World of Warcraft:
The Forgotten Nation
By
Kristopher Rose
Kelon stood on the deck of the Valkerie. The ship had been repaired and had left Darnassus about a fort night ago. It was hard for the hunter to believe he had been away from the fight for two weeks, maybe more. Ever since the end of the Third War it seemed that his destiny was always intertwining with the coming of the next. He had started as a humble hunter, protecting his homeland from any force that might invade it. Then had come his travels abroad, crossing the Great Sea to the Eastern Kingdoms. After he returned to Night Elf territories, he met up with Sunfire. From that point forward his life had been one adventure and disaster running to the next. He wouldn't have changed a thing though, this had been a life worth living.
Kelon saw Sunfire the mage walk on the deck, coming up behind him. Her hands reaching around and gently hugging him. He smiled back at her, his blue hair flowing in the wind. They had come far, and were about to go further. After leaving the conflict against the Lich King, Kelon had taken the Valkerie on a quest to find new allies. A deep instinct pushed him to gather beings together, for while everyone fought the Lich King, nobody remained for other threats. When a herd is left without their shepherd, the wolves will feast.
It was Sunfire and Sil that had come up with their destinations. Based upon lore collected from the archives of Dalaran and Darnassus, they plotted a course for the home of the Panderans. These mystical and enigmatic beings showed up, always heading west on a pilgrimage. They fought in weird styles, with weapons and without, and usually in silk robes. They were also known for their brews, to which a dwarf merchant had all but stowed away on the Valkerie to get a chance to taste Panderan alcohol. It took the Death Knight Nylak's unmistakable glare to get the merchant to back down. Kelon had promised to bring some brew back though.
The Night Elf hunter moved around the deck, watching the other crewmembers. Cammy, the builder and mechanic of the Valkerie, was showing Nylak how to steer the flying ship. Modified schematics to the Skybreaker had made the Valkerie, and now they were headed towards uncharted lands. Cammy was a paladin, and seeing her work with a Death Knight gave Kelon hope. If two opposites could work together, then the Lich King's demise was nigh.
Kelon walked over to the wheel of the ship, checking the course they had laid in. The Eastern kingdoms were behind them, and they were headed due east. A massive bird flew straight at the ship, turning to overshoot and come back around. As the bird looped around, it changed into the druid Sil. She had blue hair like Kelon, and though not related, they were often mistaken for siblings.
"No sign of land up ahead Kel," reported the druid. "The ancient scrolls state that the Panderan homeland is east of us, but didn't specify how far."
"And thanks to the Sundering, those distances might have been changed," Kelon chimed in, issuing the same caveat they had given him earlier. "I know Sil, and thanks for scouting ahead. Go ahead and rest."
"It was good to stretch my wings," Sil yawned, "but I think I will take a quick cat nap."
Kelon rolled his eyes, he was usually the one making bad puns. As anyone in Azeroth knew, druids could shape shift into different animal forms. Sil's favorites had to be the Moonkin, Cat form and the flight form. As such she and the rest of the druids were the only ones who could get away with the "Boy I'm beat" joke. Even then he groaned every time some druid used it after flying.
He retreated back to his cabin, taking out the map Sunfire had copied down. When not spell slinging, she was a very talented map maker. Kelon had spied the maps she had made in their travels across Azeroth. The rolled up parchments were swirls of colors and designs, careful details etched upon them. He gently ran his fingertips over them, he like the feel, the smell.
"Kelon!" Nylak said from the deck, "we have spotted a ship!"
The hunter raced back to the wheel. He looked towards where Nylak was pointing. There was a small dot, barely recognizable as ship. Kelon pointed the airship at the dot and pushed the engine to full throttle. The Vakerie was a faster and more agile then the Skybreaker. Thanks to that speed, the ship made up the distance between it and the sea going ship. Just as they got to within a bowshot of the other ship, Kelon turned the altitude engines off.
The Valkerie skidded across the water before floating on top like any other ship. The engines powering the forward motion were cut to quarter power, allowing Kelon to steer the ship around to come alongside the other ship. Kelon was careful not to rub sides, he had done that once when he had first tried this trick, it had not ended well. This time he was rewarded by the absence of any wood shrieking, or sailor cursing.
The other ship was silent, the people on it were silently standing still. Transfixed by the floating airship that had swooped down upon them. That and the strange people on the air ship. Just as they were different to the Valkerie crew. There were two humans on the ship and three Panderans. The bipedal panda looking humanoids were larger and had round bellies, next to the skinny human fisherman they seemed very wide indeed. Kelon hoped that at least one had been to the Eastern Kingdoms, if not this could be a very precarious position.
"Greetings, I am Kelon of the Alliance," the Night Elf hunter hailed the other ship. "Do any of you know Common?"
The Panderans and two humans looked at each other, before the smallest of the three spoke, "I am Azo, of the Chu Chin fishing village. I returned from pilgrimage two years ago."
"Hello Azo," Kelon replied, "we are weary travelers on the search for the Panderan."
Azo translated to the other Panderans, then spoke again, "You will be welcome at our village, follow us in."
The Panderan ship set it sail and began its slow crawl through the sea, the Valkerie right behind. Both ships made it back to port, the Panderans tying off on a rickety dock, which amazingly held the massive Panderans. One by one the crew disembarked off their ship. The Valkerie crew lowered their gangplank and exited their ship, as they did another two of the crew showed above deck.
Colyn the Ranger had been traveling with Kelon and his friends for many years, one of the last surviving High Elves. The mana sickness and then demon energy addiction had not taken hold of him, Sunfire had speculated it had been his ranger training that had saved him. Sil though, had another view, that his connection to nature had healed him.
Beside him was the only member of the Horde present on the Valkerie, Veroyna. She was a Blood Elf, once addicted to the demon energies. It was a condition that recently Sil had helped cure with her alchemy. Veronya was shocked when many of the Blood Elves not only rejected it, but almost banished her for life over it. Now she traveled, hoping to repay the kindness shown by those who should have been enemies.
The travelers followed Azo as he led them through the village. People brought their children in from play, and nervous looks abounded. There were humans and Panderans all about. The humans here were like those on the ship, with tan skin and wider eyes. There wasn't a human here that had hair any other color than coal, and they wore silk clothing just like the Panderans. Some men and women coming in from what looked like a swampy field, wore straw cone like straw hats.
Kelon looked over it all with awe and wonder, this was so new, so different. It reminded him of the first time he had traveled out of Night Elf lands, touring the realms of both the Alliance and Horde. Albeit the Horde tour was cut short due to having to outrun the persistent guards.
The houses here were built with curved angles, with the tops being supported by back bone like beams. The houses were built with wood, and their doors looked to be made out of a thin paper like material. Inside were polished wooden floors, and were bigger inside then they appeared on the outside. Both exotic and wonderful, beautiful to behold were these buildings.
Still the travelers did notice how many of the workers around were paying just as much attention to them, as they were to their own work. In fact the closer they got to the house where Azo was leading them, the more they became surrounded by workers and farmers. It was not a stretch of the imagination for anyone to consider that maybe they weren't workers, but the village's protection. So far the villagers and the Panderans had been peaceful, Kelon was not going to break that by calling out the defenders just yet.
Azo stepped up to the house, knocked on the paper door and spoke a few words. The door opened and the Panderan entered, leaving behind his sandals. Moments passed to minutes, then minutes to what felt like an hour. Time crept by as the travelers stood, unsure if they should wait for Azo to return or knock go up to the house themselves. They chose patience, hoping that their only guide would return.
Eventually he did, just as the travelers were about to let impatience take over. Azo came back down the stairs, sandals back on his feet. The Panderan was giving a wide smile, one meant to put the foreigners at ease. They obviously didn't get visitors much, because the smile did anything but. However Azo did not mean them any harm, nor did the being coming behind him.
What stood before the travelers, pilgrims in a strange land, was the oldest looking being any had seen in all of Azeroth. Noticeably a Panderan, this one was a gaunt looking one. Where once had been a round belly, there was now a sagging one. Vibrant cheeks now were wrinkled and old looking. Eyes that looked to be as ancient as the original Night Elf druids looked upon Kelon and his crew.
"I am Master Chu," the elderly Panderan said. "Azo says you come from the sky flying ship. What is your intention?"
"We are on a quest to find the Panderans," Kelon said, adding in, "we mean no harm."
Master Chu cocked his head at the Night Elf hunter, "Yet not meaning to do harm, does not mean you will not do harm. This is a different place then where you come from traveler. We travel among your kind and find you to be violent and shortsighted."
Kelon's crew were taken aback, but held their tongue as the hunter spoke again, "Your people travel among mine, and even I see your point of view. However I warn that your view is skewed by not staying among my people."
The elderly Panderan scoffed, "We have spent enough, whether it be Horde or Alliance, you all will end up destroying yourselves. Hate is the only thing in your heart."
"Begging your pardon," Veronya stepped forward, dropping her cloak down to show her elven features, "but this hero is not like any other in the Alliance or Horde. He has fought for me and defended those who can't. I am of the Horde, yet I travel with him."
"I am not of the Alliance or the Horde," Colyn chimed in, "but I travel along with this man. He found me while I hid from the world, reminding me that way only led to death. Through my travels I have found a reason to adventure once more."
"Do not judge this Night Elf so harshly for my people," Nylak boomed, "I was once controlled by an evil entity. I had fallen in battle against it, only to be enslaved. When that bondage was broken, Kelon Drakynheart allowed me to travel with his group. Together I have seen wonders that resparked a humanity I had thought lost."
Master Chu raised his hand, "It seems that your companions speak highly of you. Normally this means nothing coming from outsiders, however I can see the truth in those who have spoken for you. What are your plans for the Panderans?"
Kelon let out a breath, he had been worried for a moment that the Panderans would ask him to leave, "My intentions are to ask the Panderans to aid us in our future, to learn from and trade knowledge. In our realms, they are thought highly of, whether for their combat prowess or their wisdom."
Master Chu seemed to think about these words, "Very well, you are welcome in the village to feast with us. It has been too long since we have had visitors. Tell us some of your tales, and in the morning I will decide if you may have the knowledge you seek."
"We thank you for your hospitality," Kelon bowed as politely as he could, trying to remember what little Sunfire had been able to dredge up about their manners. He knew he was an outsider, he couldn't know all their ways. If he could show that they were willing to learn, it might go a long way to earning their trust. So he would try, and hope not to insult anyone.
The feast was indeed something to behold. The villagers had brought out a long table, that sat just a foot if not more off the ground. Around the table was sat padding, each of the villagers sitting on down on that padding. Their legs tucked under them, or sitting cross legged. Kelon and his friends were allowed to sit next to Master Chu.
On the table were hundreds of small bowls filled with fragrant spices, herbs and sauces. Next to them were plates and platters of rice and fish, some cooked and sizzling, others wrapped and served raw. Fires were lit on elevated torches, illuminating the fast dwindling day. Joyous faces of Humans and Panderans filled the spaces around the table. Each bowing and saying a prayer, the people waited on Master Chu. With a flourish the elderly Panderan signaled the feast to begin.
Everyone began eating, the food both wonderfully new and exotic, it tingled the taste buds. The drinks, wondrous teas of all varieties warmed the soul and their fragrance mixed together, making a concoction of glorious aromas. The conversation was lively, and the heat from the day slowly draining away kept those at the feast warm well into the night.
For the newcomers, foreigners in a strange land, it was a unique experience. Though they could not follow the conversation, the people were so full of life, their being set a state of peace. It was something that Kelon, Sunfire and Cammy had not known for a very long time, and Colyn couldn't remember the last time he had known an age of peace. Sil, next to him never thought about it, but even she was being carried away by the spirit of camaraderie around them, and Nylak was smiling, something so rare it was like an eclipse of the sun.
After the feast came a dance around a bonfire, villagers going around it in ever extending circles. From a bird's eye view it looked as if the dance was a whirlpool of people. The villagers invited the travelers in with them, and though they did not know the dance, it came to them as they watched. Together everyone danced, and it was a good night, coming to an end as the chill of night finally took over.
The next morning Kelon rose, the early morn chill still lingering about. The Valkerie had remained berthed on the dock in the water. The lapping waves were gently rocking the airship, which for a moment was a water ship. The hunter stretched out, popping his joints. He could not remember when he had as much fun as he had last night. Now he just hoped that Master Chu would help him on his quest, otherwise it would take much longer.
A sparkling flying form flew over the Valkerie, Kelon looked up to see a familiar Bronze Dragon. Trinistyr'taza flew over and landed on the beach. Trinza, as Kelon called her, walked over to the dock. Already the hunter had made his way across the dock, he ran his hand over the dragon's snout. Trinza cocked her head, allowing him to scratch the scales on her head.
Kelon hadn't been the only one to see Trinza fly in. Master Chu and all the villagers ran towards the noble flying dragon. They formed a semi circle, afraid to get closer. Reverence showed, and some bowed, going all the way to their hands and knees. Master Chu was the only one to remain standing, but even he was bowing very deeply for one so old.
Trinza noticed the attention and turned towards Kelon, unsure what was going on. People always treated dragons differently, they were powerful, big and could throw their weight around. They could be strong allies, or bitter enemies. However these people seemed to look at her as if she were a something more. It was a little discerning. To end it, Trinza transformed into her humanoid form, one that looked like a Half-Elf. The crowd gasped, and murmurs along with prayers were on the lips of the onlookers.
It was Master Chu who finally came around to his senses, "Stranger, how do you have a dragon traveling with you?"
"Maybe you should ask the dragon," Veronya said with a yawn, she had been woken up as the crowd had gathered.
Trinza looked at Kelon, who nodded his approval, "It really is embarrassing. I was watching the flow of time, and got caught by a team of Time Disrupting dragons. Kelon here saved my team. When we returned, our Aspect granted my request to travel and learn from him."
"You learn from him!" Master Chu exclaimed, as if he had been told that birds swam and fish flew. Then turning to Kelon, the elderly Panderan fell to the ground, "My apologies master Elf, I did not realize. Please accept my humble apologies."
Kelon picked Master Chu up, bringing him back to his feet, "I am not a master of dragons, and I have much to learn from your people. These beings that travel with me, and I welcome what they bring, they make me better than what I was. So do not bow to me, for I am just a man."
The old Panderan nodded, "Humbleness suits you, and if you can't see your own potential, at least your friends can. I will give you a map, on it you will find the way to the kingdoms of the Panderan."
"Thank you Master Chu," the hunter all but embraced the Panderan. They were one step closer. "We are most grateful, I wish we could give something back to you."
The old being replied with wonder in his voice, "You have young one, you have. Once more the world is bright, as if early in its life. No more does Twilight's embrace seem absolute."
The ceremony for giving the map over, one in which incense was burned and a promise was made. Kelon had to swear that he and his friends would not use this map against the Panderan kingdoms that made up the Panderan Empire. Kelon made the appropriate oath, swearing to uphold it on his honor. With this the villagers cheered, even Master Chu had a friendlier, warmer, look on the travelers.
Kelon took a look at the map once he was back on the deck of the Valkerie. On the map there were sixteen marked kingdoms that spread along an even larger continent. Most of the Panderan Empire was set against the coastal forests and beaches. The northern territories and further eastern territories were marked with images of tigers and monkeys. Curious, what could those marks be, more beings or just deadly animals to the Panderan. The fact that the images were drawn with exaggerated fangs, evil looking eyes, Kelon had to think that the markings were meant as a warning. He would keep an open mind, but he would prepare the crew for the worst if it happened.
As the air ship started up its powerful horizontal propellers, building enough force to life it into the air, the villagers came out to see them off. Gathering around the beach, they waved their hands and several cheers in their native tongues. There was no way for the crew to know, but those cheers were wishes of good fortune. The younger of the villagers looked on as awe as the Valkerie rose, then as its vertical engines took over, sped away. Master Chu hoped that the travelers would return, and watched till they were just a speck on the horizon.
Sunfire and Sil helped plot the course to the nearest of the Panderan Kingdoms. One thing about the map, there was no discernible capitol city to head towards. On Kalimdoran and Eastern Kingdom maps, the capitols were usually indicated by castle or crown images. The Panderan map just had images of what Kelon thought were houses marking their kingdoms.
For the moment though they were on the move again, fresh supplies had been brought on. The villagers had just given him that which he needed, and he figured that was because of Trinza. She was standing on the deck beside him, soon he would have her and Sil scout ahead. They might be able to see if there was any dangerous weather, or give a course correction.
Already Sunfire was copying the map, and then comparing it to her own. When they returned to the Alliance, they would have the only maps of Panderan territory, and she wanted them accurate. Kelon looked upon her diligence with pride, then walked to the bow. The air rushed forward, and Kelon was reminded of his first ride on a Sabrecat.
Sil and Trinza took off, racing forward. Colyn was on look out, gazing out at the horizon and around the ship. If he saw something, he would notify Kelon, otherwise in a few hours Nylak would take over, then after him another. Each person the Valkerie took turns as look out, that way no one was stuck doing it all the time. It wasn't long before the Druid and Dragon were back, both changing as they hit the deck. They gave a slight course correction.
It was a few hours after that when Colyn spotted land, an oblong shape came into view. The ranger signaled Kelon, and the hunter brought the air ship down. They were still higher than any ship's mast could reach, and they wanted to be seen as they came in. Better the inhabitants see them and expect them, then have them suddenly appear out of nowhere.
Colyn watched, something was off, his gut all but dropped into a pit. As they got closer, the ranger knew his gut had been right to shrink away. There were many ships with dark sails around the docks of the beach. From these ships came arrows and ballistae, all being aimed at the mainland. Screams could be heard just barely on the winds above the Valkerie's engines. Colyn turned to Kelon, the hunter had heard and seen it. He brought the Valkerie back up, taking it out of range of any arrows the other ships on the water might be able to fire.
The rest of the crew went to the sides as Kelon did a figure eight over the battle. Monkey like beings and Striped tiger looking beings were fighting and hacking with the Panderans. The panda bear beings were an awesome sight, their kicks and fluid punches sending the attackers flying back. Silk robes and kis, their training outfits, made them look both vulnerable and powerful. One good hit would tear the Panderans up, but they looked as it would take a miracle to hit them.
Kelon was not sure if he should get involved. He had come looking for the Panderan, wanted their help, and this would make it easier. However he knew nothing about the conflict with the attackers, for all he knew these Panderans had wronged the attackers. Till he knew more, it would be prudent to hesitate making more enemies without due cause. Which of course was why he had taken the Valkerie out of harm's way.
"Kel!" Yelled Colyn and Sil almost simultaneously. He looked at what they were pointing at. Bamboo cages that were thrashing about, and as he looked inside his heart sank. Panderan children were screaming and kicking with all their might. The attackers were kidnapping them! Kelon's visage turned dark, anger rumbling across his features.
His crew looked at him, their faces mirroring his own, "Prepare for battle!"
They went to their stations as he barked orders. Nylak and Cammy went to the sides. Sunfire went to the bow, Colyn to the stern, while Sil primed the cannons. Trinza flew off into the air, already back in dragon form. Veronya was standing at the controls for the cannons. An order from Kelon and those cannons would belch fire and metal, raining hell upon their target.
Kelon brought the Valkerie into a stomach churning dive, then as they got into range of the arrows on the attackers' ship, he turned the Valkerie hard. This aimed the side cannons all on the ship, in naval terms, a broadside attack. Veronya fired the cannons, and those on the ships jumped back as thunder rolled out from the flying ship.
Cannon balls hit the ship, breaking wooden planks and destroying the mast holding the sails up. The attackers on that ship were thrown back, some off the ship, others were killed instantly. Another broadside made even more damage on the deck of the attacker's ship. Then two figures jumped off the flying ship, landing on the deck hard before running to meet the stunned crew.
With Cammy and Nylak on the ship, Kelon reversed the horizontal engines outputs, shifting the ship from hanging to the right, towards the left. Now he had the other side cannons facing the fleeing war party with the bamboo cages. Veronya fired again, this time aiming just enough ahead of the beings to just blow them back. Some of the raiding war party stopped, others were thrown onto their butts.
Then it was Sil's turn, leaping into the air, she turned into a bird. She swooped around, careful to avoid the Valkerie's cannons. Then when Veronya had stopped the broadside, Sil dived. At the last moment before she hit the ground, the druid transformed into a bear. Her snarling form sent two of the raiders stumbling back. Rushing forward, she rammed into them, forcing them onto the ground. One of the raiders got brave and went to smack her with a club, only he received an arrow into his chest for the trouble. Another one was hit with a fireball, then a frost fire spell sent another two flying backwards. Silently, the druid thanked Colyn and Sunfire for the back up.
Trinza was swooping down, attacking the raiders and where she could grabbing the bamboo cages. The poor children inside though had no idea what the dragon's intention was, and wailed. She tried to reassure them, however it became apparent they didn't speak Common, the language of the Alliance. She sighed and hoped the poor things would not be too horribly scarred.
Back on the attackers' ship Nylak had frozen four of the crew with his ice rune attack. Then another rune unleashed a howling blast of frozen wind. Next to him, Cammy used her Divine Storm, having the light swirl around hitting the ship's crew. Anyone that was her enemy would feel the burning power of righteousness, while those who were her allies would be healed. Her consecration of the deck around her, made the ship's crew react as if their feet were on fire. Considering how awful kidnapping was, and how Cammy felt about preying upon the innocent, Nylak would not want to trade places with them. They were just about finishing up when several Panderans leaped upon the deck, taking out the captain of the vessel and the rest of the crew below decks.
On the mainland the Panderans too had taken the advantage of the Valkerie's entrance to take over and defeat the remaining attackers. A small group had begun to find the bamboo cages dropped and release the Panderan children, Trinza left those she managed to grab with that group, and hoped that they would be able to calm the children.
She began to fly again toward the Valkerie, when she had taken off, there were two ships. She saw one of those ships had smoke coming out of it, but the other had begun to sail away. Her dragon sight allowed her to see the bamboo cages on the deck. Trinza snarled, they couldn't attack that ship like they had the first. If they do, they might hit the children. What cowards would put children as living targets?
"That ship is getting away!" Trinza yelled, hoping that the others would hear her and be able to act.
Cammy and Nylak rushed to the forecastle on the ship they were on. They saw the receding ship, already Cammy had her engineering belt open, reaching for her remote. With a blink, they were both back on the Valkerie. Apparently she had perfected the transporter that the Gnomes had been working on. Death Knight and Paladin rushed to the deck.
Sil on the mainland was back in her Night Elf form when Trinza's warning came. Seeing the fleeing ship, the druid jumped into the water. Her aquatic form allowed her to swim as faster than any fish, faster than any ship. She swam as hard as she could, catching the ship as Trinza buzzed their deck. The Valkerie was already on top of it, but the ship was not firing yet. If Kelon was holding back, then there was great danger on that ship's deck. Still she could stop it from moving forward.
Underneath the waves, she saw the ship's rudder and had an idea. Turning back to her Night Elf form, she summoned a wrath spell. The damaging nature spell was similar to a mage's fireball, and it hit the rudder, dislodging it from the ship. Two more wrath blasts put holes in the hull. That wasn't going to sink the ship, but it would make it take on water. That would slow it down immensely, and the crew would have to repair the damage and bilge the water. That left less to fight against her friends.
Kelon noticed the slowing of the ship, and heard the curses the captain said in his native tongue. Then half the crew on deck rushed below, and though he wasn't sure, the hunter figured it had to be something big. He planned to give them something else to worry about. He and Colyn jumped down, using Sunfire's slow fall spell, their bows spewing forth arrows into the people left on deck. Right behind them came Xaon, Kelon's fiercely loyal saber cat.
As they landed ranger and hunter took out their weapons. The ranger was using two swords, both were moving at lightning speed. Kelon was using his newly acquired Quel'dalar variant. Having acquired an ancient elf hilt, reforging a blade out of saronite, finally the High Elves had blessed it for him. It may not have been the original, but powerful.
The two Elves fought fiercely and had caught the crew of this ship off guard. As such they fell to the deck, some grasping at wounds, others as the metal of a blade knocked them into oblivion. Xaon jumped from deck hand to deck hand, mauling those that came near Kelon. Those that ran for the side were chased and swatted at by the saber cat. Looking over the side, Xaon looked a little sad, his play toys had gotten wet.
Once the crew up on deck was dealt with, Kelon and Colyn started to undo the cages holding the Pandaren children. The children were scared and looked up with fright at the newcomers, unsure of what to make of them. Then their eyes went even wider, if that was possible. Both Elves managed to get their weapons up as metal clanged against metal. The captain and his first mate had come to see the excitement.
Kelon twirled away, while Colyn did a double step back. It was a classic fencing tactic for a one handed sword. The captain had his first mate go after Colyn, while he faced Kelon. That was alright by the Night Elf's standards, someone had to pay for this villainy. The hunter sliced out, then as the captain dodged, brought his Quel'dalar around in a swipe. Meanwhile the first mate was launching one stab after another, before slashing at Colyn.
The captain parried one of Kelon's blows, pushing it off to the side before he side kicked the hunter. Luckily for Kelon his armor absorbed some of the blow, still felt like a mule kicking him. The captain came forward with a twirling tornado like attack, causing the hunter to step back. This time in mid twist the captain shot out with a kick that literally sent Kelon flying. The Night Elf hunter landed hard, barely keeping a hold of Quel'dalar. It was mere luck that he tried to get up immediately, though he was unsuccessful, the captains slash skidding off Kelon's mail armor.
Knowing that being on his backside was not going to save him, Kelon kicked out with both feet. His kick connected, making the captain grunt, but not move back. The hunter dodged an angry stab, allowing his enemy's sword to bury into the wood of the deck. Kelon made it to his feet and brought his sword around for a quick blow, and quickly reversed it to a slash as the captain expectedly dodged it. The captain barely parried the slash, however didn't see the left hook.
The blow shook the captain, and Kelon followed up with a kick to the dazed man's knees. He was rewarded with a grunt, but knew that the other being was still too quick. So Kelon grabbed the other being with both hands, taking the blows to his midsection as the captain tried to get away, and head butted him. He did it again and again, turning his armored head into a battering ram, till the captain fell down. The other being was alive, but not moving quickly. Using some rope nearby, Kelon bound the captain, this one would be given to the Panderan to be held accountable for his crimes.
Colyn meanwhile was having just as much of a hard time with the first mate. The linen cloth attire showed him he was fighting a female of her species. She had the striped fur of one of the tiger humanoids, and her eyes were almond shaped, with the cat's eye irises. She moved like lightning, and had scored direct hits against him. So far he had been forced to pinwheel backwards, her blows coming faster than he could react. The only thing that had kept him from getting disemboweled was his armor. Just like Kelon, the sword of the first mate skidded across his armor, but only by the merest of luck.
The female tiger being said something in her language, Colyn wasn't sure what, but he was sure it wasn't good. Then she proceeded to roundhouse kick him, he had managed to bring his arm up, but it didn't help much. The kick dazed him, and he didn't see the sweep that took his legs out from under him. Cursing, he hadn't laid one blow on her yet. It was embarrassing to say the least. What saved him was Kelon's pet.
Xaon seeing Colyn in trouble roared, trying to warn the first mate to back off. That was enough to distract the tiger woman, and Colyn finally laid a blow. She stepped back to dodge the next. That was part of the plan, as he feinted another blow, with a flick of his wrist, Colyn cut a rope. This rope ran up to the masts, where the sails were. As the sail fell back to the deck, the rigging undid and pulled. The first mate had stepped onto the rolled up rigging, and went into the air feet first.
The ranger took a deep breath, that was not an easy fight. Much to his joy, Kelon was moving forward. The hunter was dragging the bound captain, also of the tiger species. Both Elves nodded wearily to each other, the crew had been easy, these two not so much. Luckily they wouldn't have to worry about reinforcements from below deck. Several Panderan ships and boats had been launched and were coming alongside this ship.
Kelon and Colyn made sure to release the children from their bamboo cages. Guiding them towards the awaiting rescue party, the two heroes were more than eager to help. Then once the children were off, they pointed towards the bound captain and the first mate hanging by her feet. The Panderans nodded and proceeded to bring those two into custody. Xaon was waiting patiently, sunning himself as the other beings were busy.
"Thank you strangers," one of the Panderans stated, bowing with both hands making the shape of a triangle. "These raiders have been hitting our outer settlements for quite some time. I am Tzun Zu"
"I am Colyn and this is Kelon," the Elf ranger said. "We are glad to be of assistance."
"And that you are, we were just needed a diversion to take advantage of," Tzun said. "Then you show up and we have it."
Kelon was already calling the rope ladder to be lowered from the Valkerie, "Would you like a ride back to the main land Tzun?"
Tzun thought for a moment, then nodded, "I would be honored to fly in your airship."
Colyn led the way up, while Kelon brought up the rear with Tzun in the middle. Cammy had installed the rope ladder for just an occasion like this. That way they could pick up someone without having to land. Xaon looked confused till his carrier was lowered down. He hopped in it and laid down as the crew pulled him back up to the Valkerie. On the attacker's ship, the Panderans took over. Once the holes were plugged, they sailed it back into their port.
Once back aboard, Kelon took over the wheel again and sent the Valkerie towards the Panderan village. The trip was quick, the whole time Tzun Zu had a permanent grin pasted upon his Panderan features. It was not too hard to imagine that with this new experience, that it was all Tzun could do not to be whooping with delight.
Back at the village, Kelon landed the Valkerie right at the docks. He reminded himself to have Cammy redo the varnish after this run. It was easier for the moment to land in the water. As he and the crew disembarked, they met with a crowd of Panderans.
Tzun Zu spoke with them, and then turned back to the Valkerie crew, "Master Yoshi would like to speak with you. He wishes to thank you for saving our younglings."
Kelon motioned for him to lead on, and the Panderan walked an amazing pace for one of his size. Panderans were easily human size tall, but their girth and muscle mass made them twice that of a human. Like Azo, Tzun was dressed in silk robes and wore sandals, but he also wore the cone like hat that Kelon had seen the villagers wear on the island. Yet there was something different about Tzun, unlike Azo, he seemed to be holding back his true abilities. If Kelon had to fathom a guess, that Panderan was an excellent fighter, keeping it hidden as a strategy.
Master Yoshi was dressed in a typical Panderan Ki, with cloth wrapping to each side, held in place by an obi, a belt like piece of clothing. He wasn't as old as Master Chu, but wasn't as young as Tzun. Kelon guessed that Master Yoshi was about middle aged for the Panderans, and based upon the fight seen earlier, probably spry as well.
"Thank you for coming honored guests," Master Yoshi greeted them. "You have done us a great service this day, how can we repay you?"
Kelon explained how their search for the Panderans, how they wanted to form an alliance. To share information and trade, as well as someone to help the small group of defenders left while all the heroes were in Northrend. Master Yoshi listened intently, and took the words in. Asking a few questions of Cammy and the others, all the while Tzun sat off to the side listening as well.
Once the questions had been done, Master Yoshi beckoned for Tzun to move forward. The two Panderans whispered back and forth, Kelon and his crew started to become curious. Then the Tzun Zu and Master Yoshi both stood, beckoning for the visitors to rise as well.
"We owe you an explanation," Master Yoshi said, "It is the least we can do for heroes so far from home. We can't help you with the defense of your lands. We are being attacked by the Simian nation as well as the Bengalan. We have no idea as to why they have attacked us after so many years of peace, but we do know it happened shortly after the Monkey King went into the West. Till this new war is finished, we have no warriors to send back with you. However thanks to your actions, I am willing to share wisdom, including the art of Kung Fu. This knowledge will make those left to defend your cities as mighty as our Panderan Monks and Brewmasters."
"Thank you for that," Colyn said, "I have to admit they were a might impressive."
Kelon ribbed his friend, "I think you don't like getting beat up by a girl." Then towards Master Yoshi, "What about those prisoners we captured, what is to become of them?"
Tzun answered that one, "They will be tried at the Hidden Fortress, that is where the Emperor is. Ever since the war began, the Forbidden City has been vacated incase the Simians attack it."
Master Yoshi moved around, coming up face to face with Kelon, "You will dine with us tonight, tomorrow we will start your training while we travel. We will find a place to hide your ship, and you will meet the Emperor. He must meet the heroes from abroad."
They left back to the ship, and when they returned to the village, each was dressed in their tunics and pants. Kelon and his crew had left behind their armor, Tzun Zu had advised that after this defeat, no one would attack at least for a day or two. So for the moment the village was safe. As they sat down to eat at the table with Master Yoshi and Tzun Zu, each of the crew found a piece of paper with a picture on it. Kelon and Cammy had the dragon, Colyn and Sil the tiger, Sunfire a praying mantis, Veronya a cobra, and Nylak a demon.
As if on cue, like he knew they were about to ask, Master Yoshi explained, "Those will be your fighting forms. After talking with those who saw you fight, these forms will compliment your natural styles. Now enjoy, our journey begins again tomorrow."
The night came as the heroes of Azeroth ate with those of the Forgotten Continent. They had come searching for the Panderans, not only finding them but making a wonderful start to an alliance. True they had made aware the Simians and the Bengalans of peoples far away, and their technology. This could be a problem if those peoples began to search for the flying machine's home. If so then the Alliance would just have to be ready, and hopefully with the support of the Panderans. For now what mattered was the present, the future would come soon enough.
