Chapter Two

Argul Stealblade

In the destitute lands of a desert, a group of eight men wandered by mount. Two were descended of the Night Elves, Four from Humans, and two from the lands of the forgotten city of Gnomergon.

The sun blared down with dry heat. The wind had just died down, leaving a thin layer of soft sand, making even the mount journey difficult. They walked in a single file line, at a slow pace, traveling north.

The one in front, a man of incredible build and strength, did not weigh himself down with mail or plate (although it was obvious that with his strength he could.) He wore black leather, a black face mask, and a long silky black cloak which seemed to reflect the sun. He had long black hair that fell to his shoulders in a dirty, messy heap. Sitting erect on his beautiful black stallion, he was the obvious leader of his group.

Riding up alongside his left, a thin Night Elf, covered in the same attire, spoke with him in a feminine voice, "Master Argul, how much longer until we reach the city? I'm afraid Izzy may not last much longer with those wounds…" she added, wearily looking back at the middle riders, who seemed to be having problems staying on their pink mechanical chicken.

A deep voice whispered back, "It shouldn't be much longer, Chigao. Is Young Master Izzy beginning to fade?" He did not look back, Argul continued to look forward at the sandy sea's horizon.

Chigao looked forward, "He will not last another night out here, Master."

Argul nodded and turned to his men behind him, "Lets pick up the pace, Gadgetzan is just up ahead!" The men behind him cheered and nicked their mounts to ride faster. Over the winds, Argul spoke to Chigao, "Keep an eye on Izzy. Make sure he can keep up."

With a light nod, Chigao fell back to ride alongside their injured gnomish companion. Argul continued to view the land up ahead with worry. May the Light get us there soon.

Upon the horizon, the neutral city of Gadgetzan came into view. The sound of galloping became louder and faster as they came closer and closer. Finally, as they rode into the city walls, Argul and his men entered the Inn for some rest.

With Izzy being healed back to health by Gadgetzan's top priests, Argul and Chigao went to get some drinks while the other's rested.

Walking alongside each other, Chigao engaged her master in conversation. "It has been almost a month since we have been here, Master."

Argul smiled under his mask, "Yes, it's been far too long since we've had straw beds to sleep on at night."

Chigao bought two mugs of Dwarven brew and sat with Argul on the roof of the Inn where they would not be disturbed. "Not that there is anything wrong with sleeping in caves during sandstorms, but wouldn't it be interesting to travel outside Tanaris and the Shimmering Flats?"

Argul looked up at the starry sky. It took a moment or two before he answered with his wisdom, "I did not think you viewed our travels like this, do the others?"

Nodding slightly, Chigao took a sip of her mug. "We have spoke of it before. Izzy has always dreamed of seeing Ironforge. Kaia has never been to Stormwind."

Argul smiled, "After we rest up, we'll begin the journey to Stormwind. It'll be a long one, but there are plenty of towns between them. Plenty of other sights to see."

Chigao stood with excitement, "Master Argul, do you truly mean it?!"

Argul broke out in a laugh, "Chigao, I am a man of my word. Let Izzy get well again, and we will begin our journey." Taking a sip of his mug, Argul continued, "How did Izzy get those injuries anyways?"

Chigao set her empty mug down and leaned her arms on her knees, "I'm not exactly sure, from what I got, Izzy and Dunkin went out after the sandstorm subsided while everyone was still asleep. They went out to get some money off those ogres we passed just the day before. I guess Izzy got caught and Dunkin had to pull him out."

Shaking his head, Argul stood, Chigao followed obediently, "Let's return to the room, we need our sleep too."