Chapter III

The Troublemaker

Zhora woke up the next morning. He looked around. This was obviously not Haru's house.

'Ah….. You're already awake! Good, good…' – the undead mage who fought alongside Zhora last evening said.

'Being knocked out and waking up in someone else's house… Déjà vu?' – Zhora muttered. – 'Why am I here? Where's Haru? Damn… This sounds too familiar…'

'Hmmm… strange one, aren't you?' – the mage said. – 'Pardon my manners. I am magus Wordeen Voidglare. And you are…?'

'Zhora.' – he answered. – 'I don't have any title and my last name isn't important.'

'Well then, "Zhora". Now that we got acquainted, I can answer your questions. The reason you're here is because I'm interested in your abilities. Haru is next door at apothecary Lydon's house resting after a rough battle. Now, any further questions or are you ready to answer mine?'

'The fact that we're still alive must mean that we have won… Haru's getting better… I think that's all I wanted to know. So what are your questions?'

'Selfless, aren't we?' – Wordeen laughed. – 'Then let's get to the point. First I'd like you to explain that ability you used in battle.'

'Er… ability? I just got angry. I think that's about it.' – Zhora said modestly.

'Getting angry doesn't allow your spells to be cast instantly. I think your hiding something…'

'I don't know what the hell it was and I don't want to know!' – Zhora shouted.

'Ooooh… I hit a painful spot there.' – the magus said. – 'But it's still strange you don't want to control an ability that saved us a lot of casualties last night.'

Zhora didn't answer. Did he really turn the tide in yesterday's battle? Still a certain past event made him afraid of his own power.

'Hmmm… I've never seen anything like it before, so I doubt I could help you with that. But there is someone in Undercity. I will write you a recommendation letter. You go on now and check on your friend. Return later.'

'I haven't even agreed on learning about this… ability.'

'You don't have to make your decision now. I shall give you the letter anyway. Whatever you decide is up to you. But if you choose to accept the training, the letter will come in handy, now won't it? Now go and visit your friend already!'

Zhora stood up and made his way to the house next door without saying anything. Inside he found Haru lying in bed surrounded by bat master Zarise, high executor Darthalia and apothecary Lydon. Haru smiled at him.

'So now we're even?' – she said.

'What do you mean?' – Zhora asked.

'The others told me it's mostly thanks to you I'm still alive. Hmmm… These words must sound strange coming from someone who's technically already dead.' – Haru laughed. – 'So thanks a lot for saving me.'

'Oh, well I did owe you a lot… I couldn't just let you get ripped to shreds by those humans…' – Zhora replied.

'Don't be so modest, boy!' – Darthalia said. – 'You did a great job yesterday.'

'True, but you could have left a few more of them alive.' – Zarise added. – 'Two of the hostages died because of torture already and I still don't which one killed my bats! The only thing I found is what we already know – they're mercenaries from Southshore hired by the farmers.'

'Visiting time is over. The patient still needs some rest. You can all talk to her as much as you want when she'll leave here later today.' – Lydon said.

'Today? You mean she's healed?' – Zhora asked sounding astounded.

'Don't underestimate my potions, boy.' – the apothecary answered. – 'Now leave.'

'Good to see you're better.' – Zhora said looking at Haru. She smiled back.

The visitors exited Lydon's house. Zarise went back to try and get some more information out of the captives, leaving Darthalia and Zhora.

'Listen kid. I need a word with you.'

'Huh?'

'I really appreciate what you did during yesterday's battle, but I have one more request.'

'And that would be…?'

'We need new bats and some mote guards from Undercity. Since most of us will have to stay here in case the farmers decide to come back for a rematch, I need you to travel there.' – Darthalia explained.

'And how do I get there with no bats?' – Zhora asked.

'That's a bit problematic. You'll have to travel on foot to the nearest town and take flying mount from there.' – the executor said. – 'The nearest would be the orcish fortress of Hammerfall in the Arathi Highlands to the east. It's only a few days away.'

'"Only" a few days?' – Zhora laughed. – 'Alright. I'll do it.'

'You don't mind?' – Darthalia sounded surprised. She didn't expect Zhora to agree so quickly.

'I still have nothing better to do… Plus I have something I want to do in Undercity.'

'Good! You leave tomorrow at dawn.' – Darthalia rejoiced.

'Can't I get going right away?'

'No. We're having a funeral for those who gave their lives for Tarren Mill in the evening. You should be there too.' – the executor explained.

'It would be my honor to participate.' – Zhora said.

'That's what I expected to hear.' – Darthalia replied smiling. – 'I'll see you there then.' Zhora was left standing alone.

'Undecity, huh?' – the blood elf thought. Destiny perhaps? He decided to visit the magus's house once more.

'So you came back? Here's the letter. You will find him in the outer ring of the Magic Quarter.' – Wordeen said handing Zhora an envelope. It read "Pierce Shackleton".

After the funeral Zhora and Haru followed Darthalia's to her house.

'Wait here for a moment.' – she said going inside. In a moment she was back with a backpack.

'Provisions, some money to cover the trip's expenses and the order I wrote to bat handler Michael Garrett in Undercity. Just give him this letter and your mission is complete. You know your objective. You leave first thing tomorrow morning.' – the executor said.

'Yes ma'am!' – Zhora saluted.

'Good luck!' – said the executor and went back inside leaving Haru and Zhora on the doorstep. The two of them went back to Haru's house without saying a word to each other. They spoke only before going to bed.

'Breakfast will be ready before you leave.' – Haru said.

'Thanks.' – Zhora replied.

The next morning Zhora woke up in a good mood. All that has happened in Tarren Mill somehow energized him. At last he had done something right and his feeling of guilt was almost completely gone. After eating the breakfast Haru had prepared, he wanted to tell her farewell, but she wasn't home. So he just picked up his backpack and made his way to the town exit. But just as he walked out of Tarren Mill, a skinning knife appeared near his throat.

'Didn't even bother to look for me to say "goodbye", did you?' – Haru's voice sounded behind his back.

'So you're going to kill me now?' – Zhora laughed.

'Nope.' – Haru replied sheathing her knife. – 'But I am coming with you.'

'What?'

'I know the road better than you. I have been to Hammerfall a few times before to buy some materials, so I'll be your guide.' – she said smiling.

'Guess I don't have a choice, do I?'

'Of course not!' – laughed Haru.

'I thought so. Well, let's get going.' – the mage said.'

The trip to Hammerfall took a little more than three days. It was a sunny morning as they stood before the gates of the wooden stronghold.

'We're here.' – Haru said.

'So we can take a flying mount to Undercity from here, right?' – Zhora asked.

'We?'

'You don't fool me. The road to Hammerfall has lots of signposts pointing here so only an idiot could get lost. There was no point in a guide, so either you think I am an idiot, or you have some business in the capitol as well.' – Zhora laughed.

'No! I don't think…' – Haru said.

'I'm just kidding.' – Zhora laughed. – 'So what are you up to?'

'I want to become an assassin for Lady Sylvanas. Being a leatherworker is so boring! But I need a lot of training so I'm going to Undercity.'

'An assassin for Sylvanas? They're the elite of the elite! But with your ability I think you can make it.' – Zhora said.

'I hope… I still can't use it for too long though…' – Haru muttered.

'Don't be so unconfident. I'm sure you can make it.' – the elf smiled.

'Hmmm… He seems… different than before. I wonder what happened while I was being healed…' – the undead thought.

Hammerfall was stronghold town surrounded by a fifteen meters tall sharp wooden fence. The entrance was guarded by two orcs high up in two wooden towers and another two down near the gate. The houses were plain and simple wooden buildings with no unnecessary conveniences, looking strong yet comfortable. The town had almost no civilian residents, so they were perfect for the merchants, blacksmiths and soldiers. Zhora and Haru felt a bit chilly here – not just because of the nearby mountains, but mostly because of the cold and rough atmosphere of the inhabitants. But it was understandable. The fortress had to fend off the attacks of ogres, Witherbank trolls, kobolds and other hostiles every day.

The two asked the nearest guard for directions to the wind rider master of the town. The guard pointed them to a big wooden staircase right of the blacksmiths' workspace. Thanking him the two went on. As they approached the stairs, they witnessed a quite peculiar scene. Three young orcs jumped out from behind a nearby building and ran over to the blacksmith's platform.

'Hey, Skinny!' - they shouted.

Immediately a hammer came flying from the direction of the anvil, knocking out one of the orcs. The next second a slim green figure sprinted from the same direction, punched the other orc in the face and grabbed the third one.

'You say something, you moron?' – he asked in a calm tone. The grabbed orc fainted. – 'Weakling…' – he said dropping him on the ground. Then he turned to Zhora and Haru. – 'What are you staring at?'

He was indeed a skinny one by orcish standards. But if you would compare him with a human or an elf he was rather tall and muscular. His face had a fierce look, but was somehow kind and cheerful at the same time. The smile of satisfaction proved that this little fight just now didn't trouble him at all. On the contrary – he found it amusing. His black spiky hair pointing in all directions, white dirty and sweaty shirt as well as the leather shorts made his appearance seem a bit clumsy, but also proved that he is a hard worker.

'We're not staring. It's just I never thought an orc could move so fast.' – Zhora said. – 'Must be because of your physique.'

The orc's fist was now under Zhora's jaw, ready to punch any second.

'You say that again and your leaving this town injured. Heavily!' – the orc said.

Zhora was surprised by this sudden threat. He didn't know what to answer.

'Move you Alliance scum!'

The three turned their gaze to the stairs leading to the wind rider master. Coming down was an orc guard followed by a young girl. This one was the complete opposite of "Skinny". He was way too massive even for an orc, dressed in expensive and shiny heavy armor. His face wasn't looking too healthy: the skin tone was grayish-green, even swampy. His tiny eyes and suspicious look, completely bold skull with small scars, long black beard with two tails and even his stance made him look unpleasant. Zhora got the impression that he was rich, self-centered and paranoid. The girl following him, wearing dirty white robes, was in shackles – a captive prisoner. At first she seemed like any ordinary short human girl with long black hair. But as they came closer some differences could be noticed. Her ears were pointy, almost like an elf's. Her eyes had black pupils like any other human, but the color of her iris resembled shiny emeralds. Her head was bent down, her gaze pointed toward the ground with an indifferent look.It was the priest from the Ghostlands!

'Hey, hey! What's going on here?' – Zhora asked running up to the guard.

'It's none of your business!' – the guard answered.

Haru guessed what was going on.

'Emm… Excuse me. That person is not a member of the Alliance. She's a fellow Horde member who got lost in battle and…'

'Horde? She's a human! Now move it and stop bothering me! I have direct orders from Raventusk Village authorities to deliver the prisoner to the guard captain here! – the guard said pushing the three out of the way.

'Easy there!' – the skinny orc said angrily after being pushed.

'And who the hell might you be?' – the guard asked.

'The one who makes your armor, bonehead!'

'Oh, the blacksmith's apprentice? Big deal! Know your place, you pup!'

'"Pup" this!' – "Skinny" said punching the guard with an uppercut, knocking him out with this single blow. Then he turned around and went back to the blacksmith's platform.

Haru used the moment to pickpocket the guard and steal the order of delivering the prisoner. Zhora quickly burned it destroying all evidence of the incident. The only problem remaining was the shackles on her hands. Zhora couldn't use magic to break them without hurting the priest's wrists. Haru couldn't do much with her daggers either.

'Don't worry.' – Haru said with a friendly smile. – 'We'll think of something to get you out of them.'

'Whatever…' – the priest answered.

'Maybe the blacksmiths can help us?' – Zhora suggested.

They made their way down to the platform. As soon as they approached it they heard loud yelling.

'Damn you, Blant! I'm sick and tired of you getting into trouble all the time!'

'And I'm sick and tired of everything here! I've had enough!'

'So this is the thanks I get for raising you?'

'Raising me? I've known you for a year!'

'I'm your father!'

'No, you're not!'

'How dare you? I'm a better father to you then your real one ever would be!'

'Don't you say another thing about pops! You made me become a blacksmith even though I have the spirit of a warrior!'

'Warrior? Bah! I've seen real warriors! Your father was one!'

'And I'm just like him! You've seen me fight hundreds of times! You know I have enough strength to move a mountain! You just don't want to accept it!'

The three adventurers were already close enough to see who was causing the racket. It was the skinny orc and probably the head blacksmith.

'And I won't! As long as you live under my roof you do as I say!'

'So I'm leaving your roof! Good riddance!' – Blant said leaving the area.

'Blant! Blant! If you leave now don't bother coming back! You hear me? Damn you!' – he then turned to the three. – 'And what the hell do you want?'

Zhora pointed at the shackles.

'We need to…'

The head blacksmith raised his hammer and broke the shackles into pieces. The priest let out a short scream of pain. The hit hurt her wrists pretty bad.

'Now get out! I have work to do!' – the head blacksmith roared.

The mage, rogue and priest did just that. They couldn't stop feeling unwanted everywhere they went in this town.

A small crowd formed near the stairs. People surrounded the unconscious guard. Everyone was excited what had happened. Because of this the three had no problems sneaking up the stairs unnoticed. As they were almost at the top, Haru turned to the priest.

'So what's your name?' – she asked cheerfully.

'Rico Darkheart...' – she answered after a short pause while healing her wrists. She tried to make a friendly face and let out something reminding a smile although her glance was tense.

'Ooooh… Gruesome name. I'm Haru.' – the rogue said smiling.

'Zhora.' – the mage said looking down at his feet.

'Don't you want to say something?' – she asked hitting the mage with her elbow.

'Uhm…' – he mumbled. – 'Thanks for saving my life back then… Sorry I couldn't repay the favor in time.'

Rico nodded full of surprise. It seemed like it was the first time she heard some gratitude. She had absolutely no idea how to react. Haru noticed her uneasiness, so she continued the conversation.

'So what are you going to do now?' – she asked with the same friendly smile.

'I don't know…' – the priest replied indifferently.

'So why don't you come to Undercity with us? Sounds better than just sitting here doing nothing.' – she purposed. Zhora didn't seem to mind.

Just as Rico was about to answer, a terrible shout roared from the bottom of the stairs. The knocked out guard had awoken at last.

'Where's that son of a hog who sucker-punched me? And where the hell is my captive?' – he yelled pushing the crowd out of the way and running deeper into town. But just in case Haru gave her hood to Rico. It was best if she wouldn't stand out to much. The three ran up the stairs as fast as they could to leave the town before they were found. They reached the upper platform in a few seconds. The first thing they saw was the orc named Blant. He was sitting on a bench looking at the group.

'Where you heading?' – he asked.

'Undercity.' – Zhora answered.

'Hmmm… Never been there before. Undercity it is then!'

'What? You're coming with us?' – Zhora asked.

'Of course not! You guys are coming with me! That's different!' – Blant laughed. Even the silent Rico let out a little smile after hearing this.

'Ok, whatever. Let's just get out of here. That guard you knocked out woke up. And I think he wants a word with you.' – Zhora said.

'So? Let that sucker come! I'll take him out anytime!'

'Too late! I just rented us two wyverns to the capitol.' – Haru said coming back from the flight master.

Blant growled with disappointment. Zhora sighed with relief.

They quickly got on the wolfish-lions – Zhora with Blant and Haru together with Rico. The wyverns roared waving their scorpion tails, ran to the edge of the platform and jumped off. At once they spread their giant bat wings and took the four of them into the air. The next instance the angry guard dashed onto the platform.

'Come back!' – he shouted. – 'I will find you! You hear me! I will find you wherever you are! I'll make you pay! Curse you!'

'Geez, now we're cursed. Just how shall we go on like this?' – Blant said ironically. The party laughed disappearing in the clouds.