4 - You Black Devil!

I remained on Alarii's shoulder as the battle-weary troops trudged through the gates. Glancing west I could see a swirling mass, like a whirlpool of colour; a distortion in the air, through which these individuals had emerged. A portal I deduced, from the font of bizarre information in my brain.

There were a hundred different emotions written on those faces. As I listened to the warbled salutations, the varying words of comfort and some of heartfelt sorrow, I soon realised that the place I had escaped earlier was the very site these soldiers were returning from - this Dark Portal they spoke of. There was something strangely familiar yet annoyingly obscure about it within my hazy bank of knowledge.

Some of the soldiers were incoherent in their mumblings, clearly exhausted and still in shock by whatever catastrophe they had aided in preventing. Others helped colleagues into the compound, shouldering their weight or carrying them in on stretchers. Their wounds, although going by appearances, most had been treated to some degree, were still requiring urgent attention.

Watching them, I recalled all the people at the portal I had seen as I had soared over them earlier that day. I remembered the individuals who cast their spells and gifts of healing spreading over the hundreds of injured bodies around the broken portal; the walking trees; those with totems, others still who knelt with bandages to wrap the wounds. Nor did I forget the blue horned creatures and the large purple cloven-hoofed one.

My mind also visualised the female with wet eyes who cried out for someone most likely dear to her. The sensation of my heart contracting hit once more, pulling me from my reverie. I shuffled my feathers as I remained poised on Alarii's pauldron. I was awarded a few strange looks from the soldiers as they passed by, but generally, I was of no interest to them.

From the way they saluted Alarii, it dawned on me that she was not just an ordinary soldier. If I was not mistaken she was perhaps a lieutenant. I glanced across the courtyard and saw the hairy-faced man. He was looking over in our direction, silently watching as Alarri steered the troops into the compound and told them where to go according to the extent of their injuries. There was a certain look in his eyes. A look which I felt I knew - a look strangely familiar to me.

I turned my head towards Alarii and tapped my beak on her pauldron. When she paid no heed, I tapped again, and again until she looked at me. Once she did, I jerked my head and squawked in the direction of the hairy-faced man, then looked back at her, tilting my head as if curious - which, of course, I was. Her eyes followed my gesture to the subject of interest.

Instantly, she dropped her gaze and a small smile played upon her lips. She swallowed and looked up at me again. "That is Commander Jevon Barrie," she said quietly. "He and I were first to arrive back here after the portal collapsed. We have been readying the place for our troops to return. He is a very brave man and a good and fair leader. He is also a skilled tactician. Some have even likened him to General Turalyon." She turned her attention back to the arriving soldiers.

I looked back at Commander Barrie. He nodded very briefly, as if silently pleased with how Alarii was dealing with the incoming troops. He then turned and spoke to other soldiers close by, who quickly moved to carry out his orders.

The General Alarii had mentioned, Turalyon - another distant tug; a stubborn memory stored within my mind. Try as I might I could not unveil it. It seemed my mind was being particularly selective in its recall and certain snippets remained behind locked doors - for now. I would remember in time, of this I was certain. Well, I hoped I would, being more truthful. It was enough to know, simply going by the tone of reverence in Alarii's voice, this General Turalyon was indeed a man of honour and integrity.

A group of five soldiers passed close by and were directed to the left. The entire group were covered in dirt and dust, with dried blood smudges on exposed skin. Two helped a wounded comrade whose leg seemed to have been badly injured. His arms around their shoulders, they carried him over to a cot which had been hurriedly assembled. They laid him down and the other two, both female, started to work on his leg by removing the battered armour and torn britches. I watched, curious as they all rallied together to help their friend. "Stay still, Elias!" One of the women said.

"I'm tryin'!" The injured man hissed back. "You're not exactly gentle though, Carine." He let out an unearthly roar as she ripped his britches higher up his thigh. I could see an enormous gash on the outside of his leg and from it protruded a jagged metal spike. The two male colleagues kneeled and pinned Elias' shoulders and arms down, while the second female held his injured leg steady.

"Now Elias," Carine said. "This is going to hurt, but the healer is on his way. He's just at the next cot okay?"

The injured warrior stared hotly at the woman. "Just get on with it, wench!" He said, a half-hearted smile on his lips. Without hesitation, the woman grabbed the metal spike and started to pull it out. The others' grips tightened as Elias roared again. This time it sounded quite unlike that of any man. I watched in horror as his body started to sprout hair, the area of his injury being one of the first places to be covered. I flinched as his face distorted hideously and his jaw pushed forward, elongating and snarling with massive canines suddenly sliding down and up from his gums. His hands contorted and enormous deadly looking claws ripped through the flesh of what had been his fingertips.

I omitted a startled caw and flinched again as I felt Alarii's fingers stroking my chest. "Do not fret, raven," she said. "He is a worgen. His transformation actually lessens his pain and helps with the shard being removed. But, look - " she pointed to the cot next to Elias. A man in silvery white robes turned towards the worgen. Holding a long chain on which a talisman of sorts hung, he started waving his hands above the injured soldier. "The priest will also aid him, easing his pain and cleansing the wound. He will be fine, I assure you."

More wonders were displayed before my eyes as I watched the priest do his work. He mumbled some incantation while a golden effervescent substance swept out from his fingers and over the worgen. Elias started to calm and his form gradually reverted back to that of a human. His friends eased up on their hold of him as his body relaxed. Carine waited until the priest had finished his work and moved on to the next injured person. Quickly after she started bandaging Elias' wound. Once it was bound I saw her lean down and press her lips against his. I cocked my head at this. A warm feeling washed over me, followed by a touch of melancholy.

Alarii's soft voice managed to startle me slightly. "Even amidst war, some find love," she said, wistfully. I turned to look at her. Her eyes seemed moist and they were staring beyond me, beyond Elias and his friends. I followed her gaze. Commander Barrie was still issuing orders and working with others as the soldiers found places to rest and wait for injuries to be tended or simply receive sustenance after their arduous battle for survival. I understood then. Alarii didn't just admire the commander for his military presence, she had strong feelings for him. So why did she not act on them as Carine did with Elias, I wondered. I heard her sigh quietly and once more she focused on the gates and the last of the soldiers as they arrived.

It had been commendable how everyone had rallied and helped each other regardless of rank or race. I observed the respect afforded by the Commander and his officers to those of lesser standing and on listening to some of the chatter as we moved round the injured and helpers alike, the scale of the catastrophe at the portal became a little clearer to me.

These individuals had followed other leaders through the construct in order to fight against a formidable enemy who potentially had the power to wipe out the entire planet. As it had turned out, their military skills were redundant against such a foe and they had ended up fleeing for their lives under the protective shields of individuals called mages, priests and warlocks. But even those of the magic persuasion had not been enough to thwart the enemy.

They spoke of spirits, ghosts, phantoms which had descended from the skies and crippled the dark lords of shadow with the power of the one true saviour - the Light. Enormous celestial beings had also intervened and they sent the Void, as they called this enemy, back to shadows; to the Great Dark Beyond. These places and beings they spoke of tugged at something in my brain, but whether it was memory, or just visualising the soldiers' descriptive take on the battle I did not know. Regardless, it was harrowing to listen to.

I had tried to stay with Alarii most of the day, but I had to roost on the buildings now and again so she could carry out helping others with medical care and providing food and water for the people. For all the heat in the swamp was severe, unforgiving, she never once complained nor took time to see to her own needs. She was utterly dedicated in helping those who had suffered at the portal. Her calm persona and gentle voice, traits not particularly expected of a soldier, had a very soothing and positive effect on those around her. Gratitude with deep sincerity was awarded her to which she humbly bowed before moving to the next individual in need.

I observed the Commander too. He was equally diligent in seeing to the troops and that included Alarri. At one point I saw him go to her with a canteen and offer her water. She smiled and at first declined, but he insisted and she had to stop tending the sick long enough to accept his offer of refreshment. He ordered her to get some food too and saw to it one of her colleagues took her to the officers mess and stayed with her until she ate. Curious, I followed. As she entered the mess I flew in over her head. Her companion shouted in protest, but Alarii said it was alright, that I was to stay close to her until she determined that I was completely well again.

Her friend told Alarii to sit while she went up to the cook and collected two plates of steaming food and some chunky bread, then brought them to a table near the door. "It looks perfectly fine to me," her fair-haired comrade said huffily, jerking her head in my direction.

Alarii smiled and nodded her thanks for the food. "He's a bit edgy. He was attacked this morning by a green drake."

"Well, he still seems fine. Something kind of creepy about him if you ask me."

Alarii laughed softly. "Dana, even a moth is creepy to you. I don't know how you've managed to remain stationed in the Watch without losing your mind with all the creatures out here."

The blonde woman smirked and stabbed at her food. She laughed a little. "To be honest Alarii, neither do I." The two women laughed again. It was a pleasant sound. I continued watching them intently from a rafter above. "He just better not shit in my stew," the blonde said, her face suddenly serious.

I was most incensed that this Dana thought I would do such a revolting thing, nevertheless, I sidled along the rafter so I was not directly above their plates; just in case I was caught unawares.

"Bloody hell! Think he understood that?" the blonde gaped.

"Quite possibly, they are intelligent birds, ravens." Alarii replied, breaking some bread and putting a few loose crumbs at the end of their table. She glanced up. "Come," she beckoned me. "Eat."

"Naw! Don't encourage it, Alarii," Dana protested. I hesitated as she seemed so against my dining with them.

"Have a heart, Dana. He is lovely." Again, Alarii looked up and encouraged me to fly down. I did, and landed at the far end of their table. I hopped closer, grabbed a bit bread then returned to the far end. "See? He is charming."

Dana looked at me suspiciously but resumed eating her lunch, while Alarii threw some more bread my way and even a chunk of the meat from her stew. It was delicious! A few mouthfuls into her meal and Dana spoke again. "What about the other Mr Charming then?" she asked Alarii.

The night elf choked on her food and coughed a few times. Then in a low raspy voice replied, "Hush, Dana. I do not want others hearing." She cleared her throat quietly, trying not to attract attention from the cook and two other officers further across the room.

I stood, stock still at the end of the table. The deep pink colour had returned to Alarii's face and I did not think it was because of her choking.

"Oh come on, Alarii. Don't you think everyone knows you fancy him?"

Poor Alarii turned an even deeper shade. She lowered her head, her mouth hovering closely over her plate. "Please Dana, do not embarrass me," she whispered.

Dana pushed her plate aside and gently laid her hand on Alarii's. "I am not meaning to embarrass you my friend. But, you sit, night after night sketching his face from memory in that book of yours..."

Alarii brought her head up sharply. "You know about that?"

Dana rolled her eyes and sighed. "I'm your best friend Alarii, of course I know."

"I haven't shown you that though."

"You didn't have to, I see the reflection of what you draw in that mirror you have up on the shelf behind your bunk, silly." Alarii exhaled, defeated and utterly rutilous. Dana patted her hand. "Don't worry I haven't told anyone about your drawings. But we can all see how you blush every time he is near."

"Oh no!" Alarii whimpered. "I cannot afford for him nor other people to know this..."

"Why?" Dana asked, sitting up straight. I had to agree with her. Why indeed?

"Because it is rumoured he is betrothed to a girl in Lakeshire."

"Martie Jainrose? Oh come on Alarii, that's rubbish. He is no more in love with her than ... well, than that bird is with anyone!" she pointed to me. I blinked. Then, quite why, I did not know, but I felt a mixture of sadness and also... something I could not even describe. I pecked at a crumb on the table but it pinged away from me and landed on the floor. Somewhat dejected, I looked back up as Alarii spoke.

"What makes you so sure?" There was a little sound of hope in her voice.

"Because she will flutter her eyelashes at any man who tends her pretty little garden. That's all Jevon did. Turned it over ready for her planting her precious begonias. She asks plenty men to 'turn her sod', I can assure you. Do you know, she had one poor sap kill a huge boar that allegedly kept eating her crops and flowers?" Alarii's eyes widened. Dana continued. "And he paid a price for it! The darned beast gored him in the side. Took the man weeks to recover. Nah," she said shaking her head. "Jevon is not interested in her, not by a long shot. Just tell him how you feel, I think you may be pleasantly surprised." Dana winked at her friend.

"Oh, I could not. I would be too embarrassed." I watched as a small smile crept on Alarii's face. There and then, I knew how to thank her for her kindness. Dana encouraged Alarii to take a few more mouthfuls then she cleared away their plates before they headed back out to continue helping the soldiers.

The sun had passed well to the west by the time most of the wounded had been seen to. Some went home and left by way of ships which were anchored at the coast. Others rode out from the Watch on a variety of mounts. A few waited for the griffon handler to secure flights for them on the giant birds which were stabled at the west of the compound. Others still, perhaps too weak to make their own way, were portalled home by the mages stationed at the Watch.

The company numbers left at the compound by early evening was a fraction of those that had entered the gates earlier in the day. The chore of cleaning up, burning soiled bandages, dismantling makeshift cots, gathering ruined armour ready for recycling kept the company busy until the first stars appeared above the shoreline.

I watched from my new vantage point on the top of the hut where Alarii had first taken me, as the exhausted soldiers all retired for the evening. Some went into the barracks, others slept under canvas shelters, the higher ranks shared a total of three huts and the Commander had his own private accommodation. Alarii called to me, but I stayed where I was. I knew there was no danger from the drakes at night, in fact as the Watch had been such a hive of activity all day, I doubted the reptiles would look near for quite a while. She smiled at me, bade me goodnight and then went indoors. I remained vigilant, keeping an eye on the Commander's hut and that which Alarii rested within.

After some time had passed, I glided down to the window of her hut. I had tried to gauge how long it would be before she extinguished the lamp. I was very quiet making sure she did not notice me. I could see her bunk and that of Dana's which ran adjacent to the base of Alarii's. Dana was sound asleep; she snored lightly. I craned my neck as I saw a flash of light from behind Alarii's bunk. The mirror. I focused on the reflection.

Just as Dana had said, the night elf busied herself sketching a small portrait of the Commander. She seemed quite the artist. There was no doubt who the man in the drawing was; the dark shaggy hair, the hairy-face, although she had made him smile and a hint of teeth were displayed under the black mass and she had caught his light coloured eyes perfectly. Watching her draw struck a note with me too. Not that a bird could sketch of course, but there was something very meaningful about this ritual Alarii had adopted every evening. I shuffled a little around the ledge as I saw her closing her book and storing it under her bunk. She then pulled the netting around her bed and extinguished the lamp on the small table beside it.

Again, I bade my time. I was waiting until I heard her soft breathing fall into a steady rhythm. Confident both occupants were sound asleep, I jumped down inside the hut. Carefully, I hopped across to the edge of her bunk, my talons clicking on the wooden boards. I stilled as I heard her turn. She did not wake. Those few moments gave me time for my eyes to adjust to the gloom.

I lowered my head and peered under the bed-frame. After a while I could make out the book. I hunched down so I could reach under and I chittered my beak, trying to grip the book cover. It took a bit effort, but I managed to pull it out far enough so I could then try and open it. That at least had to be easier than dragging it forward. I tried wedging my beak under the front cover, but it would not budge. I pecked and prodded it, then I realised there was a leather thong tied around to keep it closed. This was going to be trickier than I had thought. Halting long enough to ensure the humanoids were still sleeping, I then tried again. This time I used both beak and claw to loosen the knot. After a few attempts, it gave way. I nuzzled my beak under the cover again and this time it opened without any resistance. I was relieved to find the pages were loose for it had dawned on me just as I opened it that if they were bound I ran the risk of tearing her wonderful artwork or, more likely, just be unable to carry out my plan.

I grabbed a few of the pages in my beak and half hopped, half waddled across to the window before I flew onto the ledge. I looked across the courtyard at the Commander's hut. His lamp was lit. I risked a quick glance behind me to ensure Alarii was still asleep, then I took flight. The paper rippled and ruffled in my beak as I flew across the courtyard. It almost blinded me at one point, but I shook my head gently and the sheets straightened out. I landed on the top of the three steps which ascended to his door. The door was closed, but the light from inside bled out beneath it and also through the windows which were netted. For some reason I visualised the door opening and a booted foot lashing out at me. I truly hoped the man would not be so impolite. It was now or never I thought.

I pecked at the door a few times, then listened for any activity inside. Silence. I tried again, careful not to crush the sketches. This time I heard movement. I braced myself, stepping from one foot to the other, ready to fly in once that door opened and hoping I would not be brutally ejected moments later; or worse. Heavy footfalls approached. Then I heard the dry creak of the door opening. Before I had time to think about it anymore, I pushed up and flew past his shoulder, into the room. "Oi!" he shouted, more from surprise I think than annoyance.

I landed on the table at the back of the hut where a tall jug with steam coming from it sat next to a smaller metallic container. The aroma was rich, faintly familiar but I did not linger over it, for I saw him striding purposefully towards me. His black hair and swarthy skin accentuated his piercing eyes, making him look very menacing indeed. I could tell he was a very strong man. Bare-chested with muscular shoulders and powerful looking arms; I quivered a little as I thought how easily he could wring my neck in a second. I backed up, keeping the pages in my beak as prominent as possible.

"What are you up to? You black devil!" he snarled. "You stealing people's things now, are you?" I saw his hand coming towards me and I instantly dropped the sheets on the table, afraid if he grabbed them from my beak, he would ruin them. He came to a sudden stop. "What's this?"

His face gradually softened as he looked at the drawings I had delivered. Carefully, he picked each one up and examined it closely. I saw the hair on his face twitching. I was sure he was smiling. He looked at me, his brow knitting. "Where did you get these?" he demanded. He quickly shook his head. "As if you understand!" he scoffed to himself.

Tentatively I moved to the front of the table and hopped down to the floor. I skipped across to the door then turned to see if he would follow me. He stared at me, disbelief cutting across his features. I hopped a few more steps and turned again. Clasping all the sketches, he started to follow. Out I skipped across the courtyard, not daring to fly for some reason. I checked a few times to ensure he still pursued me.

I reached Alarii's accommodation a few feet ahead of the Commander, flew up onto the window ledge and quickly disappeared inside. The hut was shrouded in darkness but the light from the bright moon kept the courtyard lit well enough for me to see where the Commander was in relation to me. He was glancing at the paper and then at the hut. I made my way to the book and collected some more sketches then hopped to the window again. He mounted the steps and reached out to me. Gently he took the sketches from my beak. He looked at me. "Alarii?" he asked. I answered with a loud series of squawks.

The look of panic in his eyes was almost amusing. He tried to quieten me but I squawked more. From behind I could hear someone stirring. "Raven?" I heard Alarri. Instantly I stopped making a noise but I opened my wings and flapped a few times. "What is wrong?" Alarii rose from her bed. As her feet hit the floor, they came into contact with her open book. I heard her fumbling in the dark and then a soft light grew from the newly lit lamp beside her bed. I watched as her face registered what was on the floor. She stared at me. "What have you done, raven?" she breathed.

She stood up and swept the netting back from her bed. She came at me. I hopped down outside. The door opened and she came out, eyes flashing ready to give me a severe scolding by the looks of it. Until she saw the bare-chested hairy-faced man in front of her; holding some of her sketches. She almost toppled over the steps with fright. His arm shot out and caught her, pulling her against his chest, the action causing him to lose his grip of the drawings. We all watched as the artwork sashayed back and forth on the night air then landed softly on the dry dirt of the courtyard.

I hopped back up onto the window ledge and watched the scene play out. "Commander!" Alarii said, shocked at the encounter and pushing herself back from his closeness.

"Alarii," he replied, somewhat apologetically. He helped her to straighten and once she had regained her balance he released her. "Forgive me, I - I did not mean to startle you."

She looked down at the sketches in the dirt, then coyly raised her eyes to meet his again. "How did you get those?" she asked.

Jevon's face was momentarily caught in the grip of a bewildered expression until he saw me sitting quietly observing the two of them. The commander then laughed softly. He ran his hand over his beard, then looked back at Alarii. "That raven of yours, he is a smart bird." Jevon smiled.

The silver orbs of the night elf drifted over me. The initial flash of anger they held when she had opened the door had vanished and was replaced with a look of disquiet. "Are you telling me he - he ... brought them to you?"

Jevon nodded. "Yes. He came to my hut with some of them. Unbelievable!" The Commander shook his head, obviously still quite taken aback by the whole episode.

Alarii lowered her head, her emotions still visibly in conflict. "I'm sorry commander," she said quietly.

The commander looked at her, confused. "Sorry? Why?"

"Sorry that he did this, that he disturbed you. Umm...and I'm sorry to have offended you." She looked as though she wanted to disappear completely. I suddenly felt very guilty for having made her feel so awkward and uncomfortable.

"Offended? Alarii, you misunderstand. I have never been so flattered in my entire life. These are amazing." He indicated the drawings, which now flitted about in the dirt. He stepped down from the walkway and collected the sketches, then came back up and handed them to her. All she could muster was a strained little sound that still screamed her painful embarrassment. Jevon took a step closer. "Alarii," he said in a most gentle tone. "I could not have hoped for a sweeter way to find out that you feel the same for me, as I do for you."

The night elf's eyes both widened and brightened. Her breathing quickened. "You do?" she whispered. Her beautiful smile spread across her lips.

He nodded. "I do, yes. However..." He swept his hand through his unruly hair. "I must apologise for my erm... lack of proper attire." Finally I saw the man's teeth as he smiled broadly. He was quite a handsome man when he wasn't all serious or scowling. Alarii managed a small giggle. "I know it is late, but would you care for a stroll along the beach?" he asked her.

"Yes. I would." She smiled, her eyes glistening like the moon.

"I will be right back then. I will just get my shirt." He downed the steps in one jump and jogged across to this hut as Alarii went inside hers to retrieve a shawl. When she emerged again she came up beside me and stroked my chest as she had done earlier that day.

"I think there is more to you than meets the eye, raven," she said softly. "May Elune bless you with all that your heart desires, and may she keep you safe." I saw the Commander returning, slipping on his shirt then combing his fingers through his hair. She turned as he reached the steps. He smiled and held out his hand which she took and he guided her down, round to the gate that opened to the beach. I flew up to the roof. There I settled for a few minutes as I watched him offer his arm for her to link with him, and they walked along the sand, heads close together as they no doubt chatted about...well, whatever couples in love chatted about.

I looked out over the ocean, hypnotised for a few moments by the dancing moonbeams upon her surface. For some inexplicable reason, the woman with wet eyes came to mind. I saw her face as clearly as I had seen Alarii's during the day. It occurred to me then, that she too, was a beautiful woman and how much more so she would be if she were smiling instead of weeping.

It was time for some sleep. Tomorrow, I would leave. Perhaps Elune would indeed lead me to my heart's desire...whatever that was.