Chapter 9
Not every one is a fun drunk.
A year ago Fox would have laughed herself into a coma if anyone said she would be escorted up the South Fury river by a pair of happily married Trolls. Now she found her self standing on the far side of the river from the Horde's capital city of Orgrimmar. It wasn't the first time Fox had seen it, but it was the first time she was on the ground. She wasn't going to lie. She was terrified to be there.
Boani wasn't comfortable with it as well. She patted Fox's hand as she judged the distance.
"We should just be takin her wit us." Zak'sora grumbled. "Day have plenty of da Alliance races within the city."
"Slave and gladiators are not the same thing, Love." Boani shook her head. "I will not be puttin a slave collar on our gal."
Zak'sora knelt down and drew his hand over the earth. Signaling he would comply to his wife's wisdom with no more issue.
Boani channeled her portal. "Dis be a bit faster, Fox. We be back soon. You just hold up here."
The moment the two disappeared, Fox felt her anxiety sky rocket. Casting a look around she moved to a lone tree on the mountain side. Pushing through the sparse grass she sat down and stared out at the river.
She let her mind wander. Wondering what her parents were doing right now? How was Jacen faring on the Storm Seeker? Fox smiled sadly thinking of Mathias Shaw. He was probably handing out missions today. It would take him a while to find someone to replace her. The training would cause him to miss her desperately. That was something she was certain of.
Eventually she lost control of her thoughts. No longer able to steer them away from Varian. A groan of depression accompanied it. She drew her knees to her cheek, and let her arms wrap tightly around her legs. Fox did not want to think on him yet. It just hurt to much.
A hand grabbed her hair. Caught off guard Fox screamed loudly as she was dragged to her feet. A dark green Orc hauling her roughly forward. "I told you two, that I heard a noise!"
"Well look what we have here." A Blood Elf wearing a full suit of plate set his sword to his back. "Tharath, looks like you caught yourself a little human runaway!"
A Goblin rubbed his hands greedily. "I bet they have a hefty reward for her."
Fox didn't understand much Orcish yet, but Boani had been trying to teach her. A desperate attempt to relieve the constant translations between the talkative Fox and Zak'sora. She made out a bit of their conversation. In broken Orcish Fox gritted back "No Slave."
"OH!" Tharath pulled her around, "She speaks some Orcish."
"It only belies her claim at not being a slave in my estimation." The Blood Elf stared down at the Goblin. "How much do they offer for the runaway slaves these days?"
"Depends on the slave, but this one is a beautiful piece for a human." The Goblin looked over Fox's body.
Fox could not make enough out to understand, but the way the Goblin was looking at her made her uneasy. Reaching up, she grabbed for the Orc's wrist. A few fingers gently placed. Then applied pressure until she was able to break his hold.
Seeing her breaking free the Blood Elf and Goblin rushed at her. Neither of them willing to loose what they saw as a valuable commodity. The Orc grabbing hold of her arm. Fox twisting around to break his hold, and using inertia to take him to the ground. A hand moved to a dagger, but she hesitated. She could not openly kill these members of the Horde right outside the gates of Orgrimmar. That would compound her problems.
Taking advantage of the moment the Blood Elf pushed Fox against the tree so hard she felt the breath knock out of her. The back of her head hitting hard. Leaving her with a resounding headache.
"Give me something to tie her up with before she tries to get away again."
The Goblin produced a rope as Tharath climbed to his feet. Grabbing Fox's shoulder, and shoving her to the ground. The weight of the Blood Elf and Orc held her down as her hands were bound.
"Did you see that! She knows how to fight." The Goblin was so excited his eyes were starting to bug out. "Oh I can taste the gold, boys. Pretty and skilled, that's a sure sign of a huge reward."
"We ain't turning her in." The Orc shook his head as he tested the rope on her wrists.
The Blood Elf scowled and moved off the human. "Why not? We can all use the gold. No matter how much they are offering."
"Because I like her now. Not many females can toss me around like that, and that sort of thing amuses me." The Orc winked at his companions so they understood his meaning.
"As long as I get paid, I don't care what you do with her." The goblin waved his open hand at the Orc for gold.
The Blood Elf rolled his eyes, "Fine, but if you are taking her into Orgrimmar to get some official papers on her, I don't want any trouble." Kneeling down he dug around in his bag. Pulling out a skin of ale. Then a small packet of powder. "I use this stuff to curb my mana urges when they get bad. It should keep her subdued enough." The packet dumped in the ale.
Fox saw the alcohol being drugged before her. Eyes flaring wide as she tried to pull away. Only to have Tharath grab her face in a fierce hold to force her mouth open.
He nodded to his Blood Elf companion, "What are you waiting for?"
Fox felt the burn of the alcohol and the bitterness of the drug in her mouth. She spat it back out at the Blood Elf, angering him. The three struggled as the little Goblin chuckled. Finally tired of the stubborn nature of the human, Tharath hit her neck with the side of his hand.
The chop caused Fox to gasp and the liquid flowed down her throat.
Once gaining the upper hand, the Blood Elf pressed the skin harder against her lips. Very little liquid rolling down her chin, assuring him she was drinking it. He forced her to take much more then she needed for the desired effect. It was no more then she deserved, he thought. For spitting the mixture all over his armor. If she got a little sick, so be it. She needed to learn her place anyway, and this might just rush her along in that respect.
Fox dragged great lungfuls of air when they finally released her. For a long moment she had feared they were going to accidentally drown her in their efforts. Damn, she had no idea what the powder was, or what effects it would have. The alcohol, that she knew, and dreaded. Shaw had not lied when he said she was a mean drunk. Something about it eliminated her ability to rationalize and brought out her vindictive nature. Oh these poor fools had no idea what they had done.
The group wasted no time heading toward the side gates. Fox feeling her legs sliding a bit as she tried to keep up. They conversed with the guards for a short time. It only took a moment before she realized that they were requesting a slave collar. The guard had no trouble procuring one. It was well known that the Horde used Orgrimmar for Gladiator arena training, and was still quite open in their slave trade.
Tharath moved close holding it up for Fox to see, "No Slave? Well, you are now."
Fox tried to back peddle shaking her head, but she was rocking from side to side. There was no way to know if it was a reaction to the drug or the alcohol. She had not imbibed in years and the tolerance was low. The Blood Elf grabbing her shoulder from behind. The sickening sound of the latch being clasped and locked. The tiny key in Tharath's large hand was openly shown to her.
He smiled wickedly at her. Enjoying how her dark eyes followed the little piece of metal until he tossed it off the bridge into the Southern Fury River.
"No." Fox watched it sink out of sight. Looking back up at the Orc's triumphant face. He started to laugh. It didn't last long. Fox reared back and bashed her forehead off his nose. And then all hell broke loose.
It was this scene that Zak'sora burst into in a full berserk. Boani was unable to stop her mate from charging in. Not that she had any intention of holding back herself. The moment she saw the slave collar clasped around her friend's neck she felt rage form in her chest. They would burn!
Fox was a hero to the Horde, even if they didn't realize it. This was not an honorable way to repay the debt they owed the human for weakening Hellscream's forces.
Tharath was holding his face watching the guards. They were trying to help his friends in subduing the human. The Goblin had been right. She was probably a skilled gladiator combatant that had managed to break free from her master. Right now all he could think was. "Should have tied her legs and carried her in." Then he saw the trolls that had come to join the fray. To his shock they focused their attacks on his friends and the Orgrimmar guards rather then the Human.
Rygen Stonehorn, proud Tauren paladin walked along the hard packed clay road with his High Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof. They had been in a detailed meeting with their Warchief Vol'jin. One moment he was listening intently to his hero and leader. Then next he saw a flash of light that drew his attention. Looking over to see Boani, her hands engulfed in flame.
Further in, he saw Zak'sora with his maces in hand. Wading into open combat with the Orgrimmar guards, "Zak?"
Baine Bloodhoof followed Rygen's gaze. "You know the trolls? Why are they attacking our men?"
A loud human shout was echoing around the stone walls. Rygen pulling his warhammer seeing Fox. She was flipping around using her legs to fight. A mighty pull broke her hands free, and then she let loose a vicious strike knocking on of the guards down. "My Chieftain! You have to stop them. That human is not our enemy."
Baine had been watching the battle rage before him as well. He turned and blinked at Rygen in disbelief. Perhaps his friend had gone mad? "Are you sure?"
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
The matter of the Crimson Fox, Alliance Rogue and invader of Orgrimmar was taken to the Warchief at the insistence of High Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof
Vol'jin had been more then willing to end the sessions of political boredom for a much more entertaining turn of events. Not that he was about to admit that out loud to anyone. In all visual respects he was just disinterested in the melodrama being brought before him.
The Tauren leader stood in the middle of the room with the Human kneeling before him. The slave collar still firmly in place was the only restraint on her person. She remained silent, but the few times she looked around the room, there was a definite blood lust in the deep brown eyes. Vol'jin approved. It was something he could use to either free her, or kill her after the evidence was presented. Being a human he assumed it would be the later.
Rygen Stonehorn stood on the left side of Baine. Further over was Vol'jin's own Darkspear trolls. He recognized Zak'sora and his mate Boani without introduction. After all he had sent the two on many harsh missions to undermine the former Warchief Garrosh Hellscream. To the other side of Baine stood three members of the Horde he did not know. The Blood Elf looked as if he just wanted to forget the whole thing and leave. The Goblin was tapping his foot, and a gleam in his eyes that told Vol'jin it would cost him much gold to be rid of the little fellow. The other was an Orc that spent much of his time staring down at the human captive with a promise of reprisal in his eyes.
"So Baine, I thought dat I had sent ya off for de day. What be happening ta bring ya back?" Vol'jin refused to acknowledge any of the others.
"There seems to be a dispute between these members of the Horde as to who the Human is, or more precisely, belongs to. My Paladin tells me that this is The Crimson Fox of Stormwind. You should remember the name from previous reports." Baine explained as he motioned to Fox.
Vol'jin kept his face passive, but he wasn't. This little slip of a thing was the Crimson Fox that had aided his people in taking out Garrosh Hellscream's most powerful reinforcements? He knew not to underestimate the powers of others despite outward appearances. When it came to humans, Jaina Proudmoore was a clear indicator of that kind of mistake. "I do seem ta remember somethin of the like bein said."
Baine looked over at the other group, "These," he coughed, "Fine members of the Horde, claim she is their slave and were only seeking to bring her into the city to secure proper documentation."
Vol'jin looked the men over. "A slave? Where ya be aquirin such a prize as a Rogue dat can stand toe to toe wit my guard?"
"Right out side Orgrimmar, Warchief." The goblin spoke up. "She is either an escaped Slave or Gladiator, Why else would she be just outside our gates."
"She could be a spy." Vol'jin narrowed his eyes on the group. "Do ya be considerin dat?"
The room remained silent.
Vol'jin addressing Fox, "I doubt ya will be tellin me da truth either way if dis be the case."
Fox said nothing. Not even looking up to face him.
"She isn't a spy, and if she ever was, she isn't now. I claim her as my slave!" Tharath barked out. "I found her, and by rights I should get to keep her."
"Only if ya can prove her ta be a slave or an enemy of da Horde. She may be an Alliance member, but we are currently in an informal truce!" Boani snapped back. She was eager to be done with this. Her only goal was to get Fox out of Orgrimmar.
"So can ya prove she be no enemy?" Vol'jin asked flatly of Boani.
"Da fact she aided us in a time when we be needin it is enough." Zak'zora addressed the room, "Plus I claim da human as family. So ya have no right to enslave her."
"Blood Bond?" Vol'jin was stunned enough to ask
"She be me ugly Troll baby." Zak'sora puffed up. The cold eyes scanning the room daring anyone to question his claim to the human.
"If dat be true dis human can not be considered a slave." Vol'jin shrugged acknowledging Darkspear law.
"I want compensated!" The goblin yelled. The Blood Elf elbowing him to silence.
"Are you going to side with your Dark Spear over me just because I am an Orc?" Tharath tread on dangerous ground. "Will your leadership be a mere reflection of Hellscreams?"
even Fox jerked her head up to look at the Orc. He must clearly want to die.
Vol'jin narrowed his eyes. They almost glowed with the desire to kill, "I see ya not gonna be takin my decision wit out a complaint." he looked to Fox. "Very well. Dis be da Horde, and I will be leadin it as tradition demands. You want da Human. Defeat her an ya can have her."
"But Warcheif!" Baine broke in. "She has clearly been drugged. It will not be a fair contest."
"When da life ever be fair, Chieftain?" Vol'jin replied smoothly, "Strength in combat, dis be de way of de Horde."
Fox smiled and looked up at Vol'jin. "Then I admire your Horde and submit to your laws."
"Ya do know ya na be armed. Ya have to defeat de Orc if ya want ta be free, Rogue." Vol'jin warned her. He had to admit, he would place his bet with Tharath. The human would no doubt find herself serving him for the rest of her days.
"See! Even the Alliance bitch agrees to this!" Tharath was over joyed. She had just sealed her fate. Not that he intended to abuse such a quality piece more then to subdue her will.
Baine shook his head and turned, "Prepare the arena."
The group moved out, and Vol'jin stepped next to Baine. "Dis be a shame, mon I no be able ta aid her right now. Maybe if Tharath grows tired of her ya can buy her off him."
"Assuming she loses." The Tauren shrugged. "I saw her fight. There is a chance."
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
Oh, it was the drug that was causing her to sway from side to side. It was robbing her ability to see clearly. Which could have accounted for her lack of fear. Her entire life would count on this next fight. Her opponent was larger and probably stronger. An Fox felt her heart slamming in her chest from pure excitement. Now that! That was the alcohol.
Tharath was nothing more then a green blur at this distance. Fox pushed her hair back from her face. The ponytail was still there, but most of it was now hanging in a tangled mess. This upset her. It was not like her to look disheveled. Went against her very nature. Some one needed to pay for that.
"I will refrain from hurting you as much as I can." Tharath called. The voice only helping her pin his location in her mind.
Fox laughed at that. She slapped her legs with her hands as if he had just told her the best joke ever. "That's kind of you. Don't expect the same from me." She wanted her blades. She could feel her palms longing for the feeling of worn leather on their hilt. The desire to hit something was almost to much to bear as she waited for the fight to start.
They waited for Vol'jin and Baine to enter. The Horde Warchief Vol'jin taking his time coming into the arena. He looked down in the ring. Seeing the two combatants below. "Dey been disarmed?"
Baine looked to one of the guards for confirmation. He nodded as he gave a simple "Yes."
"Ya be ready? After dis the winner's claim will be undisputed." Vol'jin called down. The Troll's full attention on the pacing Human. She didn't look scared to his eyes. If he had to venture a guess as to what she was feeling, he would say irritated. She did give off the impression of a cornered fox. He could see it now. The little Human was going to at least put up a resistance. That would bode well for her future as a Horde slave. One could respect the effort, and rumor of her struggle would spread.
"Just start the damn fight so I can kick his ass already!" Fox shouted with her eyes pinned closed.
That caught the entire arena unexpected. Vol'jin chuckled despite himself. Almost hoping she would win because of her sheer audacity. "Fight."
Fox reacted in a blur of speed. She reached to her hips. Everyone thinking she was going for her missing daggers. Instead she broke her belt free of its buckle. A sudden pull ripping it free. In one graceful flip she looped the the leather through the buckle making a noose. It dropped over Tharath's head. A sweep brought him down to the ground. As he fell she locked her belt around his neck. Fox landing a foot on his head and pinned him to the ground. She then pulled her belt strap tight.
Tharath flopping as he struggling for air unable to rise. He had not even taken a single step from his position and the fight had been ended.
"What's that? You want up?" Fox pretended he was talking to her. Tharath could do no more then make a wheezing sound. The poor Orc struggling for breath. She laughed in evil glee. "Speak up! I can't hear you? Maybe if you get me another drink I'll be more cooperative!" She threw her head back and laughed again. Although this time no one else was finding it very funny.
Vol'jin shook his head as his eyes took on a light if understanding. He knew that move, and many more like it. Only one set used this kind of combat. "Seize de Rogue! She be a Stormwind Assasin."
At his words the Horde reacted. All guards going into the arena to capture the rogue. Only two moving to protect the Warchief.
Fox was in her glory as she fought against the arena guards. Each blow should have laid her low, but because of her drunken drugged state she didn't feel the pain. It was wonderful! She became a juggernaut. Unwittingly using more and more of her fighting skills. They started to roll into an impressive display that could turn into killing prowess at any moment.
Baine stared at the crazy human throwing off the guards twice her size. Some even larger. They were spinning in flight around her as she moved. "Sweet Earth Mother, you are right!"
Vol'jin could see she was not coming for him. She was dancing around his arena like a fawn in a forest. At this point he was reduced to merely watching the fray and enjoying it. Still there was a Stormwind Assasin in his city! She had been mere feet in front of him. Unbound by anything but a slave collar that was merely a decoration denoting her status. The mere thought would send almost any other man to his knees.
When she was finally pinned down Vol'jin shouted, "I be wanting her stripped ta nothing! Someone be findin da gal a thick leather outfit!" Watching his men haul her up. The two guards so much larger that she was hanging in the air between them. "Even de hair band out a her hair. Least she turn it into a weapon."
"Why would you armor her in leather? Would a linen robe be more fitting?" Baine offered in confusion.
"And have her tear de hem off, den strangle one of my men to death with it? Think, mon!" Vol'jin still in shock that he had not suspected the pretty little human as a danger for even a moment. "Lock her in a cage and triple de guard!" He saw Zak'sora casting him a dark glare. "Ya ya, mon. I will be allowin ya to heal de gal."
Author Note: Sorry, No Varian today. He's on the way! I guess you can see why she doesn't drink.