A/N: Please note that this is of course Fan Fiction, therefore the events described would be slightly deviated from the orginal telling.
And nope, I in fact do not own Warcraft or anything else I write about.
Chapter 10
Arlandria smoothed out the last bit of dirt that covered the top of the twin grave. She was at least fulfilled in her ability to lay her children to rest before any more tragedy should occur. Vupila stood next to her as they silently prayed for the peace of their young souls. As the afternoon sun began its decline, they both turned to go back to the encampment.
The walk back seemed much more of a toil than it had been the first time. Yet they both made it back without incident. They walked through the ancient stone encampment, Elves were scattered everywhere, nearly all were still weeping and suffering in unimaginable new ways. This large fragment of the Elven race was now nearly defenseless should a threat arise. But there was the slight evidence that luck had somewhat returned for their favor.
They entered into the largest building that was once a temple. The guards that stood in front moved briskly to the side as they approached. Once within, they could hear the fevered shouts and arguments of many Elves on the far side of the room. All the noise ceased as they crossed the room to the standing group of high commanders and politicians.
"Where is General Sylvanas?" a high commander shot out before they reached the group.
"She has fallen and has left me the charge to lead in her stead," Arlandria replied.
The whole room was filled with a static silence. Many politicians and high commanders exchanged quick glances to each other.
"How did she fall and you survive?" a Elf whom Arlandria had never seen before asked.
"She gave me an order to escape as she fought a group of mounted dead," Arlandria said slowly. "I followed her instructions."
"Right, what is your name My Lady?" the same Elf asked.
"Captain Arlandria Thorne," she said and saluted.
"Wait wait wait," a high commander interrupted. "How do you know for sure if she has fallen? Where is her body?" he asked.
"I witnessed her death, her body was carried away," Arlandria answered.
"Then what proof do we have that you are not just some ambitious upstart trying to gain power?" the high commander asked venomously.
Arlandria reached into her back pocket and pulled out the letter from Lady Sylvanas. A letter that Sylvanas had the foresight to know that Arlandria would need. She handed the letter to the high commander and the rest of the group crowded around to read it at once. Their eyes quickly moved through the hastily written letter.
"This is riduclious!" said the high commander. "How can Sylvanas entrust the remainder of our fighting force to a simple Captain?" he continued.
"Because Lady Sylvanas knew far more than you," Vupila answered with extreme insult in her voice.
"How dare you ta-" the high commander began. His voice stopped as several Elves, including Arlandria lifted their hand out as a call for silence.
"She chose me because when the time came to enter Silvermoon voluntarily, I was the only one amongst you with any rank that followed her. I did not ask for this position, but I will follow Lady Sylvanas's instructions and serve my post to the best of my ability," Arlandria said.
Some in the group flustered in rage but remained silent. Others bowed slightly and saluted the new Ranger General. Arlandria turned to the right to see Vupila bowing.
"Very well," another commander said, handing the letter back to Arlandria, along with another scroll.
"This arrived by the wings of a hawk nearly an hour ago," the commander went on.
Arlandria and Vupila quickly read through the note. It was written by Prince Sunstrider, he spoke of leaving Dalaran at once to return to Quel 'Thalas, he promised to arrive no later than dawn. They all secretly placed their hopes on the shoulders of the Prince. If only they could muster the hope to make it safely to the morning light.
End of Chapter 10