Ch 5 - Happy Tidings and Bad Omens
Lord Jamiy Ambrose – Wrynn stood at the base of Wyrmrest Temple. He had been given the title of Duke of Westfall and Redridge now that he was part of the royal family of Stormwind. He could not be a prince in the line of succession, but he could be a prince as a mark of being part of the royal line. Making him a duke and his sisters duchesses gave them the rights that came with being members of the royal house of Wrynn, but also allowed the line of succession to remain intact. Jamiy and Helene had formally taken the name of their step father while Alanis had not since she was married. Oddly she carried her mother-in-law's name of Windrunner since it was what Galadin sire name was. She still held the title of Duchess, though she rarely used it, preferring her more simple life in Dalaran studying magic under Rhonin, her father-in-law and mentor. Rhenn had also chosen to keep her original married name and her new married name. However, in formal documents she was listed as Rhenn Moondancer Ambrose – Wrynn, the Emberblaze, queen consort of the United Kingdom of Stormwind and the Alliance and Dowager Marquise of Westfall and Redridge. Most just referred to her as Queen Rhenn just as he was Lord Jamiy. Helene was High Priestess Duchess Helene Ambrose – Wrynn. The family still remained close despite being so far away from each other at times.
He looked up at the great columns of the Temple. He had been here only a few times since his rather abrupt entrance into this world from skills of Alexstrasza, the great Dragon Queen herself. His mother still bore the faint scar where he and his sister had been brought from her womb while their mother hovered between life and death and in hard labor. This place was holy to him, not because of that magic that allowed the three of them to live, but because of the dragons who dwelt here.
Alasastrasza, or more commonly known as Alas, was a person who had haunted his memories since he was a child. When he was finally old enough she had come and spoken to him in her human form and then shown him her true form. The Dragon Queen herself had a presence as did the Council of dragons that were with her in her high audience chamber at the very top of the Temple. The Wyrmrest Accord had representatives from all the Aspects present. Lord Itharius of the Green, Chronormu of the Bronze, Nalice of the Black, and Kalecgos of the Blue were all with the Dragon Queen and her consort.
Jamiy mounted a drake who offered him a ride up to the top. As they spiraled up he thought about these walls. This place had an odd feel, like it was home almost, welcoming and gentle rather than the command center for the war against the blue dragon flight and the scourge.
They landed and Jamiy thanked the drake.
"No need for thanks Emberblaze. You are always welcome here." The drake said before flying off.
Jamiy stepped into the audience chamber where the dragons all stood in human form. Surrounding the hall were many drakes and dragons flapping their wings idly looking for trouble from the blue dragons that seemed to patrol around looking for weakness.
"Emberblaze." The Dragon Queen greeted.
Jamiy smiled. He had more titles that he could keep straight. Emberblaze was the first he had held. He was given the title shortly after his birth. It was a title that forever bound him to the red dragonflight and Wyrmrest Accord.
Jamiy came before her and bowed formally to her and smiled. "You sent for me? How may I serve?" He asked.
Chromie looked at him from her small stature. "The Scarlet Crusader has become a problem. They built their foothold of New Hearthglen, but they have expanded into the Dragonshires taking what they need without a thought to what it does to the resources of the area and to the dragons."
Jamiy nodded. "They have been challenging the forward camps set by the Alliance as well as Wintergarde Keep herself. High Commander Halford Wyrmbane has brought news that the Scourge are becoming more of a threat as well." He nodded. "We seem to have a mutual annoyance in more than one way."
"The Scourge seems to divide our forces to weaken us." The Queen's consort said. He was Karsus in his high elf form, the legendary member of The Six of Dalaran and a formidable mage.
"Yes, Highlord Fordring, Highlord Morgraine, and Rhonin all agree." Jamiy said.
The dragons nodded. "The Scarlet Crusade must be stopped from stealing the energies of the Dragonshires."
Jamiy nodded. "I will form an offensive with High Commander Wyrmbane." He said. "Any support from the dragon flights would be very helpful. Perhaps destroying the supply ships in the harbor?"
Karsus nodded. "I am sure I can divert some of the red dragonflight to aid you Emberblaze, with my lady's permission of course." He said looking to his mate.
She nodded. "The Scourge will be a priority, but these heretics have intruded and stolen magic that is not rightful theirs. It will make them a more of a threat to this world if unchecked." She looked at Jamiy. "Speak to Lord Afrastrasz." She ordered.
Jamiy nodded and a young dragon took him to speak to the human guised dragon in charge of the Temple defenses. "We have few enough to spare, but I am sure that they are up to the task you have suggested."
"Any help would be greatly appreciated. My thanks my lord." Jamiy said bowing.
"As the Queen wills, Emberblaze." The elder dragon said stiffly.
Jamiy flew by drake, a friendly young beast named Laiastrasza, to Wintergarde Keep. The drake landed and Jamiy dismounted thanking the young sweet, and very verbal dragon. She had talked non-stop nearly for an hour. Jamiy smiled. She was sweet and had questions for him. She was curious much like his own children. He had learned patience with children from being a paladin. They were the Hope of the world and the curiosity for everything was natural.
High Commander Wrymbane, Commander Lynore Windstryke, and Highlord Leoric Von Zeldig all stood together waiting for him. The 7th Legion veterans made him feel as a man of few years and few accomplishments that paled in comparison to these three, but he outranked them all being the second in command of the Valiance Expedition only to King Varian himself, his stepfather.
"Lord General Jamiy Ambrose." Wyrmbane greeted. "You plan is ambitious." He said. "The first strike belongs to us, and the last strike is all that our enemies see." He smiled as he held his helm. "Where were you when I could have used a brilliant man of your skills during the War of Shifting Sands?"
Jamiy, for his part, had the decency to blush a little as he answered with. "I was not born yet." He said softly, embarrassed to be standing commanding such heroes. "My step father regards you all with high honor. He has told me about your deeds. It is a privilege to work with you and fight alongside living legends of the Ghost Division."
Wyrmbane chuckled. "Thick." He said, but smiled regardless noting the awe in the young commander's voice. "Ghost Division huh? That what they are calling us now?"
Jamiy nodded. "Or at least that is what the King has named you since he does not keep track of your affairs, only sending aid as requested and allowing you to do what you are good at." He looked at the three. The Night Elf pushed back her braid and he took a breath before his eyes caught sight of the large floating necropolis.
Jamiy turned watching the town with the Scourge geists and ghouls running about. A living person managed to reach the barrier and the line beat back the ghoul the followed as a nigh elf wrapped a cloak about her shaking shoulders and led her toward the inn to recover before she would be sent to Dalaran.
They looked up and saw a gryphon swoop down. The rider was a woman, her long hair corn colored even in the shadows wrought by Naxxramas that loomed above the keep. Jamiy smiled as the night elven archers covered her as she landed. She had been chased by an undead Scourge gryphon.
She dismounted and walked quickly toward where the group of commanders was standing. "Greetings." She said. She then smiled. "Brother." She said.
"Sister." He smiled. "What brings you here Helene?"
"Aiding you naturally, but I also have happy news."
"Can it wait until after the first wave of the offensive sets forth?" Jamiy asked.
"Yes." She said.
It was agreed to draw the Scarlet Crusade to the beaches where the ships would be burning to fight on level ground and not within the town of New Hearthglen, at least for the first offensive. Jamiy himself with High Commander Wyrmbane led the first wave as the red dragons flew overhead. Since Helene was going to be at forward came to assess wounded she mounted the dragon that led the drakes to destroy the ships and supplies. Two supply ships had arrived less than an hour before the dragons attacked with breath of flame and ripping claws.
A bell of alarm sounded and the Scarlet Crusade infantry, raven bishops, and paladins rushed to the beaches and found Jamiy's elite force waiting and on higher ground on the first benches.
The dragon that Helene rode dove and lifted an injured paladin whom had been staggering back toward the city. He tried to fight the great taloned feet, but the dragon only held tighter. The dragon landed at the forward camp that was in the trees near the Keep of Wintergarde. It was called Dawn's Reach and it sat between the Carrion Fields and the icy beaches of the Forgotten Shore.
The dragon landed with an awkward hope and fluttered his wings a moment as he set the paladin down. He balanced Helene on his neck making sure she was able to stay on him. When the paladin was on the ground he shifted and lifted his leg to allow her to crawl down from him.
She went to the man who was breathing shallowly. She looked up as two men came to her.
"This one is a Crusader. Why bother?" One asked.
"Perhaps we can gain information." She said. "I am a High Priestess. I would not allow my greatest enemy to die if I could prevent it. It is against my vows and personal ethics."
The two carried the man to the field hospital as Helene walked with them. She bound his wounds and had him stable with the help of Tilda Darathan before the first wounded of the offensive arrived. She allowed the men to bind him as she turned to aid the 7th Legion members. The fighting lasted until dusk when it became too hard to see clearly. There were three dead from the Legion and ten wounded. The Crusade had lost many more. Jamiy called everyone back to Dawn's Reach for the night. High Commander Wyrmbane had been impressed with the young man's idea to fight in a bottleneck area giving the Legion surprise and high ground.
That evening sentries were placed to guard against an attack from the shore and from the Scourge in the Carrion Fields. Jamiy found Helene washing her hands and arms in a water basin. The water turned crimson with blood. Her surgeon's apron was bloody and she looked tired.
He walked to her and made a face. She smiled up at him as she wiped her hands. "It was not as bad as it looks." She said. "I had to amputate poor Heinz's leg. He had it blown apart by a cannonball." She said.
"I heard you rescued a Crusader." Jamiy said.
She sighed. "His wounds were too great for me to stop the bleeding. He died two hours ago, but he did informed me that High General Brigitte Abbendis is in charge." She said.
"So she is no longer in Eastern Plaguelands." He said scratching his two day old beard absently. "They were planning something big with the likes of her here." He said. He watched her remove her apron and drop into a small stool.
"Join me for some wine?" She asked. "It is not as good as Northshire, but it will do." She said. She poured some for him and herself into two metal mugs.
He took a sip and chuckled. It was not wine at all. It was the highly alcoholic beverage commonly called Kungaloosh. Made from berries found in the frozen wastes of Northrend, the high sugar from the often frozen berries made for a strong and sweet alcohol that was both refreshing and made one slightly tipsy.
He watched her and cocked his head. "What did you wish to tell me before? You said you had happy news?"
She looked up her nearly violet eyes merry. "I do indeed."
"I thought you were attending mother." He said. "As a handmaiden."
"I am less handmaiden and more high priestess allowed to do as I will. I help mother and keep her company. She is lonely, you know."
"With Varian constantly trying to mount her I doubt that." He chuckled.
She gasped. "That is a terrible thing to say." She said slapping his arm.
"It is true enough, though, even you have to admit it."
She blushed and drank a long sip. She shrugged not answering, but it was answer enough to her twin. She then smiled at him her cheeks still bearing a reddish hue. "Our mother is carrying Varian child." She said.
Jamiy paused in his drinking of the sweet beverage and looked over the mug rim at his sister. "She is pregnant? Already? They have been married only three months." Jamiy gasped.
"I for one am happy for them. Anduin is happy as well. He has been at mother's side making sure she is in the proper health." She smiled. "I think he does better at it than Varian."
He sat back and smiled. "That child is more than any prince or princess of Stormwind." He said. "That is the hope of the kingdom." He said.
"She has asked that you join her soon to at least see her." Helene said.
"I will come when I am able. I report back to Highlords Fordring and Morgaine tomorrow. I will bring the good news to them." He said.
"Darion. You will be seeing him?" She asked.
"Aye." His eyebrows lifted. "Darion?"
She blushed again and lifted a sealed letter. "Will you deliver this to him?" She asked.
"Yes." He said. "You seem to have a friendship with him."
"He is kind and speaks to me in a way few do. I hold him in high regard for that."
"No other reason?" He asked.
She slapped his arm again and giggled. "No." She said.
It was the day for the Farmer's Market in the Trade District of Stormwind City. Queen Rhenn walked with her husband into the Market. She wore a dress of wine and cream fabrics. Her hair was pulled back into a severe style in a massive braid that was held in place by a large metal art piece that the Council of Three Hammers had given her as a wedding present. She wore a light mantle and had a tiara of deep sea pearls and rubies at her brow. She looked every bit the queen as she walked holding the hand of her king and master. He wore his armor and they were followed by several Homeguard members and three of Rhenn's handmaidens.
Rhenn stopped by a fruit vendor with fresh fruits from the Forest orchards beyond the gates. She lifted a pear and bit into it letting the sweet juice flow into her mouth. Some dribbled down her chin and she was forced to wipe her mouth. She smiled and giggled as she did so and Varian took the pear.
"Allow me dear heart." He said. He drew his knife from its scabbard at his back and cut into the sweet flesh. She took the bit sized piece he offered and then turned to the vendor who was watching her. She was delighted to see so many kinds this time of year. Varian cut himself a slice and ate it as he watched his wife make her purchases. Calia stepped forward to pay the woman as she passed over the small bag of fruits. Ellsa took the bag and Rhenn turned to Varian who smiled at her.
"What?" She asked looking at him.
"You are glowing." He said taking her hand to kiss it. She truly was. The sun danced on her face and sparkled.
"Of course I am. I am happy."
He chuckled.
"May it be a boy." The shop keeper said.
It was common knowledge that the Queen was with child. The citizens were delighted. Their King seemed to be a new man with his bride and with the promise of a coming child, he seemed to be full of happiness. Prince Anduin smiled and took the bag from Ellsa with a smile and then looked up at the woman. "Personally, I am hoping for a sister." He smiled and bent to kissed his stepmother's cheek. He then nodded to the Gilnean young woman to join him at a cart nearby that had beautifully crafted jewelry made by the dwarven metal smiths.
Tomorrow would be a public holiday in honor of the queen's pregnancy. Two small girls came forward and gave the queen a bouquet of flowers. She smiled and squatted down to look at the small girls who were obvious sister, a little shy, and sweet.
"Thank you." She said and sniffed the flowers.
"Momma told us you are going to have a baby." The younger one said, a child of perhaps five years said. She played with her skirts as she looked down.
"Yes." Rhenn smiled. She looked up and saw a kind apple-cheeked woman standing nearby with a baby on her hip. She was smiling in delight that the queen would take the time to speak to her children. She was a servant and yet the queen did not appear to care that she was talking to the daughters of a kitchen servant.
Rhenn smiled and stood and took their small hands and pressed them to her belly. "Do you feel it?" she asked.
Varian smiled as the girls looked in awe at the fine cloth and the queen's belly that already had a soft swell to it. He too wished for a princess, but he would be happy with any child so long as it and its mother survived and thrived.
Rhenn took their hands and walked to their mother still holding the blossoms.
The lady started to bow, but Rhenn stopped her. "No, no, please." She said. She smiled at the woman. "What is your name? I think I have seen you in the lower halls."
"Aye, your highness. I am Alizabeth Carey. These are my girls Misty and Maddy." She said. She seemed embarrassed that Rhenn was actually speaking to her.
"And your newest." Rhenn asked taking the small hand and kissing the palm. The little fingers closed on her nose lightly and Rhenn smiled.
"Marion." She said.
"He is beautiful. Can I hold him?" Rhenn asked.
"Of course highness." She said.
Rhenn felt his head. He had a running nose. "Does he have a cold?" She asked bouncing him lightly.
"Aye, but medicines are so expensive. I mostly give him a little tea and warm beer." The young woman looked down.
Rhenn looked at her. She lifted her chin. "Where is your husband?"
"Dead. He died in August."
"You are a widow?" Rhenn said. "With three children?" she asked. "When do you have time to work in the kitchens?"
"I have to. Otherwise they do not eat. If I am lucky I sometimes get a little bit of the duck sauce." She said.
Rhenn looked at her. "We will be doing better than that." She said sternly. She turned. "Helene." She called.
Her daughter appeared. "Yes?"
"See to this child." She then nodded to Alizabeth. "We must help the war widows." She said. "Go with her and see what you can do for her even if it is out of my own pocket." She said. She dropped down again to the two girls. "Would you like to sit with me for tomorrow's parade?" She asked.
"We never get to see. We are too short."
Rhenn smiled and looked at Alizabeth who looked at the point of tears. "Then I will see you tomorrow?" She asked.
"Yes, your highness." The young woman said.
Varian looked over at his queen. His wife had already gained the title "Queen of Ages". She was approachable and he watched as Rhenn spoke to the mother of the small urchins. The young woman was one of the many working poor Rhenn had taken up the crusade to help. Many were war widows. She already supported the orphans, but somehow the widows often fell through the cracks.
Helene took the small baby and walked with the young woman.
Varian saw a man arrive with a box. "Ah, at last." He said.
"Fresh from Stranglethorn, highness."
Varian lifted the lid and revealed the tiny eggs within. He lifted one and smiled at the bearer. "Thank you."
"Quail eggs, father?" Anduin asked as Varian passed the box to Crispin to return to the Keep with.
"Yes. To feed a queen." He said nodding to his wife. She had developed an odd taste for things of late. In fact he had been at dinner with her only a few days ago when he had noticed her eating quail's eggs for the third time that week. She had smiled a little and then continued eating. She had said she had grown fond of them. Varian had leaned forward wondering if it was a special fondness for them. She had merely smiled. He had sat back. When she asked what he was thinking about, he responded that he was thinking she was with child. She had been eating like a bird often in the mornings and then ravenous in the evenings. She had been pale when they rose, but seemed to glow in the firelight. She had set her silverware down and then nodded in agreement. She was with child. The healers had confirmed it that afternoon.
Varian had risen and gone to her side to embrace her, kiss her, and feel her. He had showered her with presents and praise. He was not the only one. The Council of the Three Hammers, Prophet Velen, and Anduin also had sent gifts to her in congratulations.
Rhenn returned to Varian whom was watching her. He liked how she was so easily liked by the people. Of the more than two hundred thousand people living in the city, no one seemed not to accept her as their queen and one of them.
There was a stir and Rhenn saw a tall orc in animal skins. His thick hair was braided to the sides of his head. Sandals were on his feet and a cowl blocked much of his face from view except for his clever blue eyes. Rhenn smiled and ran to him. "Thrall!" She cried.
He smiled and embraced the small woman. Thrall was large even by orc standards and the woman before him in his arms was small. He put her gently out to arms length. "Rhenny, Atha'ah, how fair you?" He asked. He nodded to the man in a kilt behind him. The orc was rugged, but he had quick eyes. "I believe you remember Rehgar Earthfury, also now of the New Council of Trisfal."
Varian folded his arms. Though he did not fully trust Thrall, his wife certainly did and with cause. The orc had always been there for her. Thrall had offered his assistance freely to the people of the Alliance and now served the Earthen Ring as the greatest shaman whomever lived trying to heal the great rift. Varian should have known the man would come to visit his friend and ally. Earthfury had once been his master as a gladiator, but the man had saved his son years ago and offered good advice.
"I am well." She smiled. "How fairs the Earthen Ring?"
"Well enough. The elements are angry." Thrall said. He then lifted a package. "Open this later." He said his eyes dancing. She nodded and handed it to Remy to take to her room.
He smiled and looked at her. "Every bit the queen." He kissed her hand being careful not to harm her with his sharp tusks. He looked up at Varian. "The spirits tell me congratulations are in order."
"My thanks." Varian said. He nodded to the elder orcs. "Will you be staying long?"
"Sadly, no. I am on my way to the Badlands to check out the activities there to find if they are linked with the churning elemental fury." He smiled at Rhenn as she returned to her husband. "But since I was in the Eastern Kingdoms, I could not leave before greeting the Queen of the Alliance."
Earthfury smiled. "She is a treasure. It is a pity I did not know more of her."
Rhenn smiled. "You are always welcome Thrall. You know that."
Varian nodded. "She is correct." He said.
"The elements are angry and so too is the very world. Happiness is all too brief, but it is good to have such hope in the world." Thrall nodded. "We must leave, but I shall return soon and check your progress. Do you have a name yet?" He asked.
Varian smiled. "We are still debating that one." He said.
Rhenn chuckled. She bowed to Thrall. "Return home safely." She said.
He grinned. "I always do Atha'ah, I always do." With that he turned and walked away.
Earthfury then smiled and spoke to Rhenn in his own tongue. She smiled and dipped her head to him as she answered in flawless orcish.
Varian looked at her as the two shamans left them. "What was that about?"
"He told me that with the Ghost Wolf as a mate whom I had tamed I was truly a Queen."
Varian embraced her and then there was a cry from two women nearby. Varian quickly put his wife behind him and drew his sword reflexively as the crowd parted to reveal a Worgen in wolf form. It was heavily injured and bleeding as it walked on two legs.
It was whimpering softly as it limped forward and then collapsed. Helene had taken notice and had left the young woman who stood looking at the wolf as it panted on the ground. Helene knelt beside him and gently lifted its head into her lap.
The dark eyes opened as Ellsa joined her. The worgen took a breath and looked at Helene. "Lady Helene." He managed. "Bring me to King Varian." He said.
"I am here." Varian said standing in a relaxed pose with his weapon resting on the earth.
"We beg aide. Our…capital is overrun." He looked at Helene. "Prince Liam is mounting an offensive." He took a breath and licked the blood from his snout. Rhenn moved from behind her husband. He tried to grab her, but she evaded him and knelt by the wounded man. "The rest royal family is coming to seek sanctuary until enough people can be mustered to take the town back."
"Come you are wounded." Helene said. She looked about her. "Calia. Fetch healers and a stretcher." She called.
Varian gently helped his wife to her feet. "We will aide you. When King Genn and his family arrive we will learn about this play for control by the Banshee Queen." He said. "What is the prince's plan?"
"Retake the city at any cost." The Worgen said. Helene was chanting softly and light shown around her hands. The wounds would take time to heal, but he had been sent to find help through a mage portal.
Helene and her stepbrother arrived by mage portal only hours later. Helen drew her cloak about her. "It is always so gloomy here." She remarked.
Anduin smiled. "And you are the one who likes these people."
"As do you or so I hear." She grinned at him and smiled. "Is it not true you are wooing Lady Ellsa?"
He coughed and looked away from her eyes. Answer enough.
Liam Greymane met them as they walked with the group of Stormwind soldiers. "Welcome friends. Helene." He said. He stepped to her and kissed her on her mouth in greeting. "Prince Anduin. A pleasure to fight with you once more."
Anduin was startled, but Helene seemed at ease as another man, one with an eye patch stepped forward and kissed her the same way. Helene smiled. She had spent much time among these people. A woman followed the man and Anduin sat back bewildered.
Helene smiled. "Lord Darius Cowley and his daughter Lorna of the Gilneas Liberation Front." The father and his daughter had been kind to Helene when she had been in Gilneas helping the people and bringing priceless food and medicines.
Anduin and Helene were taken to the front lines by the Cowleys who laid out the battle plan. It was simple and would be a hard strike. If it failed it would mean the loss of Gilneas forever, but it was a risk that the Greymane's were willing to take.
Liam pulled off his shirt and leapt onto a barricade. He drew his rapier and sword. "The Forsaken think we're weak, a broken people. They think we'll roll over like a scared dog... how wrong they are. We will fight them in the fields until the last trench collapses and the last cannon is silenced. We will fight them on the streets until the last shot is fired, and when there is no more ammunition, we'll crush their skulls with the stones that pave our city. We will fight them in the alleys until our knuckles are skinned and bloodied, and our rapiers lay on the ground, shattered. And if we find ourselves surrounded and disarmed, wounded and without hope; we will lift our heads in defiance and spit in their faces. But we will never surrender! FOR GILNEAS!" He cried lifting the flag of the Gilneas Liberation Front.
Helene watched him jump down as King Genn arrived. She bowed to the king.
"Helene. You are a sight. You bring me hope that we will be able to run out these Forsaken." Genn said.
"That is our hope, highness." She said.
The group then surged into the merchant district. Bowmen and infantry were waiting, but fell easily to the seasoned Stormwind soldiers. A Dark Ranger appeared and she faced off with Prince Anduin. Anduin charged her and then stunned her as Helene cast smite upon her. With others attacking the tall once blood elf fell to the earth.
The group moved to the military district and found the square fouled by Abominations. "Abominations are blocking the way toward the military district! This won't be easy." Liam cried. Their gorged stitched flesh and foul smell polluted the nostrils of all. Anduin lifted his bloody sword as he looked at them.
"The villagers were thankful to have Emberstone back. They brought us a little something to help against the Forsaken." Lorna said. "My father has gone through the tunnels." She said. Helene had noticed him breaking away.
Liam smiled. "You're a sight for sore eyes, Lorna. Let's get those cannons manned. The rest of you, lure the abominations into the open."
Anduin nodded to his stepsister. "Can you man a cannon?" He asked.
She nodded as he helped boost her into a seat. They were on fire, but she still aimed at the abominations and fired causing one to drop and the others turn to the group. Anduin smiled and leapt into a cannon chair himself. They fired bringing down the monsters as the group ran about keeping them in the open, but not getting close enough to be harmed by the creatures of the cannons.
Helene was forced to jump down as her dress caught on fire. Liam patted the embers out and smiled at her. He turned and yelled to the others. "Crowley's troops are up ahead! Press on!"
A huge abomination stood in the way. He had Cowley and his men pinned. "Gorerot crush puny worgen!" The creature called.
"Not if we help it!" Anduin yelled and charged the beast.
With all the men fighting it fell and then freed some captured Worgen to aid them. As the group armed themselves Cowley and Genn turned as Sylvanas Windrunner stepped into the square with several of her banshee lieutenants.
Genn yelled to his son. "Block their retreat, Liam! We've got them right where we want them!" He then drew his weapon and stepped forward. "SYLVANAS!"
The worgen and the stormwind army charged the Banshee Queen. Helene was about to cast a light well to heal her friend and cast smite when she and the others were suddenly thrown back. Helene looked about stunned.
The Banshee Queen stood her bow ready. "Enough!" She cried as she surveyed those thrown back from her as they picked themselves up. "Let's see how brave Gilneas gets on without its stubborn leader!" She growled taking aim at the dazed Worgen leader.
Liam cried out seeing where the arrow was aimed. "FATHER!" The great black arrow pieced his chest and drove him backwards. He dropped to his knees looking about before falling backwards.
The Banshee Queen growled in frustration. "Such a waste. That arrow's poison was not meant to be wasted on your whelp. We'll meet again, Genn!" She ran to the side. Anduin moved to stop her, but Helene laid an arm on him and shook her head.
She stepped forward gasping as she saw the gushing wound around the arrow and Liam looking palely up at her and then his father whom he had saved from death.
Genn gasped and dropped his weapons as he dropped to his son's side. "LIAM! NO!"
Liam smiled weakly as he looked at his father who cradled him. He held his son in his arms as if he were a child. Helene looked at the wound and then shook her head at the King sadly. There was little she could do. It had pieced his chest and by the blood a vein or artery. He would be dead before she could aid him. She took a shaky breath and cast pain suppression to at least ease his journey. "We did it, father...We took back our city... we took back..." He shivered and then his body went limp in his father's arms. So passed Prince Liam Greymane of Gilneas.
Helene sat back weeping as she pressed the back of her hand to her face to try to step her tears. Liam had been her first worgen friend and ally. He had trusted her when no other had. Anduin looked at his stepsister. She was covered in the blood of the dead prince. He knelt behind her and removed his helm. He bowed his head and wrapped his arms about his sister to comfort her. The Stormwind soldiers all knelt showing they felt the loss of the prince. All about them were the howls of worgen in mourning over the lost prince. King Genn himself transformed and threw his head back in a long mournful cry that made the humans cringe, but they too knew the loss of the prince was a blow to the cause.