Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Lyanna and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
The Forgotten Chieftain's Wife Chapter 24
Realistically, despite the logic behind this rendezvous, no matter how anyone looks at it, this can be seen as crazy.
How it is remotely possible that this entire thing can be arranged without Gul'dan discovering the rebellion in his midst is a miracle alone in itself once this revelation is analyzed.
Too much is at stake for any of them to turn back now. This has to be done.
For the sake of the Frostwolf Clan and the Orc way of life in general.
Judging by the notorious reputation Blackhand has on dealing with troublemakers in the Horde that Lyanna has told them about it is fortunate he doesn't have any inclination about this parlay. Thank goodness none of the Frostwolve's inherited that responsibility ever.
Although the longer this drags on, it's looking more and more likely that this might be Durotan's fate should they see this all the way through.
A responsibility Durotan will reluctantly accept when the time comes.
They had spent the entire morning in preparation.
Orgrim had gone ahead to the appointed meeting place with a few scouts in order to make the arrangements. Only after they were done did Durotan, Lyanna, and the other chosen warriors join them. The remainder of the Frostwolf Clan would stay behind so as not to draw any attention to their absence.
They now stand beneath the black rock, burning evergreen boughs that send up a fragrant, smoky signal that will guide Llane's party to the specific spot. The area was stony and bare. The black mountains and surrounding foothills tower easily over the single, narrow switchback path that it the only way in or out to the meeting place.
"A good spot for an ambush," commented Orgrim, arms crossed, bitterly silent and stalwart and yet standing in staunch loyalty to his chieftain despite disagreeing with the path he's chosen.
"Our sentries are well placed," said Durotan, eyes on the path, watching for any signs of movement.
Looking up at the peeks that closed in around them from all sides, Orgrim grunted "I will check again."
Neighing horses in the distance announced the arrival of Stormwind. As Orgrim moves off on his own all attention is put forth on the line of soldiers winding their way closer toward them. Forty, perhaps fifty, if the count is correct. All are wearing armor whether they are riding atop horses or on foot.
Lyanna is seated on Midnight wearing a hooded cloak. Their son is back at the encampment, being looked after by Drek'Thar with Draka standing guard.
As Orgrim passes by them, extending a hand in his direction to lightly graze his shoulder with her fingertips, Lyanna said "Everything will be all right, Orgrim."
The only answer Lyanna receives from him is a light hum underneath his breath, he does not meet her gaze. Lyanna finds this strange but simply blames it on nerves which is understandable. There's a lot riding on this succeeding.
"Weapons," said Durotan, ordering his warriors to arm themselves in case conflict is unavoidable. "Lyanna, I need you to keep back. I'll let you know when to remove your hood."
"As you wish, My Love," said Lyanna, tugging the hood lower over her face to shadow it further.
Above, unseen by most, Orgrim makes a broad signal with his arms that all is well.
No uninvited guests will be disrupting this coalition.
That's all the incentive Durotan needs.
Lyanna keeps to the rear of the group as Durotan and the warriors slowly move forward to meet the humans in the center.
As Stormwind nears Lyanna's breath hitches, barely able to contain herself as she recognizes faces belonging to precious souls, she has not laid eyes on in so very long.
Llane, Lothar, Varis, Karos, Callan…all the rest. People Lyanna never thought to be reunited with face to face in her lifetime.
It's so surreal, too good to be true.
Lyanna retains her composure, but just barely.
Llane, Lothar, and Garona dismount while the others remain in formation.
As the warriors keep back Durotan continues, striding to within a few feet of them.
Garona thumps a fist to her chest in protocol respect to Durotan, a traditional gesture in which he returns in kind.
Speaking in the Orc's language so as not to reveal the Frostwolves understand the human's tongue until he is ready, Garona said "You asked to speak with the human king. Here he stands."
Durotan couldn't bring himself to utter a word. Despite constantly being around Lyanna day in and day out the predatory instincts that all orcs have fester inside them remain. He is too busy trying to keep them at bay. The humans exchanged glances and Llane broke the tense silence on his own.
"I am King Llane," said Llane, regarding Durotan fixedly. "I am told you wish to talk."
Garona peers at Durotan, asking with her eyes if he wishes for her to translate once more. To the human's bewilderment and confusion, Durotan holds a finger up and shakes his head in refusal to Garona slightly shaking his head.
All the humans are shocked when the Frostwolf Chieftain answers for himself this time in their own language without error.
Inhaling a deep breath, willing himself to be calm, Durotan said "Yes."
Surprised murmurs spread through the soldiers.
"You speak our language," said King Llane.
Motioning with his head towards the assembled Frostwolf warriors, Durotan said "All my clan do. We can understand everything you say."
"If this is your first visit to Azeroth then who taught you," said King Llane, already knowing the answer but not daring to hope lest he be disappointed, needing actual confirmation.
Smiling in understanding, Durotan said "Someone all of you know well."
Durotan then waves an arm behind him, summoning a member hidden behind others who step aside.
At last, the big moment.
Lyanna rides forth on Midnight, many of the humans shifting uneasily on their feet upon sight of the massive wolf. Their last encounter with such a beast left quite a lasting impression. Only this time this particular wolf means no harm whatsoever.
The cloaked rider dismounts moving forward to the point where they are beside Durotan.
All eyes are locked on her as Lyanna finally removes the hood, unveiling her face for all to see.
Tearfully, grinning broadly with joy, Lyanna said "Hello, Brother."
"Sister," said King Llane, breathlessly.
Lyanna is unable to exhibit herself with decorum any longer. She runs to her brother longing for him to hold her in his arms. Llane is all too happy to oblige.
Holding her as close as his armor will allow without hurting her, kissing her hair, Llane said "I'm so sorry. I should've looked harder for you. Had our sorcerers scour all the realms."
"I missed you so much," said Lyanna, burying her head in his shoulder. "I thought I would never see you again."
"You've returned to us. That's all that matters. We'll never let those that wish you harm steal you again," promised Llane.
Lyanna kisses his cheek as the siblings bask in each other's emanating glow.
Though he too is beyond pleased to see Lyanna alive and well, Lothar feels it is his duty to remind everyone they're pressed for time.
"My King, we cannot delay," said Lothar, somberly.
Llane and Lyanna separate.
Lyanna joins Durotan, moving into the traditional position of his wife.
'Thank you," said King Llane to Durotan.
Durotan said "Lyanna has long desired to be reunited with those she's been deprived. It's long been time for the pain from the separation to end. From the day Lyanna was introduced to my clan she's done nothing but cherishes and protect those in the Frostwolf Clan. We wish to return the favor."
"And when it is done do you ever plan to return to your home," said Lothar, staring at Durotan and his forces with more than a hint of wariness.
"Our world is dying," said Durotan. "There is nothing to go back to. Our kind needs new lands to call our home."
"We are not responsible for destroying your world. War with us will solve nothing," said King Llane.
Chuckling in amusement, Durotan said "For orcs war solves everything."
"Then why are you here," said King Llane.
"To save our people. The Fel takes life from more than its victims. It kills the earth and corrupts those who use it. We saw this happen before, in my world of Draenor. The land died, the creatures were twisted…even the Spirits were harmed. I already saw one world brought to destruction, famine, and sickness by darkness. I do not wish to see it happen again to another. Gul'dan would poison everything with his death magic. If my people are to survive, Gul'dan must be destroyed. In two suns the humans we have captured will be used to fuel the portal. If you attack our camp and draw his warriors away, the Frostwolf Clan will kill him," explained Durotan.
"Two days…," said King Llane, exchanging a calculating glance with Lothar. "If we do this, you will protect my people until then."
Not a demand, merely a request from one fellow leader to another.
Durotan thought of the cades, of the torment those inside them are forced to endure. Most of the orcs ignored the prisoners, but some did not.
Lyanna and Durotan are of the same mind.
Lyanna touches his hand, Durotan's finger's engulfing it in his massive palm as he raises it to his chest.
Unwilling to give his word on something he could not necessarily offer, but to guarantee he will make every attempt to do all he possibly can before getting too dangerous, only so much can be done, Durotan said "I will try."
Suddenly a massive roar erupts behind all of them.
An orc belonging to one of the other clans has entrapped one of the Frostwolf warriors with a chain around the neck, dragging him to the ground. Another Frostwolf rushes to give aid but a female with green skin intercepts and beats him to death with her ax.
All around them, green-skinned orcs burst forth from where they'd been camouflaged by rocks, scrub trees, and tracks in the stone cliffs, charging at the Frostwolves they view as traitors with axes, hammers, and maces.
"Ambush!"
Authors Note:
Just a heads up to those of you who aren't away of this yet, Email alerts for this website are now only active if Email opts is enabled in account settings.
By the way whose been watching House of the Dragon? I am so in love with Prince Daemon. He is a dream. Matt Smith was the perfect person to play that character. Similar to Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool no one could've done it better.
Apologies for the long wait everybody!
I cannot begin to describe how apologetic I am for taking so heinously long to get back on track. It's difficult when you have so many ideas flying around to start on one and then another just pops out in your head. From this day forward that's all gonna change.
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
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By the way, Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes to Town, Fatal Attraction, Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Heroes vs Predators, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascot, Mermaids Walk Among Us, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire And Ice, Morning Star, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, Fifth Turtle, The Emperor's Daughter, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure.