Chapter 3 - No Luck at All.

Combat was something Callidus was used to. It had been a long time since he had done more then spar. Admittedly, he had not been doing enough of that as of late either. It was why he felt a tightening in his gut, when the Champions of High Lord Fordring walked into the small dirt ring HearthGlen occasionally used as an arena.

To make matters worse, many of the other members of the Argent Crusade had woken up to come see Callidus's challenge. Yes, public humiliation, with those you work with on a daily bases, was always a fine motivator to one's spirit. Praise the Light! Callidus thought with great sarcasm. There was no way he was going to win. He knew it with a mere glance at the other men. The blonde hair fell over his eyes as he accepted his coming beating. Thankfully the very ones assigned to fighting with him were strong enough with the light they could heal him as well once they were done.

Fordring came out of his keep and refused the seat that was offered to him. Searching the arena, until he spotted the young paladin he was looking for. "Callidus Tenebrie, have you prepared yourself?"

The blue eyes locked on his Supreme Commander. What was he to say? Yes, and thank you for the pain you are about to bestow upon me. It makes all those years of loyal service completely worth it, High Lord. Instead he went with, "I am ready as I will ever be."

"Then commence. It's late and I am growing weary." Tirion smiled and nodded to his men to begin the trial.

The first urge Callidus had when the other men rushed in, swords and maces at the ready, was to cast a spell of immunity, before the first blow came down. Then run for the disqualification of leaving the arena. That would have been the smart move. Instead he charged his weapon with his will. Prayed to the Light that something happened to save him. He blocked the first swing aimed at him and turned out of the way of the second.

Ducking under the mace, and almost came clear. The heavy weapon clipping his shoulder with a sickening crunch as his plate buckled inward. There was going to be a bruise. He stumbled forward just managing to keep his feet.

The man with the two handed sword, rose it above his head, gearing up for a strike. Callidus raised his polearm to block it. Then let the handle drop to the ground so that the weight of the blade tipped the man to his side. Callidus placing a knee to his opponent's gut and forcing him to the ground.

Cheers went up from the crowd. Callidus didn't have to look to know it was his friends from the low ranked soldiers and local commoners who worked in HearthGlenn. Their voices distinct to his ears from the many nights he had lived it up with them in the local tavern.

So was the sound of air coursing across an incoming mace. Dropping under it and bringing his polearm around to trip the next man into his friend, that was trying to rise.

The last remaining combatant's shield slammed into Callidus's side, throwing him across the ground with impressive force. The dirt packing into every open or lifted place it could in his armor. He was slower to recover then he would have hoped. A hand coming to his helm to try and stable his rattling brain. Shaking his head, he wondered why there were suddenly six men in the arena. Not able to factor in he was suffering from double vision.

That didn't matter in the end, because they all jumped on him, and Callidus could have sworn he had miss counted. There had to be at least nine me in the arena. So many blows were raining down on him.

"Cease this ridiculous match!" A woman's voice cut in.

That did not stop the assault. The loud hiss of annoyance echoed resoundingly in Callidus's head. It was reminiscent of the void walkers he had encountered during his days at the Argent Tournament. But they were always in the company of their Warlock masters, and there were no Warlocks in service in HearthGlen, for obvious reasons. Then the weight of his attackers was removed. The hits stopped coming. A groan of relief as he tried to sit up. Nope. The effort hurt to much. He was just going to lay there, and pretend he was as dead as he felt.

A gentle touch removed his helm. Then a soft hand cupping his cheek, to turn it to the side. He saw the round cherub face of an angel, with bright amber eyes staring down at him. Then his world went dark.

Callidus awoke on a bench, just outside the Great Hall in the Main Keep. He had been healed enough that all of his wounds had stopped bleeding. The ache of his muscles still remained. He scanned the area wondering why no one was near by. Completely unconcerned that he was not in the medical bunker. Vanity was his first reaction. Light forgive him, as his hands moved up to his face. Everything seemed in perfect order. The nose was still straight as ever. His touch, caused a stinging sensation over his cheeks, a sure sign that the skin was marred, but the cheek bones intact. A quick roll of his tongue over his teeth, and a huge sigh of relief. They were all there, and nothing was cracked. Never would he admit how concerned he was about his appearance, but the women liked how he looked, and he liked women.

It was then, he heard a sound of arguing. A man, and knew instantly it was Fordring, and a woman. He could not place her voice. Coming to his feet, he closed his eyes and put a hand to his side. Swallowing the sound of pain that tried to break free. If he was going to eavesdrop, it would not behoove him to be caught before it even began.

"Try being reasonable, Tirion. She doesn't need one of your Paladins chasing around after her!" The woman spat out in an acid tone. "She is my apprentice, and if you continue to coddle her, she will grow to be weak and helpless."

Callidus peered around the corner. The woman was pacing the floor in agitation. The deep purple dress with black accents molded to her form. He could almost make out a dark aura surrounding her body as she voiced her discontent with High Lord Fordring.

Tirion had his back to her. The palms of his hands pressing down on the large table amiss his vast piles of paperwork. "I have been lenient enough during her earlier training, when she was here in Eastern Kingdoms. But Outlands is to raw and wild for her to be in alone. It is my responsibility to keep her safe. I failed my own son. This is my second chance, and if over protectiveness gets the job done, so be it."

"I was out there alone." The woman stopped her pacing, and threw her arms out wide toward Fordring. "Look how that turned out?"

"Let's not go there. I do not think terrifying the masses with affliction, and soul snatching is what we are looking for in a girl of Zepporah's gentle breeding." Tirion shook his head as he contemplated what the Warlock was saying to him. "Crimson, please, understand she was the daughter of one of my most devoted Paladin's, and my goddaughter. I am all she has. I would be remiss in not trying to protect her."

"She has been given to me to guide through this phase of her training." Crimson placed a hand to her forehead. Trying to explain the situation to him was becoming nearly impossible."I have had reports of her abilities, and if she needs me, I will be there. What more can you want?"

"But you haven't been there so far. I have received her letters, and she has stated repeatedly that she has never even seen you, Crimson." Tirion turned and pinned his eyes on the Warlock in deep accusation. "You know how dear she is to me, and you leave her floundering alone through all of Eastern Kingdom. Do you intend to do the same thing with Outlands?"

"Warlock training is not like Paladin training. Alone is better, because less people get hurt that way." Crimson turned and looked at the door Callidus was standing in. "Are you feeling better, dear man? I am sorry, I did not arrive in time to stop the High Lord from having you bullied by his goons."

Callidus stepped into the room. Embarrassed to be caught listening to what he assumed was a conversation that had nothing to do with him.

Crimson looked Callidus over slowly. The black eyebrow rising in appreciation with a wicked smile. Then she moved her attention back to Tirion. "You were going to send her that?" A hand shot out to point at Callidus. "Surely even you can see where this plan was doomed to failure. You should be thanking me, and not continuing to argue against my wise counsel."

"There is nothing wrong with Sir Tenebrie. He has served me loyally for a very long time." Tirion looked confused for a moment. Then settled his gaze on Callidus, wondering what Crimson saw in the young Paladin, he did not.

"It's not his loyalty or abilities that I am objecting too." Crimson chuckled most wickedly. A hand settling to the center of her chest. "But I doubt even you would fail to notice the implication of sending such a shiny lure out to fetch your errant little Goddaughter home."

"Wait? Was this the mission I was to be sent on? Retrieving your Goddaughter from Outlands?" Callidus felt all his hope that his mission would be of some great importance drop like a lead ball to his feet.

"No, boy, that is not it." Tirion waved his hands before him. Although it was close to the actual plan, and if Zeppy would be contained in that way, Tirion would do it. "I want you to watch over her. Help her on her tasks until such time she is returned to Eastern Kingdoms, or better yet HearthGlen where it is safer for her to reside."

"I am to be a mere body guard to some young girl?" Callidus cried out in pure horror at his Supreme Commander. The large blue eyes going wide with disappointment.

"A glorified babysitter is more like it, and for the record, I feel the same as you do. Perhaps you would like to retire your position here and come work with me." Crimson smiled at him slyly. "I am sure to make it worth your while." That statement was followed by a seductive wink.

Callidus completely ignored Crimson's offer of employment. Still fumbling around on the nightmare of a mission he had been assigned to. Heck, he would have been happier returning to Ice Crown to dig through the snow for Frostwyrm bones. "Did I hear you right, that she is a Warlock?" That could not be true. A Paladin of the Light marching around Light forsaken Outlands, watching a demon summoning, life tapping, Master of Darkness? What were they thinking?

"Yes, but her father was a very reputable Paladin, and of Noble blood. Zepporah's mother held an impressive family title as well. She was a powerful Holy Priestess, before her untimely end." Tirion looked disheartened as he spoke. "They were very close to me and loyal subjects of Lordaeron."

"How, by the Light, does a Paladin and Holy Priestess end up with a Warlock for a daughter?" The tone was full of pure vindictiveness. Callidus already thought he knew the answer. Spoiled right into Darkness. Rebellious and willful, was what this Zepporah obviously was. The plan clear, that he was to somehow guide her back to the Light. Not a job he had any desire of taking on. He would much rather go right back to the wall duty he had been doing. Let Lady Hopemender fall face first into her fate.

"It was complicated. Their deaths were tragic, and the world is not a better place for it. Zepporah bears the brunt of that misery all on her own. But the fact remains that Zeppy has decided to go to Outlands to improve her skills as a Warlock. I understand her reasons, but I believe it is a futile effort. We all know this is not a place for a young lady to be alone. That area is fraught with perils to one like her. If the creatures and races of that world do not get to her, some young disreputable will. She has more title and funds then is good for her, and not the skills to defend them. Callidus, I am ordering you to head out to the Dark Portal and meet up with her. You will keep me appraised of her daily activities via mail, and help her in any way you can. Not one hair on her head should be touched by danger."

"Oh great." Crimson rolled her eyes. The hands thrown up in the air with supreme frustration. "She is going to be a laughing stock amongst the other Warlocks."

"I don't care what they think of her. It's my fondest dream she retire and return to HearthGlen, and settle down to be the Noble woman she was born to be." Fordring shot a sharp look toward the Warlock.

"Trust me, being a Warlock is not a life you choose. It chooses you. Now if you will excuse me, I have other issues to attend." Crimson walked over and placed a kiss to Tirion's cheek. "Such as dabbling in more dark magic."

"You will never forgive me for saying that to you?" The old Paladin grouched Crimson turned and moved toward the doorway

"No. I don't think I will. That should not stop you from trying to get me to forgive you though." And with that she was gone.

"Callidus." Tirion brought the younger Paladin's attention to him. "I know this is not the position you were hoping for, but trust me when I say you are on the right path."

Callidus bowed, not bothering to answer, or asking for permission to leave. He left the room with an angry gait. The right path? What the hell was that supposed to mean. He came out the doors to see the men he had fought standing around the training dummies.

"Hey, Callidus. Hope we didn't hurt you to bad." One of them chuckled and elbowed his buddy.

The other man stood up straighter and turned seeing Callidus slowing his gait. "So we heard you are going to be babysitting some young girl in Outlands. If you want I can help you out. I have luggage you can practice carrying around if you want?"

"I don't know. He looks like he is pretty enough to be good at shopping. Shattrath has some nice little merchants. He can take her around to all the best deals." The last man started laughing outright at Callidus's predicament.

He tried to ignore them. The fist tightening as he moved past them.

"How about getting some more shoes for us while you are away! Ask your boss if she thinks the blue of your armor brings out your eyes!" Another taunt making Callidus's legs feel like lead.

"Hey, Callidus, are you going to say, Yes Ma'am, or Yes Dear, when you take your orders?" They all laughed loudly. "Looks like all that time you had undressing the women here is going to come in handy playing Lady's maid!"

"Maid! Oh that is a good one!"

Callidus turned, and the Light came to him unbidden. None of them were armed, so no one could say it would be an unfair match.

Later when the men woke up all they said was they did not know if they face Callidus or not. Although Callidus, completely unscathed did confess to the brutal attack. The only thing the three could remember was the bright being of pure Light that had laid them low in the same moment.

Callidus stepped through the Dark Portal the next day. It was close to noon. His position had come with a promotion to Officer. Although he had no idea how high it was. All Callidus really knew was that as long as he was acting in the service of protecting Zepporah Hopemender, he was answerable to no one aside Fordring. Even his charge had no say when it came to her own well being. What Callidus determined was best, was how it would be. That did not bode well for the little Warlock, because he wasn't over the humiliation and disrespect he was given by those of his order. Fordring may think this girl was something of a treasure, but Callidus could careless. Servants of Darkness were just that. They should not be tolerated any further then the end of his blade.

He tried to think on something the could curb his temper. New armor had been supplied for him. It was fine fitting and brightly shined. In preparation for his task. Although he still felt naked. The tabard of the Argent Crusade was missing. Callidus had been wearing it for his entire adult life, and he had become far to accustom to it. Fordring had told him that under no circumstances was anyone to know of Lady Hopemender's connection to the Order. He had not been permitted to even carry it in his bag. Resentment toward the Warlock rose again at the thought.

A deep sigh escaped him as he looked around the desolate expanse of Hellfire Peninsula. It had been a long time since he had passed this way. Never having any desire to return, and yet here he was? Whose fault was that? Oh yea, Lady Zepporah Hopemender's. This was where he was to meet her according to his orders. All he needed now was for his burden to arrive.

He watched as several people ran through the portal. They traveled to and from Azeroth occasionally. Some just using the Flight Master as a hub to get to their destinations. A dwarf stopped to look him over before running back to Azeroth. Then a young Blood Elf Paladin came into Outlands. She chewed nervously on her lip, proving to Callidus that this was her first time here. He walked over and waved in the way his Blood Elf friends in the Crusade had taught him. A symbol of peace and friendship offered without guile.

She smiled warmly and looked relieved. Callidus smiled brightly and fluttered his hands at his sides. Hoping she understood his motion was merely asking if she needed a flight out of the Dark Portal's vicinity.

She giggled and flapped her arms back and then shrugged. Looking around sadly. He nodded and flexed at her. Then beckoned her to follow. It was no great effort to led her over to the Horde flight master. Before she left, she turned to run back to land a kiss to his cheek. A hand drifting snugly over his chest armor. A knowing smile of just how thankful she was shot to him.

If he had more time Callidus would have replied with an inviting wink. Instead, he just laughed and shooed her off.

Moving back to his position, he looked up to see a dark purple nether drake circling above him. The third pass showed the rider to be a human female. The drake dipped low and landed close. The rider slid off the side as the drake shook it's head trying to gain her attention. The woman patted it reassuringly, before turning to land her pale green eyes on Callidus.

The smile on his face faded, and Callidus had one thought. Do not let this be her. Callidus felt his body stiffen, as he took in the full image of the vision walking toward him. He wanted to hate Zepporah Hopemender with everything he had. It was not going to be possible if this was she. How was it that he could forgive just about anything when a woman had a body like this ones?

But if it was her, she was Fordring's goddaughter, and his charge to watch over and protect. Completely off limits to any kind of advance he could offer. This was not good.

The black hair was long and perfectly tousled, as if she had just come from a lover's bed. The dress looked more like priest robes, that came modestly up her neck. It molded to her form and did nothing to hide the generous body, from rounded breasts to hips. The face should have belonged to a goddess of seduction, because he was tempted to pull her into his arms right then and there. The green eyes met his for a moment of question, and Callidus had the compelling urge to stalk up to her and kiss her with an open invitation to his bed. Light save him from temptation of the flesh, because there it was in human form standing right in front of him. Please, please do not be her!

She walked before him almost tentatively, and smiled weakly with nervousness, "Callidus Tenebrie of the Argent Crusade?" The voice was a siren's call. Perfectly compelling in tone and pitch.

He nodded curtly, as explicit language echoed in the back of his mind. All hope fading that this was not his charge.

"I am Lady Zepporah Hopemender." She put her hand out to him. Zeppy had a forced smile as she looked up at him.

Silently he took hold of it, and felt the velvet softness of her skin. The blue eyes fairly devouring her against his will. How the hell was he suppose to keep his hands off someone like her? No wonder High Lord Fordring was worried!

Zepporah's Journal Entry

Hey Book!

I couldn't ditch that babysitter. Why bother getting stronger? Poppa said he hand picked the best of his Paladins for me. I'd best meet him at the Dark Portal, or I'll have the Crusade drag you back to the safety of Hearthglenn .

Pretty sure it's a bluff

I hope.

Anyway, knowing Poppa's Pallies, this one is going to be cranky and stuffy about my being a Warlock. Disapproving about my choice of profession. Choice my ass. Pardon me, that wasn't ladylike and I am a Lady.

I circled the Portal. Saw one Human tin can helping a skinny tin can, then go back to standing at attention. It must be him. Behave Zepporah, be a lady. Prove to him that Warlocks are decent. Ha. Now go land and get this over with.

I just hope he's not a jerk.

- Zep

Author Note: Got this out tonight! Didn't think it was going to happen. Hope you are enjoying the efforts. Of course as always, Fan or Fav for updates. Drop a review and let me know how we're doing here.