Day Four

I do not own Warcraft

He rode at a steady but easy pace down the dirt trodden path. It had taken a day longer then it might have, but Daunter was tired and Elwynn's bright and fair terrain was a happy contrast to the gloomy darkness that was fast overtaking Duskwood.

Then he saw it. A small stone tower whose glass windows just peaked over the forest roof. The Tower of Azora.

As he rode into the view tower a small woman hurried out to greet him, brushing her hands across her blue colored apron as she ran.

"Welcome Master Darus," squeaked the gnomish woman as Darus dismounted.

A second gnome appeared as if out of thin air to grasp the horses reigns. Well he tried in any case. Daunter, uncomfortable with a touch that wasn't Darus, neighed and lifted his head high carry the gnome off his feet. The green bearded man scowled as he swung several inches from the ground unwilling to relinquish his hold.

"O Barret let it go," scolded the gnome woman placing her hands on her hips.

"No! It's my job to stable the horses. I won't let a little height advantage let the animal get the best of me!"

Darus watched the comical sight with impatience.

"Daunter, obey," he snapped.

The horse lowered his head glaring daggers at Darus. The horse followed holding his head as high as he though possible trying to retain as much dignity as possible.

"Theocritus is on the top floor deary," informed the gnome woman as she led Darus into the tower.

"Thank you Dolly," replied Darus allowing himself a small smile for the gnome woman. After all he was about to be paid for the second time in four days.

"Well then be off with you," said the woman turning her back on him and grabbing a mop.

Darus smile widened slightly. That's what was so good about the pink haired gnome woman. She understood him. Any other person would have chatted him up. Asked how his trip was. Ask him how the job went. But not Dolly.

Darus began to ascend the wooden steps. His eyes glancing over the numerous gnomes going about their daily duties such as dusting bookcases, washing their master's prestigious wardrobe or fighting down the occasional rebellious broomstick.

Arriving at the top floor he spotted the old mage staring intently at a shiny blue glyph.

Darus coughed heavily as he approached knocking the man out of his stupor.

"Ah Darus," spoke the mage sheepishly; "You startled me."

"The deed is done," said Darus brusquely, "The wizard is dead."

"Damn good job Darus," the mage exclaimed, "You've saved a young woman's life by doing this."

Darus scowled. It had turned out that the "owner" the wizard had referred to had been a seventeen year old girl by the name of Alicia Coopers. The woman he would have had Darus slaughter in cold blood for the gem. He had told him she was a cruel spirit in disguise. Theocritus had arrived just in time to inform him otherwise. Then he had hired Darus to kill the wizard.

Mind you he would have probably done it anyways. Not for the sake of the girl but because he hated being lied to. But then again who was he to turn down coin for a job he intended to do anyways?

"Just give me the money so I can be on my way Theo," replied Darus gruffly.

"Ah Darus modest as always I see," said Theocritus looking down and patting his patting his robes. "I should have your money right here…"

After several moments he looked back up apologetically, "Must be in my other robes."

Dolly's exasperated voice floated up from the floor below, ""Its on the desk next you Master."

Theocritus plate white cheeks reddened slightly as he picked up the pouch, "Ah, so it is."

"Truly though, you did well," reiterated the mage as he handed the pouch over, "Myself and the Stormwind Sanctum owe you thanks."

"Why does the Sanctum owe me thanks?" asked Darus as he grabbed the coin pouch.

"The man was a rogue caster."

Darus glared at him, "Somehow you failed to mention that before."

"Are you sure I didn't? I could have sworn I did. Besides it's not like we could order the some of the Stormwind Guard to take care of him. You see,"

He took a deep breathe and Darus cursed. He was about to explain himself! Why must they always explain themselves?

"We've have never had the popularity the Church had. People just don't trust us. It didn't matter when the spires of Dalaran stood strong but with the Mage State's fall….," he gave a troubled frown, "We've been out of place. We're working hard to gain the common folks trust and while I think we are making headway we're still a far cry off. The last thing we need is tales of a mad evil wizard haunting the old tower of the very man who let the orc into the world."

He blinked and looked around the room, "Darus? Darus? Where did you go?"

--

Darus mounted on Daunter rode out in front of the tower. Dolly stood there waiting for him.

"Theo is going to be leaving for the Redridge Mountain soon. If you want to get in touch with him you'll have to wait several weeks or make the trip to see him yourself."

Darus gave a coarse laugh, "I don't think I'll be needing to talk to that old stick anytime soon."

Dolly gave a mysterious smile and smacked Daunter's flank. With a leap the horse burst into a gallop down the road.

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," she whispered before walking back inside.

--

Darus leaned against the thick oak tree with a sigh as he stated up into the starry night sky. The following noon would see him in Goldshire and some rest and relaxation.

He reached down to his belt and drew forth the pouch Theocritus had given him. That money belonged in one of his numerous hidden pockets, not hanging on his belt, easy bait for a nimble thief.

He opened the pouch and poured out its contents. Then he finally understood Dolly's comment. The bastard had stiffed him a third of his reward.

"Son of a bitc-!"

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this second chapter. I apologize for the shortness of it but I didn't feel it fit well with the following sequence. The following chapter will finally get you unto Plot Road. This chapter I believe will be far more enjoyable that the last chapter three and takes the story in an incredibly different direction. Reviews in the form of criticism and apreciation is more then welcome.