly at Sir Sternchaser.
"Magistrate Archen," Sir Sternchaser continued. "Perhaps this can be settled another way. If this girl does not speak with authority for the alleged wronged parties, there is no reason to detain my cousin further. Unless there is a representative of Ironforge-"
"Aye, or the Explorer's League. That'll be me, lad. Seamus Brasstrowel at your service," said a voice behind them. Shalleck turn her head sharply, a slight frown creasing her forehead. A wizened barrel-chested dwarf smiled heartily at them, wheezing slightly. "Too many steps for an old man like me!" He nodded to Shalleck, who stared back at him not entirely happily.
"I got your note, lass. You're lucky you caught me! I was delayed in my trip back to Ironforge," he smiled, and she smiled warily back. "Now," he continued. "what's all this about a theft?"
Sir Percival stepped forward. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Percival Sternchaser of the House of Nobles." He bowed. "I hope we can resolve this as gentlemen." He looked the old dwarf over doubtfully.
Seamus looked at Shalleck in considerable surprise. "Sternchaser? How come ye' to be involved in this?"
"If you would all be seated," the Magistrate intervened and signaled the footman to bring more chairs. "Madame Ironbrand was preparing to explain to us her accusations."
Under the cover of the noise of bringing more chairs, Seamus grabbed Shalleck's elbow. "Shalleck! I'm certainly glad to see you again, but I'd be happier if you weren't trying so hard to undo yourself! This man is a Sternchaser. Do you know what he can do to you? Or to the Explorer's League?"
A footman offered him a seat and he was obliged to sit, but continued glaring at her significantly. She avoided his gaze. She had, in fact, expected Seamus to be well on his was to Ironforge when the missive was delivered. She didn't want to involve him, but all the same couldn't quite help but be thankful for his presence. They all sat and stared expectantly at her.
"That pendant around Sir Arthur's neck is a pendant containing a shard of a power crystal from Un'Goro Crater; it was stolen from the Explorer's League not two weeks ago. It belonged to Ravick Ironbrand. It was in storage at the Explorer's League Headquarters until someone broke in and stole it, along with a crate of documents containing invaluable research. He's had the crystal made into a pendant, but a fancy setting won't hide it. I'd know it anywhere."
"How could you possibly be so obsessed with a piece of crystal that you'd know it on sight?" Sir Arthur asked. "Surely a nice young lady like you has bigger interests than rocks," he winked at her. She glared stonily back at him. "Anyway," he continued. "I've had this for years," he eyes became distant and he gestured vaguely into the distance. "When I was but a young warrior—"
"Ravick Ironbrand. A relative of yours?" the Magistrate asked Shalleck, cutting short Sir Arthur's reminiscence.
Shalleck nodded. "My father."
"And how is it that you recognize this particular crystal shard?" The Magistrate asked.
"It sat on his desk since I was a child. He showed it to me often. I couldn't mistake it." She looked at Seamus, wondering if he recognized it as well, but he avoided her gaze.
Magistrate Archen nodded. "Mr. Sternchaser, where did you get this pendant?"
"I harvested this power crystal myself, years ago. Anyway, I haven't been near Ironforge in over a year, I just flew in from Tanaris this morning. My cousin Sir Percival will confirm this himself. And you can ask the stable master if I didn't bring him my gryphon. Our family." He nudged his cousin. "Will not be glad to hear that I've been waylaid because some dwarf thinks she can recognize a piece of rock on sight."
The Magistrate looked at him stolidly. "You will wait," he said firmly. "On the laws of this country, and on those of our allies."
Shalleck controlled her breathing carefully, not letting herself break into anger. As much as she disliked the Sirs Sternchasers, she had nothing to offer the Magistrate except her word. If the Sternchaser family was really as powerful as he said, she knew he would be able to produce any evidence he needed to clear himself.
"Magistrate Archen," Sir Percival began. "Please don't let us keep you from your duties for such a matter as this. It is clear there is no evidence but the word of an unknown dwarf against the word of a Sternchaser."
Seamus face grew red and he looked as if he might speak, but he paused a moment and answered in a measured tone. "I assure you the word of an Ironbrand no less trustworthy than that of a Sternchaser, however-"
"Is that so?" Answered Sir Percival in an amused voice. "I've barely heard of the Ironbrands, and the name certainly doesn't carry the same weight as Sternchaser. In fact—"
"However," Seamus broke in, his teeth clenched tightly together. "I'm sure this unfortunate situation is the result of a misunderstanding." He looked at Shalleck hopefully.
"Naturally," Sir Arthur smirked at her. "I'm more than willing to forget the whole affair. I know how you dwarves get so easily excited."
Seamus bristled. "There's no need for such talk, sir!"
Shalleck glared at Sir Arthur, trying to make sense of it all, trying to find some hole in his story, something that would expose him for what he was. Sir Arthur winked at her and made a show of brushing ineffectively at the caked mud on his spaulders. "If there's nothing more…" he said gleefully.
Mud. She stared at his shoulder. "How long were you in Tanaris?" She asked suddenly. She looked him over. He was covered in mud. Every crevice of his armor was filled with it.
"Three months," he replied promptly.
"You're covered in mud."
He spat. "Nothing wrong with that," he winked at her. "Straw too. I've been known to roll in it from time to time."
"No sand though," she said, suddenly calm. She clasped her hands behind her back. "Strange thing about deserts, lots of sand there. It gets everywhere; it fills every crevice. Not much mud though. Especially this dark, loamy mud you have on you."
The Magistrate looked at Sir Arthur, and Seamus made a sound suspiciously like a laugh.
Sir Arthur's mouth flapped open for a moment but he didn't speak. His eyes opened wide as though he were as surprised at everyone else that he couldn't think of anything to say. He cleared his throat. "I, er, I had it cleaned when I got back."
Shalleck raised her eyebrow and rocked back on her heals, looking appreciatively over his muddied garb. Even Sir Percival seemed at a loss. Shalleck glanced hopefully at the Magistrate.
Finally, the Magistrate sighed. "Report back here tomorrow at 0800 hours. All of you. I will hear this case."
"Perhaps," said Shalleck, finally smiling at Sir Arthur. "you should ask your cleaner for a refund."
