In this chapter, I discuss some history that I'm actually pretty clueless about. Yes, the Prestor/Defias connection is total speculation on the part of the characters, but the history of Theramore... is that correct? Someone please correct me if this is wrong.

I was feeling only slightly steadier on my feet when we climbed on a boat in Menethil Harbor almost 2 hours later.

"What's in Theramore?" Vrand asked curiously as we climbed up onto the upper deck to look around.

"It's an alliance outpost just off the coast of Dustwallow Marsh," Brecki explained. "Mostly humans, and ruled by Jaina Proudmore."

"So, they are a different… what, kingdom? Than the area around Stormwind?"

"Politically," I agreed. "I think they're what's left of the kingdom that was destroyed by the burning legion? Or was it the horde? I know very little about the history of Azeroth," I admitted.

"Burning Legion," Tori agreed. "And yes, Lady Proudmore is the ruler of Theramore just as Andruin Wrynn is the ruler of Stormwind."

Which brought us back to our original problem. There was a moment of silence, then Vrand asked, "So… why are we going there?"

We all looked to Brecki. The paladin leaned back against the mast and stared out to sea. I raised an eyebrow at her. Finally, Brecki shrugged. "I believe that's where the last clue to King Varian's whereabouts lies."

I tilted my head. "The Missing Diplomat?"

Brecki nodded in my direction. "Maybe Lady Proudmore has discovered something from that traitor?"

Vrand shook her head. "Okay, fill the little druid in here. What traitor? What missing diplomat?"

When Brecki didn't answer, I did. "The Missing Diplomat quest starts in Stormwind. A diplomat disappeared on their way to meet with Lady Proudmore. It's very hush hush and it has something to do with a Defias plot."

Tori snorts, "Don't they all."

I nodded. "I would not be at all surprised to discover that even the Syndicate up in Alterac have ties to the Defias – all evil plots lead to the Defias thieves, it seems." Then I continued my explanation for Vrand's benefit. "Anyway, you track the plot to a traitor stationed at a sentry post outside of Theramore. You defeat him, Lady Proudmore comes and arrests him and promises to investigate the situation. But if the traitor knows where the Defias have hidden the diplomat, he hasn't yet fessed up."

"And the diplomat is…?" Vrand asked, fascinated, "the king? You're serious?"

Tori nodded, "That's why the whole quest is hush hush. Can't let anyone know that the King is gone, after all."

"Hmm..." I tilted my head. "Do you think Lady Prestor is involved with the kidnapping?"

Vrand grinned, "Is she involved with the Defias?"

I laughed, "That is the question, isn't it?"

"She'd never stoop to those levels," Brecki commented.

"Not even if she had something to gain?" I prompted. "I'm not saying she is a part of the organization, but don't you think she would... manipulate the Defias into deciding to kidnap the king if it would help put forward her own plans?"

Brecki pursed her lips. She didn't have an answer for that. Suddenly uneasy, I turned to stare out at the wetlands harbor as it grew distant on the horizon and our ship headed out to sea.