Chapter 10
Loyalty, Magic, and Honor
Fox woke up in the most uncomfortable position she had ever been in. She was up on her knees, and felt her arms pulled wide above her head. The feeling of chains on her wrists. She lifted her head to see she had been caged. "What the nether?" Looking out to see daily life in Orgrimmar playing out around her.
The sound of her voice caused the four guards to step away from her cage. The dark brown eyes studying the three Orcs and a Tauren. Maybe it was her imagination, but they seemed almost nervous. She tried to think what had happened that could have placed her in this position. Watching a patrol pass by and point to her. Whatever it was, she certainly had made a strong impression.
It was not long after she realized the patrol had located the Orc, Tharath.. He approached the cage and knelt down. She blinked out at him wondering why he looked almost sad. Her last real memory of him was tossing the key to her slave collar in the river. Closing her eyes she steeled her will to remain calm.
"You. Free." He said in his native tongue.
Fox scowled at that. She understood what he said, but was he mocking her? She had an urge to break his neck for the comment. But there was something holding her back. The sound of chains rattled, and she admitted, it maybe the little matter of having the restraints in her way.
He sighed and shook his head. "Strong." Tharath said in Orcish.
Fox repeated that back at him. "Strong?"
He nodded with a smile, and pointed to his bicep. Then he pointed at her.
Fox laughed despite herself. It was a bitter sound. Taking a moment to pull hard on the chains holding her wrists.
If Tharath had been interested in her before, now he was enraptured. She had soundly thrashed him in open combat. The entire Horde knew of it, but he felt no disgrace. This Human had even managed to set his Warchief ill at ease. Seeing her chained like an animal did not please him. His eyes noticed the angry red line forming under the slave collar on her ivory skin sickened him. Knowing he was the one who had put it there. Now that was a reason to feel shame.
"I see ya be makin nice wit the Assassin." Vol'jin's voice crushed Tharath's musing. "You know she be free of ya? She won her battle with ya."
"Yes, Warcheif." Tharath stood up and stepped to the side. Giving Vol'jin an open view of the Human's plight.
The Troll Warchief studied her condition. She wore a leather band around her chest. She had a set of worn pants on her legs. The shoulders and midriff open, he could see that the Alliance must have remarkable healers for a Stormwind Assassin of her skill to be scar free. "She seems to have forgotten how to speak our language. So what drug did ya be givin her before entering Orgrimmar?" Vol'jin looked at the brown eyes staring back at him. The look on her face completely different then the night before. She looked terrified. It was clear she had more of her wits about her today.
"I have no idea. My companion, the Blood Elf, supplied it." Tharath informed his Warchief. Watching form some sort of reaction.
Vol'jin turned away. Finished with his inspection he headed down to his war room. Preparing for another long day of meeting out Horde justice.
"Warchief?"Tharath called in a nervous tone.
"Wat you be wantin now?" Vol'jin turned slowly. The look on his face saying he was not inclined to be detained long.
"I request you officially entrust me to watch over the Human."
The Warchief turn suspicious at the statement. Knowing how the Orc had wanted the woman as a slave weighing heavily in his mind. "And why you be wantin dat?"
"She bested me in combat." Tharath looked over at Fox, "It is an honor to see to her care."
"You know she not be a tame pet o de Horde? It be your head should she decide she be wantin it." Vol'jin pointed at Fox. He had no intention of allowing her free long enough to find out what she would do. At least not until he had gathered more information on her. He may trust Zak'sora implicitly, but Rogues were tricky when they wanted to be. They had much to keep safe in Orgrimmar these days while recovering from Hellscream's legacy. "Very well. Make sure she comes ta no harm until I decide what we be doing wit her. She maybe of some use to us. De human's value ones like her."
Fox watched as Vol'jin walked away. Letting out the breath she had not realized was being held. That was the Horde Warcheif who had come to check up on her. Now she really wanted to know, what in the twisted nether had she done?
0O0O0O0O0O0O0
Jaina Proudmoore knew it was risky, but if anyone could land a teleport to a moving ship, she was the Mage for the job. She appeared and lurched forward as the ship rocked under her feet. The crew looking over in sudden surprise at her appearance. Righting herself, the staff grinding on to the deck. Wind tossed her long white hair over her shoulder as she turned to the first man she locked eyes on, "Inform King Wyrnn that I have arrived under the request of Archmage Khadgar."
The man turned and ran below deck to heed her order immediately..
Jaina smiled and breathed deep the sea air. The daughter of a sea Admiral, she had spent time aboard ships much like this one. Some of her first memories were of the slick deck under her bare feet as she and her brother raced around playing pirates and mercenary. Oh how she longed to return to those care free days, before everyone in her life had been brutally taken from her. Now she was alone, save her magic and the Kirin Tor.
"Lady Proudmoore?"
She turned to see Varian coming on deck. "King Wyrnn. I am glad I was able to catch up with you."
Varian laughed, and moved to embrace her. Joy in his light blue eyes at seeing his closest supporter. "And how am I to elude a woman who can quite literally pop up anywhere she desires?" He indicated to the ship. Openly flattering her arcane ability.
"When you put it that way," She beamed up at him, a smug smile touching her lips. "You can't! Now tell me why the High King of the Alliance is blasting his way across the Great Sea. Khadgar came to me this morning in Dalaran blabbering about things so fast I could scarcely understand a word he said."
"What of his blabber did you make out?"
"Well first there is this." She tossed back her cloak, and under her arm was a sizable chest. "I would like to put it down before I drop it. It's heavier then it looks." Jaina thrust it at Varian's chest.
He took the chest with both hands, "So he really did have it."
"What is it?"
"This chest was a gift from Anduin Lothar to his daughter Eloise." Varian was amazed at the craftsmanship of the container. It was covered in a dark brown leather with golden grommets and sapphire gems. Indicating the color scheme of the Azerothian Lion.
"Wait a second, Varian. I thought Khadgar was working under a huge sleep and mana deprivation, when he mentioned Lothar. Are you talking about Anduin Lothar?" Jaina watched as Varian shot her a tired look. The blue eyes teasing. "Don't play, like the cat who ate the canary, King Wyrnn. I do not like it."
"I'm sorry." He turned and headed to the walk way that lead below deck, then called over his shoulder, "Actually, no, I'm not. It's nice knowing something the great and powerful Jaina Proudmoore doesn't for once."
She scowled and lifted her skirt to rush after him, "Are you going to explain anything to me, or am I going to have to frost nova you in place until I get some sort of compliance."
"We will get more answers in my quarters. I have the key for this chest with the rest of my things." Varian strode down the small hallway. Opening his door and allowing Jaina to enter first. He moved to set the chest on the center table, and went to a dresser against the far wall. All the furniture had been bolted down as not to rock free in any sudden storm. He pulled open one of the drawers and lifted out a red velvet bag. Opening it to drop a small golden key in his hand.
"Alright, now you have me dying of curiosity, Varian." Jaina set her palms on the table. She leaned heavily on them.
"One moment." He pushed the key in the latch, and heard it click open. Pressing his fingers gently to either side he slowly lifted the lid. Inside there were a few leather bound books, several scrolls, a bag of gems and jewelery. But the most interesting thing of all was the palm sized picture. It was in an oval glass frame that seemed to be magically sealed to prevent any damage or aging to the image.
"She's beautiful!" Jaina picked up the picture and turned it over, "Ondrena Manston? Who is she?"
Varian took the picture out of Jaina's hands. He felt his heart tighten as he studied the image. Had the name not been locked within the glass, he would have sworn he was staring at a picture of his own Crimson Fox. "The mother of Anduin Lothar's illegitimate daughter, I suppose."
Jaina gasped as a hand rose to hover over her mouth, "You can't really be serious! Varian, do you know what that would mean to the Alliance? To the human race for that matter? The Arathi are extinct. Anduin Lothar was the last!"
Varian was starting to get tired of hearing that reaction, when it came to Fox's paternity. "I know Jaina. I have been hearing nothing but that same statement, since we learned of her existence."
"How did you find her?"
"Don't ask." Varian lifted a book and flipped through it. There was no doubt that it was Anduin Lothar's hand writing. He had seen it enough in his youth to be an expert.
Jaina unable to curb her curiosity reached in, and pulled up a small letter. "Varian? This is addressed to Eloise Lothar."
Dropping the book he took the letter. Reaching over to his desk pulling up a silver letter opener.
"Is that the Lady's? Do you really think you should be..." Jaina put out a hand to try and stop him.
Varian didn't even hesitate his movement. He sliced the seal opening the letter. Pulling out the paper he read:
"Dear Eloise
My sweet baby girl, I hope this letter finds you well. If you are reading this, then the truth has been discovered and all of Eastern Kingdom will soon know you are my daughter. I am sorry to have abandoned you at such a young age. No excuse I give will make up for it. I can only say I did what needed to be done for all humanity. You will understand now that you are taking on the mantle of being the last Arathi. The name Lothar is not an easy burden to live under. Many will try to control you because of it.
To aid you on your way I leave these journals and documents detailing your rightful heritage and holdings. Do with them as you see fit. May they be of more use to you in this life, then they were to me in mine.
Always know that I loved you more deeply then I could express.
Anduin Lothar.
Supreme Commander of the Alliance"
"By the Light, it's true." Jaina whispered. Turning to locate a seat. She sank down slowly. Staring up at Varian, she asked. "Have you located her?"
"I have already more then located her, Jaina. She is an SI-7 Agent and Stormwind Assassin." Varian put the letter back in the envelop, and lifted Ondrena's picture to stare at it intently again.
"Then why are you racing across the Great Sea?" Jaina placed a hand to her temple.
"Because I told the lady I was in love with her."
"And she wasn't ecstatic?" Jaina cocked up one golden eyebrow.
"She was. So much so, she faked her death and ran right to Kalimdor to evade me." Varian could not keep the growl out of his tone. Of course, Jaina had to remind him of that part. "It was only after that, her identity was revealed to me."
"I see. So despite her wishes, this Eloise Lothar must be returned to the Alliance forces." Jaina surmised. "Before any danger can befall her."
Varian nodded, "She belongs to me."
"To us." Jaina lifted one slender finger to correct him. "The Arathi line isn't for one Kingdom alone, now is it."
"She's mine Jaina. Just trust me on that." Varian set the picture of Ondrena back in the chest and shut the lid firmly.
Jaina looked confused for a moment. Then the connections were made. "Oh. OH!" And prudently, the Archmage kept her mouth shut.
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
I be tellin ya, that Orc should not be allowed wit in three, no, four zones of me Troll baby!" Zak'sora was angry enough to hurt someone. And for a Shaman who spent most of his time healing, that was saying something.
Boani shushed at him. "Ya should be calling her Fox, dear. And as long as we keep an eye on him, it should be fine." She looked as Tharath offered Fox a drink. Fox glaring up at him before taking a huge mouthful, and spitting it in his face. "See, they be getting along so nice."
Tharath calmly offer Fox more water. Which only lead to her kicking him in the shin through the slots of her cage.
Zak'sora glared over clearly not as amused as his wife. "We should be da ones takin care of her. Not de under side of a serpent."
"Vol'jin has forbidden us being to close to her. He be fearin she is using our good hearts."
"But she no be doin!" Zak'sora pointed over. "De baby no wanna come ta Orgrimmar wit us." Sinking down he tossed a rock across the ground. "We shoulda let her go her own way in Ratchet."
"And tell me den who would have been takin up for her before the Warchief?" Boani spat back. Sometimes this husband of hers had no sense. "No. Vol'jin will consult the Loa. It will be fine."
Fox had finally drank enough water to suit Tharath. He turned and opened a sack pulling out a huge haunch of meat. Smiling, he pulled off a piece and offered it to Fox. A moment later the area echoed with his cry as Fox bit his hand.
"It be a long time for dat one to be getting in her good graces." Boani smirked. She was loving the interaction between the two. It was nice to see the Orc trying so hard on Fox's behalf.
"It be never, or I be killin me an Orc." Zak'sora growled looking over with narrowing eyes. Somethings a man just wouldn't tolerate.
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
Two days had passed since Fox's identity as a Stormwind Assassin had been exposed. Vol'jin was still unsure how to handle the situation. Openly avoiding it was not going to continue to work. Not with Zak'sora camping his doorway. Not that the Shaman said anything. He just stared his disapproval at the Warcheif.
Vol'jin didn't even have Baine Bloodhoof to temper things anymore either. The Tauren returning to his city of Thunder Bluff. Unfortunately, Rygen Stonehorn didn't go with his High Chieftain. Nope, the Paladin remained there. Quite firmly in the war room a silent glowing reminder that something had to be done.
When Vol'jin had ventured past the cage that held the Rogue, on his daily treks across Orgrimmar, she would sit silently watching him go. Tharath was taking good care of her according to the guards. She was learning to curse quite proficiently at him in Orcish as well. On that account Vol'jin could sleep easy. She blamed the Orc for her situation and not the Warchief who had her chained to an open cage for all to see.
Vol'jin was seldom prone to headaches, and he refused to admit he was getting one now. He looked up with his attention drawn to a sudden flurry of movement by the door. Something pressing had happened. He could tell by the look on the message runner's face. The Orc slipping his note to one of the officers. Even more disconcerting was that the Orc didn't leave after passing his message. The Officer flipped open the report and let out a loud shout, "The King of...? This has to be a joke!"
"What you be goin on about?" Vol'jin called over. Letting the two know he had not missed their inner actions.
The officer rushed over to Vol'jin. "The runner assures me this is not a hoax, Warcheif." The letter passed.
Vol'jin gave a confused look taking the paper. One quick scan and his eyes grew wide.
Warchief Vol'jin
I, High King Varian Wyrnn of the Alliance, request a meeting with you. I have come by single ship to the shores of Durator and wait your speedy reply on a most urgent matter.
Vol'jin scanned the note twice before starting to laugh. He knew exactly what the High King of the Alliance wanted, and it would solve all his problems with the little assassin. In fact, if the Warchief of the Horde played his cards right, he might even come out a little bit on top in this game.
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
Varian took the message Vol'jin had sent to him. He had not expected the new Warcheif to be so prompt in his reply. He scanned the letter. Then read it more carefully. Then looked at it again. Varian sighed deep and dropped his hands to his sides.
"What did he say?" Jaina scowled. "Because believe me, nothing would surprise me at this point when it comes to the Horde.
Varian handed her the note.
The blue eyes widening as she looked at it.
To the High King Wyrnn,
Would this Urgent matter be a Stormwind Assassin? Because if this be the case, she is visiting with us in Orgrimmar. Please feel free to drop by to discuss this matter. At your leisure of course.
Vol'jin – Warchief of the Horde.
P.S. Leave your weapons on the ship.
"You can't be considering this!" Jaina blustered as she almost pulled the paper in two.
Varian started unstrapping Shalamayne scabbard. "What choice do I have? He has Fox, and as you said, she is an Alliance treasure we have to get back."
"I refuse to allow this. You are not walking into the Horde Capital unarmed" Jaina was turning a very deep shade of enraged red. It was obvious she didn't trust the Horde and their motives. Varian was the High King and Leader of the Alliance. The thought of him just strolling through the gates of Orgrimmar was ridiculous. And unarmed at that? Inconceivable.
"Why not? It wouldn't be the first time. It's not like I am a slave or gladiator anymore. Also there is the fact we have a truce going on at the moment." Varian motioned to two of his guards to accompany him. "Not to mention they owe us for putting our boot to Garrosh's ass. If the Horde has anything, they have Honor. No harm will come to me with Vol'jin's word in your hands, Jaina. Stay here and await my return."
"Like hell I will!" The Archmage tossed her staff to the deck. "I am going with you."
Author Note: I hope you are still enjoying this story. Today, makes it officially one full month I have been writing about Fox and her adventures. I am really enjoying hearing from everyone, and making the new friends. Even being guided to some great new stories to read. So I just want to celebrate this mile stone with everyone and say Thank You so much for sharing your time with me. Remember to Fav and Follow.
And review, and let me what you think!