This is it, adventurers. I appreciate if you made it this far, peering into the life I once lived.
(Previous chapters:
The Life before Deathlord Bloodrott Vol.1 - Lore / World’s End Tavern: Role-play and Fan Fiction - World of Warcraft Forums (blizzard.com)
The Life Before Deathlord Bloodrott Vol.2 - Lore / World’s End Tavern: Role-play and Fan Fiction - World of Warcraft Forums (blizzard.com)
The Life Before Deathlord Bloodrott Vol.3 - Lore / World’s End Tavern: Role-play and Fan Fiction - World of Warcraft Forums (blizzard.com)
The final chapter is upon us:
The Heist
The teal war-paint left a wet, cooling sensation about his shoulder, bordering along the white war painted symbols that danced along his arms, shoulders, neck and face. The color was even more exaggerated upon the coal-haired body of the Grimtotem restoration shaman. He applied it with accuracy thanks to the waterfall mirror he conjured before him, it’s laminar flow ever-steady as it dropped to the ground, turned back up before making contact, and climbed back up to begin the cycle anew at the behest of Ebo’s will.
He emerged from one of the commandeered Night-elf tents in An’owyn, looking forward to the mission ahead. Those among the campfire, busy in preparation, glanced up for a look before returning their gaze yet again, their stares lingering in awe at the Grimtotem restoration shaman. He was given a nod by those present. Even Blackfang paused the chewing of a fresh bone for a moment, as he witnessed the Grimtotem tribal markings highlighted upon Ebo.
The pre-midday sun attempted to peer into the heavily canopied Grimtotem base of operations formerly known as An’owyn.
Kandra Shadewalker finished the restringing of her bow, running taught across the well maintained weapon. The intricate workings of the war-bow flourished among the soft glow of the campfire.
Krag Stonespire began meditating among a fair-sized boulder, with smaller rocks and stones lifting around his proximity. Brown and red paint adorned his face, encompassing his closed eyes among his stoic posture.
Dagwa Ebonhorn’s mailed armor and ornately patterned wardrobe matched the armored tiara she wore as she knelt before a totem in solemn prayer, her mace and axe at either side, buzzing with electrical energy.
Tallawah the Red sat silent with a slight frown, staring into the ground as she twirled her throwing axe about, over and over again in silent contemplation.
Fen Riverglow ensured her daggers and throwing knifes were coated in poison, and secured her dark leather armor to her person for the trial ahead. The Night-elf Rogue’s long pointed ears remained pointed upward, as if listening for would-be attackers in the surrounding foliage of her newly acquired home.
Blackfang studied the many warped and bent spikes of the steel ball of his chained mace as he casually chewed into the last of the bones of the offered kill. His heavy armor remained secured to his body as he sat in an oddly calm silence for the time being.
Odenan Grimtotem addressed the party, returning from the cargo wagon he finished preparing. Fen translated what he was saying to Blackfang, his head darting back and forth from either of the speakers;
“The wagon is prepared. As planned, we will begin the false binding of Talla and Blackfang. Fen, be sure to slit the cloth bindings at a moments notice.”, he issued commands as the Rogue nodded slightly. He began again, studying those around him as he did so.
“Remember, we are hired mercenaries that have come to collect on the bounty of both Tallawah the Red and Blackfang of the Riverpaw Gnoll pack. It is most likely that they would only speak the Common tongue…”.
Dagwa muttered, [Taurahe] “Such an ugly tongue…”, before Odenan continued.
“With that said, I will do the talking. DO NOT speak in Orcish common, for there may be those present that are formerly of the Horde. The Paladins explained that the Paladins are a brotherhood not specific to just the Alliance, so there may be some there who could over hear us.”. Odenan paused to let Fen finish her common-tongued translation to the attentive Gnoll.
Odenan hesitated slightly, gauging Talla’s reactions as he began to explain the plan ahead.
“Talla… you will be temporarily tied down in the cargo wagon with your hands and feet bound.”, a slight pouting whimper escaped Talla as her head sank downwards, “Only until we are inside Light’s hope… Do not worry Talla, we will free you once we are inside the grounds. Krag will unbind you once we are there.”, she nodded at the explanation ever-so slightly as Odenan continued on, this time in the common tongue as he addressed the well fed Gnoll.
[Common] “You know the plan, Blackfang. We will bind your snout shut and shackle your arms behind your back as we approach the Human’s fort. Once we are inside, Fen will cut loose your bindings and we will throw you your weapon. You are free to kill as many as you can and take whatever you want, and after that, you can go your separate way, or claim their territory for your own, should you kill them all.”.
Blackfang grinned wickedly and nodded rapidly at Odenan, emitting a yelping laugh as he did so with dead fur falling from his body.
“Fen, you will reconnoiter of the chapel far before our arrival. We will be near Light’s Hope in an area that will not be within eye shot of the Paladins. I want enemy capability and numbers. Security measures and a basic layout of the place. Do not worry, I am confident you can find us after you are done… hopefully we shouldn’t run into any undead.”, Odenan’s eyes rolled at the notion before continuing, “If you do not find or return to us before the sun reaches two fingers… or in your case, two hands above the horizon, we will assume you to be captured or dead.”
“Great.”, she responded with a wry half-smile.
“Grimtotems.”, Odenan called out suddenly, addressing his tribe-mates.
[Taurahe] “We approach the finale of this anointed task burdened by us for the glory and supremacy of our clan. A task given to us by High Chieftain Magatha of the Tauren people.”, He began, as the Grimtotems gathered close.
[Taurahe] “The lesser races will eventually bend to the will of the Grimtotem or they will be broken beneath hoof and horn, as we step upward off their corpses and onward to our destiny… our eternal sovereignty of Kalimdor…”.
.…Yes.
[Taurahe] “We are but one tasked force of many, spread out across Azeroth to acquire many artifacts and weapons of power. Our success here will bolster our tribe into heights unknown… and perhaps further.”.
Yes.
[Taurahe] “For Thunder Centaurbane. The vile Centaur rue the day he was born.
For Talon Grimbow. There was not an enemy stealthier nor an animal savage enough that he could not tame. Slaugtermaw was testament enough to his abilities.
For Noodin Skyrender. May there be a gust of air here that roars his name across Azeroth.
For Toros Bramblesmash. The embodiment of defence in the face of all of the enemies of the Grimtotem. He died how a Grimtotem should.
For Misko Slaghoof. May his example constantly remind us how easy we can falter and stray from loyalty, despite all the efforts he made for the Grimtotem.
Ultimately, for Magatha Grimtotem. May she lead us onto tomorrow and there-after, as she manifests for us the new Tauren order!”.
[Taurahe] “YES!”, Ebo cried out, the excitement unable to be contained any longer.
The culmination of all hardships have been realized. Ebo found himself psyched into the belief that there was no stopping the Grimtotem in fulfilling their destiny.
No longer was he concerned for the safety of others. It would only slow him down.
No longer did he consider how others would feel should his needs compete with theirs. He was more important.
No longer would those around him influence his train of thought. There only mattered his…
And that of the Grimtotem.
He considered himself, by all means, a Grimtotem.
The lesser races could just go and burn.
Odenan reached for the cloth bindings and unlocked shackling the previous tenants had laying about.
“Blackfang, Talla, it is time.”
The “Mercenary” team made their way from the forested path that led to the main road.
Tallawah the Red lay bound, strapped down with cloth bindings, securing her to the wagon-bed’s surface with layers of wrapped cloth on her ankles and wrists. She bore a slight frown upon a sad face, recoiling her muscled body about with every bump and stone the wheels rode over.
“Me don’t like this, mon…”, she complained.
“Just for a little longer, my dear”, Krag re-assured the Grimtotem’s distractive asset. She nodded with a sad frown and tried to make herself comfortable against the cloth binding and packaged tents that held her in place.
Ebo witnessed Krag exhale forcefully, doing his best to console a wild Amani troll woman in a cargo wagon.
Just do your job.
Blackfang’s heavy plates clanked about as his snout was muzzled with wrapping upon wrapping of cloth, allowing him breath only out of his nose. The unlocked shackles sat freely on his wrists as they seemed bound behind his back. He was being used to pull the bound Amani huntress at the same time, if only to secure him to something should he attempt to run away.
So long as he doesn’t realize he’s being used for cheap labor…
Just then, along the canopy of one of the last trees that bordered the forest behind them, an eerie-glowing owl cast judging eyes upon Fen, and flew away.
A Night-elf owl scout.
Fen looked up in horror as it flew up, above the forest canopy and over the mountainous formation to their north.
“No… Why send more. Why would they send more.”, she questioned in disbelief.
“This was to be my new home. They have no real business here…”, she stated as she paced aggressively to and fro, ahead of the group. She fell to her knees suddenly.
[Darnassian] “I WAS FREE… I. WAS. F*&#ING. FREE.”, Fen shrieked in frustration as she hammered the dirt with her fist at each word. Her breathing became heavy and laden with seething anger through gritted teeth. Odenan attempted to console the upset Night-elf fugitive.
There she is…
“You still are… You are on an entire new continent across the sea, faaaar away from Teldrassil. There are many lands to the south with even more opportunity. Not all is lost.”, he explained as he moved in closer, “But right now there is a mission you are needed for.”, he explained as he quickly glanced over to Blackfang.
“Kill the Gnoll, provided he doesn’t die after this assault, and the spoils will be all yours. All we want is what we came for; Ashbringer.”
After a few tense moments, Fen recollected herself, rose to her feet and regained her composure.
“Fine.”, she began as she strode vigorously forth down the main rode leading to the south, “Guess I better get started.”, she said with a roll of her eyes as she made her way ahead of the travelling false Tauren mercenaries.
Ebo forced away any empathy he may have felt towards the Night-elf. Such feelings could not be afforded right now.
Especially regarding lesser races…
The Sun remained high in the sky. With a steady pace, they were expected to make it to Light’s Hope before the evening sun would be upon them. Dusk would then fall soon after the heist would take place, and the vile scourge would roam about to deter any pursuit.
This has to work… This WILL work.
The mountain pass from the Ghostlands into the Eastern Plaguelands was narrow and chock full of battle remnants of the third war. This was a pass that was contested over and over again, and the way things looked, would be contested for again, and thereafter.
The “Mercenary band” that were the Grimtotem Taurens descended into the dead landscape, where massive mushrooms could be seen in the distance. Trees that were long infected became twisted, leaving rotted pustules about their exposed trunks.
[Taurahe] “Even if the Earthen Ring were to attempt to cleanse this land… I do not think such a feat would be possible…”, Krag stated in awe as he looked around at the destitute, perpetually rotting landscape.
They made their way along the stone path, playing the part of bounty hunters in the case that scouts were to spot them unawares. Talla was not happy after a few hours of bound travel in the bed of a cargo wagon. Even Blackfang was starting to pant raggedly.
Every few moments, a Gargoyle could be seen flying about in the distance to the west, with extremely large maggots roaming the fields, fat off the pestilent rot of the dying land. Even the two towers they passed along the eerily quiet main road were devoid of any presence. Whatever happened here, the Grimtotems collectively wished it to be contained in this unfortunate kingdom, and for it to never infect Kalimdor.
Just then, Fen appeared from the ditch, but chose to remain hidden in the foliage to ensure her stealth was not compromised.
“Back so soon?!”, Odenan asked with an eyebrow raised, pretending she was not there.
“There is no wall… barely any fortifications… a few soldier’s tents scattered about… a forge in the yard, a well on the other side of the risen path leading to the chapel, a handful of guardsmen about the grounds with a majority of the leadership inside the chapel, a crypt in the graveyard behind it…”, Fen paused for a moment to remember anything else, but was cut off by Odenan.
“Does the chapel itself have any other exits than the entrance?”, He asked, looking about the land.
“Just the one entrance, no door, stone framing.”, Fen answered, following the travelling party from within the ditch, darting looks all around her as she did so.
“Hmmm. How far away are we, considering this pace?”, Odenan asked the question everyone has been awaiting since entering the Eastern Plaguelands.
“Not very far at all. In but a few more rolls of the hills ahead and you should see it… such a pathetic, desperate symbol in the land of the Scourge… I should mention, they do have Gryphons, but leave that to me…”.
Elated at the news, the pace collectively quickened. Blackfang’s strides increased as he noticed everyone around him “perk-up”, eager to claim everything the Humans had at Light’s Hope.
After a few more minutes of travel, they seen the pointed roof of the chapel atop a hill near the side of the bordering mountainous terrain. Just as Fen described it, it was an unimpressive landmark, sticking out like a sore thumb.
How they are even operating in Scourge land is beyond me…
An armor clad Dwarven guard spotted the travelling mercenary group and squinted at first-glance before drawing his spy-glass. His Human partner raised a hand to cover his eyes from the haze obscured sun that lingered above, squinting as the dwarf did.
[Common] “What is it? Another Scourge “Meat-wagon”?”, the Human asked.
After a moment the Dwarf exclaimed, [Common] “By the curls of me beard…”, he paused for a moment to comprehend what creatures were approaching them in the distance. After remembering the description of what a Tauren looks like, he halted the suspense.
[Common] “That right there, laddy… is a Tauren caravan…”.
[Common] “What? The Tauren?! Here!?”, the surprised Human exclaimed with wide eyes.
[Common] “…Yep. An’ it looks like they’re escorting what looks liiiiike…”.
The Dwarf’s eyes bulged for a moment as he disengaged his spy-glass and looked up as his Human companion.
[Common] “Yer not gonna believe this. It’s that ripe basterd Gnoll, Blackfang, they ‘ave in cuffs! I think they be mercenaries!”.
[Common] “Blackfang the Riverpaw pack Gnoll. That fiend Hogger’s cast out brother?! Isn’t there some five hundred gold bounty on his head?”.
[Common] “Indeed there is… Those Tauren are ‘bout to be a shiny coin or two richer.”, he said with a point of his finger, [Common] “Let’s see… what do they have that mangy beast hauling… serves him right the dirty mongrel… I cannae make it out… Probably supplies and what not. Let’s wait until they approach.”.
[Common] “Aren’t the Tauren allied with the Horde?”, asked the Human.
[Common] “Yeah, they are. I suppose yer Orcish isn’t any better than your common?”, the Dwarf jested.
[Common] “Please… Hey, what would a Tauren even speak?”.
[Common] “I dunno… I suppose ye couldn’t just moo at it?”
The guards burst out laughing as they awaited the “bounty hunters”.
A greeting wave of the arm from the Guardsmen initiated the contact.
Odenan waved back with a smiled.
[Common] “Greetings, Paladins.”.
[Common] “EH! He does speak the ol’ Common. And we ain’t Paladins yet. Just guardsmen.”, the Human greeted.
[Common] The Dwarf nodded and walked about the Gnoll captive and the wagon, issuing forth a sharp whistle.
[Common] “Quite the haul you ‘ave ‘ere.”, He said, climbing the side of the wagon as he did. As he looked over the siding and into the hold, he paused for a moment, gasping yet again after witnessing Tallawah the Red bound before him.
[Common] “Matthew, lad! Come ‘ere.”, the Dwarf called to his partner.
The Human stared down Blackfang as he passed, instigating a responding growl as he did. Dagwa and Kandra moved in like guards would to keep their “captive” in check. The Human guard shook his head as he headed over to his diminutive colleague to see what all the fuss was about.
[Common] “That isn’t…”, the Human started before looking at Odenan again, [Common] “…Talla the Red, is it? The rabid Troll B!%$H that killed ten of our gaurds about a year ago? HAH!”, he exclaimed turning from the wagon, then back to Odenan. The Dwarf hopped down and initiated the beginning of the bounty process.
[Common] “That is a healthy pay-day right there. You Tauren should be a might proud for bringin’ these two in teh face justice. Come, lets get this filth in stocks so you can get paid and out of this hell-hole. If ye’ couldn’ tell, it’s not the best vacation spot, is it?”.
The company made their way to the Chapel grounds, garnering looks from a handful of guardsmen about. Some couldn’t believe the approaching spectacle. It wasn’t every day a herd of Tauren suddenly show up with two of the most dangerous criminals in the area.
Ebo noted that the well was uncovered.
Good. Water, should I need it.
They slowed their approach, studying the banners that bordered the humble Paladin outpost.
Blackfang began to tremble with excitement, with small, muffled yelps escaping his shut snout.
The Dwarf promptly drew his blade, [Common] “Settle down ye’ mutt. Now. I’m going teh ‘ave to ask the brass inside about yer coin. Just stay out ‘ere fer a bite or two. I’ll ‘ave a few guards come an’ relieve ye real soon an’ take this trash away fer gud.”
The Human guardsman Matthew approached the bound-up Amani Huntress.
[Common] “Comfortable?”, he sarcastically inquired.
Talla stared into the inner wall of the wagon siding, silently breathing with a neutral expression on her face.
Ebo seen a pair of Gryphons in one of the sections of the yard below. He caught a glimpse of Fen dropping some kind of laced meat into their straw beds. After a few moments, the relaxed creatures sniffed about, finding the morsel placed at their convenience.
So it begins…
The Grimtotems were fraught with anticipation as all eyes were on Odenan and Blackfang. Several guardsmen crowded the wagon where Matthew was, berating the captive Amani Huntress.
Just at the chapel entrance, the Dwarf stopped immediately and saluted, which caught the attention of Odenan, witnessing Alexandros Mograine exiting the chapel with who must have been his son.
[Taurahe] “Ashbringer…”, the Grimtotem leader muttered, catching a peak at the wondrous, glowing blade adorned at the side of the Highlord. He managed to over hear him speaking to his son as he finished addressing the guardsman to continue on inside.
[Common] “Darion, my son. There will be no question about this. You are not ready to become a Paladin just yet.”.
[Common] “Father, I have slain many Scourge horrors and held my own. If you would just give me the chanc-”.
[Common] “Enough. Please Darion.”, the flustered father stopped for a moment, before continuing on again, [Common] “… Come with me to the crypt. There are names of those there I must tell you about that may help you understand the gravity of the order you seek to uphold.”.
The impatient son exhaled, tired of hearing this rhetoric yet again.
[Common] “I’ll tell you what, Darion. Help me bless Ashbringer in the presence of the forefathers.”, Darion’s face lit up at the offer, [Common] “At least this way, you can begin to properly learn the ways of the light. This way, my son.”, Alexandros Mograine directed his son to the path that led to the graveyard behind the chapel. He stopped in his tracks and remembered something he forgot. Drawing Ashbringer, he held it before his son.
[Common] “Take Ashbringer to the crypt and await me in there. There is a specific tome needed to properly administer the ceremony”.
Darion was more than happy to carry out his father’s command. The beaming smile on his face was evidence enough as Alexandros made his way back into the chapel to collect the holy tome.
The Light’s Hope guardsmen began to notice something strange about the situation.
[Common] “Oi, why ain’t she disarmed…”, a curious guardsman asked the Grimtotem mercenaries. Odenan snapped back to task at hand.
[Common] “The circumstances in which we caught her didn’t allow us to ask her to take her armor and blades off. She is bound and we got her here that way. Is that not good enough?”, Odenan explained, shooting glances over his shoulder towards the son of the Highlord who was fast-disappearing behind the shoddy stone chapel.
The guard, Matthew, began teasing again, [Common] “I wonder how many Amani trolls we’ve killed since the bounty went up for this little wretch?”.
Talla’s jaw clenched as her breathing steadily increased, keeping her stare at the inside of the wagon siding.
[Common] “They never learn, do they? You’d think they would be happy with staying up north in their corner of the land but that’s just a Troll for you. Savage and stupid. Even animals learn to keep their nose away where it hurts.”.
Talla’s nose began to twitch in anger as she was fast-failing to keep her composure, her red eyes, yet again, staring a hole into the side of the wagon.
Ebo noticed a blur of shadow creep near the wagon.
Fen.
Ebo made eye contact with Odenan and pointed his horns to wagon, indicating things were a go.
Odenan turned toward Blackfang and spoke up, [Common] “Gentlemen. Please.”.
The gaurds looked his way, as he sliced the cloth-muzzle that once held Blackfang’s trembling snout shut. Right on queue, the once-captive Gnoll’s unlocked shackles exploded off his wrists.
[Common] “You’ve more important things to worry about.”, Odenan pointed out as Blackfang yelped about.
Krag threw Blackfang his weapon in a moments notice as the guards looked at the Gnoll in shock.
Fen slipped in the wagon and silently slit Talla’s bindings without the attention of the now distracted guards. She escaped the scene in all but under a second, while Talla ripped off the loose cloth bindings and procured her weapons hiding within the neatly packed away tents.
[Common] “TAZ-DINGO!”, she roared with blood red eyes as her dual wrist blades that looked more like extended claws entered the skull of the Matthew the guardsman. She pulled him in, slamming his head against the wagon’s side to free her blades from his skull as she prepared a throwing axe for her next kill.
[Common] “WE’RE UNDER ATTACK”, the guardsmen began to collectively shout but were silenced thereafter with Kandra’s arrows and Dagwa’s mace and hammer. Ebo even arced a bolt of lightning into the nearest guard, causing him to convulse on the ground momentarily before stomping his skull in.
A guard near an alarming bell noticed the commotion and ran to the rope-pulley. He yanked it with all his might but the rope whipped down to his feet. He shot his look above and seen the Night-elf Rogue smiling at him before she vaulted backwards off the post and into a cloud of smoke as she landed. He whipped the rope down to the ground and ran towards where the Gryphons resided, just a stone’s throw behind him. He was about to let forth a sharp whistle, but he noticed the state of the noble beasts as they were on hunched over in their hay-laden, vomit covered stations in barely-conscious movement.
He could have never prepared for one of Kandra’s propelling arrows that pierced his right eye as he turned to warn others in the chapel.
[Common] “GET THAT ENTRANCE BLOCKED”, Odenan ordered as the surrounding camp guardsmen began enclosing in on the Grimtotems.
Krag began to summon piles upon piles of dirt in order to clog the entrance, but Ebo knew that would not hold them for long. He remembered the well just before him.
Using his channelling staff he directed the water as fast as he could to mix with Krag’s piling earth that rapidly clogged the way out of the chapel with a muddy clay-like earth mixture.
Blackfang’s massive spiked mace whirled about as he savagely charged to meet the approaching defenders, giving them pause to the large, heavily armored beast they were about to engage in battle with.
Talla, began to head towards the other direction, eager to kill the charging guards approaching from the other side of the risen path. Dagwa followed behind her, and shot a glance to her Tribes-mates, giving them a slight nod.
Odenan raced past Ebo and Krag and motioned them to follow, as they made the final touches to the massive mound of wet mud and earth that now blocked the entrance to the chapel. Muffled yells could be heard inside as they turned the corner of the chapel and raced into the graveyard. Kandra followed behind, turning around to secure the empty graveyard.
[Taurahe] “GO”, she directed as Ebo looked at her before entering the crypt that would no doubt be a tight fit for a Tauren. He glimpsed one last look of her before a crossbow bolt whizzed past her dark hood, prompting her to return fire.
The echoes of the chaos above raged on, following Ebo into the crypt. He heard Krag and Odenan attempting to locate the young Human man.
[Taurahe] “He can’t have gone that far… the crypt isn’t that big.”, Krag stated, turning the corner of the second basement level. Odenan continued down the third flight of stairs into the darker portion of the crypt.
[Taurahe] “Just look for a glow.”, Ebo heard Odenan advise.
Ebo decided to go in the other direction that Krag had taken, hoping to encircle the son of Alexandros Mograine into a corner.
The Torches that kept the rooms alight did not help matters much. The corners of the rooms and the many wall crevices gave ample opportunity to hide, and with the frantic search that took place, Darion was nowhere to be found.
Krag and Ebo spotted eachother down one of the hallways that led to each room. Krag began briskly walking to Ebo and asked, [Taurahe] “No sign of the Human?”, before Darion lunged from a wall groove, hiding the glow of the blade with his body that emerged forth as he spun under the guard of Krag, enabling him to thrust the blade, with all his might, under the chin and neck of the earth shaman.
Ashbringer emerged from out the top of Krag’s skull for a moment, before he crumbled down, devoid of life. He didn’t have a chance.
Darion recovered the blade from the corpse of Krag as Ebo strode forth, his eyes on the asset at all times.
[Taurahe] “You will give that blade to me, boy.”, Ebo stated with a hint of rage as he slowly walked towards Darion with an intimidating stare, the defender slowly retreating backwards over the corpse of Ebo’s once long-time friend.
Darion had no clue what this beast said to him, instead, retorting something in that ugly common tongue Ebo had the unfortunate pleasure of listening to.
The Hoof of a patiently waiting Odenan slammed the side of the young man, catching him off guard and propelling him into the solid stone of the wall.
Darion slammed his head hard, knocking him instantly unconscious on impact as Ashbringer fell to the ground before him, ready to be claimed.
Like a hawk diving in for a fish in a lake, Odenan snatched the objective and directed Ebo back to the surface, paying no heed to the corpse of Krag who lay slain before them. With the adrenaline flowing and the objective all but secure, the two Grimtotems exploded out of the crypt entrance and towards the northern path of the graveyard.
Odenan and Ebo glanced to the left and slowed their sprint for the scene at hand.
Fen lay silent, peacefully laying beside the path leading into the graveyard with one of Kandra’s arrows embedded behind her long, elegant ear.
Across from the assassinated Night-elf fugitive, Dagwa leaned against the wall of the chapel with one of Talla’s axes buried deep in her neck, still able to stand, but slowly bleeding out. Ebo and Odenan were about to turn to help her, but the stubborn enhancement shaman shouted a hoarse [Taurahe] “GO”, as a gout of blood escaped her mouth.
[Taurahe] “EBOW’JI, WE MUST GO, NOW.”, Odenan ordered as he grabbed the stunned restoration shaman and pulled him to the safety of the trees, ignoring the chaos of the battlefield that was the grounds of Light’s Hope chapel.
The chaos and rising smoke of Light’s Hope chapel in the distance was a fair indication that the mission had been accomplished.
Just eastward off the stone-cobbled path that led northward to the Ghostlands, Ebo and Odenan stopped for a breather to recollect themselves before moving forward with Ashbringer’s glow before them, the sword firmly grasped in Odenan’s grip.
[Taurahe] “We can rest assured Dagwa will have been avenged, and It’s a shame about Krag, but the prize remains in Grimtotem hands.”.
He did his job.
Ebo nodded in between deep breaths, his hands on his knees.
He drank deep of the water skin Odenan offered him.
That is some funny tasting water. Still better than nothing…
After the two Grimtotems finished their bout of respiration, Odenan lifted the blade before him, studying it for the very first time as he and Ebo gazed in wonder at the deadly craft and potent beauty of the weapon.
[Taurahe] “I feel the power of this blade in just grasping it alone… imagine what the Grimtotem will do with this… What High Chieftain Magatha could do…”.
[Taurahe] “A new tomorrow dawns upon Mulgore… High chieftain Magatha’s will be done.”, Ebo bowed with a saluting fist over his chest, [Taurahe] “I look forward to becoming one among those of her council. Hopefully Kandra made it out alive… I lost track of her as we descended into the crypt.”.
Odenan began along the path, [Taurahe] “I am certain she found her way out amidst the chaos of battle. I had ordered her to put an arrow through Fen, and I am glad she succeeded in that regard. That’s one loose-end tied. The other two… “decoys”… well, I assure you, the Paladins have probably faced tougher monstrosities in this land, and will eventually kill them off, avenging Dagwa in the process.”
Ebo strode forth to catch up, walking proudly beside his Grimtotem compatriot, a grin nestling on his face.
Finally.
For once, he felt he could stand among Odenan Grimtotem as an equal.
Accomplished and proud.
[Taurahe] “Not bad for a water shaman, hey, Odenan?”, Ebo said as he studied the road ahead, keeping an eye out for the Scourge in this contested land.
[Taurahe] “You did have your moments…”, he replied.
[Taurahe] “Oh, and Ebow’ji?”.
Ebo paused and turn, the smile still wide on his face. All he could recall was Kandra’s voice in his head, “After the mission!”
There was a momentary blank pause of expression on Odenan’s face as Ashbringer’s pointed edge submerged in Ebo’s chest.
Ebo’s smile remained fixed on his face as he stared into Odenan’s blue eyes, shocked and confused as to what exactly was taking place. Ebo’s eyebrow rose slightly as he twitched his head at the unexpected pulses of a heat-like sensation in the center of his chest.
Odenan began with Ashbringer’s blade buried deep, [Taurahe] “Like I said, you will find your rightful place at the end of all this.”.
…After the mission…
Ebo started to slowly sink and lower under the growing pain and weight of the blade, his eyes never wavering from Odenan’s.
[Taurahe] “You are but a water shaman. A waste of shamanistic power. Unimportant and ultimately useless towards Grimtotem goals. Did you think there was going to be a place for a water shaman in Magatha’s new council?”, he began to twist the blade slightly, causing Ebo to drop to a knee, emitting pathetic, painful groans.
[Taurahe] “For eight years we tolerated your presence in Stonetalon. It was I who was expected to keep your pathetic existence safe when you returned from Mulgore. A water shaman…pfft.”, he rolled his eyes at Ebo, who had only tears to answer with.
Odenan’s hoof planted firmly onto Ebo’s chest, just beside Ashbringer’s anchored entrance wound.
[Taurahe] “Of all elements you could master… why water, Ebow’ji… Just… why…?”.
He leaned in closer, becoming eye-to-eye with Ebo.
[Taurahe] “I am doing you a favour.”, he said as he kicked away, pulling the blade out of Ebo’s chest. Ebo attempted to remain upright on his knee, but ultimately collapsed to the ground on his side, succumbing to the pain and dulling numbness overtaking him.
Why can’t I…
I can’t heal myself…spirits?
I… I cannot…
It was as if he were judged unworthy for him to wield his shamanistic abilities, rendering him null and void as he lay on the ground, the hole in his chest left to bleed his sins away. Tears poured profusely from his eyes, blurring his fast-dimming vision.
[Taurahe] “Hmmph. Well, you are not a pile of ash as the legends claim this blade will do… it must require some incantation or the like… Oh well. The elders can study it when I return it to Magatha.”, Odenan casually stated as his attention shifted from the bloodied, pristine blade before him to the dying water shaman on the ground.
[Taurahe] “Poor Grundig… How could one so loyal and capable sire one so… useless and disappointing?”, he pondered as Ebo lay dying, far too weak to move.
[Taurahe] “The healing inhibitor should be working it’s way through you, so don’t even attempt to heal yourself. It will not work.”, Odenan coldly explained.
He studied the blade further.
[Taurahe] “When you were sent to clean An’owyn with that annoying Night-elf criminal, I had informed the rest of our force that I would personally… “take care of you”. You may as well have put two of my finest warriors to death. That I cannot abide.”
Odenan began to shake his head, his eyes squinting in disgust at Ebo.
[Taurahe] “A water shaman survives, and I lose a warrior and a fire shaman. Albeit, a questionable one at that. Unacceptable losses. I had honestly thought the mission as over right then and there.”
Odenan stood closer beside Ebo, standing tall over his victim.
Ebo’s senses were fast leaving him as he whimpered in anguish as much as his dying form would allow, the dirt, stone, and dead grass as his bed with the putrid, decaying color of the dead land and rotting trees left to dominate his last moments.
[Taurahe] “I will tell Grundig his son died in battle. Less of a burden for him to bear… if he even chooses to mourn you that is. At least Kandra, if she still lives, can find someone more capable. Perhaps me? I don’t know… At least Magat-”-
-THOK-
Momentarily after the noise of a bolt-on-skull impact, Odenan’s face came crashing into Ebo’s fading, dimming vision, staring his lifeless blue eyes a thousand yards behind him. A bolt’s fletching protruded out from deep within his skull above his brow.
Ebo’s stare was fast approaching a thousand yards behind Odenan’s.
The last thing he would witness was an Alliance boot stepping between Odenan’s face and his, as he heard the voice of Alexandros Mograine’s son, Darion, speaking in the common tongue, followed by a spit on the ground before them as the glow of Ashbringer hovered past.
The last thought Ebow’ji Darkcloud could think was;
Common… such an ugly tongue.
- End.
And that is it. The death of Ebow’ji Darkcloud. The Tauren I once was.
I will soon start work on another story named:
“Shadow, Blood, and Steel”
Which takes place just after the fall of Fyrakk, and prior to the War Within.
If some of my fellow deathknights wish, I invite you for a cameo in my new story. This one will be a lot more fun (IMO), with a LOT more at stake…
(I may take a few liberties here and there, but don’t hold it against me!).
So until then,
Suffer well.