The next morning, Leah entered the Town Hall and spoke to the mayor of Darkshire, Ello Ebonlocke. When she gave the boy's description and last known whereabouts, the pleasant, well-dressed man shook his head, denying seeing him in recent days, but admitted being tied up with pressing matters. Leah bid the mayor farewell, but he asked her to remain.

"My daughter, Althea is normally at the stables this time of day. If anyone enlisted help, she would do so."

Leah smiled, "Thank you."

Heading for the exit, Leah wondered if Thielor had made any progress since she had awoken to an empty room. She groaned, knowing he probably had very little sleep. It wasn't just that odd rhythm keeping him from resting. Through the night, she kept waking to hear him pacing about the room, muttering to himself. When he would notice her toss and turn, he would apologize and tell her to go back to sleep.

For now, she entered the stables, seeing a tall, dark-haired woman brush the mane of a beautiful white palomino. The smell of straw and waste was enough to make Leah's stomach turn, but she strode forward, catching the woman's attention.

"Excuse me," Leah spoke softly, stopping a few feet away, "Are you Althea?"

The woman barely paid her a glance and continued with grooming, her eyes focused on the horse, "Yep. That's me. How can I help?"

Leah couldn't keep her discomfort around animals at bay. She kept her stance straight, taking a step back as the horse sputtered, "He's certainly a beauty."

Althea turned to her, nodding curtly. "Aye, he is. He can be quite stubborn though." She set the brush down and grabbed the nearby saddle, placing it on the horse's back, her bronze scaled armor clinking with her movements. "So is there something you need? I'm in kind of a hurry."

"Actually there is, if you don't mind."

"Make it quick, then."

"I must find a young priest. He went missing a week ago and was last seen here. Did you see him?"

The woman silently fastened the saddle, then attached its bridle. With a huff, she mounted and rode past her. "I'm not sure, honestly. A lot of travelers pass this way. What'd he look like?"

"Blonde hair, green eyes. His name is Myles," Leah replied, hurrying after her.

Althea tugged the straps, halting at the entrance. She turned, her expression blank. "Doesn't ring a bell, Miss. Sorry, but I've got to go. Good luck with your search."

Folding her arms, Leah pursed her lips and watched as Althea snapped the reins and galloped away. Yet another dead end. Leah was beginning to think her patience was being tested.

Several hours passed and Leah was close to giving up. Nobody had seen the priest. One guard offered some hope, however, saying that adventurers often get sidetracked. And with the undead problem, they would be gone for days, even weeks. The more Leah thought about it, it made sense. She wasn't searching for a soldier or guard.

Finally she spotted Thielor at the town square fountain, reading a map, his lip furled in thought. When he looked to her, his grim expression conveyed the same result.

"A dead end for you?"

"I asked anyone I could think of, Leah. The flight master, the weapon smith, the guards," he said, gently shaking his head. "Nothing."

Leah sighed, unsure of what to do now. "Oh, I don't believe it. Someone had to have seen him," she rubbed her temples, nearing despair. "Why else would he come here if not to help?"

He guided her toward a bench facing the fountain. "We've been at this for hours. Let's take a short break."

"Good idea. I'm exhausted," she groaned and sat down, her back and feet aching.

Thielor sat beside her, giving her a rush of chills. That nervous feeling welled up in her stomach, but she barely got a chance to give it a thought when cries and gasps rang out nearby.

They glanced toward the stables to see Bayla stalking toward them, her teeth bared and fur needling. She emitted growls and hisses, making anyone near her scurry away. Thielor widened his eyes as she approached and let out a troubled yowl, after having frightened half the village.

"Bayla, what's the matter with you? We're safe here." the night elf scratched the cat's cheek, frowning. "Strange. She usually isn't like this."

Reaching in her bag, Leah propped the gold-laced book on her lap. She caught a glimpse of the cat's blackened eyes, seeing only a rim of bright green. "This place seems to be having an effect on her."

"But it shouldn't," Thielor told her. "She and I have been here before."

Focusing on the book, Leah began to read where she left off, the strange symbols seeming to blend together. But suddenly Thielor began speaking his native tongue, his gaze focused on Bayla. His voice was melodic and fluid, like singing a ballad. Leah stared in amazement. In minutes, the cat's once bristled fur smoothed, round pupils shrank to slits. Then she purred, rubbing her cheek against Thielor's palm. Leah gasped and noticed her own mood had lifted.

"Incredible! She really understands you."

"We share a spiritual connection, so to speak. It took years to develop. To my people, pets are practically family."

"That's beautiful," Leah smiled softly, watching as Bayla lay at his feet. "She gave me quite the scare when I found you."

"Keep in mind that she senses fear, but also goodness. She knew you were there to help."

Leah felt her heart swell. She felt a bit more acclimated to the animal's presence. To Thielor, Bayla was a living, breathing creature, with a spirit and ancient wisdom. Even if it seemed odd, Leah couldn't fault him. The Light taught respect for all creatures, large or small, even if it meant slaying them for survival.

Saying no more, Leah focused on the book again. She only wished someone could help sort the pages. Nothing about it made sense.

An hour later, Thielor got a lead from overhearing villagers speak of an abandoned farm in the southeast, bordering the town's outskirts. It had been overrun with undead and worgen for quite some time. Leah kept close as he studied worn footprints leading down the narrow path. Their outlines were smaller than a human man, making his suspicions blare like a foghorn. His mouth dropped with concern.

Leah glanced to them curiously. "Could these have been made by him?"

"It's possible," he pointed, then quickly began walking, Leah following. "They've been here least a week ago, and look," he motioned to one that was more clear than the rest. "The size. They are of a younger man."

"Say no more," Leah quickened her pace. "Let's go."

The forest thickened as they pressed further, making it halfway along the path. Taking his dagger, Thielor cut numerous vines and shrubbery from their path. But then he paused, lifting his head as metal clanging echoed in the wind, following a sharp battle cry. He looked to Leah, who glanced around, perplexed at what he had sensed. Saying nothing, he grabbed her arm and they began running, weaving around trees and bushes on the way.

The girl barely kept up, his arm tugging as she fell behind. He wasn't about to slow down for anyone, not even her. The young priest could very well be in danger, or worse... No matter what, he swore to help the girl and intended to follow through.

The path grew damp, mud caking their boots and Leah's hem. As they slid down the slope, the forest sprawled to open farmland. The battle sounds had since grown closer. Voices shouted, warning anyone nearby of impending danger. Swords clashed with bone and metal. Then, Thielor saw them: two men, human and night elf, engaging the undead – half-rotted, animate corpses, along with the wolf-like beings. He sighed with relief, seeing someone alive, but it quickly waned as they were greatly outnumbered.

Kneeling behind shrubbery, Thielor drew his bow and an arrow. Beside him, Leah caught her breath, bracing on her knees.

"Leah, get down!" he tugged her sleeve.

She drew her arm away and knelt beside him, "Easy on the robe! You'll tear it!"

"Oh, forget the robe. We can't be seen."

Her jaw dropped as she saw the battle, "Who are those men?"

He didn't answer and fired, the arrow nearly missing the chest of his target but it only slowed it down. He grunted and fired another, and another, getting the same results. The two men were quickly wearying, sweat drenching their faces. They took only down so many of the creatures, their swords swinging with precision and timing. At least a dozen closed in. Thielor wasn't one to panic, but he was nearing it.

"Damn it! They are getting swarmed."

He turned to Leah again, who had covered her mouth in shock. Her hands landed on her chest as she met his gaze, helpless.

"I can't do anything from here," she said. "I must get closer."

"Perfect."

Thielor stood, groaning. Yards away, at the field's edge, stood a lone tree. Though small and rather gnarled from decay, Thielor thought it could provide some cover for a healer. As he drew his next arrow, he checked its rounded tip, a concussive shot. Thielor had used these arrows when he was outnumbered, and hoped it would be their saving grace. All of theirs.

"What on earth is that?"

"No time to explain. Stand back." he tilted his head. "And when I tell you, run for that tree. Understand?"

Leah stood and moved away, acknowledging him. As he took aim, she stood at the clearing, her body poised to run on his signal.

He held his breath and drew back. He fired.

The concussive arrow sailed over the fighters, exploding upon impact near the battle zone. They had seen it coming and didn't stop their attacks as the undead and worgen swayed haplessly. But Thielor knew it would last but a few seconds. "Now, Leah! Go!"

To his surprise, she darted from the brush, her robe and hair flaying as she ran. Despite her petite stature, she was quick, making it there in just under a minute. When she turned, she gave him a short nod. That was when he emerged and fired at will.


Arrows whistled passed Leah alarmingly, one by one. Her heart thundered from the anxiety. Leah was beginning to rethink coming here, never having dreamed of seeing any battle. Healers rarely had a thought of entering the battlefield. And besides, she couldn't offer any damaging spells, only specializing in healing and protection.

Leah settled her nerves as best she could and focused on the two warriors, seeing them flanked. Power Word: Shield was fresh in her mind. She stood straight, repeating the incantation, holding outstretched hands toward the two men. As her words faded, the pulsing, translucent sphere surrounded the human warrior, and soon after, his night elf counterpart. They stood in bewilderment, searching until noticing her and the hunter.

"It seems we have help, Rothian. Keep up the attack!" yelled the human warrior.

Leah turned to Thielor, who had nearly emptied his quiver. He paused, narrowing his eyes, "Rothian? Aidann? I thought I recognized those two!"

"You know them?"

"Well, I should!" he fired, drawing the next arrow. "They're our guild mates."

Leah raised her brow at him, then watched as the battle had taken a positive turn. The two warriors pressed their attacks, taking down the animate corpses until none were standing. Thielor sheathed his bow and sighed with relief, motioning Leah toward him.

"Just how many guild mates are we going to meet while we're here?" she asked while shaking mud from her hem.

"Last I checked we have around thirty members. Most of them are scattered throughout this region, helping wherever they can. Normally we have meetings once a week, but we haven't lately."

"Thielor!" yelled the night elf, extending his hand as they approached. "What a relief to see a friendly face!"

"Get over here, you pointy-eared oaf!" jested the human, running a hand through sweaty, brown hair.

The hunter laughed and clasped their wrists, bowing. Afterward, he took their playful punches in the shoulder. They had yet to acknowledge her, but Leah wasn't about to interrupt their good-natured ribbing. She chuckled. Watching them felt odd, yet she felt compelled to enjoy a cheerful moment. The snowy-maned elf and burly human had likely known Thielor for awhile now.

For now, Leah said nothing and tried to stifle the foul stench in the air. She kept her gaze away from the corpses scattered about the field, feeling her stomach turn upside-down.

"You didn't tell us you'd be here!" continued the human.

"It seems I'm always saving your butts, so be grateful!" The men laughed again. Thielor glanced at Leah, smiling so bright, it sent a shock through her. "Oh, my dear! Where are my manners?" he slid his arm around her and cleared his throat, their laughter ceasing, "Leah, I would like you to meet Rothian," he pointed at the elf, then the human. "and Aidann, our guild master. Gentlemen, this is Leah. She is new to our ranks."

"We finally meet!" said Aidann, his hazel eyes twinkling.

"I am honored," said Rothian.

Leah smiled nervously, shaking their hands. "A pleasure."

"Thielor was right," Aidann said, cocking an eyebrow. "You are quite lovely."

A flurry of emotion crossed Leah's face. She turned to Thielor, seeing his face darken with embarrassment. "Oh, is that so?"

"He was quite vocal when petitioning you to join. I normally do not accept new members without meeting them first, but I made an exception."
"Well, he gives me far too much credit, sir. The Light saved him, and you."

"Ah, modesty at its finest!" Aidann clapped her shoulder. "I think we'll get along just great."

The sting from his stout hand caused Leah to flinch a bit. She then glanced over Rothian planting a huge broadsword in the dirt, his blank visage looking over her. His lip curled. A hint of uneasiness washed over her, making her look away. But that didn't deter him.

"So what brings you here?" the elf warrior asked.

"We've been looking for someone who disappeared recently," replied Thielor.

"Oh? Perhaps we could be of help. Who was it?"

"A young man," Leah said desperately. She then pointed to fading tracks that stretched toward the tiny cottage. "We believe these tracks might be his. Have you seen anyone at all?"

The men glanced at each other. Rothian sheathed his sword and frowned, "There was a body near the house. We buried it a few moments ago before the ambush."

The news was enough to make Leah's heart stop. She glanced toward the cottage, but saw nothing affirming his answer. Then Aidann held up a small linen bag. "These were found nearby. You might want to take a look."

Leah took the bag, saying nothing. She rummaged, seeing a sack of coins, scattered bandages, half-burned candles, and wrapped food slide past her arm. Then at the bottom, a thick, leather-bound book caught her attention. It was only plain, marked in the center with a red ribbon. A quest journal. She pulled it from the bag and stared, running her finger regretfully over the spine. This wasn't hers to see, yet an investigation demanded its opening.

"Don't be afraid to open it, Leah," Thielor softly told her. "It's the only way you will know."

The binding squeaked as she slowly opened it. She briefly closed her eyes, wishing she didn't have to look. Finally she peered on the inside cover. Her mouth dropped at the words written with striking penmanship:

This is the journal of

Myles Denholm.

Upon my death, please return it to

Brother Davin of Stormwind City.

May he and others

know that I served the Light

until my dying day.