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.

14. Might of Lordaeron Ch 14

Docks, Port Haven

Jaina watched the ships leave the port. It took them nearly two weeks to reach Port Haven and they at least managed to arrive two days before sending off the ships. Speaking of. It took them a long time but eventually the Alliance managed to build a small fleet to patrol the Southern Seas for any pirates. There will be more ships soon but for now, they had to deal with other matters inland. The Skaven and Ur for one. The Lord Admiral turned and looked at a certain pinkette waving a handkerchief in the air as she bid the ships farewell. Jaina smiled before noticing a Kul'Tiran Royal Guard approach. He bowed his head before holding out a rolled up parchment with the seal of Hammerforge. Jaina thanked the Guard before unrolling the scroll and reading it's contents. Her eyes narrowed and her lips slowly turned into a scowl as she read the message.

'Great. As if Pirates and Skaven weren't bad enough, we have to deal with Lycans now too. Fantastic.'

She handed the message back to the Guard and nodded her thanks before calling for Prim. The pinkette quickly made her way to the blonde beauty's side.

"Is something the matter?"

"Unfortunately. I've just received word that Lycans are running amok, causing chaos among the towns and villages. Two Dwarven Legions are taking care of it but there's been sightings near Port Haven and I fear they may attack in the dead of night."

"Oh dear!"

"I originally planned for us take a carriage back to the Capital but it seems there has been a change of plans. With Lycans nearby, the roads aren't safe in the night. We must stay here for the night and leave for tomorrow."

"But didn't you say that the Lycans may attack tonight?"

Prim started wringing her hands in nervousness. Jaina smiled reassuringly and placed her hand on the young girl's shoulder before giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I know but as I said, the roads will be dangerous. But here, we have the garrison and the local guards' help should the Lycans attack. And don't worry, stay with me and I'll keep you safe. I promise."

~Line Break~

Spoiled Pig Inn, Port Haven

Prim unconsciously stuck her tongue out as she finished the final touches of her art. A painting of mountains and their reflections on a lake, coupled with trees and the like. Letting out a small sound of joy, she set down the paintbrush before walking over to the water basin to wash her hands and face. On the other side of the room, Jaina was sitting on a chair next to a table with a lamp, reading a book about the Lycans while humming a tune she heard in her dreams.

The peaceful atmosphere was ruined when a loud scream came from outside. The Mage jumped to her feet and quickly moved to the window. Outside, she could see soldiers marching in the streets. Passersby running to the safety of their homes as the Lycans hunt down any of those unfortunate enough gain their attention. On the rooftops, Jaina could see the unmistakable forms of the Lycans as they jumped from roof to roof. One of them stopped on top of the roof adjacent to their building and howled before, in a show of tremendous agility, lunged off the roof directly towards their window.

Jaina jumped back and shielded Prim as the Lycan burst through the window, landing on all fours. It bared it's fangs before slowly rising on it's hind legs. It's head almost reaching the ceiling as it stood menacingly over them. The two slowly backed away to the door as the Lycan approached them, growling at the two with each step it took. Jaina's eyes switched between the Lycan and her staff leaning on the wall before settling a glare at the wolf. Without another word, the Mage ran for her staff to which the Lycan replied by lunging at her. The Mage managed to grab her staff before turning around just as the wolf landed on top of her and pinning her to the ground. She used her staff to keep it from biting her head off but she knew she wasn't strong enough to keep it back for long so she turned her head to the side to yell for Prim to run. To her surprise, the young pinkette grabbed a chair and slammed it on the wolf's back. This only served to earn the ire of the Lycan as it jumped off Jaina and turned it's sights on the pinkette.

The blonde Mage saw this and quickly reacted. Her eyes glowed before throwing a Fireball that sent the Lycan flying across the room. She didn't give it a chance to recover as she jumped to her feet and cast Cone of Cold on the Lycan. The wolf barely had time to gather it's bearings before being assaulted by the spell, freezing it in place. The wolf's frozen form was quickly destroyed as Jaina sent a Ice Lance at it, shattering the frozen Lycan into pieces. Jaina let out a breath before turning to Prim. Before she could say a word, sounds of fighting were heard from outside and the two moved to the window to check it out.

Below them, Footmen, Marines and local Militiamen fought against dozens and dozens of Lycans. Jaina spotted larger ones that took on four Footmen and proceeded to slaughter them like they were nothing. She turned to Prim and said "We have to leave."

"But where will we go?"

The pinkette's lips quivered as she looked up at the Mage's slightly glowing eyes.

"Anywhere but here. Come on!"

And with that, she grabbed the young girl by the wrist and ran out of their room. They went down stairs to see the Innkeeper and a Marine fighting off two Lycans. One of them managed to get a lucky hit on the Innkeeper then proceeded to grab him by the shoulder. It opened it's jaws and prepared to rip the poor man's throat out but a Frostbolt slammed into it's head, forcing it to drop the Innkeeper who proceeded to thrust his shortsword into the beast's heart. This proved to be a mistake as the Lycan growled and swiped it's claws with tremendous strength that it decapitated the Innkeeper, leaving a bloody mess on the Inn's floor.

Jaina saw this and faced the Lycan. It moved to attack but she quickly sent a Ice Lance that went straight through it's heart, leaving a bloody hole in it's chest. As gruesome of a sight it is, Jaina did the sane to the other Lycan who had the Footman's severed head between it's jaws. Throughout the whole ordeal, Prim was doing the best to keep her dinner from spilling all over the floor. She swallowed to keep it in and looked down on the ground only to stare straight into the unblinking eyes of the Innkeeper's severed head. The pinkette turned to the side and threw up on the floor. She was glad that she had her hair tied into a tail, otherwise, her pink hair would be a sickly shade of green by now. With bits of carrot too.

Prim wiped her mouth after she finished and quickly ran to Jaina's side while doing the best she can to avoid looking at the carnage of the Inn. She was suddenly handed a small knife by the Mage and the pinkette looked questionably at the woman.

"You need a weapon. Just in case. It may not do much but it's better than not having anything to defend yourself with." Jaina answered before looking outside to see that the Marines, Footmen and Militiamen formed a perimeter outside of the Inn. A group of Riflewomen fired their Blunderbusses at the Lycans as they ran towards the Inn. A woman with black hair and wearing lamellar armor underneath a brown cloak.

"Lady Proudmoore, Lady Prim. Sergeant Madison, at your service. Governor Agatha sent us to retrieve you, my Lady. She has put the both of your safeties as of utmost importance. Follow us. We will lead you to her house."

"But what about the Port's people?"

"The Marine, Alliance and Seven Shield garrisons are providing safe shelter for them as well as the Governor herself. They are well-defended for now. The Governor has sent a message via messenger bird to the Dwarven Legions for aid. Until they arrive, we have to survive the night."

~Line Break~

The Town of Lupin, Eostia.

Grimhold Ironfoot, Legion Commander of the Ironfoot Legion, looked at the deserted town of Lupin from atop of a small hill. They had hoped to evacuate the town but it seems the Lycans got to there first. With no survivors to evacuate, the Ironfoot Legion routed the Lycans that remained in the town. He then ordered the Legion to fortify the town and make it act as their base for now. At least until the Lycan threat was over. Considering the reports of large numbers of the Lycans spotted around, it would take a long time before that happens.

"Legion Commander."

Grimhold turned away to look at the speaker. His most trusted friend and second-in-command, Head Captain Odrik Stoneshield. Retired but called to serve once more. The greying red-haired Dwarf bravely led the Legion's Veterans, the Steelfists, who spearheaded most of their battles and were more than experienced with the art of war.

"Yes, Odrik?"

"We have received a message from Governor Agatha from Port Haven. It says that the port is under attack by a large number of Lycans. At least one or two companies worth. She says that there are also a number of Alphas among them."

Grimhold hummed in thought as he ran his hand along his massive, grey beard. A force of that many rabid bastards led by Alphas. They damn well really needed the help and he was all too happy to give it.

"I want you and the Steelfists to deal with them. Take three companies with you. Have them surround the port while you and your lads enter the port and kill every single one of those hairy bastards."

"Understood, sir."

"Good. Any word from the Greybeards?"

Odrik nodded his head and grimaced.

"They've met a force of nearly a Legion's worth of Lycans in the fields of Feliana. The battle has been going on for quite some time now. Alphas are sure to be among them."

Alphas. Aside from being smarter than the average Lycan, they were bigger, faster and stronger too. He knew of a great many Dwarves that were taken down brutally by Alphas through cunning or overwhelming numbers. But even so, a good severing of the head with a good quality axe or a solid bash with a shield will take care of the big, hairy bastards.

"The Greybeards are still angered with the loss of their scouting party. I'll expect them to arrive a day or two behind. They won't stop until the last of those Lycans are dead. In the meantime, I'll go and see how the lads are doing. You may take your leave, Head Captain."

"Sir."

~Line Break~

Governor's Office, Port Haven

Governor Agatha Wells looked outside of her window to see the barricades set up around her house which also acted as the Governor's Office. The north, south and eastern roads that lead to the building were barricaded and guarded by a mix of Footmen, Marines, Militiamen, Riflewomen and Seven Shields Greatswords. Her people were safely sheltered inside her home.

"Governor Agatha."

The Governor turned around to face the soldier at her office door.

"Yes?"

"The roof is secured, milady. We have four Riflewomen up top to snipe the Lycans and a group of Footmen to guard them should the beasts get to them. Folks who wishbto fight have been armed and absorbed into the ranks of the Militiamen. We've also handed out as much of the food and water we can manage to the children and the elderly."

"Good work, soldier. You are dismissed."

The soldier nodded before walking out to the corridor, leaving the Governor to herself. Agatha sighed and walked over to the cutlass mantled on the wall. The sword belonged to her father and his father before him. The blade had never been used nor has it ever been entrusted in the hands of a woman. It seems tonight is the time to change that. She walked over and took the sword and sheathe before sheathing the weapon and strapping it on her belt. Agatha then moved to the closet and opened it, revealing a navy blue coat and a matching tricorn hat. Without a word, she put both on.

The coat was a little too big on her but that was expected considering it was tailored for a man as was the hat. Securing the hat on her head, she walked over to her desk and opened a drawer. Revealing a Hand Cannon. She only received it tonight and the process in which she did was something she regretted. When the Lycans attacked, she just left the Alliance garrison and was escorted by two Alliance Footmen. They managed to send anyone they passed by to her office to shelter them and rally soldiers to her office as well. Of course the Lycans saw them and attacked. One of her Footmen escorts, George, took a blow meant for her and gave her the Hand Cannon to kill the Lycan that dealt the blow. One shot to the heart left a sizeable hole on the beast's chest but the Footman's wounds were to fatal and died choking on his own blood. If she had only been aware of her surroundings, maybe the noble Footman would've survived.

Agatha shook her head before leaving her office and walking down the stairs to the lobby. She passed by women, children and elderly on the way before finally exiting the building. The Governor looked around her to see the soldiers standing ready at their posts. Footmen and Marines at the front of the line with their shields ready along with the Greatswords. Militiamen was the next line of defense and the Riflewomen were the last. Some of the Riflewomen were inside and on the second floor of the building where they got a better vantage point than the ones below.

"They Lycans are coming! The Lycans are coming!"

A scout ran inside the barricade. Agatha quickly turned to the soldiers around her.

"Keep the people inside. Do not let the wolves in. Hold your ground!"

The soldiers of Port Haven readied themselves for the coming of the wolves. They waited on baited breath, hands gripping their weapons tight. Agatha herself held her weapon tight to the point her knuckles were turning pale. A howl came from the distance before one of the Riflewomen from the roof fired a shot. A few moments later, the large forms of the Lycans jumped over the barricade and landed right in front of the Footmen. One of them landed close to her and she didn't waste time in charging the beast. She swung her cutlass down on an arc and let the blade bury itself diagonally on the beast's shoulder.

The Lycan howled in pain and retaliated by backhanding her, sending her flying into a group of Militiamen. The beast growled as it slowly made it's way towards the downed Governor. Agatha blinked the dizziness away before her eyes focused on the approaching Lycan. Gathering her bearings, she grabbed the Hand Cannon and pointed it at the wolf just as it pounced. The gap between them was but a few inches when Agatha pulled the trigger. The Hand Cannon's shot decimated the wolf's head, effectively killing it. Unfortunately, it's headless body landed on top of the woman, pinning her to the ground. But try as she might, the Lycan's body was too heavy for her to push off.

"Come on, you bloody bastard!"

But the beast's weight was too much and her cursing only bought the attention of another Lycan. The second wolf stalked over to the pinned woman and bared it's fangs as it drew closer to her. One of the Militiamen tried to stop it but the wolf grabbed him by the throat and calf before raising him up in the air and pulled him in two. The poor man's blood and internal organs bathed the Lycan, making it look more menacing and monstrous than it already is. It finally reached Agatha and effortlessly threw away the corpse of it's kin before grabbing her by the throat and lifting her off the ground. The raven haired Governor stared directly into the beast's own eyes, seeing nothing but bloodlust and malice. She punched, kicked and cursed but the grip around her neck only seem to tighten further. Her vision was slowly narrowing and in a few more moments, death awaits.

"Rrraaaggghh!"

The grip around her neck loosened and she was dropped unceremoniously to the ground. Agatha took in deep breathes to fill back her lungs before looking up to her savior who finished off the Lycan by beheading it. He turned to the side to avoid a second Lycan then ran the beast through with his weapon. The knight pulled his Greatsword upwards and split the top half of the wolf in two. Finished with his work, the knight made his way towards her. Frim what she could see, he was tall and wearing a set of heavy armor with a blue striped tabard. The chestplate had a symbol of twin... eagles? He wore a winged helm which hid her savior's face. In his hands was a Greatsword, the likes of which she had never seen before. The knight then held out his hand toward her.

"Are you alright, my Lady?"

Though his voice was muffled, she could still hear the soft tone of his voice. She took the offered hand with a nod and let him help her stand up. Up close, he was taller than she thought he was. Though she was of average height, this knight was at least as tall as the Prince of Lordaeron.

"Thank you, Ser Knight."

Any form of reply was cut off as a bolt of lightning passed between them and struck a Lycan that was about to attack them. The lightning bolt struck the beast and sent it flying a few feet away, a large bleeding hole in it's chest. The two turned to face a woman with short raven hair and crystal blye eyes. She had a red streak running across the bridge of her nose and some freckles. A cocky smirk adorned her features as she twirled a menacing looking staff then proceeded to stab the bladed end of it into the heart of another Lycan before her hand suddenly became alit with fire. The woman pulled the bladed end of her staff free before throwing a fireball right into the beast's chest. The action threw the Lycan to it's back as flames licked it's body, causing it to howl in pain and roll on the ground to put out the flames.

The woman looked at her handiwork and chuckled before walking over to them. She looked up at the knight and crosses her arms.

"Ever had to cook wolves in your travels, Warden?"

"Kill, sure. But we never thought of cooking it. It could be Blighted after all." The knight, Warden, replied before sheathing his large blade on his back "Although, Oghren might have tried to cook one. Wait, no. He tried to cook Leliana's pet nug."

"Look out!"

The trio dropped into their battle stance and saw a Lycan mid-pounce get run through by a large Ice Lance. They looked to the source to see Lady Proudmoore and her escorts enter the fray. Agatha saw Madison firing her Blunderbuss next to the blonde Mage who sent bolt after bolt of ice into the Lycans. Jaina then raised her staff high in the air, it's crystal glowed brightly as it matched the blinding glow from the blonde's own eyes. Large shards of ice began to fall from the heavens, impaling the wolves and miraculously avoided doing the same to their own soldiers. With most of the wolves dead and those that remained were being taken care of by the soldiers, Jaina lowered her staff and let Madison lead her to the Governor.

"Lady Proudmoore." Agatha greeted "I'm relieved to see you well, my Lady."

"Likewise, Governor." Jaina replied before turning to Madison "Please take Prim inside the building, Sergeant."

"Of course, my Lady."

Jaina watched the woman leave and have her group escort the young pinkette to the Governor's Office. Turning to said Governor, Jaina asked "How is the Port faring?"

"I don't know, Lady Proudmoore. This is all I could gather as of late. The barracks around the Port might hold their own but we have no way to tell." Agatha shook her head "I expected a few of them. Not this. I just hope the Dwarven Legions arrive in time."

"How many Lycans are there?" Jaina asked.

"A hundred. Maybe two, Lady Proudmoore." The Governor replied with a shake of her head "The largest group of Lycans we've encountered were three dozen. No more than that. This many Lycans? It's unheard-of."

"I've had my fair share of Werewolves."

All eyes turned to the Knight.

"But I too have not seen a number such as this. Even then, we didn't have to kill them all. We managed to turn them back to humans."

"You speak of those who cannot turn on their own will, Ser Knight." Agatha responded "These Lycans, especially the Alphas, can turn themselves willingly. Those who were newly afflicted, however, cannot. Some might have been scouting the Port in daylight before the attack but it matters not."

The Governor turned away to look at the retreating form of the wolves. She knew they'll be back. Some of the garrisons might not have been too heavily defended like her Office. No doubt they know that as well.

"We must concern ourselves in holding out until the Ironfoot Legion arrives."

"Why them?" The raven haired Mage, who planted her staff on the ground and was leaning on it, asked "What's so special about them?"

"They were the closest one here. They came here to resupply and also investigate the whereabouts of the Lycans. They just left yesterday and said they were heading for the town of Lupin next. It's only a few hours ride from here. I just hope the message arrived in time."

"Certainly better than not having reinforcements at all."

"Indeed." Agatha agreed before bowing her head "Forgive me but I have not introduced myself yet. My name is Agatha Wells. Governor of Port Haven."

The Knight took off his winged helm, revealing a man in his mid-20s with dark, shaggy hair and thick facial hair that matched. Dark brown eyes with his hair covering the left one. The man smiled gently and bowed slightly.

"Warden Cousland. At your service, Governor."

Agatha smiled and nodded before turning to the other woman who simply nodded her head in acknowledgement.

"Hawke. A pleasure."

"Likewise."

"Governor." Agatha turned to the speaker a Footman approached them "The Lycans are retreating for now. They might target the barracks but it will give us some time to regroup and rebuild."

"As much as I want to we can't help them. Doing so would leave this place short on defenders. I already took a risk with Lady Proudmoore and Lady Prim. I can't spare the men. We'll just have to hope that they'll hold out long enough."

Hearing this made Jaina frown. As much as she wanted to, the Governor was right. Sending out a party to reinforce the other barracks will lower the manpower here and considering that they barely pushed back the first wave, they need all the men they could get.

"Why send reinforcements when you can just have them retreat here?" Hawke suggested "We could just head on over to the barrackses and tell them to fall back here. That way, you'll get more troops to defend this place."

"But the journey from here to there is dangerous." Agatha argued "Who knows how many Lycans are lurking in the shadows. They could be lying in ambush."

"But isn't it better than leaving them to die to those beasts? At least if they make their way here, they still have a chance." Hawke then turned to Cousland "Aed, help me out here."

"Her reasoning is sound, Governor Wells." Cousland began "But it's also risky to go there and have them run back here. You are right, Governor, that there could be a number of Lycans running around or lying in wait for an ambush but if we want to get those men here, we'll have to take the chance. There will be casualties but I will do whatever I can to lessen that."

"You?" Jaina asked with a raised eyebrow "So you'll volunteer?"

"Of course, my Lady. Marion and I will go and head for the barracks."

"Wait what?"

Cousland ignored her and continued.

"You said that you can't spare the men so WE will be glad to do it in their stead."

"I didn't agree to shit you big bearded bastard!"

From behind his helmet, Aedan smirked and shrugged much to Marion's annoyance. Agatha smiled before nodding to the Warden.

"Very well, Warden Cousland. You have my thanks."

"Of course, Governor." He turned and walked off with his unwilling companion begrudgingly follow. Jaina watched them go before turning to the Governor.

"Have you ever encountered them before?"

"I'm afraid not, my Lady."

"I do, milady." The Footman from before answered "They came here about two months ago and have been living here since."

"Huh. How did that slip my attention?"

"You were busy with trade at the time, Governor."

"Oh."

~Line Break~

"You and your bleeding heart. I knew I should've left a Grey Warden to his business but nooo. My conscience decides to butt in at the last second. Should've left you when I had the chance." Marion muttered under her breath before glaring up at the Warden who had removed his helmet, revealing a head of shaggy, dark brown hair that reached just above his shoulders. A pair of warm brown eyes and a scar across his nose. A beard covered most of the lower part of his face. Making it look like Duncan's. The Warden simply chuckled and looked down at her with a smile.

"Well. It's been half a year since we met on that road and you still haven't left yet so... " He shrugged and the shorter woman intensified her glare before dropping it with a sigh and a shake of her head.

"Sometimes I don't know whether to punch you into a bloody mess or make you scream my name again and again and again. I swear if you weren't such a good looking bastard... " The raven haired Mage made a disgruntled noise before briskly walking ahead of him.

A red-faced Aedan watched her go as images of her flooded his mind, much to his chagrin. It didn't help that Marion knew that he was as chaste as a cloistered sister. He knew about sex, innuendos and the like. Mostly from Zev and Oghren but he never actually thought about doing any of it with anyone really. Not until he was wed at least. Mother kept pestering him about more grandchildren back then too. Thinking about this topic reminded him of the time he told Marion about it.

'What kind of Noble waits for marriage to sleep with someone? If you weren't so clueless to all the advances these men and women tried and failed to show you, I would've called you a fucking liar.'

Yeah. She was never gonna let him live that down. But at least she hadn't left. Not when everyone he knew in the past did. To this day he still didn't know why she hadn't left him. Marion had every opportunity to leave and no reason to stick around. She could go on her own way, she was even doing fine before they met actually. After their bloody first meeting, which included a lot of dead Black Dogs that tried to mug him, they made a killing in the monster hunting business and were set for life after only three months of working. He thought by the time they stopped when business around their part of the country went slow she'd leave yet she still accompanied him even though they were mostly on the road until they made it to Port Haven. Working as a mercenary and a baker. Sten really did like his cookies back then.

"Aed, do you hear that? Listen."

He was kicked out from his musings and strained his ears to listen. He thought she was just hearing things but then he heard it too. The soft wailing of a child. Without thinking, Aedan quickly ran to the source. Marion quickly caught up with him and the duo traversed through the alleyways and into a different street before they found a lone child crying in the middle of the road, holding onto the unmoving body of the child's mother.

While Aedan quickly moved to the child's side, Marion had narrowed her eyes and looked around at the abandoned street. The place was dark. No lamps were lit to illuminate their surroundings. Dead bodies were everywhere. There were pools of blood and bloodstains on the ground that suggested that the bodies were dragged to someplace else. Werewolves have better senses than a human. There was no way they would've missed a child here. The setting was spelled ambush in her mind and Aedan was falling for it. She saw something up above the rooftops and quickly threw a Fire Ball at it.

What followed was a smoking carcass and the arrival of seven Lycans. They howled and growled before one of them pounced towards Aedan. The Warden's instincts kicked in and he grabbed the child, a girl no older than nine. Aedan dodged the Lycan before carrying the child with his left arm and unsheathing a dagger in the other. It was the only one-handed weapon he had on him and he wouldn't dare let go of the child in case the Lycans go after her or she runs off to who knows where. He quickly looked to the child and gave her a comforting look or at least what he hoped was a comforting look considering the situation they were in. Three Lycans surrounded them while the rest were busy fighting Marion.

"Don't worry. I'll keep you safe. Just stay with me."

The child wrapped her arms around him tighter and hid her face on his neck. Good. One so young shouldn't have to see more blood and death than she already has. One Lycan charged him but he was quick to dodge and swift to cut the werewolf across the back. Perks of being a Grey Warden and extensive training. Heightened senses and instincts. Though he knew it was a trap from the beginning, he didn't want to leave the child alone. Besides, he's done the same before and they always end up with him the victor.

Two werewolves lunged at him at the same time and he ducked, letting the two hit each other and fall into a heap instead. With all his might, he raised his dagger high in the air before bringing it down on the Lycan's skull. He twisted it twice before pulling it hard, showering him with blood that sprayed from the wound. Suddenly, Aedan found himself face down on the ground. Pain in his back. His mind quickly went to the child and he looked around only to see her lying a few feet away from him, curled into a ball and the first Lycan drawing closer to her.

A feeling of rage took over him and his eyes turned into a glowing grey. Aedan rose to his feet and unsheathed his Greatsword before throwing it at the Lycan. The werewolf stood over the weeping child as it raised it's hand, claws ready to kill the welp before it. Before it could deliver the blow, Aedan's Greatsword buried itself in the werewolf's heart. It howled in pain but Aedan was already there to pull the blade free. With a mighty pull, the Greatsword was free from the Lycan's chest and the Warden spun and bisected the werewolf in two.

Aedan wasn't given time to recover as a third werewolf grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him around before backhanding him. The Warden grunted in pain as he stumbled back but regained his footing before charging the Lycan. He clashed into the werewolf's midsection and, with a surprising show of strength, lifted the Lycan off the ground before slamming it back to the road. Aedan found his dagger next to him and grabbed it before stabbing the Lycan in the heart, eliciting a pained howl from the beast. But Aedan wasn't done and he stabbed the creature again and again and again, bathing him in blood.

He didn't know how long had he been stabbing them but he was snapped out of it when someone wrapped their arms around his body and struggled hard to pull his large form away from the dead Lycan.

"Aedan! Stop it, you big fucker! It's dead!"

The rage left Aedan's eyes and his vision began to clear, revealing the bloody carnage he had left behind. He looked down on himself and saw he was drenched in blood. So much blood. Then he noticed the familiar pair of arms wrapped around him and knew he had gone Berserk once more. He didn't like going Berserk. It always left him feeling empty. Letting out all his rage in battle only to find himself feeling nothing but emptiness after. Sometimes even tired. Aedan closed his eyes and muttered his mantra to calm himself down.

"It's over, Aedan." Marion muttered from behind him, still not letting go of the Warden "They're dead."

It was then Aedan realized the reason why he went Berserk in the first place. His head turned to the direction of the young child and saw her still curled up in a ball but with everything around them silent, he could hear the soft sobs coming from the girl. Marion heard it too as she turned her head to face the child's form. She let her arms drop and let Aedan make his way to the child.

The Grey Warden looked at the girl as he slowly approached her. He knew he was covered head to toe in blood but he needed to comfort the girl. For her sake. Aedan reached the girl and knelt down before gently touching her shoulder, wincing after he saw her flinch upon contact. Maybe she saw the gruesome way he disposed of the Lycans and feared him now.

"Hey, it's okay." He began gently as he could "The monsters are gone now. You're safe."

The child trembled but slowly uncurled herself before looking up at the Warden. Aedan did his best to smile comfortingly at the girl, praying that his appearance didn't scare her anymore than she already was. He gently helped her up her feet and realized how small she really was. Then again, he was pretty broad and tall so a lot of things were small to him. The child's lips trembled before she jumpes up to Aedan and wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. Aedan blinked before smiling and returning the hug, running his hand down her back in a comforting motion.

"There. There. It's alright. I'll keep you safe, pup."

"I... I... I want my mama. I want my family."

Aedan's heart broke for the child. Dead family and a girl wanting them back while he did all he can to comfort her. It was all too familiar to him. Unbidden memories of that dreadful night flooded his mind. Oren choking on his own blood while his mother was raped by his killers. He dealt with them and had his first taste of being a Berserker's rage. Lady Landra and her son dead on their beds. At least their deaths looked quick. Iona holding her neck as an arrow pierced her throat while Elissa cradled her body, the life slowly leaving the poor Elf's eyes. Old Aldous and Mother Mallol ran through with a sword. He returned the favor in kind to their killers. Ser Gilmore and the Castle Guards, tired and outnumbered yet held Howe's men long enough for them to reach father. He was forever thankful for his friend's sacrifice. Father clutching the bleeding wound Howe gave him. Mother staying behind with their father. Their parents telling him and Elissa that they loved them. Him and Duncan dragging away a screaming Elissa as they escaped Castle Cousland. Elissa hitting and cursing him, blaming him for leaving their parents behind while he held her tight in his arms. Letting her vent all her grief and anger out while he kept his bottled up. Wallowing in regret, self-loathing, anger and pain but he tried to stay strong for his sister. Never crying. Never breaking. And it worked until they came to the Gauntlet.

He was shaken from his memories when the girl's sobs turned into quiet whimpers. He slowly pulled away a bit to look at her and the child wiped her tears away.

"What's your name, pup?"

"E-Eleanor Belmont."

Aedan let out a pained smile at the name before nodding at the child in his arms.

"Eleanor? A beautiful name for a beautiful child." He then used his finger to boop the girl's nose to which she giggled in response "My name is Aedan. Aedan Cousland. It's nice to meet you, Eleanor."

While the two were lost in their own little world, Marion watched from her spot with a sad look on her face. She looked around the street and at her handiwork. Two burnt corpses, one was nothing more than shattered ice, while the last one was a smoking corpse courtesy of a pointblank Lightning spell. Her eyes found themselves looking at Aedan's kills and all of them were bloody. One Lycan was cut in two while another had a large bleeding hole on the top of it's head. She didn't need to look at the last one to know it's gruesome fate. Marion looked back at the two and made a decision before making her way over to them.

"Aedan."

The two looked to Marion as she approached. Aedan gave her a smile while Eleanor tried to hide her face but the Warden insisted the child to look at Marion who crouched down next to Aedan, her head tilted slightly to rest on his shoulder.

"Eleanor, I'd like you to meet Marion Hawke. She's my partner and friend. You can trust her."

Eleanor looked bashful at first before waving at the Mage.

"H-Hello."

Marion smiled and pinched the child's cheeks before booping her in the nose.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Eleanor. But I won't stay for long, however."

If he could, he would've turned his head to look at Marion with a pair of confused eyes but he didn't and instead rested his cheek on her head. He found it odd that she would do this in a place like this. Normally, she would do this only once in a while when their home but never whenever they were fighting or after the fight. Marion had never been this... intimate with him.

"Is something wrong?" Gently, he asked.

"You have to return to the Governor and keep her safe. I'll head to the barracks and continue on as planned."

"I can't let you go there alone, Marion."

"I can handle myself, Aed. Trust me... please."

'She had to go with the please, didn't she?' Aedan thought to himself 'How can I refuse that now?'

"Fine. Just... be careful."

"Me against a city running with werewolves?" Marion gave him a challenging smirk which he didn't see "Hardly seems fair... for them."

Aedan sighed but smiled before gently shaking her off and rising to his feet. Eleanor still in his arms.

"I'll leave you to it then. I trust you wouldn't do anything stupid and be careful."

"Of course I'll be careful. Don't you know me?"

"...Like I said, be careful."

~Line Break~

Head Captain Odrik Stoneshield kept his expression neutral as he and his boys, the Steelfists, entered Port Haven. The rest of the Legionaries had the port surrounded. No one can get in or out without having to deal with the Legionaries. The Head Captain was clad in full steel armor and in his left hand was a large, round shield while in his right was a Mithril Axe. An heirloom of the Stoneshields.

"Eyes open, lads. Keep an eye out for these hairy bastards."

"What about the humans?"

"Aye. Them too."

Suddenly, a large Lycan landed on all fours in front of him. The werewolf slowly rose to it's full height, towering over the Legionaries who had their shields raised and their spears pointed at the beast. All except Head Captain Odrik who simply glared back at the werewolf. Seeing this the Lycan lowered it's head and growled as it came face-to-face with the dwarf.

"Wrong move, ya filthy animal."

Before it could react, Odrik slammed his shield on the werewolf's snout with enough force to crack bone. He quickly swung his axe across the Lycan's abdomen, letting it's innards fall to the ground in a bloody heap. He then used the edge of his shield to punch the joint of the Lycan and forced it to it's knees. It tried to swipe at him but he simply leaned back and chopped the offending appendage off. The Lycan howled in pain but was cut off a second later when Odrik buried his axe on the Lycan's skull. With a snort of disgust, he pulled his weapon free and kicked the body down.

"Filthy bastards."

Odrik looked away from the body and gazed at the full moon.

"The night's just beginning, lads. Plenty of Lycan bastards to kill. Make me proud, Steelfists."

The Steelfists let out roars of agreement befire marching down the road in formation. The night had indeed just begun and the Steelfists were all too happy to rid this world of the Lycan's filth and whatever beasts that plague these lands. Tonight, the blood of their foes will flood the streets of the port. No werewolf is safe from them. Death will come to the Lycans but they damn well sure won't make it quick.

~Line Break~

Jaina wiped the sweat off her brow and took off her cloak. If Arthas was freezing his ass off in KÃhlschrank, she was sweating hers here in Eostia. She could just make the temperature lower but she was too exhausted to do anything.

"Jaina."

The blonde Mage looked to the door of the Governor's Office and saw Prim standing in the doorway with a mug of something on each hand. She raised an eyebrow before letting the pinkette enter the room. Prim handed her a mug and she looked down at the contents before giving it a sip. As soon as the taste registered in her tongue, she pulled the mug away. It was ale and she didn't like that particular drink. Prim, however, was another story. The pinkette's eyes were half lidded and red dusted her cheeks.

"Tha -hic- was, uh, thing. Uh? Oh! Good. -hic- that was good."

"I think that's enough for you, young lady."

"No!"

Prim kept the mug away from Jaina's hands and downed the drink as she ran around the room while the Mage chased after her. She didn't get far before tripping over her own two feet and landing face first into the floor. The mug flew off her hands and into the air before bouncing off the top of her head as it fell.

"...ow."

The Lord Admiral chuckled before gently helping the smaller girl up to her wobbly feet and escorting her to where the couch. She set Prim down and couldn't help but laugh a little when she saw the pinkette was already asleep. Snoring loudly as a bit of drool dripped from the corner of her mouth. Jaina smiled down at the girl before picking up the empty mug on the floor and setting it down on the table. That was a bit refreshing despite the current situation they were in. She took a seat on the Governor's chair behind the desk and decided to take a short cat nap.

~Line Break~

Jaina opened her eyes and found herself standing in the middle of a frozen wasteland. The snow was blowing heavily yet it doesn't seem to affect her. She didn't even feel the cold. Her eyes swept through the snow covered field only to widen in horror as she noticed the bodies half buried in the snow. She quickly recognized some of them as Footmen when she looked closer at their armor. There were othee bodies there too but ones she did not recognize. Her ears picked up the sounds of metal clashing against metal and quickly ran to the source. Her feet brought her to a field where to combatants were locked in brutal melee. One she recognized as Arthas while his opponent was one she did not recognize.

He was tall and muscular, built like an orc. Red paint, or was it blood, adorned his arms and bare chest. He wore only a fur cloak, fur loincloth and boots. In his hands were a wicked looking axe and a menacing sword that she could only describe as demonic.

As Jaina watched the two battle it out, she realized that the field they were in was devoid of life or corpses... except one. Her eyes landed on the figure far from the two that had a sword buried in their chest. Jaina couldn't hold the gasp that escaped her lips as she recognized the figure even from afar. She quickly ran towards the body, praying it wasn't her. As soon as she reached the figure, her knees gave out. Lying in a pool of her own blood was Alicia Arcturus. Her blonde hair soaked red with her blood along with her armor while her purple eyes blankly stared into the sky. So much blood.

"Oh, Light. No. Please. Tell me this isn't real."

"Rrraaaggghh!"

Jaina turned around just in time to see Arthas charge his opponent only for him to be blown back by a torrent of blue flames. The Prince rolled to a stop before trying to get back up only for his opponent to stomp on his back and force him back to the ground.

"Did you really think you can defeat me? Gallix, the Barbarian King!"

Gallix raised his leg before stomping it back down on Arthas' back, eliciting a pain-filled scream from the Prince. Arthas tried to reach for his sword, Light's Wrath, but Gallix removed his foot from the Prince's back only to crush Arthas' hand as he reached for the weapon.

"You may have beaten my army, my sons and daughters but you are nothing more but a weak ant when you and your pathetic pet foolishly faced me alone. Leaving your men to the mercy of the cold." Gallix knelt down and grabbed Arthas by the hair before forcing the Prince to look at him "And what did you achieve in doing so, hm? Nothing but the little one's death. If she were stronger, I would've made her bear the next generation of my children and feed your flesh to make them strong."

Gallix shoved Arthas' head into the snow and rose to his feet. The Barbarian King raised his demonic sword, prepared to end the Prince's life.

"But I can't wait for another strong woman to bear me sons. Besides, I never liked sharing my meal."

"NO!"

The sword was brought down but as soon as it made contact, Jaina woke up.

~Line Break~

Jaina shot up and frantically looked around her surroundings. She wasn't in the frozen wasteland anymore and she was back in the Governor's Office. She tried to calm her rapidly beating heart before wiping the sweat away.

"Just a... could it be just a dream? But... it felt so... real. A vision?"

She heard a knock on the door and Jaina got up to open it but stopped to make herself look presentable. Satisfied, she opened the door to see Governor Wells.

"Governor? You shouldn't knock, it's your room after all."

"I didn't know if you were asleep, Lady Proudmoore, and I didn't want to wake you."

"It's alright. I was awake anyway. Is there something you need?"

"No but I've been informed that a Dwarven Legion had entered the port and our rapidly taking out or chasing away the werewolves."

"That's great news!"

Indeed it was. Jaina wasn't sure how long they would've lasted if they didn't have reinforcements soon. At least now, they have a chance to see the light of day. Her thoughts then went to the other barracks and the two that volunteered to help them.

"What about Warden Cousland and Hawke? Any news?"

"Ser Cousland has returned with a child he found on the way. Apparently, the Lycans were using her as bait."

"They can do that?" That was a first.

"Sometimes Lycans can be pretty smart. Anyway, Hawke went on her own to complete the task while Ser Cousland returned here to care for the child. I believe he said 'Marion is more than enough to finish the job.' He seemed to have full confidence on her."

"Let's hope it isn't misplaced."

~Line Break~

Marion laughed maniacally as she burned the Lycan in front of her into a crisp. Behind her, half a dozen of werewolves lay dead. Either burnt or frozen or electrocuted. Some even met an unfortunate end by the Staff of Parthalan's bladed end. The buildings were not safe from her wrath either. Flames consumed the buildings that were struck by her magic after a few of the Lycans dodged her spells. Oh well. She'll just blame it on them. Besides, she has a mission to complete. Rally the soldiers and civilians in the barracks and escort them back to the Governor's Office. A few buildings is worth less than their lives, right?

Something wet landed on Marion's nose before another followed. Soon rain began to pour and douse the flames of the burning buildings. The Mage pouted but turned her head when she heard the sounds of marching boots. In the distance, she could see... Dwarves? Heavily-armored Dwarves with large shields and spears. Their helmets were so covered that all you could see were their eyes. The one in the center of the formation wore a more intricate steel armor than the rest and the one on his left carried the standard of the group. A banner that had a steel gauntlet in the center and had two crossed spears in the back. The Dwarves stopped and the one in the center approached her.

"Hail, Magi. I am Head Captain Odrik Stoneshield of the Steelfists. We were sent here by Legion Commander Grimhold Ironfoot of the Ironfoot Legion to help deal with this Lycan threat."

"Nice timing, Head Captain." Marion smirked "The Governor was getting worried. Since you're here, I could use your help."

"And what is that?"

"The Governor wanted me to head over to barrackses all over the Port and gather as many survivors and soldiers as I can then escort them back to her Office. We barely managed to hold them off but the Governor was worried the others might not fare better than we did. With your help, however, it'll make my job easier and less casualties as well."

"Hmm. Alright, lass. We'll help you. It's what we're here for anyway. Just point us to the right direction."

"Good. Follow me."

Odrik nodded before returning to formation with his Legionaries.

"Legionaries, forward march!"

The Steelfists marched after the woman, the hold on their shields and weapons was as tight as their formation. They have already killed at least more than a dozen Lycans before they found the Magi woman. Odrik knew that they couldn't wander aimlessly around a Port they did not know. Lives were on the line. It was lucky they managed to run into the Magi, a rather powerful one at that. If any other Dwarven Legion were sent to help, they might have completely ignored the woman simply because she uses Magic. The Ironfoot Legion was more open minded than that. He knew some Legions refused the aid given to them by their otherworldly kin, the Boomsticks, simply because they saw it as a cowardly weapon. To Odrik, a weapon is a weapon. The only coward here is the one who refuses to use weapons or accept a most generous gift. Bloody crazy the lot of them. Too much red sand in their system.

"Lycans!"

Odrik was shaken from his thoughts and immediately went into action as he saw the Lycans jumping down the buildings and running towards them.

"Phalanx!"

The Legionaries moved to form the Phalanx while Marion narrowed her eyes at the approaching Lycans and readied her staff. She spun the staff in her hands before slamming it on the road, creating a giant wall of flames between them and the werewolves. A few moments later, a Lycan jumped through the wall of flames only to be impaled by the spears of the Dwarven Legionaries. More werewolves did the same and met the same end. Seeing that they're attacks were futile, the Lycans changed their approach.

The werewolves returned to the rooftops and made their way past the flame wall before looking down at the Legionaries then jumping down. One of the Dwarves saw this and alerted their group which prompted them to change formation.

"Spiked Shell Formation!"

The Dwarves gathered and formed a shell similar to a turtle's while having their spears sticking out. The first few Lycans were impaled but more jumped and their combined weight managed to break through the shell. Soon, the two forces were locked in bloody melee. The Dwarves dropped their spears and took out their axes or swords. Some even dropped their shields so they can wield two weapons instead.

Odrik roared as he cut open a Lycan with a slash to it's midsection and let it's guts fall to the ground before punching it's knee with the shield, forcing it to fall on all fours before beheading the creature with his axe. The Head Captain looked around him to see the chaos that surrounded them. More Lycans have arrived and impeeded them from their mission. He did say the night has just begun. They still got a long way to go before the last of the Lycan threat has been eradicated and he wouldn't have it any other way.