The frozen winds of Northrend blew through the streets of Dalaran. The "city of mages", relocated here during the war against the Lich King, had been a bustling, vibrant city. Now, with the Lich King's defeat and death, the denizens of Azeroth had turned their focus elsewhere. Still, the ley energies native to the frozen continent played a prominent role in the Kirin Tor's decision to keep the floating city where it was. Here the mages of Dalaran could work their magics and conduct their research without interference from outside factions. Even the Titan's city of Ulduar had faded into dormancy. Still the frozen continent held vast amounts of resources the rest of the world could use, so the Kirin Tor established trade routes that periodically left the city through portals to the various capitals cities of the Alliance and the Horde.

And it was here that Verielle waited. She had spent nearly three weeks in Dalaran. Three weeks of waiting. When the elf first arrived she had met with a strange man - he called himself a contractor - who made arrangements for her to find Zek. She hadn't trusted the man fully, but he WAS a part of the Assassin's League. He told her to wait in Dalaran and seek him out when he arrived. The man didn't mention anything specific, other than Zek would be operating from a secret location. She didn't know how she was to know when he arrived - or if she would even be able to find him. Even devoid of its high population from the war, Dalaran was a large city. But still, she waited. When her money had run out she had resorted to running various errands for the shops around town. It earned her enough for room and board at the Lodge. Plus meals.

Verielle sighed as she sat on the balcony of room, looking out over the city.

Where ARE you Zek? she thought.


The cold winds woke Zek from his sleep. Despite the fog of sleep he hastily made his bearings. He was still strapped in to the saddle on Ruby's back - which was good. From what he could see they were still heading in a northerly direction - also good. However, everything below them was shrouded in dense cloud cover - this was bad. They had departed Stormwind shortly before the noon hour. The sun was still a small sliver over the western horizon. Ruby's wings were flapping at an insane rate to keep speed. It would be too risky to try to plot their position on a map at this speed so he was going to eyeball it. A few stars were starting to become visible in the sky. He recognized a few and was able to get a quick position estimate. If he was right...they would be over the coast of Northrend any moment now, if they weren't so already. The potions he had given Ruby still had a few hours left before they wore out.

Zek gripped the saddle and gave Ruby a quick series of kicks. They were flying too fast to communicate verbally, but they had worked out a code for times like this. His kicks told her to descend. She complied, tucker he wings and performed a dive. As they blew through the cloud cover she leveled off. Zek looked around - they were over the region known as the Howling Fjord. He could make out the abandoned vrykul keep of Utgarde below. Pleased, Zek settled back into the saddle. At their current speed they would arrive in Dalaran in a few minutes. A mischievous grin crossed his face. He gave Ruby a special series of kicks. He couldn't hear it from the noise of the wind, but she let out a roar of laughter. A few minutes later they could make out the lights of Dalaran in the evening sky. Ruby pushed and accelerated - hurtling towards the city like a rocket.


Verielle was brushing her hair and getting ready for bed when she was suddenly jolted by a massive explosion. It sounded as if a massive thunder-head had unleashed its fury over the city in a single instant. Loose items everywhere began to shake and rattle as a shock wave that even she could feel passed through.

The spry elf jumped up and ran to the balcony. She looked outside and saw pandemonium on the streets. People everywhere were looking around with shock and confusion. A few were pointing up in the sky. She turned in the direction they were pointing and she could make out a reddish streak that was circling over the city. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness she noticed the streak was some sort of object moving incredibly fast. It began to slow down, and her eyes could make out a shape with wings.

"A dragon..." she whispered to herself. Suddenly her heart skipped a beat. That was Zek's red-stone drake! He's here! She ran back into her room, all thoughts of sleep vanishing. She hastily began to put on her armor and strap on her weapons belt. Not bothering with stairs, she ran back out to the balcony and jumped - rolling as she nimbly landed on the ground and took off running down the street.

Zeklor, she thought triumphantly. I have finally FOUND you!


Both Zek and Ruby were in tears with laughter by the time they had slowed down enough to speak verbally again. The shock wave they had created had sent everyone in the streets scattering for cover. Zek had even caught sight of a mage or two stumbling out on their balconies in night-clothes. Ever the mischievous pair, they enjoyed "booming" their destination on the few occasions when Ruby had to take the potions. It helped ease the stress of the trip. As they reveled in the moment Zek guided Ruby to the rocky underside of the city. Here they found an old drain pipe that was large enough to accommodate the dragon. She landed and Zek undid his straps.

"Find suitable spot to rest for a few days." he told her, as he dismounted. He pulled one of the saddle packs off of her back and reached inside, producing a large wrapped package. "As soon as you do, chew on this. The herbs inside should keep the side effects of the potions down to a minimum. Try to drink up before you do."

He carefully placed the package in the dragon's mouth. She bowed her head in acknowledgement. She was already starting to show signs of exhaustion from the trip, hardly enough strength left to talk. The sooner she bedded down the better. The drake stepped out of the pipe and drifted down to the valley floor. Zek watched until he was sure she had landed safely - he knew she wouldn't be able to fly at high altitudes until the effects had worn off - then he turned and traveled up the pipe.

Zek had always found it odd that Dalaran even had a sewer. The mages of the Kirin Tor had constructed a magical means to...dispose of...the waste and refuse their citizens produced. Zek shrugged. The sewer was probably left over from days gone by when such magics hadn't been thought up yet.

The sewer had a musty smell - now and then he caught a whiff of a pungent herbal mixture - but was otherwise bearable. Zek traveled down the pipe until it opened up into a large cavern. Here was surprisingly well-kept structure - The Cantrips & Crows tavern. Goblins had built it as a refuge for the more shady dealings that went on in the city.

Shady dealings, he mused. Just what I'm doing now...

Chuckling, he walked around to the back of the structure and began to search. He found what he was looking for after a few minutes a loose board in the support scaffolding. He pulled it up - scratched on its underside was the symbol of Ravenholdt. Here Zek found a key hanging from a rusty nail. He retrieved the key and replaced the board. Zek walked back around to the side of the building and put the key in the lock of a door. There was a click and it opened. Inside it was a small room. A permanent spot in the building paid for by Ravenholdt Manor. Here agents of the Assassin's League could have a spot to rest, hide, or plan missions. The room was small - a set of bunk beds on one wall, and a table with a few mismatched chairs. On the table was a single lantern. On the other wall was a cupboard - inside Zek found lantern oil and wicks, as well as a some food stuffs. Anything he used he would have to replace before he left. He lit the lantern closed the door, taking care to make sure the lock and bolt worked. He tossed his saddle bag on the bottom bunk.

The document he had read back in Stormwind had said the new recruit he was to meet here would be waiting for him. However, they wouldn't know where the safe house was. Part of their training was to successfully find him after he arrived - although they probably didn't know that. And after their particularly noisy arrival, he was certain that they knew he was here and would begin looking. Zek pulled a few packs from his bag - they contained his supply of throwing knives and wire. He turned in a circle, taking in every detail of the room.

"Well," he said aloud. "Time to put up the party decorations!"


Verielle crept around in the shadows of the Underbelly. There was a crowd here tonight, betting on the arena fights.

Zek would be here on a mission, the man had said. And he would be operating from a secret location from somewhere in Dalaran.

Of course they wouldn't tell me the location, she grumbled to herself. Then it wouldn't be such a secret!

Still, using a few gold she had been able to pry a little information from a goblin or two. Occasionally shady characters that could be members of the Assassins League would be seen in or around the tavern of the Underbelly. It was an easy place to find - the architects of the city had built a ramp to go down into the main sewer cavern to the arena. Verielle could only guess that there was more than a few members of the Kirin Tor that enjoyed betting on a good match - thus the reason the Underbelly's modifications had, for the most part, been allowed. Verielle worked her way around the crowds and found a spot overlooking the tavern. It was a small building, built on a wharf-like structure over an underwater reservoir. To her it looked run down, but the structure was solid. She perched in her spot and watched, hoping to catch sight of Zek.

Hours passed with no sign. Now it was well into the night. The arena matches were all over and the crowds had either left or were laying on the ground where they had passed out drunk. Verielle herself had almost fallen asleep. She was starting to doubt whether it had really been Ruby he had seen in the sky, or if her wishful thinking had gotten the best of her.

A sudden movement caught her eye. A figure was creeping across the roof the tavern. She sat up and peered into the darkness - the figure was moving quietly, almost searching for something. It looked like a man but she couldn't tell. She decided to move closer to get a better look. Staying cloaked in the shadows she moved through the sewer towards the building. As she moved she lost sight of whatever it was. The inn was quiet - the occupants either asleep or passed out. There was a lit candle here and there but otherwise dark. She looked around for a way up to the room on the front of the building - nothing.

Might as well try the back. she thought.

Sneaking around the building she found a door that was hidden from view. Curiously the door was left slightly ajar. She carefully approached the door and put her ear up to the opening and listened. Nothing. She looked around but there didn't see a way up to the roof on this side either.

Maybe, she thought, there is a way up on the side...

She put her hand on the door latch and froze. Something was wrong. Very lightly, she pressed down on the latch and fell tension. The door was booby-trapped.

Training took over. She pulled out one of her daggers. She had coated it with a special enamel that wasn't reflective. Great for stealth but the coating was very delicate. She would have to reapply it often as it flaked off. She slid the dagger into the open doorway and went from the top to the bottom. Near the bottom, about ankle high, she found a wire. She tested it with the tip of her dagger. It was attached to the door on one side - opening it probably triggered a spring-loaded device pointed at the doorway. With a jerk she cut the wire - nothing happened, as she had hoped. She pushed the door open a few more inches, checking for more traps. Finding none she slowly stepped into the room. Inside it was dimly lit from a small lantern on the table. The room appeared empty, save for a large pack on the bed. Verielle froze when she saw it. It was Zek's, she was sure of it!

Slowly she approached the bed, but failed to see the second tripwire. She tried to pull her foot back when she stepped on it, but it was too late. There was a loud click and several throwing knives flew out from the opposite corner. Instinctively she brought her dagger up and deflected them. From behind her came a sound - a weapon being drawn. She spun, drew her other dagger, and ducked, just in time to see a sword pass over head. She rolled forward and snapped up bringing her daggers into the man who stood in the doorway. He jumped back, narrowly avoiding the attack.

Verielle pressed forward, instinct and training taking over. She lunged in with her daggers trying to punch through his defenses. The man dodged around her attacks and answered with slashing from his swords. She sidestepped one and parried the other, then tried to come in from the side. He answered by spinning with her, flanking her and forcing her back on the defensive. Their fight only last a few seconds. Until Verielle, unfamiliar with the terrain, slipped on a loose board and fell to her knee. Before she could recover her assailant's sword came bearing down on her throat...and stopped.

"Excellent. I beginning to think the Manor had given me a complete novice to train. At least you seem to have a few good skills." a familiar voice said. Verielle had learned the Common tongue as part of her training, but she still had trouble following exactly what he said at speed at which he spoke. Still, she recognized the voice.

"Zek? Is that you?" she asked softly.

The sword left her throat and the man stepped around to face her. He removed his hood and looked at her.

He still looked the same as he had a year ago. Long black hair that framed his bearded face. His blue eyes shone with intelligence as they eyed her. A wave of relief mixed with joy washed over her.

She reached up and lowered her own hood, tossing her blonde hair free.

Zek's eyes grew large when he saw the elf's face.

"Verielle?"

As soon as her name left his lips she jumped and threw her arms around him.


Zek stood there in the sewers in shock. His mind started to race. Pieces of a puzzle started to fall into place. Verielle was the person who was trying to find him. Why, he didn't know. She must have found his connection with Ravenholdt. That would explain the tip he had received. She must have been the one asking questions about him. But where was his recruit? A sudden realization washed over him.

"Oh Light..." he moaned.

Verielle looked up at him questioningly. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Oh, you speak common now?"

Verielle blushed. "It was part of my training."

Zek chuckled and looked into her eyes. They hadn't lost any of the fire that they had held a year ago. There was no longer any fear in those eyes. Only determination...and confidence.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I...I came looking for you." she answered. She cast her eyes down and stepped back a little ways. "A year ago you saved me. I thought that if I found you, that I could repay the debt somehow."

"But why go so far? You didn't have to do THIS much!" he said.

She gave him a puzzled look. "Do what? All I did was have Sadriel find out who you were. Then he arranged for me to meet with some man - called himself a contractor. He told me that you would be here soon and that I should seek you out." she explained.

Sadriel...that name sounded familiar to Zek. He went over a list of names in his mind.

"Wait.." he said. "Is Sadriel that ranger that I left you with that day?"

Verielle nodded. Zek groaned. He sat down and motioned for her to join him. She sat across from him. "Zek, what is wrong?" she asked.

Zek sighed then took a deep breath.

"Verielle, Ravenholdt Manor is home to a large organization, as I'm sure you know." he said. She nodded. "We have agents stationed everywhere across Azeroth to act as informants so we stay top of all the political events. It helps make decisions on which...jobs...to take."

Zek rubbed his forehead as he spoke. "In Silvermoon City we have a few agents, all who report to our main contact. He relays information back to us as well as information on possible new recruits." He paused for a moment. "His name is Sadriel."

Verielle blinked. Suddenly all of what he said sunk in. Her jaw dropped. She sat with her mouth open but no words could come out.

"Verielle, on behalf of Jorach Ravenholdt, Lord of the Assassin's League, I now bestow upon you the rank of initiate."

He stood and extended his hand to her, smiling.

"Welcome to the Assassin's League, my beautiful sun jewel."


The necromancer flexed the arms of his new body. The process had been short and relatively simple. This new body was young and strong when it died. Now, in undeath, it was even stronger and would not be touched by age.

Still, he would have to adjust to the body of a blood elf, much different from a frail old human. He moved his fingers and whisper the words of a necromantic spell. He felt the powers flow through him as the spell completed. His magic was still strong but he would have to perfect his casting in his new body. Smiling wickedly, he turned to the other bodies his minions were preparing. The process was improving and getting faster. It would not be long before the other bodies were complete.

Then...Silvermoon City would be his for the taking. And with it...the Sunwell!

He turned to the shriveled husk of his former body sitting in the chair. With a simple gesture it began to crumble to dust as a burst of necromantic energies surged through it.


Author's notes: And that's it for chapter 4! I will be uploading new chapters each Wednesday. Please write a review if you like this story!