Chapter 2

It did not take long to reach the turnoff once he had given Spirit a free rein and a nudge in the ribs. They didn't talk about what was going to happen. He was consumed with anticipation and assumed she was too. Slowing to a trot they continued down the side road.

"God's mother," Lianna exclaimed in a most unladylike fashion as they rounded a curve and things went to hell. Her usually unshakable gelding spun and prepared to bolt back the way they had come. Years of training kept him from running when she touched the reins but he spun back and froze in place. Gabrel would have cursed too but he was too busy trying to stay on his horse. Spirit kept his feet on the ground and his face to the threat but the highly touted, battle hardened and ridiculously expensive war horse planted his feet so suddenly he would have sent a lesser rider over his head. And it was all over pig. More accurately it was not a pig but a boar. One of the largest he had ever seen with an impressive set of tusks. The beast stood in the middle of the road snorting and squealing and pawing the ground. The sound of someone laughing was interrupted long enough for a whistle to call the living roadblock back to his master. The night elf had an arrow strung but had lowered his weapon and continued his laughing.

"My god Arresus," Gabrel exclaimed, "where did you get that thing."

"Useful isn't he," the elf called back. Gabrel signaled Lianna to stay where she was. He nudged Spirit forward but… nothing happened. Both horses still watched the boar as if the father of all demons had appeared in the flesh. He dismounted and handed her the reins.

"The stable master already wants to geld you," he told the horse, "so don't push your luck."

The elf and the worgen obviously knew each other. The conversation was brief and Lianna tried not to blush when Gabrel's friend pointedly looked her way. Imagining what Gabrel might be telling him made that a lost cause. She was not one to let passion overrule common sense but for once she planned to do just that. The elf nodded and faded into the woods. The boar, with one last disdainful look, put his stubby tail in the air and trotted daintily after him. Some coaxing got their mounts moving again and a few moments later they were approaching a cluster of buildings surrounding a large clearing.

"Just take off the bridle and loosen the girth," Gabrel told her. "There is plenty of grazing and water and I doubt they will stray...unless the pig comes back."

Gabrel took her arm and guided her to the nearest cabin. He wanted her and had been uncomfortably aroused during the ride here. The moment they were inside he jerked her into his arms and kicked the door closed. She responded by wrapping her arms and legs around him as he lifted her and pressed her against the wall. It was perhaps more of slam, enough that she caught her breath at the impact. He leaned into her and she could feel his cock like an iron rod in his pants. Hands and lips roved. Neither of them worried about being gentle.

"Damned pants" he snarled and she laughed. She had his gloves and gauntlets off and his tunic unfastened. If she had been wearing a dress he would have just lifted her skirts, torn off anything in his way and been inside her. As soon as he let her feet touch the floor they were shedding clothes. A trail of discarded garments marked their path as they moved further into the room. He had her naked first and swept her up, tossing her on her back onto the bed. She watched him boldly as he ripped off the last of his clothes and that inflamed him more. For a moment both drank in each other's naked form and her eyes widened at his enormous cock. Before she could comment or react, he was on her again. Lips and tongue explored her breasts, biting just hard enough to arouse. His hands seemed to be everywhere. She was as eager as he was, raising her chin to bare her neck to him and running her hands over his body. Gabrel gathered from their conversation that she was no virgin and didn't treat her like one. She was wet and willing and he rammed his way inside her. She gasped a little as her flesh stretched to fit him but she met his thrusts with a passion that equaled his. For this moment they were both animals, running on emotions and instinct. The anticipation had been so great she built to a climax quickly. He sensed she was ready and came inside her in hot strong bursts while she arched to take him as deep as possible. In some deep unexplored place all reservations disappeared for her and she surrendered herself completely.

"On your knees," he demanded. He grasped her ankle and guided it across his body. He was still hard and locked inside her. He grasped her hips and placed her where he wanted her. With one arm around her he pulled her upright so she rested back against his body with her legs spread wide by his. Lianna moaned softly as he nuzzled her neck and his other hand took hers and guided it to the spot where they were joined. At first his fingers were tangled with hers, stroking, pressing, and exploring. Once her cries became more urgent he pushed her back to all fours and grasping her hips, rode her over the edge again.

"When must you be in Stormwind," he licked her neck absently while his hand ran across her bare belly.

"Whenever I get here," she murmured. They lay curled together on their sides. Her bare back molded seductively to his front. He had relaxed enough to withdraw without hurting her but chose not to, lingering inside to enjoy the feel of her hot, tight flesh.

"I should have been there yesterday," he mused, "but it is going to be tomorrow. It has never taken me three days to make this trip but I am not finished with you."

She only smiled and nestled closer to him. Her eyes were closed and she looked the picture of contentment. That look came of being fucked mindless by someone who knew how. He planned to do it again shortly. Now though someone needed to attend the horses and he groaned in frustration as he withdrew.

Lianna turned on her back and watched him. She had never seen a worgen naked before. Those green eyes smoldered with lust when he looked back at her. If she had thought him attractive before she found him stunning now. Broad of chest and shoulders, she admired his muscular arms and thighs as he pulled on his pants.

"Satisfied," he asked her. She was not shy about looking at him and he liked that. His worgen form could intimidate females but she seemed to embrace it.

"Very," she replied, "you are beautiful."

"I should be telling you that," he smiled, "but if I don't go now the horses will have to fend for themselves."

"I'll go with you," she started to rise but he shook his head.

"Rest while you can my dear," he warned her. "It will be a long night."

He retrieved his boots will a little searching and turned back to the bed but she seemed very still. A closer look confirmed his suspicion, she was sound asleep. Resisting the urge to climb right back in with her was difficult.

When he stepped outside his nose led to two surprises. A large basket of food was sitting by the door to the cabin they occupied. The aroma from it was intoxicating. There was also smoke coming from the double chimneys of the building just behind him.

"Thank you Arresus!"

The horses were grazing side by side close to a lake north of the buildings. Spirit seemed to like the black gelding Lianna called Cinder. He found they had been unsaddled and groomed. Arresus was as efficient as ever. Gabrel had asked him to check on the victims of the encounter with Roundhill. He had not asked him to tend the horses and provide food and other amenities but his friend had delivered that also.

Lianna awoke when Gabrel wrapped the blanket around her and lifted her in his arms.

"Where are we going," she asked sleepily as he carried her out of the cabin and into the building behind.

"To give you a bath," he announced and she was suddenly airborne. He deftly twitched the blanket away as she landed shrieking in a huge tub and went under. The water was blissfully hot and she came up ready for payback. Gabrel had stripped and was stepping over the edge so she casually pulled his leg out from under him. He went down but not without grabbing her waist and taking her with him.

"Truce," he demanded when they broke the surface again.

"How did you manage this," she smiled, "it's wonderful."

"Arresus is an old friend. He manages this hunting camp for ...a Stormwind noble."

It was really more of a pool than a tub. Made of stone there was a bench all the way around at seat height with a slanting wall above it to serve as a back. When she stood the water came just to her hips. She raked the wet hair out of her eyes and picked up the soap from a conveniently placed tray. Gabrel leaned back and watched her. She lathered her hair and body down to the waterline, then propped each foot on the bench in turn and lathered her legs. The effect this was having on him was obvious to both of them.

"Stop growling," she told him.

"Sorry," he replied licking his lips and trying to control the urge to tackle her.

She ducked under the water to rinse the soap away then turned toward him with an evil look.

"What wickedness are you up to," he asked her as she floated toward him.

"Now I'm going to give you a bath," she replied. "But you have to cooperate...no grabbing."

And give him one she did…with agonizing attention starting with the tip of his ears and moving down. He forgot several times about the no grabbing and was promptly reminded.

"You are killing me," he groaned when she finally reached the last spot on her agenda. Her hands worked even slower. When he thought he could bear it no longer she slid her body up his.

"You can grab now," she murmured.

He seized her hips and guided her onto his cock. Her breasts pressed pleasingly against his chest and their tongues tangled roughly. It did not take long for them to reach the heights of pleasure again.

Both of them were starving when they returned to the cabin. Gabrel lit the wood in the fireplace and they settled on the hearth rug to unpack Arresus' basket. He watched her while they ate. They hadn't bothered to dress and the blanket had slipped from her shoulders to reveal her magnificent breasts. Where had she been all his life? He had only just met her but she drove him beyond any feelings he had experienced before. There was an excellent bottle of wine to go with the food and even glasses had been included. He had her again on the rug after the meal, slowly this time, exploring her body and experimenting with teeth and tongue as well as his touch. She was as adventurous as he was. He growled as her hand grasped his cock and guided him inside her.

"Stop teasing and fuck me," she whispered. He was happy to oblige.

It was only a short ride to Stormwind and they arrived at midmorning. The trade district was already busy. It was a beautiful day of bright sunshine as they guided the horses slowly through the crowds.

"So what will you do now that you are in Stormwind?" Gabrel asked her.

"Find a room," she replied. "I have business at the bank and auction house. At some point I will probably go back to Ironforge. It is as close to home as anywhere and I have nothing taking me elsewhere for now."

They had not talked of last night. Lianna feared it might truly have been one night of passion that would not be repeated.

"Nonsense," he put a hand on her arm. "Stay at the guild hall as my guest, though it is my intention you will soon be a member."

He looked at her, hopefully, but she shook her head.

"I thank you for the offer, but I did not feel the guild was for me. I was out of place and I fear the same thing happening all over again." Did he just seduce her to try to get her to join the guild? Maybe they received a bonus for bringing in recruits. He had drawn a lot of personal information from her but given none about himself. She refused to dwell on those negative thoughts. More likely he was just being a male and the seizing the opportunity. This was why she did not give in to impulse when it came to relationships.

"Perhaps that was true then but this time it is different." They had reached the Old Town district and paused before a huge stone building. She had passed it many times before but never paid attention to the guild pennant flying from the roof.

"Oh? And how is it so different?"

"You know me now." He flashed her one of his irresistible grins and she was reminded why she was so attracted to him. His next words were more serious. "The street is not the place to discuss this. As long as that nobleman who attacked us lives, you will not be truly safe on your own. The guild can protect you. At least stay here while you are in Stormwind."

She had been prepared for him to use their recent personal connection as a reason to stay with him at the guild hall. That would have been easier to refuse. She could not afford to let him become too close and then vanish to Northend or Pandaria or who knows where. Instead he hit her with an argument that made perfect sense.

"I will accept your hospitality," she nodded. Truthfully she was not yet ready to see the last of him. "But please understand I will not be joining the guild."

"If that is your choice," he nodded, "but be warned that I am very persistent." They both laughed at that and she followed him through the archway of the hall.

When they entered the stable area behind the building someone came forward immediately to take her horse. She reached for her baggage but the groom assured her it would be delivered promptly to her room. Gabrel they left standing in the middle of yard holding Spirit. An uproar started in the distance and came toward them. By the time it arrived she was smiling. She guessed the older man doing all the shouting to be the stable master and he was not happy.

"I am not having that hell-beast back in my stable, "he yelled to no one in particular and everyone in general. "Lord…"

"Gabrel," her companion interrupted though she was sure the man was about to call him something else.

"Whatever. That monster has destroyed two stalls, bitten one of my stablemen and kicked another on his last visit here. If you didn't outrank me he would already be a gelding." Gabrel showed no sign of being intimidated.

"Perhaps he just needs time to adjust. Put him next to the lady's gelding. He seems to like him."

No one made any move toward the horse until the master waved irritably and a groom gingerly took the reins. The gray nickered after Cinder and went quietly as a lamb.

Gabrel guided her toward the nearest entrance.

"I see your horse has made quite an impression."

"I don't think he is ill tempered at all," Gabrel explained, "he is too smart for his own good and easily bored. He also knows who he can intimidate."

"Does he take after his master?" She couldn't resist the jab.

"In many ways," he laughed.

The guild staff quickly assigned her a room and whisked her and her belongings upstairs. Gabrel promised to see her shortly at the noon meal. The room on the top floor was large and airy with a spectacular view of the city. There was a huge bed with fresh linen and a luxurious fur cover. A small table and chairs sat near the windows. A fire was laid in the hearth and best yet it was meticulously clean. That was certainly better than many inns, where even the best suites might harbor vermin. She had time to wash her face and hands and change clothes before there was a knock on the door. It heralded Gabrel and two serving boys carrying large trays.

"With your permission my lady, we will eat here," he explained.

The boys lit the fire and laid out an impressive spread before quietly letting themselves out. She was impressed when he held the chair for her to sit first then settled across from her.

"The third time is the charm," Gabrel poured a glass of wine for her and allowed her to taste it before continuing. "I want to strongly encourage you to rejoin the guild."

This time she did not give a flippant answer.

"Tell me why I should."

He proved very convincing. The guild had a wide range of business interests in addition to it's military force. They would provide the opportunity for extensive travel at their expense and the opportunity to meet many new contacts. Affiliation with Deathgate would provide additional advantages even if she chose not to make it her career. If she chose to leave after her contract period she could later call on guild support and backing for her business ventures. From the moment she joined she would have the protection of a powerful and respected organization. He once again brought up Wallen Roundhill.

"He will be consumed with extracting revenge," Gabrel warned. "If you are out of sight for a while and have the guild as an ally he may give it up eventually."

"I suppose there is no other way where he is concerned," she sighed.

"Short of killing him I know of no other solution."

That was not a thought she wanted to explore. The young man was a fool but she didn't want to be his death sentence. If she joined the guild she would be giving up her freedom at least for a time. A full term of service was a minimum of three years. Did she fear not fitting in with the guild or had she been alone so long she was afraid to depend on anyone or anything? Gabrel was one she wanted to get to know better. He had not mentioned his personal feelings or whether she would even be in the same country with him if she joined. For once she didn't know what to do. The next words he spoke caused her even more confusion.

"I have no right to say what I am about to Lianna," he leaned slightly toward her across the table. "There are things about me you do not know. I leave for Northend day after tomorrow. It is my hope you will be on the ship with me when I sail."

When Gabrel left her, she still had not given an answer. He went from her room to the Grand Marshal's office. Strolling past the crowd in line to be seen he dropped into a chair without waiting for an invitation. Marshal Cermal dismissed his aides and regarded him over a stack of papers.

"Do we have a new recruit?"

"Not yet," Gabrel grunted, "what have you learned?"

The marshal had managed the day to day operations of the guild for over 10 years. He had extensive resources that handled everything from managing the finances to supplying troops in the field and seeing to the comfort and success of retired veterans. He didn't usually interest himself in new members but for some reason Gabrel wanted answers and wanted them fast. It had taken some doing to come up with them in a couple of hours.

"She is of good stock but not noble born," the Dranei replied. "What she told you seems to be the truth of it. She has been on her own for a while. She was briefly attached to the guild in Pandaria. Her service was perfectly acceptable but she requested release and since she was not under contract it was granted. The people she does business with seem to like her, they say her word is as good as her coin…."

"So what else?" When the marshall paused Gabrel gave him a come on motion with his hand.

"She is doing something very well. Not illegal or immoral as far as I can tell but very lucrative. Do you want to see numbers?"

"Yes." Both the guild and the High Lord were very wealthy and no doubt the local bankers would hand over anything Cermal asked for.

Cermal handed him a sheet of paper.

"Really," Gabrel commented.

"Yes really," the marshall nodded, "I don't think she is a gold digger."

"We vet all new members," Gabrel frowned with annoyance. Cermal didn't respond but Gabrel didn't usually concern himself with new members either and they both knew it. Normally when someone joined they would stay in Stormwind for a couple weeks. During that time they were vetted, trained and geared before being assigned a location by the quartermaster's office. Gabrel wanted this one on the ship for Northend in two days.

"What of the Roundhills?"

"Minor nobles," Cermal responded, "comfortable but not rich. The son is a real troublemaker and mean, not just high spirited. No powerful connections though they would make it seem so. Father and son are in town and looking for a woman and a worgen."

"The men with young Roundhill on the road looked like hired thugs. See what you can find out about them. I am sure they are going to claim otherwise."

"Already being done but I had to send someone to that village to ask around. Is there anything else?"

"Don't let her out your sight until you have a contract signed."

"And if she does not ….agree?"

"Make sure she does. You know where to find me if there is a problem." Cermal had already guessed where that would be from the resigned look on his friend's face.

Lianna indulged herself after lunch and took a nap. There had not been much sleep the night before. She was still sore in places that reminded her why. Gabrel had not brought up the evening at the hunting camp since they arrived in Stormwind. She was disappointed but he had mentioned he wanted her to go with him to Northend. Perhaps he was just all business while in Stormwind. A guild squire knocked on her door late that afternoon.

"Your host will not be in the guild hall for the evening," he told her. "You are welcome to dine in the main hall or dinner can be served in your room. Grand Marshall Cermal requests your presence in the guild office at your convenience either this evening or in the morning."

She chose to eat in her room for dinner and to meet with the marshall the next morning. She also opted for a bath. Her room had a privy and bathing area connected and the squire pointed out a large library just across the hall. They were certainly making guild life look good for the moment. Barracks life could be very different and if she ended up in a raid or war camp….well that was hard enough without being a woman. She did have her own resources. If she joined she would need to make sure she could use them. She also didn't know what she would be doing….."whatever fits you best" was all Gabrel would postulate. Those promises could turn out differently also. She spent the evening catching up on some business paperwork and wondering if her sponsor might appear. It did not happen. And what about Gabrel...she couldn't rejoin the guild just because she wanted to get to know him better. He had disappeared fast enough when they got to Stormwind.

The next morning she woke to the sun on her face. Her fingers ran through the bed's luxurious fur covering. She felt somewhat disappointed the fur was not attached to a certain worgen. Chiding herself for having such a girlish crush on someone she just met she got out of bed and set about getting ready. She planned to attend to her business in Stormwind and to politely but firmly tell Gabrel or Marshall Cermal, since Gabrel had suddenly become a ghost, she would not be joining the guild. Last night she would have have agreed to anything if it would have ended with her in his arms but that was just the maddess of lust. He had basically dumped her and disappeared.

The waiting area for Grand Marshal Cermal's office was already packed when she presented herself as requested. She was tempted to just go on her way but she was the guest of the guild and felt obliged to be polite. To her great surprise she was ushered right in.

"Welcome my lady," the big Dranei rose politely and motioned her to sit before resuming his place behind the desk. "May I offer you refreshment? I have heard you acquitted yourself well in your recent adventures with our member Gabrel. He has given me the task of getting your guild contract signed. It seems he is quite eager to add your skills to the force in Northend."

Talk about totally disarming any resistance she had prepared. Her father had always said nothing could be as charming or as calculating as a Dranei. She also couldn't help but feel some pleasure that Gabrel was still interested in her in some fashion. The attraction to him scared her but drew her on also.

"Thank you, my lord." She assumed a title like grand marshal demanded the courtesy. She prayed the adventures he was referring to were limited to the encounters with the horde and the thugs. She declined the refreshments.

"Now," he handed her a sheet of paper, "let's get down to business shall we. What is it going to take?"

"We can talk but I am afraid I would be wasting your time. I have no intention of rejoining," she told him.

"Let's give it a chance."

What it took was about two hours and a trio of scribes. She had no real issue with what the guild wanted from her. It was a good offer from the beginning. Cermal promised her officer's rank, assigned most likely with the quartermasters but to be determined. The money had not been an issue from the start. She wanted the freedom to live off the guild compound if she wished as long as it did not interfere with her duties. The sticking point was the exit clause. He was willing to cut the requirement a few weeks due to her previous membership. The guild had the right to dismiss her based on performance. She had the right to leave them if they did not meet their guarantees. But what if she was just unhappy again and wanted to go.

"Early departure will require the approval of the High Lord."

"What is the High Lord's name?"

"Stormbreaker," Cermal replied, "Lord Stormbreaker. So we have something you would in principal agree to?"

Lianna nodded.

"Officer contracts require taking an oath to the High Lord and the guild. The High Lord has final approval. Why don't we make this final pending that approval and up until then you can change your mind."

"I am still not convinced this is the right place for me."

Cermal added the additional terms and pushed the paper across the desk.

"Sign here."

After the meeting she had a new list of things to do. It had been quite some time since she had last been to Stormwind, and she was eager to visit the shops. Clothes were now a priority though she was still not committed to taking the final step that would put her on the boat to Northend. Cermal assured her the resources of the guild were at her disposal but it would be cold there. She suspected the guild's idea and her idea of appropriate undergarments were not the same. She also needed warm boots and some outerwear. The best place to buy cold weather clothing was in Northend but she at least needed to be warm while she got travelled. Taking Cinder on the boat was no problem. Officers could purchase their own mounts or have the guild provide them.

Her head was full of what she needed to get accomplished in a single day and whether she was actually going through with this madness. She was never this indecisive. Then it happened. An unpleasantly familiar voice called out across a crowd of people.

"There she is! Detain her at once!"

She looked toward the shouting and saw Wallen Roundhill, a man that had to be his father, and two Stormwind guards heading her way. Another pair of men she suspected to be Roundhill retainers trailed them. She seriously considered bolting but to do so would give the appearance of guilt. As hard as it was, she waited until they reached her.

"I want her in the stockade until justice is served," the father was red faced and intent on making a scene. A crowd was gathering and a guard captain was working his way toward them.

"This woman and the worgen dog that was with her are guilty of murder. I plan to see them both hanged," Lord Roundhill played to the crowd. Wallen Roundhill was standing a few feet behind the guard, regarding her with a smug, arrogant look on his face. His right arm was in plaster and a sling. She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She wanted to scream her innocence but knew it would serve no purpose.

"Your son has lied to you," she tried to sound calm.

"Be silent you low bred whore," the noble snapped. She sensed he would have tried to strike her if the guards were not standing between them. "Your lies will not save you. "

The captain reached them and for the first time she noticed a herald in a Deathgate tabard accompanied him. She had seen a number of them coming and going this morning from the marshal's office. He came to her side and spoke quietly.

"Be calm, this will be settled at the guildhall." That was easier said than done. At this point it was her word against the young lord. Her only hope was that Gabrel's version of the events would carry some weight. She did not relish sitting in jail while witnesses were gathered and testimony was heard. From what she had seen so far of the Roundhills there could be a lot more witnesses than had actually been present and well paid to tell the right story. And where was Gabrel? Had he smelled trouble and left her to face it alone. If so she had certainly read him wrong.

"We don't want trouble here on the street," the captain announced "Since both of the individuals you accuse belong to the Deathgate guild I have been ordered to turn this over to High Lord Stormbreaker."

She expected the Roundhills to protest and demand a hearing before the king himself. Instead her accuser gave her a smug look before responding to the captain.

"My family has a long friendship with the High Lord and Lady. I am sure this will be settled to our satisfaction quickly." The entire procession set off for the guildhall.

Grand Marshal Cermal himself was awaiting them in the entrance hall when they arrived.

"You may leave the lady in my custody, Captain VanNess," he greeted the officer with great courtesy, "the other party involved is on his way here."

"This woman is not high born," Roundhill couldn't let an opportunity to degrade her pass, "don't sully the term lady by applying it to her."

As the guard prepared to leave the younger Roundhill decided to whine.

"The guard is not staying? What if she tries to flee, father?"

"The guild would never let their reputation be besmirched by such a...low born criminal," the elder Roundhill let his disdain show. "Plus, where would she go? We found her easily enough."

The Roundhill retainers were politely shown out of the building. Those remaining were taken to the audience chamber of the high lord to await his arrival. The captain of the hall's guards and four of his men accompanied them. Where they there for her or the Roundhills? Other than the seat on the dais there were no other chairs.

"The High Lord is on his way," Cermal told her quietly, "is there any way I may assist you until he arrives."

"If it's going to be much longer just kill me. I can't bear listening to this ass any more."

Cermal let a touch of a smile reach his lips but otherwise hid his amusement when her mouth ran away with her. Gabrel might have his hands full with this one he mused. She was right about one thing. Roundhill couldn't keep his mouth shut.

"Have no fear son. I have known Lady Stormbreaker's family for years and have dined at her table here in Stormwind. I have no doubt the High Lord will quickly put this to right."

Lianna wondered where the hell Gabrel was. Surely the High Lord just needed to hear the version of events from someone he trusted and things would be put to right. But with him nowhere to be found, she was truly on her own. Cermal had mentioned the "other party" was on the way so maybe they had found him.

"You and that worgen cur are not going to get away with attacking my son and killing my retainers."

And then the High Lord arrived. The guild guards came to attention and the Captain saluted. Cermal nodded towards the three awaiting his judgement. Liana and the Roundhills gaped like beached fish.

"My apologies but the 'worgen cur' was running a bit late with his business at the castle." High Lord Stormbreaker gave Roundhill and his son a withering stare. The two quickly bowed, and Lianna decided it was best to do the same though she couldn't sort out her emotions at the moment. "Dropping my wife's name will gain you no advantage here."

Lord Roundhill turned an interesting shade of grey and sweat appeared on his forehead.

"My lord I had no idea..."

"That Lady Stormbreaker's husband was a worgen….leave it before you appear more foolish than you already do."

Roundhill's son chose that moment to make his father's discomfort worse.

"It's him!"

"What?" Replied his father as he rose.

"IT"S HIM! That is the one that was with her!"

Lianna's was still trying to deal with a maelstrom of hurt and anger. Gabrel had lied to her. In a moment of clarity she had to admit…he had not lied but certainly had not disclosed that he was highborn, the guild leader and married. Despite her shock she was interested to see how Roundhill would handle this latest bit of news. While the lord and his son stared at each other the High Lord gave Lianna a conspiratorial wink.

"Now, tell me the tale your son has woven. I will not need to hear from the lady since I was present."

After hearing Roundhill recount the tale his son had told and the son make excuses, Gabrel addressed the father.

"None of this would have happened if your son had not been looking for trouble. From what I understand this is not the first time. As for your retainers, they had more the look of hired thugs. That part is being investigated as we speak. Be happy I am not turning your brat over to the authorities for attacking me on the road. We will consider that an even trade."

Some of the color returned to Lord Roundhill's face. His son, on the other hand, did not look pleased.

"She broke my arm! Are you simply going to let her get away with it?"

Gabrel glared at the boy until he held his tongue and looked away uncomfortably.

"I apologize that you were drawn into this Lord Stormbreaker. I am certain you were an innocent bystander. As for the woman," Roundhill regarded her maliciously, "I trust she will be dealt with appropriately for causing this disturbance and injuring my son." His meaning was clear. She was not noble born and he expected her to be punished for raising her hand to someone who was.

"She will be dealt with appropriately," Gabrel nodded.

He stood and drew the sword he was wearing. She was used to seeing him with dual blades so guessed this was the named blade belonging to his house. It was a vicious looking piece of steel almost as long as she was tall.

"Kneel," he told her.

The entire room was silent. It took a moment to convince herself that he probably wasn't going to behead her and she did as he commanded. The looks on the two Roundhill faces indicated that was clearly what they expected.

"Swear your allegiance and rise Lady Lianna and an officer of Deathgate."

In the moment before she answered. Many thoughts and emotions raced through her head. Did she really want to be bound to him and his guild? Did she have a choice at this point? Would he turn her over to the Roundhills if she refused? He was married and nobly born. He hadn't lied to her but had certainly omitted some truths. Did he think he could cart her off to Northend to warm his bed and be his plaything? That was not going to happen.

The High Lord pointedly cleared his throat and she knew her time was up.

"I swear my allegiance to the guild my lord."

She hadn't sworn to him, Gabrel noted, but he was prepared to let that slide for the moment. He touched her lightly on the shoulders.

"Arise my lady."

"You can't do that," protested Lord Roundhill. Gabrel didn't give him a chance to list all the reasons for that protest.

"I will be the judge of that. You would be better served to rein in your offspring than tell me what I can or cannot do. You may leave now."

Roundhill looked utterly defeated. His son looked angry but before he could began to protest the father grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and shoved him toward the door. The guards fell in behind them to see that did not tarry.

"Thank you gentlemen," Gabrel addressed the other guild members present, "you are dismissed."

When Lianna turned to follow them out he caught her arm. They were both silent until the room emptied.

"I'm sure you have questions," he sighed. That was an understatement. She didn't even know where to begin. She wasn't even sure she wanted to know. At least he had the good grace to look apologetic.

"No, I do not my Lord," she lied. She hated liars. Worse yet she could tell he knew she lied.

"To you I am Gabrel. There are things I need to explain."

"No explanations are necessary," she replied. She should have stopped there. Whether a blessing or a curse no one had ever had to wonder what she was thinking. "I vowed a long time ago not to blame males for being ruled by their cock and not their brains."

"I can see you are going to make this difficult and I am sure I deserve it." In one act he had raised her to nobility and given her the protection of the guild. Explaining what he was sure she thought of as taking advantage of her was going to be a much harder task.

"Release me from my vow," she demanded.

"No," he replied. "I will see you on the ship tomorrow."