Chapter Thirteen

Calling Card

I thought it would be a month – it was not even a week after leaving Lothering before Vanessa called me telling me Inas was going into the Maw.

I bit my lip before cursing, "Aedan – I leave you in charge for the moment; I have to help them. I'm worried… I know you all can do this; and I will be back as soon as possible. Just remember, save the mages that you can and do not allow Cullen to persuade Greagoir that all the mages are possessed or I will skin you alive."

Sten blinked, "Why him?"

"He has experience – my next choice was Alistair due to reasons above your pay-grade. You will follow and if you have any grievances, you will wait for me to return to settle the matter or I will skin you alive. Do I make myself clear?"

"As water," he nodded. I didn't point out that water could be murky too…

I shoved a purple crystal into Alistairs' hand, "Hold this well for me – it will allow me to find you no matter where you go so that I may teleport to you."

He nodded hesitantly, "You will come back right?"

"I swear it by Elunes' Grace and Cenarius' Horns – I will return to you." A shimmering light enveloped us. Aedan said drily, "What was that?"

"My vow – if I break it, Elune will punish me. I have to go – tower first; and if I haven't returned by then, you go to Redcliffe next."

Aedan nodded, "As you say, commander."

I teleported to Icecrown Citadel just in time – the ritual had begun. I didn't hear anything from the Azerothian leaders as I leapt into the black pit that surrounded Inas Stormrage.

I landed on one knee beside Inas. He cursed, "Iris, what the fuck are you doing here?"

"No sign of Tyrande, right? Rally the Ebon Blade – we will talk once we are in a safer location. Darion, it is… good to see you again," I coughed.

He snorted, "I am glad you made it through the rift – this mission could not succeed without…"

"Inas – it can't succeed without Inas. Let's go – the Mawsworn are making quick work of some of the younger knights."

Darion nodded, "You are correct…"

"Your father – we will find him too when the time is right; he's a baron in one of the afterlives." I whispered as we moved toward the melee. Darion hesitated before nodding, "Thank you for telling me. I know I was… unkind before…"

"I get it; I really get it – but less talk, more action." I shifted into a Halla – I had discovered something about this unique form… the sight of the golden pelt rallied the fighting spirit in all those I considered Allies – and at the moment, that was needed more than me rushing in and killing things.

Inas looked at me during a lull in fighting, "Why are you here, Iris? You said you were…"

I shifted back, "Vanessa called me – and I wasn't doing anything important yet. I was 6 days away from the tower I needed to get to in Ferelden. I… I need to make sure Anduin is okay – he is their main target; they want to make him into their biggest weapon, Inas… you know what he's capable of when he believes in the cause. If he turns, then we are fucked."

Darion sounded horrified, "Then why did they take the others?"

"They don't know that Anduin is the one they want yet – they'll know during the escape when Anduin goes head-to-head with the Jailor using the Light. He's able to hold the Jailor back long enough for Inas to escape – I want to make sure he doesn't stay here. Sylvanas knows Anduin would return for the others – and she'll tell the Jailor that. The thing is… the Banshee doesn't really have a choice in this matter, okay? She's a foul bitch, don't get me wrong – but… she truly believes this is the way to make things better. She's never once had a choice in what happened to her – ever."

"You are… advocating for her?" Inas asked stonily. I bit my lip, "I… I only ask that you don't kill her on sight – question her before you decide her fate."

"That might be hard with mom after her – you know she came through; you asked about her! Mom won't stop after what happened to Teldrassil."

I sighed, "Your mother needs help – the power of the Night Warrior will kill her if we don't help her. When we get to Ardenweald, you will need to find a specific former Night Warrior to help you help her… or she will die."

Inas looked pained, "I… I understand. I still can't promise about the Banshee, though."

"I only ask that you try – I understand if it isn't possible; just promise to try and I will come when I can to help you whenever you ask."

He nodded, "Fine – I will try. By Elune and Azeroth, I will attempt to keep her alive for questioning rather than killing her on sight – but if she will not yield, then I will have to kill her."

"That is all that I ask."

"We need to find signs of the others," Darion said and I snorted, "That is easy; look – there is a frozen corpse – the work of Lady Jaina."

"The conflict moves in this direction – we should hurry before the trail turns… cold…" he actually seemed embarrassed by the pun as Inas chuckled. We shifted and I allowed Darion to climb onto my back while I was a large stag – Inas was a Cheetah at the moment.

We passed the second clue – a polymorphed enemy – and a large creature still smoldering before reaching Jaina and Thrall.

Jaina inclined her head to me as she aided Thrall in standing – I could see the suspect on Thralls' face as he glanced at Jaina. Thrall was over eight feet tall with a warriors' physique and a lot of fur in his armor. His green skin was nicely contrasted by his black hair and lower tusks. He sported a beard and an axe.

Inas jumped to heal Thrall who – in turn – looked to me, "Iris – do you need…"

"Er… not really – I have a group of like… 6 people who keep trying to get me to make them Familiars. Unless I'm here for too long, I don't need blood at all."

Jaina and Darion coughed; Jaina asked, "What – what do you mean, blood?"

I bared my fangs at her – my eyes flashing red, "I'm a Vampire Nightlord – similar to a Venthyr which is one of the Afterlives here in the Shadowlands. I drink a bit of blood each month to survive – just a mouthful; the bare minimum. Thrall is one of my donors – as is his wife, Aggra, Genn Greymane, and a few other people."

Thrall nodded, "You do look well fed."

"I've had a few mouthfuls in the past two weeks – proving what I am and all that. We can't linger here – the Mawsworn are on the way as we speak. We can talk more when we're safe and have rescued Anduin."

It was then that the Mawsworn Kyrian came rushing from the sky – I cursed as I caught sight of their leader circling over-head. Tariesh was completely shrouded in shadows. It was then that an evil – but effective – idea popped into my head.

I shouted, "Tariesh – oh Tariesh! Come play with me!" I knew the laugh that bubbled from my throat sounded completely deranged.

Inas snapped to look at me with worry in his eyes. All the Mawsworn that had landed around us froze and turned to watch the exchange – and the Ebon Blade followed suit.

Tariesh landed – he was 9 feet tall with blackened wings dripping in shadows. His armor was black and grey – also dripping in shadows. He wielded a spear like item.

He spoke, "Who are you, Mortal, that you know my name?"

I don't know what happened exactly – but I felt myself begin to get taller until I was closer to 35 feet in height; my hair shimmered and turned into the white-grey color of the Venthyr, my skin faded into grey stone, and my nails lengthened into claws. I looked down on this annoyance and said, "You dare to wear shadows around me? That is adorable – but I take offence at your blatant disrespect to an Eternal One."

Tariesh froze as he looked up at me, "N-not possible… the Jailer…"

I reached out a hand and clenched my fist – killing each of the Mawsworn around us instantly. I blinked and I was back to normal with a raging headache. I looked at Thrall, "I… I think I need that blood now…"

The Green Orc rushed to catch me as my knees failed and I collapsed. Inas shifted to bear form and Thrall pushed me onto Inas' back saying, "Jaina – take us to the Cave; the least we can do for Iris at the moment is get her fed."

Jaina nodded weakly, "I think you're right – we might have had loses if she hadn't stepped in; this way, Inas."

Darion spoke, "Bolvar always calls you that, Lady Silverlight – an Eternal One – but he never said what it meant past the fact that the Ebon Blade should heed you like an Empress or a Goddess."

I coughed – frowning when a bit of my blood came up – and said, "Yeah – that's pretty much exactly what an Eternal One is; they each look after a zone of the Afterlife. Kyrestia the Firstborn looks over the Kyrian of Bastian, the Primus looks after the Maldraxxus denizens, the Winter Queen Looks after the Night Fae and nature spirits in Ardenweald and Sire Denathrius looks over the Venthyr of Revendreth. There are more – but I only know of those four and the Arbiter of the Eternal City, Oribos. The Arbiter judges where a soul will go after death; the Kyrian are for those who dedicated their lives to service like Uther Lightbringer did – they ferry the souls of the dead to be judged. The Maldraxxi defend the Shadowlands and is a home for martial souls like Draka or Lady Vashj. Ardenweald is a place for druids and spirits of nature like Ysera or panthers. And Revendreth is a place of atonement for prideful or zealous souls – like Kael'thas Sunstrider. It isn't pretty and it isn't meant to be."

"Then… you're supposed to look after an afterlife?"

I shuddered at Inas' voice, "I suppose I must have been – but I was somehow born mortal three times over – four times now. I keep skipping the afterlife because I'm already dead in a way – that's my theory ever sense Bolvar…" my head split in pain and I choked up more blood.

We were in the cave now and Thrall moved to grab me, "Come – there's an alcove over there; I can donate…"

Darion saluted, "All due respect Thrall, you're weak from torture… allow me to donate to her Ladyship."

I groaned, "I don't care who does it – I'm dying at the moment."

Inas shoved Darion and me into the corner and asked Jaina to place a shield saying, "We'll explain in a moment – just… sound and sight need to be blocked."

She did so and Darion extended his now un-gloved wrist. I croaked, "I need… permission if… I'm going to… take blood…"

"I… grant you permission to take my blood?" he sounded confused. I bit into his wrist and he gasped, falling sideways against the wall as I took three mouthfuls – I had used too much energy in the transformation.

When we stumbled back over, the Death Knight looked flushed and had already cleaned himself. I collapsed against Inas, "Remind me to never do that unless it happens to be an emergency – or if I take a familiar so I can drink regularly… it almost killed me."

Inas pulled me into a protective hug and looked at Jaina, "She's too weak to tell us much at the moment – can you tell us more about the Maw?"

My eyes fluttered closed as the blood began to work through my system – healing my internal injuries and strengthening me. Jaina nodded and began to speak, "Very well... where to begin? Denizens call this realm 'the Maw.' From what I have gathered, it was intended as a prison for the most foul, irredeemable souls that ever existed."

Thrall nodded and said, "Something has changed. Pure, noble souls are being held captive here as well. They cry out in torment."

Jaina sighed, "Indeed. And one of their tormentors – and ours – is Sylvanas Windrunner. It seems she has made a powerful ally. The shades whisper of someone called... the Jailer. The Jailer rules this realm. We know little about him, but it's clear he has taken a special interest in us. He has personally overseen our... treatment here."

"We have endured countless torments. At times, it felt as if we were being tested. Though for what purpose, I cannot say." Thrall sighed in pain.

"Whatever this Jailer and the Banshee are planning, it won't end well... for any of us." Jaina shook her head. Inas spoke, "They plan to turn someone into a more twisted Arthas, Jaina – Iris told us this. The one they really want is Anduin – they just don't know that yet."

Jaina looked pained at the mention of her former love, "I caught glimpses of Baine and Anduin during my attempts to break free. They live... that's all I know for certain. But I have found no means of leaving the Maw. I can only manage to teleport short distances. This nightmare feels... inescapable."

Darion must have recovered from his… glow – he spoke, "Countless souls are now pouring into this realm. But some have been here for untold ages. Perhaps one of them knows a way out."

"I can scarcely imagine the horrors such spirits have endured. I fear there's nothing left of them to save. They manifest as malevolent shades that wander the darkness. I doubt they'd willingly help us."

"Knights of the Ebon Blade have ways to compel the dead to speak. If we seize one of these shades, we can extract its secrets. Inas – you and I will go find something to… speak to. Leave her ladyship to recover with the Lord Admiral and Thrall."

Inas nodded, "We can do that…"

"No – I… I know our way… out already… we need… to save Anduin." I coughed out.

"Darion look after her – we will collect the King. Jaina, do you know where Anduin is?" Inas asked.

"The Tremaculum," I groaned… before passing out.

When I next woke up, it was with the feeling of warmth wrapping around me and a bright light. Anduins' voice spoke, "Fae, did you really jump into an inescapable realm of death… for me?"

I slit my eye open when the light faded, "No – I did it because it sounded fun to have sex in an inescapable realm of death when I heard Baine was here."

Jaina coughed a laugh, "Must you turn everything into a joke, Lady Silverlight?"

"Stormlight – Atarah Stormlight now… and yes; I must… though if Andy is down, I could use a nice tumble," I shrugged. Nightlord Vampires could feed on sex just as much as blood – though it was different. Sex merely sustained my energy if I was tired, not my life force.

Anduin groaned, "Don't tease – I'll say yes."

I sat up with help, "Who said I was joking? Answer me something Andy – how long have you been in the Maw?"

"… We were taken 3 months I think – why?" Anduin looked genuinely confused.

"Wrong – it has only been almost two weeks in Azeroth and Thedas since the four of you were taken." But that gave me a timeline on how time moved in the Maw; 1 day was a week in the Maw.

Jaina, Thrall and Anduin all cursed. Jaina sighed, "We can't do anything until 'morning' at the moment – we can talk more as we go to rescue Baine in the Cauldron tomorrow."

"Yeah – I agree; Anduin… I was serious. This is possibly your one chance to lie with me if you actually want that. I met two mates in Thedas – one of them already shows no interest in me though and the other… is about to be tortured by mages, so…"

He flinched, "You've met… mates? I… I understand. I'd like to take you up on the offer – being here has made me realize a lot about myself and I've had a lot of time to reflect on what I would do when I saw you again. I truly wanted you to marry me, F-Atarah."

"Tara – though if we do this, you can call me Iris; lovers and family – everyone knows that."

Inas grumbled, "I don't need to hear this – look, Anduin… I don't care if you're my king or not; hurt her like Kayn did and I will kill you."

"Kayn… Kayn Sunfury?" Jaina asked in confusion.

"My ex-husband," I said lightly. I didn't expect Anduin to look so pissed, "Ex-husband? When were you even married to him?"

"10,000 years ago. We got a divorce when he came out of the prison and heard I'd moved on. We had twenty years of crime fighting together before he was… imprisoned. I thought he was dead – our bond snapped… look, it wasn't entirely his fault. The story I knew showed him surviving that; I should have checked visions – but the bond is only supposed to snap with death so I thought…"

"… I'm gonna kill him," Anduin said lightly. Jaina looked amused and Thrall coughed, "Er… Anduin – if she was upset about it… wouldn't he already be dead?"

Inas grumbled, "I already tried – Iris stopped me and threatened to turn me into a throw rug."

I chuckled, "Anyway – I'll set up a tent…"

"Do you need more blood?" Inas asked. Anduin – knowing about this feature but not having ever donated – said, "I was under the impression she'd had blood…?"

"She was on the verge of death Anduin. I don't know the protocol for that," Thrall responded.

I coughed, "I… I do need more blood. I only took enough to restore me to regular health – but if we get into a fight where that happens again, I don't have enough to sustain me for more than a few seconds."

"So you need blood to prevent you from killing yourself if you go into that state again – what was that, anyway?" Jaina asked.

"The state of an Eternal One – but since that is supposed to be my natural state; I don't know why it was killing me to be in it. I'll need to ask the attendants in Oribos – the Fatescribe might know."

"Why do you need blood anyway – I've heard of a few people like that but… no one knew where they came from," Jaina frowned.

I flushed, "They came from me – I was the first on Azeroth to be a true vampire. I was in my last life and something… you know my reincarnation story; the councils for both factions all know it… I was 20 when it reawakened. It makes me sick to know I need blood to live when I'm a druid. I'm a Vampire Nightlord – all other Vampires or Venthyr will feel a need to bow to me. Blood is food to Vampires; my unique mix of curses and blessings makes it so that I don't die if I don't get blood; I just go into a state of constant pain. Sex is also a type of food for me – but it uh… it simply sustains my energy; like sleep or real food would. I can only take blood if I have permission though – you can look into my memories if you want to see what happens when I take by force… my new crew really wanted to feel safer around the leech so I proved a point just over a week ago."

She frowned when Inas shouted, "They made you do that? Damn it Iris – are you okay?"

Anduin spoke, "Jaina – show us what she went through please?"

Jaina hesitated but placed a hand on my head while I recalled the memory. I could tell when the scenes flashed through the heads of all major figures present; horror and pain and rage on each face told me that.

Anduin took a shuddered breath, "And you knew that it would happen?"

"To be fair… I didn't recall it being quite so painful…" I muttered.

Inas growled, "That Alistair boy – the one that wanted to see… I'm going to kill him."

A snarl ripped from my throat – freezing all of my friends and making all Knights of the Ebon Blade slide to knee in deference. Inas groaned, "I mean… I'm going to welcome him to the family with open arms?"

I narrowed my eyes, "He is mine; touch him, and I kill you – brother or not. You have to understand – I didn't tell him that I would be in pain, I didn't tell him I would pass out, and I sure as fuck didn't tell him that he's my mate. Not to mention that he was trained as one of the Templars – the order that makes sure mages don't fall to demonic possession or blood magic. Both of those things are real problems there – Blood Mages are put to death as are Abominations; those possessed by demons. As such, most Templars grow a distasteful view of mages; Alistair isn't one of the Templars that hates mages, but he was raised to be suspicious of magic. I knew he would be the one ask me to prove myself."

Anduin coughed, "Not to mention that Alistair is the Prince, Inas – killing him could bring repercussions such as… oh I don't know… war? I am looking at the possibility of allying with this new world – there are humans, elves and dwarves there; all of those races are already in the Alliance so they wouldn't feel too left out…"

I sighed, "You won't really be able to ally with the whole of Thedas – Orlais looks down on Ferelden, Tevinter used to rule the world until they fucked over everyone, the Qunari want to rule everyone, and I stand with Ferelden the most; they are the most under-developed country, but… my mate will be their king. The Elves are also a race of former slaves that used to be the only population the world 7,000 plus years ago. Humans came and subjugated them… most elves won't trust humans and the Elves don't have a nation to all their own anymore. The Dales in Orlais was once theirs – but… well… maybe I'll get you a book on all things Thedas at some point. If you want to approach the Elves, send Father – he's the best choice; Ferelden would love to make an alliance with you… the Dwarves might be willing if you promise them aid in reclaiming some of their lost lands."

"Elves were… I spoke to a loremaster for a clan of Dalish Elves – Elves that wander the land with no real home… nomads, like the Vulpera. I'll tell you all about them once we leave the Maw. Come on, we should all get some sleep… Iris, just keep the noise level restrained please?" Inas pleaded.

I shrugged, "I can put up a sound barrier with no issue. Anduin… can you help me to the tent?"

He instantly just… picked me up! It always amazed me just how strong the priest was – I always forgot that he was also a Warrior as a 'side-class'.

We got into the tent and I set the sound Barrier. He flushed, "I… I admit that I've dreamed of being with you; though… in my dreams it was always on our wedding night. I have wanted you for years…"

"Well – it was never going to happen that early – even if you weren't king and I would have allowed you to court me it would have only been this year; now that you're 18 and all…" I smiled softly at him.

"I know that – you were always an advocate for the laws about consent to be moved to 18 rather than 16; that law was passed after N'Zoth was defeated by the way."

"If I'd really had my way, laws of consent would have been 19 – but I knew better than to push things too much. I do like you Anduin Wrynn – and Elune knows that if things were just a bit different, I might have been quite happy as your wife. Andy…" I sighed, "This would have been easier if you were my mate – I would never have held back from you as I do now; because damn what anyone thinks of me, mates are sacred. Or if you hadn't formed a crush on me…"

"It isn't as simple as a crush, Tara; I found my fathers' journal – the way he writes of my mother is the way I feel for you. And I've reflected on that the whole time I've been here – a good call having the Ethereals make me a Void-Storage earring; Sylvanas took the useless ring I wore thinking it was… I admit, I never would have pierced my ears if you hadn't off-handedly mentioned thinking it was… well…"

Yeah – I had played him like a fiddle. I mentioned piercings were sexy back when he was 16 – while I was talking to Genn. Genn knew what I was doing since I had informed him that Anduin would one day be captured and to play along… damn, Genn played along like a piano to accompany that fiddle.

I smirked, "So… what you're trying to say is…?"

"I'm in love with you; I have been since I was 16 – dad knew it too. He knew it wasn't just a crush – that appears to be his reason for encouraging us rather than breaking us apart. I love you – and I don't want to marry anyone that isn't you. So, if this is my only chance to show you that, then I'll take it – and if I still can't marry you, then… I may simply adopt an heir later on – or I can name Liam Greymane; he's only in his mid-20s."

I shrugged, "I… damn it… this isn't how your life was supposed to go."

"You once told me that half of what you know is from a timeline where you don't even exist – is it any wonder that things changed? You are everything I strive to be, Tara – you work for peace and save the innocents in every battle. You only join those battles to minimize death and destructions. You safeguard both the Alliance and the Horde – Jaina wasn't nearly as destructive as she could have been after Sylvanas left my father to die on the Broken Shore; because you told us why – Vol'jin was dying… Genn would have pulled the Alliance sooner if my father had been injured that way too. And let's not forget your words to release Princess Talanji and that prophet to prevent the city from burning when Nathanos and Thalyssra and Rokhan… you are the only Queen I want by my side, Tara; no other."

My heart pounded in my chest – I suddenly wanted very badly to be a normal woman again so that I could accept his proposal. I wanted to go back to being who I used to be – for him. Life was quite unfair, wasn't it? I had two mates I would likely never get to keep and one man that wanted me but I couldn't accept.

My chest tightened and I reached up to caress his cheek, "Talk like that… will get you very far with me, Anduin. You don't know how badly I wish I could say yes to you at this moment… I want to – so badly. But your people hate me and fear me; and feelings like that don't just go away; especially when those feelings have been ingrained in them for centuries. I can't be your Queen – the neglect and pain of people hating me for so long… even if they changed their mind tomorrow, I couldn't…"

"Their minds were already changed – everyone knows you died saving Inas and that some higher force brought you back somehow… but I understand. When I am free of here, I will break the betrothal agreement… for now; let me show you how I love you."

I gasped when his lips met mine. When he pulled back he whispered, "I have wanted this for years – but I'm afraid I may not last long…"

My lip twitched; an honest man was a sexy man, "To be fair – I don't know that I will either. I may not be a virgin, but… I do like you Anduin – very much. I don't care how recently I had sex; men like you get me hotter than anything else can."

His eyes darkened and soon… neither of us spoke as Anduin proved himself a liar; not only did he last, he went several rounds.

The next 'morning', I was feeling so damn refreshed – until my heart sank as I realized something new about myself. I would need to analyze it before I spoke with anyone else about it – and I would need to get out of the Maw in order to analyze it.

Jaina kept sneaking looks at Anduin and me – and it was only then that I recalled that Anduin called her Aunt Jaina. I was leaning against the High King and passed him a plate of food that I had made – his favorite from Pandaria; Lotus Root Paste Buns.

"Where are we going now?" Inas asked.

"Baine is in the Cauldron and our destination is just past that. Anduin, when it comes time… I need you to trust me; it will seem like I'm doing something terrible but it has to happen or Sylvanas will… please know that this choice is going to haunt me."

Anduin inclined his head, "I do trust you, Iris – I will always trust you; you should know that after what was said last night."

I flushed lightly, "Would that I was but a normal woman…" I sighed.

Inas snorted, "Nope."

Anduin sighed, "You recall when I saw an alternate timeline with Chromie?"

I nodded hesitantly, "I do recall… why?"

"I never told anyone about the alternate you; Garrosh had gone 35 years into the past and killed my father at an inopportune time after a while – making me king much younger than I am now. But you, Iris… he had broken you somehow – I heard mention of two boys, but never caught their names. Your sons were imprisoned while he used you as his pet killer and… I was 16 – seeing that was… sickening. Your eyes were devoid of any emotion and your ear tips had been sliced off. Chromie was mortified – and chose to take us on two more little trips before we came back to the present reality. We saw your boys taken from you when they were born – and we saw a timeline where you didn't exist at all. In the latter… it wasn't any better. Chromie deduced that you had foreknowledge and made things turn out the way they were supposed to without as much death and despair – saving innocent lives. And since you didn't mess around with the timelines while you did it, she was really impressed with you. My point is that… you knew all of this ahead of time, and you didn't force your views or ideals on anyone. You only tried to make things a bit better without messing things up too badly."

I looked down, "I knew when Varian would die, and I knew how. I knew when Daelin Proudmore would die – and I knew how. I knew when Ysera would die – and I know how and when she will be reborn. Deaths I didn't – couldn't – prevent swirl around me like a painful haze."

"You knew when Varian would die…" Jaina looked upset.

I nodded, "Had he lived, Genn and all the others that lived that day… would have died to save him. Daelin would not be reasoned with – and would eventually have killed Thrall in cold blood. Ysera needed to be where she is now to save Tyrande from the fate of the Night Warrior – something that would have happened regardless when Sylvanas burned Teldrassil – another unpreventable disaster. The future is a mess of Ley Lines and Shadows – preventing the smallest thing can lead to catastrophe. I had to let Tess believe Liam was dead – or Tess wouldn't be the person she is now. I had to die – or Inas wouldn't be here now to help you as a Maw-walker. And even in my life as a Dragonborn from Nirn, I had to sacrifice friends to save so many lives – the good of the many. So – here I am, a killer… is it so hard to believe I'd like to be normal?"

Inas rubbed my shoulder, "I'm sorry…"

Darion spoke, "I regret how I treated you when I was merely a Knight of the Argent Dawn; I believed the rumors that you were marked by the Old Gods and…"

I almost froze solid, "That I what?" I asked darkly.

Inas coughed, "I investigated the reason people didn't like you… It turns out… there have been rumors since you were born that you were marked by the old gods, no specific god was named. When you were marked by Elune, those rumors tapered off for a time, but they came back when you had two magics due to the rarity of the situation. They tapered off again when it came to light that Cenarius had claimed you, only to jump again when you displayed your dragon magics. From there, every time you did something heroic – the Mogu, the disaster relief of Auberdine, Deathwing, and so on… was somehow attributed to your supposed old-god connection. The rumors have actually reversed now – no old-god or their champion would do what you did – die to save a light-champion who was facing an old-god… you're not hated anymore."

I took a deep breath, "Day late – dollar short. Let's go save Baine. We cannot leave these innocent souls alone to their fate. Darion – I want the Ebon Blade to remain on guard here. We won't find Tyrande – not yet anyway – but there is a way back into the Maw from Oribos. In and out – Inas will be making frequent trips here to collect noble souls and taking them to different afterlives."

Darion saluted me and my little band of people – Jaina, Anduin, Thrall, Inas and me – all headed out; toward the bridge that would be an ambush by Helya – the sorceress would not be happy to see me… I helped beat her after all.