Chapter Three

"Please, spare some coins mister?"

Obito brushed the hands away that reached for him as gently as he could, he knew that Shattrath City took all forms of refugees but was surprised at the number of destitute people there were as he rode through the gates. The hunter of Silvermoon was tired; the past two months had been nothing but battles after battles, killing those deemed enemies by persons that hired him and collecting odds and ends that others found value in. However, unlike most adventurers he had found no joy in the hunt, only a growing impatience to follow the last footsteps of his father. Finally giving into the urge, once he had done all he could do for people in Hellfire and had been told to progress into Zangarmarsh. As he was leaving Cenarion Refuge he saw a street sign pointing toward Terokkar and Shattrath, he had only paused a moment debating about continuing to Swamprat Post but in the end had urged his hawkstrider south toward the forest.

"Please do you have a coin to spare an old man?" A white haired human said pawing at his leg.

Obito took out a gold piece from his almost empty coin purse. The last few weeks had really put a strain on him financially as well, barely keeping ahead of the repair cost for his armor and weapons and keeping himself and Hotaru in food and drink. "I'll give you this if you can tell me where I can find a Consortium Trader."

"Hmm … you mean Lathrai outside the World's End Tavern?"

Obito tossed him the coin. "Good enough … take care and may our paths never cross outside the gates or my arrow may find your heart, human."

It didn't take long to find the Tavern the vagabond had spoke of and outside the door stood one of the odd glowing creatures of the Consortium. It took all of Obito's strength not to stare at the bandaged being; he'd never seen the likes before. "Lathrai?" He asked as he approached.

"Depends who is asking?" Came the reply.

"My name is Obito Ravenwind; I was told my father may have come to see you a few months ago."

That got him a hearty chuckle. "You know how many Blood Elves I see in a day? How am I to remember one from so long ago?"

"Please try, he looked like me and may have had an odd book with him." Obito pressed.

"I'm sorry, my memory isn't as good as it should be, and perhaps you could offer something to assist it?"

"What do you mean?" Obito asked, and then noticed the extended hand. Sighing he reached into his coin purse and pulled out the last of his money. He put it in the outstretched hand. "Please that is all I have."

The other tucked the money into his bandages. "I'm sorry; all you Blood Elves look the same to me."

The fire in Obito's eyes flared at the deception.

"Though you may want to go into the tavern there, and look for the one they call Grimshade, though he not much into talking."

Obito bowed and walked into the bar glancing around. The characters mingling within were a melting pot of races, there were Blood Elves, Draenei, Night Elves, Humans, an Ogre and he wasn't sure what the creature in the far corner was with the strange green tubes coming out of his back.

An attractive scarlet haired Sin'dorei female walked over to him. "What can I get you, good looking?" asked the barmaid.

"I'm only here to speak to someone …"

"Only paying customers allowed!"

Frowning Obito dug into his pack and brought out a small dagger. "How much will you give me for this?"

The other gave it a quick glance. "Two gold, not a copper more."

"I have little choice," he said offering her the dagger. "Please take out whatever you need for flagon of mead."

"Last of the big spenders," she said as she poured him his drink and handed him his change. He brushed it off. "Keep the coins in exchange for telling me where to find the one they call Grimshade."

The face on the other darkened as she put the coins away in her apron. "He is not usually one someone seeks, if he wants to speak to you, he'll find you."

"Please …"

The other tipped her head over toward a corner in the back where a young Draenei was dancing on the table to the enjoyment of those seated around it. "If you value your head, I'd suggest you finish your ale and leave him be."

Obito sipped on his drink, the harsh liquid burned his unaccustomed throat. He gave Hotaru a small piece of fish from his bag as he drank, watching the table the barmaid had indicated out of the corner of his eye. There was a Troll, a dark haired Blood Elf female and hooded person whose back was to him and origin not evident, probably another Sin'dorei or human because of the slim build.

Finishing his liquid courage Obito sent Hotaru outside; in case things got messy he didn't want her to get hurt. She wasn't pleased but did as she was told. As he walked over to the table the dancer hopped down and let the others put money in her revealing outfit. Obito approached as she walked off.

"Excuse me," he said.

The three at the table didn't look up, but fell quiet as they sipped on their drinks.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I was hoping to speak to the one called Grimshade."

"And why would one so young come looking for death?" asked the hooded one as he turned around.

The words he was going to speak were lost to him as he looked into the very angry eyes of Tyilo Ravenwind.

"Father!"