Echo of the Lion's Roar

by Amcm74

When Stormwind fell many lives were affected. One certain event was supposed to stay hidden forever. That secret rocks the very foundation the Alliance was founded on. SI-7 agent Crimson Fox will unwittingly uncover more then she wanted to know, about her Heroes and about herself. Sequel to The Crimson Fox.

13. Chapter 11 - Never Cry Surrender! Well o

Chapter 11

Never Cry Surrender! Well on second thought...

Jaina had been detained outside Orgrimmar when they arrived. Vol'jin pointing to the Archmage saying, "I thought me letter be very clear about arrivin unarmed?"

Varian had been hard pressed not to smile at the humor in that. Jaina had been another matter. Openly bickering with the Blood Elf Ambassador that was sent out to keep her company. Clearly, the new Warcheif had contingency plans, for those just in case moments.

The Stormwind Guards looked out of place standing next to the Orgrimmar Guard stationed just within the gate.

Vol'jin demanding that no one come within ear shot of the negotiations, between himself and Varian. The two standing in the war room. Varian taking in the surroundings in a leisurely pursuit. Vol'jin studied the Alliance leader with a bit more then a keen interest. Human and Trolls had been fighting since before the Orcs had ever arrived on Azeroth. It was in their genetic coding to instinctively distrust each other.

"So, King Varian, you be tellin me why I got an elite assassin in my city?" Vol'jin struck first in the political posturing.

"She was a Stormwind Assassin. I can assure you that is no longer the case. She has been decommissioned." Varian looked to the Troll. The blue eyes trying to get a reading on Vol'jin's temperament.

Vol'jin scowled and shook his head at the Human King, "And why would I be believin dat, when it be a clear waste of Stormwind's potential."

"So you have seen Fox fight?" Varian narrowed his eyes on Vol'jin. Sudden fear at the condition Fox could be in at the moment adding to his sense of urgency.

"What I seen not be fightin. One needs an adversary up to their level for others to witness such a thing. I saw her subdued."

"Was she injured?" Varian wasn't willing to mince words. He didn't care if the Warchief knew Fox was important to him. Hell, he must already know it. Varian was standing in Orgrimmar was all the proof required for that.

"She be in fine health. Though her life depends on if she be here to aid or infiltrate my Horde." Vol'jin watch Varian flinch at his words.

"I am willing to negotiate her release."

"So you be assumin she is against us? I find this disturbing. A few of my people thought she be here because she was exiled." Vol'jin sighed. It was not looking like there would be a good outcome to this little escaped after all. He had hoped for better. But if the Alliance thought they could play around while he was in charge, there would be a bloody massacre to teach them otherwise.

"I would never exile her from the Alliance. I would see her dead first." Varian growled. Shocking himself with his words.

Vol'jin's demeanor changed to a more aggressive stance almost instantly."That be no way to talk about the only Alliance member ta challenge Hellscream's power."

"What are you talking about. The entire Alliance force arrived to Siege Orgrimmar. Fox was one of the few who was held back." Varian snapped over at Vol'jin.

"Ya say dat as if she be doin nothin. I lost four raid groups to a mere five targets. Only four o my people returned from those missions, and dat be thanks to your Fox." Vol'jin was feeling a little indignant for the Rogue.

Varian stood silent. Wondering just what the Warcheif was talking about.

Vol'jin watched then nodded slow, "Ya didn't know. Amazing ya SI-7 was so lax in de duties to ya"

"Please kindly inform me then, Warchief?"

"De Rogue was involved in a suicide mission on five targets just before de Siege."

Varian threw his hands up and signaled his disbelief ofVol'jin's story."That's impossible! She was ordered to remain at Lion's Landing."

"Den she disobeyed her orders, and saved us all." Vol'jin turned and hit a huge gong. The sound resounding through Orgrimmar.

"What was that for?" Varian suddenly feeling uneasy.

"Dat be signaling to me men to release her. I have just acknowledge her service to de Horde."

O0O0O0O0O0O0O0O0

Fox had no idea what happened. One moment she was in the cage imagining ways to get free and beat Tharath in the face. Then next Zak'sora was there ripping open her cage door and undoing her chains.

"Ya be free, child!" Boani rushed over, and pulled her into a hug. "Ya be a member o da Horde now, by Vol'jin's own command!"

"A member of the Horde?" Fox blinked. Wondering if she had fallen asleep.

Zak' sora was starting to cry, "Me ugly Troll baby, ya be makin me so proud!" He pulled her from Boani sobbing like a baby.

Fox mouthing to Boani, what did I do?

O0O0O0O0O0O0O

Varian understood now why Shaw had allowed Fox to remain in Lion's Landing without so much as a peep in complaint. Mathias had sent her off behind his back to die! When he got back he would have the Master Rogues head! Right now he had to get Fox out of Orgrimmar and onto his ship. He had no idea if this turn of events was going to make that easier or harder. "So am I free to collect her and return her home."

"And where do ya consider her home ta be?"

Varian snapped. Formal negotiations be damned, "You did not just go there."

"Ahh, but I did." The Warchief smiled a gleam in his eyes. "And I no be just handin her over to be punished by the likes o de Alliance."

"She will not be punished for that or anything related to her service." Varian threw back.

"Den ya plan on putting her back into action against us?"

"If I have my way she will not see combat ever again." Varian admitted. There was no way he would allow Fox to ever encounter danger again. Her life as a Rogue was over. The only SI-7 she would have contact with would be her own formal bodyguard. And that was on the remote chance he ever let her out of the Keep and out of their rooms again. Because at the moment he could not see any good coming from it.

"Ya be wastin the skills she has?"

"She is my woman, Vol'jin. Trust me, she has far better skills in other areas I would not see wasted."

It was Vol'jin's turn to be stunned to silence. Then the sound of his laughter echoed through Orgrimmar. Everything falling in place to the Warcheif.

"I am glad you find it amusing." Varian growled. He was not pleased her had spat out his personal affairs to the Leader of the Horde.

"Ya should be, mon! Now dis I can understand." Vol'jin wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. "Women be women no matter what faction or race day be on. Here, we have found some common ground."

"This one is different."

"Ah High King, de be no savin ya, if ya are dis far gone with the want o her." Vol'jin shook his head. "Even so. I cant just be handin her over to ya. The Horde has laws to follow, just as the Alliance."

"Then find me a loop hole. That is what leaders do."

Vol'jin watched Varian for a long moment, "So ya want ta be challengin her to combat in da Arena. Because dat be the only way I be allowin ya to take her out o my city."

Varian put a hand to his forehead, and emitted a low groan of understanding. "Why is it always, back to the pit with you Lo'Gosh, with you people? I haven't been back in Orgrimmar for ten minutes and you are setting me up in an arena match."

O0O0O0O0O0O0O

Boaine was just hitting up the Auction House to get Fox something decent to wear when the guard rushed over to Zak'sora and Fox.

"The Warcheif has sent orders for the Crimson Fox to appear at the Arena within the hour. She has been openly challenged to a test of skill." The Orc explained.

"What?" Fox felt her jaw drop, "I thought I was finally free of this stuff."

Zak'sora made a face of annoyance. "Ya be in de Horde now. We solve everythin by fightin or combat. Seems someone don't like ya much. But who could be so stupid as ta challenge ya after what you be showin dem de other day?"

"Tharath?" Fox wondered.

"Nah, dat one be wiser den dis." Zak'sora waved a hand. "Notice how he took off after ya were unchained."

Fox sighed, "True."

"Well give me a moment, gal. I need ta be tellin Boani about dis latest turn of events."

Fox wrung her hands as members of the Horde ran past her. Was she really standing unstealthed before the Auction House in Orgrimmar? What happened to her black and white world?

Boani took her time shopping for her little Rogue. She bought a red leather outfit. Taking Fox to bath her in the pools to get the days of prisoner dirt off her body.

Fox thought she had died and gone to heaven the moment she sank into the warm waters. The clay of Orgrimmar a hard surface. Fox had to admit it was much nicer then the Elywnn mud that ran between her toe when swimming in the ponds, lakes and streams there. The thought making her miss her homeland.

The leathers Boani had settled on were more harness, then actual clothing, but Boani approved. Zak'sora shook his head, and held up a cloak to wrap around his ugly baby. His wife turning narrow eyes on him and shoving it off Fox's shoulders. Nodding, Boani turned and headed toward the arena. Fox took two steps, before Zak'sora grabbed her arm. Reaching up to pull the fabric closed again, before following his wife.

As they got closer to the Arena excitement seemed to be building. Fox was actually cheered as she moved to the doors. In the various dialects she could make out her name. She smiled and waved over at her supporters. It was uncomfortable to be in the lime light so much. Years of trying not to be seen was hard to over come. It wasn't until she separated from Boani and Zak'sora that she had her first hint that there was something seriously wrong here.

A little Orc girl pointing at her saying "Lo'Gosh?" Then looking to a male Orc, Fox assumed was her father. Fox waited for him to laugh and correct the child. Instead he patted her head and nodded. Fox shook her head and rolled her eyes. If they thought she was anywhere near the fighting category of the Dire Maul Champion, she knew for a fact, they were sorely mistaken.

"Ahhh! It be our little Fox!" Vol'jin called out in common. He motioned her to stand before his high seat. "How de ya like being a recognized member o my Horde?"

Fox felt her mouth drop open. "Member of the Horde?"

"Why de ya think you be walking around Orgrimmar?" Vol'jin questioned

"Mercy? Sympathy?" Fox offered. Truthfully, she had not wondered as to the why of it at all. The only thing she had concerned herself with was being out of that cage.

Vol'jin shook his head. "No, gal. It be through strength and battle prowess that one attains glory in de Horde."

"Is that why I am here? Some sort of trial of acceptance?"

"Did ya not be hearing me. You are already a recognized member o de Horde. That is why I expect you to represent us with Honor in this contest. Not to the death though. It be as with your battle with Tharath."

Fox was confused, but remained silent.

"Any requests before your challenger enters the arena?"

"If I win can I get rid of this?" Fox grabbed hold of the slave collar.

Vol'jin reached up and tapped his shiny white tusks. "That will be the choice of the victor."

"Then I really hope they are ready to loose." Fox grumbled up at Vol'jin as the crowd cheered around them. Assuming the fool who had challenged her, had just entered behind her. "Because I want this thing off as soon as possible."

Vol'jin smiled down at her and pointed. Confirming her suspicion that the opponent was behind her. Turning, her expression went from annoyance to pure shock and awe. "No." The word was breathed out.

Varian stared at Fox standing before Vol'jin. The corner of his mouth cocked up. Bringing his hands before him to interlace his fingers in a slow flex. "Fancy meeting you here, Fox."

The crowd erupted in chants of Lo'Gosh! And then to Fox's horror cheers of "For Fox, For the HORDE!" By the Light, they needed a better champion then her to take out the Ghost Wolf of Dire Maul.

Varian stalked across the arena closing the distance. Fox moving back until she came against the wall under Vol'jin. When he reached her the blue eyes scanning her body looking for any outward injury. "Don't worry Fox. Vol'jin has not signaled our fight to start. He promised me a moment to assure my self you are alright." And then his expression cooled, "You look exceedingly tempting for a corpse."

"Varian! What are you doing here?" She felt her heart slamming in her chest. She was sure her legs were jelly. Only the shouts filled with Horde pride kept her standing upon them. "We are in freaking Orgrimmar!"

"I am well aware of that. You can call me Lo'Gosh here. Everyone else does." Varian opened his arms and turned to inflame the crowd. The screams of excitement showed he had as much appeal to the crowds in Orgrimmar as he did in Stormwind. Turning back to Fox he added with acid in his tone, "Funny thing though. I am the Ghost Wolf, and you are the one who is suppose to be dead."

"How did you find me?" She was almost crying in frustration.

Varian reached out to cup her chin. Leaning down as he said "I will always find you."

That was all the warning Fox had before she felt his lips on hers. His free hand reaching out so that the palm of his hand pressed against the arena wall. The screaming of the crowd could not be drowned out. They were thrilled at the display of lovers before them. Knowing that passion would soon turn into the heat of battle.

A sudden strike of lightening left the ground smoking near Varian and Fox. The crowd's outcry lowering enough that Zak'sora's enraged call of "Get your hands off me Troll baby!"

Fox broke her head away. Looking up to see Boani and Rygen trying to control the Shaman.

"Signal the fight to commence, Vol'jin." Varian's eyes were devouring Fox like hot blue flames. He shouted up to the Warcheif. "I want to take my woman home."

"Den begin."

Fox was at a disadvantage from the start. Close quarters should have ended her right there. The fact that this man was her King should have stayed her hand. That he was her lover should have made her just give up.

But she was a proud Representative to the Horde, that had put faith in her. That, and a flash of her parents came to her mind. If Varian took her back, they would surely die! She was willing to give everything to keep them safe.

Varian expected the trademark low sweep. So Fox launched her palm into his chin, he was not expecting it. The impact so great he swore the rumble of thunder echoed in his ears. And that was just the start in a multiple move attack. Fox continued to rise bringing a foot around in a spin kick that connected to the side of his head. As she came back down landing an elbow to the curve of his neck.

Lo'Gosh rocked from the blow and the screams of their audience started again. All of them knowing that this was a day that would go down in history.

Fox rushed a safe distance away. Not wanting to be caught up in his hold. If his strength didn't get her, the cursed ability to reduce her into a lust filled puddle of goo would.

Varian trying to shake away the ringing in his head. He turned his attention to Fox. "Going for a knock out?"

"No. Just trying to hit where it will do the least damage." She answered with determination. "Because you know the amount of trouble I went through to get out of Stormwind. There is no way I am going back."

"Are you referring to your fake death." Varian growled as he said loud enough for all to hear their personal dispute. His anger at her deceit still so strong he did not care who knew of it. "Although I applaud you for the acting skills. I was very much taken in."

"It wasn't an act, and I had no idea that the plan was to revive me the entire time. I did quite literally die to get away from you." Fox felt her heart tighten at her words. She needed him angry. Wanted him blinded with rage, rather then to be focused on his legendary combat skills.

He rushed forward grabbing her forearms. Trying to take control of her body. Fox fell back and lifted her legs to his chest tossing him over her head. Varian rolling and coming to his feet still in complete control. Although he was not expecting her to charge after him. The forward spring flipping her through the air. Leading with one booted heel.

He grabbed her leg and held her out before him. Fox dangling before him upside down. She wrapped her free leg around his arm. Trying to swing up to deliver a strong punch. But before she could complete the move, she was tossed into the air like a child. The power of the throw spinning her around until she came down in his arms.

Fox struggled knowing where he was going with this. She was to weak to stop him from flipping her over his shoulder. A hand falling heavily on her back side. The flailing of her arms against his plated back doing nothing at all in the way of damage. The black hair swaying over her face with her frantic struggles.

"Put me down!" She shrieked as she slapped his back with open palms. The legs pumping wildly trying to break loose.

"Vol'jin, the battle is done. I have won." Varian stared up at the Warcheif. "Concede the match to me."

Vol'jin could see it was true, but called back in a low chuckle. "I don't be thinking your Lady agrees wit ya mon. I need to be hearing her call her surrender or see a knock out blow."

"Then it appears Warchief, we are at an impasse, because she only ever calls surrender in the bedroom, and I will not strike her with harmful intent."

"Den it appears we are in for another type o show. Because I have to adhere to our laws." Vol'jin sat back. Folding his hands before his mouth, and hoping with all he had no one could see just how amused the Alliance High King was making him.

Varian sighed. Then lifted a hand to run up the back of Fox's leg, "You heard your Warcheif. What is it to be? You can call surrender, or I can make you burn before the whole of Orgrimmar?"

Fox stopped her struggling and lifted her head. "You wouldn't dare!"

The hand rose indecently higher.

"I swear if you continue in this, I am going to..." His fingers squeezed right to the leather between her legs. Oh dear gods! "I SURREDNDER!"

The blood was pounding in her head. She knew her face was flaming red with embarrassment under her ebony hair. Vol'jin and Varian's laughter at her loss echoing in her ears. But just beyond that she whole heartedly agreed with Zak'sora's cries of outrage and promised revenge.

O0O0O0O0O0O0O

The informal truce between the Horde and Alliance had turned into full on peace talks. At least the best the two faction leaders could do without the information and guidance of the other members of their respected factions.

Varian had been handed a replacement key for Fox's slave collar. Which he kept well away from Fox. Considering the collar had been upgraded to include a nice sturdy chain that was latched to a iron bracer on Varian's wrist. He had declined Vol'jin's offer to spend a few days in Orgrimmar as the Warchief's guests. But promises to meet in a more neutral location at a later date were planned.

All of this information was relayed from Varian to Lady Proudmoore. Who was most displeased at the entire thing. Years of trying to foster peace between Varian and Thrall had ended in utter failure. Now that she was firmly in the "I hate the Horde" camp, peace was starting to bloom like spring blossoms on an apple tree. She would have railed on, but seeing the quiet woman chained to Varian's being, she lost her train of thought.

"Varian, is that her?" Jaina felt her stomach tighten in pity. This woman was no larger then she was. She had been expecting some kind of warrior princess. That was certainly not the image of the soft feminine curves locked so closely to the Stormwind King.

"Do you think I purchased a slave in there, Jaina? Of course, it's her." Varian put his hand up to keep the Archmage from blurting out information to Fox. He was not ready to deal with that issue just now. "And say no more. I have not told her anything yet. We shall handle it when we get to the ship, and I will be the one to inform her of the change in her situation."

"What change?" Fox suddenly had a spark of life to her. "Is it my parents? Are they alright?"

"Yes, Fox. Myles and Gracie Fulbright are perfectly fine." Varian mounted his horse and pulled Fox up before him. The part that bothered Fox most was he didn't drop her down side saddle. She was straddling the animal with his arm tightly around her waist.

"You can't take me back, your Majesty. The Nobles will eventually have their way if I return." Fox tried to reason with him.

"Fox, love. Right now the Nobles are not your greatest threat in Stormwind." Varian growled in her ear. "That would be me."

Author Note: Next chapter is the one everyone has been waiting for. You may now shower me with praise for my astounding brilliance! Or remain silent... that's a sucky option though.