I was motivated to post the next chapter seeing how it got nearly 600 views on DeviantART. I only wish more people would comment. Views isn't quite the same with literature as it is with visual art. Still I am going to post this chapter and hope I can hear your thoughts on it. I keep forgetting I had this typed up over a year ago so when I glance through this part I feel a little blah about it but I don't want to mess too much with it in fear of screwing something up. It gets better as it goes on so that's good enough for me. I can't believe I had this for so long D:
Anyone interested in seeing images for the characters or reading their info visit my DeviantART page under the name "HotaruShidosha"
Chapter 3 - Light's Hope
Aurora tugged on the rope, urging the Scarlet troops to move faster while Zyeal and Vlad shoved them along. Ahead of them, Kurai lead them along the scar, the Chapel coming into view in the distance. At the back of the group, the Elune priestesses walked alongside the hunter, keeping an eye on the frail human in his arms. As they approached the Chapel, the innkeeper appeared at the door, the human woman greeting them warmly.
"Hello there, I'm Jessica Chambers. What can I do for you this evening?" She said, moving her brunette hair aside. She walked down the two steps, fixing her pink dress when she reached the bottom. Kurai gave a small bow, gesturing towards his group behind him.
"We come to escort these Darnassian priestesses who were sent to aid you. We also have some prisoners we interjected during our travels here. They are soldiers from the Scarlet who are residing in Tyr's Hand." Mariuss walked to the front of the group, making sure Rozetta was seen. "We also ran into this human here who was being attacked, we hope to find her shelter from the harsh environment." Jessica looked over the group before bowing her head slightly, moving aside to let them inside. Mariuss and the priestesses walked in while Kurai waited to see what was to be done about the soldiers.
"Give me a moment, Master Rogue, I will send out Lord Barthalomew to assist you," the innkeeper replied, turning to follow the Elves. A moment later, an undead warrior emerged from the Chapel, looking over the Scarlet troops. Suddenly, the undead pulled out a dagger, grabbing one of the soldiers and slicing his throat open causing the other soldiers to jump in alarm.
"So then," he began, looking up from the one he killed to the others, "who wants to tell me about what they are doing at Tyr's Hand?" The troops looked at each other then back at the undead, making no noise at all. He walked in front of them looking over to see which one would be weak willed enough to give him what he needed. The first one he walked by merely glared at him so he looked behind the soldier at Zyeal, signaling him to kill this one. Giving a glance to Kurai who nodded, Zyeal stabbed the man through the chest, letting him drop to the ground. "My name is Leonid Barthalomew," he stated to the Scarlet, "I am ordering you to give me information on what is going on at Tyr's Hand." Once again, the men stood silent showing that they weren't going to be provoked into giving any details. He pointed at the two lower soldiers, then to the Courier. "Kill these two and leave him chained up over here, if anyone will know anything it will be him. I don't have time for these fools to play stupid," the undead said walking away towards the dwarf who had a cart near the Horde flight keeper. Kurai grabbed the Courier, cutting his rope away from the other soldiers while Vlad and Zyeal killed the other two. Leonid walked back up, pointing back towards the dwarf he was just speaking to. "Load them up on his cart, he will take care of them for us," he said. He then looked at the Courier then to Kurai, "You come with me and we shall see how chatty this one is now. The rest of you are free to go after," he said. Kurai looked over at his group.
"Go on and check on Mariuss. I'll take care of this," he replied, gripping the Courier's arm tight causing the man to yelp in pain. Inside, the others rested Rozetta on a blanket on the floor near the back of the Chapel. Jessica brought a pillow over, resting it under her head.
"How far along is she?"
"We don't know, we found her just before we reached here," Mariuss responded. Reena kneeled down beside the pregnant woman, resting her hand on her forehead.
"Either way she needs more medical attention. She looks as though she hasn't been eating well lately. Is there anything here we can give her?" Salene replied, looking at the innkeeper. Jessica pointed outside.
"There is one of the venders outside who sells bread and fruit out here. I'll go get her some water," she replied, hurrying away. Salene ran out to retrieve food for her while Lukia sat on the ground near Rozetta's head.
"I wonder what happened to her," Lukia murmured, watching Rozetta's face contort in her sleep.
"Where are…. Vicente…. Don't go…" the black haired woman mumbled in her sleep induced daze. She clutched at the black shawl she still had around her, crying in her sleep. Jessica returned with a jug of water, leaning down to help give her some while Reena lifted her up a bit. Once the water touched her lips, Rozetta stirred, reaching out to grasp the container while she drank.
"Drink it slowly. Be careful," Reena murmured. Rozetta did as she was told, finally looking around at them once she was more lively.
"Where am I? What is this place?" she asked, rubbing her stomach protectively.
"This is Light's Hope Chapel. Where are you from?" Jessica asked. Rozetta looked around the Chapel some more before finally setting her gaze on the Elves. Behind them leaning against the wall, Mariuss listened in, his ears twitching as he waited.
"I lived in Corin's Crossing. Something happened sometime ago before all the vegetation died. Someone assaulted our town and I became separated from my husband," she began crying, bringing her hands to her face, "He promised me he would come for me. Something must have happened. Vicente, where are you?" She buried her face into her hands, breaking into sobs while Reena hugged her gently, rocking her back and forth to calm her. Jessica glanced at the others in thought.
"Have you been alone this whole time? That was a couple months ago."
"Y-yes. Last place I was in was Northdale but some Horde found me and sent me away. They told me to go this way to find this place. But there are so many strange creatures here. Everywhere I went something tried attacking me and I can't do much else but run. Then this young man saved me," she said pointing to Mariuss who remained still. Salene came back in, carrying some apples and bread in a small basket. Coming up beside the group, she leaned down making the food available to the human woman. Breaking away from Reena gently, Rozetta leaned down and grabbed one of the rolls nervously, nibbling on it. "Thank you," she whispered. Aurora, Vlad, and Zyeal walked in, moving near Mariuss to talk about what happened outside.
"Rozetta, how far along are you?"
"I should be due soon," she replied softly. "Maybe a couple of weeks I guess."
"Maybe when the group goes back they can take her to a city. She needs medical treatment," Salene said to the other priestesses. Lukia watched the human continue eating, watching her gain strength.
Outside, Kurai and Leonid dragged the Courier towards the east side of the Chapel's area, dragging him to the outskirts. After at least half a mile, they came upon an area with various hills, in the distance Tyr's Hand could be seen. Leonid stopped, holding a hand up to make the rogue halt. He turned and pointed to a tree nearby, lifting up the rope in his hand.
"This is far enough. Let's tie him up here," the undead said, walking up to the nearest tree. Kurai pulled the Courier over slamming the human against the tree and holding him still while Leonid tied him up. Once finished, both men stood back, looking up to see the Courier's face which showed fear and nervousness. "So you feeling a little more inclined to sharing some information? Or should we dismember you and leave you here for your comrades to find. I'm sure your stench will reach them in no time." Kurai glanced at the undead, wondering what he could have been through to make it so easy for him to be this harsh against these men. The Courier glanced around where they were as if figuring out how far away they were from his allies. "Go ahead and scream. The rogue and I will just kill you, I can always find someone else to tell me what I need."
"I'm not very patient either," Kurai said crossing his arms over his chest, "so you better decide quickly." They watched him take a deep breath, closing his eyes as he spoke.
"I'll never tell you anything. Nothing you do will make me talk," he said. Leonid pulled out his dagger, walking up and cutting off the man's pinky finger, covering the man's mouth as he screamed. Kurai turned his head away, hearing Leonid ask the man again, saying his whole hand could be next. Kurai heard him mumble that he wasn't going to say anything, hearing him cry out as Leonid severed his hand as promised. Again he denied giving the undead what he wanted, a series of screams being let loose until the man finally died. Kurai looked back over to find the Courier's stomach sliced open with his insides falling out. Beside him, Leonid cleaned off his dagger, turning back to the rogue.
"Let's get moving. The scouts will be here soon to find him," he said walking passed him. Giving one last glance at the dead Courier, Kurai followed the undead back to Light's Hope.
Rozetta was now asleep on the blankets that were provided to her after finally eating and drinking her fill. Outside, the Elune priestess were tending to the soldiers and scouts that were resting near the Quartermaster. Mariuss was outside as well, leaned up against the wall of the Chapel while watching the white haired priestess, Lukia. Her dressed was now sewn up and she had more energy then she did before. Nearby, Lynx was playfully chasing a squirrel, stopping when almost reaching the outskirts of the Chapel, knowing her master would scold her if she wandered too far. In the distance, Kurai returned with Leonid, the group walking up to their leader to discuss what they would be doing next now that the priestesses were at the Chapel.
"Is that human girl ok?" Kurai asked, glancing at the undead warrior as he walked back into the Chapel.
"Yes, she is fine now," Aurora said, moving her hair from her face with her other hand on her hip, "But they want us to take her with us. They tell us that she needs medical treatment that the priestesses can't provide. She's due to give birth soon."
"What were we to do once we were finished," Zyeal asked.
"We were done after that. That's all we were hired for," Kurai responded, bringing his hand up to his chin in thought. Vlad heaved his Hammer over his shoulder, leaning in near the others.
"Well, then I must bid you farewell, my friends. Miss Aurora and I were to return to Exodar once this mission was completely over. Lord Valen required our assistance when we were finished," he replied. He turned to the shaman, bowing his head, "Shall we be off, my dear?" She nodded in response, bowing to the Elven males before following the paladin. Zyeal looked back from the Draenei to the rogue, seeing his face.
"What's wrong? Something happen before," he asked. Kurai glanced at him a moment before looking back where he and the undead came from.
"That undead just surprised me with how vicious he is. He tore that Courier apart. He's currently tied to a tree with his limbs and guts at his feet." Zyeal's face paled, not expecting an answer like that. Seeing his reaction, the rogue just nodded, shaking his head. "Anyway, maybe we should head back to at least South Shore. From there we can get that woman to Ironforge perhaps. Or maybe from Menethil we could go to Darnassas. Either case, staying here poses no benefit to us. We should grab Mariuss and go," the rogue said. They looked back seeing the hunter's gaze on the elf girl named Lukia. The two Elves looked at each other a moment before peering back at their hunter friend. Mariuss pushed off the wall, walking up behind Lukia who was healing a human soldier who was sleeping. Distracted with her work, she failed to notice him sneak right up behind her, peering down at what she was doing. She jumped, squeaking and placing a hand over her chest in shock.
"Oh dear, sir Mariuss, you startled me," she exclaimed, glancing up at him. He mumbled an apology, kneeling down on his heels beside her, having Lynx come up out nowhere rubbing into him, wanting to be pet. Lukia giggled as the tiger continued purring and coaxing her master to pet her head.
"Lynx, knock it off," he murmured, trying not to fall over. Lukia reached over, patting the tiger on the head, grabbing her attention and watching her curled beside her.
"Hard to believe this is a hunter's pet. More like a house cat," Lukia said with a smile. Mariuss made a face, knowing exactly what she meant. Lynx would get the job done but when nothing was threatening her or her master it was hard to believe this same tiger would kill you in an instant.
"Yeah, she's funny like that," he replied, giving in and petting her as well, "but I wouldn't have anyone else."
"Hey, Mariuss," Zyeal called, waving him over. The hunter stood, looking down at Lukia, bowing his head slightly, "Excuse me." He walked over, seeing both the males trying to stifle a laugh. He glared at them both, crossing his arms over his chest, waiting. Zyeal coughed to clear his throat, "We're moving out. Kurai thinks we can bring the woman to either Ironforge or Darnassus."
"Well, I don't think there is anything we need to do in the direction of Ironforge so we may as well bring her to Darnassus," Mariuss replied.
"I suppose you're right. Well then, let's gather what supplies we need and get moving," Kurai said. Mariuss raised a hand to stop him, the rogue pausing.
"That woman is sleeping right now. Did you want to wake her or should we wait?" Kurai thought a moment.
"I guess we could wait," he said, "Well start gathering what we need then." Mariuss and Zyeal bowed their heads, walking off to do as told. Lukia bowed her head to the man she just healed, turning and walking right into the hunter.
"Oh dear, I'm sor—ry," she froze a bit upon seeing who it was, a slight blush coming across her face. "Sorry," she murmured again a little quieter. He looked her over, a slight blush creeping over his own face.
"It's ok."
"So, sir Mariuss, now that—"
"Please, call me Mariuss," he interjected, earning a smile from her.
"Ok, Mariuss. Anyway, now that your mission is completed, won't you be staying with us or is something more pressing requiring your assistance?"
"No, I think after we restock we are leaving. How long were you to stay here to assist the Argent Dawn?" he asked, moving his hair behind his ear. She looked back towards Lady Salene a moment before turning back.
"I think until Milady says so," she said, "So I guess no telling when that may be." She noticed that he frowned slightly as if disappointed. "Is something wrong?" He glanced at her a moment, his face reddening further. She giggled at his look of embarrassment, making him cross his arms while pouting. In the distance near the venders, Kurai and Zyeal watched the pair.
"Looks like someone has a crush," the warrior said. Kurai nodded, turning to the vender to hand him the proper payment for the food they purchased. Nodding his thank you he turned back to the warrior.
"I know how he feels though," he replied.
"Yeah, where is Hotaru anyway?"
"She had a mission she was given just before we were given this one so that's why she couldn't come with. She was sent to spy on the enemy activity in Deadwind Pass for King Varian." Kurai paused a moment in thought, "I hope everything is ok for her." Zyeal laughed, taping the rogue's arm in reassurance.
"Knowing her, she's fine. She can be silly but when it comes to work she's serious." Kurai bit his lip, nodding.
"Yeah, you're right. And yes, she can be very silly indeed," he replied, "Well this should be enough for our trip. I think when we get to Menethil I may head south instead of going back to Darnassus. I want to see if Hotaru will be in Stormwind by the time I get there."
"Why are you going to Stormwind?" Mariuss asked, walking up.
"To find Hotaru. She was sent to Deadwind Pass," Zyeal replied. The hunter nodded to himself, thinking.
"So is that where we are headed then? To Stormwind?"
"Yeah, may as well all go. We're not gonna leave our boss here to himself. Might get hurt," Zyeal joked with a grin on his face. Kurai threw his head back, letting out a deep laugh.
"Yeah, ok," he said, "Well let's get moving then. Let's go get the human woman." In the distance, Lukia watched them from behind a tree, listening in.
~ Hotaru Shidosha