Here it is, the next chapter. Got some bad news though, was halfway through my next chapter when I lost it. For some damn reason I saved this over it, an unedited version mind you and it was lost, my autorecovery files are useless and any backups I have are gone. Pisses me off to no end when that happens, I fucking am pissed.
But, no use in crying over spilled milk.
Anyway this is the chapter for you all, and I would like to thank Halphas Creed for Beta-ing the chapter for me.
Transcendence
Chapter 67: Didn't see that Coming
Ethel Rethor
Despite the small population that made up the city, standing at only seven hundred, Ethel Rethor was oddly bursting with people. Many roamed the wide opened streets, some going about their day and other reclining on benches in small gathering beneath marquees that sat between buildings.
The atmosphere was light and calm, in spite of the smell of damp and still rotting ocean matter that refused to be removed from the marble. But in spite of this there was little tension in the air, a sense of relief seemed to have descended onto the people. Be it the Draught that still affected their minds and made them more docile, or something more natural, none could definitively say.
For those that had only just recently deposed their corrupt leaders, and being replaced with those who have yet to prove themselves any better, they were optimistic. A rare thing to have, especially in times like this, to be so care free about their future and what it may bring.
'Yet I see a look of impending doom in their eyes as soon as I step into sight.' Shandris mused, noticing the eyes that moved towards the little group.
Just as she said, when they catch sight of the Sentinel-General they immediately reacted, fear being the chief among the emotions to dominate them. With lesser emotions of anxiety and nervousness assailing the more stout of heart, but it was all the same. They were afraid of her, of what she represented. Her arrival was the sign of the end, a final omen that would call for the end of their way of life and possibly their people along with it.
'Not the imposing and mighty Highborne I expected.' Shandris mused quietly, a little disappointing that they did not live up to her expectations.
She expected more anger and possibly defiance, it was there for the briefest of glances. But truly this is not what she thought to see, the ego and lorded superiority she had often come to associate with her arcane addicted kin. It was an image she recalled from ten thousand years ago, or perhaps that was just time and a more youthful view of a world she had long since stopped caring for.
"Sinking in yet?" Ichigo asked, he was walking beside her and keeping his gaze straight ahead.
"I notice that the people are worried, that is understandable. I have an army just outside their gates." Shandris replied, her words level and waiting for whatever he had to say.
Ichigo had said he was going to convince her to spare the city, but he had no plan. She was honestly curious to see if he could pull it off, to create an argument from nothing and convince her to not march in here and occupy the city.
While she doubted that much could convince her, for she knew the Highborne and their greed well and the cost it invoked, she had a feeling Ichigo would do it. He had the way about him, he had already done it with her Second-in-Command, with Jaina and surprisingly members of the Horde. Baine Bloodhoof, an individual that he has never met, seems to hold the boy in high regard and even respect him.
How Ichigo could gain the respect of those around him and earn their trust, especially in times of turmoil surprised her. Even with her actions in denouncing Morgosh's attempts to say Ichigo was some dangerous monster under the hold of the Alliance, promoting Sierra's claims of him being a saviour to herself and many others. She had helped promote Ichigo's image and made his image greater within the ranks of the Horde, but never did she expect such trust from the Tauren.
The High Shaman, Mairne, seemed convinced to trust in Ichigo and he seemed to do little to convince the son of his Chieftain to trust in his decision, and Ichigo.
Such trust towards a stranger, but could she say she was any different? Shandris felt she could trust him, for when she heard of his descent in Maraudon to face Theradras she thought he would win. No matter the obstacle and doubts that were voiced by others, deep down she had this feeling he would succeed.
If she could trust him to save the world, she shouldn't doubt he could change her mind. He has already done it with so many others before.
"Yeah, they're afraid." Ichigo said, giving a shrug as he moved forward at a faster pace.
Shandris raised an eyebrow at his behaviour, it would seem that he is not completely in the real world. As if he is retreating into his own mind to think on something, she had a feeling that it did not pertain to the safety of these Highborne. She would need to look into that later, perhaps ask Adelina or Caren of his condition.
"I think what he is trying to say is that the people are not inclined towards causing trouble, they are happy and content and don't wish for any more conflict." Mordent spoke up, only a few short paces behind the Sentinel-General.
But Shandris wasn't worried about the people, it was his Order and the Guard that were of concern – along with the claws the Voice of the People had in them. She agreed with Ichigo that the people were not to blame for their leaders actions, but those that serve them took much of her scrutiny. For their actions have been the cause of these catastrophes.
The Shen'dralar organised many of the cataclysmic events to unfold in the Desolace, with the Guard put towards aiding them. But their actions were guided by several, and two of them now led this small city and its people. While one lay in the hands of an individual that was trustworthy, to an extent, there were two elements still in power that she did not trust. Had it only been Mordent to survive she would have likely been more lenient.
But the past actions of Maluineth and Tylarwin have doused any chance of a truly peaceful resolution to this situation. But even then, she doubted that this situation will end peacefully.
"Look closer." Caren spoke up, her words soft and noticed by only a few.
Shandris' keen eyes roamed the people, while many focused and settled on her only, there were others. Those few that she noticed before their eyes turned towards her held different expressions, some were guarded – yet held a thinly veiled suspicion. It was not so hard to determine the direction of their contempt.
"They seem to hold you three in low regards." Shandris stated, not bothering to glance back at the three Highborne leaders.
It would seem that the people were close to dissent, from the brief looks that passed over their faces when regarding those behind her was useful to know. If the leadership was not trusted by the people they could easily be overthrown without much effort.
"Past mistakes of the Noble Council have darkened their views of us, something myself and my fellow leaders intend mend with time." Maluineth said, her words much more reserved than before.
Shandris suspected that she was attempting a more pragmatic approach now, her fanciful words and theatrics at the gates of the city were futile. But she continued to try and distance herself from the problem, like any good politician she knew not to be closely associated with those that were viewed poorly in the public eye.
Although, if she has become the voice of the people, in spite of her actions with the Noble Court that these people hated so. To take up a position in spite of suspicion is admirable and showed off an intelligent mind that in spite of hostilities can rise to power.
But the thing about politicians is that they try to remain transparent and not easily seen in the public eye, often having their motives and plans hidden from the people and letting them know only what empowers their position in office. That means that this animosity likely stems from a general distrust to their position rather than the person filling it.
"We shall see if you remain long enough to earn that trust." Shandris responded, she turned her gaze towards Ichigo. "Do you have any more fonts of wisdom to give?"
"Just look and see, and I think you will get the picture." Ichigo gave the halfhearted response.
She hoped that this would not be the negotiation tactic he would use for the Horde, they were clear on their intent on coming here. Where she and the Sentinels intended to arrest the Highborne leadership and then occupy the city, she did not intent to slaughter them all. But the Horde was the opposite, they were not going to leave anyone alive after they take Ethel Rethor.
Word had already reached her of a Warsong warband, along with a few bands of Tauren Braves, were moving for the city. Their intent was clear, they wanted revenge for the lives lost due the rampage of the Centaur and intended to have it paid with the blood of the Highborne.
The migration of the Centaur population from the region was devastating, thousands of the murderous beasts have escaped into the surrounding regions. Feralas and Stonetalon were the first stops, then the Barrens and Thousand Needles. The latter two were under heavy Horde control, specifically the Tauren people.
With such an influx of Centaur into the surrounding areas there would be massive fighting on the ground for territory and control. The Tauren Tribes that make Feralas and Thousand Needles their home would be displaced and possibly annihilated by the rampaging horde. Thousand would die, and those deaths were on the heads of the Highborne.
She did not believe that the Highborne could escape judgement here, even if Baine was convinced as she was that the people are likely innocent. He would still strike against the leaders who remain, seeing them as instigators and culprits. Not that she could truly blame him, she felt like doing the same right now.
But even if that failed, there would be another issue to come. One that would dispute the contested nature of this region, leading to conflict regardless if things are settled peacefully between all parties.
"I see only fear and suspicion, the first for myself and the latter to those three who walk a few paced behind." Shandris noted. "What else must I see?"
Ichigo didn't reply, instead he only glanced back at her before facing forward again. Shandris had half the mind to think that he was stalling, although considering their previous conversation before entering the city she might be right to suspect so.
It almost reminded her of when he was less able to form clear and coherent arguments, where they were so flimsy that they fell apart with a few well times words and rebuttals. She knew that Jaina often did this too him, their arguments ending with her taking victory with ease. Perhaps he had learned from her how to fight with words and actually argue his case without being outmanoeuvred.
Now it seems that he had reverted back to that time, when he couldn't truly form a legitimate argument to express his way. That wasn't true, it was as if he truly couldn't put forward the effort and thought to truly commit to it.
Ichigo had no idea how to convince her not to storm the city and take out the Highborne before they become a threat.
Right now he was stalling for time and trying to find the reason himself, he was at the end of his tether and her patience sadly was wearing thin.
While she did entertain there was a chance there was a possible reason for her not to act, and Ichigo would be able to put a spin on it and explain the importance of sparing these people. She couldn't wait for it to come or let things develop as they were now, roaming the city and taking in the sights? Generals do not go sightseeing, she needed the facts and all she has seen now are people.
'Perhaps that is all he wanted me to see, the people.' Shandris mused.
It was a bold effort, one that she was inclined towards accepting, but she could not risk the stability of Kalimdor for the sake of those who have caused more harm than good. Not with who was in charge of these people and the damage that could be caused again, besides her methods saw to it that these people would survive what occurs next.
"Ichigo." Shandris said, stopping in the street and making sure she had his attention. "I know you want to do right by these people, to make sure none of them get hurt. I can respect that, but I cannot scurry around this city and wait for you to build up an argument to why I should stand my army down."
Ichigo did not respond, only glancing down as scowling in thought.
"You have shown me, however, that these people deserve to be spared. That they shouldn't be held accountable on the actions of their leaders. But there has been no argument for sparing these three for their actions against us and the entirety of Kalimdor." Shandris said, turning and gesturing towards the three Highborne. "As you said yourself: a people cannot be compared to their leaders, yet these leaders of these people must answer for their crimes."
"I assume that an attack is imminent then?" Mordent replied.
"Yes, because whether I do so or not means nothing, this city will fall, be it to my hands or that of the Horde." Shandris replied, folding her hands behind her back and making her final ultimatum. "Surrender now, give yourselves up to me and you will be treated fairly and tried for your actions. Your people will be safe from harm, you have my word. Fail to do so and my army will take this city by force. Innocent people will die and that power you cling to will be ripped away in the end."
She did not feel right negotiating with these schemers, to put her word on the same equal scale of theirs seemed to taint it. But in a sense this was more to ease Ichigo's mind, something that seemed to be in many places at the moment. She truly did believe him, even though he presented no true argument in sparing the people and this city from being invaded.
Shandris trusted he knew what was right, in spite of his often brash attitude and habit of reckless stupidity, for he had grown. These last few days have been instrumental for the young Shinigami, he has shown a side to himself that she had never truly seen before. He has done what few others could, unite divided and distrustful forces together towards a common goal.
If he has any true power, and strength, it is his ability to unite those around him and guide them down the right path. Ichigo had done that, his actions created an army that held back the Breach. If he could do that, with only a few words and the trust of others he had scarcely earned, she felt obligated to trust in his reasons.
But where she held trust towards him, these three did not hold the any level of esteem in comparison.
"I will surrender myself over to you."
The proclamation came as a surprise, Shandris not expecting any of them to say such a thing. She had hoped for it, but it was hoping against hope that they would actually listen. Yet of the three it came from the most compliant of them, Mordent Evershade. He narrowed his gaze, they bore ahead and past her towards another.
"Ichigo, do you trust her words? That she will see to it my people are protected?" Mordent asked, looking to the Substitute.
"She will, and if not I will do it myself." Ichigo replied, his gaze hardening and for the first time seemed to hold that same determined fire it always did.
Mordent nodded towards his words, Shandris was honestly surprised at the trust the Highborne seemed to place in the young man. If he was willing to reciprocate that trust onto her, Ichigo in turn trusted her to honor the pact made here now. Ichigo again never ceases to amaze, making allies and earning the respect of those he meets. Even from the xenophobic and arrogant Highborne.
"Then I am yours to take." Mordent said. "I doubt that my fellow kin will follow suite, but I wish only for peace. Allow my affairs to be set in order, and give me time to convince these two, I will only ask for an hour. By then you will take me as your prisoner, regardless of proceedings."
Shandris did not think it would be possible. Not with how things were going now, but maybe this could lead somewhere. Mordent, while only allying with them out of necessity, had a deep patriotic obligation towards his people that could not be easily shaken. Doing so now only proved his dedication towards his people as a whole and his willingness to sacrifice all for their benefit.
"I accept, you have one hour. I will be at the gates awaiting you all, let us hope you can convince them." Shandris said, moving past the Archmage.
An hour of her time would be worth the wait if it resulted in a victory without bloodshed, too much death has already stained these lands. No need to add more to it, for the Desolace has always been a land of death. It was at home in the Desolace, she did not wish to entertain it further with more casualties.
Ichigo followed close behind her, she hoped to speak with him. He needed to know what is coming, the Horde will come for blood. Whatever sway and respect they had for him she hoped Ichigo could use, escalating conflict between the Tauren and Night Elves is best to be avoided.
Outskirts of Ethel Rethor
"Dere be a lot of elves mon, too many."
Mairne had to agree with the Shadow Hunter, the elves had brought their full might down onto the city. Yet there was no attack, instead the Sentinel-General seemed to be negotiating with the Highborne, that was not expected.
He peered out through the foliage and towards the vast open sands of the coast, hidden from sight and unnoticed by the elves. The small forest that was situated near the water's edge near the bridge leading to Ethel Rethor was strange, but it offered them cover to observe.
Mairne and his small band had arrives less than a day ago, coming to observe the city for any activity before Baine arrives with the army. In that time not much had transpired outside the walls, little was known what transpired within the city. It could not be breached without being seen, but with the arrival of the Sentinels it complicated things. Especially now that they were waiting outside the city and seemed to be hesitant to strike.
"Perhaps the Highborne have an advantage." Hamuul spoke up, giving possible reason for Shandris not to attack outright.
Although Mairne doubted that to be the case, even if the Highborne had any real offensive power it still would be nowhere near as mighty as the Obelisk of Elune. But he did receive word that amongst those who attended the little conference along the mile long bridge were the Sentinel General, the Leadership of the Highborne and Ichigo Kurosaki's party.
Perhaps negotiations were underway to solve this amicably, although he doubted that such a thing would be possible. The Highborne were the cause of much strife, and seemed unrepentant for their misdeeds. Even he was not above seeking revenge against them for their evil. The son of his Chieftain shared the sentiment and comes with an army from many tribes across the Tauren nation, for what the Sentinels would not do he would see it done himself.
"It appears that more blood shall be shed here." Mairne said.
"Blood for blood, it is the price for their dishonour. These Highborne have seen to it that many of our kin have perished, for their greed, for their arrogance. How many will die because of their evil? I will see to it that they suffer for their crimes as our people suffer now." Hamuul stated, his words deep and rumbling.
Mairne understood the Archdruids anger well, already he had received word from his own clan being in danger from the rampaging Centaur. But they were in Thousand Needles, far to the east, but the clan of the Archdruid was in Feralas and forced to content with the major bulk of the Centaur army. It was not going well for the tribes in those regions, it would only get worse as time goes on.
"Baine will be here soon, all we must do is wait for him and then we will proceed." Mairne stated, turning and moving off.
He did not wish to speak on this further, his own displeasure was beginning to boil over and he could not risk lashing out.
"What of the Sentinels?" Shadow Hunter Zaan asked.
Mairne knew that the Sentinels would not take kindly to an open attack and may move to halt them, the city was a major asset for the region. A port and naval staging point for the western part of Kalimdor, something the Horde did not possess. It would open up great military and trading resource for the Horde, allowing for opening of trade in the region and also easier access to Feralas. A region rich in resources that their orcish brethren would be eager to exploit.
The Sentinels would never allow them to possess it, for even if this was a war for vengeance there would be spoils taken from the battle. The city being the greatest, but first they must fight one another before either could claim the prize. It was an inevitability.
"We shall wait, Baine will make the decision, not us." Mairne responded.
Although he was hoping to avoid any further conflict here, their people have lost too much already – not counting those still fighting in Feralas and Thousand Needles. The Battle of the Breach has seen to the death of hundreds of their warriors and wounding of many more, they did not have the capacity to waste any of their warriors now.
But if called upon he would answer, for honour demanded that those responsible pay for their actions.
"Perhaps when he arrives you may give his council on his next course."
Mairne whirled, as did the rest of the party. Two dozen hardened warriors were on their feet or hooves and ready to engage, looking for the speaker. They found it, surprising to see a single human standing in the shadow of the trees. She stepped forward, her light blue cloak hiding her from head to toe, but even concealed Mairne recognised her.
"Codexia? What are you doing here?" Mairne inquired, surprised to see the Primalist stepping outside the safety of the city.
"Is it not obvious?" Codexia asked, a sly smile on her face.
The conspiratory smile did not bode well for the High Shaman, to see that grin only reminded him of what kind of individual she was. This woman had manipulated factions and organizations with little to no effort, playing with people's fears and insecurities to bend to her wishes. Having them do her dirty work so that she could advance her own ends.
That smile reminded him of what kind of person she had been, and likely still was. Even after all she has suffered through and the great humbling experience she has been dealt it seems that old habits were beginning to shine through.
"I have come to finish what I started, and broker a peace between the Alliance, Horde and Highborne."
Shen'dralar Headquarters
Mordent sighed, looking around his recently acquired chambers and saddened that he would have to leave them again. But at least this time he was leaving it on his own accord and placing it in the hands of one he trusted, even so he would miss it. He had only just gotten it back to the way it was, before Maluineth came in and either discarded or carted his things off somewhere.
She likely would not admit it but all of his personal items and oddities she likely had destroyed, personally or had them thrown into the ocean.
He never bothered to ask what she did with most of them, for there would be little point other than to rile himself up and start another argument. That was something he needed to avoid for the time being, as much of a struggle as that would be, he needed to negotiate with Maluineth and Tylarwin.
Already half the hour was gone, half the allotted time he gave himself to put his affairs in order and try to convince Maluineth and Tylarwin to come with him. That he knew would be impossible to accomplish, but he had to try and at least make them see the reason to come and capitulate.
"Master Evershade, are you certain this is a wise course of action?" Arcanist Delaris asked, she sounded concerned.
It was obvious, both from her expression and why.
"I must agree, surrendering yourself over to the Sentinels will do you no good, they will likely attack still to capture this city along with Lady Moonscribe and Lord Stormweaver." Javon said, sounding irritable as he pointed out the obvious.
"I know, but Ichigo still speaks with her, and I hope that we can come to a compromise." Mordent said.
While he never wished to entertain the idea perhaps it would be best for them to be allowed into the city, let the Sentinels in so that they can take over peacefully. Or remove Maluineth and Tylarwin from power so that they were forced down, the Sentinels occupy the city and no blood it shed.
Or at least as little as possible.
He had relayed this to Daros Moonlance and his Daughter. The former would be taking over the order when he departs, he was of upstanding character and Mordent knew he held no great ambitions to power and would be trusted to hold this position when he leaves. Also preventing Maluineth from attempting to influence the organization or regain power within. With recent breakdown in negotiations he couldn't risk her doing something drastic to save herself.
His daughter however, Karabrel, was different. She was a skilled mage and working her way up the ranks quite quickly, but she also had a real talent for public speaking and political sciences. Her mother was the same, and was a skilled diplomat and swayer, it had been her that had saved many lives in Eldre'thalas when Prince Tortheldrin had slain so many on the eve of Jelaros' betrayal.
Her daughter had inherited her mother's skill, Karabrel was just as skilled and he hoped that she would be able to sway Maluineth and Tylarwin. Already she was in talks with them at the Palace, putting words of comfort in her ear and to try and guide her down the right path.
His intent when the time came would be having her replace Maluineth when she either leaves or he is forced to have her removed. The latter would be something he hopefully would not have to do, her sudden demise might cause friction where it is not needed.
"The boy can do nothing, the Sentinel-General has all but made up her mind on the matter, there is nothing left to say. All we can do now is wait to be conquered." Javon said, scowling noticeably as he slowly began to lose his nerve.
"I would prefer the Sentinels over the Horde, those beasts would see us all murdered." Azj'Tordin said, stroking his long green beard – the only sign that he shared the same anxiety as his fellow mages. "Not that I can blame them, Maluineth set things in motion that led to our downfall."
"We all had a part to play, pointing fingers now will do us no good. If we are to survive we must be united as a people." Mordent said, he truly believed in that.
The only way that their people could survive was to throw away the divisions between the leaders, they must be the example the rest must follow. That in spite of past mistakes and actions they are willing to move towards a future where they put the whole of their race ahead of their own personal goals.
Maluineth and Tylarwin don't want to forsake themselves or their positions, they still clung to their power and were unwilling to forsake it. In spite of their claims of wanting to defend the people they were unwilling to sacrifice their own ego to do it. Maluineth should know that losing power does not mean you are powerless, but she was likely scared to return to that life again. A life where she was a dredge that was lower than the common citizen and spat upon for no other reason than to appease a mad prince – for any sympathy given to a daughter of a traitor would be met with harsh punishment.
Yet she did not see it that way, or perhaps she did and still clung to the position of power as her only lifeline to staying away from a life where others would look down at you as a mongrel. But unlike then, where she was blameless for the actions of her righteous father, she was clearly in the wrong.
Hence why he needed to take measures to make sure their own vanity did not endanger the people.
"But you cannot be united with Moonscribe and Stormweaver opposing you, they are your greatest obstacle and also danger to the people." Javon said.
"Do not worry, I have plans for that, I will not be caught off guard again." Mordent replied. "In either case I will see to it that with my capture I can speak with whatever government the Night Elves have. If I can speak with their leaders and convince them to accept our people back into the world than we may be able to free our people."
It was a plan that had little chance of success, but it was all he could hope for. All that mattered now was ensuring that the people were protected, and it seems that only having the Sentinels occupy the city would achieve that.
"You would negotiate with them?" Delaris inquired, seemingly unconvinced.
"If they have not attacked yet and are willing to still negotiate than it is possible that we can settle this with words. Although occupation will be the only way to go about this without life being lost, someone must control this city. We cannot." Mordent said.
As long as the Highborne are ruled by themselves they will be a danger in the eyes of anyone else, the only way to satisfy everyone is to give that power to another. Shandris is their best chance, for she has shown sympathy towards them and she has been influenced to see that they would all be spared.
But those now in power would never submit, that means he will need to resort to underhanded tactics to see to it that they do not interfere or endanger their people further. He was loathe to do this, but for the sake of their entire race he must ensure that all threats are removed, even those who he knew would likely be better than most in their positions.
"I go now, to the palace to speak with Maluineth and Tylarwin, wish me well. For if I fail once, than we shall be forced to spill blood." Mordent said, turning and moving for the doorway.
He had little time left. So the idea to run to the palace seemed appropriate, for he could not dawdle to those he knew time would be wasted upon. But the more time he wasted he hoped that it would give him the chance to finally convince them to do something that didn't benefit their own agendas.
Twenty minutes remained, not enough time. Definitely, not enough time.
Mordent entered the palace, having to use the back entrances for the elementals have sealed off the main entrance where their private chambers lie. Taking the stairs two at a time he rushed the hall, passing several on his way, ignoring their cries of alarm or their shouts of exasperation, and found the two he sought.
Within the chamber where the former Noble Court would plot and scheme, he was almost not surprised that both of them were here. But he noticed others, and too his dread he found that several were members of Maluineth's and Tylarwin's inner circle.
But Mordent found two individuals that he was happy to have present, giving Daros and Karabrel a nod of greeting as he stalked up towards the two. Both ceased their chattering and gave Mordent mixed looks, Maluineth appeared worried – a shocking thing to see on her face while he was in her presence – and Tylarwin seemed displeased.
"You fool, showing weakness to them and allowing yourself to be taken, have you lost what remains of your mind?" Tylarwin said, scowling as he ran a hand over his scalp.
"I do what is best for the people, you all should know that, we all know that we cannot fight against them nor can we make peace. This is our only choice, we must capitulate and negotiate for the betterment of our entire race." Mordent replied. "I give up everything for the chance to save my people, to give them a chance and a possible future where they may be free. Because this is the only path that leads to us living long enough to see it."
"So a cowards way out?" Tylarwin asked.
"You call sacrificing oneself for the majority of the people cowardice? I call it necessity, your own arrogance would see us all dead." Mordent responded with thinly veiled contempt. "Not once have either of you considered that you must forsake your positions and prestige to protect everyone, instead you cling to it desperately. As if it is the only important thing in the world, that the people you so vehemently claim to protect are only secondary to yourself."
That made them go quiet for a moment, good, it would make them think for a moment and actually consider. But he could not give them time to make an argument, he had to keep them from trying to defend their position and root themselves in their ignorance.
"It is thinking like that which has led us here, arrogant tyrants who could not see beyond themselves to realize that our actions hurt our own people." He would show them the error of their ways. "What good will our positions be when we are dead? When we are taken in chains by force? When our own people look at us with contempt because they know without a doubt we are as vain and egotistical as those that came before. As those we deposed so we could take power."
That had struck them hard, he had noticed how Maluineth had almost staggered when being compared to Mildreas. How her actions in taking power and the cold disregard for her own people's lives had made her realize just how evil she had been.
"Your father stood up to evil, he forsook the Shen'dralar and took all those with him to depose Tortheldrin. He gave up everything because he knew that should he fail that more than himself and those that followed him would die." Mordent said, making Maluineth look up at him.
Anger and shame crossed her face, the grief was more palpable than all others, but he knew she needed to hear this.
"I may have taken it up, taken his position when he left. But he sacrificed himself, his family name and all those that followed him for the benefit of his entire race. If you cannot see that, if you cannot for a moment realize that in order to do what is good for the people you must be willing to sacrifice everything to do it."
Both were silent at this, the words had struck them both and left them unable to form an appropriate response. Mordent felt some elation in knowing that he had open their eyes to their own vainglory and showed them that they must give up who they are now. But he kept his guard up, knowing that anything could happen and that they may not accept them – he shamefully expected it, in fact.
"But what would become of our people? What would we be forced to sacrifice in spite of our survival?" Maluineth asked.
Mordent wanted to sigh at this, it almost sounded as if this was a poor attempt at her to find a reason to back away. To give leverage to her argument that they should not bow to the Sentinels, that they should remain proud and defiant.
"What would we gain by resisting? At best we are chained and all we know and once held dear is made forbidden. We are prisoners forever, all we knew would be lost and destroyed. The worst? Death, our memory nothing more than what they would write in their lexicons as an end to a tyrannical race that were too proud and foolish." Mordent said, offhandedly discarding her words.
That slowed her down it seemed, defeat in her eyes. But even he could not condone that, to simply be battered down and left to capitulate to the demands of others. Instead he needed to give them hope that what they will do now will actually matter.
"But if we do this, we will cement our peoples safety and while they live and are unchained we can continue to go about our lives and ways. Restricted we may be, but we will not be made into criminals and monster, or slaughtered and remembers only in the stories of other races. We will live on, and Goddess willing be able to maintain our ways." Mordent said.
Again silence descended upon the chamber, none spoke for several minutes and the deadline was fast approaching. But then Maluineth ushered over one of her retainers, when he was close she muttered a few words into his ear and handed him her staff. He took it with a solemn look on his face, yet he did not speak up.
"Then let us go meet them." Maluineth said.
"You cannot be serious?" Tylarwin asked, seemingly shocked by Maluineth's words.
"This is the only way, they will not listen to us unless we prove ourselves the better. Maybe if we do this we can save what remains of our race, and our ways." Maluineth replied, giving a sigh and looking almost relieved.
"Let us depart, the hour is almost up and Shandris I do not wish to keep waiting." Mordent said, turning to leave.
"Tylarwin, come." Maluineth spoke up, her words were low but there was hardness in them.
Mordent knew that the Captain of the Guard would not abandon his post without a fight, but his own honour was his own worst enemy. To surrender was sacrilege, for only in death does one leave their post. Mordent would think him honourable, for his own brand of humility set him apart from others, but his vice was that honour was his own code and he did not show fear or cowardice.
To give up to the enemy, in spite of it for the benefit of the people, was such a thing in his eyes.
"Ylannul," Tylarwin said, turning to one of his soldiers. "You will have the guard, their safety will be your priority. Am I understood?"
"Yes My Lord." The soldier said, giving a bow as his eyes turned to steel.
Tylarwin nodded, before he turned towards Mordent and Maluineth, his steps were long in stride and assured. But Mordent knew that he felt ashamed of what he was about to do, he could accept it without a doubt but it was still a humiliation he personally could not overlook.
Mordent would need to keep an eye on him, if he rebelled he may be forced to take drastic actions to ensure the negotiations outside do not crumble.
As they reached the doorway however someone was there, standing straight and hands clasped behind his back. Mordent frowned when he saw the young mage, what was he doing here?
"Caelyb, what is it?" Maluineth inquired.
"I have been asked to escort you, a meeting is being held and all three of you have been asked to attend." Caelyb replied.
Mordent's frown deepened, this was highly irregular. What could Caelyb mean that there was a meeting that they were meant to attend? Who could call for one? Let alone order this young mage to actually be sent to collect them? Any who could order him now resided in this room, so that brought up the question?
"Who calls for this meeting?"
Mordent waited for a response, but Caelyb was not the one to answer.
"Me."
Ichigo frowned as he gazed down into the waters below, examining his own reflection and regarding the bloodshot eyes and weary expression that consumed his entire face. Even if the water's surface was a good eight feet below him there was no mistaking that kind of face. However, it wasn't like he needed to gaze into his reflection, he looked how he felt.
Tired and just not feeling up to solving the world's current problems… No like he wasn't trying. Trying to fight down the lethargy that seemed to have overtaken him and focus was impossible. Honestly calling it lethargy didn't seem right, it was as if something was weighing him down and keeping him from putting his mind towards the task at hand.
Ichigo didn't know what it was, but part of him felt like it was trapped somewhere else, that his mind was elsewhere. What that was he did not know, but whatever it was has drained him.
'The dreams… I wonder if that is what I am remembering… or trying to suppress.' Ichigo thought, his eyes never leaving the reflection in the water.
He didn't know if he was suffering from the effects of what happened in Maraudon, that his confrontation with that thing was the cause. But considering the timing and what happened afterwards he wouldn't be surprised if he was suffering from some form of trauma.
But the thought of him having some sort of PTSD aggravated him, it brought up memories of his time in the Nether and the stressful few weeks he had to cope with surviving there. He had been through literal hell then and now just because some son of a bitch messed with his head he was going to start crying over it? He shouldn't be regressing, he had survived that and overcome it.
Ichigo narrowed his eyes, unwilling to even believe that he was traumatized. He was fine, only needing some time to get his equilibrium back and then he would be in tip top shape again. Yup…
Yet when he gazed into the eyes of his reflection he was met with black eyes and yellow pupils, for a moment his reflection was his own and then it wasn't. His Inner Hollow now stood there, screaming up at him in a frantic manner.
Stumbling back, he covered his eyes, a sudden migraine seizing him and taking away whatever shock, he would have felt seeing that appear.
"Are you alright?"
Ichigo flinched at the hand on his shoulder, turning quickly and brushing it off. He took in a few breaths to calm himself, seeing only that it was Adelina. He didn't realize how heavy his heart was thumping in his chest, it was more aggravating than worrying.
"Yeah… just tired." Ichigo said, messaging his temple and taking in another breath.
"Perhaps you should rest." Shandris offered, standing only a few feet away and gazing out over the ocean.
Beside her was Iyeana and another elf, he believed her name was Sierras, and all of them seemed to be in discussions. The content of such things were beyond his concerns, at least he didn't think them important enough to know.
"No way." Ichigo replied, instantly shooting down the idea. "I want to stay, and see this through."
"I think we both know that things are not going to end any differently." Shandris stated factually, and Ichigo couldn't argue with her. "Even if by some chance Mordent convinces them to stand down we are looking to take the city, and likely defend it from a Horde attack."
"Baine was fighting beside us not even half a week ago and you would be at each other's throats again? Where is the logic in that?" Ichigo said, irritably scratching his head and almost tearing his damn scalp off. "Why is it that anytime you guys find a reason to work together, the moment it is gone you need to start killing each other again!"
It was mindboggling really, no matter what good comes of these groups working together when it is over there is tension and boiling animosity between the parties. As if everyone has been set off the leash and don't need to play nice anymore. I get it that there are problems, that there are reasons they hate each other's but when the fighting is because of crap that happened in the past is the only reason... It just doesn't seem make it worth it, not when those battles are just going to be the next reason they want to fight again in the future.
"Hate is a hard thing to let go, and the wounds inflicted by the Highborne are still fresh and still being dealt." Shandris responded, not all that surprised by Ichigo's exasperation. "We aren't going to be fighting over our history, but recent events with the Highborne will lead us into conflict with the Horde."
"How?" Ichigo asked.
"Because of the Centaur, of the imprisonment of the Elementals, and their inadvertent actions in releasing Theradras. Before I left I was told by Baine that the lives of the Highborne leadership were to be left to them, that they would be tried by the Tauren people." Shandris said. "He was very explicit about it, that their actions affected their entire race and they deserve vengeance for the chaos they have caused."
Ichigo had heard about that, the Centaur rampaging through Feralas and beyond. There were dozens of Centaur clans in the region, and with those Centaur rushing through it thousands would die. When he thought about it he really couldn't blame them for wanting revenge, the Highborne Leaders caused all this to happen.
"Would Baine truly risk open conflict just to kill them?" Caren asked. "Starting a battle with the Sentinels and Alliance would only lead to further deaths, and creating more tensions for those in the region. Surely he wouldn't want that?"
"Flaring tempers often makes one forgo logic, Baine wishes to avenge those that died because of their schemes and see to it that the Highborne do no more harm." Shandris said. "I would agree with him, in fact I had been ordered to take the city by any means necessary. Had Iyeana not informed me of the situation and pleaded with me to find you I may have fought Baine over the right to kill them."
Another thing Ichigo couldn't deny, he recalled the day he returned to the Twin Colossi and found all those dead Sentinels and Guardsmen. Hundreds of them, all piled up and littering the ground, so many good men and woman dead, because of the actions of a few.
"I know you want to save them, that the people are innocent, but the actions of their leaders have to be called into account." Shandris said. "I will have them taken to Darnassus and they will be tried for their crimes and sentenced. But with the Horde involved, unless we can find a way to negotiate, then we will be drawn into battle."
Ichigo didn't know if he could do that, or even if he was being considered to do that. He had failed to convince Shandris on this, but given the circumstances it was obvious why. Everything was so complicated that it was all but impossible to end this amicably for everyone. No matter the outcome, victory or defeat, old hatreds and animosity had come to the surface and took the front seat.
The idea of promoting the peace they had been able to gain, even just a small truce between the parties was quickly cast aside when all was said and done. Because as soon as they depart one another's company they immediately go back to hating one another and preparing for the next meeting where they kill each other. That is all he saw when he dealt with the people here, always distrusting of one another.
"Why is it so difficult for you people just to let go for your own good?" Ichigo groaned.
There had to be more behind this hatred than most, but even so he couldn't begin to understand how they were unable to just forgive and forget. At this point it would be the only way they would let go of their animosity. After all damn Night Elves were all but ready to murder the Highborne when they first met, after nearly ten thousand years, that is an insanely deep grudge.
"Anger doesn't dissipate, especially when neither side makes way for peace." Shandris replied. "I know that peace is possible. The Cenarian Circle has united Druids across Kalimdor, Kaldorei and Tauren, but even then, they still serve towards their own people. Peace is possible, but there will always be division."
Ichigo shook his head at that, thinking of the stupidity of it all. But truly he was an outsider to this world and its history, he had no real idea about the deeper reasons behind the anger between the Alliance and Horde. Frankly he did not give a damn either. Still while Shandris has had her moments of nearly doing something reckless, she had shown herself to be a level headed and stoic leader for the most part. If something like that could shake her usually professional demeanor than it was obvious that there was good reason.
"You have done the best you could, in fact you probably have done better than some of the most charismatic diplomats in Stormwind." Caren said, he could tell it was her attempt to cheer him up. "But, you can't always succeed, not when everything is stacked towards a conflict erupting."
"Your bedside manner is getting better." Ichigo grunted at her, then turning to Shandris. "You really think Baine will want to attack?"
"Yes, without a doubt." Shandris replied, she walked forward and lay a hand on Ichigo's shoulder.
He looked at her and he was startled by the gesture, usually she wasn't usually so gentle with the way she handled things. But she offered no words of comfort, probably because there wasn't any way to put a silver lining on the shit storm they had been thrown into.
The Sentinels would be occupying the city, detaining everyone within to some degree and then carting off their leaders to be tried and punished. After that they had to fight off the Horde, creating further tensions between the two factions.
Ichigo had always been told of the thin treaty and peace between the Alliance and Horde, but even with the so-called peace there were still skirmishes and battles across the world, over resources and locations of importance. War had not been declared, armies were not being rallied to decimate one another. Yet with what has gone down here and the way it was turning out, things seemed to be heading that way.
Ichigo wanted to help, to stop anyone else from dying for such pointless reasons. He had been successful as of late, but right now he couldn't even focus enough to really come up with a way to avoid that mess. What could be said, if there was even anything that could be said, to make everyone stop wanting to hack each other apart and try to work towards a common goal?
"Don't dwell on what you cannot stop, that is the hardest thing anyone can do. Just prepare for what is to come." Shandris stated calmly.
She stepped away, turning and moving back down the length of the bridge towards her waiting Nightsaber. Ichigo did not let his eyes linger on her for long, instead he looked out over the ocean and tries to think.
As he turned away, that vast sea only brought back up the dark, foreboding feelings of dread in his heart, reminding him of those visions of that black ocean. With a sigh he looked back towards the city, trying to force himself to be calm and shake off this weight that had settled over him. Nonetheless even as his mind focused it was pulled on, as if thinking too hard made memories resurface and instinctually something repressed them again.
He couldn't think anymore.
"You should rest.
"I've been asleep for three days, I think I have rested long enough." Ichigo drily replied, waving off Adelina's concern but truth be told, he was still tired.
"That wasn't sleep, it was a coma, and from the looks of it you didn't rest a single moment while unconscious." Caren spoke up, her annoying habit of being right about something shining through and grating his ears. "You have done enough, the Highborne will be safe and you don't have to worry about anything anymore."
"I don't think I believe you." Ichigo replied.
There was so much still going on, the events that would unfold from the conclusion of his battle in Maraudon would have consequences that would go on for months. Maybe even years. Like the domino effect things will just get worse, and the magnitude of it will become more devastating with each consecutive domino that falls.
"Someone approaches." Adelina said, turning down the lengths of the bridge and seeing a single rider.
The horse galloped up to them and came to a halt, the rider dismounted and awkwardly patted the stead, which seemed to shake itself at the man's obvious discomfort.
"Will never understand these creatures." Quantas muttered, taking a few steps away from the horse.
"Master Jonespyre, what is wrong?" Adelina asked.
"I was sent to collect you." Quantas relayed, looking further down the bridge and towards Shandris. "You as well Sentinel-General."
Ichigo turned and looked back at Shandris, finding her giving a look of confusion towards the Druid. One that he shared, why was she being called back into the city?
"What's going on? Has something happened?" Adelina exclaimed.
"Yes, but do not worry, there is nothing of ill will transpiring behind the walls. A meeting is being held and all of you were asked to attend." Quantas replied, gesturing back down the bridge towards the city.
"Is this a delaying tactic for the Highborne?" Shandris asked.
"It is not them who calls for you." Quantas responded. "It is the Primal Spirits."
Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
