Chapter 20
There can be no Peace
Varian came awake to see Fox in the middle of the room. She was struggling to get back into her dress. The sun was waning in the sky. He sat up watching her rush around the room. "What are you doing?"
She looked back at him. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry." That did not stop her course of action. Which was clearly trying to get out of the room as quickly as possible.
Varian came to his feet. Reaching over to snatch up his discarded pants. "No, I was referring to getting dressed like this. Where are you going in such a rush?"
"I have been summoned." Fox brushed a hand through her hair to get it out of her face. Then holding up her hand so he could see the purplish runes that rolled around on her palm.
"By the Light! Fox, what the hell is that?" Varian moved to grab her hand. He forced it open to stare at the swirl of glowing purple light. It reminded him of the spell that Onyxia had used to split him in two. Only on a much smaller scale. And to his horror imbedded within the skin of Fox's left hand.
"There is no time to explain. She has not called me in years, and if she wants me now, I have to go." Fox tried to pull her hand away.
Varian refused to relinquish his grasp. A sick feeling in his gut. "Who are you talking about?"
"Crimson, and I have to go. Come with me, and I will explain on the way. She is in the main Keep awaiting me. It should not be long seeing as she came to us."
Varian grabbed up a shirt and a robe. Leaving his quarters, and rushing half dressed was not something a Royal couple should be doing. Most especially on their wedding night. "My Queen, you are making no sense."
Fox led him out the door. "My name the Crimson Fox is really The Crimson's Fox. She is a Warlock of unspeakable power. It was through her I was able to gain admittance into the SI-7. Short story is without her, you would not have me at all."
The entered the throne room and the guards lay slumped around it's shadowy halls. A small woman stood there staring up at the massive throne. She turned, with hair every bit as black as Fox's. But what Varian noticed most, was in the cherub's face. It looked only of sweet innocence. The only hint of warning was the bright golden eyes. Even he paused, as Fox moved before him, in this woman's wake.
"Fox!" Crimson moved to embrace her, "You have done a wonderful job. I can not be more pleased with you!"
Fox blushed. Varian could have been knocked over with a feather. "You honor me, Crimmy."
"Oh I wish I was just here on pleasantry, but it seems your King needs to put one of his wrongs to right." The Warlock cast her attention toward Varian. A tired look of a mother dealing with a disruptive child settled on her brow.
"Excuse me, but I believe we have failed to be introduced. If the situation has escaped you, I am the King of Stormwind." He waited for her to bow.
Crimson smiled warmly at him and sank in a low curtsey. "Your Majesty, King Wyrnn. I am Crimson, and it honors me that you have found such happiness in my Rogue here. Please do not forget that. She was my Rogue first, and I would have no liking in taking her from you."
A gantlet thrown and a terrifying one. All said with the sweetness of an angel. He narrowed his eyes, "What is that suppose to mean?"
"Nothing." The Warlock shrugged and dismissed him. "My communications with you will be done through Fox. I have no liking in coming so openly to court. I much prefer less popular destinations."
Fox stifled a laugh, "Hearth Glen?"
"Hush you! I am trying to be imposing." Crimson chuckled softly as she turned her attention back to the throne's décor with discerning eyes. "But that reminds me. I did just come from Hearth Glen. I would rather still be, but you know who I found there deep in their cups with High Lord Fordring?"
"Who?" Fox was lost.
Crimson turned to pin a very cold gaze on Varian, "My most beloved Sheylann. Seems she is to be expelled from the Alliance, and is now exiled from Stormwind." The statement said as if discussing a cookie recipe. Then it snapped right into a dark demonic like tone, "I am most displeased."
"That she is being punished or that she is in Hearthglen stealing Paladin attention? You know she is doing it on purpose to irritate you to action." Fox wrung her hands. The picture perfectly clear to her infamous wit. Varian must revoke this ruling, or Crimson would act. The second choice no one wanted. Fox knew all to well. But Varian didn't and this could be very bad. No one saw Crimson angry, ever. Fox had always assumed that was because no one walked away after enraging her.
"So, how is Dagnip?" Fox tried the old bait and switch.
Crimson narrowed her golden eyes.
"That well?"
"Leave the imp. Tell your Husband to summon Sheylann, and apologize for doubting her intentions."
Varian and Fox both choked at the command.
Varian's "I will not!" mingled with Fox's "How did you find out?"
"Do I look like I was born yesterday?" Crimson's left eyebrow twitched. She was starting to become perturbed with the couple. After all, her request was a simple one. "Being opposed to out right killing to get my way, I have learned to use other dark arts. Some might call them a lot less pleasant then death. You know, the dabbling in dark magic and such, that I am so well known for."
"Did you just threaten your King?" Varian roared and stepped toward the woman.
Fox let out a cry and locked her arms around one of his. She was dragged slightly forward. "Please, Varian! I am begging you, consider her request before flying off the handle. She merely wants Sheylann back in Stormwind. If you think about it, Sheylann was just trying to help me survive. Is it such a horrible crime?"
"I could have lost you forever." Varian growled and looked down at Fox. She turned rich chocolate doe eyes up at him, and he felt his resolve melt. Fox was upset, and Bethesda warned him to not allow that to happen. It was bad for the baby. "Fine. I will retract my order." This was said with no small amount of displeasure.
"Splendid!" Crimson clapped her hands before her. "If you could write that up for me, I would be most happy to be on my way."
"Right now?" Varian sighed, already knowing the answer.
Crimson spun and headed right for the back office as if she had done this a thousand times before. "No time like the present. Think of it like this, the sooner I have that letter, the sooner I am gone from Stormwind. You really do not wish me to remain here over long. It tends to cause trouble."
"And what kind of trouble could you have caused I have not heard about?" Varian followed. Moving close to her heels.
"Oh. Well." Crimson placed her hands over her cheeks. A light blushed and wicked smile. "It's kind of a personal matter."
Fox came up next to her husband and whispered, "There really are not enough Paladin Anonymous meetings to deal with her problem."
"Paladins." Varian could not suppress a chuckle. "You know how ridiculous that sounds coming from a Warlock?"
"Everyone has their weak points. Mine is just a bit shinier then others." Crimson looked at her feet. A far off look in her eyes.
Varian wasted no time writing up the letter. It was curt and to the point. Crimson took it and blew on the ink trying to dry it quicker. "I am indebted to you, King Wyrnn. Do not hesitated to call on me if you need a favor."
Varian looked up with a tired expression, "Please impress upon Sheylann, that I am only relenting because it makes my new wife happy. I will not tolerate anymore of her insubordination."
Crimson stopped blowing and looked up slowly, "Do you intentionally try to provoke her? Because wording like that will just have her stirring the pot in a matter of hours. I will tell her, you were most happy to have her back in residence. That you will be calling on her to help over see Fox's continued well being. All things considered, the new Queen will be needing it, am I right?"
"I don't need Sheylann babysitting me just because I took on a new title." Fox snapped crossly. "I am sure the SI-7 will have enough agents shadowing my every step within the week."
Crimson shook her head and watched Fox turn her back in a huff. The Warlock looking to Varian and motioning to her stomach, and pointing to Fox. An expectant look waiting for conformation of her suspicion.
Varian's eyes went wide. Realizing that this woman had known of the marriage and now the pregnancy. Things that she should not possibly have access too.
Crimson nodded at his reaction. "Very well. I will be off then. Please enjoy the rest of your evening." Holding up her prize in one fist. "I have a Mage port to Ironforge to catch and a long flight to Hearth Glenn. I bid you both a good night."
Varian looked to his wife the moment the Warlock was gone. His interest more then peaked. "Who was that again?"
"Hell if I know who she really is. All I know is that she was willing to help me in a time no one else could. Crimson has been generous to a fault with me, and asked very little. Gold to gear, it has been mine for the asking. It was Crimson who told me not to report Sheylann's movements to Shaw, when you had us tailing her." Fox confessed to him. She would never have Shaw know. He would have been devastated and distrustful.
"Wait. You are more loyal to her then Shaw?" Varian almost fell out of his chair.
Fox moved to sit on his lap. Crossing her arms around his neck. "What part of given much, asked little, was so hard to understand?"
Varian lifted her in his arms. "Let's go back to bed before I become more confused then I already am."
"I agree, because I was so proud of you."
"I did nothing."
"You didn't fight with Crimson, even when you were in your rights to do so. I know you did that for me." Fox smiled up at him.
Varian chuckled. So she had realized that, did she? "Then I think I should be rewarded. Do you have anything in mind that is equal to my deed?"
Fox stared up at him for a thoughtful moment. "How about I try and kill you again?"
Varian picked up his pace as Fox's laughter echoed in the hall way.
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
"The Burning Steppes? Are you insane?" Varian leaned across the table to stare hard at his new Queen.
"I want to visit Anduin Lothar's memorial. I have been there before unescorted, for your information. It's not dangerous in the slightest."
Varian took a deep breath. She had a point, but he was worried about the baby. The last thing he wanted to do was tell her, 'No your pregnant and I forbid you from moving out of our rooms, until it is born.' He could just imagine the fit Fox would throw at him for that. No that timing wasn't right, again. He was starting to wonder when it would be.
Fox looked at him waiting for his answer.
That was new. She was actually asking. Saying no wasn't an option when she was behaving as she should. Letting her go alone was unacceptable. "If you will give me until this afternoon, I will arrange an appropriate escort."
"Already done." Fox smiled and almost danced in her seat. The knife lifting to cut her food.
"Care to explain that comment?"
Fox shot him a spectacular smile. "I do realize I am not only Lady Lothar, last of my royal line, but also the Queen of Stormwind now. As a former bodyguard, I have more understanding of the implications of my safety." She gazed over at him with a slight tilt of her head.
Varian was so stunned at her statement, the silverware dropped from his hands and clattered on the plate.
"I sent a letter first thing to Braelyn Hawke. I requested that she and her mother Ellysan Hawke accompany me to the memorial. Mrs. Hawke is a renowned war hero, and a Mage! At the first hint of trouble, Braelyn can pull security while Mrs. Hawke opens a portal to Stormwind. However unlikely such a thing would be." Fox gave him an annoyed look, "You can stop looking at me as if I have sprouted a second head."
"Who are you and where is my Fox?" Varian could not help himself.
Fox set her utensils down. "I'm trying, Varian. What more do you want from me?"
"Nothing. I am agreeable to your plan. It's a wonderful idea." Varian nodded over at her. He was impressed with Fox's ability to take charge of her situation and put his mind at ease.
"Really?" She blinked. Having been certain he would put her through the wringer before giving in.
"Yes, really. When you come home there is much we need to discuss. I would like your full attention. This little trip of yours should help you curb your anxieties, and help you feel a bit more relaxed. I know how claustrophobic you are in the keep."
"You want to announce the marriage?" Fox looked worried.
Varian really wanted to tell her of the baby, that the people of Stormwind would need to know soon that they had a new Queen, and a new royal issue. There was much reason for rejoicing. "Among other things. We will set a time line for our announcements. So do not feel the need to worry about it being to soon to suit you."
Fox lit up. The soft glow of the moon reflected on her features. She jumped out of her seat and climbed on his lap. How he loved that little habit of hers. "I adore you, my King. You are the most wonderful, perfect, fantastic, and marvelous husband any woman could have!"
"Careful, dear wife. My ego is in danger of bursting." Varian locked his arms around her waist. Might as well do it now. A few months and it would be near impossible.
O0O0O0O0O0O
Fox wasn't a complete fool. She did not allow Varian to see that she had dressed in her best battle gear. Having an escort was not the same as being prepared. The Burning Steppes not a place to take lightly.
Ellysan sat on the royal gryphon that had been provided. She watched her daughter lost in conversation with the Lady Lothar. The two certainly were getting along well. That was what worried her most. Braelyn was always such a head strong child. What she had heard of Lady Lothar, or should she say Crimson Fox, reflected that the woman had similar habits of seeking out undo trouble. She was not concerned over this trip to the Burning Steppes. It was just over the mountain from the main keep. The worst to be encountered were low grade dragonkin and slow witted Blockrock Orcs. Lady Lothar had been right about their ability to handle themselves. She just prayed that the two didn't decide to go visiting the Molten Core!
Fox mounted Seb and lifted his reins. "Are you comfortable enough if I take point, Mrs. Hawke?"
"As long as you do not get to far out ahead of us, it should be fine."
The three lifted up and head ed out across the mountain. They passed over the beautiful falls behind the keep, and soon crested the barren expanse of the Burning steppes. Ever in the shadow of Blackrock mountain. The most volatile Volcano in all the world.
They passed over the Blackrock Orc's unnoticed. Thanks to the soft feather wing flaps that Wild Hammer Gryphons were so known for. It was not long before the came the the monument marking the place Anduin Lothar had fallen at the hands of Orgrim Doomhammer.
Fox had been here before. She had heard the stories recounted by Brann Bronzebeard. Not from the Dwarf personally, the passed along versions. There were two tales how Anduin Lothar had died. One was that he had been struck by a cheap shot from Doomhammer breaking his sword, and crushing his skull. The second was that Lothar had been lead into an ambush, and under such a great assault he had been bested by Doomhammer's attack. The ambush version was the one Bronzebeard put stock in, so it was the one Fox trusted most. It all ended the same, broken sword, death blow. It was here, her father had met his fate. All chance of him finding and reclaiming her lost.
She landed Seb on the base of the statue looking up. She barely remembered anything about him. Memories came in flashes, and typically without sound. The one good memory she had was probably her birthday. Ondrena and Anduin had argued about her present. Ondrena wanting her daughter to have a pony and a wooden sword. Anduin wanted her to have a fine tea service and a stuffed toy. The toy being a little red fox. Truth was Fox just wanted the both of them home more often. So much for fanciful dreams of children.
Ellysan watched as Braelyn dismounted, and pulled out her bow. Keeping an eye on the Lady Lothar as she moved to touch the statue. Turning she scanned the area. A sharp gasp as she saw a Blackrock sorcerer walking too close. She motioned to Braelyn and watcher as her daughter fade from sight. Rushing to grab Lady Lothar's hand and pulling her around the stone leg. "Shhh. There is an Orc close."
Fox pulled her daggers and turned to look at the direction Ellysan had indicated.
"No." The elder Mage put her hand on Fox's arm. "Let Braelyn and myself handle the danger out here."
The Hunter moved to jump off the pedestal to get a better position. Drawing her bow and aiming her shot. Careful to make sure that it was perfect. The arrow ripped the air as it broke free, and the Orc dropped in a painless death. But in her concentrations to her target Braelyn did not see the Blackrock Reaver and his Ogre companion pathing around the large rock.
Ellysan and Fox did. The Mage's fingers worked as she called "Braelyn, behind!"
Fox pulled one of her throwing knives from her chest. She longed to sprint into combat. That would upset Mrs Hawke, who needed to concentrate on her spell channeling.
Braelyn looked behind her at the duo charging down on her. She rushed to a small stack of stones to take cover. Lifting her bow, and aiming her shot for the Ogre. He was larger and much more intimidating then his companion in her estimation. So he would be going down first.
The arrow never got to fly as ice exploded in a torrential blizzard spell. Braelyn falling back from the waves of cold that crept across the ground toward her. Realizing her mother had over cast, she came to her feet running for the safety of higher ground. Ice forming on her boots. It slowed her down making it hard to keep just ahead of the spell.
Caught up in the middle of her cast Ellysan was powerless to pull back her magic. She had not used it in this fashion for years. Clearly, she had only improved with age in her art. So much for having to practice. When magic chose you, it was something you could not escape.
Fox hopped on her feet wanting to act. In the end should could not stop herself moving forward. She came to the edge of the platform, and held both her hands out to Braelyn. "Run, Braelyn!"
The hunter felt her legs being weighted down with each step. The sound of the Ogre's death cry behind her. She did not dare look back at this point. Jumping forward reaching out to allow Fox to grab her hand.
Fox locked her legs and used Braelyn's inertial to swing her up to safety. The women rolling together until the came to a stop at Anduin Lothar's giant stone boot.
Ellysan felt the magic receding. She lifted her robes and rushed to Braelyn's side. Kneeling by Fox to pull her baby in her arms. "By the Light, Braelyn! I am so sorry." She ran her hands over her daughter's face, and down her arms. Looking over Braelyn with terrified eyes. "Are you okay?"
"I am fine, Mom." She looked to her feet completely encrusted in ice. "Well mostly."
Fox pressed her lips together to suppress her laughter at the sight of Braelyn's shoes.
Braelyn looked up at Fox and started chuckling.
"This is not funny. You could have been hurt." Ellysan admonished them in a serious tone. Still scared at what could have happened to her precious only child. "Don't you two laugh at this! The King will never forgive me for being so incompetent."
That destroyed their efforts. Fox and Braelyn broke out in laughter. Braelyn dropping her head to the stone and slapping it with her hand.
"I fail to see..." Ellysan sputtered.
"Incompetence typically refers to lack of skill, Mrs. Hawke. At least to the SI-7." Fox sank down to her knees with tears rolling our of her eyes in humor. "You are vastly over skilled for this mission. For that I do apologize for under estimating your ability. Considering Braelyn was almost a frosty treat."
Ellysan looked at the other two women and smiled. Then started to chuckle as well. "Perhaps I should do this more often. It might keep her from climbing out windows and wandering off with out leaving so much as a note."
The rest of the morning, they sat at the safety of Anduin Lothar's feet. They had brought out a small lunch and just socialized. Forgetting that they were sitting in a region infested with hostel forces. The time passed quickly for them. Although the position of the sun finally encouraged them to be off.
They had just lifted back into the air. Braelyn looking over at Blackrock Mountain. A small movement captured her attention. "What is that?"
Fox pulled Seb to a stop. It started out as mere dark spots in the sky. A single Gryphon Rider, appearing to be a Dwarf. Behind him were five Forsaken on their bats in pursuit.
"Stay back and see if he can out run them on his own." Ellysan called with warning. Now was not the time to be caught up in a faction skirmish. "I do not want the two of you exposed to any real danger."
One of the bat riders pulled up their bow and the arrow struck the Dwarf's Gryphon true. The exhausted animal flailed a bit before hurling toward the ground.
Fox didn't wait. She knew that at this distance even Seb might not make it in time. There was no saving the animal, but for the Dwarf all hope was not lost. Seb gave a cry of rage seeing his fallen brethren and surged forward.
"Lady Lothar!" Ellysan shouted, just before her own daughter's mount blew past her as well. She muttered about the impetuousness of youth and followed. There was no choice in hanging back and using caution. Oh when would these younger women learn? Ellysan had seen many like them before fall in combat. They were going to have to curb this habit if they wanted to live on.
Seb grabbed hold of the saddle and tried to slow the decent of the wounded Gryphon. His great wings flapping hard on the press of gravity. Fox signaling for him to release the other bird. He refused, even though they were both starting to descend at a dangerous pace.
"I know Seb, baby boy." Fox whispered, "But we will all die. You have to let it go!"
He closed his eyes and pulled back harder. The air currents swirling under his will alone. They slowed enough that the impact was not fatal, but was still unkind. Bouncing and rolling across the ground for a good distance in all directions. They where all going to feel that tomorrow morning.
Fox rose with a groan. "Stupid. Expensive. Bird." Looking up she saw Seb cooing over the floundering gryphon. It looked to be mortally wounded from the poison tipped arrow.
The Dwarf rushing to it's side. The look on his face the same as a parent losing a child. "Cloud Strike, No!"
Braelyn landed close on her own mount. She ran over to kneel down next to the animal. She scanned the Gryphon for a moment with the eyes of a Hunter. She had healed many beasts over the years. Lifting her gaze over the head of the mourning Dwarf, she shook her head to indicate that there was nothing that could be done.
"There is no time for that." Ellysan cast her hands, with great sweeps. A shield formed long enough to repel several arrows from their party. "These Forsaken mean business! Turn your attention to our foe, lest we fall at their hands."
The undead landed rushing in. A command shouted by one as they formed their ranks in attack.
Fox had the distinct impression the order was along the lines of, "Kill them all." The daggers came to her hands. They had picked the wrong party to mess with. Of that she was certain.
"Ye killed ma Gryphon, ya Bastards!" The Dwarf pulled up a great axe denoting his warrior status and charged in.
Seb raised his wings over the dying Gryphon shielding it from attack. He glared and fluffed his feathers trying to be as intimating as he could. A sharp call echoing throughout the barren landscape.
Wading into the fray, the Dwarf fell the first Forsaken with a mighty cleave. His anger not abating as the blood splattered over his face and armor.
Fox ducked under a sword and disappeared from sight. Reappearing behind her target. Both Daggers slamming into the Forsaken's back. The blades pushed in as deeply as she could before twisting them hard. There was no mercy to be shown. All that mattered was their enemies death, and the groups survival. She turned to face her next target side by side with the new Dwarven ally. But the Forsaken was knocked back and pinned to the ground by Braelyns arrow.
The Dwarf letting his ax crash down on it's neck severing the head to roll across the ground. The remaining two Forsaken assassins rushed for their bats.
Ellysan channeling yet again. The frost bolts flying free, but avoided from the great distance.
"No be thinkin I am through with ya! Murderous Undead piles of worm crap!" The Dwarf swayed on his feet, and dropped to his knees. To broken hearted to stand from his loss.
Fox was closest to him. She stood looking out at the fleeing Forsaken. "What was that about?"
"I was on me wye to Stormwind to seek aid!" The Dwarf looked up at her. "The Wild Hammer Clan at Aerie Peak be under impending attack by the Forsaken! They hea pushed the South Shore refugees past Thoradin's wall, and seek ta gain Arathi Highlands for the Dark Lady as we speak."
"Sylvanas is on the move again?" Ellysan's jaw dropped. "Will she not ever be content?"
The Dwarf's hands raked across the ash covered ground going into fists of pure rage. "Falstad Wildhammer, hae gone ta his brother, Kurdran Wildhammer, in Ironforge requesting aid. We tried ta contact Stormwind ta gain added help, since the bleeding undead are unending. But the Forsaken hae blocked off all magical portals in Eastern Kingdom, from what I was told. I hae been entrusted ta get this message ta the High King Wyrnn." The Dwarf reached in his shirt, and pulled out a crumpled note. "Please, you hae ta help me. If we didnae act soon Aerie Peak ,and the Arathi Highlands will be as lost as South Shore!"
The Human stood in silence for a moment. Not one of them doubting the message, but having trouble accepting the truth of it. The South Shore refugees had already lost so much. Plus a double threat of losing the Gryphons of Aerie Peak? It was unacceptable.
Fox was the first to move. She whistled for Seb. "Take the Dwarven messenger to Stormwind! I will head on to Ironforge and let them know that aid is on the way."
"Lady Lothar, you can't." Ellysan rolled her eyes, and rushed after Fox. "King Wyrnn would expressly forbid this if he knew."
"He isn't around to give me orders, Mrs. Hawke." Fox jumped on to Seb. No one was talking her out of this. Sylvanas had her eyes on Arathi Highlands. That was her ancestral home. If it would turn in to a bleeding battle ground she was going to be there to defend it. How could she stand back and allow the Forsaken to have their way?
"Lady Lothar?" The Dwarf exclaimed and dropped to his knees. "We hae heard of your existence even in the Hinterlands, my Lady. I had na thought ta be meeting you. Especially like this! But it be an honor."
"I know that Kurdran is one of the Sons of Lothar. He has been an honor to my father's legacy. The least I can do is offer support by my mere presence." Fox didn't wait for a reply from any of them. Seb screeching across the sky on his way toward Ironforge.
"Was that Zephyr's Blade?" The Dwarf was in awe. Seeing the Gryphon that Fox was riding.
"Who?" Braelyn blinked.
"That Gryphon! It be Zephyr's Blade, the mount of the King of Stormwind!"
"Oh, yes. The Lady Lothar calls him Seb." Braelyn turned and rushed to her Gryphon. "I am going after her."
"No you are not!" Ellysan shouted at her daughter. "You will take this Dwarf to Stormwind and deliver his message to High King Wyrnn. I tried to open a portal just now, and it is as he says. The magic streams are blocked. I have no idea who could do this, but there are other ways. When you get back to the Mage district, find the Archmage Chelinka. She is the most skilled one I can trust to do the job." Ellysan pulled a silver comb out of her hair. She tossed it to her daughter. "Braelyn, baby, have her lock on to my location with this. We can use it as a conduit to establish a portal from Stormwind to Ironforge. It will be one way, but it should be enough to move the troops."
"Mom?"
"Yes. I am going to follow her." Ellysan sighed and got on her Gryphon. "Clearly her mount outmatches mine, but I will do my best to catch up. Please hurry! I am sure the ones further north are in grave peril."
Author Note: Onward Fox, to IronForge and WAR! Congratz Brealyn you get to tell Varian all about it. That should be fun.