I know it took forever but I really do have a legitimate excuse this time: AP exams, graduation, Vet camp in Grenada...no time. But there will definitely be faster updates now because I now have nothing to do. Thank you for sticking with me despite the long waits, I really do appreciate it.

Also, for some reason it won't upload my whole chapter so I tried splitting it up and it uploaded even less of it. I'll try to have the rest of this chapter up later today or tomorrow.

Disclaimer: Don't own it (War Craft).


"We have to make it back sooner."

"We can not leave the caravan; we signed a contract stating that we would stay with it from its departure to its arrival back in Thal Morian"

"Come on Carya, what's more important at this point. A caravan or an orc that could tell you something that may possibly be of use in the upcoming war?" Ream hissed.

Of course the answer was the orc was more important, "I know what you are thinking but I have a strong sense of duty and if I commit to something I will not back down from it."

The young man sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair in frustration, "Listen Carya…what will it matter in a few days? There's a war coming…when the undead attack no one is going to remember that we left the caravan guard a day before arrival."

She shook her head, "But I will know."

"Look…we leave a day early and the orc lives and you find out some information that could help us. We stay with the caravan and the orc dies and a few days later we're all dead."

Blunt but for the most part it was all the truth. However, she still could not simply leave. Not when she had agreed with Illyath to stay with the caravan the whole way. Though the road seemed safe enough they never knew when another attack might occur. She wanted to be there if one did.

Then again she could not let the orc die. It knew things, things that it should not and that could provide great help in the upcoming battle. The boy was right. It was more important to save the orc then to accompany a caravan already well protected.

"Scouts."

"What?" Carya looked around but even her elf eyes could not spot anything how had the human?

"No…we could request to be sent out with the scouts…then we could ah…you know…go a bit farther ahead then expected."

Luckily Carya had experience with scouting and the master of the caravan was quite willing to let them go. Without feeling too guilty she spurred her horse on, Ream was a little behind her and he struggled to keep up. She pressed on testing him, wanting to make sure that he had the stamina for what was required of a warrior. If the boy truly wanted to prove himself in a real battle, she wanted to make sure that he was prepared first.

He had done surprisingly well in the skirmish that they had encountered. Much better than she had anticipated. Truth be told she had not had much faith in the boy. He was certainly not a natural when it came to weaponry. He seemed awkward with both a bow and a sword. Whether it was because he was not confident enough or because he was simply inadequate he did not seem comfortable, however he had somehow managed to get through all right. She had to respect him for that.

Surprisingly it took them less than a full day before they saw the outline of the city. Sighing audibly at the peaceful scene Carya slowed her horse, Ream following her lead. It would have been decidedly unwise for them to have gone racing towards the gate, not only would it cause undue attention she had a feeling it would have warranted the archers taking aim at them.

The guards let them in without so much as a word, nodding to the night elf. Thankful for the respect she bowed as low as was possible on a horse. For once she had not received the looks that people were so apt to give her. It saddened her to know that when things were finally beginning to look up for her, when she was finally beginning to feel as if she had a home, everything would come crashing down within days. Or hours depending on whether or not they were successful.

Silently praying to her goddess she dismounted, knowing the horse would dutifully find its way back she looped the reins of Ream's horse through hers and let them go. "We must go on foot, we would stand out to much if we rode in on horses."

He nodded, she knew what she was doing and he would follow whatever directions she gave with no complaint. If he had to walk then he would walk.

"Come," she turned down a side street ignoring the beggars as they passed. That was one thing that she would never be used to. The idea that people would be reduced to such poverty that they seemed almost sub-human in a way. That people spit on their own kind rather than helping them. Had she any gold on her she would have given them some but at the moment she carried nothing. Nothing but her clothes and her weapons, that was all she needed.

The streets were still fairly busy despite the dark that was beginning to envelope them, making it easier to slip through all but unnoticed. Carefully she assessed the situation and grabbing Ream's arm dragged him quickly around a corner. "Go to Illyath, tell him what is happening. Tell him to meet me at the inn. If he knows where Agraelith is then…never mind."

Her pretense was that she did not wish to bother him. In reality she did not want to face him. Leaving without speaking of their disagreement had caused the anger to fester within her and she had no doubt within him as well. "Just get Illyath, his help will be enough."

As the darkness deepened she found a deserted alley and closed her eyes, smiling slightly as she felt the familiar warmth and power wrap itself around her. The magic surged and spilled as if excited to be finally put to use. Walking unseen through the streets she found the inn and entered, carefully avoiding people. There in the corner, that was what she had been looking for.

"Tomorrow morning correct?"

"Yes, about time. I've hated having that thing around…doesn't do any one any good."

"I'm glad they finally chose to keep it somewhere safer, somewhere out of sight. Who wants to look at the scum?"

What? Where had they moved him to?

"Isolation will do him some good…things he's witty or something. Won't shut his blasted mouth."

Having heard enough she exited as quietly as she had arrived. Waiting on the steps she stood aside when anyone approached. Running into something solid when there was seemingly nothing there would be unsettling to say the least. She had a feeling that with the jumpy state of things there would be cries of witch or some other nonsense.

The moon had risen by the time Ream arrived with a very confused and ruffled looking Illyath in tow. For the first time since she had known him he seemed completely disheveled and almost scared.

Looking around to make sure no one besides them would see she allowed the moonlight to wash over her and the magic release its smooth grip. "Illyath?"

"Good to see you again Carya," he embraced her then pushed her back. "Now what exactly is going on? All I got out of him was something about the orc being sentenced to death?"

She nodded and motioned for them to follow her, "I'll explain on the way."

Ream stood his place looking decidedly uncomfortable, "I'll uh…I'll catch up with you."

For a moment she debated on whether or not he was going to turn them in but she trusted him, "All right. Meet us by the prison, we'll come to you."

The boy nodded and watched them as they began walking away; occasionally Carya glanced back worriedly at him. Once hey had turned the corner and were out of sight he ran into the inn. Finding the nearest man who resembled a soldier he tapped him on the back. The man turned slightly irritated but his look softened when he saw the boy's franticness.

"Need something boy?"

"Agraelith, do you know a man named Agraelith?"

The man nodded, " 'Course I do, you looking for him?"

Ream nodded praying that he wouldn't take to long to reach. "Yes, it's rather important."

"As far as I know he should be at the barracks. Just follow the road—" Ream was gone before the man could finish. He knew the town well enough and it was a long way to run.

Skidding into the plain wooden door he took a step back rubbing his shoulder, panting. Knocking hurriedly he waited, fidgeting he rocked from one foot to the other, turning occasionally to look over his shoulder.

He did not care that Carya had told him not to get Agraelith. He knew that she needed him and he knew that whatever had passed between them needed to be settled. He had a feeling that it was petty whatever it was. Knocking again he ran a hand through his hair. He hoped that Carya and Illyath would wait for him.

They would try to manage it themselves if he did not arrive soon. While he had no doubt of what she and Illyath were capable of he had a feeling of foreboding. There was something more to what was happening and he had a sinking feeling that Agraelith would be needed. He could not be late. He could not.

Finally the door opened and a grimy guard stepped out, "What d'you want boy?"

"Please sir, I must speak with Agraelith. I was told that he may be here."

"You heard right, just a moment…"

A moment turned into a few minutes which turned into more. Nearly sobbing Ream considered leaving without him. Thankfully Agraelith's large frame soon filled the doorway. It took all the restraint the boy had to hug the man. "Hurry," he took off in a run and was relieved to hear Agraelith following.

"What is it? Ream? Is it Carya?" he easily matched Ream's stride.

"They've gone to free the orc," he choked for breath but continued, "Carya and Illyath. She heard they're putting it to death."

Cursing under his breath Agraelith picked up the pace. They had to get there fast. Half the town's militia was guarding the damn thing. He knew that Carya could handle it; he knew that Illyath could get them through, but he also knew that there was no way they would be able to get out.

Why had she not come to get him first? Did she think that he would not help her, just because he had been angry…

They made it to the prison but neither Carya and Illyath could be seen. "Where are they supposed to be?"

"Carya said they would meet me here."

Agraelith groaned the elf was the most headstrong person he had ever met. "We'll wait a bit longer."

They stood in silence. Both too rapped up in their own thoughts to talk. Neither Carya nor Illyath appeared and Agraelith cursed again, this time out loud. Ream looked surprised at the knight's outburst.

"Come on boy, we're going."

As silently as they could manage it they approached the prison.

"Are you sure we shouldn't have waited?" Illayth glanced at his companion. She shook her head and put a finger to her lips. Signaling to him she slipped into the darkness.

As casually as he could Illyath approached the door and knocked on it, when it opened he leaned against the doorjamb causing the guard to move over slightly so he was directly in front of him.

"Yes?"

"Good evening my dear sir, I was wondering if you ah…mistakenly picked up one of my men?"

The guard narrowed his eyes, "And you are?"

"Illyath…I erm…you know," he winked at the guard.

"Oh, the one who hires out the mercenaries?"

Wincing Illyath shook his head, "I wouldn't quite put it that way, but back to business…any chance you might've taken in one of my boys?"

The guard shrugged, "C'mon in, not sure but I can always check."

Illyath could not help but grin as the door clicked shut behind him. He was doing what he was best at.

Carya looked around trying to figure out which passage would lead to the isolated cells. Picking one she went down it, turning back when she heard the shouts of a rowdy bunch of men. Not that way.

Picking another she followed it but it only led to the break room. How many halls were there? Finally she chose one that led down a set of stairs. As the air became colder and stilled her senses sharpened. There was noise at the bottom but it was faint. There was a group of people but she had a feeling that she was going the right direction. She hoped Illyath would be ready.

Agraelith led Ream around the back, he had a feeling that Illyath had managed to waltz right in the front door. He had the annoying habit of being able to pull those sort of stunts off, Agraelith however was not lucky. That was what back entrances were for.

Knowing that there would be guards on the inside he silenced Ream and stood to the side as he rapped softly on the door. As soon as it swung open he hit the guard with a gauntleted fist while a surprised Ream took out the second.

"Good job," Agraelith mouthed and flicked his finger for the younger man to follow.

The torch light was dim and they had an easy enough time slipping past the various guards. It was a matter of where to go next. He had heard that the orc had been moved to isolation, that would be a good place to start.


Sorry it ended there, I promise there's more...it's already written, it just needs to be uploaded.