Ch 8 – The Knights of Ebon Blade

The Valley of Fallen Heroes was a bleak stone and ice covered hell. The Skybreaker had landed and set the groups on the ground. Highlords Fordring and Morgaine both had the Argent Crusade and Knights of Ebon Blade fighting as one.

However, the scourge forces were very strong, stronger than they had thought. The left flank was separated from the main group by a large force of undead. Two scourge mages formed an ice barrier to prevent reinforcements to arrive and help the small group. Many fell to the earth as the Scourge picked off the separated group. Outnumbered by nearly ten to one, the smaller group, which included Jamiy, whom was in command, Helene, and the young warlock Lillina were forced to retreat into the rugged rocks and ice.

They were pursued until the commanders called their forces back. No need to go on a wild goose chase up the hills when the icy slopes and storms would kill them. Jamiy watched them turn back and nodded. They were in the clear that way, but he turned back to what was ahead and sighed. They had to find shelter so that they could rest and survive. A storm was building and the winds were already starting to cut into the snows.

Jamiy led the group as the wind started to blow driving the already unholy chill further down. His own limbs cried out to him to stop and rest, but resting in this icy hell would mean death. He watched the line of the small party behind him moving. The five women were falling behind. He knew they did not have the body mass or reserves that were needed. If they did not find shelter soon, they would be the first to go. He took a deep breath as he wrapped his cloak about his face to keep the icy air from freezing his face and causing frostbite.

He nodded to Theodotion, his second in command, as he came even with his commander. He leaned close. "Keep going higher up. We must find shelter, but away from where the Scourge would look. We must build snow caves if we can soon or this storm will be the death of us."

Theo nodded and saluted weakly. Jamiy patted his shoulder as he walked by. "Hang tough friend." He said. "At least they are not pursuing us anymore."

Theo nodded. "Small blessings."

Jamiy dropped down to where the women were walking together, his sister among them. Two Argent Crusaders were leaning on each other and it was clear every step was getting painful for them. Helene was behind encouraging them even as she supported the Draenei mage, Amaranda. Both women held their staves in their gloved hands and seemed to be using them as if they along held the women upright.

Amaranda had been newly sent from the Exodar and was young. She shivered as she looked up at him. Her blue colored skin looked ever more so where her skin was exposed. He reached down and wrapped her cloak closer and nodded to her. He looked and saw the young warlock was in the middle of the two groups of women and was pushing herself as her small imp minion walked beside her making small tracks in the snow for the creature was light enough to walk on the lightly packed snow and ice. She took another step before collapsing and Helene cried out as she dropped beside her. The imp cried out and muttered as it looked at its mistress in confusion.

Jamiy pushed his twin back. He lifted the young girl in his arms and started walking. "We must keep moving." He barked. "Shelters soon." He looked behind them. He could hear the barks of the Scourge somewhere close, but behind them. Already their tracks were becoming buried. That at least was a blessing, though the wind wicked both energy reserves and feeling from the small party.

He saw his men had stopped ahead and moved to them.

Theo looked at him wearily. "We must make shelter. The women will expire and the men not long after."

Jamiy nodded. His own limps felt like lead. The snow was deep and fresh here higher up the side of the mountains. They could make shelter since there was none to be had. He set the girl down and he nodded to his men.

They began to dig into the snow and hollow out a shelter. The others moved about trying to keep limbs warm. Jamiy called the women to join him in one shelter and the rest of the surviving men climbed into the other. It would be tight quarters, but warmth was needed and to be out of the hellish wind.

The wind howled and Jamiy rubbed his own limbs and that of the five women to keep them warm. One of the crusaders was not shivering. She laid there. Jamiy took a breath and nodded to her. "Be easy. We will continue tomorrow and we will find help."

She nodded and closed her eyes. "Thank you. My Erin will thank you." She murmured.

"Who is Erin?" He asked gently as he watched her turn to the wall.

"My little girl." She said dreamily. "She will be hungry soon. I hope her nurse remembers her dinner…"

"I am sure she will." Jamiy soothed softly.

"Highlord Tirion will see she will eat her vegetables as well. She likes him. She will listen to him." She sighed and curled closer. "So cold. I know she won't be cold. She is playing in the flowers in the garden. In a little pink dress…"

Jamiy looked at Helene as she moved to wake her and shook his head. "No. Let her rest."

"But…"

He leaned close. "She is too far gone sister. Let her die in peace."

She blinked and then hung her head. It was not natural for a healer to just give up one someone, but she knew her brother was right. She was almost delirious and was murmuring as she settled against the wall. She softly started to hum as if she was remembering something from ages ago or was thinking about the daughter she soon would leave behind.

An hour later she was still. Jamiy checked on her and she yet lived, but she was breathing shallowly. She would not be long now in joining the Light. Helene focused on the small stove he had found in his pack. She felt sorrow at a child who would be motherless and that she was powerless to stop it.

After two hours the young woman had expired and her limbs were already becoming stiff from the cold. Jamiy laid her cloak over her face and arranged it so she was decent. He shook his head. The other women were somber knowing that she was dead and would likely not be the only one to die this night.

Jamiy made the others stay awake and talk to him. It was a very long night. They made food on a small camp stove that was not meant to cook for more than one. The meal was still cool as was the tea they made, but anything was warmer than what they felt. The other crusader was named Jessiman. Jessi found after about 4 hours she no longer could move her hand.

Jamiy looked at her and grimaced as he realized that she had frostbite that had set in. Her fingers were waxy white and he knew she would likely lose her hand if not more. He distracted her, however. She was young and full of life and her animations kept the group talking.

Jamiy found himself dozing at one point listening to the women speak of whom they found cute and who they thought was less than impressive. He was shaken awake by Amaranda who was looking at him. She tapped his face lightly.

The mage watched him. "Sleep is death." She warned softly. "Talk." She said. "Do you have a crush on any girls?"

He chuckled as he shifted. "I am married." He said. He lifted his left hand to prove it. The golden band twinkled in the small light they had from the tiny stove as Helene made another round of tea for everyone to sip on.

"To whom?" Jessi asked.

"Sheerah." He said. He smiled thinking of her soft feminine features. He coughed a little and shifted as parts of him woke that he knew should remain dormant.

"One of the Ranger-General's women?" Amaranda asked.

"Yes." He sighed.

"Tell us about her." Jessi said.

"She is beautiful." He smiled a little. "Though high elves are to us humans." He smiled. "Though according to her she is quite plain." He sighed and flexed his hands. They hurt, but still worked. "She would not be pleased to know I am trapped in a snow cave with several beautiful women though."

Three had the decency to blush. Helene just shook her head and rolled her eyes. He smiled at Jessi as she looked up at him despite her red cheeks. "She is a bit feistier about such things now. She is near her time."

"Near what time?" the young warlock asked sitting forward.

Helene and Jamiy shared a tired, but understanding smile. She was innocent enough and such innocence gave their hearts hope. Jamiy sat forward and smiled. "She is carrying my child in her belly. She will give birth soon."

The young girl nodded. "I am happy for you. I hope you can see her again."

Helene gently passed her the warm tea. "Hush. Don't speak that way. We will be found."

The girl nodded and sipped the tea.

Jamiy heard something a few hours later. It was a struggle to keep awake. The women were shivering and trying to find topics to talk about. Helene and the young warlock were talking about the Stormwind Ball and what dresses they would use.

He froze realizing it was the sound of hooves. He reached over to Helene and put his finger to his lips as they giggled. All the women looked at him as he shifted. Suddenly there was a cry from the other snow cave.

Jamiy readied his weapon as it sounded like the cave had collapsed and there was a scuffle going on. Then quiet. Silence. That terrible waiting. The Scourge had found and murdered them and they were…

"Jamiy!" Theo's hoarse voice said from behind him. "Come out!"

"Theo?" Jamiy shifted and worked on the entrance of the cave and Theo's hand reached in to clasp his.

"It is well." Theo said. "The Knights found us."

Jamiy nodded to the women to crawl out. They did slowly into the half-light of the Icecrown daylight. He followed last carrying the body of the Crusader whom had died in his arms. She was stiff from the cold, but she had an oddly serene expression. He hoped her last dreams were of her daughter.

He crawled out and blinked as he noticed there were four Knights of the Ebon Blade before him. Kathyr and Deathisneer stepped forward to him. He greeted them each in turn and allowed the human Death Knight to take his burden.

Jamiy bowed to the tall man who stood watching. "Highlord Morgaine." He said recognizing the man by his armor. The Ebon Blade leader was the only man so far who had a full armor set of the new hard metal called Primordial Saronite. It was light weight, but even stronger than Mithril.

"Jamiy." He greeted his metallic voice even more so from behind his helm. "Are you well?"

"Aye." Jamiy said. "But some of these people will need medical attention."

The Death Knight nodded. "Abyssion. Ride to the Shadow Vault and bring gryphon riders to us. We will be heading that way. We must get them to safety before the next storm hits or more will die. Send word to Dalaran also. Lady Rhenn and Highlord Fordring will be wanting to know that they are alive."

The Death Knight near him nodded. He took the body of the Argent Crusader and moved at a quick pace toward the base of the Ebon Blade Knights.

"We were close?" Jamiy asked.

Morgaine nodded. "Aye. A tick Northwest of here." He looked down. "You lost three men. I am sorry." He said.

Jamiy nodded as he watched Deathisneer lift one frozen man from the snow. He walked and tied him to his mount. Morgaine grabbed the other and did the same to Kathyr's undead mount.

Jamiy shook his head at the two men. Three. Three had died and still others would lose appendages and possibly limbs.

They started walking. Morgaine took the lead and walked striding in the snow. He was large for a man, much like Highlord Fordring and King Varian.

Helene was limping as she walked and fell behind. Jamiy noticed and fell back to be with her. Morgaine noticed they were not moving at pace and dropped back to them letting Deathisneer take the lead. He stood waiting for them and eyed the twins.

"She is slowing us."

"Her foot is tender and she cannot walk."

"I see." The Death Knight said. He took a step forward and unbidden lifted the young woman in his arms and continued. "Keep up paladin." He said as he carried her gently.

Jamiy smiled a little. Highlord Morgaine was known for being ruthless in battle and stubburn, but he appeared to still have a heart left somewhere in his forgotten being.

Helene was surprised, but found though he wore plate armor his touch and grip was gentle. She looked up into the helm he wore and then wrapped her thin arms about his neck and held him. He shivered once at her warmth, she barely caught it, but she had felt it.

Morgaine had never seen such a beautiful creature in his life. Brigitte was close, but this one had the Light about her. So good and pure it almost burned him to hold her. And yet part of his soul stirred. The part he had buried for a very long time because emotions led to ruin. Being cold allowed him to be efficient and… His body betrayed him with a small shiver when her thin arms wrapped about his neck. He could feel her warmth through the mail there. A woman was again in his arms, something he had not felt in decades. He swallowed trying to bury the glimmer he felt.

Less than an hour after they started walking there was a noise in the sky. Morgaine looked up. The bony gryphons were on the wing with Knights on each. Slowly the spiraled down. Helene was still in the Highlord's arms. His gryphon was brought and he mounted setting her before him and holding her tightly as Deathisneer secured them.

The others were each paired with a Knight. The bodies were put into gryphon talons. The mounts were set free. They would find their way home. They rose into the air and headed northwest. On the wing it did not take long to arrive in the Shadow Vault.

Jamiy saw a stitched monstrosity standing guard and a geist. He blinked as he noticed gargoyles and more geists wondering about. They landed inside the great structure and a female Death Knight stepped forward. She was a blood elf, or had been in life.

"I am Duchess Mynx." She said. Her voice was softer, but also had the metallic ring that all the Death Knights seem to have.

Morgaine carried Helene to a small pallet and laid her on it. He removed his helm as he dropped to a knee beside her. He removed his gauntlets. Gently he lifted her tender foot in his large palm. She hissed a little unable to control it because of the surprise. He looked at her. She looked up at his red-blonde locked head. His face was blueish as all Death Knights because he was no longer living. Tenderly he removed the shoe and looked at her foot. The ankle was purple and swollen to twice its body. Her toes were red and turning waxy.

"You will keep your foot." He said. He barked for warm water to be brought to him.

She looked over as the bodies of the three were laid on pallets nearby and wrapped in their cloaks and tabards. She sighed. "I…."

He looked up and followed her gaze. He lifted a gentle hand to her chin and turned it back to him. "Nay, do not look." He said softly. He cupped her jaw gently his fingers holding her firmly, but gently. "You are a priestess of the Light. Death is not something you should see much of. It corrupts the soul."

She reached a hand up to his face and startled him. "You are not living."

He chuckled softly even as her palm warmed his cool cheek. "I am Damned, but it does my soul well to have such purity in this place from time to time."

Jamiy brought over the water and set it down beside the Highlord before taking his sister's hand.

Darion Morgaine smiled a little. "Treasure her Lord Jamiy." He said. "I would have given anything to have a sister. I would not have been betrayed by a sister."

With that he lifted her small foot and placed it in the warm water. She gasped and tired to lift her foot out, but he held her firmly.

Jamiy held her body as she tried to twist away. He had tears in his eyes knowing she was in pain. He rubbed her disordered hair gently as she started to relax.

The Highlord rose to his feet. "I will return soon." He said.

The survivors were greeted by the Skybreaker, the massive Alliance sky vessel that patrolled Icecrown. It would take them back to Dalaran where Highlord Fordring and Rhonin were waiting. Hartley was aboard and quickly saw to all the injuries. The Death Knights had patched them up as well as they could, but some were in need of amputations and they lacked the equipment to do it properly. The bodies of the three victims of the cold were placed in boxes and sealed in the hold for now so they could be buried later.

After several hours the great air ship docked at Dalaran and Jamiy carried his sister to the medical center. Theo walked with him. The brave man would never serve the Alliance as he had again in battle. His leg had to be amputated below his knee. Jamiy was going to lose a finger due to the cold and brave little Jessi was going to lose her left arm.

Tirion held her hand softly and turned her head away as they took the limb from her and set it down. The wound bled and he held her hand through the pain. He had done the same for Theo and had reminded him that even grown men could cry. Theo stoically declined, but he bit a hole through his lip instead.

Highlord Tirion came to the survivors and stayed with them as their limbs were removed. "You are all so brave. Light be with you all." He said. "Jessi, Theodotion, you two will be dismissed with honors and given pensions for your service."

Jessi looked up at the elder paladin. "What of Mary's family?" She asked.

"She died under my care as a Knight of the Argent Crusade. Though her pension will not fill the void of her loss it will help her family. The same with the other two Josslyn and Hector." He said soberly.

Helene would make a full recovery. Her ankle had caught in some rocks in the escape and she had failed to notice because of the cold in her limbs. It would heal as would her toes. She looked at her brother's bandaged hand and gasped.

He waved it off. "It isn't bad. I didn't even feel it." He smiled. "How are you?"

"Tired, but I wish to go to the funeral."

"It is tomorrow. Rest sister." He said.

The next day Tirion himself led the ceremony honoring the three fallen soldiers. They were lucky. Their bodies had been returned and they would be saved the life of the damned undead doomed to walk and do harm to those they once cared for.

They were buried in the cemetery of Dalaran which was quickly becoming filled. Soon they would have to find another place to bury the dead where the Scourge could not find them and raise them as evil. Tirion looked at all those standing about.

"The Light gives us hope. It can call some of us home, but it will never give up on us. We must continue to fight to drive away the dark. For now we will mourn our dead." He said. He turned and lit the candles on the graves.

Helene and Jamiy watched the lights flicker. It was said that the light was the spirit of the person and when it extinguished the person's soul was free. It was a high honor to have a candle lit for you and one fewer and fewer soldiers saw these days.

The war would still continue as long as the Lich King had a foothold in the Northrend.