Chapter Fourteen
And it shall come, that the fall of a tyrant seven years sleep, now awake is he, shall be brought to his knees, by a knight indeed. Golden light will flow from thence, and a new dawn shall be brought through him. Intricities will adorn his skin, along with the symbols and gold of old kings then. He will bring this tyrant down, upon what used to be hallow ground.
-Prophecy of the Old Kings.
"Anger... Hate... Vengeance..." "I bestow upon you these gifts of mine..."
Look now, to New Hearthglen, the Scarlet Crusade's new foothold against in my land.."
His mind was suddenly filled with vivid images, A great castle overlooking the seas, Thick crimson banners waving in the icy wind and hanging over the stone battlements, upon which stood and patrolled an array of armor clad soldiers, the bright red flames of their faction emblazoned upon the tabards they wore.
"See now, the folly of such sinners.." the voice mused, bringing his attention back to the figure looming over him, his hands tracing the intricate runes on his blade, his blazing eyes glancing over his newest tool. "And such as, you will be their downfall..." he finished, rising to his feet, motioning with two gauntleted fingers for him to rise up to his feet.
Byron arose to meet his masters gaze, "What will you have me do.. Master?" he asked.
Carrion birds circled overhead, beady eyes surveying the lands below them for any stray meal, but none were to be found over the Scarlet Onslaught's base camp; only to be found was thick canvas tents planted below the snowy ridge, on which stood a crumbling tower, scaffolds scaling the sides, and a tarp covering the top, mounted and foot patrols circled the outskirts of the camps, the vivid crimson armor of its inhabitants contrast to the white capped snow that blanketed everything in sight.
On the very edge of the outskirts lay a line of jagged outcroppings, shooting up from the earth like a spike of pain, disturbing the ground around it, but never-the-less allowing anyone that wished, to hide behind them.
As that was such, a dark figure in slick black plated armor was knelt behind the outcroppings, a jagged blade stuck in the ground beside him, azure symbols trailing down the blades center, glowing slightly in the dim light, as dusk was quickly approaching.
In front of the crouched figure was an array of sheets of parchment, settled down upon a patch of ground where the snow had been wiped away, resting in front of the figure, his thumb carefully holding the sheets down as they did not fly away in the rustling wind.
Upon the parchment slips were multiple drawings and writings, all in coal or ink, mainly detailing layouts and descriptions of what lay behind this figure; the base camp and the Scarlet Onslaught.
Before we can access New Hearthglen; their newest stronghold, and bring it to its knees.. we need a way in. His master's words chimed into his head as he overlooked his information There is a small base camp to the far north of the stronghold... It is to my understanding, one of the Onslaught's lieutenant's resides there, and surely, he will have some information on our true target...
Byron scratched his chin and glanced over the paper's one last time, before rising to his feet, and stowing the rolls of parchment in his breastplate, with a soft pat, then grabbing his sword. He glanced out over the outcropping, spotting the only patrol that was on shift at the moment; only consisting of two men and a guard dog.. or rather mutt, as Byron thought, as the "dog" hardly looked like a true dog.
Remember; Stay hidden as much as possible, until you get to the lieutenant, he'll flee or destroy what we need before you can get to him if your discovered too soon. More instructions chimed into his head as he glanced out.
He switched his gaze from the patrol to the surrounding tents... they were, of course, occupied, but the inhabitants were all sound asleep.. he could swiftly maneuver from tent to tent, without arousing any suspicion, both from those sleeping in the tents, and those awake and looking over the fields.
He waited patiently for the patrol to reach the eclipse of their patrol, on the far side of the encampment, before he slipped out from behind the outcroppings, moving silently towards the nearest tent, his blade stowed underneath his cloak, hiding away the revealing light from his runes, as well as his cowl was pulled low over his eyes.
He stalked to the first tent, slipping up to the canvas flap that covered the entrance, arousing no one inside as he then swiftly moved to the next tent, zig-zaging his way through the montage of tents, practically invisible, his eyes however, never leaving the only souls who could compromise him at this time, and even so, they were still ignorant to his existence. He reached the final tent, on the edge of the ridge, his eyes trailing upwards to scan the edge of the ridge, glad to spot no one standing out on the rim of the hill.
He spotted a small snowy trail way leading up to the ridge's top, quickly taking it, slipping up the hillside, coming to a halt as he reached the very edge of it, peering over the edge, laying his eyes upon the rocky stone outer basin of the turret.
He flinched and ducked instinctively as a figure slipped out of the turret, a smoke spiraling out of his mouth as he stepped up to the edge, glancing out over with rather boredom, his hand moving to his mouth to take another puff of his cigar.
Byron couldn't help but grin as he recognized the single silver sword and gold bar on the mans lapel, signifying his rank as a Lieutenant... just the man Byron was looking for. Moving silently, he slipped his blade out from under his cloak, the runes glowing wickedly as he stalked up to his advisary.
He paused as the man took another puff of his cigar with one hand, his other hand pulling out a small object, which Byron guessed was a book or journal, considering the rustling sound of papers he heard.
Byron smiled wickedly to himself.. and moved in.
Tavin's breath came in ragged bands of white mist as he breathed in and out slowly, stepping into what was now the personal domain of Kel'Thuzad, the overlord and keeper of Naxxramas, second in command of the Scourge.
"It's cold..." Aydeline whispered, eyes glancing around the dark hallway.
Tavin nodded silently, motioning with his fingers for the sparse band of soldiers to continue forward, moving along silently in the deeply unlit and freezing cold hallway.
They rounded the bend in the hallway, finding themselves gazing down into his lair, surprised rather to find nothing nor no one lingering in the domain, the large cross shaped room empty and devoid of life.
Tavin uneasily headed into the room, along with the others, the suspicion and anxiety evident on their faces as well.
"Something not right..." Tavin heard Halford whisper.
A screeching sound suddenly rang out behind them, a rusty iron portcullis slamming down, trapping them in the room, exactly how Kel'thuzad had probably planned, as he would now slowly kill them one by one...
A cackle reached their ears, echoing off the ice covered walls, "So predictable.." it whispered, evident with amusement.
A nova of mist and ice exploded in the center of the room, its caster appearing within the center of the commotion, his exquisitely adorned robes and jewelery glaring brightly in the light, his hands still smoking with the residue of magic.
"Well...Well..Well.." his icy voice rasped, "So bold and brave.." he laughed aloud at them. "Such folly this is.." he whispered, his blue eyes coming down to gaze upon them, each of them like a solid sapphire, covered in thick ice; Tavin shivered slightly as he gazed into them.
"...All in vain." his words were before his hand suddenly glowed bright blue again, a volley of ice shards exploding from his bony hands, hammering into them with unimaginable speed; Tavin had never seen such casting, so fast..so powerful he realized as one exploded near him, the sheer shock wave of dust and ice slamming him off his feet, into the ground a few feet away, catching everyone off guard as the same happened to them.
The mage only laughed and with another flick of his wrist, a nova of ice flowered over the area, freezing all in their tracks, all except Tavin whom dodged the ice veins with an agile dive to the left, barely missing it.. but now only leaving him to face Kel'thuzad alone.
Tavin quickly recovered, jumping to his feet and pulling out his blades in a frenzied pursuit, his mind instantly delving into the vein of holy magic that ran so vividly through him, the Light flooding into him as he tapped deep into it, his body gaining the instant golden aura that accompanied the Light, his weariness washed away as he charged at the wicked mage, his twin swords humming with energy as he lunged at Kel'thuzad.
He was surprised when suddenly Kel'thuzad flicked his hands, more shards of ice slamming into Tavin's blades, and despite his renewed strength, they were wrenched from his hands, leaving him seemingly defenseless, but he only brought his glowing hands up, meeting another volley of ice from the mage with a golden barrier of holy magic, reflecting the shards with ease, rebounding them back at their caster, whose eyes widened as his own weapons tore into him, taking him aback slightly.
"You cannot prevail against the Light!!" Tavin roared, his hands drawing back, his left hand launching forward, an arc of golden light hammering into Kel'thuzad's side, an accompanying crack of bones following, causing the Lich King's Majordomo to grimace in discomfort, his eyes however glowing brighter, in obvious anger.
"Foolish boy!" he yelled, his hand whipping around, sending more ice in Tavin's direction.
Tavin brought his other palm up, smiting the ice right down the middle, but soon realizing the Lich's true plan, as the ice easily split down the middle, shattering into many other tiny shards, slamming into Tavin's torso, pinning him against the opposite wall, the shards caught in the chainmail undershirt he wore, trapping him in place.
He growled and yanked his hands loose, trying to do the same with his body but groaned as he realized it wouldn't work.
He saw Kel'thuzad beginning to cast another spell, and so he quickly brought his hands up again, extending his own magic further, pulling it into a golden barrier, enshrouding him, buying him some time as the magic Kel'thuzad tossed it only bounced off, but each attack weakened the temporary barrier further.
Tavin moved quickly, unbuckling the straps and clamps that held his arm and chest armor together, the heavy plates clattering to the ground as he moved to remove them, knowing he couldn't free them from the ice, as it was already lodged in and frozen further behind him.
He watched in dismay as his barrier finally fell with a final hammering spell from Kel'thuzad, leaving him open.
Frantically he slipped out of his chainmail shirt, ducking and rolling to the right just as the area where he just was exploded in fragments as a solid slab of ice slammed into it, an angry Kel'thuzad the cause of it.
Tavin stumbled to his feet, now bare from the waist up, the engravings and tatoo's vivid on his back, glowing bright with the Light.
He roared and the Light flooded back into him, now stronger and more focused, Tavin bended the light into the shape of a hammer, hurling it at Kel'thuzad with a warrior's cry ringing from his throat, all his power and muster put into the attack.
Tavin watched as the hammer was brought down on Kel'thuzad, smiting his midsection with such tremendous force that the Lich was crushed, literally, his form driven into the ground, crumpled as his entire chest now lay in shards and fragments inside his robe, his face in shambles, his eyes gazing out at them.
He gasped in dismay, as if the possibility of pain could even grip him, his jaw hanging off ever so slightly, but he still spoke.
"You cannot win..." he croaked, echoing Rivendare's own words only a while before, hoarfrost coating his face as his own magic began eating back away at him.
Tavin's shoulders heaved as he walked to the mage, his eyes turned from the usual stunning blue, into a molten gold, a holy aura lingered over him, spread in webs along his body, the etchings and seals on his back glowing bright, runes appearing across the surface of his skin.
"The Light will prevail" Tavin whispered, his voice deeply transformed.
He brought his palm up slowly, the runes on that arm glowing as a final flash of magic ended the Lich, leaving him now unrecognizable beneath the cracked bones, shattering panes, and disfigured eyes.
Ice behind Tavin splintered as the Lich's magic died, allowing the others, who were frozen, to be freed, their eyes full of disbelief as the watched the light slowly fade away from Tavin, leaving behind his normal self, the glow having disappeared from the seals on his back and the molten gold dissipating from his eyes, leaving the sharp boyish blue.
Halford, Aydeline, and the others moved to thank Tavin.. but suddenly a vicious screeching sound reached their ears, and Tavin was jerked to the side as something completely moved the room.. or the entire stronghold itself.
His fear was realized as Afrasastrasz's voice suddenly burst into his mind, Tavin! he yelled. Naxxramas is falling apart, Without Kel'thuzad controlling it anymore its going to crumble in on itself! You have to leave!
Ecstatic, Tavin wheeled around, having regained most of his sense, and shouted "Naxxramas is falling! We've got to get out of here!" he shouted to the others.
Halford spun around to the one mage who was with them, the elf already with his hands glowing as his prepared a spell to get them out of the crumbling necropolis. "Hurry to me!" he shouted, his hands glowing brighter with every word.
They rushed to him and suddenly a flash of blue illuminated Tavin's vision before he felt like something hooking under his arm, yanking him away from the Scourge's floating city, and only a second later did bright light burst into his vision as his feet hit a section of burned cobblestone, directly in front of Wintergarde keeps tavern.
However, it was not what littered the ground in front of the keep that caught Tavin's attention, but what was in the sky.
Hurtling at a break neck speed towards the ground, shards and fragments of it breaking away from it, was Naxxramas, which once hung over the Carrion Fields in front of Wintergarde, a thorn in the side of the 7th leigon.
Tavin watched in awe as the enormous necropolis struck the ground, a shock wave of dust, snow and stone exploding around it as it completely shattered, the whole structure gone for good, anyone or anything that was unlucky enough to have still been inside was now gone.
A ripple of cheer's exploded from the men of the 7th Legion and those defending the keep, their helmets dropping to the ground as tears of joy spilled from there eyes, smiles of relief on their faces, and there fists high in the air with victory.
"You almost forgot this.." a quiet voice suddenly said from Tavin side, causing Tavin to turn his head, to find Aydeline standing there, his bulky armor he had discarded in his fight with Kel'thuzad gathered in her arms.
Tavin hurriedly took them from her, smiling to her in thanks, before Halford's voice boomed beside him, forcing him to divert his attention from her. "Tavin! Remarkable back there!" He shouted, a tankard of victory ale, of course, already placed in his hand. He swung an arm around Tavin and Aydeline's shoulders and pushed them into the tavern, already filled with soldiers.
"Barkeep!" he illuminous and beaming Commander shouted. "Open your finest caskets! Tonight, is one of victory!" he yelled, earning an approving roar from the men as they celebrated their victory over the Scourge. Halford turned to Tavin and took his armor, stowing it behind the bar with a nod from the barkeep for him. "Tonight is a night of enjoyment, so enjoy yourselves.. Might I suggest the second floor" he said, with a raised eyebrow.
Before Tavin could question the High Commander, Halford disappeared into the crowd, having no qualms about joining in the festivity with his men, leaving Aydeline and Tavin to wander upstairs together, both somehow picking up each a round of ale along the way.
Once they reached the top of the stairs, Tavin then understood why Halford said what he said; Faux stood on the balcony overlooking the grounds.
Aydeline grabbed Tavin's arm, stopping him for a second. "I'll leave you to talk to him." she whispered. "Find me later if you can." she added although, Tavin nodding as he didn't fully understand why, but he would anyway.
"I will" he said.
"Before I go though.." she said, placing her mug of ale on a table, before pulling off the shirt she was wearing over her normal undershirt, handing it to Tavin, whom was still bare from waist up, from Naxxramas; he hadn't even remembered nor realized it.
He grinned wolfishly and pulled it on quickly, finding it to be very tight.. but never the less useful, nodding to her in thanks.
She nodded back, and with that,she flitted into the crowd herself, a smile jumping to her face as she joined in the festivity.
Tavin slowly walked out onto the balcony, the wooden floorboards alerting his presence, causing Faux to turn around, a weary, but joyous smile crossing his face as he recognized Tavin.
"My son." he said, eyes twinkling with happiness as he pulled his son into an embrace. "I cannot believe my eyes." he said "My own son, defeating the Scourge in Naxxramas!" he chuckled, "It's a good day indeed." he said.
Tavin nodded in agreement, "It is.. Father." he added.
Faux turned to him and grinned, before leaning back on the balcony, "So come, please tell me of everything, I want to know so much!" he said ecstatically; and so, Tavin him of it all, from his time working as a stable boy, including the numerous, if funny, tales of those days, leading up to his service within the military, including the battle of Light's Hope Chapel and Stratholme, turning the mood more serious as Faux listened with intent, his countenance always changing as he marveled at Tavin's extraordinary abilities in battle, especially of his bouts with Baron Rivendare, both of them.
At last, over an hour later, Tavin finished with the moments after there regretful separation in Naxxramas, telling of his final fight with the horsemen, and Kel'thuzad himself.
"Amazing.." Faux said, gazing at his son with wonder and pride. "I am glad to see what you have become..." he said with joy.
Tavin could only smile, "It seems I take after my father." he said, causing Faux to smile back, tears of joy springing to his eyes. "I'm proud to call you my son, Tavin.. if only I could have been there." he said, with a tint of regret.
But Tavin noticed this, and he shook his head, "Never worry about that father.. only that you are here now, and never again will you leave." he said, gazing at his father intimately.
Faux nodded in approval, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Tavin." someone suddenly said from inside, causing them to turn their heads, finding Halford standing there.
"Might I speak to you for a moment?" He asked.
Tavin glanced back at Faux, who nodded, "Go" he said.
Tavin nodded back and stood up, walking briskly over to Halford, a look of questioning on his face. "What is it?" he asked in a whisper, noting Halford's quiet manner, despite the roaring party downstairs.
He beckoned for Tavin to follow him to the third floor, beginning to talk once they were out of earshot, "A scout just reported in, he was stationed in the mountains north of us, he only returned because a sentry bird found him, telling him of the raid on Naxxramas.. but he returned with interesting news." he motioned for them to sit down at a dusty wooden table.
Tavin took his seat and leaned forward, interested. "The scout had been watching the Scarlet camp that lay north of us, not so much a threat, but still we watch it, I never did trust them." Halford said, "The scout was forced to move from his observation "perch" because of a flurry of snow that patched the area.. but when he returned, he found a gruesome sight..." he said, carrying off, a dark shadow tinting his eyes.
"What happened?" Tavin asked. Halford turned his gaze back to Tavin, "Everyone in the camp was slaughtered, blood everywhere, and not a single living being in sight.. even the guard dog's were cut to ribbons." he said darkly. "We suspect the work of the Scourge."
"But who could take on the whole encampment like that?" Tavin asked erratically. "Surely not the Lich King.. I would think he has something better to do." he added.
Halford shook his head, "Aye.. but obviously someone with power.. leading me to suspect that the Lich King has a new pawn under his thumb."
Tavin was slightly taken aback by the news, but knew it could be plausible. He sat forward, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"I need someone I can trust Tavin, which is why I'm asking you." Halford said, "I need someone to go look into what happened... Just sweep around the camp grounds, find any trails if you can.. we need to find out who or what did that, and report it to our allies, especially Tirion; whoever did this is now a threat to all those opposing the Scourge." he said. "Just think, If they can wipe out that camp, imagine what they can do on a larger scale with more Scourge."
Tavin rubbed his temples, nodding although in agreement, "It's a bad thought indeed... when do you want me to leave?" he asked, hoping not tonight.
Halford seemingly read his mind, "Tomorrow sometime." he said. "Tell no one of this though" he mentioned.
Tavin nodded, "Aye, I know." he said.
Halford nodded back, "Thank you Tavin, come to me tomorrow then.. I'll help send you off, if discreetly need be." He said.
Tavin nodded and stood up, walking briskly back past Halford, and down back to the second floor, still finding Faux waiting patiently on the balcony, his feet resting on the rail, his eyes closed as he sat quietly.
"What happened?" Faux asked without opening his eyes as Tavin stepped back out on the balcony.
"Something came up." Tavin said.
"When do you leave?" Faux asked, sensing the tone of Tavin's voice.
Tavin grinned at Faux, "Nothing ever phases you does it?" he said, "Tomorrow" he answered.
Faux nodded silently, "When will you return?" He asked.
"Hopefully within a few days.. although I can't honestly say." Tavin answered.
Faux nodded and stood up, pulling Tavin into a hug, "I wish you the best then son, I will see you soon I hope, I certainley won't be going anywhere without you along with me." he said.
Tavin smiled and returned the hug, "Thank you, father." he said.
Faux nodded and clapped Tavin on the shoulder, "I'm going to take a long deserved sleep now... Thank the Light I can now sleep without fear of Scourge in the night." he said, winking to Tavin, and walking off to the third floor, whistling a merry tune to himself.
Tavin remembered then what he had said to Aydeline earlier, and decided to hold his word; He walked back down to the main level of the Tavern, not surprised to see many of the soldiers sleeping in odd places at odd angles, their mugs still held half empty in their hands, or others sat in corners with other fellow soldiers, nursing drinks and telling several stories, but otherwise keeping to themselves.
Tavin slipped up to the bar, the barkeep grinning slyly to him, glad to see the 7th legionaries actually enjoying themselves for once, as it was long overdue, as the keep was normally plagued by the constant threat o Naxrramas.. but obviously that threat was now gladly gone.
"If your lookin' for the lass you came in wit', she be on the secon' floor, in the room at tha' end." the dwarf said with his rough accent, reading Tavin's mind. "Oh an' by the way lad, take ya' armor." the dwarf mentioned, bending down and hauling Tavin's bulky armor over the counter.
Tavin took his armor and nodded in thanks, then turned back on heel, heading back up to the second floor, turning to the left, walking all the way down the hallway, stopping in front of the room at the very end.
He raised his hand slowly, and knocked softly on the door. A few moments passed before "Tavin?" a quiet voice asked from the other side of the door.
"Yes" Tavin replied just as quiet, shifting his bulky plates in his arms.
A latch clicked on the other side of the door, and it opened slowly, allowing Tavin to enter.
He glanced around the room, simple and candle lit, a single bed on the opposite wall with a table, desk, and sparse bookcase the only other decorations in the room.
Tavin carefully put his armor down in the corner, and the door then closed shut behind him, drawing his attention back to it.
Standing with her hand on the latch was Aydeline, dressed only in a beautiful nightgown.
"Why did Halford want to see you?" she asked quietly, breaking the silence, and drawing Tavin's attention back up to her face; she saw the questioning look on his face, "I saw you two upstairs when I was coming back here." she explained.
Tavin nodded, "Something came up." he explained.
"Involved, are you?" she asked.
Tavin nodded silently.
"When do you leave?" she asked.
"Tomorrow." he said heavily.
Her heart panged, a lump forming in her throat as she realized, once again, her time with Tavin, would be cut short.
She nodded silently and latched the door closed, her hand dropping slightly.
Tavin saw this and stepped closer, "Aydeline... whats wrong?" he asked, seeing the nervous expression on her face, along with her heavy breathing.
She shook her head, "It.." but she couldn't finish her sentence.. so instead, she kissed him.
Authors Note:
Considerably I loved this chapter, Especially the fight with KT and how the "beast" comes out in Tavin, haha.
Some might also notice I moved this up to M rating, and for some just causes, one being the next chapter. So if your not a fan of that, then gladly just wait until I get chapter sixteen up, because if you choose not to read 15, then you wont miss anything, so just fair warning.
Thanks!
Tavin.