Chapter 5 Helping
Neither genius, fame, nor love show the greatness of the soul. Only kindness can do that. -Jean Baptiste Henri Lacordaire, preacher, journalist and activist (1802-1861)
Bel stopped to check the stables for Ari, Gremmels still following her closely after her release from the healers. She entered the stables, but Ari was gone. As she turned to leave the stable master hailed her.
"Are you Beleta Windsong?"
"Yes?"
"Your friend, the hunter with the saber Ari, left this message for you two days ago."
The stable master handed her a folded note before turning back to cleaning the mostly empty pens.
Bel,
I am joining the Sisters to fight back the orc incursions. Meet me in Darnassus before the marking. I have much to share.
Good work sounding the alarm. And good tracking.
I have heard many praises about your actions.
Yenna
Bel refolded the note, placing it in her bags. Smiling to herself, she strode over to the hall to see if she might be able to join any of the defense parties.
As she approached, one of the Sisters caught her eye and waved her over.
"Yes, sister?"
"Beleta, we need these reports taken to Sentinel Thenysil in Astranaar. We are going to need more supplies and healers. Please remain there with Thenysil. Most of the Sisters have been called from Astranaar and she may have need of your talents."
Bel felt slightly disappointed but took the satchel from the Sister. Before Bel could ask if there was anything else she might do, the Sister turned away abruptly to address a druid. To her back Bel whispered, 'Ande'thoras-ethil, Sister.' And sighed deeply.
Bel scanned the outpost, watching the Sisters busily preparing supplies and weapons for the defense. She had considered replenishing her bags with some food and drink, but decided the Sisters would need all they had. She could hunt and even make more arrows if she needed on her journey back.
"Come Gremmels" We are to be messengers again, not fighters. She thought silently.
Gremmels must have felt her disappointment, for he bumped her thigh with his head. Bel reached down almost absently and ruffled the fur behind his ears.
The journey back to Astranaar took her only a day, she and Gremmels enjoying a full run through the now familiar forests. The stately trees with their purple green leaves and the rich underbrush providing protection for the small forest animals washed away her dread of the encroaching Orcs. They could never reach here. Bel mused. The Sisters will keep our forests safe. At their short breaks, she merged with Gremmels to enjoy the full sensations of the forest. Her vision and hearing were as acute as her saber cat's. His sense of smell was much more developed. She enjoyed following the scent trails of the creatures in the forest as they wafted in thin smoke-like strands between the trees. Through Gremmels, she could even taste them, and this reminded her they should hurry along, as they were both getting hungry.
Entering Astranaar across the narrow bridge over the water filled moat, the two found the town almost empty with only a few Sisters left to guard the roadway and the hippogryphs. Bel nodded a greeting to the sisters on guard and slowly walked the main roadway until she reached the central temple and entered. Standing on the open terrace overlooking the calm water of the moat she found Sentinel Thenysil apparently deep in thought. The Sentinel started when she heard the chimes announcing Bel's entrance. Looking up from her meditations she greeted Bel warmly and took the offered satchel.
"Are you able to stay, if I need your services?" she asked. Bel nodded. "Good, see Kimlya at the inn for your lodging." She paused as she removed some of the papers from the satchel. Bel stood as Thenysil scanned the papers. She was unsure if she had been dismissed. Bel could see the information on the papers troubled Thenysil. It was Gremmels who broke the silence and brought Thenysil's attention back to Bel. He filled the air with great yawn and stretching, his long claws scraped the wood floor. "Gremmels" Bel started in embarrassment.
Kimlya's deepening frown suddenly softened and a small smile appeared as she looked at the great cat, his lips pulled back from the long fangs in almost a grin. "Hunter, Bel, we could use more food both for those of us remaining in Astranaar and to send to the sisters at the post. Most of our supplies have already gone to the Outpost." She paused looking over Bel's weapons, her eyes resting finally on the folded fishing pole in her quiver. "The surrounding area is rich with game and fish." Looking back at the papers in her hands. "I believe Xai'ander may have arrows."
Bel nodded again and realizing she had been dismissed, she backed out with Gremmels following her, his long tail whipping in the air, the playful grin directed at Bel.
After dropping some of her bags at the inn, Bel and Gremmels trotted down to the moat, where the waters ran deep and wide. She decided to start fishing and if she couldn't fill her bag by late afternoon, she would visit Xai'ander to purchase more arrows and try hunting. She slowly moved along the shore and finally moved up one of the streams flowing into the moat. The innkeeper had given her a few lures adorned with the feathers and spinners that she swore by Elune were a favorite for the fish in the area. As Bel played out her fishing line and waited, Gremmels dashed into the forest, the softly rustling bushes marking his stalking the forest creatures. He would return at intervals, to stand and stare at Bel until she laughed and tossed him one of her smaller catches. The fishing was good and by the time the sun started to dip below the mountain peaks, Bel had a full bag.
She whistled for Gremmels and turned back to Astranaar. Gremmels came running, leaves and twigs stuck to his fur. He sniffed at her bag of fish, making happy puffing noises. Bel just shook her head and brushed some leaves off his broad head. "Happy to be out of the stables?" He puffed louder and Bel laughed as she tossed him another small fish.
The two cut up from the shore of the moat between several tidy homes. Only a few had a small curl of smoke rising from cooking fires this evening. As Bel passed in front of one, she greeted the tall male leaning against the doorframe. He didn't respond, his shoulders dropped and heavy eyelids hooding his luminous eyes. Bel stopped, struck by his forlorn expression. "Are you troubled, An'dieb?"
At this he looked up at her and responded. "Hunter, have you news of the Sentinels? Are they expected to return soon?"
Bel shook her head. "I have been told to remain here, so I am not expecting they will return soon."
"My mate is one of the sisters." He took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. "Our daughter fell ill recently. The druid Orendil Broadleaf directed us to obtain Stardust and make a poultice. It broke her fever and she seemed to be stronger, when the Sisters were called."
Bel remained silent, giving him a few moments to collect himself. Almost whispering he continued. "Our daughter, Relara, has weakened again, and I do not think she has the strength to recover."
"Can I help you, An'dieb?" Bel asked gently.
He ran a hand across his face. "I apologize, I am Pelturas, hunter."
"Beleta Windsong and my pet Gremmels."
"I am sorry to trouble you." He looked down at his hands and then back up into Bel's face. "I pray to Elune to send my mate back soon."
Bel nodded, but he looked so defeated, she felt concerned. "You look exhausted, An'dieb Pelturas. I can bring you and your daughter a hot meal tonight." Bel opened her bag of fish. "It won't take me but a short while to get these cooked."
A child's moan rose from behind him in the house. "We would be grateful. Thank you hunter Windsong." He nodded to her and turned quickly to enter the house.
Bel re-shouldered her bag and swiftly made for the inn.
At the inn Kimlya directed Bel to the cooking fires. Breads were baking in the coals, filling the great room of the inn with the scents of sweet yeast. Bel quickly pulled the fresh fish from her bag, rubbing them with hot spices she had carried from home, and wrapped each in a large Swiftthistle leaf. Carefully she laid these near the baking bread. Soon the scents of spiced Albacore joined the baking bread.
The few inhabitants of Astranaar made their way to the inn. Kimlya and her helpers laid the long table with platters of fish, fruit, and bread. Jugs of sweet nectar and Moonberry juice were placed along side the serving dishes.
"Kimlya," Bel started. "I would like to bring several servings to the household of Pelturas and his daughter."
Kimlya nodded and pulled food off the table, directing it to be placed in a large bag. "Thank you Beleta. He has been tending his daughter continuously since she fell ill. He could use a cooked meal."
"What do you know of his daughter's illness?' Bel asked
"Ah, it is whispered it is the taint of the forsaken that drains her life."
"Forsaken? Here?" Bel gasped.
"Yes. Not far. We first noticed them when other youngsters became ill." She sighed. "Most recover." She continued when she saw Bel's surprise. "It only affects those born after the time of the fall. Those who were not…" she hesitated suddenly looking sharply at Bel and noting the unmarked face. "Ah yes, well, those who never lived as immortals. They seem most easily felled." She handed Bel the bag of food. "Be cautious Beleta and stay well."
With Gremmels trailing her, Bel made her way back to the house of Pelturas. It was dark. She tapped gently on the door. It was several long minutes before she heard his voice calling for her to enter.
Pushing the door open, she stepped in. Gremmels paused and then sat outside on the doorstep.
"In here, Hunter Windsong. I am with my daughter."
Bel followed his voice into the child's room. A single candle was lit, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The waxing moon shown through her window, its pale light falling on the bed where Pelturas sat with his daughter. Pelturas had his daughter cradled in his arms. She was a thin, her skin pulled tight across the high cheekbones typical for the Kaldorei race. Bel thought her skin was almost translucent. Her eyes fluttered when Bel stepped into the room.
"I brought you some food."
He waved to a table next to the bed. "Set it here please."
Bel placed the contents of the bag carefully on the table. He looked up and inhaled deeply. "Smells delicious." Looking back to his daughter and brushing a strand of her silky blue hair from her forehead he asked. "Can you eat a little, Relara?"
She nodded weakly. Bel quickly placed servings of fish, bread, and fruit on a plate and moved it closer to Pelturas. As he helped his daughter cut portions, Bel poured two mugs of Moonberry juice.
Relara ate slowly and only small amounts. Soon she pushed away her father's hand. "Let me rest again Father. I promise I will eat more later." She smiled weakly up at him.
Carefully Pelturas laid his daughter in the bed, pulling the soft silk covers over her. He sat next to her and bent over to kiss her cheek. She was asleep before he straightened up to look at Bel.
Bel sat carefully on the end of the low bed. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No" he answered quietly. "The druid Orendil has sent word of a tea that might return her strength. When my mate returns, we shall make this."
Bel nodded and smiled. "Tell me about the tea. Perhaps I can help with the preparation?"
A low moan rose from the sleeping girl caused lines of worry to crease Pelturas forehead.
He paused for a moment and then nodded. "I have been told fallen moonstone has the power to restore my daughter's strength. In the past we gathered moonstones at Fallen Sky Lake to the southeast... until the Shadethickets came. Their leader, a Shadethicket Oracle, has gathered up all the fallen moonstones and hoards them. I fear to retrieve a moonstone, one must slay the Oracle. My mate and her Sisters could do this, but I don't know when she will return." His voice faded.
"I have little to do at the moment, I could search the Fallen Sky Lake to see if perhaps any of the moonstones were overlooked" Bel offered.
Pelturas face brightened. "I would be grateful for any help you could offer." But looking at Bel he added with a sigh. "You are young, hunter. Not even of the first marking. Bringing us a hot meal tomorrow will be greatly appreciated."