April is a very busy month, taxes, tests, work! Ugh! I finally got this chapter out and the next will be on the way shortly. ^_^ This chapter focuses on the underdogs of our story… hooray for background characters!

Breaking the Band

The sun rose above the watery horizon as the occupants of Grom'Gol Base made preparations for the day. Garrett spotted Nimboya pacing about at the western gate and approached with unease.

"How are our heads doing?" He asked forgetting his manners in greeting.

Nimboya smiled, "Much like yoself, dey are now undead and quite angry about it. Deh chief insists on speaking wit cho group leader on matters of coming to an agreement." The two slowly made their way to Nimboya's hut.

Garrett scratched his head and chuckled nervously.

"I'm thinking he may have to settle for me at the moment. Our leader has his hands tied with personal matters and I get the feeling it may be leaving him emotionally compromised…"

"Its dat blood elf of his, isn't it?

Garrett nodded wearily.

"I am sorry for her unfortunate standing, but ya leadah be foolish tah tink he can successfully head ah crew when his own mate is involved. Deh blood elves be ah weak race an' I'm sure he feels deh constant need tah protect her cuz she is incapable of fully defendin' herself."

Garrett wanted to refute, but he knew it would be pointless; given the advisor's fixed opinions. This troll knew nothing about the members of his crew and surely he knew nothing about the responsibilities of true love.

Nimboya read the undead's expression and cleared his throat.

"Forgive meh. It really is not meh business."

They came before two spears that withheld the heads of the leader and witchdoctor of the Bloodscalp Tribe. Garrett was neither surprised nor shocked when both heads opened their eyes and glared and snarled at him. He was well aware of the mysterious magic of reanimation and the unpleasant feeling of being a head without its body. Another troll approached and readjusted the spears within the ground as he waved rotted animal flesh and feathers around the heads.

"Dis is Keen'weelay; a witchdoctor who was outcast from deh Gurubashi Tribe. He works voodoo for deh Horde now." Nimboya explained.

The head of the chief began to speak in Zandali in a jarring and malicious tone and the head of the witchdoctor began arguing as well. Nimboya waved his hands at them, apparently making good claim. He explained their position as captives and what was needed of them. Garrett could only understand Yenniku's name, which was tossed about in the conversation numerous times. As the heads calmed down, they seemed to come to a resolution and Nimboya finally turned to Garrett.

"Clearly deh are enraged wit what has happened and dey will not tell us anyting until we fulfill dere request."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Dey want your crew to kill off deh Skullsplitters deh way you finished off dere own tribe. Bring proof of dere demise or we'll get nowhere.

"That's it? Simple enough." Garrett shrugged nonchalantly.

Nimboya translated his reply and the chief laughed. Nimboya turned back to the undead man.

"Do not be so quick to believe so, friend. Dey Skullsplitters be a powerful emissary. More powerful den deh Bloodscalps. You have females on ya team. Be sure to keep dem close in yo range. Skullsplitters are known to steal females for dere own and dey are very defensive of it. Be on your guard."

As Garrett returned to camp, Barrack and Mikal'wah were waiting for him preparing their equipment.

"Bloodscalp chief wants us to destroy the Skullsplitters before he'll help us." He reported.

Mikal'wah shook her head. "Figures. Had tah have his glory any way he could get it. Male trolls an' deh egos!"

"How are those two doing?" Garrett gestured toward Ku'Mari's tent. The troll and orc looked to the ground uncomfortably.

Garrett slipped into Ku'Mari's tent to find the troll slumped up against the tent post. Quel'Anis laid peacefully in his lap in deep sleep. She wore only her tunic and her face was pale and her hair disarray.

Ku'Mari gently stroked her hair, holding her possessively as he looked up to meet eyes with Garrett.

"Is it true? You want us to take over the quest completely?" The undead man asked quietly as he squatted before Ku'Mari.

The troll looked down at his ill lover and nodded. "I wish to remain by her side until she be fully well again. … I shoulda kept her close to meh. I shoulda known tah be more careful here."

"Don't throw all this guilt on yourself. It was completely unforeseen." Garrett sighed, knowing that his arguments were not persuasive enough.

"I informed everyone dat you are tah take lead in my position. I know ya won't fail."

Garrett nodded to Ku'Mari and quietly left the tent. He scratched his head in concern.

"Ehhh… this is gonna be a long couple of days."

Blood painted the jungle grass as roars and wails of defeat echoed throughout the eastern Vale. Skullsplitter trolls' bodies decorated the crumbled temple ruins as the team fought on against those who remained living. Barrack and Apoco bashed their way through the mass numbers of trolls as Garrett swept through, collecting their necklaces and seals. The team came to a split in the maze of ruins where one path led up hill. Numerous shaman trolls slowly approached using magic the earlier Skullsplitters did not have. Mikal'wah saw that this suited to her challenge and she approached, charging up a massive frost attack. As the trolls fell back from her icy blasts, she continued up the hill into another section of the ruins. Irena caught the mage troll splitting away from the group and chased after her.

"Where are you going?" Apoco asked, looking back to the undead warlock in concern as he speared a troll.

"Mikal'wah split from us. I'll go help her out. Clear out this area!" Irena ordered as she headed up the hill. She summoned her voidwalker and sent him ahead to even out the stakes. The sapphire mass of gas floated ahead of Mikal'wah and began taking down the shaman trolls as they collected. But the more the warlock's minion took down, the more Skullsplitters appeared. Suddenly, one of the trolls called out and a small group of axe men approached from behind the women. One in particular wore a long cape with a vest braided of dried leaves and bones. He carried the largest axe which was attached to a large smashed-in skull. He roared ferociously and waived his axe at the two females.

"Yeah… that's gotta be the leader." Irena cracked cynically as she stepped forward, charging up a shadow bolt. Mikal'wah backed away and continued to help Irena's voidwalker take down the last of the shaman Skullsplitters. As the two killed off the last of the shaman, the voidwalker went past its master and began attacking the crew of axe men. Mikal'wah was hesitant as she looked back at the leader who fought against Irena. While the undead woman blasted away at the powerful troll and his followers with her dark magic, the leader of the Skullsplitters seemed to have no problem keeping his eyes fixed on Mikal'wah. The look was that of complete insatiable and wild desire. Whatever he intended to do, Mikal'wah wanted no part of it. With sudden determination, she came beside the undead warlock and began charging up fast frost attacks and set up barriers. Blasts of fire, ice and shadow magic hit the Skullsplitter leader and his axe men over and over, but the power was not enough to bring them down. One of the trolls slashed furiously at the voidwalker, shocking it with a power unknown to the mass and it dissipated. The trolls gained on the females, cornering them at a broken temple wall. Irena grew weak of her powers and nearly fell as two trolls hacked at her body with their axes.

(No! Irena!) Mikal'wah's eyes shot down at the undead woman as Irena's body was pulled to pieces and thrown about the jungle grass. Mikal'wah had to concentrate! She focused all of her mental efforts into frying the leader. She blasted him mercilessly with fire but he seemed somewhat resilient to the element. His axe men came forward with their blades swinging only to be stopped. The leader roared and came forward.

"No! Jah ema she mine! Give deshu ek'sakah!" Mikal'wah could barely make out their dialect as she was brought forth to the leader. The leader's eyes marveled over the female troll as if she were a precious stone he had discovered. He waved his hands over her face and came forth to smell her hair. Mikal'wah would not have this dog get the best of her. She spat in his face as she hissed at him.

"Et'chutah!" She cursed at him, recalling the insult she had heard from the elders back in Sen'Jin. Surely every troll knew this phrase.

Infuriated, the leader raised his axed and slashed down the front of Mikal'wah's body. Her robes split apart as the blade slid down her torso, expelling blood profusely. She cried out in pain but refused to give up without a fight. Ignoring her nakedness, she blasted an ice attack into the troll leader's face and kicked him away as she struggled to free herself from the other axe men. They began to beat her as the leader came forth once more and struck her with the blunt of his axe. Mikal'wah fell to the ground unconscious. As the leader of the Skullsplitters picked the female troll up and put her over his shoulder he could hear a faint voice cursing at him. He laughed as he and his crew passed the mutilated undead woman's torso struggling to move.

"Let her go, you bastards! Come back! I'll kill you! No! Mikal'wah!" Irena screeched in frustration as she flailed about weakly.

As the axe men and their leader descended the hill, they were immediately attacked. Barrack quickly took down two of the trolls as Garrett finished off the other three. Apoco charged forward and quickly shoved his pike through the leader's head. The troll fell back as his skull was shoved into the ground.

"Skullsplit that, you scum!" He cried angrily. Barrack covered Mikal'wah's injured body with his cloak as Apoco came to heal her.

"Calm down, little guy. She'll be fine. They didn't do much to her. Just roughed her up a bit." Barrack tried to cool the young tauren's emotions. Apoco was so flustered by the events that his healing abilities were weakened. Clearly the enemy's sexually violent intentions went beyond Apoco's tolerance.

Garrett removed the leader's seals and necklaces and looked back to Mikal'wah. The three males were not happy to find their friend this way but Barrack could tell that Garrett was the least amused of all.

"Where's Irena?" The undead man spoke grimly.

"Over here!" The woman's voice appeared further up the hill. Barrack quickly ran up the hill and began picking up Irena's body parts. Shortly after, he came back down with all her limbs and her torso in his arms. He sat her down and helped her begin to put herself back together.

"Useless…" Garrett grumbled coldly.

"I'm sorry, what was that?!" Irena snapped, sensing the severity in his voice.

"What good are you if you can't keep yourself together? Your powers exceed Mikal'wah's and you let this happen to her?"

"What the hell was I supposed to do? I'm a warlock! I'm not exactly meant for defense against brute strength!"

"You should have known to keep closer to her!"

"Alright acting-leader, where were you in all of this? Collecting items? Oh yes, that's grand! That's ultimately beneficial to the team while we're in combat! It must be great to be a rogue! All you have to worry about is stealing and collecting things and poking people with your little knife from time to time!"

Garrett came face to face with the undead woman as she finished attaching her arms.

"You've been nothing but a misery since you came to this team. Ku'Mari doesn't get much wrong. But he failed when he decided to recruit you! You're worthless!"

"Garrett!" Barrack shouted angrily as he came near, only to watch the undead man take a hard slap to the face.

Irena violently pushed past Garrett and headed down the hill.

"Irena?" Apoco asked as he watched her leave. He had no doubt that he had seen true sadness in the undead woman's eyes.

"Irena! Irena, wait!" Barrack chased her down to the bottom of the hill. "What on Azeroth are you doing?"

"My aid is no longer desired here… and were I to stay, I wouldn't deserve the harassment."

"Please don't do this." Barrack grabbed onto her arm and she shot him the coldest look of death.

"Let go of me." She whispered in ice.

Barrack slowly backed away as he and Apoco watched Irena disappear out of the ruins.

The humidity was staggering as the shortened team made their way back to Grom'Gol Base. All three males remained silent as they walked, their minds filled with questions and doubts. Garrett slowly led the way, nearly stalling, as he knew he would have to face Ku'Mari with ill news of Irena's departure. As they reached the skimmed path that led down into the brush near the camp, smoke arose from the gates and the familiar sounds of battle emerged. Hesitant, the trio came closer to find the camp set on fire. Guards struggled against high-level Alliance members as weak Horde members were decimated by others more powerful than they. The camp was under Alliance attack and it was a sheer massacre. Garrett immediately stepped forth, ready to head into battle, but he was stopped.

"Garrett, are you out of your mind?" Barrack scolded as he held the undead man back.

"They'll destroy you!" Apoco agreed.

"Ku'Mari! Quel'Anis!" Garrett shouted looking past the bulky orc.

"I'm quite sure they made their way out."

"I have to check!"

"Don't bother tryin'." Nimboya approached with Keen'weelay carrying various belongings. "I saw ya friends head up north to deh camp near deh lake. Dey be fine but you should come wit meh."

The team followed the two trolls further south, past the road to a small island. The mound of land was just big enough for the group to set up camp and it faced Grom'Gol Base just past the ocean inlet. Barrack helped Keen'weelay set up camp as Garrett handed over the Skullsplitters' seals and necklaces. Apoco tended to Mikal'wah's wounds while everyone carried on with business. When the group was finished, they sat watching their camp base- the only point of sanctuary in the Vale- being devoured by flames.

"God, what a mess." Garrett blurted out.

"Do not be discouraged by dis attack. It's been happenin' on a regular basis for some time, now. Once Thrall hears of it, he will send more troops and deh camp will be restored witin a few days." Nimboya explained as he offered the men some smoked jerky. He sighed as he sat down, "Deez be dangerous lands no mattah who you be."

Nimboya turned to Garrett with a lightened expression, "I have shown deh Bloodscalp leader your proof of victory over deh Skullsplitters and he is satisfied. He told meh Yenniku been kidnapped by ah clan ah trolls led by Zanzil; a witchdoctor who been outcast by deh Bloodscalps fah voodoo malpractice. He works some dark magic dats got a hold over Yenniku's mind and it's gonna take some strong magic tah get'em back."

"What kind of magic will work against voodoo?" Apoco asked as he came to join the crew.

Nimboya looked to Keen'weelay for a thorough explanation.

"Legen' tell ah jewel hidden in deh heart o' dah Vale. We call it deh Mind Eye and it got great powah. If yah'can get deh eye, den we can use eh tah bring Yenniku back from deh dark voodoo." The witchdoctor's accent was heavy, but the trio managed to understand his point.

"Where do we find the Mind's Eye?" Barrack inquired.

"It be held ah ogre mage jes east o' us witin Osh Mogg. Yah beh lookin' fah Mai'Zoth. Ya gotta extract deh jewel from hih body. Beware hih magic be strong.

Garrett shook his head and let out a short cynical laugh, "Ogres… just my luck."

"Dere is another task you must complete as well, I'm afraid."

Garrett simply waived his hand for the troll to continue.

"In order tah bend deh Mind's Eye to our will, we will need at least three pulsing blue shards. Dey can be found in deh belly of Ironjaw Basillisks in Crystal Vein Mine. You must collect deez as well."

"What happens when we collect these shards and the gem?" Barrack continued, beginning to find their future quest a bit meticulous.

"Wit deez items, we will beh able to bend deh Mind's Eye to make'ah soul gem. Deh purpose 'ill beh tah stun Yenniku. When he eh stunned, ya place deh soul gem to hih forehead an entrap hih soul." As Keen'weelay explained the process, Nimboya looked to Garrett in concern. The stress seemed to be much for the undead man as he rubbed his head roughly. After all, he was not the team's true leader and appeared not to have much desire to be one.

"I don't tink ya quite understand just how important dis is to meh and our leader. Vol'Jin deeply regrets leavin' his child behind and it is impertinent dat we salvage what we can of deh boy." Nimboya looked to Garrett imploringly.

"We assure you that Yenniku will be saved as you have requested." Barrack promised as he nodded to a dazed Garrett, who simply agreed.

The trolls thanked the team graciously and retired to their tents.

As the fires upon Grom'Gol finally began to die down, Barrack stood and prepared his weapons.

"Where are you going?" Apoco asked in concern.

Barrack smiled and patted the tauren on the head, "I hope for survivors across the water. And if there are, I wanna help in anyway I can. Don't worry, I won't be gone long." The orc headed into the water and began swimming across the inlet to the base. After Garrett and Apoco watched him disappear into the smoke, they sat watching the fire. Garrett turned to Mikal'wah with a troubled look.

"Her wounds were not deep. She'll be fine by morning." Apoco smiled.

The two sat in silence for some time. Finally, Apoco decided to relieve the question that had been on his mind for some time.

"Why?"

"Huh?" Garrett looked up startled.

"Why did it get so bad that she had to leave?" Apoco asked with sadness in his tone.

"Irreconcilable differences, kid." Garrett replied, laughing at his divorce reference.

"Huh?"

"Some people just don't get along."

Apoco shook his head in disbelief, "What do you mean? You two got along wonderfully… for dead people."

Garrett laughed hard at this as Apoco's face hardened in sincerity.

"No, I mean it; she's practically in love with you!"

Garrett choked on his laugh and looked to the tauren in astonishment. Apoco picked up a stick and began to draw in the sand.

"All that fighting you two do is just love tension. You two draw to each other like flies draw to your rotted flesh. Ku'Mari knew you'd like her because she was really intelligent and snappy. He thought that you would enjoy that."

Garrett could not help but crack a smirk at this. (That sly bastard… he was trying to hook me up!)

He had to admit, that from the very first day he had met Irena, he was constantly on her case; giving her a hard time; and for what reason? Because she was miraculously beautiful, even in her undeath? Because she was an ambitious and crafty fighter? Because her sense of humor was just as bitter, cynical and sarcastic as his own? Did he constantly argue with her just to watch that glimmer appear in her eyes and to hear her clever retorts? He could not help but smile again.

"I will admit… since she came to us, I haven't felt this much alive since I was, well… alive."

"Then why push her away?" Apoco dug in, tilting his head in curiosity.

Garrett's hollowed eyes shot to the tauren with a grin. "You know, for a kid, you're really intuitive."

Apoco looked back down to his sand drawing as Garrett dwelled on his question. He knew why he kept Irena at a distance. It had been less than a month since he had reunited with his forbidden lover, Timber- an ex-member of the Sentinal Army of the Alliance- before she saved his crew and was brutally murdered. To find someone so stirring so soon bothered Garrett tremendously and he knew it was unfair to both women.

"My actions today were not made with the best of judgment." He finally admitted and Apoco nodded in agreement. "She didn't fail the team, I did. I should have been there with her and Mikal'wah today, or at least sent one of you guys to help them. I threw my frustration on her." He shook his head in disappointment, "She must feel that I've really betrayed her. I'm a damn fool to have let her leave the team. We need her." The undead man leaned back against Apoco's tent and sighed, "Let's face it- I'm no leader. I'm honored at Ku'Mari's trust in me but I don't understand how he could have chosen me to head this circus. I'm not the wisest when it comes to dire situations." Garrett smiled, recalling the foolish actions that had caused his death.

"Well that's easy. Out of anyone, you are the most impulsive fighter and you take action with perfect timing. The rest of us don't carry such an immediate ability. I guess it's the blessing of being a rogue. That and you're also the most progressive person on the team. No matter what happens, you always manage to get back on track the quickest. It's not just a matter of Ku'Mari's trust; it's a matter of mind-skill. He's a good recruiter because he learns everyone's abilities and weaknesses and compromises where and when needed."

Garrett picked up a pebble and threw it at Apoco as he explained this. "Honestly kid, you're much to observant for your age! What are you; fifteen… sixteen?" He said grinning. "You remind me of Teak Hawk in that way. She always knew what was going on with all of us and dug in until our issues were resolved."

Apoco beamed at this remark, "I am honored to be compared to such a great hero of my people."

The two exchanged a smile as Barrack reappeared, tired and soaking wet.

"How's the base?" Garrett asked as he watched the orc remove his heavy armor.

"Destroyed. It's a pit of death. Two vendors managed to survive. A messenger was sent back to Orgrimmar to bring in more troops. They should be in Stranglethorn by dawn." Barrack said as he sat by the fire to dry. He looked to Apoco, who frowned at his news, and patted the youth on the back.

"I think I'll head to bed. Not only do we have to risk running into those who destroyed Grom'Gol today, but… what are they called? Ironjaw Basillisks? Those beasts don't sound fun. They'll be hard to take down so I'm gonna rest up while I can." Apoco yawned as he stood up.

"Good idea, kid. We'll need as much of your energy as we can get, tomorrow." Garrett said, nodding him off.

Within three minutes of retiring to his tent, the tauren began to snore loudly.

"He's a good kid." Barrack smiled looking back at the tent.

"Yeah. His big brother does a great job of lookin' out for him too." Garrett said pointing to the orc.

"Big brother, eh?" Barrack laughed, "Yes, I guess you could put it that way. That tauren is going to be more powerful than any of us, you realize. In a way, I envy him. He carries the potential to become a great Battle Master."

"Yeah, but his personality is closer to that of a dandelion." Garrett chuckled as he sat up.

"You think Ku'Mari will make him leader?"

Garrett nodded, laughing once more, "Absolutely! Well… when he's ready. He's still got a lot to learn but it won't take long. We all know that Ku'Mari prefers to play sidekick. Hell, I know I do!" The two laughed at his remark and grew silent as they stared into the fire.

"Quel'Anis needs to get well soon. I hope she doesn't actually plan to go after that warrior troll. She'll only be asking for death." Barrack's voice was grim but with concern.

"You know she will. We all know it. If it were any of us, we'd be compelled to do the same. It can't be helped. I just hope that we'll be there to back her up, when the time comes."

Barrack looked to Mikal'wah, who rested peacefully.

"Bad way to go out today. I'm hoping she won't remember too much of it tomorrow."

"Mikal'wah knows better than any of the girls what the troll tribes are capable of. But she's resting well enough to be healed by morning and I suggest you do the same. Tomorrow's gonna be ugly." Garrett advised.

Barrack agreed and retired to his tent.

Garrett sat alone watching the starry sky, already missing the smell of Irena's pipe herb and her low and scratchy grumbling. Her griping company was heaven compared to the loneliness he felt now.

"Irena, wherever you are… I'm sorry."

By dawn, Mikal'wah was up and cooking breakfast for everyone. She was in an impressively cheerful mood and hugged Apoco so tightly, when he awoke, that he had to beg for air. The group, along with Nimboya and Keen'weelay, were glad to see the female troll's fast recovery and ate in merriment. It seemed as though nothing could break the pleasant moment until Mikal'wah brought up the question:

"Where's Irena?"

Garrett, who had been eating for the sake of further pleasing the troll, now dropped his food and slowly looked up to her with an uneasy smile.

"She left us…" he managed.

"What? Why?!"

"Garrett scared her away. He blamed her for your fall yesterday and she left." Apoco finished smugly.

The undead man scowled at the young tauren. (Where's the sweet consulting tauren I talked to last night?)

"Mikal'wah!" Barrack exclaimed as the female troll was already up and lifting Garrett by the collar of his tunic.

"Ya listen here, dead boy, she was doin' her best tah help meh! Dat leadah had it out for meh and dere was little tah no stoppin' him alone!" Her voice was as sharp as a knife as her golden eyes gleamed in the sunlight. Garrett did not try to fight her hold.

"It was my mistake. I wish I could bring her back."

Mikal'wah dropped the undead man and immediately began to pack up the camp.

"Oh ya gonna bring her back alright! We're goin' out dere tah look for her right now."

"We have a very important mission we must complete first." Barrack began, wearily. Everyone knew a female troll was a force to be reckoned with.

"We gotta find her! When we get her back, she can help us complete deh mission faster."

"Mikal'wah, Irena left on her own accord."

"Deh orc be right. You must complete dis mission first. Bein' dat ya friend is undead, most predators will beh likely tah leave her be. Please, ya must cooperate." Nimboya implored.

Mikal'wah nodded in agreement but continued to show her malcontent.

Once the group finished packing up, Nimboya and the witchdoctor crossed over the ocean inlet to return to Grom'Gol in hope of helping with provisions. The team headed back into the sweltering brush of the Vale in hopes of a successful day… Garrett, hoping most of all.