****
Merkava
****
Firmly held against the cold floor, the paladin struggled to be free. Every ounce of strength pushing against the purple magic, only for it to force him back down. Around him weeds trickled in the stone patchwork, overrunning the city. Gazing over to the haze of green, he noticed the two figures.
“Not bad” said a voice from behind the veil, “But could have been better.”
“You beat up three clowns” jived the second, figure, “Great job.”
As the dust cleared the two became more clear. The first was a lean male with long black hair, while the second was a short female with pink piggy tails sprouting out. The chains around Merkava and Teraan slipped into the ground releasing them, as they gasped for air. Getting to their feet and dusting themselves down, they stared at awe of the three warlocks.
“They put up a good fight” protested Crescendo, ignoring the two paladins.
“How was that a good fight? You just put up a bad fight, they merely looked good by comparison” replied the female warlock, “You could have finished the fight with two blows. Well, I could have.”
“I didn't want to hurt them, not too much, anyway” she retorted, walking over to the other two.
“Well that's your problem” scoffed the female.
“Excuse me” interrupted Teraan, “Anyone care to let us know what is going on? Who are you people?
The three warlocks turned their heads towards the paladins, as Blackluster regained strength and join back up with them. For a moment, the two groups of three simply stared back at each other before the silence was finally broken.
“So they come to our home, uninvited, and then ask us whom we are? The insolence!” complained the male warlock.
Responding, the shorter one said “I told you paladins were dumb. What more can you expect from them? Their heads are filled with heroic tales of pretty flying creatures of light, no room for logic in there.”
“What did you say?” angrily asked Merkava, reaching again for his sword before seeing Crescendo glare at him, causing him to obediently retract.
“Please, be nice to the guests.” Crescendo told everyone, “This is Royal and Mileva” she pointed first towards the short warlock, and then to the taller one, “Together we make up the leadership of the warlock council, and the strongest wielders of its power.”
“You mean I'm the most powerful and you two just follow me around to make me look good” remarked Royal.
Mileva shook his head, “Always got to act so big, little one don't you?”
“Words words words...Anyway can we kill one?” questioned the impatient Royal.
“No!” shouted Crescendo, “No killing today.”
Blackluster took a step back in fear, while the two paladins stood hovered over their weapons reluctantly.
“Awww, come on. You're no fun. What about just that one?” she pointed at Blackluster.
In response the warrior pointed at himself, and panic took a hold. Looking to his two guards, despair gripped his face in the hope they would save him from this tiny foe.
Crescendo sighed and looked up into the sky, “No. We need him. I told you he needs to reach the Exodar. We can't kill him.”
Royal smiled with glee, “Great! So we don't need the other two? Thanks for letting me know!”
Her hand then began to glow brightly with a dark, purple ball of energy. Wickedly she stared at the two paladins, picking her target. In response they could only stand and wait, biting their lips.
Mileva then pushed his hand onto Royal's, limiting the purple energy ball. He looked down at her, and then over to Crescendo.
“We agreed we would allow her to do this, after all it's her master plan in the end.”
Reluctantly, Royal let go of the energy, “Fine” she told him, “But next time we do my plan. And I get to kill something.”
The three let out a great sigh of relief as tension left the air. Crescendo then happily clapped her hands, staff now attached to her back.
“Ok! Now that all the anger is gone, we can get down to business. So! You two, the glowing ones. I understand you spoke to the one they call the prophet? And you come to me for me to assist you?”
“How did you...” asked Teraan shocked.
“This isn't going to work if you ask questions in response to my own questions.” replied Crescendo cutting him off, “You wish for me to come with you?”
“Yes” answered Merkava, “We need you to come, and then we venture to find Virdo, the last bloodline.”
“Virdo?” Crescendo smirked back.
“The one true leader of Orgrimmar, and last boodline of Discarnate” proudly remarked Teraan.
Crescendo laughed back, “Yes, I know he is the leader of your silly little city.” causing Teraan to scowl, “But you need him not, the necklace you wear carries the blood of the original, does it not?”
“Yes, but we may need more than ju-”
“Great. That is all you need.” she then walked towards the three with a red vial, “This is the blood from the line of Bluebell, use it wisely”
“Who's blood is it?” asked Blackluster, “Did you kill someone for it?”
Sighing, Royal told him “It's hers, you dummy. Her own blood that she's giving you, she's nice like that.”
“Oh!” gasped the warrior in amazement.
Crescendo looked over to Blackluster, he stared back admiring her complexion and flowing hair. He smiled innocently at her, causing her to smile back menacingly. Strolling over to him, she raised her eye brow , their vision locked as he longed into her deep purple eyes.
Shocked by his good fortune, he began to tremble. Just then she lent in for a kiss. His lips began to stutter as he closed his eyes in anticipation. Moments before they touched, Crescendo smiled and blow into him. She then turned back around to the two Paladins.
Eyes firmly shit, Blackluster bit his tongue waiting the moment. Holding back the smile as he felt her cold breath against his trembling lips.
Merkava accepted the vial, before asking, “Tell me, warlocks, why do you help us? You worship the same deities as the demons, your power draws from the same evil base. You sit here in the valley of a scared land, ravished by the demons bathing in their former glory. So why do you help us?”
Realising she was no longer stood in front, and he had not had a kiss, he slowly opened one eye, and then the other.
Crescendo smiled, “There are things you do not know, Merkava. Not all it as it seems, our differences are not as great as you may believe, our goals perhaps aligned.”
Attempting to talk, Blackluster began to open his mouth, but quickly realised his lips had been sealed shut. He waved his hands around in the background frantically for attention, grabbing his mouth to try force it open.
“What did you do to him?” asked Teraan pointing at the warrior behind.
“Oh. He talked too much. Or too much foolish nonsense anyway. I couldn't stand it much longer, so I put a silence curse on him. Don't worry,” she smiled, “it will wear off once you leave the city.”
Unable to grasp still, the Merkava continued, “But you were once from the chapel. A chapel your great ancestor Bluebell built, and yet you throw it all away to worship the scum of the world and betray the Angels who protect us?”
“Ha!” laughed Royal loudly, “You insignificant little paladin. How foolish you are I could wipe you from existence and not even your friends would blink an eye. You talk so much yet know so little!”
Mileva cut in once more to hold the small warlock back, “Calm yourself, Royal. They may be ignorant but they are still guests, try to take this ordeal more seriously.”
Scowling, Royal began to speak once more, “Serious? Fine. I'll be serious. Tell me, paladin. Who was it that blackened the skies of Lorderan?”
The group then looked up into the air. Black clouds covered it and no sun was permitted through. Only darkness reigned above and set the tone for a desolate land.
Royal continued, “Who was it paladin, that cut the crown of the ancient human empire? Who was it that set humanity back, trembling into the darkness? Years of progress set back generations by one little war. Demons? Oh, yes. Their crimes were great, they tore the greatest city our people built apart. But not as great as the crimes against our race. Against humanity. Oh, no. Not all is at it seems, paladin. But soon. Yes I feel it, soon the truth shall be heard.”
The small warlock had started walking slightly forward as she spoke, Merkava spouted back “What slander do you concoct warlock? What stories do you weave?”
Royal began to hiss back, before Mileva stepped in once more, “You wished to know why Crescendo left the order? The story is grim, of ancient truths unlocked.”
“They don't need to know” Crescendo told the other two warlocks, “They will soon find out themselves.”
Mileva smiled back, “We both know the little one won't stop talking now.”
Rolling her eyes, Crescendo wavered for Royal to continue, “Did you ever wonder” she asked, “Paladin. Why the city states were not aligned? What purpose is it to have two factions of Horde and Alliance? So long ago, I'm sure you've read, humanity lived in peace, together as one. And then the darkness came, Demons from a far! Do you know from whence they came, paladin?”
The two paladins shook their heads together, all three of the group shaking in fear as the darkness above seemed to grow.
“The land of Icecrown” replied Mileva, “It is a cold place to the North. The land beneath the city of Dalaran.”
Angrily Royal turned to him, “Do not interrupt my story!” causing Mileva to bow back, “They come from the same plains your beloved Angels hail from. Now why would they come to fight unto us? The Angels, oh they are so brave, so great and shiny! Do you know from where their power derives? Their ancient secrets locked away, so they thrive off us. You and I, anyone who may worship them gives them power. Yes, when the great counter attack at Blackrock mountain was launched, whose idea was it? The great human generals or our beloved gods in the sky?”
“They did what was needed!” shouted Merkava, “Together the Angels and humanity pushed deep into the mountains to crush the demons.”
“Yes,” replied Royal, “But at what cost, paladin? Tell me, was it Lorderan or Dalaran that was sacrificed? How far did that sacrifice take us? How many years did humanity take to recover from their decision to lose Lorderan? But didn't we feel grateful when the Angels helped us build ourselves back?”
“What are you trying to say?” asked Teraan, still confused.
“Enough!” demanded Crescendo, “These are tales for another time. Now, it is time to take your leave.”
“But there is so much we can discuss, and it is still night.” said Teraan back to them.
“If you don't leave now, the little one burn you.” joked Mileva.
The two paladins looked down at Royal, who simply glared angrily back at them. Nodding to the warlocks, they began to turn and leave the city. Blackluster waved back, while the warlocks simply folded their arms and watched them leave.
As they reached the city gate, Blackluster turned back to see the three. However he noticed they had vanished, and only green swirling smoke remained.
“Finally!” he said, “I can talk. Oh boy that was scary! What do you guys think? Where are we going?”
Merkava frowned, “Exodar. We told you. To the very south”
“How long do we have to walk for? Is it far? My feet are starting to hurt now...” complained Blackluster.
Sighing back, he replied “About two days walk. We must hurry, for we shall not be the only ones venturing there.” he then muttered, “I wish they taught us that curse at the chapel...”
Replying back, Teraan went “Was that all of the warlocks? I thought they were in greater numbers. Strong yes, but low in population”
“More underground and beyond the first walls.” said Merkava, “How many? We don't know, let's just hope they help us in the future. We may need it.”
The three then left on the way to the Exodar, taking with them the vial of Bluebell's blood. Their quest was nearly at an end as the moon finally came into light, illuminating the skies in contrast to the darkness over Lorderan.
****
Belendor
****
“Ahhhhhhh” screamed Belendor from his bed, every night the horrors of his dreams returned to torment his sleep.
“Sir, sir!” MadPanda banged on his cabin door, “Sir are you alright in there?”
Unrelenting from his slumber, Belendor remained in deep sleep. Tossing and turning from side to side his mind exploded in pain at every moment.
Suddenly MadPanda broke through into the room, smashing down the door with his shoulder. There he saw his leader, pulsating with pain in his bed.
“Lord Belendor!” he shouted, holding him firmly to steady the paladin's movement, “Are you ok? Another nightmare?”
Grunting, Belendor then looked up, his eyes shot open instantly. Shivering slightly, he then became perfectly still, glaring at MadPanda.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded, “I have commanded you before not to enter my chambers! What reason for it? Are we there?”
Concerned, MadPanda replied, “Your shouts and screams vibrate throughout the whole ship, sir. This one seemed worse than usual. I can get the druids of Thunderbluff for medical aid when we're ashore if you want?”
“Bah!” scoffed Belendor, “Foul herbal magic has no place in this world. Are we there yet?”
“Perhaps you should come upstairs to see” replied MadPanda.
The Orgrimmar officer then left the chamber to go up on to the top of the ship. Belendor sat upright in bed, listening to each footstep pad up the ship's interior. After a few moment he grabbed his armour and dressed over his garments. Equipping his sword he followed upwards.
Undoing the hatch at the crux of the staircase, he was met with belting rain. Climbing onto the deck his face was pelted by the harsh conditions of weather. Scanning the floor of the ship he saw the water bouncing fiercely along the wooden planks, meanwhile the ship itself rocked vigorously from up and down as the sea fought back. Splashing over each side came large waves crashing back down on to the ship surface. Desperately deckhands scuttled around trying to stem the influx of water while the skies above thundered with lightning and booming sounds.
“Sir!” shouted MadPanda, barely audible over the sound of the elements.
Belendor simply ignored him. Returning to stare straight forward, his face expressionless despite the constant harass of pouring rain above, like a waterfall it continued to drown the ship.
“Sir the conditions are getting worse, perhaps we should turn back to port? We can still make it to Theramore in a day.”
Oblivious, the corrupted Paladin snapped his attention to the skies. His eyes narrowed and he glared into the dark clouds above, before he pointed up with his hand.
“Did you see that?” he asked quickly.
MadPanda followed his hand up and squinted, “See what, sir?” he asked, while rain struck into his eyes.
“And there! And there!” he started spinning around, pointing to the skies.
After a few attempts, the officer gave up and ceased following the paladins motions. Walking up close to him he patted his shoulder.
“Sir, you are perhaps seeing things. We should turn back, the ship may not make it through the night. It is as if the waters are pushing us back.”
Resuming his attention to his second in command, Belendor replied, “Give up? Are you insane? Look to the skies! The Angels! It's them. I know it. I see them. I see through their tricks and magic, they are trying to stop us, we are so close to victory. Look!” he pointed back up the the blackened clouds.
MadPanda sighed and looked back up, “Sir, there is nothing there. Just the dreary clouds of the mid-sea skies.”
Aggravated, the paladin responded, “Are you calling me crazy? Paranoid? You know what that would mean?”
Hesitantly, the soldier backed off, “No, sir. Not at all. I would never do such a thing. I am simply saying there are other factors in the world than the power of the Angels.”
Belendor calmed down. He sighed and looked around the ship again. Lightning bolts struck down across the raging tides and thunder echoed above.
“How long until we make shores and can reach Exodar? One day?”
“This weather has created setbacks, sir, perhaps it will now take.” he was interrupted.
“Setbacks?!” screeched Belendor, “Those damn Angels! I knew it! It's them! How long? How long will it take?”
He began to clinch his fits tightly, his eyes becoming bloodshot red as his teeth gritted.
MadPanda began to stutter, “I...I think it will now take...erm...two days...maybe two and a half...”
“Make it two, or someone will pay. We must get to that place before they do. We must be ready for them.”
“But sir, we cannot sail fast enough under these conditions.”
Belendor then grabbed his office and pulled him closer. His eyes pulsating with a red glow, his body shaking while rain hammered onto the two.
“We will get there before the human traitors. No matter what.” he commanded.
“Y...ye....yes sir” murmured MadPanda.
Relinquishing his grip, Belendor began walking towards his quarters. Angrily he stomped back down into the lower deck, as his crew struggled to keep the ship simply afloat. MadPanda gulped to himself and closed his eyes, his breath becoming heavy. Taking one final deep breath, he prepared himself to get the Orgrimmar vessel out of the storm, and to Exodar as quickly as possible.