HELLOOOO READERRRS!
Okay, not pulling a Clap-Trap on intros again any time soon XP gave a bad taste in my mouth. And made my fingers cringe.
Anyways, I'd figure that I would get a head-start on the next chapter while I was still in the zone about it :D yay more words! *confetti*
Chapter Seven: Something Funny Happened On The Way To Andorhal – Prt II
Jaina for one was sputtering somewhat at how casual her friend was behaving in a potential hostage situation, especially with the person holding a knife to his throat. She was about to plow a hole into their chest cavity when Eidolon was having a bit of a conversation with, apparently, her. Seeing that the 'attacker' was a High Elf, she figured that this was one of the members of the company their healers came from, but if that was the case then why the sudden hostility? "Um, excuse me, but… who are you?"
Sylvanas, now recalling the other person in their little spot in the woods, had the decency to blush at how…. Compromising their current position was, and proceeded to get off and help him back onto his own two feet. Brushing off the grass and slight dirt, the warlock covered introductions. "Jaina, this is Sylvanas Windrunner, Ranger-General of Silvermoon's armies and my only friend outside of Dalaran, second only to you actually. Syl, this is Jaina Proudmoore, special agent of the Kirin Tor, upcoming master of any and all things ice-related, and my very first friend." Hearing that he felt the need to openly say he was their friend, onto of the compliments, was a nice feeling to their hearts, until it clicked in that he had all but said that they were his only friends. That almost ruined the mood for them until their determination returned, that they would either get him more friends or always try and be there for him, in any way they could.
"Alright then, Syl, I take it that since you're here, that you were the ones who sent us the priests?" Getting a nod from the Ranger, Eidolon continued. "They're fine at the moment; taking care of the footmen and a cultist we captured to get more information from. We found a place for your company to set up a base and gather resources. Our plan is to hit Andoral, now playing host to a very hostile force, as it is the source of the plague. They have necromancers and very unique undead units, along with a former Arch-Mage leading them. I really don't want to go in there blind without reliable help, and I know for a fact that you train your Rangers well, so I was hoping you could give us a hand on this one?"
Sylvanas was relieved to see that her friend was alright, as she hadn't heard of him heading out of Dalaran; she had sent a letter to The Six to request the assistance of their warlock (in code of course for the off-chance that their letters were being intercepted), only to hear that due to complications (code for possible compromise) he was sent out until answers could be found and the leaks dealt with. So without hesitation she sent her team out in small groups, ordered to ensure the safety of civilians and assist military personnel. In the off-chance that they found the warlock, they were to signal her when they had a safe area and all teams were to gather.
From there, well she was sure that, with the two of them put together along with her Rangers, they would be able to end the plague before it killed anyone else. Probably be hailed as a hero to her people and request that Dalaran give him up so that her people would have a great protector under her wing. They would fall in love and-
Wait hold on, where was that last bit going?
Shaking her head to scatter whatever those squishy thoughts were coming from, 'We're in enemy territory, keep those thoughts down until AFTER we're not risking our lives.' Looking around herself, she noticed that they were approaching the gold mines that Eidolon and Jaina were nice enough to secure for her forces. "You have my thanks, as well as that of Quel'Thalas once more. We will be honored to join you in battle." Taking out a small contraption that looked like a handheld pistol with a wide barrel, she aimed it at the sky and fired it off sending white smoke in contract to the darkening atmosphere.
Looking to the confused face of Jaina and a…. odd feeling from Eidolon, she decided to elaborate on the contraption. "Oh, sorry. That was something that was recently in development from Gnomregan before all communication with the kingdom was lost. They called it a 'flare gun' that could send a signal to scattered allies. That was to call the rest of the team, so they should be arriving through the night. Let's start setting up camp for now and we'll decide our next move when we have more people. And YOU" Gloved hand pointed at the warlock, "have some explaining to do about this 'security compromise' that's got you all the way out here."
It would be later in the night that, after camp was set up and a fire made to keep the cold at bay, the Ranger-General was filled in with the information of the plague's current capabilities, the cultists behind it and their leader Kel'Thuzad, the demon Kalcifer as his first Summon, but what had her worried the most was the raving madman that was going on about the world ending and, to her horror, the possibility that this man knew about Eidolon being a warlock. "I… am also worried about this man you spoke of. While it may sound like he has gone mad from this 'end of the world' talk, that cannot be the entire story to him if he knew, or suspected, about Eidolon's capabilities. Not wanting to belittle you my friend, but I can't help but worry for you. I should have been there when you had that run-in with that Abomination…" Shaking his head, the warlock looked to the worrying Sylvanas and smiled. "Then that would have been one more person I would have had to worry about. At least now, with just us and the oncoming reinforcements, I know we can beat anything that comes our way as long as we stick together."
Again, both women were warmed by his ability to acknowledge their strength, as they knew that most men wouldn't even entertain the thought of a woman besting them in combat. "So then, aside from our side of this whole problem, how have you and your rangers been fairing from this?" Sylvanas' smile faltered before she spoke. "Remember the last letter I sent you about getting Silvermoon to let me deal with the plague? We only discovered this when one of my rangers fell ill from having a simple breakfast, using the grain he had imported from Andorhal. We thought that he wasn't feeling well and let him take the day off… then it happened. He went berserk and ended up killing two more before I gave the order to put him out of his misery. Whoever or whatever is causing this, they killed three of my rangers, and every man and woman under my command wants the heads of those involved for this… cowardice."
Jaina was feeling sorry for the people who died because of this, and Eidolon felt his blood boil; he found the people of Quel'Thalas to be secluded when it came to those they could trust, but to have their loyalty like he did left a place for them in his heart. To hear that people as honorable as them to have one of their own killed in such a cowardly way… "Sylvanas, I swear that those rangers will not have died for nothing. They are good people that do not deserve such a fate like that." Sylvanas was shocked at the declaration, but the look in his said it all; in a way, they were the same when it came to their desire to protect those they cared for, regardless of race or profession. But Eidolon, he was a fighter who could break the boundaries between swordplay and spell-weaving, and perhaps one day unite all the kingdoms like they did during the First and Second War, maybe even succeed them.
"Thank you, my friend. It is good to hear that some people still care about others, even if they are kingdoms away. Now then, go ahead and get some rest, the both of you. Tomorrow, we have a base to oversee and to make contact with Arthas. Hopefully with the backing of his warriors and my archers, we can find the source and either contain or destroy this plague, once and for all." With their conversations on hold for now, Jaina settled in her tent to get some needed sleep for the chaos that would come tomorrow, as well as possibly dealing with a changed crown prince. Eidolon on the other hand stayed out for a bit longer before heading to turn in. "Syl… it's good to see you again. Goodnight."
When the warlock was out of sight, the high elf sighed before looking into the starry night sky. 'Eidolon's grown up over the years. He's become so much stronger and… he looked good too.' She never did tell them that she had found them some time before they made contact, watching him skewer the local murlocks with nothing more than a blade and that Immolate spell she saw years ago, but these days it was much stronger than the first time he 'displayed' it to her. That little moment would stay with her to the grave, or risk having someone spread word that she had gone soft. Then again, her rangers already knew of this and always spoke highly of the young man when they got the chance to watch the many shades of red go by her face. It always got morale up when they saw that she was vulnerable to young love as everyone else.
_The next morning…_
Our young hero awoke to the muffled sounds of clamors and loud voices coming from outside. Wondering if Syl's reinforcements had arrived, he got himself dressed and took a step out…
To find a base in full operation and even a number of priests and archers trained and prepared for full combat. With Sylvanas at the head of them all giving out the plan of attack.
"…and I want this to be made perfectly clear; As much as it is against tradition for the treatment of our recently departed, I want you to destroy the corpses of any fallen comrades, or risk the necromancers defiling the remains by turning them against us. I will also have the warlock Eidolon serve as my advisor and second in command until a time that I may say otherwise. If anyone has any problems with this, step forward now and speak your mind." It was silence that greeted the now grinning Windrunner, whom had found the now awake warlock. "Alright ladies, let's great up and be ready to move in 5 minutes. DISMISSED!"
With a salute and unified shout of 'ma'am', they returned to the barracks for last minute preparations, offering a good morning to the newly-minted commander, whom by the way was still shell-shocked about the bit where he was a leader. It wasn't until Jaina came up to him and poked his arm with her staff, making him jump a little from the contact. "Okay, okay. I'm up. Slept well Jaina?" The mage held a guilty look on her face, the slight black skin under her eyes clear indication that she couldn't sleep well. "What's wrong Jaina? You know you can talk to me…" Sighing, she finally opened up to her friend, looking more fragile. "It's about Arthas. I'm afraid of how badly he will react to having outside support, but this whole operation has become far more complicated than anyone expected."
A hand met her shoulder, making her turn to see the smiling face of her friend. "Come on, you gotta try and think positive. What's the worst he can do?"
No one had any idea how badly those words would come to bite them in the future. But that's for another time.
"Alright, we're ready to move, and everyone here at the base has their orders to continue harvesting resources and directing reinforcements where needed. Let's meet up with Arthas and see what the plan is." On Sylvanas' order, Eidolon and Jaina, along with the Ranger-General and two teams of archers and priests, began their march through the wilderness. Their destination; the base operated by Arthas Menethil on the outskirts of Andorhal. Mission; destroy the plague if at all possible and eliminate all threats, but the former archmage/turned super-necromancer Kel'Thuzad would be left exclusively to the warlock and mage and, if needed, Arthas and Sylvanas running damage control to ensure that no one died… or at least made sure that they wouldn't be raised as the undead. Whichever came first.
They hoped that it would end with the necromancer's head on a pike and leave it at that.
_Later, Human Alliance base: Outskirts of Andorhal_
Unfortunately, another complication decided to rear its ugly head back.
"Absolutely not." "What right do you have to deny him entry to this meeting? He is my second in command, Arthas, and therefore is required to consult to me any advice and/or complication with the plan of attack." "What experience does he have leading people into battle?" "Who made you the deciding factor on who does and doesn't have experience being a leader?!"
Arthas Menethil, earlier that day, had been worried about if Jaina was alright, only to hear from a scout that a sizeable force of high elves were at the base's flank and offering their assistance with this scourge problem. However, the second he saw who was with the ranger forces, he just knew that this would end badly and was now all but banishing Eidolon from the War Room. Something that neither Jaina nor Sylvanas took kindly too, and only the Ranger-General had the gall to call him out on it. Since then, neither of them looked like they were getting anywhere until Jaina flashed a fireball between them to make it all stop. "ENOUGH! The enemy forces won't sit aside and wait for us to finish bickering and may continue to grow by the hour unless we can put all of this aside and focus on what matters. That plague is not going to kill itself, so both of you shut up and get inside!"
Needless to say they complied with the scary sorceress and everyone, including Eidolon to the prince's dismay due to Jaina making a last second grab for the warlock and dragging him along, went inside the war room to commence planning.
"Alright, so scout reports suggest that there is a base just outside of the only entrance to Andorhal on our side of the area. I would have suggested the nearby bridge but, due to the scouting mission Jaina and…. Eidolon underwent, it's out of commission and only leaves us with a frontal assault. Now, the plan is a simple push formation; footmen locking up to keep any undead from getting past them, while the riflemen and archers shoot them all down, with the priests maintaining the footmen's survival and mortar teams in the rear to take down the structures. Any input on the matter, Jaina?"
She overlooked the board, then amongst those present. As it was his idea, Arthas didn't look any different on the matter so she focused on the other two occupants of the room; Sylvanas was looking around the possible area of the attack, but Eidolon… was looking in the wooded area? It seemed that his focus on mostly around the woods near where the large structure- a Halls of the Dead the interrogated cultist was nice enough to tell them about- was stationed along with several structures used to train and/or construct their undead army. "Eidolon, what's got your attention over there?"
Noticing that he now had the attention of everyone there, he pointed out some of the structures, one looking like a graveyard. "Well, recall that our cultist friend in his prison cell had information on some of their forces, one of which is more necromancers. One of the structures we'll be running into is designated as a graveyard, where it can become the ultimate form of defense with just a few of these necromancers whom can continuously spawn more and more skeletons. As I'm sure that our current force is formidable, they won't have to even so much as lift a finger as we'll be stuck fighting a near-endless horde of undead. And that will be well before we can get the mortar teams in range of any buildings to shoot at. But, the forest does surround the base a good way on the left….. How about we initiate Pincer 42, Sylvanas?"
She looked to him in slight confusion before she recalled all the times they came up with unusual methods and had a codename of sorts set up for each one to remember them by. Recalling the details, she looked over the map once more before smiling. "Alright, I see where you're going with this. But I would advise we give them a small team in case the skeletons end up growing a brain." He smiled before noticing the confused looks from the other two humans before elaborating. "Pincer 42 was a formation Sylvanas and I ended up conjuring during my stay at Silvermoon; it's basically having a large force act as the diversion as a 2nd smaller team sabotage and/or destroy the enemy base, mostly from a farther off range or behind the perfect defensive formation. The priority here will be their Halls of the Dead and their acolytes, as they can just summon a structure from further in and causing more problems in the future. After that, the team can retrace back near the front lines and take down both necromancers and that graveyard. All in two sweeps, then we can clear out and take over the area to fortify a defensive line in front of the entrance. I'll personally oversee the strike team and make sure no complications occur. Any objections?"
Arthas, as much as he wanted to argue against it, knew that it was a solid plan; he and the men holding the front while a team sneaks around and blows the base into oblivion. Jaina was fully in favor of the plan, as it was better than tiring themselves out over a bunch of skeletons that kept on coming up two feet in front of them. "I think we have our plan then. However I suggest you get your pathways set up first before we begin our attack." "Understood. I'll have the men ready to go within the hour."
"Then we have our plan. Sound the call captain, within the hour we march." With a nod from the officer, everyone broke off to make their preparations, well Arthas did while Sylvanas and Jaina approached Eidolon whom was overlooking the map once more. "Alright Ei, you only gave Pincer a 40 while the two was to signal that you had another plan. So what's on your mind?" Eidolon grinned, glad that Sylvanas was still brushing up on their codes as he turned to the table. "Kalcifer had informed me the last time I summoned him that he had several spells that belong to a category of Warlock abilities called Destruction. Apparently, Rain of Fire and Immolate are the first of those spell types, and there is yet more to learn from it. But also, he said that he and I could form a Soul Link, where the both of us would act in unison while still being able to move independently. I want to keep the plan going, but I will be the strike team."
Jaina was looking worried at the fact that her friend was literally declaring that he would go solo on a mission this dangerous, but she knew that the best way to learn something new was to put it to practice. "Alright, I also approve of the plan. But, if you get yourself hurt or killed…. You are in huge trouble." The glare from the Sorceress unnerved the Warlock, making him sweat while he laughed weakly. "Yes ma'am. Understood."
There we are, another chapter. I wanted to again apologize for taking so long on making these posts, but I supposed it is to be expected from here on out until otherwise.
Alright. I'll be sure to get to work on the next chapter soon. Until then, hang in there guys. I've seen how many people were interested in the story (breaking 1000 views last I saw so I'm really happy people want to read this XD) and once again I am honored that you guys are interested and keep coming back for more! So I hope to meet that expectation of myself and my work, and I'll see you guys soon.
Sincerely,
Ninetails927
