It has been a week since the attack on Feoh and already did the Prince of Lordaeron and his small army made themselves at home in the city. Most of the time in those seven days were spent on building defenses and training Militia and, those who were brave enough and willing, Footmen of Lordaeron. Men who swore vengeance against the Black Dogs for the atrocities done to their wives, children and relatives, took the training taught to them by the Captains.
Speaking of the Captains, the two were currently overseeing the training of the Militia while sitting down and sharing a drink.
"I should've been a farmer like my father wanted." Falric said before taking a sip from his waterskin.
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Life of a soldier, Valerius. Lousy pay, constant danger. Well, at least I get to hobnob with Royalty."
"True." Valerius moved to drink but stopped midway before looking at Falric "Wait... You get paid?"
Silence fell before it turned into fits of boisterous laughter, making some of the Militia and Footmen look at the two and wonder if the sun has finally gotten to them. A distance from them, Joan watched the two before shaking her head in amusement. They were told to train the troops and militia. To them, it apparently meant let the Sergeant do all the work while they sit on the side and drink. The Half-Elf then looked at the assembled women in front of her. She honestly wondered why she was the one that got stuck giving them armor when the Workers or the city's own blacksmith can do it. For Light's sake, she was a Paladin damn it!
"I think the point of underwear is to keep it under your armor. Not make it your armor. Here."
She reached over to one of the smaller armor sets and set it out on the young woman in front of her. She wasn't even sure if this one was truly young or just short or perhaps an Elven lineage. She also noticed that most of the Women Knights have yet to experience such a battle in this magnitude. The number of raped and dead women among their ranks just proves it. Perhaps these knights need to be trained more.
She looked at the young woman as she struggled to lift the whole weight of the armor before going to the back to put them on. She couldn't get help but shake her head at that. Honestly, if they wore good armor in the first place, they wouldn't complain about the heaviness of the ones she was handing out to them. Oh, well. If they wanted to wear something like that, they should've been a Rogue or something else that doesn't make you fight head-to-head with the enemy. Maybe she should just give them rifles and see if they're better at that than swordplay.
"Is this really necessary? This armor is too heavy."
Joan gave the woman a deadpan look before shoving the armor pieces in her arms.
"And your 'armor'." She retorted with finger quotes "Is basically your underwear. No form of protection whatsoever. So stop complaining and suit up, you're holding up the line, missy."
The bluenette grumbled in annoyance before doing what she was told. Joan watched her go with a glare before sighing and handing out another set of armor.
'Light, spare me from this torture.'
Arthas, Jaina and Alicia overlooked all of this from the castle. One thing Alicia realized about the Lordaeron group was that they build fast. Very fast. It took them only three days to build everything they needed inside the city. Barracks, Workshops, Altar of Kings, Arcane Sanctums and another Castle. They even had Farms and Defense Towers built outside the city. Everywhere she looked, there was bound to be a Footman patrolling the area. She soon found her city adorning the flag of Lordaeron. At least, Arthas and Jaina were kind enough to let her in on the plans for... anything. Father and Beasley never let's her in on any of their plans.
"Arthas, I just got a report that a band of refugees were spotted outside the city limits. It seems they were from another town sacked by the Black Dogs. I fear we'll receive more reports like this in the near future."
That was another thing on Alicia's mind. Feoh has been a beacon of light for refugees after word got out of what happened. Feoh was slowly expanding her borders because of the amount of refugees coming to the city. It bodes well for Lordaeron because it meant more manpower but it also means that the Black Dogs are getting stronger for every town or land they conquer.
"Well. This is interesting."
Arthas and Alicia looked at the Archmage as she read the parchment in her hands.
"It looks like the Goddess Incarnate and the Dark Queen is coming here to seek an audience with Lordaeron's leaders. Prince Arthas Menethil and Lady Jaina Proudmoore. Technically, I'm from Kul'Tiras and we're under the Alliance but whatever floats their boat, I guess." The Archmage finished with a shrug before setting the parchment down.
"Wow. You guys are getting quite popular, aren't you?"
The three looked at the door to see Prim standing there with a basket full of bread. She smiled and bowed before setting the basket down the table.
"I hope you guys are hungry. These were bought fresh from the oven."
Seeing the girl made everyone in the room smile. The girl can make the whole room light up with that sweet, little smile.
"When is her Highness due to arrive?"
Jaina reread the parchment and her eyes widened.
"It's today!"
Alicia choked on the bread she was eating. Prim quickly ran behind her cousin, making a fist and grabbing it with her other hand and placed it just above Alicia's navel and pushed inward. She did so until the piece of bread was dislodged from the blonde's throat. Alicia, though, did not stop to gather herself before looking at Jaina incredulously.
"They're coming here? Today!?"
Jaina took a step back and blinked at the younger girl before slowly nodding. Arthas watched it all happen with amusement as he set his feet up on another chair and leaned back with his arms behind his head. This was getting good.
"We have to make arrangements for their arrival now!"
"Calm down, Lady Alicia." Jaina raised her hands in a calming motion "The city has been cleaned up since the battle. All we need is to set up some banners, some flowers, horns for their arrival and introduction and a formal statement to the people of Feoh. We can do that in a matter of hours. Right, Arthas?"
She looked to the Prince only to see him leaning back on his chair. He gave her a thumbs up before taking a piece of bread and indulging himself. She looked back at the ruffled blonde and grinned.
"See?"
Alicia sighed and relented.
"Fine. But do it in a hurry. We don't know when they'll arrive." She then realized that there were still two arms wrapped around her and something was nuzzling her back. She looked over her shoulder to see her cousin rubbing her head on her hair. Her eyes closed and a cat smile adorning her face.
"Mmm."
"Uh, Prim? You can let me go now."
Said Princess opened her eyes at her cousin's voice and realized there were others in the room. Arthas and Jaina gave her amused smiles as the girl quickly pulled back and scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. Madly blushing at her actions.
"S-Sorry." The blushing pinkette stuttered out. Earning small chuckles from the Alliance duo and a confused glance from the Princess Knight.
'What's up with her?'
~Line Break~
Celestine Lucross and Olga Discordia was not expecting the sight before them. A large wall with a large gate and flanked by two towers. The symbol on the front was something they have never seen before but they were sure it was not the crest of the city of Feoh. The symbol was a shield with a golden, stylized L in the middle. Behind it was a hammer with a golden lion on the head and was flanked by two crossed swords.
"Something tells me this will be interesting, don't you think?" Celestine asked her companion who simply replied with a nod. Not even bothering to look at her. This made the High-Elf's expression sadden and her ears lower. Olga could at least act friendly towards her. Here she was willing to try and start anew. A chance for peace. Why can't the Dark Elf see that?
"Halt! Who goes there?"
The two looked up and saw a knight with very large shoulder armor looked down on them.
"Who are you and what is your business in Feoh? Speak quickly!"
Celestine opened her mouth to reply but Olga beat her to it.
"You dare speak to us that way, human? Do you not know who stands before you?"
'Well, actually, we're sitting on horses. Not standing.' Celestine thought but kept her mouth shut.
"No. I don't. That's why-"
He was interrupted when another knight ran to his side spoke something in hushed tones. The knight nodded before looking down at them.
"You may enter."
The large gate lowered to the ground, revealing a brick road. Celestine and Olga, along with their guards, rode their mounts through the gate. They passed by Farms and their farmers. Refugees and soldiers. The people held mixed reactions towards Celestine. Some were ecstatic to see their Goddess Incarnate has blessed them with her presence. Others were not so receptive. Thinking that their so called Goddess abandoned them in their time of need. Where was she when their town was sacked? Where was she when the Black Dogs took advantage of their family and friends? The same Dogs she hired to fight her war with the Dark Queen. Speaking of the Dark Queen, the people wondered why she would ally herself with the very same person that made the monsters that raped and pillaged their homes. It wasn't until they reached the city itself did they receive a much more warm welcome than the one they received from the road.
Trumpets sounded as they entered the walls the city. People inside cheered as they made their way to the castle. Flower petals rained down on them as they passed the residential district. As they entered the castle grounds, they were met with a more militaristic sight. The sides of the road that lead to the entrance of the castle had knights with their swords raised to the sky. On the right side of the grounds, Militia and some of Alicia's Knights were being trained in shield tactics. On the left side of the grounds, a dwarf in a blue cloak were teaching some of the women knights how to use a 'Rifle'. Some of them were even practicing on targets.
Celestine won't admit it but the sound coming from those rifles slightly intimidated her. Unfortunately, a bit of that fear slipped through her calm mask. On the outside, Olga was calm and aloof as ever but inside she was intimidated. Not by the sounds but the rifles themselves. From what she could see, the weapon was very devastating and very dangerous.
They reached the castle's entrance and dropped from their mounts. Allowing some of the knights to take it to the stables. The large door of the castle opened and they were lead to the main hall. Once there, they were greeted by Princesses Alicia and Prim. They bowed politely before leading them towards Alicia's study or what now became the meeting room of Alicia and the Lordaeron leaders. On the way, Celestine and Olga noticed the two different banners that were around the halls and corridors. Alicia informed them that it was the colors of Lordaeron and their Alliance. When asked about it, Alicia told them that it was the Alliance of Lordaeron. It composed of the Humans, Elves and Dwarves. Anything beyond that was best explained by Prince Menethil and Archmage Proudmoore.
"They're through this door, your Highnesses."
Alicia bowed and opened the door. Celestine and Olga entered the room and saw a woman in purple sitting by the table and reading a large book. Upon hearing the door open, Jaina looked up from her book before setting it down the table and turning to the other occupant of the room. A long, golden haired man had his back towards them and was looking out the window, towards the castle grounds.
"Arthas." The woman, who had striking blue eyes that looked like it was slightly glowing, long golden hair and beautiful features, called out "Our guests have arrived."
Arthas turned away from the window and faced Celestine and Olga. The man was handsome. Very handsome in Celestine's opinion. Long, golden hair. Blue-green eyes. Chiseled features and the beginnings of a beard. She could only wonder what his body was like under that armor. Before her thoughts could get any further, she was interrupted when Olga elbowed her on the abdomen. The Dark Elf raised an eyebrow and nodded towards the Lordaeronians.
"Well? Aren't you going to introduce yourself?"
The High-Elf stuttered out an apology to the Dark Elf before calming herself.
"I am Celestine Lucross. High Queen of Eostia and Goddess Incarnate. I have heard tales of your battle against the Black Dogs. You have helped Princess Knight Alicia to repel the mercenaries and monsters. With that, you have my eternal gratitude." She ended with a bow.
Arthas was trying very hard not to stare. It's like every other woman he met here wore less and less clothing. Seriously, is there something wrong with wearing armor? Or a shirt and a pair of pants? Jaina was having the same thoughts as him. Sure she wore pants that hug her hips and her top leaves her abdomen open but at least she was wearing something. Looking at the High Queen's choice of clothing, it was obvious there was nothing under that loin cloth. She had half a mind to take off her cloak and wrap it around the High-Elf. She could say the same to the Dark Elf too. She wondered if that top ever gives out from the weight of the Elf's mounds.
"And I am Olga Discordia. Queen of the Dark Elves and..." The Dark Elf sighed before looking at the Lordaeronians "Former ruler of Dark Castle and Garan."
"I am Arthas Menethil. Prince of Lordaeron."
"And I am Jaina Proudmoore. Archmage of the Kirin Tor."
"The Kirin Tor?" Olga asked.
"The ruling conclave of magi in Dalaran. One of the seven kingdoms of the Alliance." Jaina replied.
"Oh. Do tell."
Arthas watched as the two seemed to be lost in their own little world of magic. The Prince turned to the High-Elf and chuckled.
"I apologize, Lady Celestine. It's been too long since Jaina has spoken with someone about magic. I'm sure we can fill them up later. Now, please, why would the Goddess Incarnate leave her fortress city and travel to Feoh? I'm sure it's not only to thank us for what we've done for Feoh." His voice turned serious as he stared down at the High-Elf. Even the elves here are strange. Most of the elves he met were as tall as him or an inch or two shorter. These elves, however, were at least 5'6 in height.
The Goddess nodded and looked up at the Prince "You are correct, Prince Menethil. I have come here to arrange an alliance between the Lordaeron and the Seven Shield Alliance. You have done us a great service in repelling the Black Dogs even when you had the chance to turn away. I hoped that together, we can end the Black Dogs' injustice and give Eostia the peace she has sought for for centuries. My people are strong but I fear that will not be enough for the Black Dogs but with Lordaeron on our side... perhaps there is hope in defeating Volt and his Army."
Arthas kept his expression neutral as he thought it over. In all honesty, Lordaeron was already at war with Volt. Without his father here and with no way to contact him, Arthas was, in a way, Lordaeron's sole leader in this world. With Lordaeron's attack on the Black Dogs, war with them was inevitable. It couldn't hurt having allies on the side but he wasn't going to hand out Lordaeron's services for free.
"As much as I'd like to agree with that, I'll have to speak with Jaina about this. Dalaran, and in extension the Kirin Tor, are part of the Alliance. Since none of Dalaran's leader are present, Jaina is the closest they have to a leader here but not just that, she is also the daughter of Kul'Tiras ruler. So all in all, she is the closest form of leadership Dalaran and Kul'Tiras have here. I'll have to consult with her before we can reach an agreement."
Celestine sighed "Very we-"
"Milord!"
The occupants of the room turned to the door just as a Footman came running in. He stopped to take a breather before saluting the Prince.
"Milord, there's a company of Footmen and Riflemen at the outer gates. They bear the flag of Kul'Tiras."
"What!?"
The Eostians stared at Jaina's sudden outburst. She hurried over the Footman and asked "Are you sure it was Kul'Tiran?"
"Yes, milady. Golden anchor over a green flag. But they were all Footmen and Riflemen, milady. No one above the rank of Captain was identified."
Jaina looked down. Hoping at least someone from her family was there. She looked at the Footman and thanked him before turning to Arthas.
"Arthas, can you handle things from here while I talk to my people?"
"Of course, Jaina." The Prince nodded "I'll take it from here. Your people need you."
She ran up to him and gave him a quick hug before leaving. Arthas smiled as he watched her go before turning to the Eostians.
"I'm sorry to cut this short but it seems we'll continue this another time. You'll have your answer today, Lady Celestine. I promise you that. Now if you'll excuse me." He walked over to the table and grabbed Jaina's staff "I have to give this back to Lady Proudmoore. Lady Celestine, Lady Olga, Alicia."
He bid them goodbye before leaving the room, staff in hand. Celestine and Olga looked at each other, a silent conversation going between them. Alicia bid her queen farewell as she went to look for Prim.
"What do you think?" Celestine began.
"The Archmage is trustworthy. Her eyes hold no ill will or a hidden agenda. She is honest and a skilled Magi... for a Human." She finished with her arms crossed. It took a lot to admit a Human was skilled at the Arcane arts. Especially from someone like her, a Dark Elf "She is powerful and intellectual. She can be counted on if we are to take the fight to Volt."
"And the Prince?"
"I'm afraid I'm at a loss with that. I had a vision of the Prince taking an accursed blade and slaughtering the very people he had sworn to save. Those he didn't were turned into something worse. Today, I saw in his eyes pride and impulsiveness but also courage and a strong will. The man, no monster, I saw in my vision was ruthless, unforgiving and cruel. Nothing like the man we met. Unfortunately, even if he is not the same as in my vision. There is a chance something will push him to become a monster. He is trustworthy... for now."
Celestine wondered what would push Arthas into becoming what he was in Olga's vision. She closed her eyes and let out a breath.
"Let us hope that it will not come to that. Come Olga. I'd like to take you to the gardens behind the castle." The High-Elf grabbed the Dark Queen's wrist and pulled her out of the room. The Dark Elf begrudgingly followed. A few minutes later, they stopped and Celestine looked at Olga sheepishly.
"Forgive me, Olga, but I may have forgotten the route to take to the gardens."
"So you're saying we're lost."
At the High-Elf's sheepish nod, the Dark Queen's left brow twitched and she facepalmed. How in the world did the war lasted for centuries when this ditz was in charge, she'll never know.
~Line Break~
"So you heard about the Kul'Tirans?"
Valerius looked up from his work at the Half-Elf Paladin.
"Yes. It seems Lordaeronians aren't the only ones getting swept off into different worlds." The Captain joked.
"How did they get here?" Joan asked as she leaned on the doorway. After the Queens, then the Kul'Tirans, arrival, Valerius decided he had enough excitement for one day and decided to retire in the Barracks.
"Same way as us. Purple beam of light, a storm and a bright flash of light before nothing. Next thing they know, they were shipwrecked in the middle of nowhere." He replied just as he finished cleaning his Hand Cannon's Bayonet. He inspected the weapon one last time before giving a satisfied hum and setting it down. He let out a yawn before standing up and facing the Half-Elf.
"Is there something you need, Jo?"
"Yes." Joan replied with a nod "Follow me."
The Half-Elf left and the Captain sighed before grabbing his weapons and following after her.
'That's not really an answer, Jo.'
~Line Break~
"Forgive me, Lady Proudmoore, but we bear ill news from Lordaeron and Azeroth."
Jaina hoped Arthas wasn't around to hear this "What news, Captain?"
"Andorhal is lost and there were rumors that Stratholme has fallen to the plague. Reports say that Lord Uther tried to quarantine the city while he tried to find a cure but the infected citizens have turned and forced Lord Uther's forces to retreat. There were also reports that Prince Muradin Bronzebeard and his expedition team vanished in the continent of Northrend. King Terenas has gone into depression after Prince Arthas was declared missing. As for your father, he blamed the Orcs for summoning the plague and pushed for total war against them. But..."
"What is it, Captain?"
The Captain shook his head before looking at Jaina "I fear your father is looking for the wrong enemy. While at sea, we encountered the Orcs and their leader, Thrall. They have left Lordaeron and were sailing West to a land called Kalimdor. With the size of their fleet, we had no hope of defeating them so we let them be." He shook his head "The dead rising from the grave, Orcs fleeing the land and the Eastern Kingdoms slowly descending into chaos. It is a sign, my Lady. A dark omen. I fear that if we return to Azeroth, there won't be an Alliance to return to."
Jaina contemplated on this. She didn't think the situation at home could get any worse. She had hoped Lord Uther would've found a way to end the scourge by now. Apparently, she was wrong. She sighed as her thoughts went to her father. It was no secret that Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, ruler of Kul'Tiras, hated Orcs to the bone. Sure they witnessed the Blackrock Clan perform demonic rituals but that didn't mean the whole Horde summoned the Plague of Undeath.
She hoped she wouldn't have to tell Arthas but it would be inevitable. Once he hears of this, he will want to end this campaign against the Black Dogs quickly and find a way home. He loves his people. He would do anything to save them. She knew that he blamed himself when one of his people died when he could have done something or if he was fast enough or strong enough. That's what she loved about him. Loved? Still love? After so long, she can't believe she still held feelings for him. It toned down when Arthas called it off so they could focus on their duties but it was still there. Deep down, she wished they could rekindle that old spark and pick up where they left off.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked behind her and saw Arthas smiling down at her, her staff in his other hand.
"I believe you forgot this."
She blushed at that. How could she make a mistake that only a Novice would make? Stuttering an apology, she gratefully took the offered staff and thanked the Prince. Arthas smiled at her and said "Don't mention it."
"My Lord."
The turned to the voice and saw Falric walking towards them. He stopped and saluted before telling them his reports.
"Militia training has been successful, Prince Arthas. The people of Feoh and the refugees from the other towns are eager to spill the blood of the Dogs. They take their training seriously and there are certain individuals that I want to induct in the ranks of our Footmen. Some of Lady Alicia's knights proved to excel on Rifle Training than Swordsmanship. It would do us good to bolster the ranks of our Riflemen. Speaking of which, production of Rifles and Hand Cannons is going great, my Lord. Also, I would gladly report that Lady Alicia's knights and soldiers are given 'proper' armor and clothing. The knights were given armor and the Riflewomen were given leather armor and blue cloaks. No more distraction for the Workers, that's for sure."
He muttered the last sentence and caused the other two to chuckle. It was no secret that Alicia's knights wore 'questionable' apparel. Most of the Worker and soldiers didn't mind the show but the Captains, on the other hand, were a bit flustered at seeing half naked women running around and causing distractions. Besides, they were sure that with armor that actually cover their vital and tender parts, the mortality rate of Alicia's knights would be lower than before.
They were soon joined by Alicia and Prim, the former wearing a less revealing set of armor. A white breastplate with golden accents and a blue cape. Matching white rerebraces, couter, vambraces and gauntlets over black, fingerless gloves. Underneath the armor, she wore chainmail. For the lower part of her armor, she wore tight-fitting black pants under a blue loin cloth. She wore blue knee guards with golden accents. White and gold greaves and white sabatons. Of course the most prominent feature the armor has were the set of oversized pauldrons. Surprisingly, she wasn't having any difficult moving with them.
"Well, don't you look like a proper knight." Arthas commented as he ruffled the shorter girl's hair, much to the Princess' annoyance. She huffed and pushed his large hand away. A little bit of red dusting her cheeks. Prim brought a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh as Arthas ruffled Alicia's hair once more.
Jaina couldn't help but laugh at this. She found it endearing, seeing Arthas do this. If Alicia had blue green eyes, those who didn't know them could've mistaken the two for siblings. Her laugh grew louder when Alicia finally had enough and tried to punch Arthas. The Prince simply raised his hand and let the smaller girl's head run into his hand. The Princess tried to reach him with her fists but Arthas didn't budge, yawning at Alicia's attempts to get back at him.
The Princess finally gave up as her shoulders sagged.
"Fine. You win."
Arthas chuckled and ruffled her hair one last time before turning away. He looked at Jaina and Prim and saw the smiles on their faces. His gaze locked on Jaina's and he felt something buried deep stir once more.
'Even after all these years, you still have a hold in my heart.'
"My Lord!"
He turned to the speaker and saw Joan running towards them with Valerius in tow. She stopped in front of them and took a moment to catch her breath.
"M-My Lord. One of our patrol squads have captured a Black Dog. We interrogated him and found out that their amassing forces north of Feoh."
Arthas' face set into a neutral expression. He then turned to Falric "Tell your men to start evacuating the people. Valerius."
"Yes, My Lord?"
"Are they still waiting for more reinforcements?"
"They are. From what we've gathered from the prisoner, they are at least a thousand strong. There will be more by the time they attack."
Arthas crossed his arms and looked down. On the corner of his eye, he spotted the Hand Cannon on his belt.
"How many Hand Cannons do we have?"
"At least three companies worth, my Lord. They're already in the hands of capable Footmen."
"Captain." His voice solemn "What I ask of you is dangerous. There is a chance that you and your men will not come back alive."
Valerius snickered and looked at Arthas with a raised brow "Dangerous? My Lord, I'm a Footman. That basically says I'm expected to be expendable and in constant danger. With that said, what is your wish, my Prince?"
"I need you to gather your men and strike the enemy while they are still amassing their troops. Hit them hard and hit them fast. If their reinforcements arrive, I want you to get out of there and return here as soon as possible." He then turned to the Archmage "Jaina, I hate to ask you this but can you go with them? I need you to teleport them near the enemy's encampment and teleport them out once they retreat. Can you do that?"
"It'll take a lot of Mana but we'll manage." Jaina replied with a nod. Arthas nodded his thanks before turning to Alicia and Prim.
"Alicia, I want you to join Falric and help in evacuating the people. Join me at the wall as soon as they're secured. Prim, find Lady Lucross and Discordia. Tell them about the situation then join the evacuation. Go!"
Prim yelped before picking up her skirt and started running to the castle. Arthas then turned to Joan "Start gathering troops and stay in the city. I'll gather the rest of the army and hold my ground by the gate. Should they destroy the gate and pass through." His expression darkened and Alicia couldn't help but feel a slight sense of fear at his tone of voice "They will die by my hand."
~Line Break~
Hicks grinned in satisfaction as he saw another hundred men join them. They were about two thousand strong now and there will be another thousand added later today. He looked down from the top of the cliff and saw the men enjoy themselves with the women they captured in the towns. One girl to service at least ten men. Pretty soon, Feoh will be theirs and that cunt, Alicia, will be on her knees. Begging to be fucked again and again while they make the pink one watch. He grunted as he felt himself climaxed and looked at the bitch on the ground. The woman pulled away from his dick and coughed out his semen. He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her towards the awaiting mercenaries behind him.
"She's all yours, boys!"
"YEAH!"
Hicks smiled as the girl screamed for mercy only to have a cock shoved into her mouth. She was lifted up by the legs and another was shoved in her pussy.
"Life is good. Life is go-"
He was interrupted as they heard thunder from below? He looked down on the encampment and saw at least three hundred Lordaeronians appear out of nowhere and started shooting the bewildered mercenaries.
"What the fuck!?"
~Line Break~
Valerius smiled in triumph as he fired a shot from his Hand Cannon and watched as a chunk of the mercenary's head was blown away. He looked around him and saw that his men were doing quick work of the surprised mercenaries. He was expecting for Lady Proudmoore to teleport them near the encampment not IN the encampment. Oh well. It took the enemy by surprise and that was an opportunity they cannot waste.
"Come on, men. Kill them like the scum they are!"
"AYE!"
Clouds of smoke filled the air as their Hand Cannons fired and hit their mark. Valerius only had a split second to block a mercenary's sword before stabbing him with the Hand Cannon's bayonet in the abdomen. He pulled the gun back and aimed the barrel under the mercenary's jaw and fired. Blood and brain matter splattered his helmet and armor before he moved to his next target. All around him, Footmen shot, stabbed and killed any mercenary they could see. Most of the mercenaries were still surprised from their arrival while the others gathered their and started to fight back. Soon, the Footmen forgone their Hand Cannons and crossed blades with the mercenaries.
A mercenary who was forcing himself on a young woman when they arrived, tried to stand up while pulling his pants only for a sword to run through his mouth and out the back of his head. One foolishly charged a Footman, who simply raised his Hand Cannon and fired at the mercenary. The soldier watched the body fall before moving on to the next one.
Valerius stabbed a mercenary in the back and kicked the body off his blade. He looked around and saw the naked women the mercenaries were taking advantage of and quickly ordered his soldiers to take the prisoners and get them to Jaina. Some of the women were chained to posts while others were left on the ground for dead.
"Get the prisoners out of there, now!" Valerius ordered as he cut the chains that tied a prisoner to a post. The young woman, barely past her twenties, immediately enveloped the Captain in a hug. Though it was not out of gratitude.
"Fuck me. Please, fuck me!"
'By the Light. They broke them!' He thought before gently pushing the broken woman away.
"Please, my lady. We're here to get you out. Matthias!"
A Footman Sergeant ran to his side "Sir!"
Valerius took off his cloak and wrapped it around the woman's body before gently handing her to Matthias.
"Get these prisoners to Lady Proudmoore. Keep them safe."
"Yes, sir!"
Meanwhile, with the Archmage. Jaina summoned a Water Elemental and ordered it to crush the mercenaries. She couldn't cast Blizzard unless she wanted her allies to get caught in it. She saw that the mercenaries were starting to get their bearings and were slowly fighting back.
"Lady Proudmoore!"
She looked to the speaker and saw a Sergeant and a company of Footmen escorting the Black Dogs' prisoners towards her.
"These were all the prisoners we could get. The mercenaries are regrouping. They cut us off from Captain Valerius and the main force. I believe he still has more prisoners with him."
"Form a circle! Get a runner and tell the Captain I'm preparing for a Mass Teleport."
"Aye, milady! Form a circle! Form a circle!"
The Footmen quickly formed a circle around the prisoners and Jaina. Holding back the mercenaries while a runner made his way to the Captain.
Valerius struck down another mercenary before a Footman called him. He turned to the runner "What is it? In case you didn't know. We're in the middle of a battle here!"
"Lady Proudmoore is preparing for a Mass Teleport. We have formed a circle around her and the prisoners. She's awaiting for your retreat, sir."
"Understood." He raised his sword towards the Archmage "Footmen, fallback! Return to Lady Proudmoore. We are leaving!"
The Footmen heard their Captain's orders and retreated towards Jaina. They used their Hand Cannons to shoot down the mercenaries blocking them. Hundreds of mercenaries lay dead on the ground before them. Unfortunately, about a thirty plus Footmen joined those bodies. The other Footmen went back to grab the bodies and refused let the Black Dogs desecrate their dead.
"Don't stop! Get to the perimeter!" Valerius blocked a strike from a mercenary and run him through with his blade before sliding the body off with his shield. His company of Footmen started to merge with the circle and expanded it. He moved pass some of the prisoners and made his way to Jaina but not before turning to his men.
"Do not let them pass!" Valerius ordered as he made his way to Jaina "My Lady, this is all the prisoners we could rescue. There are still more but we can't reach them without losing half the company."
"I understand. Prepare yourself, Captain. Here we go!"
Jaina looked up and her eyes glowed bright as she uttered the Mass Teleport's incantation. A blue circle of light with runic texts formed under the Lordaeronians feet. Another circle formed above them and in the center was a bright blue light. Jaina raised her staff and it glowed so bright that the whole encampment was blinded. When the light died down, the Lordaeronians were gone. Not a trace of them was left.
~Line Break~
Hicks kicked the dead body of a mercenary in frustration. Damn those Lordaeron fuckers! How did three hundred men deal that much damage to two thousand strong mercenaries?
'Tch. No matter.' He thought 'Volt's got enough men to spare. Besides, they didn't take all of the prisoners.'
A cruel grin managed to make it's way into his face as he turned around. The woman that was blowing him before was still getting fucked in three different ways. Hicks unzipped his pants and pushed off the mercenary fucking the girl's pussy before taking his place.
'I'll just have a little fun while we wait.'
~Line Break~
"My Lord, look!"
Arthas turned to where Falric pointed at and saw the Teleportation rings glow before a bright flash of light enveloped the field. He used his forearm to cover his eyes before hearing the sounds of the spell completing. He lowered his arm and saw Jaina walking towards him.
"What happened?"
Jaina sighed and gestured towards the naked prisoners. Arthas grit his teeth before ordering the Footmen to get the prisoners some clothes or anything to cover their exposed bodies. Valerius walked over to them and took off his helmet.
"I'm afraid some of these prisoners are broken, my Lord. Not just physically but mentally as well. I don't know how long the Black Dogs have toyed with them but it was long enough that they could only think of fornicating with anything that has a pulse. I fear that their minds will never truly heal from this. But it also made me wonder. These women were taken from the sacked towns near Feoh and Garan. Volt has a large army. What about the city states far from Feoh? Has his army already raped and pillaged the towns there? Has a city already fallen to his clutches? How despicable is this... monster and how far will he go?"
"They will pay." Arthas muttered through gritted teeth. His eyes shadowed as he held Light's Vengeance tighter and tighter. He looked at the direction of the gate, as if seeing through it and right into the eyes of every single member of the Black Dogs.
"They will all pay... with their blood."
Valerius and Jaina looked at him as his voice oozed pure, unadulterated anger. Arthas turned away from the two and marched to the gate. He stopped and simply glared at it. Light's Vengeance gripped tightly in his hands. Jaina walked over to him. Feeling his aura of hate from where she stood. She stopped beside him and pulled down her hood.
"Arthas... I know I can't sway you from this but promise me this... " She slowly slipped her hand over his and felt his grip on the Maul soften "Don't loose yourself to this anger. The Black Dogs deserve to die for what they've done. But remember why you fought them in the first place. You fight them because Justice needed to be served. Now you fight for the people, the ones you've grown to care about in such a short time. You didn't for anger nor for blood. You fight to protect the ones you care about, just as you always have. Promise me that."
Arthas closed his eyes and relaxed his grip on Light's Vengeance. His hand slowly wrapped around Jaina's and he looked into her stunning, blue eyes.
"I promise."
Back in the field, Valerius watched the two and idly wondered when will he call the Prince 'King Arthas' and Lady Proudmoore as 'Queen Jaina Menethil'. He didn't know he was staring for so long until Falric spoke up.
"So when's their wedding?"
Valerius chuckled and shook his head "Honestly? When this war with the Dogs is over."
"You think they'll wait until we get back to Azeroth?"
"Ha! Not a chance."
"You know we'll get fired if they ever caught wind of our conversation or thrown in toilet duty indefinitely."
"Good point. How's the army doing?"
Falric motioned for Valerius to follow and the two walked towards the assembled army. They passed by Footmen, Militia, Lady Alicia's Knights, who were actually given mounts, and Riflemen.
"The army's morale had risen after seeing those prisoners. They are now more determined to slay the Dogs and are itching to get a chance to run them through with their blade." The two looked at a Riflewoman as she fired the weapon and hit the scarecrow right in the head "Or blow the bastards heads off."
"Good."
"Indeed, Captain."
The two turned and saluted as Princess Alicia joined them. She held a Jousting Lance in her right hand while holding a white, visorless helm under her left arm. Her sword was sheathed on the saddle of the mount beside her.
"At ease, Captains. I wanted to thank you, Captain Valerius for rescuing those prisoners."
"No thanks necessary, my Lady. Or deserved. I couldn't get all the prisoners in time. Many were left in the paws of those Dogs."
"Still. You've done all you cou-"
"Black Dogs! The Black Dogs are coming! They are close to the gate!"
Valerius scoffed before putting his helm back on. Alicia did the same before mounting her steed. Falric had already went into action and started yelling out orders. Alicia rallied her Knights and led them to the far side of the field. Their job was to charge the enemy from the side and retreat before repeating the process until the Black Dogs were forced to try and cover their flanks while fighting Arthas' group in the front. Alicia saw the small drops of rain fall on her armor. She looked up as the sky darkened and the rain began to grow stronger. She could hear the drums of war as the Black Dogs marched to the outer gate of Feoh.
"It has begun."