8 years later….

A large hulking figure, sprinted heavily through the forest. His gaping mouth breathed heavily, as his plated metal armor, clanged loudly. He burst through the tree line, two cruel looking swords in hand.

"Stop hiding, and I'll make your death painless and honorable!" The warrior shouted in orcish to the surrounding darkness. He was met with a silence that seemed to mock his challenge, causing him to lose his patience even further.

A voice, speaking in Orcish emanated from the shadows. "Your soldiers are being slain as we speak. You are the only one left, commander. My advice to you is to surrender, or leave and never comeback."

The Orc grinned at him, as if the very idea was a joke. "I'll take my chances. But before I do I'll put an end to you. My blades thirst for blood…"

"Then I won't keep them waiting." two white feathered arrows instantly flew from the darkness. The first one glanced off of the orcs broad, metal, chest plate. The second found it's mark in the vulnerable area between his protective armor. He grunted in pain and surprise before, seeing his night elf opponent. He was wearing full leather armor, along with a wide brimmed hat, that concealed his luminous, yellow eyes.

The elf placed another arrow in his bow, and drew a bright fire into it's tip. He fired it quickly while the orc was stunned, and watched with satisfaction as the arrow shattered a large hole into his armor, and pierced deep into his flesh. He immediately secured the bow onto his back and pulled out a large spear. He rushed forward and thrust the point at the orc's bare neck. The orc's supposed vulnerability turned out to be false, as he quickly lashed out with one of his blades, and knocked the spear tip aside. Although the orc was injured, he was far from dead and quickly went on the offensive, ferociously swinging both swords at the elf, who was having no trouble keeping pace.

The elf twisted to avoid getting dismembered by one of the orc's blades, and then replied by striking out with the blunt end of his spear. The warrior brought his other blade up and caught it on his hilt. "You need to learn your place!"

With that said, he head butted the elf, with his armored helm, and rammed his knee into his gut. The elf fell back, stunned. Before he could, the orc was on top of him. One armored hand gripping his neck, and the other holding a sword high above his head. "Any last words?"

The elf chuckled under the heavy weight of his opponent. He then said a few curt words in darnassian, which the orc didn't understand.

A split second later the baffled orc was tackled by a white mass of fur and fangs. A large white wolf, closed his jaws on the arm grasping the weapon. The wolf's powerful bite broke his arm, causing him to drop his sword, in pain. As the elf approached his fallen enemy, He called his companion off, who trotted obediently to his side, but growled quietly, as if to dissuade the orc from trying anything. The elf picked up his spear, and kicked the blade away from the orc's reach. "Yield." he said, evenly.

The orc gritted his teeth, in pain. "Kill me now, night elf. My people do not know the meaning of that word!"

"Well you're going to. You'll pay for your crimes. The sentinels will make sure of that."

The orc growled angrily, as a group of night elves approached him. "Eamden!" An old, hoarse voice called to him. Eamden turned to see his mentor, Aneren, and a small party of sentinels appear from the brush.

"Are you okay?" Aneren asked, in a strained tone.

"Nothing, a warm meal, and some rest can't fix. Rynd, and I had it under control. His wolf, Rynd's, disposition quickly switched from a tense and threatening stance to a happy and playful posture. Eamden lovingly rubbed his wolf's side. After years of training, Rynd had grown into an incredibly strong and brave companion, but the two, having grown up together, formed an inseparable bond with each other. One that made them a dangerous combination of skill and strength.

"I'm more worried about you, Aneren." Eamden replied, concerned. "These last few years haven't been kind to you…"

Aneren wheezed out a few dry, strained coughs. "I'll admit I'm getting older, But this old crow can still flap his wings."

"Well I'd rather you lived to fly another day, than spend it fighting with us." Eamden advised. "The sentinels are more than able to handle things on their own."

"That may be true." A female voice sounded from behind them. "But the sentinels are more than happy to have a pair of skilled hunters like yourselves, give us a hand."

The two Elfs turned to looked at sentinel huntress Gliniel Ragewater. As her soldiers dragged off the resistant Orc.

"Please, huntress." Aneren smiled. "It is our honor to aide the sentinels."

"Believe what you may, but I know that without you warning us of the attack and then leading them off to buy time, they might have very well overtaken us! I thank you for that."

Aneren smiled at her gratitude. "Don't thank me. My apprentice did most of the work. He's the one who put an end to that notorious Orc."

"Ah, of course. With him and his band of raiders out of the way, maybe we can finally bring peace to this old forest…" She dreamt, before snapping back to reality. "As for you, Eamden. Once word of this victory spreads to the people of Darnassus, there will surely be a celebration. I think you've deserved a break. What do you say?"

Eamden who had only been listening, cleared his throat. "Ahh, well…." He looked back at Aneren. "Can I?"

"Of course, you're not a child anymore! Get some food in you, you look half-starved!" The old elf joked, to Eamden's relief.

"Well then, let's get a move on!" The huntress announced, as she and the other sentinels began to depart.

Eamden was about to follow after them, when Aneren's hand caught him on the shoulder. "Eamden, I must speak with you alone when you have the time." He said, in a whisper.

Eamden looked back with suspicion. "Is everything alright?"

The old elf grinned. "Of course, of course, Young one. Please go and enjoy yourself. You've earned it."

Eamden waved farewell, as he ran off to catch up to the sentinels ahead of him. Rynd playfully ran at his side, tongue hanging out, and tail wagging high…

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Eamden had been lying on his back watching the stars for nearly an hour. His head rested gently on Rynd, who's sleeping body rose and fell lightly with each breath. He was still trying to take in the splendor and size of Darnassus. He had seen it many times before, but it was in the day, and normally bustling with people. What he saw was completely different. The normally tranquil, and peaceful, night elf city, seemed to bloom like a flower, when the moon rose over head. There were lights and fireworks, and free food, to which him and Rynd were very grateful. Interrupting his thoughts was Aneren, who softly called him name as he emerged from the shadows. "Eamden…..Eamden"

The young hunter lifted his head in surprise. "Aneren? What is it?"

Eamden got off the ground, waking Rynd who lifted his head and looked curiously at him. The elf motioned his wolf to stay. Rynd dropped his head and resumed his nap.

"Yes?" Eamden said, respectfully.

"What is it you thought about when you decided to be a hunter?" Aneren asked.

Eamden looked at him, confused. "I don't understand."

"What did you want to do, if you became a hunter, like your father?"

"Fight for the alliance. As he did." Eamden answered, simply. "Aneren, what's wrong?"

"I received a letter today." Aneren sighed. "From the Eastern Kingdoms."

Eamden raised his bushy eyebrows in surprise. He didn't much about the Eastern Kingdoms, aside from what Aneren had told him. The thought that someone there still knew where to find Aneren was unusual.

"What did it say?" Eamden asked, very interested. "Who sent it?"

"It Didn't say. Just that it was from the kingdom of Stormwind. Apparently, they haven't met with the same success we've had dealing with bandits and raiders. Our Allies, having sent all able-bodied men and women to fight the horde, have left there defenses sorely lacking, which the various bandits and thieves know all too well."

"Is that all?"

"No, They've asked me to come and help quell the attacks." Aneren wheezed, as if already worn out.

"What will you do?" Eamden asked.

Aneren coughed. "Nothing."

The old elf received a baffled stare from his apprentice. "Why? They need our help."

Aneren sighed. "I'm too old, and not the same adventurer I was when I trained you. You must go in my stead…"

"What!? I've never even been to the Eastern Kingdoms. I can't go alone, you have to come with me…"

"I can't, Eamden." The old elf smiled. "I'm dying. You know it as well as I do."

"Don't say that! You're not dying. Don't say it." Eamden sputtered out weakly.

Aneren smile didn't falter. "My time on this world is waning. Let me spend my last few days in the forests that helped raise me, and you as well."

"I can't." Eamden convinced himself. "I'm not ready for this."

Aneren put his hand on his apprentice's shoulder, and seemed to melt away his fear and uncertainty "You are ready. You've been ready for a very long time."

All Eamden could do was sigh. "What would you have me do?"

"There is a ship leaving for Westfall, tomorrow at sun high. You need to be on it."

"Where will it be?" He asked.

"At Rut'Theran village. Do you know how to get there?"

"Yes." He mumbled, unhappy about the sudden separation of him and his teacher.

"You're father acted the same way when I told him to do something without me." Aneren chuckled, and Eamden perked up. "Your mother loved you, and if your father could see you right now, he would be very proud."

"Thank you, Aneren….For everything..." Eamden said to his mentor.

"You have nothing to thank me for. It was my honor." Aneren replied. "Farewell…"

With his final words said, the old elf began to trudge into the forest. In the direction where no civilization lay. After a few moments he turned around to Eamden who was still watching him go. "I almost forgot. I've left a few parting gifts for you in the chest near you parents graves. They'll help you on your journey."

Without waiting for a response, he spun back around and kept walking, with Eamden looking after him. The young hunter felt sick. He was torn between the duty his mentor left him with and the almost overwhelming feeling of fear and loneliness. For hours he gazed down the path his teacher had walked, hoping someone would return to give him guidance.

As the sun rose again on the new day, Eamden still sat there on the ground. Fearful of what was to come. The silence was broken by a light whining sound coming from Rynd, who stood a few feet away. A hunter could form such a close bond with his pet that they could feel how the other was feeling. And just as Eamden was feeling uncertain and afraid, Rynd seemed to immediately pick up on it. The hunter knew it was time to stop following and to start forging his own path. He would be the one to make a difference. To end the marauders, and to help bring peace to the people of Stormwind. He got up and grabbed his few possessions. Rynd followed Eamden, as he sprinted into the woods, towards the place he discovered his father, and his future.

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Eamden told Rynd to stay outside, as he waded through the water and down into the heart of the cave. The hunter came this place at least once a year, to visit his parent's graves, and pay his respects. Never had it occurred to him that he would have to leave the forest, and all the people and places he had grown accustomed to.

Remembering Aneren's last words, Eamden approached the chest. The heavy lid opened with a moan to reveal what had already been in there. One bag of gold coins which never seemed to have a use for Eamden until now. As he picked up the small bag out of the chest, it revealed a large, gaping crack right under it.

Eamden didn't think much about it until he was about to close the lid. The crack that had formed at the bottom of the chest was dark. No dirt or grass, where it should be at the bottom, just darkness. With new found curiosity, Eamden pried away the cracked parts of floor, and then hacked away at the solid parts with his hatchet.

The chest's floor which only revealed a crack before, had been excavated into an entire hidden compartment under the chest. The compartment held three items, and a newly written on parchment. Eamden picked up the parchment and read it.

Eamden, I knew you'd find this. The three items included here are my last and most treasured possessions. A bow made by one of the best bowyers of our kin. A quiver your father used for all of his battles, and up until his last breath. And, finally my old journal. In it I've recorded just about all of my encounters, and routes I've taken. These items I now leave to you. You may see these things as plain and ordinary, but they may just be waiting for you to unlock their true potential…..

Aneren OwlSong, Protector of the Alliance

Eamden folded the note carefully and put it in his pocket. He was about to open the sack that lay before him, when all of a sudden a thought flashed into his head. "It's almost noon!"

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Rynd sat at the water's edge patiently. The ghostly white wolf, didn't like to be far from his master, but nevertheless he would stay where he was until the night elf returned.

Just as things began to quiet down, a noise began to resonate loudly out of the tunnel. Rynd sat up, happily wagged his tail, and barked loudly as Eamden thundered out of the cave. A large un-opened sack was thrown over his back, and his face had a look of urgency. Rynd tilted his head quizzically, as Eamden splashed clumsily through the water, and back to the shore.

There would be no time for a happy reunion, as Eamden cried for Rynd to follow him. The wolf followed quickly, and matched his pace effortlessly. As the two weaved in between the trees, over the hills and through the streams, Rynd could already tell where they were headed. The coast. He could smell the fish, and saltwater, and hear the seagulls, way before he could see any of it.

Quickly after they arrived at a village entrance. Rynd noticed a large tear in the sack, but was only able to catch a glance as the hunter quickly sprinted towards the docks. As they ran a loud bell rang out. Followed by a voice. "Now heading for Westfall. Last call for Westfall!"

Eamden's ran even faster toward the docks, and Rynd followed beside him. When the two finally reached the dock's the ship's sails were already beginning to catch the wind, and it lurched slightly forward, picking up a little speed.

Eamden yelled to the men on the ship, and Rynd barked loudly, trying to get their attention. As they reached the end a blunt noise came from behind them. It was light, and only Rynd heard it. The wolf didn't know what it was, but it had obviously fallen out of the sack. Eamden ran on ahead as Rynd turned around to retrieve the fallen item…

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Eamden ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He knew when he reached the edge of the dock he would have to jump, but it was no problem. He cleared the distance easily in one graceful leap. As he caught his breath, he expected to see Rynd standing next to him as always, but when he was nowhere to be found Eamden shot up and looked at the dock. The wolf was running after him, with an old book clamped tightly in his jaws. Aneren's Journal…..

"Stop the boat!" the elf yelled. "Please, wait!"

"The boat doesn't wait for anyone!" A man called. "We're on a very tight schedule!"

The boat had already pulled away to twice as long as Eamden had jumped, and was still getting farther. Rynd was making a mad dash down the dock towards Eamden, who called urgently out him.

"C'mon ,Rynd! Jump, boy, Jump!" Eamden cried out to his companion, who had nearly reached the end of the dock.

Rynd leaped with full force, just as the boat began to move forward. The wolf collided with the deck, and franticly tried to pull himself up before slipping down into the water. Luckily, Eamden was ready, and hauled his companion onboard. As soon as all four of his paws touched the deck, Rynd dropped the book, and happily licked Eamden's face.

Eamden laughed, relieved that Rynd and the journal were safe. "Good boy!" He praised, affectionately. "Very good, boy…."

As the hunter watched the Night Elf lands shrink away, he was surprised by the excitement bubbling inside of him. He would finally see those distant lands he only heard of in stories, and fight the evil that encroached upon them. He would protect these foreign lands with all his might, just like Aneren, and his father, before him…

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Thanks for reading guys! the more feedback I get the better, and sooner the next chapter will be!