Chapter 4: Ravages of the Plague, Part 2
Marwyn had finally arrived to Stratholme, seeing it lively and business going as usual. He couldn't get as to why Prince Arthas had given him orders to investigate, but he wasn't going to protest his orders any way when his tone was evident that something is terribly wrong.
He surveyed the bustling marketplace and the faces of the townsfolk, trying to find any sign of anything amiss as his Prince had told of them. But all he saw are civilians going by their day, seemingly unaware of the danger around them. Whatever that danger is.
The captain went to the local tavern called the Rusty Anchor, to try his luck in gaining anything useful. As he pushed open the heavy wooden door to find the patrons, mostly soldiers and merchants, turned to look at the newcomer for a brief moment.
Marwyn approached the bar, the bartender saw hima burly dwarf with a thick beard and a kind smile, wiped his hands on his apron. "Welcome, stranger," he boomed. "What brings you to our fair city?"
The captain leaned in to introduce himself. "I am Captain Marwyn of the Royal Guard," he said, showing his rank and insignia. "I have orders from Prince Arthas to oversee the security of your grain shipments."
The dwarf was surprised as he was intrigued. "The prince? And why would he be concerned with our grain?"
Marwyn chose his words carefully. "It's a precaution. We have reports of... contamination elsewhere. I'm merely ensuring that Stratholme's supplies remain untainted."
The tavern owner was understandably concerned. "Contamination?" he whispered as a means for anyone to not hear it. "And what would you be needing from us?"
"Only your cooperations" Marwyn assured him. "When the next shipment arrives, it would he under heavy guard, and no one is to touch it without authorization. It's for the safety of the city."
The owner grew skeptical. "Heavy guard? And what if we need that grain to feed our people?"
"You'll be compensated and you'll have it soon, I promise. But for now, we must ensure its purity." He placed a handful of silver coins on the counter. "For your troubles."
The dwarf's hand hovered over the coins, his eyes flicking between Marwyn and the silver. "Very well," he said with a nod. "But if we don't see this through, I'll be holding you personally responsible."
Marwyn nodded gravely. "I understand, and I assure you, the prince's orders are for the good of the city."
The dwarf turned away to serve another customer. As Marwyn moved through the tavern, he felt like people were staring at him and are wary, and he could not blame them. He couldn't risk causing a panic amongst locals so he had to keep it down.
Marwyn took a seat and ordered a mug of ale, drinking until he noticed a couple of officials talking amongst themselves They were dressed in the livery of the House of Barov, a wealthy family with several holdings from their name.
"The baron's orders are clear," one of them stated. "The grain had to reach Lordaeron by week's end."
"But the shipments are already under guard by orders of the Prince," his companion whispered. "How do we explain moving it without alerting the others?"
Marwyn leaned in, feigning disinterest. "It's the special kind of grain," the first man explained. "The kind that keeps the soldiers fighting. The kind that keeps our coffers full."
The second man snorted into his drink. "If it's so special, why isn't the whole city getting a taste?"
His partner looked around for anyone to hear them. "It is for them," he said. "We'll have to wait before the distribution order is given."
This does not sound any good..., Marwyn thought as continued to listen.
"Them?" the second man scoffed. "You mean the royalty? They'll get fat while we starve?"
The first man shushed his companion. "Keep it down," he hissed. "You know the consequences of speaking out of turn."
Marwyn took a slow sip again. The mention of 'special kind of grain' and 'consequences' had his attention fully. He had to find out more without arousing suspicion as he leaned back but his ears remained sharp.
"The folks from Barov is in this up to their necks," the first man continued. "They've got the means to move it, and they're keeping it hush-hush. We just do our part, and we're well paid for it."
The Barov family, working with Baron Rivendare, whom his Prince was already suspecting, is a new one. Meaning they're planning something intriguing as it is sinister.
The second man leaned in curiositydespite his earlier skepticism. "But why would the baron want to keep it secret?"
"I don't ask questions. I just do as I'm told.", his partner replied.
Marwyn took a moment to think. If the Barov family was indeed involved, it meant a greater link to whatever dealings that Rivendare allegedly reported. His first instinct was to report this back to Arthas immediately. But first, he needed more information.
Marwyn exited the tavern shortly after, making his way to the stairs to the battlements of Stratholme's fortifications. Below him, his men moved in on setting up the makeshift camp that would serve as an evacuation point his Prince had ordered. The very idea of evacuating an entire city was something he found bizarre given that the people seemed fine and that no external threats are reported. Still, it was better to be safe than sorry, especially after hearing that those two were talking about.
The guards patrolling the walls were tense as if expecting an enemy to emerge at any moment. The townsfolk, though seemingly unaware of the impending crisis, carried on with their lives like every other day.
Marwyn sighed, wondering how he could even explain this to anyone that came across this. Especially if it came from Uther or King Terenas himself.
Elsewhere, Arthas and the group moved silently through the forest that surrounded the outskirts of Alterac. Jaina, ever perceptive, noticed a subtle change in Arthas' posture, his hand tightening around his warhammer as he looked upon on a distant figure.
She looked to find the unmistakable silhouette of Kel'thuzad, the necromancer, speaking with his fellow cultists. The sorceress could feel the energy enamating from him, feeling as if it was more toxic compared to the nauseating essence she had felt from him when she first met him during her third year in studying.
"What is it?" she whispered, seeing Arthas looking like a serpent preparing to strike.
Without taking his eyes off Kel'thuzad, Arthas answered her. "The necromancer is speaking with his cultists. Likely involving their operations of the infected grain we're dealing with.
"But surely he knows we're onto him," she whispered back. "What more can we learn?"
Arthas took a moment to think of his choice of words. "Anything we could learn from him. Names, locations and motives," he replied. "Any of those would help a lot more than we bargain for."
The two signaled for their companions to come over to listen, with Falric guiding them carefully. The conversation was clear enough to hear what the necromancer was saying.
"The Baron Rivendare is playing his part well" Kel'thuzad remarked in convenience. "The grain is being secured and enroute for transport."
Arthas' eyes narrowed. He had known the Baron of his treachery from his previous life, but to what extent?
"And the prince?" one of his minions inquired.
The necromancer chuckled. "Do not concern yourself with Prince Arthas. His recent orders to seize and guard the grain shipments are but a minor setback. Our plan is already in motion, and his suspicions will only serve to hasten our timetable."
Jaina and Falric exchanged a concerned look with shock. Arthas had not mentioned this order to anyone. "What is this that they speak of, Prince Arthas?", Falric asked. "Why would you not inform us of such critical matters?"
"There are things that even I cannot share with everyone yet," he simply replied while forcing himself to remain composed. "But know that I do this for the good of the kingdom."
The necromancer continued. "Make sure the grain reaches its destination before anyone else discovers the truth. Our master shall not be displeased by mere obstacles to his plan"
The snap of a twig underfoot pierced the silence. Kel'thuzad's eyes darted towards the source of the sound, his expression twisting into a snarl as he recognized the presence of uninvited guests. A careless footman had stepped too heavily on the brittle underbrush, and the resulting crack echoed through the clearing.
"We've been discovered, my brothers!", he exclaimed with urgency. "Flee and continue with the operation!"
As the rest of his kin fled, Kel'thuzad's staff thumped the ground where several skeletons armed with weapons rose to his command. And behind him, a gruesome creature with sown corpses as it's body roared in complete hunger and rage as it saw the incoming intruders. "I'm sorry I can't stay and chat, but... duty calls", he said in a carefree tone before moving away to join in his men.
The Prince's eyes narrowed as he recognized the twisted, grotesque form of the Abomination lumbering towards them. Without a word, he drew Light's Vengeance, the weapon's gleaming silver light piercing the gloom of the forest. Jaina, her expression of determination, summoned forth a water elemental, its icy blue form crackling with energy.
"Falric, take your men and deal with the skeletons ," Arthas ordered. "We'll handle the the larger one." Falric nodded without question when he and his men charged into the fray, clashing against theskeletal warriors.
Arthas and Jaina, their focus solely on the Abomination, stepped into the clearing. The creature, swung its massive arms, each blow capable of cleaving a man in two. Arthas, with the grace of a seasoned warrior, danced around the creature's clumsy attacks, his hammer striking true with every swing, sending showers of putrid flesh and bone flying.
Jaina, conjured a hailstorm, the burning ice shards peppering the Abomination's stitched flesh. The creature roared in pain, its movements momentarily staggered. Arthas saw the opening and took it, leaping into the air and bringing Light's Vengeance down with a thunderous crash upon the beast's skull. The impact sent a tremor through the ground, and the Abomination stumbled, its undead eyes fixed on the prince with a malevolent glare.
"Jaina," Arthas called out to her, seeing their chance, "now!"
The sorceress nodded, her hands weaving through the air in a pattern. The water elemental surged forward, its liquid form solidifying into a spike of pure ice that shot towards the creature. Arthas timed his next strike with precision, hammering into the Abomination's chest just as the frozen spike pierced its back.
The Abomination let out a guttural scream, its form beginning to falter under the combined onslaught. Yet, it remained standing, but weakened.
"Together," Arthas shouted, his voice cutting through the din of combat. "Finish it now!"
Jaina nodded as she concentrated. She hurled a fiery projectile at the creature, and as it recoiled, Arthas saw the perfect opportunity. He swung his hammer with all his might, the holy light blazing forth, striking the Abomination's weakened point where the ice spike had lodged.
The creature shuddered, its unnatural life force fading before their eyes. With a final, desperate roar, it toppled to the ground, its form dissolving into a pool of dark, foul liquid.
Arthas and Jaina stood panting, their weapons still poised for battle. Falric and his men had successfully routed the skeleton warriors, with the Captain's sword beheading the last ghoul that charged at him.
With a nod from his Prince, Falric and his men moved to incinerate granary Arthas took a moment to relax, before he straightened himself up. "We have to hurry." he urged to his companions. "Kel'thuzad is making his way to Andorhal where the infected shipment is bound to leave to major cities throughout Lordaeron."
Jaina, her chest heaving from the exertion of battle, stared at Arthas for a moment. "How could you possibly know where they are heading?" she asked in curiosity and of wonder.
Arthas met her gaze. "If spreading the plague is their goal, then it would make sense for them to go there, especially since Andorhal is major supply route and base for them to use."
A straightforward lie is better than a complicated truth in these circumstances, as much as Arthas grew to dislike it.
Falric approached his Prince,. "Your Highness, our men are exhausted. We have rest and regroup before we can pursue the necromancer."
Arthas looked around, and it was clear that they needed to rejuvenate their strength from what just happened. He looked at Jaina next, and it was clear that she was in agreement of that notion.
Arthas sighed and submitted to their concerns. But the thought of Kel'thuzad escaping, of the plague spreading further, fueled his need for haste. "Very well," he conceded. "We shall rest for a brief reprieve. But come dawn, we ride for Andorhal."
The camp grew quiet as the soldiers tended to their injuries and settled down for a few precious hours of sleep. Arthas, however, found no peace. He sat by the fire, his eyes unfocused as the flames danced in the reflection of his polished armor.
As the trio huddled around the flickering campfire, the weight of the information they had uncovered hung heavily in the air. Falric, his eyes dark with concern, spoke first. "What do we do with this knowledge of Baron Rivendare's treachery?"
"Marwyn is already watching him closely at Stratholme.", Arthas replied. "But we can't risk alerting Rivendare or Kel'thuzad to our suspicions."
Jaina leaned forward. "What of Uther or asking Terenas?" she asked. "Should we not inform him of what we know?"
Arthas shook his head. "Not yet," he replied. "We have no solid proof to present to him. Besides, we have to make sure that the grain shipments are secured first. If we act prematurely, we may do more harm than good."
Falric, ever the loyal knight, nodded in understanding. "As you command, Prince Arthas."
The Prince nodded. "Rest well, my friends," hetold them. "We have much to do on the morrow." With that, he strode into the surrounding forest, leaving Falric and Jaina to ponder what was ro come.
Jaina watched Arthas go with frown marring her otherwise serene features. "Falric," she began, "I think something is amiss with Arthas."
The captain agreed with her. "Indeed," he said. "His eagerness to prevent a catastrophe is commendable, but his... secrets are troubling."
The mage sighed. "It's as if he's fighting against something we can't see," she murmured. "An invisible enemy that haunts his every step."
"We have to trust in his intentions," he said, though the doubt in his voice was clear. "But we must also be prepared for the worst."
The two of them sat in silence for a long moment. The way Arthas spoke and act was troubling to say the least but nothing that would indicate that something is terribly wrong with him, at the moment.
Finally, Jaina spoke. "What is he hiding from us?" she wondered aloud. "Why do you think he felt the need to dl it alone?"
Falric leaned back. "Whatever it is,", he spoke. "I believe it is something that he saw that he only knows."
Short chapter this time. There are talks on how Arthas would get some sort of power up. I'm thinking of him getting the Lich King's powers without making him the Lich King, and I think I have the scenario, but for much later.
Edited: February 20, 2025.