Chapter 21
Crash and Burn
How could they expect her to do nothing! She had stood there in the shadow of a monument built to honor her father's dedication to the Alliance. He had been a man who lived and died for his people. Fox leaned lower over Seb. She had to get to Ironforge and speak with the Wild Hammers.
Varian was going to be furious she had left the Hawke's behind her. He would have to get over it. She would meet up with him in Ironforge. It was at this time she realized that Seb had actually caught up with the two Forsaken. They had no idea she was behind them, and closing fast. The choice was to take them down or cruise above to evade notice.
Seb rocketed higher with a sudden surge of speed. Fox could feel him go tense under her. "So you want to take them out as well? Good." Fox put her hand in the acrobatic strap and prepared her assault. It was two to one. But Fox had Seb, so she had the advantage. They were not going much further in this life.
Once above them, Seb slowed to match their pace. "Dive!" Fox felt her stomach rise to her throat as he dropped. The body of the Gryphon going streamline. Fox twisted hard on the strap. She swung out and landed on the first bat. A hand going to the side of the undead's head to turn so the neck was exposed to her slashing blade. Then she pushing him from the mount, leaning to the side to watch him drop. If the fall didn't kill him, he's severed artery would.
The last remaining undead looked over in shock at her. Clearly amazed she had caught him. He pulled up his bow and aimed it at her. Fox evaded the shot and pointed upward. A sharp whistle attracting Seb. The Forsaken looked up to late. The large imposing Gryphon ripped him from his mount. Seb tore at him with sharp claws and beak, then tossed him through the air. Not bothering to look back at the broken form.
Seb moved close and Fox reached out to grab the strap on his saddle. Pulling herself on to his back. "Well, those are a few that wont be returning to the Undercity." Fox spit behind her to show her deep remorse for their loss, which was not at all. Then she settled in for the long flight to Ironforge.
O0O0O0O0O0O0
Braelyn found herself holding tight to Dunham Quartzcutter. The Gryphon rider had taken control of the mount before they even lifted off from the Burning Steppes. Now he was bearing down on the Stormwind keep with an intent that had the little Hunter ill at ease.
"Mr. Quartzcutter, sir?" The Gryphon circled around to the front of the keep with out slowing. He was not going to just fly into the keep on the Gryphon, was he?
Dunham didn't listen to the little human behind him. An expert of his craft is what he was. Dunham knew exactly what he was about. He could feel her tensing as he made his way into the tight hallway of the Keep entrance. The Gryphon's wings just barely skimming the walls.
The Stormwind Guards scrambling as the mount bore down on them. The citizens screaming trying to get out of the way. Not that Dunham could hear it over the sound of Braelyn's shriek of, "Are you mad!"
Seeing King Wrynn looking up from his place near the throne. Dunham pulled up on the reins. The mount was one of Stormwind's private stock. He had to remember this wasn't one of his Wild Hammer breed. The reactions and strength were not close to what he was used to. For a moment he feared they were going to actually run the High King over.
Braelyn locked eyes with Varian and renewed her efforts to scream sense into the mad Dwarf. Tightening her hold on Dunham if it were possible, and dug her face into his back.
Then everything stopped. Dunham on the Gryphon's back looking right in the High King's face. "Your Majesty, I bring word from Ironforge!" He reached into his shirt, and pulled out the letter and thrust it at Varian.
Varian blinked. All his attention focused on Braelyn. Who in his mind should be at the side of his Lady Lothar. Not out joy riding with a clearly impaired Dwarf. "Miss Hawke? Where is Lady Lothar?"
Braelyn realized then, there are scarier things then a half wild Gryphon Rider navigating the halls of Stormwind Keep. That did not keep her from blurting out the truth. "She is on her way to Ironforge, your Majesty."
Varian's mouth slowly dropped open. There was not a word as he took Dunham's crumpled letter. Unfolding it and staring intently with critical blue eyes. "I would like to read this, but the ink is smeared to badly. Is that blood?"
"Aye! I was beset by the cursed Forsaken on me way here, but was rescued by the Lady Lothar, herself!" Dunham still impressed at having not only met the Lady, but having seen her in combat as well. It was a tale he plan on passing along, while bouncing his grand babe's on his knee.
Varian reached out and grabbed Braelyn's hand and helped her down, "Miss Hawke where is Fox?"
"I told ya, she be on her way to Ironforge!" Dunham watched the little Hunter just staring in terror at the High King. The size difference impressive between the two. "She is offering her aid to the Wild Hammer of Aerie Peak. The human refugees of South Shore are being pushed through Thoradin's wall by Sylvanas. The Dark Lady is pressing a double edged assault on the Arathi Highlands and Aerie Peak! I have been sent to gather reinforcements."
Varian never let loose of Braelyn's hand, as he listened to the dwarf. The hold almost crushing as she stared up him. She could see the moment everything started to make sense to him, and the rising fear growing in his eyes.
"Why didn't they just use the portal Mages in the Tower to contact me?" Varian asked in clear confusion. Looking away from Braelyn to Dunham.
"The portals are being blocked. Your Mage in Burning Steppes be tellin us so as well. Speaking of which, Little Hunter, what was it she wanted o ya?"
Braelyn blinked a few times, before she found her words. "The comb!" She pulled her hand free of Varian's hold. Wasting no time climbing back on the Gryphon. "I have to get the the Mage Quarter, and find the Archmage Chelinka! My mother wants me to help her open a portal to Ironforge!"
"But I hae na told the High King all the facts yet!" Dunham never finished his statement.
"You tell him the rest. I will handle this part! You can bring the troops around the Mage Quarter shortly. I am sure my mother can break through." Braelyn took the reins and inched forward. Wasting no time escaping the keep.
O0O0O0O0O0O0
Seb dropped under the main door if Ironforge, before banking upward to take the gryphon door into the Commons and through the left side to the Great Forge. Fox didn't wait for him to land before throwing her leg over to dismount. As a Rogue she knew exactly how to land before moving toward the High Seat.
The room was not completely crowded, but the Counsel of Three Hammers were in a deep state argumentative deliberation. Fox took a deep breath and walked forward. "Pardon my intrusions, but I have just flown in from Stormwind. I would like to inform you that we have heard word from your Gryphon rider as to the situation in the North. I am here to offer aid."
Moria Thaurissan turned eyes on Fox, "And just who are you to be talking for Stormwind in the High Seat Chambers! We sent word the the High King, and he sends us a mere Rogue? What disrespect is this?"
Fox for the first time, was relieved at her noble status. "As to who I am, let me say I am sorry for not making that clear from the first. I am Lady Eloise Lothar. Daughter of Anduin Lothar, founder of the Alliance. I have made this long journey by way of Gryphon through the heat of Blackrock mountain and the bitter cold of Dun Morogh to give you my personal support in this matter."
Muradin Bronzebeard and the Wild Hammer brother's attention riveted on her. The chamber growing silent. Fox could not stop her smirk. Damn if this kind of power didn't feel good. She had kept silent as to being the new Queen of Stormwind. It took all her will not to just let that slip out as well. There would be more than enough time for that later. It was not information to be dropped for a bit more shock and awe.
"Lady Lothar?" Kurdran stared as if he was seeing a ghost. The eyes moving over the little human.
"Ya Sire, had mentioned ya but once to me in the deepest o confidence in the early days of the Alliance." Muradin Bronzebeard stepped toward her to take her hands in his. "I hae not be thinking of ever meeting with ya. Ta be honest, he thought it more likely ya died."
Moria's nodded accepting that she had crassly insulted the Noble woman. She decided to show some respect. She smiled with no real warmth. "My apologies, Lady Lothar. I was fearing that we had been dismissed by Stormwind."
"Then you find my presence acceptable?"
"Aye gal! More so, I would not have believed that High King would allow ya out of Stormwind from the reports we hae received." Kurdran offered in their defense.
Fox snorted and looked away, "As if he could stop me once I took it into my mind to come."
"She most certainly be the daughter of Anduin Lothar!" Muradin smiled bright as he pointed at her in delight.
"Ya men folk can fall at her pretty feet once we have dealt with the Forsaken threat at Aerie Peak." Moria moved back to the war table. Drawing attention to where it mattered most.
Fox looked over the placement of troops. She felt her heart drop. It looked bad. "Are they pushing the refugees harder then Aerie Peak? That makes no sense!"
"So you can see the flow of the battle from the pieces. That is good, Lady Lothar." Muradin put his finger on Thoradin's wall. "I suspect she means ta take the Highlands ta cut off all ground travel, before making her move on Aerie Peak. So far all the plague catapults hae been down here near the wall."
Fox rested her palms on the table edge. Scanning the image before her. She played out each move she could trying to see the next step in the Dark Lady's plans. "You are right, but she must want the Gryphons. A plague strike would not serve her purpose in Aerie Peak."
"But the Horde do not use the Gryphons!" Moria snapped. "Why would she care about them?"
"Because the Alliance does! We need them, and that means profit. Any Goblin can tell you that gold is what makes this world go round. The more Sylvanas has, the more powerful her faction becomes within the Horde. Vol'jun may be the new Warchief of the Horde, but Sylvanas doesn't answer to him. She might supply him aid, but its only when such help benefits her."
"How do ye know of this?" Kurdran turned his head. Highly impressed with the knowledge that Fox held.
"I haven't been Lady Lothar very long, my friends. As your Princess and Queen Regent pointed out so expertly when I first entered, I am a Rogue. A retired Stormwind Assassin at my highest rank. There are things that need knowing, and it was my job to make the happen."
"I could come to like her." Moria looked over at the other Dwarves. The eyes narrowing on the males "It would be nice to have another educated woman o sense at the helm that doesn't cower and simper ta ya loud bellyaching."
'So we have been arguing about for hours, my sweet niece." Muradin shot back in sarcasm. Turning to Fox he asked, "So what be ye take on this before we infect you with our bickering."
Fox scanned the map. Looking at the pieces trying to draw her own conclusions. This wasn't something she had never done, but she typically relied on Shaw. "They are trying to take the Highlands first, as you said. They want to cut off the ground support to Aerie Peak. That cannot be allowed. Because if they succeed this battle is lost. You can see by the lack of backlash for South Shore."
"That is what I have been tryin to tell ya, Buffoons!" Moria was growing excited now that Fox was clearly on her side.
"But we can't leave Aerie Peak open. They can still come through Hillsbrad." Falstad Wild Hammer spoke up. It was his job to keep the Gryphon safe.
"Then we need to get someone to High Tinker Mekkatorque, and have his best engineers out there to blow the pass." Fox 's eyes never left the map. "If they can't get through the Hillsbrad pass, they will have to go around the mountains. It will take much more time and work. Sylvanas might rethink her actions."
"Ya mean ta cut Aerie off from Hillsbrad? The Wild Hammer brothers gasped in unison.
"Why not? Its infested with Forsaken anyway? You still have the southern tunnel into Arathi Highlands and the northern pass to the Plaguelands, if your weak legged Gryphon riders decided to touch the earth." Moria crossed her arms over her chest. "The Lady Lothar's plan would secure us Aerie Peak for months. All we have to do is hold Thoradin's wall. Sylvanas would have to go all the way around the bottle neck of the northern pass. I am sure that the Argent Crusade could not ignore her traipsing through their front yard either. That was what the lady was thinking. Pushing High Lord Fordring to acting. Am I right?'
"I will keep your ability to see through my tactics in mind, Princess." Fox tossed Moria a half grin of respect.
"After what you are saying today, I have no desire to be pitted against ya either." Moria added with begrudging respect. "We owe the High King for sending you to us."
Fox shivered at the mention of Varian. She doubted she would be leaving the keep for weeks after this. She could already feel the sting on her rear just thinking about his reaction.
"Well that solves the situation at Aerie Peak. Now the pressing concern. Arathi Highlands." Fox stared at her Ancestral homeland hard. It was going to be impossible to hold as it stood.
"How can we hold the area with just those at Refuge point." She whispered.
'We canna." Muradin sighed. "And once we blow the pass to Aerie Peak, Sylvanas will undoubtedly move the full might of her forces to Thoradin's wall. We can't with stand that kind of assault without a stronger foot hold in that region."
Fox blinked as an idea came to her. She felt as if electric shot over her as she looked at the map. No, it was lunacy to even consider it. Still she bravely decided to present her plan. "But there is a strong foothold." She dropped her finger to the map. "We just need to route out the hostile forces in Stromgarde. We can restore the Keep to its former glory, and use its walls and defenses to hold the Thoradin's wall."
"A few well placed cannons wouldn't hurt either on the northern walls." Moria winked at Fox.
"And you, Princess are a genius." Fox nodded. She sighed and tapped the old structure's image on the map. "It would also serve to house the refugees of South Shore, giving them some where to take shelter."
"Urgent news from the Highlands!" A runner hurried into the room. In his hands huge sheets of parchment. "A Gryphon rider just arrived to tell us that the Forsaken have broken through our hold on Thoradin's wall. They are placing the plague cannons upon it. Also they have sent out troops to capture all Alliance forces. They are killing and raising all the adults as new undead. Those that are to old or young are being butchered and left as carrion for the buzzards."
"By Hestra's wings." Flastad Wildhammer rushed from the room. "call forth all the gryphons and riders we have on hand. We will lead the charge. We can no longer wait for Stormwind's aid."
He strode right past Ellysan Hawke, who had just reached the High Seat Chambers. The Mage rushing to Fox. "Lady Lothar! What has happened?" She looked back at the angry Dwarven Leader calling commands out by the Great Forge.
"We are out of time." Fox looked at Ellysan, " You maybe Arathi Highlands, only hope, Mrs Hawke. Tell me you can establish a portal to Stormwind?"
"I think I can, but I have to do it from the Mystic Ward where the arcane power is strongest here." Ellysan watched as the Lady wrung her hands looking after Falstand Wildhammer.
"Then get it open so that Varian can send as many troops as he can. When you see him, tell him I had to go. I can't help it. I will always be the Crimson Fox, before Lady Lothar. I can't just stand here knowing that people are dying." With that Fox rushed from the room in search of Seb.
"Lady!" Ellysan tried to catch Fox's arm and missed. Damn that woman. Just damn her! She was a Lothar that was for sure. Doing exactly what her father would have done. Always willing to sacrifice everything for her people and the Alliance. A deep troubled sigh erupted from Ellysan. The only way to save the Lady Lothar now was to open a portal to Stormwind and prey that King Wyrnn was ready with reinforcement. Light grant them Mercy!
O0O0O0O0O0O
The men were being assembled. Varian stood next to Braelyn watching the Archmage Chelinka trying and retrying to establish a physical connection with Ellysan Hawke.
"Any luck yet?" Braelyn asked for what must have been the hundredth time. Sahe was very worried about her mother's well being. She should have been in Ironforge by now.
Chelinka looked up, "No. I can not establish the portal alone. I need your mother to be ready to catch the arcane stream. It will be harder for her. She doesn't have an artifact of mine. That is why I have to reach for her rather then the other way around."
"The comb is an artifact?" Brealyn asked.
"Of course, your mother once told me that your father gave it to her the day you were born. It holds residual emotions and connection to your mother from that day on." Chelinka worked her fingers over the comb.
Varian looked down at Braelyn's worried face, "Do not fear Miss Hawke. Your mother is a strong woman. She would have made it to Ironforge in good health. I am sure we will establish the connection soon." He patted her shoulder in tender support. They were both in the same boat. Worrying about someone they loved.
"The same could be said for the Lady Lothar." Brealyn sought to comfort him. Knowing that he was barely restraining himself. The anxiety still clear in his eyes.
"Dunham already told me that Fox took a great fall and has engaged in combat." Varian sighed deep with worry. "She is in a delicate state. If she keeps up her course, and I know she will, there will be a great consequence."
"What do you mean, you Majesty?" Braelyn whispered to him. She could see it was not something he was ready to make public knowledge "Is the Lady ill?"
Varian shook his head and whispered back, "My lady is pregnant with my child. It is for this reason I am over concerned at this time."
Brealyn's eyes went wide a she cried out. "WHAT?'
Everyone looking to the duo. Varian putting his arm around Brealyn and pulling her around so that her face was in his chest. That way she could not accidentally let everyone else in the area know. "No grand announcements just yet, Brealyn."
The Hunter nodded and he slowly released her. She turned to see almost every eye on the two of them caught up in what seemed like an intimate embrace. A red flush coming to her cheeks as she stepped away. Trying to not look like she was retreating.
"I got her!" Chelinka's voice was full of joy. The pink arcane runes starting to spin. "Get me more Mages to increase the connections! We must not loose this energy flow!"
Varian sighed with semi relief and whispered. "Hold on Fox. I'm on my way."
O0O0O0O0O0O0
Fox was holding on. She was rocketing through the sky on Seb as if Sargeras, himself, was at her heels. She had just crested into the Wetlands clear of Dun Morogh. The main force of Gryphon riders lost behind her. She was deep in thought. Wondering what she as going to encounter when she reached Thoradin's wall.
Falstad and his Gryphon Hestria beating her wings coming to Seb's side. "Zephyr's Blade may be powerful, but he can not keep this pace, Lady Lothar! You must let him soar and rest."
Fox let up knowing that she was upsetting the Wildhammer Dwarf. "We have to get there fast! A mere moment maybe all we need to save a life."
"I understand Gal." He nodded and looked forward grimly, "But you must learn to mind the Gryphon as he minds you."
Fox felt Seb trying to surge forward to out pace Hestria. Typical Seb. "I understand resting him. Crossing the Great Sea is going to be taxing enough."
Flastad shouted out. "What? Woman are ya MAD? You can not take him right across the bay. He will be to exhausted to help you in battle! That is considering if he even makes the jump without the two of you fallen ta the sea."
"You mean to skirt around the bay? That could tack on another hour in travel!" Fox shouted through the high winds of their advanced height.
"Better and extra hour, then dropping ya Gryphon into the sea!"
"I'll chance it." Fox leaned low as Seb tucked back his wings blasting over the expanse of water.
"Ye damn fool woman!" Falstab pulled Hestria back from following Seb. "For the love and memory of ya Sire! Come back!"
Fox ignored his call. Something in her said that she had to get to Arathi as soon as possible. Some kind of primal ache in her soul calling her to great haste.
Seb was starting to suffer under his efforts just as Falstad had warned. The fatigue of being over the deep waters slowly eating away at his endurance.
"Hold true, Seb." Fox whispered to him. A pleading hope in her heart. "Just get across the bay into Arathi, then I will let your recover."
The Gryphon called back forcing his straining wings. The other sides coast line coming into view.
Fox knew that any other gryphon would not have made it this far. Seb was born for greatness. He had been training their entire time just for this moment. Stamina beyond anything known before in his kind. Still he was loosing altitude and fast. "Push Seb! PUSH!" She shouted in a harsh voice. The sound of it ringing in her ears as someone else. The world fading from her. Ondrena's voice "You are my daughter! You fear NOTHING!" Shaking the vision off with new determination.
Seb was no different. He fed off his Mistress's resolve. She believed he could reach that other coast. For that alone he would! The winds of the sea pushing against them, as if the world, itself, sought to keep them back. The burning in his muscles causing him to cry out in pain. Still the wings flapped harder.
As they came to the coast Fox realized they were far to low against the cliff. She pulled back on the reigns trying to get Seb to climb higher in the sky. "Rise Boy! Get higher or all of this is for naught."
In an effort of unfathomable strength, Seb stretched out his wings. Holding them firm so that the air currents could lift him vertical. They shot into Arathi. Seb hovering just over the ground, until he skimmed the hard packed earth. To late, he realized it was not just his wings that were pushed beyond all limits. The sharp talons failing him. Unable to catch a good foot hold, and causing him to lurch forward and roll forward uncontrollably.
The first few turns causing him to land on Fox as he went. She reached down and pulled the strap and flew free. Coughing hard from the impact and working to get the air back in her lungs. Looking up she saw Seb laying stretched out, to weak to do much more then call to her in a weakened cry.
Fox rushed to him. She ran a hand over her mount. "There boy. Just rest. You have done a fine job."
"Mommy!" Fox looked up to see a band of Forsaken bearing down on a woman who was running with one child in her arms. A small boy rushing before her turning to look back. The undead clearly closing the distance on the small family.
"I'll be back Seb. Momma has to go kill some shit!" Fox pulled her blades and rushed in. Counting her foe to be some where between ten to twelve Forsaken. "Okay Fox, you are the last Arathi, right? Let's see if your worthy of your father's legacy."
Author Note: SO MUCH RESEARCH! I can't tell you the amount of sourcing I did today. I realize that Stromgarde belongs to Danath Trollbane, also a Son of Lothar, memeber. I assumed this to be because there is no acknowledged heir to Lothar in cannon. But for the sake of this story, it's going to Fox. It's the ancestral home of the Arathi after all.
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