A/N: Sorry for the delay in getting this latest part out to you all! Life has been hectic of late, and finding the time to properly type these up can be hard. I will try to get them out to you as often as I can. Thank you for your patience!
Chapter 8
Journey across the Waters
Erthos woke with a long yawn, stretching out as he did so. His body ached slightly as he stood up, rubbing his eyes. Looking around, he soon worked out why. He was in a cave.
"Good morning" came the chilled voice of Rastuazi suddenly, causing Erthos to jump. Turning, he saw her sitting in what looked to be the darkest corner of the small cave.
"Morning" Erthos said, casting a quick look outside the cave before looking back to Rastuazi. "Are you ok?" he asked her with a slight frown, noticing that she seemed to be in a rough state.
"No…" Rastuazi said slowly, shaking her head slightly as she did so. "My resurrection does not seem to have finished… I cannot go out into the sunlight without becoming very weakened."
Erthos blinked slowly, looking at Rastuazi before looking back outside again. The sun was indeed shining brightly outside.
"Well, we can't wait until sunset to move again…" Erthos said slowly. "Who knows who might find us…"
"Don't you think I know that!?" Rastuazi growled, causing Erthos to take a step back in shock at the sudden outburst. Rastuazi herself let out a sigh, closing her eyes.
"Sorry…" she said slowly, shaking her head. "I am not angry at you…I am simply…Annoyed at this weakness…" Erthos remained silent for a few moments, looking at Rastuazi as he did so. He could tell that this revelation deeply affected her, urging him to want to help her.
With a slight nod, he turned on his heel and walked out of the cave, moving to his bag. He searched through its contents before finally taking hold of what he wanted. He quickly pulled it out and walked back into the cave to Rastuazi, who looked at him with a slightly puzzled look.
"This should help" he said with a nod and a smile. He held out his hands to show a full length piece of black material with a silver border. Rastuazi reached out and took hold of the item in her hand, removing one of her gauntlets for a moment to feel the material.
"Is this…Runecloth?" she asked quietly, tilting her head to the side as she looked at the material in the slight dark of the cave.
"Yes, a Runecloth cloak, to be precise" Erthos said with a nod. "It has a hood to it, so that you can cover your face from the sun, and it can just rest over your shoulders. It has an open front as well, you see?" Erthos motioned for Rastuazi to stand up and put it on, a request the Death Knight accepted with a slight sigh.
Standing upright, she threw the cloak around her shoulders, fastening it in place around her neck. As she did so, she couldn't help but smile slightly at how soft it felt against her exposed skin. After adjusting it slightly, she reached behind her and pulled the hood up over her head, slight amounts of her hair spilling down over the front of her shoulders.
"It suits you…" Erthos said with a soft smile. "Does it fit ok?" Rastuazi nodded slightly from under the hood before walking out into the sun, a faint smile playing on her lips as she is shielded from its rays by the cloak, no longer feeling weakened by it.
"…Thank you, Erthos…" she said quietly, turning her head slightly to look back into the cave. Erthos simply smiled and nodded, walking out to join her.
"It's the least I could do" he said, reaching out and gently placing a hand on Rastuazi's shoulder. "Do you want something to eat before we go?" he asked her before moving to his bag, opening it again and looking through its contents.
"I do not need to eat…" Rastuazi said quietly, shaking her head slightly. Erthos looked at Rastuazi for a moment, pondering what to say, finally opting to simply nod and not chase the issue. Pulling a piece of bread from the bag, Erthos quickly ate it whilst Rastuazi gently petted Nightmare.
"How long do you think it will take us to get to where we want to go?" Erthos asked his travelling companion as he walked up to her. Rastuazi looked over to Erthos and studied him for a moment as the robe shifted slightly in the cool breeze that blew between them.
"On the back of Nightmare, it wont take us long" she said, looking back at Nightmare, petting him some more. "We should be able to get past the Undercity in no time at all, really."
Erthos found himself shudder slightly at the mention of the Undercity, his mind going back to what had happened the last time he was there. He stomach turned slightly as he remembered the abominations, trying its best to make the bread he had just eaten come back up again.
"You arent going to throw up again, are you?" Rastuazi asked, looking at Erthos with a smirk as she watched his hand move to his stomach. "I would rather you didn't ruin my new cloak. I have only just got it…"
Erthos couldn't help but let out a slight laugh at Rastuazi's comment, shaking his head as he did so.
"Don't worry, I wont ruin your cloak" he said with a smile. "So long as we don't have to deal with any more abominations, of course…"
Rastuazi shook her head slightly still smiling. She stood still for a moment, her face obscured by the cloak. When she next spoke, her voice seemed unnaturally soft.
"Erthos…I want to apologise…" she said slowly, turning to face the warlock. Erthos looked at her with slight surprise. After all, what did she have to apologise for? "I...am sorry for almost attacking you yesterday, when we first encountered each other again."
Erthos blinked and shook his head slightly, smiling as he did so.
"You have nothing to be sorry for" he said warmly, reaching out and gently placing a hand on Rastuazi's arm. "You weren't in your right mind, after all."
"Even so…" she said, moving away slightly. "I could have hurt you, or worse, and then I would still be under the control of my former master."
"But you didn't hurt me" Erthos said, watching Rastuazi quietly. "You saved me, and now you are free from your old master…"
"Not completely…" Rastuazi said quietly, looking down at her hands, clenching them into fists. She knew that no matter how hard she tried, she would never be able to escape the mark that the Scourge had now left on her.
"Come on, we best get going" she suddenly said, walking into the cave and picking up her sword from its resting place, leant up against a wall. "The day is ticking on, after all."
Erthos nodded in agreement as Rastuazi came back out and slid her sword into a holder that was attached to the side of the saddle on Nightmares back. In one swift motion, Rastuazi climbed onto the back of her mount and held out her hand to Erthos, who took it and climbed up behind the Death Knight.
With a kick to Nightmares side, which caused the Deathcharger to raise itself up on its back legs, the two of them were soon speeding through the Western Plaguelands. Everything around them became a blur to Erthos as they went faster and faster, an almost unholy aura surrounding them, seeming to propel them onwards.
Rastuazi kept her head down as the wind tried its best to pull her hood back over her head, failing to do so each time. As they came closer to the border into Tirisfal Glades, a question formed in Rastuazi's mind.
"Erthos…" she said, tilting her head to the side so that the Blood Elf could hear her. "How long was I dead for…?" She had tried to work it out for herself, but had been unable to. She could remember how she had died, what it had felt like, and then the next thing she was waking up in front of her new master.
Erthos looked at Rastuazi for a moment as she asked him the question. He couldn't help but wonder why she wanted to know, but simply shrugged inwardly before responding.
"A little over a month, why?" he asked her, having to raise his voice slightly to be heard over the noise of the rushing wind as they rode past the border and into the Glades.
"A month…" Rastuazi said quietly, looking up in time to see a Forsaken troop on the path ahead. She kept her head down as they moved past, none of them seeming to sense anything odd about a cloaked traveller and their companion on the road.
"I feel like a criminal on the run…" she found herself saying with a slight laugh, causing a short laugh from Erthos as well. She turned her head again once the patrol was far behind them. "Did you stay with the Argent the entire time?"
"Yes" Erthos said with a nod, adjusting his grip around Rastuazi's waist as he did so. "They purified the amulet whilst I was there, as well as trained me in armed and magical combat."
Rastuazi nodded slightly, looking back in the direction they were travelling. She had noticed there was a vast improvement in how Erthos operated in combat. She felt a slight twinge in her heart at having not been able to watch him progress, or even train him herself.
Above them, there was a loud rumble as the weather started to darken. Erthos looked up in time to see rain start to pour down.
"Stop a moment" he yelled over the sound of the heavy rain as he started to get soaked through. Rastuazi nodded and pulled on the reigns, bringing Nightmare to a gentle trot before stopping all together.
As quick as he could, Erthos rummaged through his bag and pulled out another black cloak, minus the silver border that Rastuazi's had, and slung it on. As soon as it was secure, he pulled the hood over his head, shielding himself from the rain, and motioned for Rastuazi to continue.
Ahead of them, the entrance to the Undercity started to get ever closer. Rastuazi made sure that her face was covered as they rode along, whilst Erthos felt his gut twist with nerves. Right now would be the worst time for them to get caught, right outside the entrance to the Undercity.
Erthos was thankful to see that no one bothered with them as they rode past. One of the guards seemed to glance at them as they rode by, but made no motion to stop them for any reason. As they rode, the rain started to sting on Erthos' face anytime it managed to strike him, causing him to lean in closer to Rastuazi for more cover.
The rain continued to pour down on them as they rode in silence through Tirisfal Glade. Soon, things started to change around them, more trees taking up the area around them. They had just passed into Silverpine Forest.
It was with a slight sorrow that Rastuazi looked at the various wolves, worgen and bears that stalked the forest. They were all watching the two of them ride through, but were also backing away to avoid them.
"Most things seem to avoid me now…" Rastuazi muttered under breath as the unholy aura around the Death Knight increased, causing Nightmare to run even faster.
Erthos looked around slightly as he felt the sudden increase in speed, his grip on Rastuazi tightening slightly. He couldn't help but feel sadness take shape in his heart after hearing her mutter to herself.
At least she has me…he thought to himself as he let out a slight sigh. With a sudden tug on the reigns, Rastuazi took Nightmare off of the path and to the side, trees whizzing past them as they dodged and weaved through them.
"Hey Zy…I mean Rastuazi, where are we going?" Erthos asked, having to catch his tongue slightly as he found himself nearly calling Rastuazi Zyathri. Rastuazi sighed slightly, having caught up on the slip up, but didn't say anything about it.
"I was thinking a change of scenery" she called out over the sound of the wind rushing past them. "We are going to Ashenvale. Its somewhere different, plus as good a place as ay to go to get the amulet far away. Of course, it is in Kalimdor…"
Erthos furrowed his brow slightly as he is told they are going to Ashenvale. Kalimdor wasn't exactly a quick trip away. How were they going to get there?
Ahead of them, through the trees, Erthos could see the coast line getting closer and closer. Rastuazi seemed to be egging Nightmare on faster and faster as they got closer.
"Rastuazi…" Erthos said, slight panic forming in his voice as the water came rushing towards them. Rastuazi remained silent as they charged onwards, smiling to herself as they did.
"Don't worry, were not swimming" she suddenly said, followed shortly by the air around them seeming to chill, tiny particles of ice taking shape around Nightmares hooves.
Erthos let out a loud yelp as they finally came into contact with the water, gripping Rastuazi tightly and shutting his eyes tight. He waited for the inevitable cold water to strike them, soaking them through. When it didn't come, he slowly opened his eyes.
"How…?" he asked as he looked down at the water that was now rushing beneath them both, Nightmare running along its surface as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Rastuazi smiled underneath her hood at Erthos' reaction before motioning to the particles of ice that hung in the air around them, as well as around Nightmares feet.
"I suppose being what I am might prove to be useful" she said with a faint chuckle. "I wasn't always able to cross water like this." Inside herself, Rastuazi felt herself starting to accept what she had become. After all, it meant she was able to spend more time with Erthos, right?
"That would come in very handy" Erthos said over the wind as Nightmare raced across the waters surface. They had now left the rain behind them, which Erthos considered to be a blessing as he now found it very hard to keep his hood up, thanks to the wind which took it upon itself to blow his hair and robes all over the place.
As they raced across the waters surface, leaving nothing behind but the ripples caused by Nightmares hooves, the two of them remained quiet. Rastuazi knew that, although Nightmare was fast, it was going to take them a short while to reach Kalimdor.
"Erthos…" she suddenly said, breaking the silence between the two of them. Erthos leant to the side slightly so he could better hear Rastuazi.
"I…really am sorry for attacking you…" she said slowly, shaking her head slightly. "I did not know who you were, nor who I was… I was not in control of my actions…"
Erthos shook his head slightly and smiled.
"Rastuazi, It's ok, really" he said, giving Rastuazi a slight squeeze. "Like you said, you weren't in control of your action, so I don't hold it against you."
Rastuazi nodded slightly and smiled faintly. Although she still felt bad for what had happened, she was glad to know that Erthos didn't hold it against her.
Erthos turned his head slightly as Nightmare ferried them across the vast ocean, looking out to the horizon. Looking to his right, in the sky he could make out the shape of one of the Zeppelins that the Horde favoured, probably ferrying someone from Orgrimmar to the Undercity. To his left, however, he could make out the shape of an Alliance ship. Thankfully it was too far away to be of any risk to them, but it was still an unnerving sight for Erthos to see.
By time the duo had reached the shores again, the sun had started to descend in the skies, casting an orange glow everywhere. Erthos found the transition from Nightmare running on water to the mighty steed running on dry land again to be quite noticeable.
Whereas on the water, it had been quite a smooth journey, on the land Erthos was sure he could feel every bump and crack through the horse. Of course… he thought to himself, throwing a quick glance backwards at the water as it moved further away, I may have just been sitting here for too long…
"We will stop soon…" Rastuazi suddenly said from beneath her hood, almost as if she had read Erthos' mind about being sat still for too long. Erthos wondered where they would stop, considering how things currently looked around them.
Everything was dry and down trodden. There were a few spots where grass was growing, usually around small patches of water. Overheard the occasional bird could be seen, looking to be searching for food.
Tugging on Nightmares reigns, Rastuazi guided them up a well trodden hill. Erthos caught sight of a sign that had the word Ratchet chiselled onto it. Turning his attention to the view ahead of them, Erthos watched as the small town came into view around them.
Inhabited by Goblins, Erthos watched as they glanced up at Nightmare, Rastuazi bringing their ride to a gentle trot. None of the Goblins seemed to care about the presence of the Death Knight, either that or they didn't notice Rastuazi was one.
"Resting here for a moment would be a good idea" Rastuazi said as she brought Nightmare to a stop next to a small stable. Might as well take advantage of the lack of hostility… Rastuazi thought to herself as the various Goblins returned to their tasks. "We can also get you some food…"
Erthos nodded as he carefully climbed down off of Nightmare, stretching out his back and legs once his feet were firmly on the ground. He was not used to riding on a mount for long periods of time, so his muscles complained at him at every possible chance.
"What about you?" Erthos asked as he turned to look at Rastuazi, offering her a hand, which she took as she climbed down off of the back of Nightmare. "You haven't eaten anything all day. Aren't you hungry?"
Rastuazi seemed to stiffen up slightly as she regarded Erthos' question, slowly letting go of his hand. Shaking her head slightly, some of her silver hair falling out from behind her hood, Rastuazi turned around, laying a hand lightly on Nightmares side.
"I do not need to eat…" she said quietly, running her hand across Nightmare as the horse drank its fill of water. In truth, Rastuazi knew that thanks to her resurrection, she would likely never need to eat again, a fact that noticeably bothered her.
"I see…" Erthos responded as he looked at the back of Rastuazi. He caught the hidden meaning in what she had said, a feeling of pity washing over him, causing him to reach out and lightly place a hand on Rastuazi's arm. The female Blood Elf seemed to relax slightly at the touch, turning on the spot to look at Erthos with a faint smile.
"Come, let us find you something to eat" she said quietly, walking away from Nightmare. Erthos nodded and followed beside her, his eyes scanning around. There looked to be quite a few merchants peddling their wares, the occasional Orc and Tauren standing at a stall as they made their purchases.
Erthos quickly caught sight of a food merchant, a troll who currently had his back turned to them. Erthos moved over to the troll, Rastuazi following silently behind him, still acting as a guard to the young Warlock.
Hearing approaching customers, the troll turns on the spot, giving Erthos a toothy grin. The grin quickly fades, however, when he catches sight of Rastuazi. Erthos quickly notices the shift in the trolls body language; a tensing up his muscles, hands shaking slightly. The corners of Erthos' mouth drop slightly as he throws a look to Rastuazi, knowing that this reaction would affect her.
"No way, mon" the troll said, shaking his head as he took a step back. "I ain't serving no scourge. Not ever, mon!" Rastuazi felt a surge of anger rise up inside her as she took a step forwards, leaning in close to the troll, her hand reaching behind her and wrapping around the hilt to her blade.
"It is not me, you are serving" she said slowly, her voice dripping with malice and chill. "You will serve him, and you will do so politely."
The troll stammered slightly as he looked into Rastuazi's glowing eyes, the Death Knights hand tightening its grip on her blade as she started to slowly unsheathe it. Around them, the other people in the small town started to look at what was going on with interest.
"H-how may I help you, m-mon.." the troll managed to get out, looking to Erthos with a panicked look. Erthos returned the trolls look with a slightly nervous laugh. He quickly picked up some fresh bread, as well as taking some loose change from his coin purse, passing it to the troll who took it, almost dropping the coins thanks to his shaking hands.
"Good…" Rastuazi said, standing up straight and pushing her blade back into its holder. She threw the troll one last look before both her and Erthos walked away, leaving the troll to calm himself down.
Walking a short distance away, Erthos sat himself down on the top of a small hill, looking out across the land, Rastuazi standing beside him. Reaching into his pouch, Erthos took out a piece of meat which he rested on his lap as he tore the bread in half length ways before placing the piece of meat in-between the two halves.
As he took a bite, Rastuazi quietly sat down beside Erthos, her face still mostly covered by the Runecloth cloak. Her head tilted skywards for a moment, looking at the reds and purples that started to take form as the sun continued to sink even further below the horizon.
"I wouldn't normally threaten someone like that…" Rastuazi said quietly, breaking the silence between the two of them. She looked down at the ground beneath her, her loose hair swaying slightly in a gentle breeze. When she next spoke, Rastuazi's voice was deathly quiet. "It seems a lot has changed about me…"
Erthos looked at Rastuazi silently for a moment before scooting closer to her, gently placing an arm around the Death Knight and offering her a gentle smile. The female Blood Elf tensed up slightly at the touch but soon relaxed, seeming to almost smile behind her hood.
"The sun is setting…" Erthos said quietly as he watched the burning ball of fire disappear, shadows being cast all around them. Rastuazi smiled even more as she watched the sight, reaching up and pulling her hood down to reveal her face.
Up close Erthos took a good look at Rastuazi's face. Her skin appeared to be perfect, flawless and yet full of life, betraying the fact that she was technically dead. Her eyes were glowing softly in the evening light, her silver hair shinning ever so slightly. The entire sight brought a smile to Erthos' face.
Rastuazi didn't seem to notice Erthos as he studied her face, instead her attention focused on the setting sun. She didn't know why, but watching the event was calming her down, soothing her troubled soul. Or perhaps it was Erthos' arm that was wrapped around her. She wasn't sure either way, but enjoyed it none the less.
Letting out a soft sigh, Rastuazi closed her eyes, resting her head on Erthos' shoulder. The young Blood Elf blinked in surprise at the action, watching Rastuazi as she adjusted herself slightly, getting comfortable before seeming to just fall asleep.
"Rest well, Rastuazi…" Erthos whispered quietly, letting out a soft chuckle as he gently brushed a piece of hair from Rastuazi's face, tucking it behind her ear. Rastuazi remained still against Erthos as he returned his attention to the horizon.
As the sun finally vanished from view, leaving nothing but a faint glow in the sky, Nightmare quietly moved up beside Erthos, letting out a slightly distorted grunt, making him jump slightly. At hearing the noise. Rastuazi seemed to sir slightly in her sleep, letting out a yawn before simply getting comfortable again.
After glancing at Rastuazi, Erthos looked to Nightmare, reaching out and lightly petting the horse on the nose, the powerful steed shaking its head slightly before resting down beside him.
"So what's your take on all of this?" Erthos whispered quietly to the horse, not wanting to wake Rastuazi. Nightmare responds by leaning its head closer, licking at Erthos' cheek, causing him to chuckle lightly. With a smile, Erthos reached into his bag and pulled out a small water bottle, unscrewing its top and drinking from its contents.
Resting against him, Rastuazi's brow started to furrow as she begun to stir in her sleep. Erthos looked at her with concern as she stirred more, letting out what sounded like a whimper. Reaching up, Erthos lightly stroked Rastuazi's cheek, hoping it would comfort her. Instead, the Death Knights eyes shot wide open.
"Rastuazi..?" Erthos asked quietly as she pulled away from Erthos quickly, bringing her knees to her chest. Erthos could see Rastuazi shivering slightly, a shiver that was born from fear rather than cold.
"Rastuazi, what is it?" Erthos asked as he got onto his knees and moved so he was positioned in front of her. Slowly, Rastuazi raised her head and looked to Erthos, tears rolling down her cheeks. The sight seemed to shock Erthos as he looked at Rastuazi, her bottom lip quivering slightly as she tried to hold back the tears.
Almost as if she wasn't aware of what had happened, Rastuazi shook her head, wiping the tears away from her cheeks and taking a deep breath. Closing her eyes, Rastuazi exhaled slowly, calming her self down as the shivering stopped.
"It is nothing…" she said quietly, turning her head to look away from Erthos, trying to hide the sad expression that was present on her face. In truth, it was more than nothing. Her mind had been plagued with images of her death, of the immense pain and anguish at being risen as a slave.
"I don't believe it was nothing…" Erthos said, reaching out and gently placing a hand on Rastuazi's arm. "What is it? You can trust me…" His voice sounded unusually soft and caring to Rastuazi as she slowly turned to look at the young Blood Elf again, tears taking shape once more, the thoughts and images rushing back into her mind.
"My death is haunting me…" Rastuazi said quietly, her gaze holding Erthos' as she spoke. A slight chill went through Erthos' spine as he heard her voice, cold and hollow. "I don't think I can take this much longer…I will not continue a monster…"
Rastuazi's eyes seemed to glaze over, almost as if she was retreating into her own mind. Erthos watched her quietly, unsure what to do or say. A shock ran through his body as he watched her hand reach up behind her, going for her sword. It took only a second for his mind to register what she was going to do, and only another for his hand to snake out and wrap around hers.
"I'm here for you" Erthos whispered quietly, slowly pulling Rastuazi's hand back away from her blade. "I'm here to help you." Erthos tried to smile gently as Rastuazi looked to him, but his smile faltered as he saw the slight look of anger on her face.
"You can't change the past" she said, her voice sounding angry as she pulled her hand back, letting it drop down onto the floor as she looked away. Rastuazi sighed slightly as her emotions boiled beneath her skin, her anger and sorrow aching to be released. When she spoke again, her voice was unusually quiet "Why do you care so much…"
"No, I can't change the past" Erthos said slowly as he placed his hands onto his lap, watching Rastuazi. "But I can change the future. As for why I care…" Erthos paused for a moment, his mouth open, trying to find the right words, as Rastuazi turned her head slowly to look at him. Her eyes studied him, as if looking, hoping, for a certain answer. When nothing came out, Rastuazi shook her head, her face showing anger and sorrow again as she rose to her feet.
"It doesn't matter. Caring doesn't matter... It is dangerous and it will get you killed" she said, her voice bitter. "Believe me…I know…" Erthos felt himself flinch inwardly as Rastuazi's words struck deep, the Death Knight turning and moving to Nightmare who was now also standing. With one swift movement, she was on the back of her mount, hand out stretched to Erthos. "…Lets go…" she said quietly.
Erthos looked at the offered hand, then up at Rastuazi before simply shaking his head. Intentional or not, what Rastuazi had said had hurt him deeply,
"No, I'll take mine…" Erthos said quietly, turning away as he summoned his own steed. With a slight flash, his Felsteed appeared and Erthos climbed on, riding up beside Rastuazi in the dark. "Let's go then..."
Rastuazi watched Erthos quietly for a moment, her hand still outstretched, a blank expression on her face. Slowly, she pulled her hand back, inside the sorrow and anger only growing.
"Fine…" she said slowly, a cold dark aura seeming to radiate from her. With a slight kick into Nightmares side, causing the mighty beast to raise itself onto its back legs, the Death Knight sped off into the night, not bothering to check her speed, seeming to no longer care, leaving Erthos to slowly fall behind.
A short distance away, in the town of Ratchet, the Goblins were hurrying around. Although the middle of the night was now descending upon them, that didn't stop the small green men and women from trying to sell their wares. After all, adventurers could turn up at any time of day. As they hurried about, a figure entered their midst, walking softly, their face hidden behind a large hood.
"I am looking for two Blood Elves" the person said, their voice carrying a feminine softness with it. "A young boy and an older female." The lone figure was greeted by silence as they stood in the middle of the market place. Letting out an annoyed sigh, they reached into their long flowing robes and pulled out a bag filled with coins. Instantly, one of the Goblins sprinted over, grabbing the bag before any of his fellows could.
"They went that way!" the Goblin said, pointing a podgy finger in a direction to the north as he weighed the coin bag in his other hand. Bowing slightly, the stranger span on their heel and moved in the direction indicated.