"Wake up," Gotur called out from outside Oliktalv's quarters, slamming his fist onto the wooden door.
Oliktalv opened his eyes and stood up. He still felt pain on his injured back, but it was not as bad as it was last night. The fire on the torches were now dead and someone must of cleaned up his table since the plates and map gone. He went back to the corner where his swords were. He sheathed the blades on his belt and walked to the door. He opened it, looking at Gotur. They both nodded silently to each other, and started to walk.
Not a single word was said as they left the barracks. Tension was still high between the two orcs. Knowing Gotur, Oliktalv knew it was only a matter of time until his rage was unleashed. He could only hope that when that time comes, he will focus his rage on the demons. If he is enraged, Gotur becomes unstoppable. Oliktalv was almost certain that if the felguard killed him, then Gotur would be killed as well after slaying numerous demons. Right now, it would be best not to mention the fight and hope things clear up by then.
They walked through the gates to find a camp being prepared outside of the wood walls of Thrallmar. The camp was divided into half, with one side belonging to elves while the other belonged to the dead. Smelling the horrific smell of rotten flesh, Oliktalv realized it was no surprise that they were separated. He puts his hand over his nose, coughing. Gotur, not phased in the slightest by the smell, grinned at his friend.
"Looks like someone can't handle the smell of death. Good thing you didn't fall in battle." Gotur joked.
"When death comes for me, I shall not run. Instead, I'll keep fighting until my final breath," Oliktalv declared before both orcs burst into laughter. "Now, where are the commanders of the reinforcements?"
"Walking to us right now," Gotur answered, pointing forward.
Oliktalv looked at the two approaching the elves. The one in front stood tall and wore crimson red armor. He wore no helmet, showing golden blonde hair that was spiked back. Holstered behind him was a unique looking spear with two prongs extending at the side of the center tip. Although it resembled a trident, the middle tip extended slightly forward compared to the side prongs. He continued walking confidently towards the orcs, smiling as he looked at them with his emerald green eyes.
A female elf walked behind him, and at first, Oliktalv thought her to be one of the blood elves. Most of her features were hidden by a black hood, yet her elven ears poked out and locks of ebon black hair fell through. Unlike the other elf, she wore dark, leather armor with no weapons seen on her. He Assumed that she wa some sort of huntress or assassin. As she pulled her hood down, Oliktalv realized his mistake about her identity. Her skin was pale, and her eyes glowed dark red. She was with the Forsaken but compared to the other soldiers, she was not as decayed as those under her command.
"Greetings!" The male elf called out as he walked in front of Oliktalv. "You must be the commander, correct?"
"That's me," Oliktalv confirmed, crossing his arms. "I am Oliktalv Warfury,"
"Salin Sunwrath, Blood Knight and commander of the reinforcements from Silvermoon City, at your service," Salin introduced, bowing.
"Blood Knight?" Oliktalv asked, confused.
"You just had to ask," Gotur muttered, which did not help with his friend's confusion.
"Ah yes, as an outsider, you have not heard of us yet," Salin started. "We are the defenders of Quel'thalas, champi-"
"He's a paladin," the female elf interrupted quickly. "Salin, we have no time for your theatrics."
"She's right," Gotur agreed, "Had I listen through that speech again, I might of pull my own ears off."
"Belara, may I remind you that I act the same as I have since we first met," Salin said, slightly offended as he ignored the orcs.
"It was annoying then and it's annoying now," Belara countered, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, I find it a surprise that you're in a position of command."
"That's because the old commander was killed in battle against the Scourge," Salin reminded her. "Surely you remember."
"Yes, Salin, I remember the day I was killed. I don't need you to remind me every other day," Belara said with a sigh, and then looked at Oliktalv. "It would be best for you to ignore half of what he says."
"Easier said than done," Oliktalv chuckled.
"It is," Belara agreed, laughing as well. "Ever since he found out I was raised as one of the undead, he keeps speaking of my death. I would understand it at first, but it's getting both dull and bothersome now."
"Well, it's still quite a shock," Salin commented. "I always thought you to be among the undead, but as a ghoul or maybe part of an abomination, but as a dark ranger, that is a surprise."
"That's enough for now," Oliktalv interrupted before another argument broke out. "We have business to get to. Our target is the Legion Front."
"Which is now heavily reinforced," Gotur pointed out.
"Of course," Oliktalv said with a frown. "As it stands, the Burning Legion outnumbers us."
"Well, what plan do you have for taking securing victory?" Salin asked.
"Our head scout knows the location of one of the portals which brings in reinforcements," Oliktalv started. "We take down the portals first, then wipe out the demons."
"One portal?" Belara asked. "Surely, your head scout would find more. Perhaps I should have a word with him?"
"You cannot," Oliktalv replied. "He's away to set up a meeting with the Alliance."
Surprisingly, his plan was not received well. Belara glared at Oliktalv, crossing her arms. Salin took a step back in surprise, but quickly regained his composure, frowning. Gotur grinned, clearly leaving it to the commander to handle this situation himself. Oliktalv let out a sigh, wondering that out of the two people to oppose his plan, it had to be the ones who once fought alongside the Alliance. While he was glad to know who their loyalty belonged to, it was still a shock and changed his plans.
"Not happening," Belara said quickly. "We're not working with the Alliance."
"We are if the opportunity presents himself, and that's final," Oliktalv stated.
"They would sooner cut us down than to work with us," Belara argued.
"Times may have changed since then, and given the demon's numbers, we cannot do this alone," Oliktalv informed her.
"He's right," Salin agreed, his frown turning to a smile. "I may not be too fond of the plan, but we both know well that strategy means nothing when the enemy greatly outnumbers us. I'll support your plan simply because there is no other option."
"Well, I won't," Belara said. "That's final. You would do best to think of a new plan."
"So, you are willing to go against my orders then?" Oliktalv asked.
"Correct," Belara answered. "Perhaps I shall have a word with the orc running Thrallmar to tell him of your plan. Nazgrel is his name, yes?"
"It is," Oliktalv replied. "You can go see him once you're done taking orders from Gotur."
"Unlike the commander, I won't take any backtalk," Gotur said with the grin. "One word of disagreement, and you'll come to regret it,"
"Go ahead and try," Belara challenged. "I think I can handle a brute with no brain."
"Now you're asking for it!" Gotur grunted loudly as he unholstered his ax.
"This should be easy," Belara commented to herself as Oliktalv noticed the dagger in her hands.
"Both of you, stand down now!" Oliktalv ordered, staring down the two.
"I'd hate to interrupt such a lovely conversation, but I believe we have company," Salin interrupted.
Sure enough, Oliktalv turned his head, and smiled. Dal'bin was now walking to the group, not appearing to be injured. Hopefully, it meant that he was successful with his mission and the Alliance was willing to make an arrangement. The scout walked up to the commander, giving a quick salute to him, before turning his attention to the other commanders. He focused on Gotur and Belara, seeing their weapons out. As the troll stared at them, Gotur lowered his ax and Belara hid her dagger in her sleeve. Dal'bin then turned back to Oliktalv.
"Commander," Dal'bin greeted.
"Welcome back," Oliktalv said. "This is Dal'bin, my head scout. Dal'bin, with us now is the commanders of the Forsaken and blood elves."
"Salin Sunwrath," Salin introduced, and opened his mouth to continue his introduction before being interrupted.
"So, this is the head scout who only found one portal? How amazing," Belara said sarcastically.
"Not another word out of you," Oliktalv ordered, with Belara sighing but nodding in acknowledgement. "Dal'bin, what news do you bring to us now?"
"Da Alliance be willin' ta meet with us," Dal'bin reported. "Dey will wait for us at da stadium I spoke of."
"They're going to wait for us?" Oliktalv asked.
"I saw four walkin' in dat direction as soon as I left, mon," Dal'bin replied. "Dey want da Burnin' Legion gone as much as we do,"
"Very well, we shall leave at once," Oliktalv announced before unsheathing his two swords. "Gotur, take my blades back to my quarters. I wish for these talks to be as peaceful as can be."
"Would I be wasting time trying to talk you otherwise?" Gotur asked, not waiting to grab the swords.
"You would," Oliktalv replied with a grin. "Worry not, old friend. Dal'bin will watch over us with his rifle."
"Us?" Belara asked, grinning. "Well, it looks like you won't have someone to look after me now,"
"I still will," Oliktalv countered, turning to Salin. "Are you willing to accompany me to speak with the Alliance?"
"It would be my honor to join you," Salin answered, bowing once more.
"Good. Just hand your spear to Gotur, and we shall start our journey," Oliktalv ordered before turning to Gotur. "Now, Gotur, you sh-"
"Ranseur," Salin interrupted, unholstering his spear.
"Excuse me?" Oliktalv asked, confused.
"I wield a ranseur, not a spear," Salin corrected, motioning to his weapon. "As you can see, there are two prongs, yet they are not straight as a trident. They are used to dis-"
"Just give your weapon to Gotur," Oliktalv grunted in frustration. "Gotur, put the weapons somewhere safe, and return here. Belara, you are also to stay here, and as long as I am away, you are to obey any orders from Gotur."
Salin sighed, before handing his ranseur to Gotur, who was grinning. Belara frowned, and walked away, heading towards the Forsaken camp. Gotur looked at her as she walked away, making sure she was not trying anything, and then headed back into Thrallmar, carrying the weapons. Oliktalv turned around, and walked west, heading to the stadium. Without hesitating, Dal'bin followed the commander, pulling out his rifle. Salin opened his mouth, most likely to say something, but sighed instead. He then proceeded to follow the two as well.
There was a lot on Oliktalv's mind after the events that took place. With the reinforcements now here, there were two others in his inner circle who knew of his plan. Salin seemed loyal enough to stick with the plan, but his carefree personality bothered Oliktalv. Hopefully, the elf can make up for it in battle. As for Belara, he knew that she would oppose it with every step it takes. Still, he knew that she would not go too far to make sure it never happened. Out of the two commanders, she was the smarter of the two, and if Salin knew that this was the only way to secure victory, then she must know as well. However, he was going to keep an eye on her. Still, it would not matter what his soldiers thought of the plan if the Alliance did not support it.
A/N: Well, here's chapter 4 of Broken World.
As I found out the hard way, I couldn't get a lot of connection when I was on vacation during Spring Break, so I couldn't work on this while I was away. So, that kind of puts me behind schedule now, so eventually, I'm going to have to try to pick up the pace a little bit. Anyways, continue reading on, and leave a review if you want.
Until next time.
