Prisoners of War

“How long have I been out?” I asked as pain hammered my brain.

“A couple hours I think,” Elynna responded. She had Landon’s head cradled on her lap. He was not looking well and by the paleness in his face, I could tell he had lost too much blood.

“Where’s Maya?” I sat up rubbing the back of my head. Dried blood caked my hair and I did my best to wipe it off my hands.

Elynna pointed past me and I turned to look. Maya was still bound in chains, prone and unable to move. Beside her was Vassar, Elynna’s moonstalker.

“And Zurok?”

“He’s been at his tent the whole time. He didn’t even bother putting away all our gear,” she replied. She pointed at his direction, “See? There they are, just strewn across his table. If only we could get out of this damn cage.”

“Landon can’t pick it?”

“He doesn’t have his tools.”

I nodded. I looked over the human rogue again. “How is he?” I asked Elynna.

“He needs a healer…soon.”

Landon coughed, some blood escaping his lips, “I can still manage and if I get my chance, you’ll see I can still put up a fight.”

“Landon, save your strength,” I pleaded.

A sly grin formed around Landon’s lips. “Eh, who would have thought that all of us would somehow be together like this one more time? In the Outlands of all places. But mark my words. I may die out here but I promise you, I’m gonna stick a knife in that orc ass before my last breath.”

“We’re not dead yet,” I said.

“But it’s hopeless,” Elynna replied.

“There’s always hope,” I said. “It’s a lesson I learned awhile back and something I will not forget.”

Suddenly, there was a sound of alarm as orcs all around us began to race frantically to their assigned positions.

“Alert! Alert!” some of the orcs yelled out.

“Incoming!”

I noticed one orc point to the sky and looked in the general direction.

“Gryphons!” I cried out. Elynna also looked up and even Landon managed to open his eyes.

They were bombers. I could tell by their flight masters and the heavy bombs that were strapped to their backs. This was a bombing raid. Immediately I wondered if the gryphons knew we were trapped in the cages.

An explosion rang out, blasting a few orcs from their positions. More explosions burst around us as chaos consumed the orc encampment. Dust and smoke filled the air and it was difficult to see. When I could clear my eyes, I did see a bomb falling towards us. Instinctively, I grabbed Elynna and Landon, doing my best to cover them with my body.

The bomb exploded near us, shattering the cage that held us prisoner. The shockwave of the blast knocked us clear out of our prison. As I was choking on the smoke and heat, I saw that the same explosion had knocked down Zurok’s tent as well.

I yelled to Elynna, who happened to land near me, “Free the cats! I’ll get our gear!” Elynna nodded and burst into action, sprinting to the cats, scooping up a heavy hammer next to a dead orc. I couldn’t see Landon and hoped he was still alive.

More bombs exploded around me and I tried to navigate myself around the smoke and debris until I reached the remains of Zurok’s tent. Pushing aside the broken wooden poles and leather tent, I found our weapons. Unfortunately, in my haste I was caught by surprise and Zurok landed a crushing fist into my gut, taking me down.

“Stupid elf,” he mocked. “Now you die for your stupidity.” He gripped his mighty axe and raised it to deliver a killing blow.

Zurok screamed in pain as he clutched his back. A dagger from the shadows had been thrusted into his shoulder blade.

“I told you, I was going to get him!” Landon yelled as he stood with a sword raised in defense.

The great orc yanked out the dagger, grimacing in pain. “It’ll take more than you two to bring me down.”

“How about three then?” Elynna stepped out from the smoke. She stepped towards me and gathered her weapons.

Four.

Maya’s voice rang in my ears.

A loud roar from Vassar signaled a fifth.

Zurok was surrounded but remained defiant. More disturbingly, he laughed. The smoke began to clear. Apparently the bombing raid was over and the gryphons were returning to base. That’s when I understood why Zurok was laughing. Behind the smoke were his orc guards, at least a dozen of them.

“Would you like to repeat your question again, elf bitch?” Zurok mocked.

Elynna’s eyes narrowed and her muscled tensed. She glanced over to me and sighed. Suddenly in one fluid motion she turned, nocked an arrow in her bow and fired it at one of the approaching guards, striking him dead through the neck.

“Bring it, asshole,” Elynna cried out. Both Maya and Vassar leaped into action.

“Kill them all,” Zurok commanded as he tightly gripped his axe.

Old Friends, New Enemies

Trying to maneuver my way deep into Shattered Hand territory required all of my skills as a scout and an infiltrator. I used every learned technique and even my magical ability to shadowmeld to avoid the orc guards. I could not imagine having to sneak in alone and I was very glad Maya was by my side. It helped that she was a born prowler with stealthing ability better than mine.

Following down the Path of Glory, as it was called, we bounced from tent to tent along the way, patiently moving as the guards moved. I knew we could take on a couple of guards if a fight arose but if any of them sounded a general alarm, Maya and I would have been swarmed by the dozens of orcs roaming around us. We had to sneak in or Danath would have to send another to rescue us.

At the base of the Path of Glory, I used some of my beast mastery to scan our surroundings. It didn’t take me long with my farsight to locate Drillmaster Zurok by his tent. He was flanked by a couple of orcs and they seemed like they were discussing some maps strewn on a table. Nearby, maybe about twenty feet away, I saw a large wooden cage. I was unable to make out who was in it but I could still surmise at least one of them was a night elf female. The cage held the scouts. I was sure of it.

“Maya, how does it look to you?” I asked my beloved cat. “Think we can get close enough to the cage to free them?”

It’s possible but doubtful. We could probably get close enough but any attempt at opening the cage will probably alert Zurok and his orcs.

I nodded in agreement. Crouched behind a jumble of rocks and boulders, I began to think of a plan.

“Maybe a distraction?” I suggested.

What are you thinking?

“Explosive trap,” I explained. “I could set one up along the route of one of the wandering guards. Hopefully Zurok will rush to the commotion. It may buy us enough time to free the prisoners.”

Well, it’s an idea. Better than us sitting behind these rocks forever.

“Okay then,” I said.

Again we risked exposure while I placed the explosive trap. Maya prodded me as I was finishing up. She was eyeing the single orc guard walking in our direction. The plan was now in motion. Rushing back to our hiding spot behind the rocks, I prayed to Elune this would work.

The orc guard strolled nonchalantly right into the trap. Immediately a burst of fire erupted consuming the hapless orc as he screamed out in pain. Glancing over to Zurok’s tent, I saw that he was aware of the disturbance and rushed to the burning guard with his two lieutenants.

Not wanting to lose any time, I burst into action speeding to the wooden cage. It was a heavy lock but it was nothing a solid strike wouldn’t break. The lock shattered and the cage flung open. It was my first time I got to see the prisoners.

The female night elf had long silvery hair and dark blue markings that ran from her eyes to the bottom of her cheeks. I could not believe it.

“Elynna!” I exclaimed.

“Belion, am I glad you’re here,” she said to me as she rushed out of the cage. Standing tall, I could see she was treated badly. Her clothes were torn and she had numerous wounds and bruises that needed treatment, yet she stood defiant against her captors.

I looked past her to see her partner and him I was not so surprised after seeing Elynna.

“Hey Belion,” Landon said as he held a deep cut on his stomach. “Just like old times, eh?”

“No, not like old times,” I replied to my old friend. “We need to get out of here before…”

“Look out!” Elynna screamed but it was too late.

A heavy brunt force struck me behind the head and I dropped hard onto the ground. Still dazed and wobbly, I could hear the conversation around me.

“Stupid elves,” Zurok said. “They keep using the same old tricks. You think Zurok is dumb enough to fall for an explosive trap distraction? How do you think I caught your two friends here?”

I tried to lift myself off the ground but a hard kick in the stomach brought me down again.

“You stay down,” the foul orc said, “and you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. Well, until we begin the interrogation.” He began to laugh wickedly.

The world was spinning and I could now feel the warm trickle of blood that was flowing from the back of my head. I saw Maya on the ground, her jaws and legs tied in chains. Elynna was too weak to help me and one of Zurok’s orcs shoved her hard back into the cage. She tumbled to the ground and her eyes locked unto mine. There was sadness and fear in her eyes. And then I passed out.

Hellfire

My lungs were still trying to get accustomed to the heavy hot air of Hellfire Peninsula when the gryphon I was riding landed in Honor Hold, the main base of operations for the Alliance within the zone. Activity bustled all around me and I knew this fort was on alert at all times. This was a base in the frontlines of a war.

There was a call in Darnassus requesting that all able bodies elves of a certain level of combat experience to offer their services beyond the Dark Portal. With the Scourge, at least for now, being held in check in the Plaguelands, the Alliance decided to take the fight directly to the Burning Legion. I wondered how long it would be before the fight took us to Northrend.

Hellfire reminded me of a mixture of the Burning Steppes and the Blasted Lands. The soil of this cursed land was like clay, ill suited for any kind of cultivation. The atmosphere was oppressive with the stench of brimstone like the Steppes. It was corrupted and broken like the Blasted Lands where fell creatures roamed freely and unchecked.

At least it was not Desolace…

I walked to the center keep within the fortress with Maya to report to Danath Trollbane, the commander of this base. Although I brought both Maya and Hermestra to the Outlands, I decided to keep Hermestra at the stable, at least until we moved away from Hellfire. She was not accustomed to the heat of this zone.

The Honor Hold guards at the entrance of the keep stood silently and did not move as I passed between them with a light salute.

Saluting now are we? Are we part of the Alliance military now?

“Quiet you,” I said to Maya.

I did not know why I saluted. Maybe it was the environment. The fort seemed very disciplined and organized. Saluting just felt…right.

I made my way to the top floor of the keep where I was told Danath usually presided. Before I entered the main chamber, I could hear a man’s voice, clearly upset about something. Again, with a light salute, I walked past the guards in front of the chamber entrance. Maya trotted in behind me with a big yawn.

“When did this happen?” the man behind the table yelled in frustration. I assumed he was Danath Trollbane by his uniform and his air of authority.

“They were supposed to report in to our forward location yesterday, Commander,” a young soldier in front of the table replied.

“Then they are probably dead,” Danath said with a sigh.

“We have reason to believe that some may have been taken prisoner,” the soldier added.

“The Shattered Hand does not take prisoners.”

“Drillmaster Zurok tried for weeks to ferret out our reconnaissance scouts,” the soldier said. “He plans to enact his revenge upon them and to gather information through torture. His boasting of his plans have filtered to the other grunts which is why we suspect our scouts are still alive.”

“And who are you?” Danath said as he noticed me in the back of the chamber.

“Belion Wintermoon at your service,” I said as I stepped forward.

“New recruit?” he asked.

“No,” I replied. “I’m a freelancer.”

“Another adventurer…” he mumbled under his breath. Standing up, Danath walked to me, measuring me up. “I gather you are a hunter by your appearance and your moonstalker by your side.”

He pets me and I maul him.

I almost shushed Maya.

“I would rather you join our ranks but I think you’ve come at a most opportune time,” Danath explained. “How are your tracking and infiltration skills?”

“I am proficient with those skills,” I replied.

“Humble I see,” he added. “Right now I don’t need humility. Right now I need a scout who can sneak past Shattered Hand orcs to free some of my soldiers who have been captured. Can you do this?”

“Depends on the resistance I will face.”

The young soldier chimed in, “You will not have to infiltrate the Citadel itself. Our intelligence suggests two of our scouts are being held in a cage near Zurok’s tent. Unfortunately, his tent is practically right next to the Citadel which is heavily guarded.”

“If you cannot help with this matter,” Danath said, “I will have to send more units to free them. My soldiers are brave and capable but they do not have the natural tracking and stealth skills you possess.”

“All this for two scouts?” I asked, surprised at Danath’s concern for his soldiers.

“Nobody gets left behind,” he simply added.

I was most impressed by his words.

“Give me the details,” I said without hesitation. “I’m in.”

Exalted in Winterspring

“Are you serious?”

“If you don’t believe me, I could rescind the offer,” Rivern replied with a chuckle.

“No, no,” I said, “it’s just…you generously gave me Hermestra only a few weeks ago and now this.”

“I wouldn’t do this unless I trusted you and that I knew you could take care of them.”

I just looked back at Rivern, still stunned at his gift. Then I turned to the cats. There were six of them, resting in the cave. Exquisite violet fur with white stripes covered their powerful bodies. Larger than the usual frostsabers Rivern watched over, these Wintersaber Frostsabers were trained by him to be mounts. Now he was allowing me to take one as my own. It was just a matter of which one.

“Besides,” Rivern added, “you walked over here. You need a mount. Is Midnight not getting better?”

I sighed. “He was already an older cat when he joined me. When we almost died in the blizzard, he took the brunt of the storm. He’s still very strong but his joints have stiffened up and he’s not as fast as he used to be. The cold of Winterspring does not suit him. I sent him back to Darkshore where the mild climate will ease his recovery.”

“He’ll recover,” Rivern tried to console.

“I have no doubt,” I replied. “And to be honest, he welcomed the return to his old homeland. The last time I visited Auberdine, he was pursuing a number of moonstalker sires.”

Rivern laughed. “Maybe he faked his injuries?”

Chuckling, I replied, “I suppose as my mount it was mostly all work and no play for him.”

“Then this is a good time for you to choose a new cat,” Rivern said as he led me to the six cats.

Immediately all six stood up, muscles tensed. Rivern waved his arm and softly whistled which seemed to calm them down. Still, they continued to keep their golden eyes upon me.

“Choose,” Rivern said.

I stepped a bit closer to the cats and closed my eyes. To me, choosing the right animal companion was more than just taming them. As a beast master, I needed a spirit bond with my companions. That is why I can communicate with Maya, Midnight and now Hermestra. They belonged to me as much as I belonged to them.

Maya is the daughter of Naya, my previous moonstalker cat so the bond was formed almost immediately. When I decided to acquire a mount, I studied the cats available to me. Midnight was not the youngest or the strongest but I sensed his spirit. I knew he could only serve me a few years but I was not going to deny the bond.

Hermestra was unique. She was given to me by Rivern. Yet, when I got her to the cabin she spoke to me. I was surprised at the revelation. But I’m sure Rivern had something to do with it. He knew my disposition and he knew his cats. He clearly chose the cub that he felt would bond with me the best.

And now, here I was standing in front of six magnificent cats waiting for a bond. It’s difficult to explain and I have no real control over it. I just had to wait and let the voices enter my head. There was no guarantee that any of these cats would link with me but if one did, I would hear their thoughts and they would hear mine. If there was no link, I would have to tell Rivern I would not take a cat. I will only travel with an animal companion whom I can communicate.

A few minutes passed and there was nothing. One of the cats yawned and rested her head on her front paws. I was beginning to realize none of these cats would bond with me. I turned around and then I heard the voice.

Faust.

“What?” I exclaimed. Rivern turned his head puzzled. I waved him off to let him know everything was okay.

I said Faust.

“What is Faust?”

My name is Faust. Did you have another name in mind because I already have this name and I’m kind of fond of it.

I smiled. This Faust definitely had an independent streak. “Only if you did not have a name,” I replied.

Well I do. So, why should I offer myself to you?

I smirked. “What makes you think I have chosen you?” I began to scan the cats looking for a sign of awareness and I saw it from one of the cats in the middle. His eyes were focused on me. I knew this was Faust.

Because I am a handsome cat and I will only improve your reputation.

I had to laugh. Cats were generally vain but Faust was clearly even more so. I could already imagine Maya clashing with Faust.

“In that case, how can I refuse?” My experiences with cats taught me to just humor them.

Very well. I will accept you as my master.

I turned to Rivern with a big smile. He continued to look at me with a confused look.

“I want that one,” I pointed to Faust.

“You sure?” Rivern asked.

“Very.”

“Alright then. He’s yours,” Rivern said. “But between you and me, I swear that one is full of himself. The other day I know I saw him checking his own reflection on the ice.”

I chuckled as Faust walked over to me, nestling his head in my stomach. I scratched behind his ears and he purred. He looked up at me and into his eyes I could see courage and loyalty that would go beyond his vanity. I smiled again knowing I had made a good choice or I would assume Faust thought he made a wise choice in choosing me.

Hermestra

Another week passed and I continued my work with Rivern. One day, he surprised me with something special and I felt honored he would trust me with such a responsibility.

“Belion, you’ve been invaluable to me these past few weeks,” Rivern explained. “I would like to ask you for one more favor.”

“What is it?” I asked.

He answered, “A couple of nights ago, I managed to come across Rak’Shiri and Shy Rotam’s new den. As I told you in the past, those two are the elder frostsabers in this area. They are the most powerful among them and not to be trifled with. I have no hope of taming those two for they will remain forever wild and dangerous. But their cubs…”

Rivern flipped a cover next to a box that was beside him, “Their cubs can be tamed. And when grown, they are the most rare and elite of all the frostsabers.”

I looked at what he had just revealed. Under the cover cloth was a cage that held a young frostsaber with markings I had never seen before. The young male cat was white with turquoise stripes. He was magnificent.

“This one looks just like her mother Shy Rotam,” Rivern said.

“She is amazing,” I said in awe.

“Good,” Rivern added, “because I’d like you to take her as your own.”

I blinked and stared at Rivern. “What?”

Rivern smiled as he took the young cub out of the cage. “You’ve been more than helpful here. I don’t have the time to fully devote my time with this one. I am trusting you that you will be able to raise her well.”

“I don’t know what to say…I don’t know if I deserve such an honor.”

Rivern laughed. “Don’t be modest. You’re a good hunter and I trust you. I can’t think of anyone else I who would give this cub a better home and life.” He handed me the cub who curled up around me.

“Thank you,” I said.

I left Frostsaber Rock that evening, still in shock of the gift that was given to me. I had the cub nestled in the wraps of my cloak as I made my way back home. The little cub looked up at me and our souls connected.

“I shall call you Hermestra.” She purred with joy.

Chrysalide

The Winterfall Shaman fell dead on the cold tundra dirt, a dozen arrows lodged into his back. Maya sniffed at the shaman confirming its death. I surveyed the small village. There were half a dozen furbolg corpses along the primitive huts. These creatures would not threaten Winterspring any more.

In the past few weeks, Maya and I have been focusing our efforts combating the Winterfall threat in this area. Unlike the Timbermaws, who were peaceful, the Winterfall clan were aggressive and dangerous. We were working closely with Rivern Frostwind, a solitary night elf hunter who studied the most majestic creatures that dwelt at Winterspring: the noble frostsabers.

Because all his efforts and time were spent on taming and monitoring the frostsabers, he often sought help from various adventurers to aid his work. My aid came in two different ways. I hunted bears and chimera for their meat so the frostsabers could be fed during taming and I challenged the Winterfall threat for their aggression was starting to reach Frostsaber Rock.

I enjoyed the work. It was hard work trekking through the thick wilderness snow to hunt for meat but it was much more satisfying than the Plaguelands. I was home in these mountains. The cold air, the crunching of snow, the songs of alpine birds gave me peace. And with my trusted companion Maya beside me, I wished to be nowhere else in the world.

I mounted Midnight and made my way to the next Winterfall village. This would be our last stop before heading to our cabin at Starfall. Once the village was in our view, I got off Midnight and made my way on foot. Maya and I stealthed our way close enough to see the pair of furbolg guards standing at the gates of the wall surrounding the small village. We suspected there were at least a dozen furbolgs in this camp. Honestly, I wasn’t sure we were capable of handling so many.

“I’ll take out the left furbolg,” I explained to Maya. “That will alert the other one. Once he charges, you take him out.”

Maya nodded.

Silently raising my bow, I aimed at the unsuspecting furbolg and fired. The arrow stabbed the furbolg in the chest causing it to roar in pain and anger. The second guard charged in my direction now that my cover was blown. The injured furbolg also charged, the frenzy of his rage causing him to ignore the damage I had done.

I didn’t have time for a second shot so I unsheathed my twin blades. Maya sprung into action and dashed to the leading furbolg.

To my surprise, another arrow hit the injured furbolg and another. Three arrows in all slammed into the creature felling it. The remaining furbolg got confused and stopped. Maya used that opportunity to crash into the furbolg, knocking it to the ground. It didn’t take long before Maya mauled the creature to death.

I stepped into the clearing where the furbolgs had fallen with my weapons still drawn. I looked around to see if I could find the source of the arrows. I didn’t have to look long.

Out of the shadows appeared a female night elf. Beside her was a large frostsaber whose lavender coat blended almost perfectly with Winterspring. The night elf had long dark green hair that flowed freely. By her armor and weaponry, I could see she was a seasoned veteran, more so than me.

“Well met hunter,” I said. “I am Belion and this is my companion Maya.”

“I am Chrysalide and I travel with Alaja,” she replied.

“Thank you for your assistance,” I continued. “In fact, I am very glad you are here. I had hoped to defeat the Winterfall furbolgs here but I fear their superior numbers will be too much for me to handle.”

She smiled. “I am here for the same reason. It seems our meeting is quite serendipitous.”

“Yes it is. I do believe our little group won’t have any problems with the remaining furbolgs.”

Inside the walls I saw nine furbolgs. Five of them were huddled around a center campfire waiting for a pig to fully roast. The other four were wandering around performing whatever chores furbolgs did. The tactic was simple enough. With our combined might, we knew we could handle this group easily.

The cats snuck in first and attacked a pair of the fringe furbolgs. That sounded the alarm. Immediately the small group by the campfire rushed to aid their comrade. The majority of the furbolgs were now crowded around our two cats, trying to subdue them but both Maya and Alaja were incredibly elusive and could not be pinned down.

Chrysalide and I then made our move. Grabbing a fistful of arrows, we both launched a volley of death into the crowd. Maya and Alaja knew our strategy so at the precise moment they jumped their way out of the rain of arrows. The furbolgs tried to protect themselves or flee but because they were in such a tight group, they could do neither. In a matter of seconds, the camp was down to three furbolgs. We dispatched the remaining ones just as quickly.

“We make a good team,” Chrysalide said to me as we headed out of the camp.

“You are a superior hunter than I,” I said.

“Only because I’ve been to the Outlands fighting nonstop against the demons,” she replied. “Why don’t you join me?”

“My home is here and I still have work to do for Rivern. Once that’s done, you will see me at the Outlands. I do not wish for demons invading our world.”

“I understand why you would not want to leave Belion. Maybe we will meet again?”

“I would like that.”

Her mist saber mount approached us, trailed by Midnight. She mounted the cat with unearthly grace.

“Be well Belion,” she said. “I would definitely like to see more of you.” With a sly wink she smiled and rode off.

Maya looked up at me.

“Yes Maya,” I said, “I totally got the not so subtle sexual innuendo.”

Slight Detour

At the request of the Argent Dawn Officer Pureheart, I volunteered my bow and my blades to stave off the continuous Scourge threat that still existed along the front lines of Lordaeron. Both the Western and Eastern Plaguelands were probably once prestine farmlands where peaceful farmers and townsfolk worked the land to make themselves a comfortable life. That all changed with the coming of the Scourge.

The undead Scourge showed no pity or remorse. They killed and destroyed without prejudice. And those who fell by the blades of the damned army would rise again as a slave, mindlessly fighting against their families and friends. During the war I saw what these undead were capable of and Pureheart did not have to convince me long to gather my aid. Though the battle was won on Mount Hyjal, the war was still very much alive.

Chillwind Point was a modest little camp along the southern borders of the Western Plaguelands. The Argent Dawn used the camp as a reconnaissance point to observe the situation of the western front. Adventurers from all over the world were sent on errands and missions to the dead towns and rotted farms making sure the Scourge were not building up their forces again.

When I arrived at Chillwind, I recognized Pureheart from my past encounters with her during the war. Although she was in her tent, I could still see her from the tent opening. It appeared she was studying some maps and reports. She was a paladin, highly respected by her soldiers. Although she had aged a little due to dealing with so much death and undeath but she still had fire in her eyes and her blonde hair like the noon sun shined as brightly as her armor.

As I made my way to her tent, two Argent Dawn guards immediately blocked me with their polearms.

“I am here to see Officer Pureheart,” I said.

“Give us your name and we will check with her,” said one of the guards.

I was about to state my name but someone beat me to it.

“Belion!”

It was Pureheart. I recognized her strong but graceful voice. I remembered some nights when she would sing songs of valor with such melody and beauty. She would have done well as a professional singer.

“Let him pass,” she added.

She walked up to me and greeted me warmly with a hug.

“Been a long time Belion,” she said to me. “You don’t come to Lordaeron very often. I was worried you might not come.”

“That hurts,” I feigned. “I would never turn down your request for help.”

“Yes, you are a good friend,” she said. “Come and sit and we’ll talk.”

We spent the entire night in her tent talking of old times, the war and lost friends. I cannot say the war was a good thing. There was nothing good about war and the Third War brought me tragedy that almost stole my soul. But the war did one thing for me. It let me see the world beyond Ashenvale. And it gave me friends, some whom have left the world but still some whom I see across the continents.

Pureheart didn’t share with me why I was needed until the next morning during breakfast.

“I need you to escort another hunter through Felstone Field,” she explained.

“What’s the purpose there?” I inquired.

She explained more, “Felstone Field is one of four fields that has a large cauldron where the Scourge are preparing a highly toxic chemical. Our forces are not strong enough to completely overtake the fields but we engage them from time to time and during these engagements, we try to collect samples of the toxin. In the past we failed more than we succeeded. The new adventurers that volunteer for this are too green. We had no alternatives since many of the veterans have been called to the Outlands.”

She continued, “We’ve managed to get aid from veterans of late because we only ask them to aid for short periods of time. They join the younger adventurers and we send them on raids. Every field is raided now with these tandems. We would like you to help just for a couple of days.”

“And this hunter I am supposed to escort,” I asked, “how green are we talking about? I would not want to travel into the heart of the Scourge knowing I was sending him to his death.”

“They aren’t that green,” Pureheart added. “And she knows the risks but she volunteered because of the great need here. Her name is Aranaya.”

Pureheart took me to Aranaya. She was a young night elf, younger than me. Her forest green hair was cut short and tied into a small ponytail. She seemed nervous but at the same time I could see determination in her eyes. Her companion was a great grizzly bear she called Baurios.

Pureheart didn’t waste any time and suggested we head to the field right away while it was still daylight. Apparently the undead came out in greater numbers during the night.

Aranaya and I quickly mounted our cats and made our way to Felstone Field. We did our best to avoid the ruined town of Andorhal by moving away from the road and crossing the thick forest. Andorhal was completely overrun with undead and was incredibly dangerous even with my expertise.

We reached Felstone Field by midday and we could easily see the gigantic cauldron settled in the middle of it. A light haze seemed to permeate the surroundings and even the high sun couldn’t completely break it. Aranaya and I dismounted and quietly made our way towards the field with our trusted companions. Maya was the first to notice the Skeletal Sorcerer walking towards us.

Oh good, a mage. Let me handle this.

“Maya will take care of the skeleton,” I said.

“You sure?” Aranaya seemed unconvinced.

“Yes,” I replied. “Let’s just say Maya’s specialty is against shadow magic.”

Aranaya nodded and crouched down behind a bush calming down Baurios who seemed like he was looking for a fight. I knelt down next to them with my bow ready. Maya immediately blended with her surroundings and slowly crept up to the sorcerer.

The Skeletal Sorcerer stopped and checked his surroundings. Convinced there was nothing to worry about, he continued his walk. He never saw Maya coming as he pounced from behind with wide jaws and flashing claws. Maya’s heavy weight brought down the sorcerer and I heard the sickening crunching of bones as Maya’s weight crushed the skeleton. The mighty cat bit down hard on the skull, lethal fangs sinking deep into the head. With one powerful jerk, Maya ripped the skull from the spine completely beheading the sorcerer. She then padded back to us triumphally.

I guess my shadow resistance wasn’t important after all.

I smiled at Maya as I stroked her head.

Our little group carefully made our way closer to the field, close enough to see the putrid green goo that was bubbling in the giant cauldron. The stench of death was almost overwhelming. I surveyed our location and found what we were looking for.

I pointed in the direction and whispered, “There’s the Cauldron Lord. He carries the key which will give us access to the cauldron. We’ll get close as possible before attacking him. Hopefully we will not raise an alarm.”

Maya instantly began to stealth towards the undead creature while I nocked my bow. Aranaya didn’t use a bow, instead she held a well crafted dwarven rifle. Baurios waited for her to signal the charge. Before Maya got close enough for the strike, the Cauldron Lord spoke.

“Ah, foolhardly elves. You have come for me? Very well, I do not wish to disappoint.”

He waved his arms and that’s when I knew we were in trouble. From the ground and from behind bales of hay came his Skeletal Flayers and Slavering Ghouls. The skeletal warriors were dangerous melee opponents and the ghouls were equally dangerous with their disease ridden claws. I counted five of them.

Maya didn’t hesitate and attacked the Cauldron Lord. Aranaya fired off her rifle at a flayer and Baurios tackled another.

I assisted Maya right away. The key to survival at this situation was to quickly eliminate our opponents to prevent getting overwhelmed. A pair of ghouls attacked me and I did my best to dodge their attacks while continuing my barrage of arrows. Maya stopped her assault on the Lord and roared at the pair of ghouls, gathering their attention. She now had three of the accursed undead upon her. I was worried for her safety and cast my spell of healing upon her and began to spray them with arrows.

Baurios seemed to be able to contain one of the flayers but Aranaya was definitely in trouble. The flayer with his great two-handed sword was just too strong for her and she was completely on the defensive.

I spoke to Maya, “Can you take on all of them? Aranaya and Baurios cannot handle this.”

“As long as you aid me, I believe I can hold them,” Maya replied.

“Do it Maya.”

Maya sprung into action. She weaved between the three undead and charged at the flayer attacking Aranaya. Caught off guard, the flayer was knocked down. Maya quickly sped towards Baurios and began aiding the tired bear. Maya had all six undead on her. With all the adrenaline pumping into her system, she went into a frenzy and rage. She literally tore apart the flayer who was attacking Baurios.

But I knew Maya was getting wounded. She was now ignoring the stabs and slashes and concentrated her efforts upon one of the ghouls. I had to heal her again, praying to Elune that I would have the mana to keep her alive.

Aranaya saw what was going on and joined my tactic. Our concentrated efforts on the one ghoul dropped him quickly and then we picked on the next one. Again, the overwhelming barrage of arrows and bullets, coupled with fangs and claws brought it down rapidly. All that remained was the Cauldron Lord and the flayer.

“Impossible,” the Cauldron Lord cried out. “I will not be bested by two measly elves…”

“Shut up and die,” I said.

Aranaya and I both fired off shots, hitting the Lord squarely. Her bullet pierced him right through the left eye socket and my arrow, charged with arcane energy slammed into his throat causing him to gurgle pitifully. The undead Lord fell to the ground, permanently dead. The last flayer tried to escape but both Maya and Baurios trampled and mauled it.

My green haired companion quickly ran towards the dead Cauldron Lord and recovered the key. Without wasting time she used it to open the top and gathered a sample of the foul liquid.

“I think it would be wise to leave now,” she said as she tucked the vial in one of her belt pouches.

“Yes, I think I’ve had my fill of undead,” I replied.

Back at Chillwind Camp, Pureheart was most impressed with our work.

“Well done. This sample will provide much information. Thank you both.”

That evening I sat by the campfire and watched the glowing embers. I would leave the Plaguelands in the morning, headed back to my home at Starfall Village. There was nothing like combating vile undead to make you homesick.

Aranaya joined me at the campfire, taking a seat next to me.

“I wanted to thank you for your help,” she said.

“You are welcome,” I replied.

“I hear you are leaving at dawn.”

“Yes I am,” I said. “I wish to return home.”

Aranaya nodded. “I would like to go home as well. I’ve been away too long. All this death and rot has almost made me forget what life and nature is like.”

“Then you should go home as well.”

“But the Alliance needs soldiers.”

”The Alliance needs able soldiers,” I explained. “You cannot aid if your soul is not whole. In fact, you may be a danger. In this fight, you must be of sound mind, body and soul. If not, the Scourge will find a way to break you down. I have seen it in the war. Go home. Be renewed and then return with new vigor and new determination.”

“I would like to return to Astranaar…”

“Then return to Kalimdor with me,” I tried to convince. “I will speak with Pureheart in the morning. She and I are old friends. She too understands the need for able soldiers.”

“Where is your home Belion?”

“I live at Winterspring in a small cabin near a place called Starfall Village.”

“I have been to Winterspring once,” Aranaya said. “It’s a beautiful place. I would be happy to see it again.”

“You are welcome to visit me if you so wish,” I said choosing my words carefully. Aranaya had bonded to me from our teaming. But she was too young and impressionable. I did not want to take advantage of her innocence. “But my only request is you find rest at home in Ashenvale first. Then once you are whole again if you so choose to visit me, I will be there.”

I almost thought I saw her pout. “Alright…”

She was so young and with youth came fickleness. She was infatuated with me but I knew once back home in Ashenvale among her friends and family, I would only be a memory. I was glad I had convinced her to travel back home. I had a feeling she would survive and not be another casualty of the Scourge.

That morning I spoke with Pureheart. She wasn’t fully pleased with what I had done but she understood. Also, the six new recruits that arrived that same morning didn’t hurt either. Aranaya and I made our way back to Menethil Harbor on hippogriffs and took a ship back to Kalimdor. We parted ways at Theramore. She gave me a big hug and promised she would visit me, telling me how she would never forget how we connected and bonded.

Once I saw Aranaya in the air, riding a hippogriff to Ashenvale, Maya turned to me and asked.

“So, how long you think before she’s forgotten about you?”

I grinned, “She’s already forgotten.”

Jocaste

Starfall Village was my home but I would say Darnassus was my home as well. I made residence at both places. Even though I loved the wonder and beauty of Winterspring, there were just some things Darnassus provided that a frontier village couldn’t supply. Even Everlook lacked certain resources. Now and then I missed the homegrown Darnassian herbs and foods. In addition, Winterspring did not have Jocaste.

Jocaste was my hunting mentor. She was the first elf to teach me how to use the bow. She taught me the ways of the hunter. And to this day, I still returned to her on occasion to learn from her great wealth of experience.

When I finally arrived at Darnassus, I found her near her station, speaking with new hunters in training. I stood nearby but waited patiently until she was finished with her students. She glanced up during her lecture and saw me. After a brief more moments, she dismissed her small group and glided over to me. I cannot say she walked for Jocaste is incredibly graceful in all her mannerisms, including her walk.

“Belion, it’s been so long,” she greeted me with a warm hug. “You need to visit more often.”

“Hello Jocaste,” I returned the hug. “And yes, I do need to visit more.”

“I hear you have found a home at Winterspring?”

“I find peace there.”

“I agree,” Jocaste said. “If it were not for my responsibilities here at Darnassus, I would not mind settling there as well.”

She stepped back to look me over. “You are still wearing that Dragonscale Breastplate I see.”

“I haven’t had much time to work on my skills.”

“Peter Galen must have shown you new patterns,” Jocaste said, “patterns that use finer dragonscales.”

“He has,” I replied. “But my travels to Winterspring and Un’Goro Crater left me little time to hunt down black dragons near Blackrock.”

“Pity,” she said, “because you would look magnificent wearing Black Dragonscale Breastplate.”

She paused and thought for a moment, “Maybe you can check the Auction House? Trading is robust these days. You may be able to find a good deal on some black dragonscales.”

“I suppose I can check.”

“You should Belion,” she said, “for you are at a point where the dangers will be beyond anything you’ve faced yet. You will need the best available gear.”

“I’ll take your advice,” I responded.

“Great,” Jocaste said as she took my hand and led me to a table and some chairs. “Now you can tell me what you’ve been up to.”

Unexpected Help

Crouching behind thick bushes in knee deep snow wasn’t exactly the best of situations but that’s what I had to do in order to accomplish my mission. From my position, I had a clear view of the trail and the foliage kept me camouflaged. My shadowmeld ability, common to all night elves, certainly helped as well. Maya was crouched next to me, tense and eager for action. Her breathing was slow and silent blending into her surroundings even with her black fur contrasting the white snow. She was the perfect hunter.

I did not bring Midnight for even though he survived our travel to Winterspring, he never fully recovered completely. With his age and chronic injuries I knew he was better off resting in the cabin. Besides his training did not involve stealth. So it was just Maya and me, ready to intercept some Winterfall runners.

The Winterfall furbolgs were corrupted creatures in war with the Timbermaws. Since I had befriended the Timbermaws, I naturally became the Winterfall’s enemy. Donova Snowden, a very clever dwarf female, also disliked the Winterfalls. And when we discovered they were planning to use a dangerous toxin to corrupt Winterspring, we were obligated to stop them.

We knew the Runners were planning to travel down the very trail I was surveying. It was just a matter of when. So I waited day after day, hour after hour ready to intercept the convoy in hopes of stopping their diabolical plan.

Just when I thought I had made a mistake, all my patience paid off as I saw the small group of furbolgs heading my way. There were three of them in coats of white fur. All three of them were larger than the usual Winterfall furbolgs I had encountered in the past. They seemed stronger and more dangerous. I stared into Maya’s eyes wondering if we were capable of defeating them in combat.

But there was no time to hesitate. I had no time to back away. If I didn’t stop them here, the Runners would escape and they would win. Winterspring was my adopted home. Corruption was already flooding it in certain areas. I had to defend my home.

I nodded to Maya and she made her move. She moved silently behind the furbolgs and then burst into a dash. She tackled one of them, taking the unsuspecting furbolg to the ground. Raking with her claws and biting hard, the prone furbolg yelled in pain. His two companions quickly converged onto the fight trying to pull Maya off their comrade.

Maya released her grip and maneuvered around the three furbolgs. Maya was quick but even she wasn’t fast enough to avoid blows from all three of them. But she did what she was supposed to do: distract them. Now it was my turn to join the frey.

I fired off a volley of arrows at the nearest furbolg to me. A couple sank deep into the fur but most bounced off the thick hide. The angry furbolg turned around and charged at me, ignoring the enraged cat before him. Maya saw that the furbolg switched his target but she was too busy fighting off the other two to help.

Too close for arrows, I drew my twin blades. The Runner charged with full fury and left himself completely open. I slashed with my main sword and the magic flame from the blade scorched the furbolg across its stomach. Unfortunately, even my magic blades could not penetrate the thick hide. The Runner was just got more angry.

I dodged his first swipe with his razor claws and returned the favor. My blades cut into his arm, finally drawing blood. He swiped again and I parried it with my sword. The strength of the furbolg was tremendous and the impact of the parry left my left hand numb. I was barely able to hold onto my second sword.

It became very clear to me that we were outclassed. These Runners were much more stronger and much more adept at combat than the ones I had faced in the past. Maya looked tired and weak. I was barely dodging and parrying my attacker and with each blow, it drained my stamina.

A prolonged fight was to the furbolg’s advantage and my attacker took advantage of my weariness. His large claw connected with my shoulder and the blow knocked me down. The searing pain screamed in my head and I had to concentrate to focus. When I did, I saw the furbolg on top of me, ready to crush my head. I was too weak to resist.

When all seemed lost, I heard a shot. The furbolg standing over me snapped back as a bullet pierced his chest. Then another bullet hit him in the stomach. The furbolg bent over. I managed to stand back up during the reprieve to see where the shots were coming from. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

There was a golden haired blood elf female unloading her rifle on my attacker. I turned to check on Maya, hoping she was still standing. She was and better yet, she was only facing one furbolg. The other one was fighting off a cat I had not seen in a long time. It was a golden lynx found in the northern regions of Lordaeron.

Maya was hurt so I cast my mending spell on her and she began to fight with new vigor. The other cat, the companion of the mysterious blood elf hunter, had the second furbolg on the ground and was finishing up mauling it to death.

Another shot rang in my ear and I watched the furbolg nearest to me drop to the ground. A bullet had penetrated its head, killing it instantly. I looked over to the female elf who looked at me and then dropped her rifle. She stared at me again, waiting for my reaction. I simply nodded and I thought I saw her smile. She lifted her rifle again and aided our two cats finish off the remaining furbolgs.

Within seconds, the Winterfall Runners were all dead and I had recovered the toxin.

I approached the female elf and Maya remained by my side, ready to defend me. I placed my hand on her head to let her know that this new hunter was not our enemy.

The blood elf female was petite. She had wavy satin blonde hair. She had an almost unearthly beauty and magnificent green eyes. Her skin was light and her mannerisms seemed regal. I wondered if blood elves still spoke Darnassian but I figured using the common tongue of humans would be a safe choice.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You are welcome,” she replied as she bowed.

“It would be a great honor to know the name of the elf that saved my life as well as my cat, Maya.”

“I only aided,” she spoke.

“And I am Terra,” she added. She stroked her lynx across the back and said, “and this is Furbas, my companion.”

“Well, thank you Terra,” I said and turned to the lynx, “and Furbas.”

She smiled and bowed again. “But I must say, it seems a bit foolhardy for one elf to take on so many.”

“Failure wasn’t an option but I did not have time to call for aid.”

“Yes, I know,” Terra said. “Donova sent me to help you.”

“Oh did she now?” I replied. “Does Donova even know that the Alliance and Horde do not get along?”

“Maybe this is her way to force us to get along?” Terra said.

Donova was a clever dwarf. And she was not allied to the Alliance or the Horde. In fact, since the feuding slows down her work, I would venture to guess she does her part to mend the differences between the two factions. And after watching Terra come to my aid, I truly began to wonder why there was no peace on Azeroth. Maybe the cut just ran too deep for our leaders.

I smiled at Terra. “Donova is a wise dwarf. I am glad she sent you to help.”

Terra accompanied me back to Donova’s camp. The little dwarf just grinned as she took the toxin. As she was working with the mixture, both Maya and Furbas rose and growled. They had sensed something.

“The furbolgs are here,” Maya’s voice rang in my head.

It appeared Furbas sensed the same for Terra looked at me and nodded. And sure enough, we saw a small group of Winterfall Runners charging towards Donova. I was too eager to return to Donova and left an easy trail for the furbolgs to follow. The cats reached them before they got to her. The Runners were no match for our combined attack and they were defeated easily. Donova returned to her tent with a satisfied grin. It seemed like she was talking to herself but clearly it was a message to both Terra and me.

“If only the Alliance and Horde would settle their differences, this world would be a much better place where all could live in peace where no evil could destroy it,” she murmured.

Donova returned her attention to the both of us. “Thank you both. The danger is now past. You have crippled the Winterfall conspiracy.”

Both Terra and I bowed to the dwarf.

“Be well, both of you and travel safe,” Donova said. “Visit me anytime.”

The two of us headed away from the camp towards the main trail. We walked in silence, our cats trailing us. Every once in awhile I would notice Terra glancing at me when she thought I wasn’t looking. I must admit, I did the same.

We stood at the trail without a word until I broke the silence.

“I believe this is where we part ways,” I said.

“Yes,” Terra replied. She almost seemed disappointed.

“Be well Terra,” I said, “I will not forget your kindness.”

She stuck her fingers in her mouth and blew a whistle. From the bushes, out came a large bird with dark blue plumes. A saddle and harness told me it was her mount. Terra climbed the large bird in one graceful motion.

“And be well Belion,” she said on her mount. “It’s a pity our people refuse to move past our differences. Blood elf males are handsome but they are certainly not as…robust as you. May we meet again in better times.”

I watched her ride off.

“She seemed quite fond of you,” Maya teased.

“Yeah but not a good choice.”

“Why’s that?”

“Blood elf females are too fragile,” I said with a grin. “I’d break her.”

Maya’s laughter rang in my head as we followed the trail back to Starfall Village.

Homecoming

It took one week before I fully recovered. I had Lyranne Feathersong to thank for my recovery and the well being of my cats. She was an extraordinary cook and a wonderful healer. When I was able I wandered around the village and found peace there. Unlike Everlook, Starfall Village was a quiet place. And it seemed the village was designed by night elves for it did not stand out among the environment. Instead the buildings and homes flowed with the land and looked as if it belonged there.

I felt at home for the first time since leaving Darnassus. I knew what I had to do.

I approached Lyranne hoping she could help me.

“Lyranne I thank you for your hospitality,” I said. “I would not have been able to survive without your generosity but I do feel it is time to lessen your burden.”

“You have not been a burden, Belion,” she said. “Starfall doesn’t get many visitors and it’s nice to see a new face every once in awhile. Do not fret. You are welcome as long as you wish.”

“I thank you Lyranne but it is not in my nature to take so much and offer so little.”

Lyranne stood quietly and thought. “Well, you are fully recovered now and I’m sure you can be of help in this village. But I will not take compensation from you. Instead, if you truly wish to help, speak with Jaron and I’m sure he has some errands you can perform.”

“I will do so right away,” I replied. “Oh, one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“I do believe I will be here for quite some time. Are there any residences I may be able to acquire?”

She thought for only the briefest of moments. “There is a small cabin on the outskirts of the village. No one has occupied it for years and as it is, I own that property. It is small but it is a cozy little place. It is yours if you like.”

“What would you like for it?” I asked.

She smiled. “It is a gift Belion. I only ask if you choose to move away from Starfall that you would be generous and offer it to another without gain.”

“Thank you Lyranne and I will do as you say.”

After my conversation with Lyranne, I sped off towards the cabin with Maya and Midnight. It was not difficult to find. It was a small cabin but it had all the necessities. Maya really enjoyed the bearskin rug. After a few hours of cleaning, the place was divine. I started a fire in the fireplace and the orange glow filled the dark night with warmth and life. The evening was not as cold as before and I decided to sit outside wrapped in a thick blanket and sipping a hot cup of tea. Both Maya and Midnight decided to doze off inside.

I could see the vast frozen mountains that surrounded Winterspring. The panorama of the landscape was before me and at dawn it would be painted in soft hues of blue and violet. I could hear the hoots of the great owls that soared in its skies. The roar of the majestic frostsabers echoed in the distance. Then I recalled the terrible power of Winterspring’s blizzards. I remembered the sheer power and destructive nature of Winterspring. But sitting in front of my cabin, I witnessed its beauty as well. I had witnessed the extremes that Winterspring provided and I was happy. I was home.