Might of Lordaeron

by K2JC

The Black Dogs. A mercenary company that would rape and pillage anything they could get their hands on. Their numbers, unrivaled. There was no hope of stopping them. They will rule over all. Unfortunately, a certain Prince will not stand idly by while this injustice runs amok. The Black Dogs will learn to fear the Might of Lordaeron.

7. Might of Lordaeron Ch 7

Night has fallen on the city of Ansur. Once the beautiful city of the Halflings, now nothing more than ruins. The city itself was divided into two by a river. One half controlled by the coalition of the Alliance and Seven Shields while the other was held by the Black Dogs. Three weeks had passed since the Coalition took back half of the city and still the two opposing forces were at a stalemate. The Black Dogs refused to loose another city in the East and fought tooth and nail to keep it in their hands. Within the first week, an earthquake hit and left a trench that divided the city in two. It was followed soon after by a heavy storm, flooding the trench and creating the river. The floor of the river is made up of debris and the bodies of those unfortunate enough to got caught during the quake and the storm.

The Coalition forces took to calling it Billy's River. He hated the river. Drowned after proclaiming that he wouldn't slip and fall. He did. Knocked his head on a rock and was dragged down the river. His comrades started to investigate after he didn't return from his piss break. All they found was his dented helmet. If anyone asked, they would say he was probably lucky that he died. At least he was in the Light's embrace. He didn't have to deal with the shit in the living world anymore.

Anyway, the river stopped the two forces from clashing swords but it didn't stop them from trading arrows back and forth, not making any progress whatsoever. They would've built boats but the river was too large to cross and too open. They will all be riddled with arrows before they could even land on the other side.

Sylvanas eyed the Black Dog's side of the city from balcony of the watchtower. They set out patrols and groups of Footmen and Rangers on the shore to keep watch of the river and be the first line of defense. Reinforcements for the Black Dogs would be here soon but the Coalition was still busy training soldiers before they could be sent out. The former Queen of the Mercenaries wasn't joking when she said the Black Dog's numbers were massive. For all their losses, the Black Dog's seemed to have more men to spare. The Ranger-General wondered how much influence Volt had to muster such a large amount mercenaries under his thumb. Her thoughts were interrupted when Falric joined her, offering a bowl of soup and a small chalice filled with water.

"Anything?" The Captain asked as he sat on the crate beside her, looking at the other side of the city. The men were either sleeping, eating, keeping watch or patrolling. Nearly a month had passed since they came to this damned city and still no progress. He was starting to think they were gonna live here now if this stalemate kept going.

"Nothing." Sylvanas replied with a shake of her head "No lights. No movement. Not even a sound. I don't like this. Are the men alert?"

"Most of them." The Captain replied with a sigh "The others are taking first watch and the others are taking a break but I had told them to stay alert just in case."

Falric stood up and walked towards the High-Elf. He stopped beside her and looked pass the Black Dog's side of the city "Do you think the Horde will actually keep to themselves?"

"I'm unsure. Frankly, I don't care. As long as they stay out of our war, they're not our problem." The Ranger-General took out an arrow and twirled it around her fingers "These Dogs on the other hand... "

Falric simply hummed in agreement before taking a sip from his waterskin. They stayed for there for a few moments, watching the river before Falric went inside to eat. He looked over his shoulder at the High-Elf "Come inside, my Lady. Dinner is ready."

Sylvanas scoffed "And by dinner, you mean the one measly bowl of soup we share and water. No thanks. I'm not hungry. Besides, the sun would rise in two hours."

Of course, her stomach took that as it's cue to rumble loudly. This made the Captain chuckle and the Ranger-General's cheeks to redden slightly.

"Actually, it's TWO bowls of soup and I think your stomach disagrees with you. Come, my Lady. The Ranger-General cannot fight with an empty stomach."

"Tch... Fine."

~Line Break~

One Hour Later

Footman Clement whistled to himself as he watched the river through a window of a broken down house, the rest of his team were a floor below. It was almost time for the next watch and he couldn't wait to finally get some sleep. Maybe he should get something to eat first.

Yawning, Clement looked out the window and saw a fog was starting to creep in. His ears picked up a faint sound from the river.

"What the... "

He heard another sound, this time from above. He looked up just in time for an arrow to lodge itself into his eye.

~Line Break~

Minutes Earlier

"Hmm. This Nathanos fellow must be very important for you to go through such lengths for him. Do I smell a romance in there, my Lady?"

"Maybe." Sylvanas muttered as she looked at the wine filled chalice in her hand. When did they switch from water to wine? Whatever. She wasn't complaining. She smirked mischievously and looked at the Captain "Jealous?"

"Uh, no, my Lady. It was... just a question."

The two were currently inside the watchtower. They had finished dinner and fell into a small conversation about... anything, really. Somewhere down the road, Falric noticed the crate he was sitting on was filled with wine bottles. He decided to indulge himself for tonight. Pretty soon, he wasn't the only one drinking the wine. He suddenly found himself a drinking partner for the night in the form of Ranger-General Sylvanas. Not once in his life did he ever thought he would be doing this. Then again, they were in another world so...

"What happened to him?"

"He's safe... I hope." Sylvanas downed her wine before pouring another "What about you, Captain. I heard you were a farmer before you became a soldier. Is that true?"

"Not exactly. My father wanted me to be a farmer but I was young then, foolish. Filled with dreams of serving the King through battle and maybe get a little bit of gold and glory on the side." Falric chuckled as he remembered his younger days "So when I was of age, I enlisted to the Royal Guard. That was when I met Prince Arthas. He always spent time with his soldiers. Seeing them as friends rather than people he could order around. It was then I knew I would lay down my life for him. Obligation or not. Actually, now that I think about it. I got what I asked for in the end. I got to serve the King in battle during the Second War and got my taste of glory. But the pay. Oh, don't get me started on the pay. You'd think they'd pay you more for the constant danger you're put through. Cheap bastards, really."

As soon as he finished the bit about pay, the Captain downed the rest of the wine bottle. Sylvanas smirked in amusement at that. Wherever she go, she would always hear Footmen complain about the 'lousy pay'. Be it in battle, in the barracks or every where, really. She remembered seeing a Footman hauled in the infirmary, an arrow on one knee and a severed leg on the other. Despite his severe injuries, the only complaint he had was: 'They don't pay me enough for this'.

A comfortable silence fell upon them. Just drinking and talking. If asked, she would blame Maia's flirtatiousness rubbing off on her after spending three months with the Queen of the Mercenaries. She would also blame the amount of wine they consumed.

"Well, Captain. I think it's time for dessert, don't you think?"

Falric set the bottle down on the table and raised an eyebrow "Dessert, my Lady? I... don't think we have any cakes or the like here."

"Oh, don't play dumb. A candlelit dinner, complete with wine and small talk."

She stood up and walked closer to the Captain, purposely putting a little more sway in her hips as she approached. She leaned down, glad that his helmet was off, and whispered to his ear "Too bad we don't have a bed but the floor will do."

Sylvanas laughed as the Captain, faster than he had ever moved before, jumped out of his seat and moved away from her. Falric realized she was just teasing and sighed in annoyance. Although, he did wonder what brought this side of the Ranger-General out. The wine wasn't that strong. He won't admit it but he did find himself mesmerized with the way she she swayed her hips. That was something he would take to his grave and no amount of torture is going to get it out of him. His eyes suddenly narrowed when he saw the Ranger-General stiffen and noticed her ear twitched. Her expression grew series and she stepped out on the balcony.

Falric knew something was wrong and quickly grabbed his helmet and weapons. He stood beside her and looked towards the river. The two saw the massive fog that was slowly creeping into their side of the city. Then they saw it. A volley of arrows shot up from the fog and hit the area where they set up the patrols. They saw that most of the men were caught in the volley while the ones that didn't immediately went to find cover. Sylvanas knew the river was wide. The volley must've come from the middle of it. She narrowed her eyes and noticed hundreds of faint lights inside the fog and more were appearing as the fog neared their side.

"They're using the fog to cover their approach. They made it halfway through the river before they sent out the volley." She then turned to Falric "Get as much men as you can to the southern shore. Find Maia and tell her to the same to the northern shore. I'll handle the ones here. Go!"

"Yes, my Lady!"

Falric quickly ran down the tower's stairs to gather his men. Sylvanas narrowed her eyes as she saw the survivors from the arrow rain hide themselves behind pillars and walls. They were trying to catch the enemy off guard should they hit the shore. Sylvanas grabbed her bow and used it to zip down the rope she had the men attach to the tower. She dropped down to the ground and landed with a roll. Surprising some of the Footmen in the area. Turning to them, she quietly issued orders.

"Footmen, grab your swords. Go to the shore and find a hiding spot. Pillars, debris, anything. Rangers, follow my lead. Find high ground and fire a volley to the river on my command. Footmen, wait and ambush the Dogs if they ever land on the shores. Understand?"

Sounds of affirmative greeted her and she nodded for them to move.

~Line Break~

"Come on. Hurry."

"Here they come."

"Move it, Kenworthy."

"Go, go, go."

"This spot is full go to the next one."

"Move your fat arse."

"Quiet! All of you!"

Captain Falric quietly yelled to his men as his around the area to ambush the Black Dogs. They had to leave the dead to where they were struck. It would give the Dogs the idea that their volley had taken out the patrols. Say what you will about their numbers, most of them are just lechers who follow orders to whoever was the top dog. They don't think for themselves unless it involved rape and pillage and whatever their dark hearts desire.

Falric looked to the center and saw the arrows flying towards the fog. Right to were he could barely see the torches. The Captain leaned back into the pillar when he heard the boats hit land. Heavy thuds and splashes were heard in the silent night as the Black Dogs disembarked from their boats. He could hear swords being drawn and the mutterings of the mercenaries as they wonder where the Coalition forces were. Falric looked down and as soon as he saw the foot, jumped out of cover. The man let out a yelp before being run through by a sword. Falric pushed the body off his blade and charged at the Black Dogs.

"For Lordaeron!"

"FOR LORDAERON!"

The waiting Footmen jumped out of their hiding place and met the mercenaries in swordfight. One of the Footmen tackled a mercenary to the ground and brought them both down to the water where the soldier proceeded to drown the man. A second Black Dog ran behind the Footman and slammed a rock on his head. Before he could do more damage, a sword burst out of his chest. His body was pushed down to the river. The ambush worked. The Black Dogs were caught off guard by it but the Falric and his men knew this was only the first wave. More are bound to arrive. They just have to hold them. For how long? Depends on how the battle goes.

Falric roared as he cut down a Black Dog's head. He kicked the kneeling body down before parrying a blow meant for his head and punched the attacker in the face. He picked up a discarded sword on the ground and buried it in the mercenary's abdomen. The man yelled in pain before the Captain stabbed his other sword in his heart. He kicked the body off the blades and looked around him. The Black Dogs were dwindling, the first wave at least. As long as they keep them on the shore, the city won't be lost.

"RRRRRAAAAAGGGHHHH!"

Falric turned to the source of the roar and saw a very large boat that had an ogre on it emerging from the fog. It roared once more as it flailed it's club in the air before jumping off the vessel when it hit land. The beast swung it's club and took out a group of Footmen. It turned it's attention to another group and jumped into the air, using it's body to crush the unfortunate soldiers. One brave Footman roared as he charged the downed beast only for the ogre to grab the soldier before rising to it's feet. The ogre roared before biting the Footman's head. The beast swung it's club around as the Footmen tried to swarm it. The ogre roared and proceeded to eat the rest of the dead Footman's body while killing the others with it's club.

Falric glared at the beast before running towards it. He ran under the beast and used his swords to cut the beast in the legs. The ogre roared in pain and tried to grab the Captain. Falric saw his opportunity and jumped on the beast's arm when it tried to grab him. He climbed up it's arm until he reached the beast's head. It tried to shake him off or swat him away but the Captain remained unhindered. He buried the blade he took from the ground on its skull, causing the ogre to roar in pain. Falric steadied himself as he stood up and raised his sword high in the sky. He roared before plunging it deep into the ogre's skull, almost burying the blade to it's hilt.

The ogre slowly dropped it's club as it stared blankly ahead before falling to it's knees. Falric pulled his blade free and jumped off the beast as it fell face first into the ground. He let out deep breaths as he looked around the battlefield. The ogre gave all the Black Dogs the time they need for the second wave to arrive. His men were slowly getting overrun. They cannot hold the southern shore for long but that doesn't mean they would let the Dogs take it so easily.

Falric took a discarded shield and ran towards the shore, his torn up cape billowing in the air as he charged at a boat filled with Black Dogs that just hit land. Several Footmen that had finished their kill saw their Captain's charge and followed after him, all of them yelling out battle cries.

"Rrrraaggghhh!"

~Line Break~

Maia kneed a Black Dog in the groin, causing the man to scream on the top of his lungs and fall to his knees. The Queen of the Mercenaries spun the dagger in her hands for show before plunging it on the back of the Black Dog's neck. She was fascinated with the amount of blood spraying out of the wound when she pulled the dagger out, not noticing the blood that was staining her leotard.

The redhead ducked under a second mercenary's swing and quickly thrust her sword up his abdomen. She pulled the blade out and sent a spinning back kick on the side of the man's head, sending him unconscious on the ground. She didn't need to finish him. She would just let the Black Dog bleed to death. Maia looked towards the shore and cursed when the seemingly endless amounts of Black Dog boats emerged from the fog.

They were caught with their pants down on this one. Hers was more in the literal sense. When the volley of arrows hit, Maia was in the middle of 'self-stimulation'. You can imagine how red she was when she had to order her soldiers around in a hastily put on leotard. She had accidentally left her chaps back in her tent in her hurry to make herself at least presentable. At least she didn't forget her weapons.

Knights passed by the redhead as she looked at the shore. A silver haired Knight, Justinia, noticed her commander staring off into the river and grabbed her arm "My Lady, what's wrong?"

"We can't hold this area forever. My gut's screaming at me that this is all of them. All five thousand of them. Two months since the river's creation is enough time for them to make as many boats as they can. This fog was just the thing they need to launch a full assault without getting pelted with arrows. If the fog had came from our side, we could've done the same."

"But we're barely half of their numbers, my Lady. Even if we attacked them with their guard down, they'll regroup and overwhelm us." Justinia argued.

"Damn." Maia cursed "You're right about that. And we'll be sitting ducks if we fall back and cross the river. Guess luck's on their side this time. Fucking bastards."

"Come, my Lady. We must hold them back for as long as we can. If we can't, we'll must fall back to Lady Sylvanas' position."

Maia nodded before the two joined the fight. The Queen of the Mercenaries parried a strike from a Black Dog. He tried to punch her but she raised her sword and the man's hand met the blade, nearly cutting his hand in two. Maia kicked the side of his knee before thrusting her knife on the side of his head. She pulled her blades free and kicked the body down. She heard a battle cry behind her and turned around just in time to see Justinia shoulder bash the man, sending them both to the ground.

The Knight groaned as she tried to rise to her feet. She saw the Black Dog beside her getting up as well and quickly plunged her blade into his chest. She got to her feet and pulled her sword from the body before letting out a sigh of relief. She turned to Maia and asked "Are you alright, my Lady?"

Maia nodded before running to the Knight and pushing her out of the way of a sword. The redhead flipped her dagger into a reverse grip and buried it between the shoulder and the neck. Without letting the blade go, she kneed him on the abdomen followed by another to the face before using her sword to sever the man's head. She took back her dagger as the body fell to it's knees before hitting the ground. She then turned to the Knight.

"You good?"

"Thank you, my Lady."

Before Maia could say anything else, an arrow struck her on her left hip. The redhead screamed in pain and the Knight ran to her side. Justinia grabbed Maia and dragged her towards a broken structure. She set her down gently before looking at the arrow sticking out of the redhead's hip.

"I don't have any bandages, my Lady."

Maia grunted before tearing the right sleeve of her leotard and handing it to the Knight.

"Use this."

The Knight nodded and untied the string she used to tie her hair. She grabbed hold of the arrow's shaft and looked at the redhead. Maia nodded and Justinia pulled the arrow as hard and fast as she can. She quickly used the torn sleeve as a bandage and used the string to tie it in place.

"This should hold for a while but we must get you back to Lady Sylvanas' position. There is a healer there, my Lady."

"Alright, let's- "

"RRRRRAAGGGGHH!"

The two looked outside and saw two Ogres jump off their boats. They began wreaking havoc on Maia's forces and cursed. The Black Dogs that they managed to hold off began attacking with renewed vigor. The ogres were a huge morale booster for the Dogs but sent a small shiver of doubt in her men. Doubt that they'll be able go keep the Dogs back. Gritting her teeth, not in pain but in frustration, she looked to Justinia.

"Fall back. Tell the others to fall back to Sylvanas. To the watchtower. The north shore is lost."

"As you wish, my Lady."

The Knight ran outside and yelled on the top of her lungs.

"FALL BACK! FALL BACK TO THE WATCHTOWER!"

~Line Break~

Ken

Arthas looked around the city as he made his way to the city's palace. Behind him, Jaina was having a very hushed conversation with Prim. Something about attractions on the same sex. He toned it out, knowing it was something private. It was probably why the pinkette insisted on taking the less populated route to the palace. He and Alicia, on the other hand, were talking about adding more Knights to their ranks or just cavalry really. Their conversation then turned to why Steel Forged Swords had a certain blue glow to it. Honesty, Arthas had no clue. It was something the Princess Knight should ask to the Dwarves. They were the ones in charge of the city's weapons, armor, etc.

"Father Elrothar said that the Light has the power to bring people back from the dead. Is that true?"

"Yes and no."

The answer made Alicia look up at the Prince with a raised eyebrow "What does that mean?"

"Well, the Light can bring someone back to life but those who have been dead for a long time cannot. Paladins call this miracle 'Redemption'. Though, I'm not sure how you get demptioned the first time. Hahaha."

Alicia's eye twitched at that. Good at fighting, great leadership skills and more. She has a list of things she admired about the Prince but if there was one thing she didn't admire so much was when Arthas would try to crack jokes. For example, the time he tried to cheer a sick Prim by acting like a pirate. 'Ahoy there, land lover. What be yer name? Mine is Argh-thas. Get it? Argh-thas.'

She didn't know whether Prim laughed out of pity or actually found it funny. She prayed it wasn't the latter. Goddess knows she's going to loose her sanity if Prim starts telling jokes like that. She remembered how long Jaina's eye twitched at hearing said joke. A lot of the Footmen wondered why the Prince was found sleeping by the Barracks that night.

The four soon found themselves at the palace gates. They were met by Olga's right hand woman, Chloe. A platinum blonde Half-Elf who was either at her Dark Queen's side or hiding in the shadows. She led them through the halls and up the stairs until they reached the citadel. They were told to wait while she fetched Ladies Celestine and Olga, muttering something bitterly that sounded vaguely like 'What does she see in her?'. The four were left to their own devices until the two Elves arrived.

Arthas went to the balcony that overlooked the city and took in the sight. It was beautiful to be honest. He felt someone lean their head on his shoulder and looked down to see Jaina. The Archmage was enjoying the view as well. Feoh's castle overlooked the city as well but it was more of a traditional castle. The beauty wasn't shown outside but rather inside. The outside of the castle showed the Alliance banners. Footmen patrol it's walls. Rangers and Riflemen were positioned on it's watchtowers. Ballistas mounted on top of the walls. The castle itself was guarded by former elite Kul'Tiras Marines, now named Proudmoore Royal Guard. This palace had very few defenses which the two found odd since it's supposed to be the capital of the Seven Shields.

As the two adults admired the sights, Alicia and Prim started conversing about Luu-Luu's incessant argument to send for more soldiers to Ansur. The two Princess Knights can understand the Halfling's want to retake her city but the Alliance were stretched thin as they were. Her forces were split into three. One to defend Feoh, the other to reinforce Rad and the last was the battlegroup sent to take back Ansur. The Alliance even sent one of her leaders to see to it that victory can be assured. Unfortunately, they underestimated the cunning of the Black Dogs and their numbers.

~Line Break~

Ansur

Sylvanas shot an arrow at the charging mercenary, hitting him right in the thigh and forced him to drop down on one knee. She jumped and used his shoulders as a boost to jump higher just as two more mercenaries tried to surround her. While in the air, she fired two arrows on one of the Black Dogs, hitting him on the forehead and mouth, before landing on the ground with a roll. She stopped and, without looking, fired another arrow that struck the second Black Dog right in the eye. She rose to her feet and scaled the wall of what remained of a building. She hopped over and landed on the second floor before looking over the battlefield.

They had been fighting for more than an hour now. Maia and her forces fell back to her location, reported that the north shore and that part of the city was lost. Falric hadn't retreated and the runner she sent reported to her that his forces were still fighting though they would be overrun soon.

Sylvanas cursed when looked to the river. The sun had risen and the fog had lifted, revealing the hundreds of boats crossing the river. She'd bet that this was the two to three thousand Black Dogs from the other side of the city. Their final assault to finally take Ansur. They wouldn't be able to hold them for long. The Coalition forces had two thousand at first but lost five hundred on the initial attack. Add more when they took over half the city and the earthquake. They were outnumbered but the newly formed river kept them at a stalemate. But now...

The High-Elf grit her teeth and shot an arrow directly into an ogre's eye. The beast roared and staggered back, giving her Rangers time to fire a volley on the beast to kill it. Despite it's death, the Black Dogs were pushing her Footmen back. Sylvanas heard sounds below her and looked down. Five Black Dogs were sneaking about, intent on flanking her Rangers that were firing volley after volley towards the shore.

The Ranger-General pulled two, curved daggers from their sheathes strapped to her thighs. Without making a sound, she jumped over the wall of the building and landed on the Black Dog that was further back from the group, plunging her daggers into his neck when she landed. She quickly cut the Black Dog beside her on the back of the foot, forcing him to scream before his throat was cut open. The others turned around and saw their comrades' death at the hands of the High-Elf and charged. Sylvanas threw one of her daggers and struck the nearest one in the eye. She threw the other one and hit him on the leg. The High-Elf stood up and spun to the side to dodge the last mercenary before using her bow to club him on the back of the head.

The mercenary fell face down on the ground before Sylvanas fired an arrow to the back of his head. She turned around and fired another arrow to the injured Black Dog and struck him on the throat. She walked over to the bodies and pulled her daggers from their corpses before running to her Rangers. She merged with their line and nocked an arrow.

"Volley!"

A rain of arrows sailed above the battlefield and hit the Black Dogs that were exiting their boat. One by one, they fell to the Rangers but another boat hit the shore and dropped more mercenaries.

"Volley!"

Another volley of arrows struck the Black Dogs but some used the bodies of their dead as meat shields. They reached the line of Footmen that were holding back the mercenaries from reaching Sylvanas and her Rangers.

From the corner of the High-Elf's eye, she saw soldiers retreating from the south of the city. Footmen joined the line of her Footmen's shield wall while others formed a perimeter for the other soldiers to retreat. A Footman Sergeant ran towards her.

"Milady, the south shore is lost. We had to pull back. Captain Falric stayed behind to cover our retreat."

Nodding to the Footman, she turned to her Rangers "The nine of you, with me! The rest of you, stay here and open fire on those Dogs!"

Without another word, she ran towards the south. Squeezing through the retreating Footmen.

'Damn that fool.'

~Line Break~

Falric grunted as he parried another blow from the Black Dog and kneed the man in the groin. He quickly ended his life by chopping off his head before turning to the last of his retreating forces. Seeing as he was the last one, he ran towards his Footmen. One of them tripped and the Captain quickly grabbed him by the arm and pulled him up.

"Don't stop! Get back to the watchtower!"

He looked over his shoulder and saw ten Black Dogs closing in on him. Behind them were the rest of the Black Dogs, weapons raised as they roared in victory. The banner of the Alliance the Coalition set up was taken down and replaced with the Black Dog's.

'Damn it.'

He turned the corner to see Sylvanas and nine Rangers aiming at him with their bows drawn.

"Move!"

Falric quickly dove to the side at her command and the Rangers released their arrows, hitting their mark and killing the Black Dogs that were chasing him as they turned the corner. The Captain looked at the arrow riddled bodies and looked up to see Sylvanas glaring at him.

"You owe me."

She held out her hand for him to take. Falric didn't know what made him do it but he gave her a smirk and said "Will another candlelit dinner do?"

The High-Elf raised an eyebrow before shaking her head. Falric sighed and shrugged before taking the offered hand and stood up "Well, I tried."

Before he could move away she grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close "If we live after this, I'll hold you to that."

She shoved him away and ordered her Rangers to move back to the watchtower. Falric watched her go before shaking his head and running after them. That wasn't something he expected. Oh, well.

Soon, the group returned to the watchtower. Whatever's left of their forces formed a perimeter and held off the Black Dogs. He spotted Sylvanas in the center and made his way towards her. She was speaking to Maia and Justinia and Falric heard a bit of their conversation.

"..the horses. Get the wounded out first. Once they're safe, we make for Rad. We lost."

'Damn it. Three months we held this city. Good men died here for nothing. Damn these Black Dogs!'

When the other two left, Sylvanas turned to Falric "We can't hold them. The city is lost. I had the wounded retreat first then the rest of us. In the meantime, we'll give them time to escape."

"Understood."

Falric ran towards the front lines that was unfortunately breached. He took a discarded heater shield with the symbol of Lordaeron painted on the front from a Footman's corpse, muttering a short apology before entering the fray. The Captain ran a Black Dog through the side of his abdomen and forced him on one knee. Falric struck the mercenary on the face with his shield again and again before bashing him with the front to knock the body down. He parried a blow from a second one with his shield before kicking the man and sent him on his back on the ground. He switched to a reverse grip and plunged the blade down the mercenary's heart before pulling the sword free.

Breathing heavily, Falric ran towards a Black Dog before leaping into the air. He brought his sword down and lodged the blade in the mercenary's head as he landed. He turned to his left gave another mercenary an uppercut that sent the man dazed to the ground. He jumped in the air and dropped his knee on the man's head, the poleyn and his weight bashed the Black Dog's face in. The Captain rose to his feet and swung his sword towards a mercenary who had his back on Falric. The sword connected to the man's clavicle before being pulled off. The Black Dog turned around, screaming in pain while swinging his axe wildly at Falric.

The Captain casually walked backwards to avoid the swings before thrusting his blade into the man's chest when the mercenary left himself open. The Black Dog dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, raising his arms as he tried to grab Falric. The Captain shoved the man's hand away before stomping his boot on the man's back, crushing his spine. Falric suddenly felt an enormous amount of pain on his temple and found himself staring at the ground. He blinked and heard a man yell before rolling to the side to avoid a gruesome end via axe.

He looked up to his attacker raise his weapon once more to deliver the finishing blow but Falric kicked the man's knee, hearing a loud crack as it bent on an odd angle. The Captain rose to a kneeling position and severed the man's leg, watching him fall to the ground. Falric stood up before switching to a reverse grip and plunging his blade down the man's throat. He pulled his sword free and looked around him. They were being overrun.

Arrows suddenly flew past his head and struck the Black Dogs. He turned towards the source of the volley and saw Sylvanas and the Rangers prepping another volley.

"Fall back to the western gate!" The Ranger-General yelled "The wounded have retreated. Fall back!"

Falric breathed heavily before turning to the Footmen "Well? You heard her, men. Move!"

The Footmen finished off whoever they were fighting or simply kicked them away before retreating. Falric brought one mercenary down before running towards Sylvanas. Once he joined her, he turned his gaze towards the advancing Black Dogs. They were being slowed down thanks to the Rangers constantly firing arrows at them but the Dogs would reach them soon. Sylvanas had already ordered some of them to fall back. She looked towards Falric and saw him standing still while looking at the enemy. She walked over to him and grabbed him by the arm.

"We must leave now while we still have time!" She tried to drag him by the arm but the Captain didn't move.

"There's no time. We'll be overrun even if we leave now." Falric replied without emotion. He turned to the High-Elf "I'll hold them off for as long as I can. YOU must go."

Sylvanas felt her mouth drop slightly before settling to a sneer "Are you an idiot!? They will tear you apart. You'll be dead before you can even land a hit!"

"You are a leader of the Alliance, my Lady. Your life is worth more than mine." Falric argued. His voice unchanging.

Before she could argue back, Falric had already pulled his arm off her grip and ran towards the Black Dogs. He let out a battle cry as he leapt in the air and thrust his sword, running his blade through the throat of a mercenary. He pulled the blade free and raised his shield to block an attack from his left before kicking another mercenary from his right. Someone struck him on the back of his head and threw off his helmet. Gritting his teeth, he turned around and ran his sword through the man's abdomen before slamming his forehead against the mercenary's.

Falric drummed his sword to his shield as he taunted the mercenaries. One ran towards him and the Captain crouched under the swing and cut the man's abdomen open, causing a the intestines to flow out of the large wound. Falric rose to his feet and thrust his sword into another mercenary's gut. He headbutt the Black Dog before turning to the rest.

"Come on! Is that all you got!?"

Falric blocked an attack and used his shield to push the Black Dog back. He stabbed him in the gut before stabbing the man's throat and pushing the body away. Another tried to attack him but ended up getting a knee to the balls and falling on all fours. The Captain turned around sliced a Black Dog's hand off before cutting the man's thigh, forcing him on one knee before finishing him off by plunging the sword down the mercenary's nape and out the throat. After pulling his sword free, Falric turned to the Black Dog that was still on all fours and kicked him hard in the gut. The force of the blow threw the mercenary to his back before a sword pierced his heart.

The Captain let out tired breaths. He was down on one knee as he looked up at the army of mercenaries. Light, he prayed he bought them enough time. Pulling his sword free, he staggered a bit when he stood up. He was swaying a bit but he still had more fight in him. He wasn't going to give up that easily. He was about to charge again but stopped when 'stars' began to fall from the sky and crash right into the ranks of the Black Dogs. He turned around and saw Sylvanas riding a white stallion.

Falric looked up at the High-Elf as the glow in her eyes slowly dimmed as 'Starfall' ended. Sylvanas glared down at the Captain "You still owe me dinner, Captain. Don't think you can get away that easily."

This made Falric chuckle before the Ranger-General gestured for him to ride with her. Falric sighed before doing what he was told and climbed up the saddle. The two rode away from the Black Dogs and fell back to the western gate, where their remaining forces were waiting for them. Falric looked over his shoulder and saw the Black Dogs were slowly starting to recover. He wrapped one arm around Sylvanas' waist while the other held his weapon. They were almost to the gate, where they could see their troops waiting on horseback for them. Suddenly, Falric felt a sharp pain on his back as two arrows struck him. Both missiles had somehow penetrated his armor but only one succeeded in penetrating his skin. The Captain screamed in pain as he felt not only the pain of the arrow's tip but a slow, searing pain began creeping up his back.

Sylvanas nearly jumped at the sudden pain-filled scream and looked over her shoulder just in time to see Falric fall off the horse. She quickly jumped off and ran to the Captain's side. She turned him on his side and saw the two arrows sticking out the back of his armor. One was deeper than the other. She pulled said arrow and saw the black substance dripping from the tip of it.

'Poison.'

She looked down at the Captain and saw that he was letting out shallow breaths. She brought a hand on his forehead and felt his body temperature burn her palm. Fast acting poison. They need to get to Rad and get him to a Priest, fast. She quickly took pieces of his armor off and ripped his cape, tying it tightly around his wound as a makeshift bandage. She whistled for her horse before lifting the Captain with great effort. She hauled his body on the saddle before climbing up on the horse and spurred it to run. They need to get to Rad fast. She prayed to the Light that he would make it. Damn if she would let this mine die on her watch.

~Line Break~

Arthas looked down on his chalice as Lady Celestine and Lady Olga relayed to them of the event that transpired. The Horde were willing to set up trade with the Seven Shields and Alliance as long as they stay away from the Horde and their new home of Ogrimmar, formerly known as the city of Thorn. In exchange, they would rid Ansur of the Black Dogs and given back to the Halflings but the city will be neutral, once it's rebuilt of course. All trades will be held in Ansur whether they be from the Horde, Alliance or Seven Shields. A trading post that caters to the three. The Warchief of the Horde had extended this invitation to the Alliance in hopes that there will be no more unnecessary bloodshed. Besides, they had a common enemy of sorts.

Ever since the Horde had taken Thorn, they had seen the actions done by the Black Dogs and they were informed by Thorn's citizens of Volt's intent to conquer Eostia. Such acts had disgusted the Orcs and had made sure to kill any Black Dogs that dare enter their territory. In their eyes, if you are a Black Dog then you're dead. No prisoners, no mercy. Despite that, the Horde will only engage the Black Dogs if they trespass Horde territory. Anything beyond their borders was not their problem. Ansur being the exception.

The Prince contemplated on this. It was a good opportunity really. They had already agreed to a Nonaggression Pact with the Horde, might as well get some trade in. Though he did have to wonder what the Orcs were willing to trade other than food and whatnot. Bone necklaces? War Axes? Horned helmets? A big sword to place on an amputee's stump? The skull of a dead old Orc? Maybe a shield that protects you from death itself? Unlikely.

Arthas shook his head as he realized that the others were staring at him. Woops, he must've zoned out. Smiling apologetically, he asked "Uh, what were we talking about?"

Jaina sighed and leaned back on her chair, rubbing the bridge of her nose in annoyance. Of course he'd zone out. Prim brought a hand to her mouth to stiffled her laughter while Alicia wondered if her eye would ever stop twitching. Olga simply glared at the Prince while Celestine mirrored Prim's actions. In the shadows, Chloe wondered how this was the man those refugees kept praising as a hero. Sighing, Jaina turned towards him.

"Lady Celestine and Olga asked you if you were willing to accept the Horde's offer."

"Perhaps. But what about you? Do you have any objections to this?"

The Archmage shrugged "If you decide to accept then I'll back your decision. You've led us this far, why start doubting now? Besides, the Orcs brought back the Shrine Maiden. Alive, unfortunately, spoiled. The Black Dogs had gotten to her before the Orcs arrived in Thorn. They've done something to her and found out that the Shrine Maiden was to be made into a breeding stock for some insect-like abominations."

"What they'd do?"

"The Orcs gave the abominations' creator to the people of Thorn." Olga replied "The Warchief declared that he will answer to the people of Thorn and the people were not happy. Tell me, Prince Arthas. Have you ever seen a man get torn to pieces? They started with the legs then the arms then finally the head. It amazes me how rage can turn 'innocent people' into primal beasts. They tore him apart like wild animals fighting over their kill."

Celestine's mouth quivered as her face slowly turned green. She had heard it before but that doesn't mean she liked hearing it again. The same cold be said to Prim as she covered her mouth with her hands to keep herself from puking. Alicia was indifferent. Feeling what was done to the Dog was justified. Arthas remained silent, sharing Alicia's indifference. Jaina remained composed. She had heard it the first time as well and tried not to have a repeat of her reaction.

Olga noticed the Goddess Incarnate's expression and once more held her hand, running circles with her thumb on the back of Celestine's hand. Though she kept her expression neutral. Since when did she started getting touchy with the ditzy High-Elf?

Arthas, who had finished his wine, stood up. Everyone watched him as he walked over to the balcony. The Prince's eyes found themselves heading east. Lady Windrunner, Lady Maia and Captain Falric had been in that city for three months. With reinforcements low, troops were still being trained and the bulk of their forces were split, there was no way they could help them. Perhaps letting the Horde handle Ansur is for the best. He'll just have to send a letter to Sylvanas and order them to return to Rad to rest before returning to Feoh. A messenger bird landed on his shoulder and Arthas gently took the scroll tied to it's leg. He could feel his hands tremble with rage before letting out a calming breath. The message read:

'Ansur is lost. Three hundred are left. Preparing siege defenses on Rad in case of Black Dogs. Falric wounded, poison. Will live. ~Windrunner'

~Line Break~

Sylvanas stopped twirling the dagger in her hands when she heard Falric stir. The Ranger-General was leaning back on her chair while her feet rested on a second chair. Beside her was a bed occupied by the poisoned Captain. They were currently in a guest room inside of Rad's Great Hall. The Great Hall was nearly empty. The servants had returned to the Servant House beside the Great Hall. The only ones their were the two of them, Maia and the Knights tasked to guard the Great Hall.

Sylvanas gently helped the Captain sit up as he tried to gather his bearings. Falric felt like he just went to one of the boy's drinking contests and drank a barrel's worth of ale. His whole body felt like shit. The Ranger-General grabbed the waterskin on the drawer next to the bed and handed it to the Captain.

"Drink up. You've been out for hours."

"W-What hour is it?"

"The hour is late, Captain. The sun had set and the moon has taken it's place high in the night sky. That poison would've killed you sooner if we hadn't reached Rad in time." She took the waterskin from his hands and felt the whole thing was empty. She set it back down on top of the drawer before turning back to Falric "You need rest. The healer barely kept you alive. It was lucky that a Ranger knew what type of poison you've been hit with. He found the herbs needed to cure you from the poison."

"I should thank him sometime."

"No, you won't." Sylvanas replied with a shake of her head "The man disappeared. He wasn't even one of mine. No one in Rad knows him. All we know is that he was looking for an inn. I forgot the name but it had the word 'pony' in it."

Falric grunted before trying to stand up. He was gently pushed back down and raised an eyebrow at the High-Elf. Said High-Elf glared down at him as she pressed him down by the shoulders.

"Didn't I just say you need rest, you fool? What do you think you were doing?"

"My Lady, I have rested enough. I feel fine." Not really. He felt like his legs were made of brittle wood and could break if he so much as take a step. It felt like birds were flying around his stomach and trying to force their way out. There was an area in his back that was numb and he had a killer headache. Also, the tip of his nose won't stop itching. Why did he want to leave again?

"If you wish to be stubborn, then how about this. I ORDER you to rest, Captain. Or are you willing to disobey a direct order from an Alliance leader?"

'Damn. She plays dirty'

Falric sighed and let himself fall back to the bed. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep but felt something warm press against his cheek. He opened one eye to see that Sylvanas' palm was the source of that warmth. She was sitting on the side edge of the bed wile leaning down to caress his cheek, a small smile on her face.

"Don't you ever say my life is worth more than yours. Our lives worth are just the same. You were an ally but in time, you became my comrade. Even friend. I lost my home, my sisters, Nathanos. We have no way to return to Azeroth. All I have left is the Alliance, my Farstriders... you."

'Don't get ahead of yourself, Falric. A little bit of flirting, skin contact and endearment doesn't mean she sees you that way. Don't look at her eyes or you'll get lost in them. Look at something else, quickly. No. No. Don't look at her breasts! That's just rude. Forehead. Just look at her forehead. Yes, her forehead. That's good.'

"Are you looking down at my cleavage, Captain?"

"...No."