Chapter 43
Betrayal
Varian awoke to a faint glow pulsing in the dark of the bedroom. Fox was sleeping soundly next to him. Her arm wrapped tightly around his own. The face smooth and serene as if she had not a care in the world. He carefully untangled her and sat up. Blinking for a moment as he tried to fixate on the source of the strange light.
It did not take long for him to realize the light was only dimmed because it was within the nightstand on Fox's side of the bed. Curious he tossed back the blankets and lifted his thick robe. Fox muttered in her sleep and rolled over pulling a pillow close to her chest. Varian chuckled at how quickly he had been replaced by his wife. So his stand in was a highly embroidered piece of fabric. He could live with that.
Moving around the bed to open the drawer with one hand. Surprised to see a necklace glowing with some magical quality. He had seen such things before and knew it was Elvish in nature, more aptly High Elven. He drew his gaze back to his wife. Who could she possibly be communicating with in such a discrete way. Curiosity if it was part of the SI-7 or maybe an old contact in a far off corner of Azeroth. Varian wasted no time looking for a mirror. The only way he was going to find out who was trying to contact his wife so late at night and in such secret was to use the device. Which would out him as the snooper he was.
The full length mirror that had once been in the room was now oddly missing. Why had he not noticed it before? Possibly because it was late when he came to Fox's room. Not dismissing that he had been more concerned with taming her horrible temper. That left the vanity. He approached the reflective surface and let the chain slip through his fingers.
"You certainly have a temper that would rival the surliest abomination I have ever met." The voice of the Banshee Queen echoed into his mind as the image began to take form.
"Sylvanas?" Varian unconsciously tightened his grip on the necklace. Of everyone he expected to be peering back at him this was not one he had expected. "What the hell is going on here?"
"High King Wyrnn?" Sylvanas scowled in disgust. "You were not the one I was expecting."
"Expecting?" The blue eyes flared wide as the connection was made. He turned to look at Fox blissfully unaware of what was transpiring. Looking back toward the mirror, he growled. "Why would Lady Lothar be in contact with you?"
"I have no idea, you figure it out." She snapped back. "Is she there?"
"Do not play with me, Sylvanas. We both know that Fox has no liking for you."
Sylvanas laughed and rolled her eyes. "But I have a deep liking for her. After all, she has brought me such a fine new crop of Forsaken hopefuls right to the very doorstep of my Kingdom."
Varian lifted a lip in an ugly snarl. No wonder Fox has been so distressed over Stromgarde's safety. How could she not with the Banshee Queen baiting her. Then factoring in that Fox had so little knowledge of political influences. It did not take him any time at all to realized that he had been called back after Fox had collapsed due to stress in her very bedroom. "You have been playing mind games with my Lady, haven't you?"
"Oh please. You have been playing with her far more then I have. After all you are in her room in nothing but a robe. Nice chest by the way High King, I approve." Sylvanas chuckled. Seeing that he was not amused by her little joke, she sobered. "I admit, I have taunted her a bit. Don't look at me like that. I know of her very fragile state, and have no desire to harm her while she is in such a condition."
"As honorable as that is, Sylvanas, it's not like you to pull punches."
"Then call it a change of heart. The Lady is a fine adversary when you have the good grace to keep your hands off of her." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and pinned a damning glare on Varian.
"I have to inform you of this, but the lady was already carrying my child when she fought you last time." Varian pointed out. If Sylvanas found Fox formitable then, he could not image what she would think seeing Fox fighting with her full skill. Actually, now that he thought about it, he had never seen her not hold back himself.
Sylvanas blinked. "Oh. That is impressive. After she has recovered from the birth, I must remember to demand a rematch."
"If I don't take you head off before then." Varian turned the necklace in his hand and blocked the transmission, cutting off the communications. Effectively making this the second time someone had so rudely hung up on the banshee Queen this week. Turning he moved to the bed and sat down. "Fox."
"I'm to tired to play, Varian." She pressed her face into the pillow. Completely ignorant of what had been transpiring around her.
"Fox." He insisted, reaching down to pull her against him.
He watched her head roll around a bit before she reached up to push her hair back. "What is it, your Majesty?"
Varian cocked up an eye brow. How long had it been since he had heard her call him that? Fond memories would not dim the anger with her though. Dropping the chain through his fingers so that the pendant danced before her face. "You need to tell me how you got this. Then you need to tell me why the hell were you using it?"
Fox paled and reached out to grab it from him. In her half awake state she failed miserably.
"You will not be getting this back." Varian held it back from her reach.
"I don't remember when I got it, and its just a necklace. I do not even wear it." Fox whispered and looked up at him.
Varian was shocked. "Fox, you are lying to me." Although he was wondering if she had been wearing it. If Fox had put it on, it could put her under a limited amount of Sylvanas's power. By the Light, he had left Fox in control of his city!
Fox remained silent and looked away from him. In her mind she was still trying to wake up. There was a deep need to think coherently now that Varian had stumbled on this little secret. And really, what had she done so wrong? Talking to the Banshee Queen from Stormwind about Stromgarde's benefit was a good thing.
"Tell me you have not worn this." He reached down to turn her face back to his.
"I have never put it on, not once! I already told you that." She pushed his hand away but continued to stare up at him.
Varian felt a sinking feeling in his gut. She had already lied to him once. "This is important Fox. Tell me where you got it."
"I don't know." Fox sighed. She was not going to rat out Learen for bringing her the necklace. He had no idea what it was. He had merely been trying to annoy the Banshee Queen by taking it.
"Fox!" Varian came to his feet and stared down at her. "As your King I am commanding you to answer me."
"I did answer and I told you all I know." She crossed her arms and stared with defiance.
It was possible that if Fox had worn the necklace, that Sylvanas had managed to get a mind control spell over her. It would explain why she had not been herself since he had returned. "Have you contacted Sylvanas with it?"
"No." Fox knew she was walking a thin line. He clearly knew she had. "Technically she contacted me, but I cut off the communication with her. She merely taunts me with cryptic talk. I saw no further need to answer the calls."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Varian groaned and turned away.
Fox dropped her head to her hands. "How was I to do that when you were not here?'
"So it started after I left for Stromgarde." He spun back to face her.
"Of course! I would have told you had you been here. Wait, did you think I sent you away because of something Sylvanas said? " Fox reached around and tossed a pillow at him. "If you are distrusting of her motives, I brought you home because of something she said not the reverse."
"Which would be?"
Fox paled. "It was to horrible to commit to memory."
Varian was not going to relent. Event he slightest bit of information would help him know how to preceded. "But you do remember it. So tell me."
"She said she was going to revive a Wyrnn Death Knight.. With Anduin safely on the other side of the world under Velen's watchful eye, you can only assume which Wyrnn I thought she meant." Fox shivered at the idea. Even now with him back in Stormwind and at her side, she still feared the threat.
Varian dropped down and pulled her close. "You forget, Sylvanas would have to kill me first. Something she would have done long ago had she been able too."
"You are not immortal." Fox grumbled and kicked her legs out straight.
"I appreciate the concern." Varian chuckled.
"It's not funny." She spat out and looked as if she was going to cry.
"No, but because it is Sylvanas, I want to bring in a Priest to make sure you are clear of any foul magic." Varian patted her back trying to sooth her.
Fox leaned against him in defeat. "Do what you want. Damiana is worse then my body guards these days. Go ahead and give her access to my mind as well. It's not like there is anything I want to hide."
Varian settled down on the bed and held her. Listening to her complain and grumble at him about the inconveniences she had to suffer as his Queen until it was no more then the steady breath of her sleep the greeted his ears. He was holding in most of his worry. He suspected Damiana would find traces of dark influence within the fringes of Fox's mind. Adding to the fact Fox was in control of Stormwind at the time. Lord Bascomb had said they were at odds. First thing tomorrow, he would contact him and find out just what issues of the Kingdom had come up. Maybe that would lead him to a clue.
O0O0O0O0O
Lord Bascomb did not have to pretend to be stunned when King Wyrnn confided in him. The fact that Sylvanas was being blamed for the acts of Damiana and Astarii, did well enough that for him. "I knew the Lady was becoming more aggressive in her dealings, but under the control of the Banshee Queen? Are you sure?"
"I am having Damiana look into it. When the Priestess gives me her full report I will know more." Varian looked exhausted. "That must be why she wanted you out of control. It would be far easier to get around with you out of the picture. There is no telling what Sylvanas would be up too. She has always been one of the most devious enemies we have ever encountered. I suspect the plot would have to be in place already since she called me home."
"Then we can consider your faith in me a blessing." Lord Bascomb forced a weak smile at the King. "Perhaps now you will believe me about the SI-7?"
A deep sigh escaped Varian. "I can not fathom Shaw working for Sylvanas in any respect. Perhaps there are others reporting to her. It would be easy enough with the limited control we have on the rogues. Placing restrictions on them would impede their ability to work. Its a touchy situation all the way around."
"I have a confession to make." Lord Bascomb waited for the King to look up at him. "I have already infiltrated the ranks of the SI-7. One of their own is working for me. The man is a bit of a wild card, but that is why I chose him. So far he has proved to be very valuable in gaining the information I need for Stormwind's benefit."
"And you trust him?" Varian cocked up an eyebrow. "The SI-7 does not take agents without merit. Doing this would mean he is betraying every single member of their organization."
I trust him implicitly, your Majesty. I have tested his loyalty and he has yet to fail me. I am most impressed."
Varian did not think he would live to see this day. SI-7 Agents turning against their own. What was Stormwind coming too? "Then have him investigate this issue."
"And Shaw? Can I promise my man immunity if he goes against the Spy master?"
Varian grimaced. "When Shaw is proven innocent there is no way the man will be able to work within the organization again. Of that I have no doubt. The trust of the SI-7 is imperative to their work. But I will find him a place directly under me where no one would dare touch him."
"And when my suspicions are confirmed and I can prove the SI-7 is working against you? What happens to Shaw then?"
"Need you ask?" Varian darkened at the very idea. He didn't like it one bit.
"Then there will need to be a new Spy master. My man is capable of that opportunity. May I promise him this as a suitable reward?" Bascomb was almost ready to faint with excitement. Soon he would control the SI-7 and the Cathedral of Light.
"As much as I dislike it, yes."
Lord Bascomb bowed and left the room. First he had to find Damiana and let her know that there was no longer any need to be delicate with Lady Lothar. The visible decent into madness could be stepped up. Learen would be informed that he must find a way to unseat Shaw from the SI-7. Then there was the Hawke's required proof. An evil grin came to his face. They would have confession of the illegitimacy of the Royal issue by Lady Lothar's own mouth once he was done with her.
A knock came at the door and Bascomb looked up to see Myles Fulbright leaning heavily on his walking stick. "The guards said that I should come right in?"
"Yes, Mr. Fulbright. I wished to discuss your daughter with you." The warm smile did not reach his eyes.
O0O0O0O0O
Braelyn was under close watch by her own parents. There was not much she could do with Lord Bascomb's formal guard watching her. It was for her own safety. That was what had been told to the Hawkes, and her trusting parents had believed it with out question. Never once occurring to them that Braelyn was being held prisoner in case she confess what she knew.
She was to become the Queen of Stormwind? How was that to happen when Varian was head over heels in love with Fox, and everyone knew it. The most irritating part was her father was now convinced there was some underhanded plot against Stormwind it's self, and the SI-7 was at the front of it all.
Braelyn would give anything for just one hour away. She could reach Fox and warn her of what was happening. Still even doing that might lead to the death of her family. She dropped to her knees and placed a hand on her lynx's head. "Oh Bitey, what am I going to do?"
"First you are going to get off the dirty ground."
The sound of this voice gave her chills. Looking up to see Astarii coming through the little gate that as around their small house. And even more the Braelyn's surprise was the person with her. "Astarii, Goldenleaf? What are you doing here?"
"I am here to deliver a note to your family and inform you that Lord Bascomb has ordered you to move into his residence within the gates of Stormwind. It is no longer suitable to have you running around Elwynn Forest." Astarii let go of Goldenleaf's arm.
Goldenleaf reached over to swipe at his arm as if trying to remove invisible dust.
"And Goldenleaf? Why have you come"
Before the male night elf could utter a word Astarii smiled sweetly. "Oh he just wanted to escort me to keep me company. He is such a wonderful betrothed. I could not ask for better."
Goldenleaf stood behind Astarii shaking his head amendment, but said "It was my honor, Lady Astarii."
"Of course it was. Now let me see to your parents, if you please."
Braelyn frowned darkly. So Astarii was working with Lord Bascomb. This was terrible. "They are around back working with my mothers flower garden."
"Oh lovely. The two of you catch up while I greet them." the Priestess moved quickly eager to have her mission complete and be back within the city walls.
"Are you working for Bascomb too?" Braelyn rushed to Golden and grabbed hold of his arm the moment the other woman was out of sight. A finger shooting up to wave under his nose.
"Oh not you too. That man is the only thing Astarii talks about these days." Goldenleaf groaned. "Not that I haven't even met him, nor do I care too. He sounds like a troublemaker to me."
"Oh your one to talk. You are a troublemaker." Braelyn looked around at the guards and leaned closer. "If you haven't realized I am surrounded by guards."
"I figured your parents decided to finally keep you at home, and way from those sugary Blood Elves." Goldenleaf shrugged.
"These men belong to Lord Bascomb. I do not have much time, but you have to tell the lady Lothar to beware. There is a foul plot against her, and do not tell anyone this information came from me. Do not even tell her I am the one who said it."
"What?" Goldenleaf waved a hand and kicked up the wind. The sound of the rattling leaves on the trees muffling their words.
"Goldenleaf, please take me seriously in this. Fox is in imminent danger and so is her baby. There isn't anything I can do without endangering the lives of my parents." Braelyn pleaded
"Stay calm. I will think of a reason to break away from Astarii and return. Incognito, of course, and you can explain everything to me when I return."Goldenleaf kept his face impassive so that the guards could not make out what they were discussing.
"There is no time. If Bascomb is moving me into Stormwind that means he has found a way to hurry things along. We can not let him have is way."
"Fine I will meet with the lady when Astarii and I return. I will learn what I can. Don't you worry. I will come back as soon as I can."
"Goldenleaf?" Astarii came around the house with jasper and Ellysan.
"Yes, Astarii, dear?" Goldenleaf stepped back from Braelyn. The last thing they needed was another jealous fit incoming.
Astarii mover closer and wrapped her arm around Goldenleaf's. The nasty glare tossed to the Human. Proving that she had not forgotten the events of Darnassus. "I have done my duty and delivered the message to Braelyn's lovely parents. We can be off now."
"Fine. Braelyn was being terribly boring anyway. She doesn't want to go frolicking with me around Elwynn at all. So I have no use for her." Goldenleaf scoffed and tried to look displeased.
"And Mrs. Hawke, I will make all the arrangements for Braelyn's shopping trip. You are right, there are some lovely designers in Stormwind. We shall have a wonderful time when you arrive." Astarii's glowing eyes moving over Braelyn's clothing dismissively.
Braelyn looked to her very excited and happy mother. The moment the Night Elves were gone she rushed over to her "What was the Priestess talking about? I have a perfectly good wardrobe that suits my life style."
"A Queen needs to dress like a Queen Braelyn. Lady Astarii pointed that out when she gave me this..." Ellysan held up an elaborate tube.
Jasper took it from his wife, and looked to Braelyn. "Let's move it inside." then he guided his daughter in the house. Opening the tube he pulled out the document. A large paper that sported the Gilnean and Stormwind seals.
"What is that?"
"Proof that the King is in love with you Braelyn. Lord Bascomb had the King draw this up just for you. It is proof that he knows of the plot and is working with Lord Bascomb. He has already had Greymane and himself affix there mark. All you need do is sign it."
"What?" Braelyn looked over the marriage decree. "It's not possible!"
"It is. Looks like the Crimsonfox was a fraud from the start. Lord Bascomb says that he will have her confessing the truth of it all by this time tomorrow. But even if she tries to stall it will not matter. Once you sign this document, you will be the Queen of Stormwind. There is nothing she can do." Jasper reached over and dipped the quill in the ink for his daughter. "The official wedding will take place as soon as that deceiver is removed from Stormwind. Now sign, Braelyn, Sweety. It's time to stop fighting you're destiny."
"But I can't! I am a traitor. Don't you remember Rommath?" Braelyn shook her head refusing to take the quill. Maybe she could get her parents to go along with her in delaying this action?
"That was a childish error. The King knows this, as does Lord Bascomb." Ellysan patted her daughter's back. "You must do this to save Stormwind. We are all counting on you. The King would not have sent it if he was not true in his intent."
"What are you talking about?" Braelyn looked from her mother to her father in confusion.
"We know about Stromgarde." Jasper said softly.
Braelyn blinked. "What of Stromgarde?"
Jasper set the quill aside and took his daughter's shoulders. "It has come to our attention you were moved from the soldier's barracks into the main keep, Braelyn.
"Because there wasn't enough rooms for everyone." She lowered her eyes not wanting to tell her father about the incident with Halduron.
"You were given a body guard. At the King's insistence, isn't that right. What reason would King Wyrnn have to protect you so earnestly and not any other?" Jasper prompted her.
Braelyn blushed, and it was as damning as if she had actually done something improper, which is exactly the way her father took it. Reaching around he took up the quill and slid it into his daughter's hand. "This is the best thing for everyone, Braelyn. You have to sign it, and pack. Lord Bascomb is expecting you."
Braelyn took the quill at the mention of Lord Bascomb's name, but her hand was shaking to hard to sign the paper. How could she do this? Had King Wyrnn really sent her this decree? How binding was it and for how long? There were so many questions she had no idea what the answers were.
"Jasper, maybe this isn't the best thing for her." Ellysan looked over at her husband. "Why don't we just leave Braelyn here, and go tell Lord Bascomb she changed her mind."
"No!" Brealyn leaned over and scrawled her name on the paper. Knowing what would happen if her parents arrived in Stormwind without her. Fox, forgive me for this.
Author Note: I tried to get this out earlier today, but well I was attacking dust bunnies. Seriously house, why you gotta get so messy on me?