Arrentai
Although I hadn't seen her or heard from her I hadn't forgotten the young night elf who had befriended me at a lonely point in my life. Sometimes I wondered what she was doing. Was she still roaming from place to place, offering her services where she could be useful, or had she settled down? Found a family of her own?
About six months after Nerissina and Gillaen had returned to their regiment I decided to go down to Rut'theran to do some fishing. Taliesa, having finished her lessons, went with me. Having mastered cat form she was now learning bear form and liked to practice it. So I stepped from the portal with a bear cub gambolling around my feet. I settled down at my favourite spot near the pier, cast my line and relaxed while Taliesa played nearby.
The ship from Stormwind had just arrived and its passengers were coming ashore. I paid them little attention until a great striped white hunter cat caught my eye, bounding off the pier ahead of its companion and stopping not far from me. Then giving a sound like a purr it came right up to me and pressed against my shoulder catching me off balance. I grabbed at my rod before I lost it in the water and stared at it. For a moment I was baffled; then I realised that I knew this cat. It was Maelinastra's pet Snowtooth. Although he'd only seen me as a worgen before he knew me by my scent. Idly stroking his neck with my hand I looked round towards the nearby group of night elves. Now I was paying attention Maelinastra was immediately recognisable with that unusual white blonde hair. She walked towards me a little way.
"I'm sorry about that, friend," she said, not knowing my human form.
"Hello, Maelinastra," I said. "It's good to see you again."
"Do I know you?" she asked, puzzled.
"I'm Arrentai."
"Oh! The worgen with a death wish."
I grinned, embarrassed. "That's me."
Her two companions had stopped a little way behind her. I looked at them. The first, older and grey of hair, obviously a hunter, wore good quality dark mail armour and helmet, and carried a crossbow. His pet was a dark skinned raptor, the kind they called a devilsaur. I watched it closely; it was eyeing Taliesa a little too hungrily for my liking. I called her to my side and told her to change back. Once she was human again I relaxed. The second man, the younger of the two, wore the robes of a mage in the soft muted shades of the woodland. Bare headed, his hair, worn long and loose, was the dark blue of the night sky.
He moved to Maelinastra's side and rested a tanned hand on her shoulder. "Won't you introduce us, Maeli?" he asked gently.
"Of course. This is Arrentai Bearheart. He's a druid. We met a little over two years ago in Darkshore. I was hunting bear at the time and I shot him."
"She mistook me for a bear," I explained. "My fault."
"You'll have to tell me more later."
Maelinastra went on. "Arrentai, this is Josstellan Ravenwing. We met in Northrend a while ago. He's my... my very close friend."
I smiled. She was obviously still uncertain enough about their relationship to be unwilling to put a name to it.
The older man spoke then, his voice impatient, harsh. He didn't wait to be introduced.
"If you wish to spend some time with your friend I will meet you both at the temple later."
Without waiting for an answer he turned and strode away up the hill followed by his devilsaur. I breathed a sigh of relief. Maelinastra smiled.
"He is a bit intimidating, isn't he? But Kyletoruse is quite well thought of by our leaders."
"I'm not worried about him," I replied. "It's his pet. It looked like it wanted Taliesa for its supper." Maelinastra laughed.
"I know what you mean. Snowtooth doesn't like him either. He won't let him anywhere near me."
Just then my fishing line, which was still trailing in the water, jerked. I turned my attention to it, carefully reeling a large fish.
"Supper, I think," I said, turning back to them. "Would you both like to join us?"
"Thank you, we would; but I think we should meet Kyletoruse first and get that over with," Josstellan said.
Together we walked up to the portal and into Darnassus. As Taliesa ran ahead Maelinastra commented, "I didn't know you had a daughter, Arrentai."
"Neither did I when we last met. I found her a few months after that."
"And her mother?"
"She's in the army; a death knight. We don't see her very often."
"I see. Arrentai, I won't pry but if you want to talk I'm happy to listen."
I paused and looked at her. She obviously heard the tension in my voice, the sadness I could never quite hide.
"I think I'd like that," I said. I'd kept my emotions hidden for so long for Taliesa's sake. I felt I needed someone I could discuss my fears with; someone I could trust. And although I didn't really know her that well; instinctively I knew I could trust Maelinastra.
As we reached the parting of our ways I told them to ask for me at the Howling Oak. They headed for the temple; we went home.
It was approaching dusk when they arrived. Our meal was cooked and ready to eat, and Taliesa was doing her best not to fall asleep. They apologised for keeping me waiting but their meeting had dragged on. I served up the meal while Josstellan opened one of the bottles of wine they'd brought with them.
After Taliesa had gone to bed we sat there talking and drinking. I don't remember how many bottles we got through between us. But with Maelinastra's gentle encouragement and the relaxing influence of a considerable amount of alcohol I was able to talk about my fears and concerns.
"I think," said Maelinastra softly, "that you need to let Nerissina decide how involved she wants to be. She obviously cares about you and Taliesa and doesn't want to hurt you. She has to balance your needs with hers; and hers will always have to come first because of their nature. Just be patient with her."
I nodded drowsily and finished my glass. Standing up a little unsteadily I said, "I'm going to bed. Thank you for listening to me; it has helped, I think."
I made my way to Taliesa's room to sleep on the spare mattress, as I'd already offered Maelinastra and Josstellan the use of my room to give them some privacy. I slept restlessly; painfully aware of the quiet sounds from the next room every time I half stirred, and knowing that my young guests shared what I so desperately wanted, a simple and uncomplicated love. I knew in my heart that Maelinastra's advice was right but I wasn't ready yet to give up hope for my relationship with Nerissina. I loved her too much for that.
I awoke early the next morning with a sore head, dry throat and unsettled stomach; none of which was helped by Taliesa's normal exuberance. I gave her some breakfast and sent her outside to play with her friends. I was sitting alone sipping at a herbal remedy when Josstellan emerged from the bedroom, half dressed and looking almost as bad as I felt.
"Do you have any more of that?" he asked softly.
"Help yourself." I indicated the kettle simmering over the fire. He poured himself a mugful and joined me at the table. The empty wine bottles still sat there between us.
"Did we drink that much?" he commented.
"Well it certainly wasn't me."
Maelinastra joined us looking cheerful and well-rested. She helped herself to a slice of bread, spread it with butter and began to eat.
"I have no sympathy for either of you. You're both old enough to know better. Joss, we have to meet Kyletoruse at midday ready to go on to the Exodar."
"I know," he replied. "I'll be ready." He finished his drink slowly and put the mug down. Then standing he bent to kiss Maelinastra before disappearing back to the bedroom.
"Is there any truth to the rumours about Tol Barad?" I asked.
She looked at me. "Where did you hear that?"
"Gillaen, my brother. He thinks the death knight regiments will be sent there to make up the garrison."
"It's not common knowledge yet; but yes, the king wants to reinforce the garrison there. The Horde have been showing too much interest in some of the prisoners there. We need to stop them from taking over and causing trouble. Kyletoruse is talking to the leaders, finding out what support they'll give us if there's trouble."
"Best you don't repeat any of this," said Josstellan rejoining us, fully dressed and clean shaven. "Wait until it's officially announced."
I nodded. "Are you two going?"
"Yes. I'll be helping set up a mage portal for travel once we've established a base there. Maeli will help out wherever she's needed."
"At least you'll be together." I know I sounded bitter; I couldn't help it.
Maelinastra rested her hand gently on my arm.
"I hope things work out for you, Arrentai. The trouble is; no one knows that much about death knights. Maybe they can be cured, maybe not. Only time will tell, I think."
She looked thoughtful.
"You said your brother's name was Gillaen?" I nodded.
"I met a death knight named Gillaen Bearheart in Icecrown two or three years ago. Would that be him?"
"Yes. He was in Northrend. I think he's back there now, keeping the Scourge under control. So how did you meet him?"
"We were raiding the Citadel; fighting the Lich King."
"He never mentioned it; but then Gillaen doesn't talk much about what he does."
"No. he didn't say much then, other than telling us what needed to be done. But he knew what he was doing. He's a good soldier and leader."
I nodded.
"He was fortunate that he made his life in the army," I mused. "It meant that he was able to return to that life with little difficulty when he was freed from the Scourge's control. It also gives him a permissible outlet for his hunger."
"You're very accepting of what he is," Josstellan commented.
"I have to be. He's my brother, and like it or not, that's what he is. I could not reject what he is without also rejecting who he is. And that is simply not on. We've always been there for each other and I don't see that anything has changed that."
They left a little while after that, to join Kyletoruse at the temple, to take the portal to the Exodar. I wished them good fortune, both in their personal life and with the expedition. And invited them to call and see us again next time they were in Darnassus.
After that I began to re-evaluate my own life. I made a good living with my leatherworking and I loved Taliesa of course; but it wasn't enough anymore. Since childhood I had trained as a druid, to work with nature, to heal and protect. There was so much I could do out in the world, so much damage that needed a druid's care. It would mean leaving Taliesa unfortunately; but Amalie would care for her and I could come back often. And so I made my plans; Taliesa would live with Amalie and continue her lessons with the druid trainers at the Howling Oak; and I would volunteer my services where they could best be used. My daughter accepted my decision happily enough; after all a lot of her friends' parents worked away from Teldrassil. I bought myself a sturdy mountain bred horse to ride and to carry my belongings and arranged to have it shipped to the mainland. Then on a chill autumn day I left my home and my daughter to carry out my calling in the wide world.
My work in Darkshore was done; I had helped with healing the damage done by out of control magic and elementals. The rebuilding could be done by anyone with a strong back and arms. I moved south into Ashenvale where the same problems abounded, compounded by the presence of the Horde. Although I hated fighting, at times it was unavoidable. All the while I was learning, growing stronger, gaining more abilities. Over recent months I had neglected my studies, now I made an effort with them. It wasn't easy without a trainer to help and guide me but I persevered. I wanted the knowledge and ability to heal Nerissina; to save her from the curse that dominated her life. I didn't know if it was possible but I would never cease trying. From Ashenvale I moved further south into Stonetalon Mountains, the Barrens, Desolace; always searching, learning, growing stronger and more powerful.
As I got further away I went home less often. Travel became more difficult and I wasn't always well paid. Besides which my obsession drove me on in my endless quest for knowledge. On one of my rare visits home Amalie assured me that Taliesa was content; happy with her studying and her friends. Indeed it seemed as though she hardly missed me. Neither Nerissina nor Gillaen had visited again; although my brother had sent Taliesa a set of figures representing some of the creatures that he'd seen on his travels. They had, as Nerissina had suspected, been sent to Tol Barad to control the situation there. She had made no contact at all. I was more afraid than ever that I was losing her.
It was a lonely life I was leading; I never stayed in any place long enough to make friends. In a short space of time I saw more of our world than many people see in a lifetime. I would happily have exchanged that experience for the chance to live a normal family life such as I'd enjoyed as a boy.
While I was in Desolace I acquired a pair of travelling companions for a while. It was nearing dusk as I rode into the region from Stonetalon Mountains. I was tired from too many days of fighting Horde and I needed to find somewhere peaceful to rest for a while. A sentry I met along the road suggested I visit Nijel's Point, warning me to beware of the satyrs that had moved into the area around the ruins of Sargeron. Following her instructions I turned eastwards along the foot of the mountains until I came to the roadway that led up to the settlement. I paused there to allow my weary horse to rest awhile before tackling the steep ascent; looking around with interest as it grazed on some stubby bushes. I could see the ruins the sentry had mentioned in the distance with figures moving around.
I was about to turn the horse up the road when my ears caught the sound of raised distressed sounding voices. I couldn't ignore it. Leaving my horse where he was with the reins trailing so he wouldn't wander, I dropped to the ground, shifted to worgen, and on all fours raced towards the sound. They didn't see me coming; low to the ground and blending into the grey dusty ground, I reached the group of satyrs unchallenged.
The cries were coming from two small figures at their centre. Not much larger in size than Taliesa, they were goblins. One, clearly female with auburn hair tied in girlish bunches, was trying to cast spells that were constantly interrupted. Her companion, clad head to toe in well-worn leather armour, was wielding a short sword in either hand and screaming abuse at the satyrs. In the brief moment it took for me to notice all this one of the satyrs picked up a sizeable rock and flung it at the spell-caster. It caught the side of her head and she fell, stunned. Her companion continued his shrieking but now there was an edge of panic to his voice.
Standing upright again I shifted to bear form and charged straight into the group knocking the satyrs every way. Some tried to fight back but they weren't particularly skilled fighters and I defeated them fairly easily. The rest retreated to a safe distance to regroup and I seized my chance. I turned to the goblins, shifted back to worgen, and gently lifted up the injured one.
"Come on," I said. "Let's get out of here before they start feeling brave."
The little goblin rogue nodded and started gathering up the bags that lay scattered round them. He couldn't manage them all so I grabbed some and started walking; keeping a cautious eye behind me. We were more than halfway to the road when the satyrs realised we were getting away and started to follow us. I sped up as much as I could without leaving the goblin behind but they were getting closer. When he saw where we were going the goblin hesitated.
"Alliance doesn't like goblins," he said in common tongue.
"Are you Horde?"
"No. We're Steamwheedle Cartel; independent traders."
"You'll be okay then. You can either come with me or stay down here with the satyrs but your friend needs help."
He shrugged. "Okay, I'll come. You be careful with her."
When we reached the horse I hung the bags I was carrying on the patient beast's saddle and caught up the reins with my free hand. I glanced back at the satyrs; they'd given up following us. They obviously knew of the forces up at Nijel's Point and didn't want to mess with them.
We walked up the road where we were stopped by the sentry. I made a brief explanation and we were allowed to pass. We went all the way up to the inn where I asked if there was a healer available. When none was forthcoming I set about tending the wounded goblin myself. She'd had a nasty blow to the head, leaving her concussed. I cleaned the wound and bandaged it then left her to rest.
I bought some food to share with the other goblin.
"Now, little guy, tell me what you were doing to get yourself caught by those satyrs."
"I'm not a guy, I'm a girl, my name's Perriiov Fizzlewire," she said indignantly. Well how was I supposed to know, they all look alike to me. Anyway while she ate she talked. Her friend was an engineer. Getting parts could be expensive so they'd decided to try scavenging. They'd sailed from the goblin port of Booty Bay to Ratchet and had been wandering around Kalimdor seeing what they could find. Being a rogue she was pretty good at sneaking into places to find stuff, but this time she'd been caught out and her friend had got hurt.
"They didn't even have any good stuff," she complained. I grinned with amusement; I couldn't help it. They'd almost got themselves killed and all she could complain about was the lack of any useful loot.
A messenger came to the inn to ask me to call on the military commander. I wandered down to the main settlement and found him at his headquarters. After I'd told him what had happened he explained a little of the situation.
Quite a large group of satyrs had set up camp around the ruins of the shrines at Sargeron. At first they hadn't been much of a nuisance, they'd just found a green bit of land and figured it would make a good home for a while. The trouble was that they had started annoying travellers and sometimes robbing them; and that needed to stop.
The commander asked if I'd be willing to try and help, see if I could calm things down a bit. I said I'd give it a go. But first I needed a good night's sleep.
The next morning I left my horse and belongings at the inn and headed down the road to see what I could do. I wandered about for a bit observing them from a distance and some of them watched me. It didn't seem as though they were doing any damage to the shrines but they obviously didn't like visitors. I got closer and they began to get agitated. I was just about to move away when a group of them, bolder than the rest, drew weapons and began threatening me. I cast a few nature spells hoping to scare them into better behaviour that way. I really didn't want to kill any of them un-necessarily. They weren't impressed; they had, it turned out, some pretty good spell casters of their own.
They rushed me en masse and I just had time to change to bear form before they attacked. Even so I couldn't hold my own against the sheer weight of their numbers and I turned to flee. I risked a shift to a faster form which in retrospect wasn't so clever. Bear form is pretty tough, my other forms not so much so. I chose worgen, intending to drop to all fours and run like hell. They began pelting me with rocks; I could feel them hitting my back and shoulders. I was almost back to the sentry point when a lucky shot on their part caught me square on the temple and I dropped. I learned later that if it hadn't been for the quick reactions of the sentries I'd have died there.
I awoke back in my room at the inn with a pounding headache. Cautiously I lifted my hand to touch my head, feeling the bandages neatly wrapped round it.
"Hey! Leave them alone," a gentle voice said. Slowly I opened my eyes and shut them again as the light made my head worse.
"Just rest," the voice went on. "That's a nasty wound."
I obeyed, drifting off to sleep. When I woke again it was dark. I felt stiff and bruised, but my headache had eased a little so I chanced moving. The resulting nausea convinced me that was not such a good idea and I lay back again.
"Here, drink this, it might help." The same gentle voice I'd heard before spoke again. My head was lifted carefully and a cup held to my lips. I sipped the sweetened herbal brew gratefully. It did help, easing both nausea and headache. After a while I felt able to open my eyes and move. The woman who sat by my bed was a stranger. Older than Nerissina, closer probably to my age, she had blonde hair and green eyes that bore the all too familiar look of sorrow.
"Who are you?" I asked curiously.
"Lizabetha Waters," she replied. "I arrived yesterday. They asked me to have a look at you because I'm a herbalist."
I thanked her and introduced myself. We talked for a while; I had liked her immediately and wanted to know more about her. She came from the Arathi Highlands, she told me; her family had a farm there, had done for generations, until an attack by orcs had wiped them all out. She'd lost parents, husband, and children. She alone had survived and had sworn revenge, becoming a warlock in order to do so. She'd sailed from Menethil Harbour to Theramore and worked her way through the Barrens and Stonetalon Mountains killing any orc she came across. She had the same obsessive determination that I did, I realised; although I feared that hers would bring her only grief in the end whereas I hoped to reunite my family. In those few days we spent together while I was recovering we became close. I saw nothing of the goblins in that time, although they were still around, unwilling to leave the safety of the settlement without a travelling companion to protect them.
The day Lizabetha removed my bandages was the day our relationship changed. I looked upon her as a friend, nothing more and I'd told her about my family so she knew I wasn't free. I loved Nerissina and wasn't looking for anyone to take her place. However we were both lonely and I believe that influenced what happened.
My wound was healing nicely but my hair round it was caked with dried blood. I'd always taken pride in my appearance so I asked the innkeeper for water so I could wash it. Stripped to the waist I was busy at the task when Lizabetha returned un-noticed. It wasn't until I reached for a towel and straightened up that I saw her. She stood in the doorway watching me with a look of unfathomable sorrow.
"Are you all right?" I asked, concerned. I began to rub my hair a little too vigorously and caught the new scar tissue. I took a sharp intake of breath which she noticed. Coming to me she took the towel from my hands, made me sit and began to gently rub my hair. I began to relax under her soothing touch.
"I used to do this for my husband," she said softly, remembering a happy memory.
"He had hair like yours, long, thick, easily tangled. His was darker though and he wore it tied back. He used to joke that he had more hair than I have."
She set the towel aside, picked up my comb and began to carefully tease at the knots in my hair. It felt an incredibly intimate thing for her to be doing.
"Nerissina has shorter hair too," I said. "But she's a redhead."
For a moment Lizabetha was silent then she gave a sob. I turned as she began to weep and pulled her into my arms to comfort her. It was all I intended but I couldn't help the reaction of my body to her closeness. She didn't pull away as I expected; instead she responded to me and before we realised it we ended up in bed together. Neither of us planned on this happening but we were both starved of affection and it seemed right at that moment. Afterwards we fell asleep together.
When I awoke at dawn the next morning I was confused, thinking for a moment that it was Nerissina beside me in my bed. Then my brain cleared, and I remembered what had happened. Oddly enough I didn't feel as guilty as I should have done.
Yes, I'd betrayed Nerissina but I hadn't seen or heard from her for well over a year and I was lonely. I wasn't happy with my life and I needed more than Nerissina was prepared to give; more than she was possibly able to give. I had accepted the fact that she couldn't stay with us; but she could visit occasionally, and she could certainly write to us. The person most hurt by her absence was our daughter. Although she said nothing I knew that Taliesa missed her mother and couldn't understand why she never saw her now. We couldn't go on like this with none of us truly happy, something had to be done to resolve the situation before it ruined all our lives.
Lizabetha stirred restlessly and turned towards me, still half asleep. Gently I caressed her bare shoulder but made no effort to do anything more. I was content to just lie there holding her.
Eventually we got up and left the inn. Sooner or later I would have to move on but for the moment Nijel's Point was a peaceful place to be. We wandered downhill to the outpost headquarters to talk to the commander. I was curious to know what was happening with the satyrs since my encounter with them. Sadly he had sent his troops down and killed several of them to teach them that any trouble would be met with force in return. I was disappointed; I'd felt that some old corrupted magic was affecting them, making them violent; and I'd believed that a peaceful way could have been found. Now I'd not have a chance to test my theory.
I asked about the goblins and was told that they were still around.
"I think they're too scared of the satyrs to leave here alone," the commander said. "They didn't want to stay in the inn; they've set up camp between the forge and the cook shop."
I thanked him and we went to look for them. Sure enough they'd set up a rough shelter between the two buildings. Under it the auburn haired spell caster had emptied her loot onto the ground and was busy sorting it into piles. She glanced up briefly as we approached then returned to her task. I watched in silence for a minute or two.
"Can I help you?" she asked.
"I just wondered how you were," I answered quietly.
"Why d'you want to know?"
She stopped her sorting then and looked up at me.
"They said a worgen rescued me. You don't look like a worgen."
"I can do if you prefer," I replied.
"No! No need for that. I believe you. Thank you. I'm okay now; it was only a little bump."
I grinned in amusement; her injury had looked as bad as mine at the time.
"I'm Arrentai," I said. "What's your name?"
"Ti'Grenna Sparklenut. I'm a powerful mage, you know."
"Of course. I'm sure you'd have handled those satyrs all on your own if you hadn't been hurt."
"Sure I would."
She went back to her sorting for a few moments; then stopped again and looked at me. She knew I wasn't fooled.
"I couldn't really. I'm not a very good mage. I need more lessons but they cost money so I make things to sell. I need metal but mining is hard work so I try to find stuff I can use; junk that no one wants."
"Where's your friend?"
"Perriiov? Somewhere; I don't know. She's not really my friend. We met in Ratchet when I arrived from Booty Bay. She said it would be safer if we travelled together; she'd protect me."
She laughed. "Some bodyguard, huh? Maybe I'll find a new friend to travel with; someone bigger."
I took the hint; it was lonely travelling by myself and she amused me.
"You could travel with me for a while if you like."
"Where you going?"
"Nowhere in particular. Wherever they need a druid to heal things."
"Sounds good to me. I'll tell Perriiov when she comes back; she doesn't need to protect me now."
Telling her I'd let her know when I was ready to leave we left her to her work. Lizabetha laughed.
"You were conned, you know."
"No. I know what I'm doing. I like her. It'll make a change to have a companion to travel with. My horse isn't much for conversation; nor is Kit."
I glanced affectionately at the little cat following behind us. He'd decided to tag along when I left Darkshore and had followed me since then.
I bought us some food from the cook shop and we sat by the Moonwell to eat. The peace was disturbed by the sound of raised voices from the headquarters building higher up the hill. We saw the commander, who'd been talking to one of the sentries, hurry up there to find out what was going on. Minutes later two armed sentries went over to the goblins' camp and arrested Ti'Grenna.
"What's happening?" we heard her wail. "I haven't done anything."
I jumped to my feet and followed them. I was responsible for bringing the goblins here; if they were in trouble I needed to know what was wrong. They dragged the frightened goblin up the hill to the commander's office. The sentry on guard outside looked at me curiously as I went inside but made no attempt to stop me. The previously neat office was a mess; filing cabinets were open and papers strewn everywhere. Ti'Grenna's fellow goblin stood defiantly between two sturdy guards who were holding onto her tightly. Her weapons had been taken from her and lay on the desk.
The commander looked at me, thinking maybe I could be of use.
"They caught this creature going through my private papers; spying!" he said angrily.
"I need to know if the other one is working with it."
Ti'Grenna gazed at Perriiov in dismay.
"Why, Perriiov?" she asked. "You said you could help me find material for my engineering. Why do this?"
Perriiov glared at her."Fool!" she hissed. Ti'Grenna began to weep quietly.
"What are you asking me to do?" I asked the commander.
"Use your magic. Find out the truth."
"My magic is for healing, not what you are asking. All I can do is listen to her and tell you what I feel."
He nodded, realising that I meant what I said. I crouched in front of Ti'Grenna and spoke gently to her, encouraging her to tell the commander what she had told me. Hesitantly she did so. She was a very insecure person I realised. Her family, all members of the Steamwheedle Cartel, had not encouraged her desire to become a mage; so she'd left her home and travelled to Kalimdor in search of a teacher. She'd been persuaded to fall in with Perriiov's suggestions, hoping to earn the money to pay for the lessons she wanted. She readily answered all our questions, not trying to hide anything. The bravado she'd shown earlier was just a show to hide her fear.
I stood and looked at the commander. "I believe her," I said. "I don't sense any falseness or trickery about her. I'm sure she wasn't involved."
He agreed. "But she can't stay here," he said.
"She'll leave with me," I told him. "I'll be moving on in a few days."
The commander turned to stare at Perriiov. "This one, however, won't be going free. It was caught red-handed going through private documents. That is proof enough of guilt for me."
He gestured to the guards and they marched Perriiov out to lock her up in a cell. I took charge of Ti'Grenna and led her outside. Lizabetha was waiting for me. Briefly I explained what had happened and ended by telling her that I'd be leaving with the young goblin in a few days.
"I'll miss you," she said softly as we walked down the road. I stopped and looked at her.
"Why not come with us," I suggested. "You'd be more than welcome. Just as friends if that's what you prefer."
"I might do that," she replied.
We escorted Ti'Grenna back to her camp where she resumed her sorting. She put some of the bags to one side untouched.
"Those belong to Perriiov," she explained. "I can't take them."
I called a guard over and explained. Neither Ti'Grenna nor I knew what was in them so I suggested they should be searched for weapons. It was up to the commander if he wanted to give the rest of their contents to his prisoner. The guard took the bags away. I told Ti'Grenna to finish sorting her stuff so that she was ready to leave when I was; then Lizabetha and I went back to the inn.
There was nothing keeping me at the outpost. After all I'd only stopped there for some rest. I was just giving my companions time to sort themselves out. In the end we left only two days later. Lizabetha had her own horse, a fiery hoofed warlock mount which she could summon from another dimension when she needed it. Very handy I thought; she didn't have to worry about feeding or grooming it. The little goblin had been walking before; so we divided Ti'Grenna's bags between the horses and we all walked. We'd decided to head for Karnum's Glade in the Cenarion Wildlands at the heart of Desolace. Our way took us towards Sargeron to join the road we needed. Ti'Grenna however was very nervous about that, and unwilling to go on. Lizabetha paused for a moment to cast a spell, a summoning. The air near her began to shimmer and a strange looking creature appeared. Four legged with dark scaly hide and long tail, horns and tentacles, and a pointed jaw full of sharp teeth; it was a fearsome beast. It lumbered up to Lizabetha's side and stood there as though awaiting orders. She rested her hand on its head and gazed silently at it for a moment, then turned to Ti'Grenna.
"You don't need to worry now. Jhaadhun will keep anything from bothering us."
Ti'Grenna stared at it. "What is it?" she asked.
"Jhaadhun is a felhunter, a demon. Warlocks can summon demons to help us in battle. Just like mages can summon elementals and death knights summon the dead," Lizabetha explained. Ti'Grenna seemed happy with that and we continued on our way.
Something Lizabetha had said puzzled me and I asked her about it.
"What did you mean about death knights summoning the dead?"
"Didn't you know? They use a similar spell to the one I just used and summon a body from the grave to fight at their side."
I shuddered in disgust. I couldn't believe that Nerissina or Gillaen would do that. And yet... I'd seen the way they behaved when the hunger controlled them. Anything was possible. I guess I really didn't know them that well any more.
"I'm sorry, Arrentai, I assumed you knew."
I shook my head and walked on in silence lost in my thoughts. Considerately Lizabetha left me in peace and distracted Ti'Grenna from pestering me.