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 6 Saving
The secret pathway to Silvermoon was choked with blood and the stench of death. Along the way several royal guards were found, it appeared the blood had only recently dried. Towards the final door stood two Archmages, who hastily raised their staves upon seeing movement.
"Identify yourself before I fill this tunnel with fire!" an Archmage shouted.
"Ranger General Sylvanas Windrunner, and my unit," Sylvanas said coming forward.
"Stay where you are Lady Windrunner," said the Archmage with his staff still raised. "There is a traitor in our ranks," he continued. "These guards were not killed by the undead, they were killed by those leaving the city, not coming in."
"Are you raising accusation against me? I have not been near Silvermoon in weeks," Sylvanas said.
"Yes, well, please understand My Lady that until the traitor is identified, I cannot open the way for anyone," the Archmage spoke with a worrisome note in his voice.
"Step aside," said Sylvanas, her voice deadly. "I have come to lead our people out of the city, I have no time to waste here with you."
"Yes, but, please unde-" began the sentry.
"I answer only to the will of King Sunstrider, now step aside!" Sylvanas commanded.
Her hands twitching towards her bow if the worst should come, but the Archmages yielded.
"I will need you both to keep this post and protect those who come through," Sylvanas said.
Both Archmages nodded, their pride slightly damaged. The unit resumed its pace as it ran through the palace. The few that were passed by, bowed and saluted the return of Lady Sylvanas. They searched frantically for the King, but he was nowhere to be found.
No more delay could be afforded now, they must press forward with their mission whether the King approved or not. They rushed down the long staircase into the main square. There they saw hundreds of scared faces staring upwards towards them. Arlandria looked quickly with her eyes for her children among the crowd, but could not see them. Though there were many children mixed into the panic striken mass of Elves.
Upon seeing Sylvanas and the battle hardened Elves behind her, the crowd erupted in cheers of hope and salvation. Sylvanas stopped near the base of the stairs and raised her hands high to silence the crowd.
"Listen to me, listen well," Sylvanas shouted. "I am ordering the city of Silvermoon to evacuate, all are advised to follow your kin through the palace and into the wooded sanctuaries. Depend on my Rangers to guide you, there is no hope left for the city now."
After hearing this, nearly all of the crowd rushed forward towards the staircase in a panic. Sylvanas quickly turned and pointed for a dozen Rangers to guide them out. Arlandria still kept her eyes vigilant, but could not see her children. The crowd split into two parts as the unit rushed through the middle.
Sylvanas stopped in the middle of the now deserted square and called back to her unit.
"Split into four groups and go through the four gates leading out of this square, expect enemy contact, save as many as you can. We will return here and secure this area until all four groups have returned, now go quickly," said Sylvanas.
She signaled Arlandria to stay close to her.
The Elves scrambled across the massive square and through the different gateways. The part of the city that Sylvanas, Arlandria and the handful of Elves behind them entered into was still intact with no visible Scourge around. They ran through the streets shouting for everyone to escape, only to be heard by the few that lingered. Sylvanas realized the Sunwell was not far from here, she shifted direction and ran towards it at top speed. All the while, everyone shouting for an escape through the palace as being the only hope.
Elves still guarded the gateways to the Sunwell and as the unit approached, the doors were thrown open. There on the levels of the mystic Sunwell stood King Sunstrider and the most powerful Mages and Archmages still alive. The Mages were rushing frantically to place runestones and powerful magical objects in place. Sylvanas went forward quickly and kneeled down in front of her King.
"King Sunstrider," Sylvanas said, rising to her feet. "I have ordered the survivors of the city to flee to the dense woodlands, perhaps, My Lord, it would be safer if you joined us."
"That is good Sylvanas, but there is no escape for me, a King would not leave this place while he can still fight," said King Sunstrider.
"But My Lord," protested Sylvanas, "Our people need you."
"Our people need the continuation of the Sunwell, and I will defend it as long as I can. Look around you Sylvanas, these are the finest Sorcerers in all of Azeroth, with the enchantments they will create here, the undead will never defile the waters of the Sunwell," said the King.
Sylvanas kept the pleading look on her face.
King Sunstrider strode forward and gently placed his hands on her shoulders and said.
"We all choose our path My General, I will protect our people here, it is up to you to protect them elsewhere."
Sylvanas nodded and saluted her King one last time.
End of Chapter 6