Speech = ``…...´´
Thoughts = …..
Inner thoughts = " …. "
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Kingdom of Lordaeron: Easter Kingdoms.
Uther point of view:
It was a rather quiet day, no sound to be heard for miles around through the now empty fields, no birds chirping at the strange weather settling above them, not the sporadic footsteps of wild animals as they searched for nourishment , nor the rhythmic echo of men plunging the ground with their tools as they took care of the crops now laid bare for nature to prey upong.
Nothing.
Except the faint hum of hooves trailing down the forest soil that only grew louder and louder as time passed on.
Uther was leading the group, forcing the one hand grabbing tightly the, the other one holding the handle of his hammer. Fresh dark bloodstains smearing the cold metal slowly falling from it to the ground below like rain drops.
He was not stranger for forced march, the sound of his plating armour clacking with his mount with each step it took. Most of the scenery around him lost by the sheer speed and haste of their intent, yet that did not spare him nor his companions the abhorrent changes taking place.
The ground around them had started to die, first around the houses of those affected by the decease…., then where the dark arts were taking place.
Now some patches of the forest were starting to show symptoms as well. Leafs showing while some, the ground itself loosing its natural. It was rotting he realised, slowly yet at a steady pace. This time he could not fight back the grimace forming around his lips. By the light that everything around him was rotting like a corpse.
The dark energies of the necromancers probably responsible for this foul work as well. He fought back a laugh. After all, the same energies that started with such insignificant tainted grain now taking their toll in the once fresh and flora of the royal forests with the same ease a child would rip cotton candy.
Spreading out like a violent cancer, digging deep within this ancient soil like the roots of an oak, and he was hopeless to stop it.
It was a disheartening experience, one that stung his old heart. How many times had he ride through those woods? The things that had happened under the shadows of these trees….. The proud cackled of a certain blond paladin who was eager to prove his worth in battle, the image of a clearing where his mentor and friends had trained in their youth, when the Lights power had first manifested in him as he healed the wound from his fathers dog, when he had asked for her hand….
His grip over the reins tightened as he grinned his teeth with force with one another, to the point to draw blood from his gums. The pain managing to draw his thoughts away from those vagrant memories the same way a fresh stream of air would scatter dust from a children's playground.
The past was already written, it was a futile effort to ponder for ifs, what he needed to worry about was the future, before it was also taken away.
The forest ground started to recede, given place to an open field. The orange skies of midday now covered mostly with dark clouds welcomed them, a sudden blow of wind brushed their faces, carrying with it dust and smoke and the putrid smell of rotten flesh.
Unconsciously he left a sigh of relief when he noticed that there was no one or nothing in the field, only plain grass. To small to offer any kind of cover for any sort of ambush, but to big to move easily on foot as they strode through.
The very air felt wrong, heavy and cumbersome. Each breath becoming more laborious and hard than the last as time progressed, as if had grown to life and it was trying to weigh down on him. A strange malaise that seemed to have come to stay for as long as he remained in the wilderness.
He knew that it was worse near the already ran sacked settlements.
He could make out the dirt staining his body, dried blood and guts smeared all over his already dented plate while the dust of midday landed on him like a thick blanket, giving his old armour an even more battered and ragged look than it previously possessed. The constant clatter of the chain mail hitting the steel plate each time his mount almost tripped over a bush combined with his ragged breath had worn him off some time ago. A migraine surely would keep him awake this night too it seemed.
A scowl formed on his face.
Or perhaps all of this could be the work of his age, at this point he would not be surprised that his old bones had decided to ache when he most needed them. Fate had surely had some twisted sense of inopportune if the events that had taken place a few weeks ago had anything to say about it.
He felt another drop of sweat fall down his forehead, this time he didn't bother to smear it off.
Soon enough they passed by another lodge, from the distance its appearance looked normal and peaceful, as if the chaos of civilization had not reached that certain spot…, but once they neared the broken door and shattered windows told them the futility of ever considering taking a look inside. Claw marks and dried blood could be spotted along side the sings of struggled of those that once stood there.
There were no bodies on sight, nor he heard any of the usual gurgle or moaning of those now rotten cords, only silence greet them. A story that had come to be too usual to his liking. One that he knew how it had started...and who was to blame for it.
Oh Arthas…., what have you done…? What have I done?
The poor beast gave out a weak shriek of contempt when he forcefully forced it out from its must deserved rest before he started leaving out the premises of the clearing, the voices of the men behind quickly followed suit, issuing orders or curses below their breaths.
Twenty minutes later they finally arrived at their destination. The mansion was by no means small, yet it lacked the opulence of other nobles homes. Its white polished walls remained impolute and its blue roof still shined brightly under the indolent sun.
It was as if the degradation his eyes had grown used these last few weeks had not managed to taint this last spot of normalcy. It was a view he was grateful for….
His eyes narrowed in apprehension when he noticed the lack of horses in the front yard, though no blood was on the scene. Still he grasped his hammer more tightly. With a silent a gesture, his fellow raiders dismounted. His eyes now set on the main door, a few strapped on it to give a sturdier appearance.
With five long strides he reached the stairs leading to it, seven more until his path was blocked by the doorway.
Even under the protection of his gauntlet he could almost make out the feeling of the wear on the doorknob before he twisted it, two strong bumps and one soft and then the clack behind the mechanism reached his ears. A young man appeared behind the dark, his face only visible by the light coming from behind. His face frowning and but his eyes widened when they managed to get a look at his face.
``Welcome back, Lord Uther´´ Was his quick yet quaint reply as he stood aside to let them in, closing once they were all inside the manors walls. Shrouding them in darkness as he did. It took him a few seconds for his eyes to adjust.
Soon he found himself walking to the inner side of the mansion, quick steps inside the poor lighted room, with the windows obscured with wood as some kind of barricade, candles had been displaced all around in an effort to provide some modicum of sight inside. The soft fragrance of roses and tulips that had once filled these corridors was gone, replaced by an acrid smell of burn of candles and dust in suspension, he also could sense the smell of dried blood and herbs, faint…., but still lingering in the air.
Possibly a result of the line of wounded that laid before him on the corridor.
He was careful to not step over a hammock and its occupant, a man on his early thirties. His left arm or what remained of it warped with white a mix of bandages and torn up curtains. A deep crimson shade slowly tainting the cloth. Taking a better look, he noticed that he was out cold, even if he was mumbling things, sweat pouring down his forehead to the mattress below.
He knelt next to him and extended his arm over his chest. A low chant leaving his lips as his hand was engulfed in a bright yellowish light that slowly spread all over him. He stopped when he noticed that the man's breathing had slowed down, his expression turned now peaceful.
A home so bright and joyful….reduced to this
The wooden floor cracked softly under his weigh, stirring up the silence inside on his wake, growing in volume with each step he took. The shadows projected by the faint light of the candles, flickering momentarily as he passed by, making the shadows of the room grow thicker.
It felt like the very house was growling at him, like a wordless greeting into this then of darkness that he aimlessly walked through. Yet it wasn't dark enough for him not to notice them...
The eyes, or at least the many pairs that were observing him from the distance, following his every move. The faint glint of metal from their armour and their white tabards, smeared with dirt and black dried splats of blood around them, giving away their identity. Sadly he was too far away to make heads of what they whispering to one another.
But he knew one thing.
He did not felt welcome there. Not any more….
His walk came to a halt when he stumble inside the living room, though he notice some figures standing his attention had been warped around something else, a portrait. It covered the front side of the living room. A woman in her early twenties was represented on it, a soft and kind expression in her posture, those light green eyes gazing at the artist with gratitude.
He already knew that his his hands had gone numb under the metal plate, a cold shiver running through them while his throat felt dry and coarse. It was a feeling that he had not yet grown used to after all this time, perhaps he never will…..
Finally his parted as he regained the strength to speak, if only with a ragged hoarse voice.
``Tarisia….I am back´´
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He did not know for how long he stood there, standing still in silence as time went by, unable to pry his eyes from her own, as if he was enthralled by some spell. Memories of times long passed flashed briefly before him, each of them carrying with them a different image, a different memory long buried within the depths of his conscience.
But could do little but resurface each time he laid before her sadden glare.
The way the summer wings had brushed against his face, bringing forth the smell of fresh roses and tulips as he wandered through the carefully cared garden, the soft echoes of genuine laughter over these walls.
Or the warmth of her smile….
She had been a simple yet kind hearted soul, a free spirit who existed no boundaries to held her still. He had lost the count of the times he had found her escalating the cliff, or walking over the roof while she played with the morning birds, making poor Tyrion slowly grow older with each surprise.
She had been so full of life….of love, why did she had to go so soon? Why did it had to happen? That was one of the few questions the Light had not been able to answer, one he knew he would not live long enough to find out.
He pulled away from those memories, taking a step back while a painful pang still echoed inside his chest as he started clearing those thoughts. He extended his arm and softly caressed the edge of the painting, with great care, as in fear of even gracing the with his gesture. His head was hanging low, for he did not dare meet those solemn eyes.
You knew your fate….and yet tried to spare me of the pain, but you should have known that I was always an stubborn man Though if wasn't like he could have done much back them, by the time she showed the symptoms it was far too late.
Tarisas death short after her sons second birthday, the arrival of the old Horde and their unholy demon masters bringing forth war and chaos, the destruction of the Dark portal, the banishment of Fordring from the order for doing what he thought was right.
And he stood aside...
Too distracted with the chaos of the world presented to him to look closer, closer to those that had been with him all his life. His hands clasped into tight fists as he fought back a bile, rising through his throat.
He should have come here far sooner. Been there when he needed him, just like he did for him.
`` Uther….., you look worse for wear for once….or perhaps are those damn candles and the shitty light they provide, I wouldn't know….´´ Came out the rough voice of an elderly man, his face, filled with folds that more than skin looked more like worn leather though patches of his face still remained obscure by a bushy white beard that reached the tabard on his chest. A soft grey crown of hair adorned the man´s head.
He knew the man, and how could he not? For years the two of them had a rivalry in their youth, only templated once they became the pilars of the order. Dathrohan was smaller and far older member of the Silver Hand than him, but to anyone's surprise the man had managed to preserve much of his strength. Many attributed it about his faith in the Light.
He knew better, especially about that clandestine diet of mushrooms….
``Nothing too serious, just my back that is killing me…..what I would do to be young again´´ He muttered, waving his free hand in a placating manner before he turned towards the open where other weapons laid waiting for their owners.
Saidan scoffed, his eyes narrowed as a frown settle over his features before he took a seat over one of the empty chairs, he then offered another one to him.
``Getting tired in your old age, Lighbringer? Too bad that those things are not gonna let you have a peaceful retirement. Well, one could hope no? Why don't you ask them politely? Why don't you illuminate them?´´
He barked a laugh, bitter and cold though not completely devoid of some mirth as a smile threatened to form around his lips. Intentional or not, that backhanded jab had managed to stir up his soul away from his melancholy.
You are even older than me …
He shook his head, the tension over his stiffen shoulders lessening slightly, leaving a tired sigh he met his gaze. ``They seem to lack the necessary organs to do that, my old friend. Besides, it will take more than a few corpses to take me down, and who said anything about being old? I am still on my prime lad´´
``Horse shit, if you are on your prime then I am an amazing handsome orc in disguise, Uther….´´ Growled Saidan, crossing his arms below his chest.
``Perhaps you are, have you seem yourself on a mirror lately?´´
The two stood silent, glaring at one another. A dangerous glint crossed the aged paladins eyes as he gave a few pads at the head of his war-hammer. One second passed, another one too…..Then the two burst in a bloody full laugher.
``That was a good one, if been sometime since I laughed that much...´´ Muttered Dathrohan with some amusement, a grin on his face that showed his yellowish and worn off teeth. The macabre show was abruptly ended by a sudden cough.
`` As if there was something to laugh about back then….´´ He replied with a scoff `` Anyway, it´s good to see that you too managed to make it here, Saidan. I was thinking I would not find you with what is going on...´´
The man scoffed again before he stood up from his seat, a look of apprehension on his face. ``And where else would I go? Lordaeron? As much as I would love to be out there swinging my hammer against those vile fiends, without any cohesion or strategy to link our efforts we would only delay the enemy for a day at best or just down right join their ranks at worst...´´
All too true…, and by the looks of it the latter things more likely ``Indeed, we need to stand together or we will be swallow whole by these tide wave… Tell me friend, are this all?´´
``I don't think I follow….´´
``Where are the rest of our brothers and sisters? The horses on the stables were missing, nor I see any trace of the tents that were once outside, though I did not find any trace of battle or violence my conscience stills remain alert, tell me, did they go in a patrol? Or did something happened?
Saidan remained silent, a scowl forming around his bearded face as if he had swallow something particularly disgusting. ``They left, simple as that, ...those that you see here are all that remains´´
That should not had hit as it did, but he found himself scoffing in dismay. The Silver Hand now turned into a measly group of paladins? Less? There had been hundreds of fellow paladins and priests stationed here before he went out to Hillbrand. How are they meant to protect the poor souls with this few? This are truly dark times…. .
His worry had to have shown as he felt a few pads on his shoulder. ``I am sorry my friend, but those that are here are those that decided to stay for your return. With the Legions in disarray or just isolated, and those that we lost during this war… our forces have been thinned greatly. When we heard no news of your whereabouts many feared of your demise, some even when out to avenge your death´´
``They shouldn't had to….´´
``No, but they did nonetheless´´ Replied coldly Saidan `` They value your life as more important to theirs, so it shouldn't have come to surprise you. That, and the fact that they are a bunch of young and hot headed lads...I apologize for not stopping them my friend, but since the others left they did not felt that much compelled to listen to an old man like me….or perhaps they were sick already of the smell of burn wax and the wounded, Lights knows I am tired already of it for a life time….´´
He shook his head, placing a hand over the metal pauldron of his former rival, the sound of the metal tapping with one another echoing briefly over the room.
``Don't apologize for me my friend, had I not taken this long to return they would still be here among us And perhaps alive… He could only hope that the worst was yet to pass. `` The only thing that is left for us to do is continue on wards in their memory´´
``Aye, though I don't think I heard what kept you so busy, Uther´´
``I didn't´´
``So…?
He sighed ``We were ambushed during a sweep through the perimeter over the river bank near Andorhal, their numbers were frightful but without commanders to lead them we managed to push them back, we lost Thomas and Luke in the engagement´´
He could still remember it, Thomas had fallen victim by the hook of one abomination, the rusty metal tool getting embedded deeply inside his chest plate before he was pulled back by the immense creature, with a single swing of his massive cleaver he was bisected in two from head to toe.
The other man died trying to avenge his friend but the only thing he managed to do was follow him to the grave when the creature managed to rip his arm off his sockets and them eat him whole through the gruesome cavity on its chest. A wicked grim over its butchered childish face while doing so.
He had seem to it to burn the foul beast to cinders, slowly, uncaring of the shrieks of agony its already beaten body produced. Until there was nothing but silence….and yet the sound of their agony still remained in his mind.
`` I wasn't fast enough to dispatch the ghouls before focusing on the beast….we needlessly lost two brave lads´´ He growled sombrely, the loss of the two boys felt still fresh on his mind. Another preventable mistake to join the pile of failures weighing him down.
Stratholme…...
Lordaeron….
Arthas…..
``They knew the risks, there is nothing to grieve about...no life is wasted when in service of the Light. Besides, had you not fought the ghouls perhaps other two lads would have perished´´
He shook his head, he knew what his friend was trying to do….a kind gesture on his part, but one that sadly would be lost to him at the moment. ``Do we know where they went at least? ´´
Saidan stood silent, a frown on his face until realization struck him. ``Not all of them but we do know that Ballador went towards with at least three hundred of his order, they were planing to create an opening for the remaining civilians to fled south, to Storwind and Iron Forge´´
A way out through the south….? The northern regions were already overflowing with undead, and with the increasing incoming of people fleeting from danger it wasn't unheard to hear rumours about the safety of the south, where the horrors of the plague had yet to take root.
``Weren't the main roads taken by the traitors or the undead? They will not allow such a large number of people leave without a fight nor they will be hard to notice´´ Such large numbers of people would need wagons of supplies, and places to rest the night. Entire families would while others would try to attempt to bring with them what little they could take from their now wrecked homes.
They would not be able to outran the undead monstrosities.
``You would indeed be correct, and Ballador knows it too, that's why he will go through the wilderness south-east, and with so few I suppose that he would choose the mountain trails that leads to Alterac….´´ Said another voice, far more younger than the old paladin this time, though not less hasher. His eyes landed on a tall brunette man, behind him stood a young red head girl, glad as well in the outfit of the Silver Hand.
He realized that he had not heard them approach.
``Its possible that they will not be able to undertake such operation immediately, three hundred men are not enough to guard, fight off and provide shelter to all of those people.´´ Said the red haired girl, a frown on her face as she crossed her arms below her chest. ``We tried to convince them to desist from taking such course of action, Lord Uther….but they will not have it´´
Though he knew that the situation demanded for other alternatives he could not avoid to frown at Balladors plan. The mountain routes may be away from any infected settlement or any Scourge patrols, but the path was hard and dangerous, bandits and monsters hiding inside caves systems, cold temperatures day at night the entire years and a slippery ground.
All it would take was one bad step, and it was over. How many would make it out from the frozen peaks?
``You don't have to apologize….Bridgitte, I am sure that our friend knows what he is doing and that he will take all the necessary precautions to not endanger the lives of his charges...´´
``I guess….but I have my doubts, I don't think the Scourge will allow him time for his own leisure, not that I would have it against him...now is not the time for frivolities or chivalry. If they cant make it they will be left behind´´ She replied scathingly.
For a second he swore that he had seem her eyes flare with anger. Though at who he did not know.
``You are correct daughter…., but there is a possibility it can work, Truthbearer and Ganvinrad went together to fight a possible new Scourge incursion over the forest of Silverspine, when their presence is notice the Scourge will lump around them like moths to a flame. Allowing Ballador and those refuges to flee more easily´´
Uther remained silent as the two argued, the mention of the later paladin hitting a sore spot inside his mind. Ganvinrad, an honest man and true friend, he who had granted Arthas his first hammer when he had been to the order.
Did he feel guilty for not stopping him when he had the chance? Does he feel shame from even thinking that the tool of justice he had gifted the young prince and been sullied with the blood of innocents? Did he grieve for the once polite and noble boy now turned killer? Or did rage and anger consumed him as well?
Those questions haunted him, and he feared the answer.
For he barely knew what He felt about him as well.
``Perhaps, but have you consider what may happen to us if they fail? They took the vanguards or knights and some footman from the sixth Legion, what we will do if we have to face them all in undeath? Thousands of zombies and ghouls are already hard, do you want to add to their numbers all of those skilled fighters? They will stomp our meagre forces like a bunch of ants when they do!´´
``You don't know that, both Truthbearer and Ganvinrad are experimented fighters and leaders. The Scourge will not get the better of them. They know what they are doing ´´ He tried to cut in….tried been the key word.
`` Like the First Legion did? Do I need to tell you again what happen to them in Lordaeron or you need me to bring one of those poor souls to our doorstep!?´´ Berated Bridgitte with barely held disdain.
``That is enough, be at peace you two, better you keep that strength for the real enemy instead of wasting it with one another….our foes must be laughing at our expense´´ Chastised Saidan, a look of regret plastered over his face.
Neither of them were thrilled about it, lingering glazes of anger and disappointment plastered around their features, though none directed at him, they may as well have been. In the end they complied.
``It wasn't my intention.. / My apologies Lord Uther´´
``We shall pray later for our brothers and sisters well-being, we have much to discuss and not enough time. Spread the word, friends….its time to talk´´
Aye, I will…., though I wonder how they will take this..´´
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It didn't take long before the remaining residents of the manor arrived and congregated around the living room, since their arrival they had turned the room in their improvised headquarters. There wasn't enough space for everyone but the table in the room was large enough to house most of the weapons and maps that laid exposed.
Seventy five, only seventy five brave souls remained with him from the various hundreds that had once filled both the manor and its front yards to the brim, and some of them were not even fully grown adults or even combatants.
Some of Tirion´s neighbours had been offered refuge inside, bringing their families and possessions with them or at least whatever they could drag with themselves.
The two sons of Morraine where there asswell, Darion looked in apprehension at the men and women armed to the teeth around him, while his older brother was sitting in one of the couches, a look of exasperation in his face as he contemplated the debate his father had decided not make him be part of, a white haired girl who could only be a few years older than him rested her head over his shoulder. Black shades could be spotted down below her eyes, a testament from restless nights.
``Are you sure of what you are saying Uther? The news you brought us are not what I would call good´´
``I wish I could deny what I saw, but that wont stop it from being true….the Scourge is preparing to assault Andorhal. Their forcer's already surround the roads around it and no one riding a horse will outran them, soon they will deliver the final blow´´
``Do we have good news at least?´´
``We do...´´ Came out a voice from behind, a man vested , thick plated armour. Only when he they recognised the stark red hair paladin.
``Mograine,…..good you could join us….though late as usual´´
``What is it with today that all ghost are coming back to life, couldn't you have chosen a better time to show up?´´ Scoffed Saidan before he beamed a smile to the red head paladin.
``Dad! / Father! Immediately the two children rammed themselves at their father with as much speed as they could.
``Hey, hey….careful you two. You are going to break a bone...´´ Laughed Mograine as he rubbed the heads of the two rascals, a smile splattered all over his face as he gazed at the aged paladin. ``I am indebted to you Fordring for taking care of them when I could not. I would not know what to do if something were to happen to them´´
``Don't think much of it, friend. It was my pleasure to have them under by roof, they have proven to be good friends with my son´´
``I apologize for interrupting such a moment…., but you said you had good news..? Could you clarify?´´ Stated Bridgitte sternly, though her features softened slightly as her gaze landed on the two children still close to her senior paladin.
That brought everyone's attention back at Mograine, he seemed unperturbed by the collective attention that had been set on his shoulders. Slowly, he took a step back before he got a hold of a swords handle that rested on his back.
In a swift motion he draw out the blade.
A bursting light erupted from it, it was such that it forced them all to shield their eyes or fear being blinded by it forever. Only when they have grown used to the new illumination that they manage to peer of their fingers from their eyes.
And glance at what laid before them.
``This…...this is the good news´´ He stated, pride boasting his voice as he held the blade over his head.
``H-how?´´
``Ha! I knew that you lot would be left gawking at this wonder, how you ask? Well, lets say that my travel to Iron Forge paid off ´´
``Please tell me that you have a few dozen more of those somewhere else...´´ Stammered Bridgite as she closed her distance with the older man, a look of hope flickering in her brown eyes as she eyed carefully at the blade with either hunger or respect.
Mograine scoffed, a rictus of unease warping out on his face before he sighed. ``If only…., I admit that I would lie if I wouldn't want everyone one of us armed with a weapon with this purity, but we only had one cursed orb for one blade…..so...´´
``I see…..I understand´´ Muttered the red head with dejection, taking a step backwards.
``Don't worry friend, we will make due with what we have, like we always have..´´
``Truth be told, it´s an impressive blade…, but hammers are the weapons of paladins, why did you brought a sword?´´ Came a more posh like voice from behind, its owner a man with crude, rough features, a bushy yet controlled red beard sprouting out from both sides of his face.
One eye examining with cold efficiency, while the other remained hidden away by a simple eye patch.
Morraine stood still, the brows of his face furrowing as he glared at the man. ``Something wrong about it Maxwell?´´
``No, just curious….´´
``Fair enough, you wonder why I didn't pluck that orb into a sledge hammer? Well that's simple, I brought a swordBecause I plan to skewer Arthas black hellish heart with it, avenge all of our friends and love ones that suffered at his hands an untimely death. A hammer would do a poor job about it´´
That seemed to appease the one eye man. ``Will you be the one to wield it?´´
``I….I don't know, its been not so long since I took it from the hot irons of the forge, but I feel some sort of connection with it….as if it calls to me´´
``Then perhaps it would be best not to interfere such thing, the holy artefact has chosen you as its wielder, light knows what paths it may lead you, I only hope it may lighten ours as well…..´´
``Hey! Wait a second, why should he be the one to bear such a holy weapon? If this is about fighting prowess then there are many more capable of bearing such burden´´ Spoke someone else from the crowd.
``Its not about strength of arms, but of mind and purity of the soul. You should have known that…. unless think yourself above such petty things…., like our fallen prince´´
``Why yo- ´´
``Maxwell, enough, this is poor showing. We did not came here to be divided even further by our differences like a bunch of children…..´´ He stated with authority, putting to an end to the escalating conflict.
``You may be a little too late for that my old friend…, nonetheless we have to cool our heads and not our spirits before this crisis….only them we will be able to let outlet to our frustrations in a more….productive manner´´ Broke in Saidan, earning a few chuckles.
``I agree, and though we may have a weapon and a champion to wield it our numbers are ever decreasing while theirs don't seem to stop growing...we have to change our approach´´
A sensible point, though one not universally shared as he heard someone sneer at it.
``Change our approach? We cant just can stay here and do nothing while they pillage what little remains! We made a vow for our king. All of us! Or are you suggesting that his words are worth nothing to you?´´ Growled Isiilien with clear disdain, he was not surprised, he had never been in the priests good graces
That did not meant his words did not sting..
``Terenas….was not just my king, or a friend, but the brother I never had. It grieves me to say this, but I know deep in my heart that he would have never wanted us to lash out in reckless anger for his memory´´
``And what would you suggest? Sit tight and wait for the end?´´
``Nothing of the sorts, no matter how entertaining that thought would be...´´ Cut in Saidan. ``You may not have noticed, but the lands of our infancy are tainted with the blood of our friends and family, our fellow country men turned into mindless beast or traitors, the skies have become obscure and the light of day its sick and frail. Its truly a red day…...a scarlet day´´
``Where are you going with this….?´´
``Times change my friend, no matter what we do the gears of time never stops, and people like us do too. We all made a vow to protect our kingdom and king to the death, yet Lordaderon has fallen and Terenas is dead and we are still here when they did not. We should feel shame for even wearing our tabards and try to think we have not sully our oaths when we look back at the desolation they bring forth...´´
``There was nothing we could have done to prevent this...´´
``Yes we could have! You just cant see it!´´ Snarled this time Abbendis, venom dripping from his voice yet he paid him no heed, focusing instead on Saidan.
``I know that it may sound harsh, even petty…..but I wont apologize Uther. We were too soft, too weak and indecisive to carry out our duty's for humanity. We allowed kindness and mercy to staid our hand when pragmatism and ruthlessness should had taken place. We grew complacent and we were caught unprepared by this evil force. We tried to save everyone and ended saving no one…. ´´
``How true those words are, how much it pains me still to hear them...…..´´ Muttered Saidan.
``Sometimes the right choice is not the easiest choice, Saidan. You know this better than anyone...´´ He tried to rebuke his friends words.
``I know...and that is why this decision weights heavily on me´´ Muttered weakly the aged man, almost regretful before bright fury replaced that melancholy. ``The Scourge wishes for man kinds extinction…., there can not be any other answer to this threat that total war. ´´ Voices of agreement were heard all around the room, quickly growing in volume.
``Down with old ways, we need to adapt or we will succumb!´´
``That is the lights way, we shall purify them with fire and steel!´´
``If not for Terenas then for our lost honour we shall carry on!´´
Soon more voices joined the chorus. It looked like it would continue until Fordring made his way forward and smashed his fist over the table, the wooden shaking momentary by the motion.
``Enough!´´
``Settle down lads, settle down….I get it, we are edgy and tired...can we move along?´´ Said Fordrin, earning a few glares by those around him, but they kept quiet, it was just not worth it to argue about it.
He stood a bit more straighter as he felt some weight leave his shoulders.
``We have made mistakes…., I more than anyone else in this room, I will not deny that…., but what you are asking will destroy what we represented, if we allow our passions to take control of our actions we will not be better than animals. Arthas could not stop it and that lead his path astray, do we really want to become anything close to him? To throw out our honour and act like the very beings we are trying to fight off? There has to be another way than just turn overzealous...´´
"We are too late, this city must be purged….."
"Uther, as your future king I command you to purge this city!"
"Those that wish to save this land, follow me. The rest…., get out of my sight!"
He grasped his chest tightly, the ache from his chest almost forcing him to. The words. The looks of anger, of pain of the men and women around him. This could not be happening, not again. Not on his watch.
``Honour be dammed! It´s the very same reason we are in this mess to begin with. We have lost too many of our fellows for trying to act honourable. We have already too many problems to deal with for us to add even more like decorum and kindness to those maggots who literally use our own fucking people as cannon fodder. We must give our all or we will end up with nothing left to save´´ Snapped Bridgitte, a few veins popping on her forehead.
``Miss...-´´
``Don't miss me Lord Uther, I am no longer a little girl. Had you not accept that boy into our ranks nothing of this would have never happened! Lordaeron and the king would still be fine, the order would have never been branded as traitors who hide away like a bunch of thugs and mother would still be here!´´
``Bridgite… please, that is enough´´ Tried to stop her her father. A look of apprehension on his face.
``But father!You know its the truth, no matter how much you deny it, how You try to ignore it. I know that all of you are thinking the same, the only thing is that I am willing to speak out my mind instead of covering behind like a bunch of wretches who cant accept that the old order is dead, and we killed it in our ignorance´´
``That doesn't allow you to show such contempt at your elders, even less your superiors´´ He replied firmly, grabbing her daughter by the arm before pulling her right next to him. ``I thought that I had taught you better... ´´ He replied sombrely before he glared at him. ``My apologies for my daughters unruly behaviour and her harsh words, Lord Uther….I wish she had not use this time to voice….those thoughts´´
`` You agree in some way with her, don't you…..?´´ It was more than a statement than a real question having seem how the man acted with them before.
A scowl formed around his features as he let go of Bridgite, the girl taking a few steps from his father to avoid being drag away from the room should he change his mind before she too started sending daggers at him.
``I would be lying if I have not consider some of it…., and though it pains me to admit it, Saidan is right. We need to take off the kid gloves and start acting like the defenders of the kingdom like we were suppose to be, not the lazy flamboyant buffoons we allowed ourselves to become´´
``And what about the civilians? What would happen to them if we were to adhere to that...total war of yours? Would you abandon them?´´ Spatted Fordring.
``Nothing as crass like that Fordring, but you have to realize that its just not possible to save everyone when we cant even save ourselves´´
``It still is our duty to give our lives for the weak, those were the tenants we have uphold all this time, the vows we gave our king´´
``And We will…., but if we did the same reckless way we have done until today then we would incur needle deaths among the already few of us. And if we die, then your precious civilians will die far sooner´´ Growled Abbendis scathingly.
``And what if we were to ask for aid to the neighbouring kingdoms? During the second war elves, humans, dwarfs and gnomes fought against a common enemy. Why not ask for their help? Our might combined will surely turn the tide´´
``Don't make those lesser races mingle in our affairs, Fordring. Your….compassion for non humans is already noteworthy but it cant cloud your judgement. Not with what is at risk´´
``Cloud my judgement!? The enemy has their blades at our throats and you argue about racial supremacy? By the Light and all that is holy my friend, are you that blind?´´
``I am not blind to the geopolitical mishap that would take place if we did such thing. Dwarfs and gnomes are already bad enough with their monopoly of steel and iron, elves don't take much thanks to their isolationisms tendencies….., but make no mistake that they have been ogling the forest that collide with theirs at the frontier and the farms that linger near them´´
``If we beg those non humans we may save the kingdom, or we may not…., but what I am sure is that I don't want to be remembered as one of those old men who put their kingdom in the market because we were too incompetent to do our job´´
Like a summer storm, cries of outrage and agreement erupted all around him, shaking the very walls of the manor with their intensity. Clearly two sides had been drawn…
``Who cares about such petty cognitions when the situation is so dire!? ´´
``The elves don't care about human lives or politics, why would they care about us? Remember that their meagre forces sent to aid us left a long time ago? Its clear that they would not even bother ´´ Stated another voice around them, quickly followed by the sound of agreement from many others.
``You know we couldn't force them to aid us, they freely offered us help and provided what they though was best, much to our dismay….but to try threaten them into submission would have been not only a poor choice but also a foolish one. ´´
``And even if they did I that they would take a good bite at our territory, or worse…..our economy and social structure are more fractured than a broken glass. When we survive…, If we do survive, we are going to be in deep debt to everyone around us...´´
``Abbendis, I am understand your point, but you have to comprehend that is time past such grievances. If we lose it because of our vanity then what's the point? United we will stand, divided we shall fall…..and for what I have seem so far…... we are not that far from it´´ He replied drily, his old tired eyes locked in place with with Abbendis own.
His ominous words brought everyone around him to an abrupt halt, to the point that someone could have told him that he had gone deaf he would have believed them.
Abbendis scowl only grew bigger as the seconds passed by, one of his eyes twitching sporadically as he burned him with a hateful glare more common in the features of a certain blonde prince rather than the stoic man before him.
Yet he said nothing, not even a word. At this point he did not know whether he liked this change of pace or not, though whatever allowed him to calm down their fury was more than welcomed.
Bridgitte stood right beside her old man, a look of disdain plastered on her face as she chewed her lips, but no willing either to stand up for the his surprise it would not be the stubborn dark haired Paladin who would, but another soul instead.
``I am sorry Uther, but Iron Forge will not come to our aid either, the dwarfs will not go down from their mountains...´´ Mograine words shattered his concentration with the same ease a ledge hammer would against a small window. He almost could hear the sound of his thoughts falling to the ground.
``I knew we couldn't trust those ab-human bastards, we showed weakness and now we are doomed!
``After all this time they are going to leave fend for the wolves? Preposterous….´´
``Madness! What is going on out there!?
``For lights sake, Settle down, lads! Roared Maxwell, bringing the discussion once again into another abrupt end.
`Mograine, do you know any particular reason for this...madnes!?´´
The man's scowl softens, a look of indecision glinting from his eyes before he shook his head energetically. ``Make no mistake lads, Magny wants to aid us, its the other clans who believes that a defensive strategy would work better against the undead, block the tide of undead in their halls with the full strength of their armoury and their gnome allies. With his council divided and their politics games appearing in the most inopportune of times I fear that they wont step a single meter inside Lordaeron if they cant help it….´´
``I don't know whether be glad about that, or curse their names for their folly...´´ Muttered Bridiggite, grinning her teeth as her head hanged low. ``Do we know if Gilneas will come to our aid? I heard during my youth that they bragged that one Gilnean was worth ten Lordaeronian. And Dalaran? If we fall they will be next, surely they can see that´´
Mograine shook his head. ``Not that I am aware of, but knowing Greymane is very possible that they will wait out the storm and then thrown a tantrum at how badly we administrated this mess, if we are still here that is...´´ He scoffed, cynicism dripping from each word. `` And the Kirin Tor seems too busy to come out of their towers, or they would have already made their presence known..´´
We are out of friends, aren't we?
``Then its over….even before our efforts even began...´´
``If we don't have their support then what's the point?´´
``We don't need their filthy ilk in our lands´´
As the men and women around him continued to voice out their differing opinions on the matter he regarded at the only one who like him had decided to wait out the storm. Saidan did not share the worry over this disgraceful show of their peers. Instead he was….smiling?
``I understand your pain, my brothers and sisters, how unfair this is it for all of us...how those we offered aid has now spurn us so callously, and you would right´´ He said, slowly leaning against the table before he slammed his fist ``But if you were to see it from a different angle you may comprehend why it would have never worked´´
``And what would that be?´´
`` Why would they aid us if there is nothing left to defend?´´
``Excuse me?´´
``The capital have fallen, the towns are empty of life and the cities have fallen or are been overrun. By far, those who remain here may be the only living beings miles and miles around. Why aid a dead kingdom?´´
``The kingdom is not dead Saidan, not yet...not while all of us still draw breath´´ He called his old friend out, but he did not seem to pay him much heed than a mere side glance.
`` The Silver Hand was supposed to guard the kingdom, and we failed. Failed its people, our king, the world…...how dare we wear this symbol with pride and try to make others do what we could not after we have sully both our honour and oath in such a manner? We don't deserve to wear this….we no longer deserve to consider ourselves as champions of the Light after our failure. A failure to avoid this catastrophe, one of our own making...if we truly want to save what little remains, we must be the ones to do it...´´
``What did you had in mind?´´ Intervened Abbendis.
Saidan at first did not respond immediately, choosing instead to keep his head hanging low, a frown folding his ancient face more than one thought possible before he rose his gaze towards those around him. For a second Uther swore that those aged eyes met his, pain flashing out from them before they hardened into cold stone. Snuffing out such emotions swiftly, as if they had never been there.
``The path that lies in our future is dark and filled with danger, soon there will be nothing left to protect in this land and evil will root itself deeply in the soil of our youth and dreams...blood stains our armour and our weapons with the same fervour rust would, blood that belonged to both innocent and guilty alike. This land doesn't need a merry bunch of petty men who can get along even less take a sole decision, what it needs is a Crusade. A crusade manned by men and women with one goal, one path, one leader´´
``And you are that one!?´´ Came the snide remark of a young man from the multitude.
Saidan remained impassive, the folds of his face lessening as his eyes closed in silent resignation. He rose his hands, looking at the worn of leather and metal from countless years of service. ``No, I am only an old good man….there is nothing especial about me´´ His gaze them switched towards the men and women around him.
`` Not grand titles adorn my head, not legendary bloodlines running through my veins, not mythic weapons for me to wield. Never I ate at the same tables of nobles, nor my name will be sung for the generations to come into their halls….. I was born on this soil as a common, poor man…. and soon I will return to it´´
``Then why should we w-´´
``But a good man doesn't seek to lead…., he is called to it´´ Saidan cut him sharply, his sudden scathing tone surprising even him.
``I don't want to lead, I don't want to lead any of you, lights forbid it...the thought of having to take care of such an explosive bunch of lads scares me as it is…..but if no one steps in…..., who will?´´
The feeling of awkwardness that follow was perhaps too much to bear for some, their heads hanging low with shame, while others directly left the room, never daring to look back at the disappointed glares of their fellow brothers and sisters.
``We will be the Silver Hand no longer, but the Scarlet Crusade. Reborn from the blood and anger of our slain kin that died because of the treachery of those foul beasts and with a renew purpose to cleanse this infection from the world. Only when this darkness has been defeated and lays broken at our feet, we will finally mend our broken honour and rest in peace…..only then shall we redeem our failure´´