A/N: Please note that this is of course Fan Fiction, therefore the events described would be slightly deviated from the orginal telling.
And nope, I in fact do not own Warcraft or anything else I write about.
Chapter 5 Purpose
After the surviving Elves had been running for a few minutes, Arlandria formed a clear idea of where they were going. She imagined that the plan was to flank the city and enter through a secret entrance behind the royal keep. Such knowledge was extremely restricted and was only bestowed upon her when she achieved the rank of Captain. Nobody was speaking and everyone was tired and worn, yet nobody would dare stop.
Arlandria's thoughts turned evermore to Jullena and Foinus, her two beautiful children. The runner was instructed to find them and get them in Silvermoon, thinking it would be the safest place. But as it looked now, the city was rapidly becoming a death trap. They were both so small, so full of life and energy. She tried as hard as she could to push those fearful thoughts out of her mind.
The sounds of destruction and chaos were ringing in the distance. Everyone had the feeling that Silvermoon had already been breeched and could not hold out for long.
"Just to think," Arlandria whispered to herself. "Yesterday had been so normal, and today everyone and everything is fading away."
Sylvanas turned to look at her, obviously hearing her low murmur.
Sylvanas said, "Nothing really disappears Captain, not entirely, everything comes back to us eventually, in one form or another."
Arlandria tried to smile at her General's acknowledgement, but could not force herself to, she only nodded and gave her thanks. The march began to slow as she could see the city in the distance, bathed in moonlight and fire. The enchanted entrance was within sight for those who knew it. Sylvanas raised her hand for everyone to stop, then walked to a small mound that was just high enough for her to see over the tops of everyone's head.
"Take a rest," Sylvanas called out for all to hear.
All the Elves dropped their gear and went to the ground, gracious to finally be still and off of their tired feet.
The one Elf that remained standing was Sylvanas, who stood solitarily on the low dirt mound and looked out at everyone, probably counting the number of survivors with her moving eyes. Arlandria for the first time looked back to see how many were following, from where she sat there seemed to be a large amount. Scanning her own eyes through the light darkness for faces she knew, she happened to spot Vupila, her best and perhaps now, only Lieutenant. She rose up and moved around the resting Elves to sit next to her.
"Suprised to still see me alive?" Vupila said, and tried to smile.
"No, I am not suprised at all," Arlandria returned seriously.
"I do not understand why everyone is dying around me, yet I am unharmed," Vupila said.
Arlandria put her arm around her Lieutenant's shoulders and said. "It is not your time to leave us."
"But it should be," Vupila said.
"No it is n-" Arlandria began defiantly, but a silence rippled through the crowd as Lady Sylvanas had her hand raised high to capture everyone's attention so she could speak.
"My brave soldiers," Sylvanas began. "There is grim hope now left for our people, Silvermoon will fall by the time the sun rises. That is not my greatest concern however, the city will fall, but it is our people that we must save. We must move into the city and evacuate as many as we can, leading them back through this entrance and into secret places in the deeper forests." Sylvanas spoke before becoming interrupted.
"It is folly to go back into the city when we are safe here already," the same Commander said.
Sylvanas paused and looked at him coldly before continuing.
"The destruction of the Sunwell is my greatest concern, without it we will all wither away. It seems that nothing can be done to prevent its destruction."
Sylvanas stopped talking and sighed deeply, a sense of failure to her obligations coursing through her.
After a moment Sylvanas looked up and went on. "Our people should be safe in seclusion for a short while, the butcher has come for our sunwell, with all hope they will not pursue us althroughout Quel 'Thalas. All of you have fought and bled next to me and as such I will force none of you to come with me. Those who wish to follow the pathways away from the city now may go, just know that I will need as many as will join me to try and save our people."
Many Elves looked around at each other and quite a high amount stood up and walked away into the trees. The last three high Commanders also left, sparing Lady Sylvanas one last despairing look. Arlandria and Vupila stayed where they were, determined to never give up the fight. Sylvanas silently stood and watched more than a quarter of her force leave, then pointed towards Arlandria and beckoned her to come forward.
Jumping to her feet and rushing through the crowd quickly, Arlandria stood in front of her General and bowed.
"Let's take a walk," said Sylvanas.
They moved off the short mound and into the trees, away from the eyes and ears of the others. As they both slowly walked, Sylvanas began talking.
"I do not know you as well as I wished, but I know well your reputation and resolve. You are the best subordinate I have now, you are now my second in command Lady Arlandria."
Arlandria froze and bowed low, and repeately gave her thanks for the gratification. Sylvanas waved it away and continued.
"Of course Arlandria, you know this means that should anything happen to me, that you would be in command of the remainder of our forces."
"Yes My Lady Sylvanas, I understand," Arlandria said.
"As of now our force stands at 186, strong and able," said Sylvanas.
Arlandria was not shocked or suprised to hear that the numbers were so diminished, it was the acceptance of her fears that caused her mild panic at hearing this.
"Lead our people through this Arlandria, if I am not able, resist them until there is none left. A day will come when the sun will shine on the glory of Quel' Thalas and our people rejuevanted."
Arlandria saluted and vowed to keep this promise to the end.
End of Chapter 5