A rather short chapter, sorry I didn't have more to say. I'm trying to take this story slowly, since a problem I've had in the past was going to fast, then the story kind of falls apart. As always, thank you my loyal fans and welcome newcomers. The next chapter will be up Tuesday.
Chapter 20
The Baneblood tribe, though under attack almost daily, still managed to hold a decent amount of territories within Desolace. This was due to an ingenious use of the region's rocky landscape. When first claiming their lands, the clan's elders established their primary settlements at the end of a deep ravine surrounded by the tallest cliffs of the land. The only access was in the form of a narrow dried gorge.
Despite the vast number of centaurs that had succumb to the Burning Legion's dark embrace, they were unable to overwhelm the comparatively small Banebloods. Daily, the strongest fighters of the rebel centaurs met those that were once their cousins and fought off the savage assaults. So far, the defenses had held.
Eck made careful note of these facts. Should this prove indeed to be a trap, even the smallest of facts could prove vital.
The undead pulled on the reigns so his steed slowed its pace. It came to a trot beside the kodo that carried the still unconscious tauren shaman. Slowly, almost hesitant at any show of affection, Eck extended his hand and brushed his bones through the coarse fur of Taff's neck, moved his fingers up to the bull's crown and along his horns.
"Commander Eck," called a voice behind him, and the priest immediately retracted his hand.
"Yes Commander Nessus?" he asked.
"I would like to," the centaur started. "I would like to thank you for believing me."
"If you speak the truth, gratitude is unnecessary. If you lie, it is insincere."
"How is your tauren friend?" Nessus asked, as if wanting to change the subject.
"Tired and on the brink of death, as always. He and I are part of the Special Forces; Taff has endured worse in his lifetime. Never the less, how much longer to your village."
"A while," the centaur said, then thought to himself. "Why do you hide your feelings for the tauren."
"What do you mean?" Eck asked, glowing eyes slanting in an outward show of suspicion.
"You care for him, very much, as if he were one of your clan. Last night, you sooner healed him than yourself, though you were both dancing on the brink of exhaustion and death."
"Emotions have no place on the battlefield. I healed Taff because he is my superior officer, and he was hurt worse than I."
"I don't believe you," Nessus said boldly, and was that a hint of a smile that crept at the side of his mouth? "I have met soldiers like you, Sub-commander. Those who believe they must be of stone to work efficiently. Sometimes a judgment based on feeling is just as important. If you don't mind my asking, why do you care for the tauren?"
"You are a curious one, aren't you? If you must know," Eck paused. "If you must know, when the Forsaken were first accepted into the Horde, we were not trusted. We were hated, in fact. Thrall ordered integration, much the same was done with the blood elves, but we were not considered true members of the Horde. Taff, however, excepted me, despite what the others of the team thought. He treated me fairly, trusted me, and asked nothing of me that he wouldn't do himself. He has saved me, many times, and I have saved him. That is how we work."
Eck's hand glowed as he transferred what little rejuvenating strength he could give. "How else is there to live?"