Chapter 16

 Transcendence 

Chapter 16: A Grim Discovery

Mulgore, Two Days Earlier

The plains of Mulgore were some of the most verdant and beautiful regions in all of Kalimdor and also one of the few that still retained an environment not a barren or blistering wasteland, grassland could be seen for miles around, from mountain to mountain. All that was in Mulgure was green and alive, there was little in this land that tarnished its image, only the Quillboar of Brambleblade Ravine and the Goblins of the Venture Trading Company were the only ones who caused the Tauren any grief in their homeland.

But for several years now the Tauren have called this place their home, driving out any invaders that seek to take it from the, they may be peaceful and willing to negotiate before battle, they are a force that should never be trifled with. They have beaten back many foes in the many years their people were nomads: Centaur, Harpies, Quilboar, and even rival tribes, but in the end they have persevered and lived on, and with their new home, they will out anyone who threatens it.

Drekhve rode his Kodo down the well paved path toward Bloodhoof Village, he had come here post haste on the request of Ichigo Kurosaki, his mission was simple, to find those who were responsible for the attack on Shady Rest. The task would not be a simple one however, he would need to locate the exact arms dealer who made this shield, and with the condition the piece of metal was in now it was unlikely that he would find the dealer, but he had to try. The Horde was at risk of potential war, the last thing he and likely the rest of his people needed were to get into another conflict with Theramore and then the Alliance, war had cost them much and they had hoped that peace would last for least one generation.

But Drekhve couldn’t deny that if the boy did see Tauren and by extension the Horde attacking the Alliance village then there was likely no chance it would quell any peace, but either way he would find out who attacked and why. Warchief Thrall would have the heads of all those who were involved and would stop at nothing to learn the cause behind it, he would likely need to send a message to him; if he doesn’t know he will need to. He can send a Holy Strider to Thrall to tell him about the attack, if he doesn’t already know then it would be wise to send it on its way, he didn’t want to risk telling it to Cairne, it could possibly blow his mission and he could be found by one of the people who instigated the attack or knew about it.

Drekhve looked up to see Stonebull lake and Bloodhoof Village, named after the Chieftain of the United Tribes of the Tauren, Cairne Bloofhoof, one of the greatest leaders and warriors of all the tribes in Tauren society. The small village was overseen by his son, Baine Bloodhoof, and it was also the same village he had resided within before he was sent to the Barrens to help in the clean-up operation with the Quilboar, it had been nearly three weeks since he had returned here. He quickened his pace, he didn’t have time to waste by riding down the road like an old bull, he needed to find the man who made that shield and then learn who was behind the attack, and whoever the shield was made for was likely the same group who attacked the town.

He pulled into the village and found the stable master, as always located near the outer rim of the ceremonial square, Drekhve dismounted and place his mouths reins on a totem pole, and he turned to the man and nodded to him. As soon as he stepped onto the ground however, he was approached by Tauren in purple plated armour and chainmail, on his back was a large axe and yellow triangle shield, this was Drekhve’s battle master and teacher, Krang Stonehoof.

“You have returned?” said Krang, confused as to why he was here; Drekhve wasn’t mean to return for at least a fortnight. “I have not expected you to return so soon, has something happened?”

“No, everything is well, I have returned to do another task aside from killing Quilboar.” Said Drekhve, to which Krang’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Which is?”

“I need to search for something, there was an attack and I was asked to look into It.” said Drekhve, but when he noticed his master disappointed frown he continued. “This will take little time for me to complete, I am simply going to Thunderbluff looking for information; I should be gone for only a day or so.”

Krang was silent for a moment, he didn’t like it when his students and soldiers just returned without consent or reason, and even though he said he had a reason he wasn’t making a good one, and that annoyed Krang to no ends. But out of all of his warriors he probably trusted Drekhve the most, he was one of the most competent warriors he has under his command, so he couldn’t truly hold it against him if he was keeping the reason behind his return a secret.

“Alright, but I expect you to return back to your outpost when you are done.” Said Krang; turning around and moving off to continue training the recruits that still need to earn their place among the ranks of the Horde. “Just make sure that this doesn’t become a common occurrence, the last thing I want is to force you on another tour of duty because you kept leaving without permission.”

“Do not worry, this is only for this once.” Said Drekhve, before he turned towards the large spirit lodge and approached, inside one of the people he needed to see, he needed to speak with a holy strider to deliver his message to Thrall.

<p class="MsoNormal">If the strider left now, he would likely warn Thrall by the end of the day, they were quick and could cover great distances by foot alone, and with a message such as his being sent then it was likely that it would reach Thrall post haste. Drekhve noticed one leaning against one of the main supports for the tent, eyes closed and in deep concentration, approaching he watched as his eyes opened slightly and gazed at the Tauren warrior approaching.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How can I help you warrior?” said the holy strider

<p class="MsoNormal">“I need you to deliver a message to Warchief Thrall” said Drekhve, going straight to the point and not wasting any more time that he already had at the moment.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Warchief Thrall? What could be so important you wish to send message to him?” asked the strider

<p class="MsoNormal">“I have word that there has been an attack on a human settlement in Dustwallow Marsh, the town was called Shady Rest.” Said Drekhve, his words all but a whisper so that only the strider could hear.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why would this concern him, a human settlement shouldn’t be his concern” said the strider

<p class="MsoNormal">“I have learnt that it was attacked by the Horde.” Said Drekhve, this got the striders attention, his eyes went wide and he got off the post and moved closer to Drekhve.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What!” the strider hissed through clenched teeth, he knew better than to blurt out what he had heard, after all they were messengers, not announcers. “When did you learn of this?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yesterday, and according to what I learnt the attack happened two days prior.” Said Drekhve; glancing around to make sure that no one else was within earshot. “Now do you see the urgency in the message that is to be sent?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I do, but who gave you this information?” asked Strider

<p class="MsoNormal">“A survivor, he told me and showed me proof of the attack, a shield that was used by one of our own kin.” Said Drekhve, watching as his eyes widen in shock, the Tauren may be a peaceful people but they were not above mindless savagery at times, but a small village was something they would never attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I will depart immediately, does anyone else know of this?” asked the strider, Drekhve shook his head in negative “Good, make sure it stays that way, there is no telling who may have joined in on the attack and also how many are involved or who organised it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Without another word they departed from one another, the Holy Strider leaving the tent immediately to send word to Thrall, Drekhve remained behind for a short while before leaving himself; drawing suspicion is not something he wanted. As he left the tent he travelled to the bridge over Stonebull Lake and followed the path towards Thunderbluff, and an hour later he gazed at the massive mesas in the distance, raising high into the sky and eclipsing all in their shadow and might. These were the mighty plateaus that the capital city of the united Tauren Tribes called home, Thunderbluff, one of the grandest places in Kalimdor and one of the few where so many different tribes and race congregate together in harmony.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve walked up the ramp and onto the platform that was waiting for him; slowly it rose without aid up towards the top of the plateaus, these elevators had been enchanted with wind magic to allow them to be risen up and down without the need of a shaman. In fact the massive totem poles that rose up from the side of the plateaus were actually just that, totems, enchanted with shamanistic magic to allow these platforms to rise and fall whenever they need to be used, a very ingenious device and quite useful. Soon the lift halted at a wooden walkway extended from the bluff, Drekhve took his first step off the platform and when he was on the walkway he gazed at the massive city that existed on the top of these mountains.

<p class="MsoNormal">It had been the first time Drekhve had ever been to this city, it was all still new to him and he had never witness such architecture and scale before in his life, he had never travelled this far north and never outside of the Barrens. So the sight of such a massive settlement surprised the young warrior, he could see dozens of stalls and shops across the tier he was on, selling food, clothes and even a few goblins were selling wares at an auction on the far side of the tier. Also he noticed between him and them was a blacksmith, someone he needed to speak with right away, not just to learn about the shield but also to see about getting his armour back up to code. He approached the massive smithy who was shaping a large claymore, at his side were two others, one was a younger tauren who was likely the apprentice and the other was helping in forging the weapon that the smithy was working on.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Blacksmith” said Drekhve, gaining the massive bulls attention, he stopped his hammering and looked over at Drekhve, taking in the warrior and his armour with a furrowed brow.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I suspect you want me to repair that armour of yours.” Stated the blacksmith, he them went back to forging the sword he was working on, Drekhve smiled, it would be easy to strike up conversation with him and learn what he can.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, but I also would like to know if you can identify one of my shield, it was damaged and I am looking for a replacement.” Said Drekhve, if this man wasn’t the one who made the shield then he would look elsewhere, but if he did them all he had to do was ask several questions and then he could find out where this armour came from.

<p class="MsoNormal">The smithy halted in his work and turned back towards Drekhve, his hand still wrapped around the hilt of his unfinished sword; a moment later he pulled it off the anvil and then placed it into the water to cool the red hot metal. The smithy moved closer and took the soot covered shield from Drekhve’s hand, he turned it over in his hands and examined the piece of metal, he found no distinct marking on it aside from a small group of engravings on the side.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I wasn’t the one to make this piece.” Said the smithy, handing it back to Drekhve. “If you want your armour repaired then leave it here, I’ll get to it, from the looks of it, it would take maybe an hour or two to get it fixed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s seems a little long for a simple touch-up” said Drekhve

<p class="MsoNormal">“I have more than just you to deal with, you think I make weapons because it is a hobby, I do it because people buy it, now either give me the armour and a down payment or leave.” Said the Smithy, looking patience for Drekhve, who didn’t waste another moment and pulled out two gold coins and payed the smithy and then took off his armour, leaving him only in his armoured legguards.

<p class="MsoNormal">Leaving the blacksmith Drekhve began to search around for the maker of the shield, he could easily pass it off as his own and say that he was looking to have it repaired, but he would need to be careful, one slip up and he could have who knows after him. Drekhve started with all the armourers and blacksmiths on the central rise, looking between all the different merchants to see if they were the maker of the shield but sadly they were not the ones who forged it. Eventually Drekhve found himself moving across to the Elder Rise to search for any armorers there who could have made the shield, he looked around to see that a very large congregation was present on the rise, the reason eluded him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve weaved through the crowd and towards the massive tent in the middle of the rise, he could see many people inside watching a small ceremony at the far end of the tent, now he realised what was going on, he had walked into a funeral. He halted himself from asking around, he knew to do so on such a moment would be disrespectful of the dead, he walked over to the far wall and waited, he still had time before his armour was completed and also after he was done here he would only need to check the Hunter Rise and then he could return back the Bloodhoof Village. If his investigation turned up nothing then he would make sure Thrall was notified so that he could investigate the matter himself, and then he could tell Ichigo that the horde will make sure that those responsible were being sought after.

<p class="MsoNormal">The ceremony continued on for only half an hour more before it soon came to the burial, the body of the deceased would be taken to the sacred burial grounds and cremated, then their ashes would be scattered across the planes of Mulgore like all the other Tauren before them. The person that had died was a druid by name of Hawnia Brighthorn, who died defending the forests of Feralas from demons and saving the life of a young druid, it was also said that her sacrifice helped in halting the demons of Dire Maul from taking the city. At the stage he saw two people, a Hunter in red plated armour and black chainmail and a troll in little clothing aside from a blouse and a loincloth, they were the allies that had aided the druid in the assault and brought her back for burial.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We give her body back to the earthmother, so that she may be welcomed into her embrace and that what, with all life, was is brought to life from the earth is taken back in death.” Said the Archdruid Hamuul Runetotem, he was leading the ceremony and giving the final blessing to Hawnia and allowing the congregation to take her body from the tent to Red Rock so that she could be cremated and have her spirit know rest.

<p class="MsoNormal">As they slowly filed out Drekhve took his chance to ask if there was a blacksmith on this rise, although so soon after the ceremony he needed to know, he approached Hamuul Runetotem, he was likely the only one he could speak with who wouldn’t cause a scene about him asking for simple directions.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Excuse me elder” said Drekhve, bowing towards the Archdruid who was staring off at the congregation who was now departing through the entrance of the tent, Hamuul turned to the Youngblood and nodded to him in greeting.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hello young warrior, what is it you wish to speak with me of?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I do not wish to sound disrespectful or foolish, but I am seeking someone to help repair a shield, I wish to know if there are any blacksmiths or armourers on this rise.” Said Drekhve, to which the druid chuckled under his breath, obviously Drekhve knew that the chance of an armourer being in a sacred and spiritual place such as this was unlikely, and also the fact that asking such a think after a mournful moment was likely to be met with scorn and rebuttal, it was good that he had no offended the Archdruid.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I am afraid that you won’t find any blacksmiths and weapon makers here, young one” said the Archdruid, and as he continued his smile didn’t falter.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I see; then I am sorry for wasting your time.” said Drekhve, giving another bow to the Archdruid.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Think nothing of It.” said Hamuul, glancing at the charred piece of metal at his side, obviously the shield he was referring to. “Although I am curious, why would you seek to repair that burnt shield when you have a much more suitable one on your back?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve felt himself tense a little, he didn’t think of that, he cursed himself mentally for not considering placing the shield in the care of the Blacksmith that was repairing his armour, to have a shield to repaired when one already has one can seem suspicious. He just hoped that his actions hadn’t caused anyone to suspect that he was here for more than just repairing a piece of equipment, but his nervousness was noticed by the Archdruid.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why do you hesitate to answer me boy?” said the Archdruid, his tone growing much more serious as he spoke, he had noticed the twitch in the boy when he mentioned the charred shield, why would he be nervous about it.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I… am sorry, but this shield is quite previous to me, it was melted by a Quilboar sorcerer in my tour of the Barrens, I was hoping to have it repaired, the one on my back is a replacement.” Said Drekhve, hoping that the elder had bought his lie, as much as he didn’t like lying to him he had little choice but to keep the information on the shield as quiet as possible.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah I see, sentimentality is not that rare among our people.” Said Hamuul, but he knew that the boy was not telling him something, the way he tense wasn’t because he was trying to repair a precious piece of armour, the shield had another value, not to the one who carried it but something else. “Tell me, why would you come here of all places seeking repair, why not the lower rise where many merchants and smithy congregate and are able to repair shields such as these regularly.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Again Hamuul saw the Youngblood tense slightly at his line of questioning, he was obviously hiding something, had the boy not shown his surprise the first time then he would have passed it off as nothing, but this boy was doing something very odd. He may have little interest in what he was doing with the shield, but he was curious as to why a simple shield would cause him so much anxiety, and from the looks of it the boy was a strong one, so the fact he was worried about this had his attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">“The shield was made by a certain blacksmith, I am attempting to search for him, sadly I do not know his name but I believe he is in this city.” said Drekhve

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do you not know who you acquired it from?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I was given this by a comrade in arms; he saved my life and gave it to me as a sign of trust.” Said Drekhve, it was a half-lie, he did receive this from a comrade, although he wouldn’t consider him a friend he did owe his for his life and also stopping the Quilboar, he would have laughed at the thought of considering a human a comrade in arms, but now… he wasn’t so certain.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I see, sadly youngblood I know few blacksmiths, as you can ascertain, I wear the cloth rather than the metal.” Said Hamuul, a light chuckle escaping his lips as he finished, he then had a small glint in his eyes and brought out his hand. “Give me the shield; there may be something on it that you did not perceive at first glance.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve removed the shield from his belt strap and handed it to the Archadruid, who brushed his hand over the sooty and deformed metal, it was not beyond repair but had seen better days, what did make the druid wonder is if this was the result of magic, why was it covered in soot. He ran his hand over the piece of metal, his hand feeling for anything of note on the metal, brushing across many smooth and sharp bumps in the metal but nothing he could see or feel was of note, and then he brushed against something along the rim. Halting in his inspection he looked at the place and noticed something under the soot, small markings that were closely formed together, either it was a simple malformation of the metal or a brand that is likely used by the blacksmith who made this shield.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I think I may have found something of note” said Hamuul, turning around and walking over to a small table near the tent wall and rummaging through several vials of unknown liquids, he pulled out a dull green chemical and then poured it onto the area he mentioned.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the liquid touched the metal it hissed and bubbled, Drekhve realised he was using an acidic compound to actually remove the soot and smooth out the surface of the shield, they watched as the acid ait away at the soot and removed the blemishes on the shields surface. Hamuul brought up a cloth and wiped away the acid and discarded the rag into a small brazier, he lifted up the shield and examined it closely, and his aging eyes not betraying him in the slightest showed him the name of the one who crafted this shield.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Mosarn” said Hamuul, turning back to Drekhve and handing him back his shield. “The one you seek is name Mosarn, he is actually a blacksmith I am familiar with, very well-known and respected, to have one of his piece in your arsenal is an honour.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve was also surprised by this revelation, he had known of Mosarn, a brilliant and respected blacksmith of Thunderbluff, it was true to have a piece of his works was considered an honour, after all he supplied to only the finest and only signed armour he has personally made himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you Hamuul Runetotem” said Drekhve, taking the shield from Hamuul’s hand with an air of delicately that he previously did not use, although the shield was damaged and need of good repair it was still a very valuable piece. “You have helped me greatly.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Think nothing of It.” said Hamuul “I believe that Mosarn resides on the Hunter Rise, he and his apprentices have a shop there and are constantly toiling to make new armour and weapons.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you again, I will not take any more of your time Archdruid, I bid you farewell and may the earthmother watch over you.” Said Drekhve

<p class="MsoNormal">“And over you Youngblood.” Said Hamuul

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve departed from the tent briskly, eager to finally discern the owner and the group responsible for the attack on Shady Rest, but as he passed through the exit he didn’t notice a large black furred Tauren staring at his back. A dark and grim frown on his features, he had seen the warrior speaking with Hamuul a few minutes ago, speaking of learning of the creator of a certain shield, one that was covered in soot and blackened by fire, he would have not given much thought to the object. But the way the Youngblood acted when questioned about the shield made his suspicious, and also the reason behind how it was damaged and charred was not consistent with his claim, flame magic does not create soot or ash, and also he was looking for the one who made it. Mosarn he knew of, he had many dealing with him for some time now, bringing may weapons and armour to his clan, and now he suspected that his clan’s recent dealings on the borders of the Barrens had become known, and therefore this young one needed to be removed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hunter Rise

<p class="MsoNormal">Arriving at the Hunters rise was easily done, and now all he had to do was find Mosarn and see if he knew who he supplied the shield to, then he could determine who owned it and then question him on why he was ordered to attack Shady Rest. His search for the famous blacksmith was a short one, as he planted his foot on the solid ground of the rise he heard the ding of hammer striking metal and hot steel being cooled in water, turning to his right Drekhve saw a large tepee with smoke coming from the opening at the top. Out the front he could see several racks of weapons and armour on display, he knew for certain he had found the place when he heard a short conversation between the tents owner and likely a blacksmiths apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hefru, be careful as you set the weld on that sword, light taps are all that is required, to hard and you will ruin the sword before it even takes shape.” Called out a booming voice from within the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes master Mosarn.” Said the young apprentice, now Drekhve knew he had found the blacksmith he was looking for.

<p class="MsoNormal">Quickly he made his way to the tent to speak with him, as he entered he saw a large workshop with over a dozen different smiths working on different pieces of armour and weapons, they were going almost full tilt to produce large quantities of equipment. He could already see dozens of suits of armour ready to be sold or sent out, and many more weapons fresh off the anvil ready to spill the blood of anyone they come across, what made the young warrior wonder is who would need so many weapons.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah, hello how can I help you young warrior.” Turning Drekhve looked at a large black and white furred Tauren before him, his bare torso covered in metal flaking’s and ash.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Mosarn” said Drekhve, to which he nodded and Drekhve continued “I come seeking to know the owner of this shield.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve handed the famous blacksmith the shield he crafted in this very forge, he ran his hands over the object and examined it carefully, his fingers running over the inscription he leaves in all his wares that he personally creates.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I am sorry, but this shield is one of many that I have forged, I cannot tell you who it belong to.” said Mosarn, Drekhve cursed at that, he would have thought that with this object it would be at least unique, but it would seem that it was one of him more simple designs.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Is there no way you can determine who bought this shield?” asked Drekhve, desperation working its way into his voice, if he couldn’t find out who acquired this shield then there is no chance that his investigation would continue.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sorry, this is one of many shields that I have made over the last few months, and most of these are sent off to other settlements to arm the braves who guard them.” Said Mosarn

<p class="MsoNormal">“I… Thank you, Mosarn, I knew it was unlikely that I would have found the owner of this shield, but still, I had to try.” Said Drekhve, if this was the end then he had failed in it here, barely two days into his search and he was coming up empty.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I wish I could have helped you more, but with recent business it is become hard to keep track of my own works, especially when I am forging dozens of the same shield ever week.” Said Mosarn, gesturing to the very shield he is holding in his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, I noticed that you have been making a few pieces” said Drekhve, taking in the many assortment of armour behind the blacksmith. “Why are you making so many pieces?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I am sending them via caravan to Thousand Needles, I would have not done so but after so many raids on our caravans they have requested what was lost in the raids to be delivered.” said Mosarn, angry over the fact that he was being forced to make more weapons without having to be compensated, he was actually losing money because of that and as much as he would like to refuse them, he knew it would likely not end well for him in the long run.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thousand Needles? I would think that using the weapons to stop whoever is attacking the caravans would be more prevalent that sending them to Thousand Needles for whatever conflict may be going on down there.” Said Drekhve

<p class="MsoNormal">“I am not aware of any conflicts in the region, and it’s not my business to know or question how the weapons get there or is used, all I do is providing these weapons to the braves who protect our lands from aggressors.” Said Mosarn, casually disregarding the fact that the people who run the caravans are not using the objects they are transporting to protect the caravans. “The Crossroads, Camp Taurajo, and even Darkcloud Pinnacle are just to name a few.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Darkcloud Pinnacle? I have not heard of that settlement.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s a Grimtotem settlement in Thousand Needles, I send many of my arms to them, they seem to be quite fond of them, and they are the ones who keep harassing me to make them more weapons, after all they lost most of their order in the caravans that were lost on the gold road.” Said Mosarn, he turned back to make sure that his apprentices were doing their work and noticed that one was not straightening the bar correctly. “My apologies, I need to return to my shop, I wish I could have been of more help.”

<p class="MsoNormal">But the famous blacksmith had no idea on just hope helpful he had just been, for Drekhve was standing his ground, eyes wide in both shock and realization, he knew who was behind the attack on Shady Rest and the slaughter of those people. It was the Grimtotem Tribe, quickly he turned on his hooves and marched out of the tent, and back across the bridge, he didn’t bother with the shield, he knew where it came from and who had used it and he didn’t need any more proof other than that.

<p class="MsoNormal">He knew fairly well of the treacherous nature of the Grimtotem clan, they were likely the only tauren tribe that would be a threat to any other tribe, as they actively attacked anyone who was not part of their clan. Human, Orc, Troll, Night Elf and even Tauren were an enemy to them, they have always caused strife when it came to how the United Tribes should work and govern the land; they have always been at odds with Cairne Bloodhoof and also have been very hostile to any force – both Horde and Alliance – that trespass on their territories.

<p class="MsoNormal">But the fact that they were receiving weapons via caravan, and that caravan were being raided on the Gold Road, it would easily anger them to retaliate, they wouldn’t care if it was the attackers or not, they would simply raise the closest thing to the ground. And Shady Rest is likely the closest thing to where the caravans where attacked, this wasn’t a conspiracy or a pre-emptive strike from the horde, it was the work of treacherous curs who believed that they were the greatest and most deserving of all other clans and races. Because of that they have risked open war and also condoned the slaughter of innocents, he couldn’t allow that, he wouldn’t allow this treachery to go unpunished, but that was also another factor he had to prepare for.

<p class="MsoNormal">He would likely incur their wrath, and if he was searching for them, then he best assume right now that they could know about his mission and therefore make him a target, this was bad, and he couldn’t risk involving anyone else. Also a meeting with the Chieftain would be hard and time consuming; he couldn’t linger here too long or he would draw attention to himself, no he would need to leave and report this to Ichigo before someone comes for him, if he could convince him then they would know that is was not the Horde who attacked their people. That means he would need to leave the city quickly, if he hasn’t been spotted by any spies then he will be soon, and his little chat with the blacksmith may not have gone unnoticed or his conversations with the other blacksmiths.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve hoped he could get himself out of the city and Mulgore before someone realised his intentions, the last thing he needed was the Grimtotems after him, they were good at hiding their messes and even better at disposing of those who know of them. He exited the Inn connected to the Hunter’s Rise, moving towards the blacksmith that had his armour, he would claim it and depart from here immediately, regardless if it was repaired or not.

<p class="MsoNormal">Elder Rise, Magatha’s Tent

<p class="MsoNormal">Elder Crone Magatha Grimtotem watched dispassionately as the Druids returned back from the ceremony to bury their dead kin, she never much cared for their kind, the art of healing and restoring the world are things she never cared for. To restore the world to its former glory? That was foolish, only by embracing the world as it is and making a difference rather than clinging to the past and remaining stagement and bound by senseless tradition shackles them from reaching true greatness. Power was what brought upon greatness, and as a Shaman she had great power, she could harness nature itself and use it to decimate anything in her path, she could bind the elements to her will and subjugate them, none were above her and her right to rule, not even the spirits.

<p class="MsoNormal">She seeks to rise her people above all the other races who think of them as inferior and savage, they are right in that regards to the latter, they will show them their might and crush all those who stand in their way, that town on the border of the Barrens was an example of that. But as long as she remained where she was she could only operate in the shadows, she would need to bide her time and build her power, she couldn’t allow others to interfere with her work, and when she was strong enough she would remove the only obstacle to her path, Cairne.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Elder Crone” turning Magatha saw one of her warriors kneeling before her, he was the one of the few Grimtotem warriors allowed inside the city, even Cairne wasn’t stupid enough to allow them to bring as many of them inside the city as she pleased.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What is it?” she drawled, not truly caring what he wanted, she had more important matters to attend to, most specifically in Thousand Needles, word has reached her that a certain spirit of vengeance may be after her and needs to be dealt with before it can act.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I have heard whispers of a warrior searching for a blacksmith to identify a shield.” Said the brave

<p class="MsoNormal">“What concern of a warrior seeking a blacksmith is any of mine?” said Magatha, her tone bristling with irritation for the brave who speaks with her now, the only think she hated more than the other clans was incompetence within her own.

<p class="MsoNormal">“The shield is not his own, it was charred and blackened and made by Mosarn, he seeks to know who once carried the shield.” Said the Brave, before he could say more Magatha turned and her hand trembled with power as she stood over the kneeling warrior, her anger burning in her eyes as hot as molten steel.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I ask you again, what concern is it of mine?” she demanded; her anger now in full force and directed as the fool who was in front of her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I fear he knows of Shady Rest….” Immediately the anger in Magatha evaporated and shock passed through her system and cooled her tempered veins.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How?” Magatha demanded, there was no way anyone would have known about the attack, especially this soon, even her warriors were not foolish enough to cry out in the streets of their deeds on how they sacked a human town.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I do not know, but the shield was part of our shipments that did make it to Thousand Needles, and likely used in the attack.” Said the Brave; his nerves calming knowing that he would not be killed for speaking insolently in the presence of his leader.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you sure he knows about the attack?” asked Megatha, her words whispered so that the only ones who could hear them were herself and the Brave.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, I followed him to Mosarn; he was told that the shipments were going to Darkcloud Pinnacle, as well as the attacks on the caravans, he likely has motive behind our actions, and given their distrust of us, it won’t be hard for him to point fingers.” Said the Brave, to which the Elder Crone frowned, this was something she did not account for, she knew that the attack would come out but they had killed everyone and anyone who had been in the town.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was likely that one of her soldiers got sloppy and left behind evidence and it was found, now she had to deal with a possible loose end, she couldn’t allow this to get out; her people were already in the works and moving into the Marshes. In time they could prevent any further encroachments into the Barrens from Theramore, she was dealing too many obstacles as it was, the Quilboar had become feral as of late, the damn dwarves at that excavation site were disturbing their lands and whoever was attacking their caravans. She had more on her plate and all Cairne could do was send out envoys to try and calm the situation or send out a few braves or warriors to deal with them, this is why he did not deserve to rule, he didn’t have the dedication and strength to show these invaders their place.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Follow him, hunt him down and remove him.” said Magatha, turning away from the Brave and walking over to the table with several herbs and a dish. “Make sure that you send a good number of warriors after him, I want to make sure he is lost in the Barrens for good, so lost not even the vulture will find his rotting corpse.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You will be done Elder Crone.” Said the Brave, bowing his head before rising and leaving the tent, Magatha simply looked down into the water in the bowl, examining her reflection and the scowl on her face. She had too much to deal with as of late; she would need to find out how they discovered the attack and how they came across the shield, likely one of her warriors had lost it, she would have a nice conversation with him, and then make an example for the rest of her tribe.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bloodhoof Village

<p class="MsoNormal">Krang was busy instructing the Youngbloods under his wing on how to properly hold a sword, he was instructing those that used short sword and shield as well as those that used the bulkier claymores, showing them the proper form and stances to best fight and defend. He had been at it for the last two weeks now, these latest recruits were sent down from the Red Cloud Mesa after they finished their initiation in the field, he was surprised any of them had made it here, their style and skill was poor, very poor. Most of them thought that the best way to beat an enemy was to hit it hard and fast, and damn the consequences if such an attack failed, it was a good thing all they are dealing with up there is a few Quilboar, and maybe some wolves.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do not strike the shield, force your opponent to move his shield and create an opening for you next attack.” Barked Krang to his students who were duelling against one another, both had large square shields and blunted swords, he may not want them to kill or maim one another, but that didn’t mean he was a kind instructor.

<p class="MsoNormal">The only reason he gave them those blunt weapons was so they couldn’t skip a lesson because of injury, and if they tried to pass off an injury, he would have them run across around the damn lake and then have them take a swim in armour to make them think again before passing off a scratch for a laceration. As they continued to fight, taking his instruction to heart and now striking high and low and trying to continually attack to press their opponent into a corner, Krang noticed his other student Drekhve passing by and moving towards the road. Back on his Kodo and departing, the sun was beginning to set and it would be dark in an hour or two, he wondered why he would leave so late, better to remain for the night and then travel in the morning, he would get back by late afternoon tomorrow if he did it that way.

<p class="MsoNormal">Quickly Krang moved to intercept Drekhve and see what had made the young Tauren move to leave, as he did he noticed that his armour, which was previously damaged and broken was now fully repaired and shining. Krang snatched the reins from the young warrior’s hands and halted to large Kodo, which brought out a loud moan from the lizard and a surprised expression from his young apprentice, although the surprise was also shown on Krang’s face when he saw Drekhve reach for his weapon. But when Drekhve noticed who it was he halted and retracted his hand away from his mentor and battlemaster, now Krang knew something was wrong, he knew Drekhve was a calm and level-headed warrior and wouldn’t move for his weapon unless he was in dangerous territory or knew he was going to be attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Drekhve, I assume your business in Thunderbluff has concluded itself?” asked Krang, to which his young student nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, it is done, now please I must return to my post, there is much I need to do.” Said Drekhve, reaching to retrieve the reins from his masters hand, but they were pulled away further when his hand drew close.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why do you not stay, leave in the morning, travelling at night can be dangerous, especially through the Barrens” said Krang

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, it is better if I left now, I can return to my post by mid-morning and meet with my comrades to plan the next patrol.” Said Drekhve, reaching for the reins once more, but again they were prevented so when a firm hand clasped down upon his own.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why are you so anxious Drekhve, what is going on?” asked Krang, his voice low and his eyes staring into Drekhve’s, for a moment they remained that way, Drekhve would have liked nothing more than to tell him the truth, but he would run the risk of involving him in this.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Master, please let me return to my post.” Said Drekhve, but his battlemaster made no moved to do so.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No” said Krang, he wouldn’t let go until he found out what he knew and then he would make sure that whatever was causing his student to worry was dealt with, after all, whatever caused him to worry definitely was something to cause alarm.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Krang” said Drekhve, taking the battlemaster by surprise; he never spoke to him by name before, usually because it was disrespectful for a student to use a teachers name when addressing them. “I cannot tell you, you would be put in grave danger and maybe your students as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Krang looked on in surprise at his proclamation; he knew that Drekhve was one to be cautious and ready for anything, but the fact that he was scared not only for his own life but those around him by simply knowing what he know cannot be good.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What is going on Drekhve?” asked Krang

<p class="MsoNormal">“I cannot tell you.” Said Drekhve, he glanced around and noticed a shadow move behind the tent as he glanced that way, fear gripped him at the fact that he is being followed, he turned back to his battlemaster and said to him. “If I do not return within the week, send a Holy Strider to Warchief Thrall, tell him two things: Shady Rest and Grimtotem.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Without another word Drekhve seized the reins from his master grip and took off, leaving a stunned battlemaster on the side of the road to look on as his student departed, for a few minutes he watched as Drekhve rode down the road and thought about his words. Shady Rest, was that some sort of village? He didn’t know of any settlement by that name, but Grimtotem, them he knew of very well, a pack of treacherous backstabbers in his opinion, no honour and uncaring for the rest of their kind in regard to the consequences of their actions. If he had some knowledge of what they did then why didn’t he tell him? As Krang turned to leave he notice three shadows move out from behind the spirit lodge and onto the road. Each one slowly rode their own kodo’s in a neat line, all of them were moving in the same direction as Drekhve, as they passed he noticed their dark fur and also the markings on their armour, Grimtotem.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Drekhve, what have you gotten yourself involved in?’ thought Krang, his worry for his student very apparent now, as three very dangerous looking Tauren followed after him.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Barrens, Undisclosed Location

<p class="MsoNormal">Isha Gloomaxe barked out at the warriors around her, most of them were still getting their armour and weapons back in order, pathetic, they had raided that town six days ago and they have been sitting here for who knows how long. They should be back in Thousand Needles by now, but no, they had to stay and wait on the work of Magatha Grimtotem, if they didn’t get anything from her soon she was going to go insane from the heat and the irritating animals that live in this desert.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How long does it take to get rid of some soot and ash, you don’t need to be a damn alchemist to scrounge up water and a rag, get it clean!” she roared, her anger directed at the two fools that where cleaning her armour, three days she had waited for them to fix and clean it and they were still only halfway done.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Chief Gloomaxe” said one of her soldiers; she turned to see him pointing off into the darkness. “Three riders approach.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Isha looked towards where the supposed riders were approaching and true to the soldiers word three warriors on kodo were riding full tilt towards their little camp, she grabbed her large two sided serrated axe from the two fools trying to still clean it. It still had several smudged and clumps of ash and soot on it, no matter, if the people who were coming were not part of the clan she would clean the filth away with these intruders blood, but to her irritation she noticed that they were part of her clan.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What do you want?” she demanded, she had enough to deal with than whatever these people are here for, she had to get these idiots back to Darkcloud Pinnacle before anyone finds them, those scouts in the southern Barrens are likely all she had to look out for.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We come bearing word from the Elder Crone.” Said the large warrior, to which brought many head to attention, although he did not say her name, everyone knew who he spoke of, after all there was only one person in this clan that could command them and that was her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What does she say?” asked Isha

<p class="MsoNormal">“There is a problem that needs to be dealt with.” Said the brave, everyone knew what that meant as well, they wanted someone dead, likely someone who got their nose to close to what they shouldn’t have.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who is it?” asked Ishi, resting her axe over her shoulder and giving him only a small amount of attention, but what he said next brought it back toward him full force.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Someone who know we attack Shady Rest.” Said the brave plainly, Isha’s head whirled onto the Tauren quickly and shock was the first thing to pass through her mind along with ‘How?’

<p class="MsoNormal">“How? How did he find out?!” she demanded, pacing towards the brave with her axe at her size and an angry scowl on her face, the Brave was no perturbed by her action and simply watched her approach and waited for her to be in his face before he spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal">“He found a shield, likely from one of your warriors.” Said the Brave, his words sneering itself as he mentioned ‘your warriors’ his disdain for them not being able to carry out a simple raid and keep it quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal">Isha was silent for a moment, silently thinking over how this could have happened, then it clicked in her head, that damn idiot of a warrior that got his arm cut off, he must have lost it inside the Inn before it was burnt down. She would cut that fool head off for this, but before she could even turn around, march to his tent and do that said thing, the Brave brought out of her thoughts and continued on.

<p class="MsoNormal">“This outsider knows too much, he knows of the attack and the possible motive behind it, from what we learnt he is one of the scouts that patrol the southern Barrens.” Said the Brave, his voice unwavering as he spoke to the chief of this band of warriors, his was the voice of Magatha and they would listen to it. “You will find him, and remove him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Where is this bastard?” snarled Isha

<p class="MsoNormal">“He travels the Gold Road, southwards, we can catch him at the southern border of the Field of Giants, do not fail or you will answer to Magatha herself.” Said the Brave, before he turned away and left with his two companions, and moving south, Isha gathered up six of her warriors and followed after them, she had much to do this late at night.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Gold Road, the Field of Giants

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve pushed his Kodo hard, he needed to get to Dustwallow Marsh, with the enemy at his back and also the fact that he was working against the clock; if the Grimtotem were after him then it was only a matter of time before the few that were behind him turned into something larger. He was close to the crossroad that led to Dustwallow Marsh, once he got onto that he would only need an hour or two to get to the border and then he should reach the ogre compound in a few hours and then he would be out of the Grimtotems reach. Travelling north wouldn’t have helped, they would have tracked him down just as quick and the Crossroads is even further from Taurajo here than it is from Dustwallow Marsh, he would be hunted down before he reached it, no his only hope was the Marshes.

<p class="MsoNormal">If he got there he could lose himself in the swamps and then somehow send word to Theramore about the attack, but going there himself would only result in him getting captured and even with his good intentions he likely wouldn’t escape afterwards. Drekhve would have to see about sending an envoy there, maybe even seeing about finding out if there is someone who could send the message for him, but for now he had to get there, he just hoped that whoever is behind him isn’t gaining ground. As he continued forward he noticed a large tree beside the road, realisation dawned on his that it was the tree that signalled that they had reached the crossroad leading toward Dustwallow Marsh, kicking his mount forward he urged the tired Kodo faster.

<p class="MsoNormal">But sadly his hopes died when he heard his mount cry out in pain, looking down Drekhve saw that lodged in the Kodo’s thick neck was an arrow, looking to his left hand side and into the hives in which the large insects make their home he saw nothing. But a moment later he noticed several objects glisten in the light of the moon, they were rising up slowly and moving towards him, he didn’t need to think on what they were and reached for his shield and covered his head and torso. He watched as several arrows punched through the wooden plank of his shield, as many other lodge themselves into his mount, and one through his left leg, but the injury was not thought upon until his mount keeled over. Over a dozen arrows had been lodged into its side, and Drekhve had fallen from his saddle and onto the ground, he lifted himself up and saw more arrows descending towards him, raising his shield again he was not fast enough to stop one from entering his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">Stifling a groan Drekhve pushed himself to his feet and rushed away from the barrage of arrows, he leapt down into a small ditch on the side of the road and hid there, he couldn’t fight against those who attacked him at a distance and he couldn’t charge them. He would have to lure them out, he turned and noticed that the other colony was just a ways away, if he lured them into there, the thick ant hills would provide cover and they numerous enough that they would not be able to see him easily. He charged off towards the colonies and waited for his enemies to follow, and that they did, the Grimtotem ambushers all moved up, moving around the wounded Kodo and toward where the warrior had run to, they noticed that he had escaped into the cluster of insect hives.

<p class="MsoNormal">“After him” said Isha, motioning her warrior forward, she pulled her axe from her back and followed in her soldiers wake, ready for them to be the bait to lure out the rat so she can crush it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Soon the ten of them entered the Silithid colony, looking for the only other Tauren inside, their weapons at the ready and spreading out to search for him; they could barely see anything ahead of them due to the thick clustering of the ant hills around them. Eventually they were all separated, none could see the others of their group, this is exactly what Drekhve wanted, and he peaked around the corner to see one of them passing a few hives down from the one he was behind. Large axe, single edged, more weight at the front to improve the force behind the blow as it is swung, that means as soon as he swung that weapon and missed he would be vulnerable, an easy target.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve moved out of cover and towards his unsuspecting prey, but as he drew closer he halted, the sound of hooves moving toward him alerted him to an incoming attacker, turning he saw one Grimtotem with a claymore attack, with a roar he swung it down at Drekhve. Raising his shield overhead he blocked the strike and fell to his knee, then he struck forward with his sword and impaled the treacherous Tauren through the stomach, his sword moved right through its gut and then pulled it free. As the Grimtotem stumbled away Drekhve turned to see the one he was going to assassinate was now planning on doing the same, swinging its long shafted axe at the warrior, Drekhve brought up his shield and crouched low. The metal axe-head connected with hits shield, quickly he angled it to allow the weapon to slide off his shield and over his head, when the weapon sailed away and threw the Grimtotem warrior off balance Drekhve attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Moving forward he aimed to cut off the damn black bull’s head, but the Grimtotem quickly turned and was able to raise his weapon to block the weapon from connecting with his head, but as soon as the blade met the metal shaft Drekhve pulled it away and slammed his shield into the tauren’s gut. As the Tauren lurched forward and onto its knee, Drekhve brought his own up and knee the bastard right in the snout, the Grimtotem fell onto his back in a daze, but as soon as he had immobilised one the other charged in to save his brethren. But as the Grimtotem swung his claymore it was countered by Drekhve’s shield, then his sword cut into the Grimtotem’s chest, leaving a debilitating gash that would prevent him from fight any longer and hopefully kill him.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he watched the Grimtotem hit the ground he felt something pierce his side, looking down he saw that an arrow had lodged itself into his right hip, it had entered through his back and out his front; he turned and narrowly dodged another arrow aimed for his neck. Drekhve ducked low and charged back into the safety of the anthill forest, but sadly his movement were hinder from the arrow in his left leg and the one in his right bicep and if he didn’t get out of here soon he was going to be killed. As he ran through the forest of anthills he could hear and notice black blur move far to his left and right, he was being followed, and with his hinder movement he wouldn’t be able to outrun them, he was fleeing he was proven right when three of them appeared on the path a few metres ahead of him. They had bows in hand and were ready to use them, Drekhve raised the shield over his body and ducked toward the right path, he felt the arrows pierce his shield before he moved out of their sight, but no sooner did he move out of their line of attack he was in another.

<p class="MsoNormal">Another Grimtotem warrior leapt out from behind a mound, in its hand was a three metre long shafted axe with two large serrated silver blades and it was aiming to cut Drekhve in half, with his shield still on his left side and the Grimtotem attacking from his right, he had literally walked into an ambush. Drekhve didn’t have a choice but to use his sword to hold the attack back, he twisted it in his grip on his claymore and used it to protect his side, but it only did so much in the ways of protecting him, had his blade met the edge of the axe it would have shattered, so instead he met the shaft of the weapon. The force of the attack knocked him into the side of the mound, even though his blade kept the axe away, the edge still sunk into his side, he cried out as the serrated edge began to saw into his wound, courtesy of its wilder. Drekhve growled at the sadistic nature of this warrior before him, he liked the fact that he made his enemies suffer, that was depraved, only sociopaths and degenerate value causing suffering and agony to their enemies; they didn’t deserve to be part of their race.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a roar Drekhve slammed the edge of his shield into the shaft of the axe, forcing it out of his wound and away, the Grimtotem had to let the grip on his weapon slacken so he would be carried along with it, which left his chest exposed, Drekhve then followed up with an upward swing. A deep gash cut into his chest, from left hip to right shoulder, the Grimtotem warrior stumbled backwards a step before it tried to retaliate, raising its large axe above his head he attempted to cleave Drekhve in twain, regardless of what weapon or shield Drekhve put between his head and the Axe. Luckily he didn’t need to resort to trying to block it, he sidestepped the blow and allowed the weapon to lodge itself into the ground, before Drekhve planted his hoof on the shaft and then swung his claymore down onto the metal pole and cut it cleanly in two.

<p class="MsoNormal">Without allowing the Grimtotem to get over the fact his weapon had been reduced to the point that only a druid could use it, he swung his claymore up and at the Tauren’s exposed jugular, then he watched as the Grimtotem fell to his knees clasping at his ruptured throat trying to keep his life blood from seeping onto the ground. Drekhve didn’t have time to admire his handiwork before he was set upon by three others, the first aimed to pierce his back with a two pronged pitchfork, quickly he turned and with his shield he deflected it to the side, and raised his sword to strike back. But as he swung the blade it hit another, a sword had blocked his own from striking, looking he saw another tauren on his right with a swordbreaker with fangs like bulges running along one edge, with a yank of the blade Drekhve’s claymore was pulled back.

<p class="MsoNormal">As his claymore was pulled back, the Grimtotem Tauren struck with another blade in his other hand, a short sword by Tauren standards, and an average by humans, the blade pierced Drekhve’s armour and his right hip, which was already tender from the arrow still lodged within. Luckily his armour had weathered most of the energy behind the attack and it didn’t pierce too far into his hip, but that didn’t stop Drekhve from crying out in pain, but as it’s started the screamed turned into a defiant roar as he twisted slightly around and slammed his shield onto the flat or the blade. Shattering it into several pieces, he them shot his shield wide and slammed into the pitchfork wielding Tauren, dazing the black bull before wrenching his claymore free from the fang-like swordbreaker.

<p class="MsoNormal">Once his claymore was free Drekhve stabbed it into the Tauren’s chest, piercing its foul heart that was as black as its fur, as the Grimtotem dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, Drekhve reared back his shield and punched its sharp front into the Tauren’s head. Caving in its thick skull and killing the brute quickly, but as the body fell away he noticed two more behind him, arrows leaving their bows, to late he was to block them, one entered though his right breast and the other through his stomach. Drekhve reeled back from the impact of the two metal tipped arrows, and before another barrage could be sent his way he ducked behind the closest mound and started to run, but even that was a tenuous and painful ordeal in on its own.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve could feel his world grow darker, even in the darkness of the night and the moonlight it did little for him, his world was fading, he was dying, he growled at the thought of dying at the hands of these traitors, he wanted to at least go out a little more heroically. He didn’t have much time to think along how he wished to die when he was attacked once more, another Tauren, female with a large axe appeared and tried to slam and disembowel him with it, raising his shield her watched as the wood splintered and the metal buckled under the blow and his arms slacken. But before he could attack he was attacked again, this time from behind, turning he blocked two blades from slicing his back open, he was now between a rock and a hard place, between two warriors that wanted him dead. He groaned as they pressed harder onto his shield and claymore, but that strain was not the least of his worries, through his bleary eyes he saw another rushing towards him, a large stone maul in his hands and ready to smash him with it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sadly there was nothing he could do, he was between three enemies now and he was to weak and wounded to deal with them, he would be lucky to live long enough to wound one of them now, so as much as he hated the fact he was going to die, the least he could do was try and make them regret it. But Drekhve would have to make them pay after the hammer hit him, because right now it was going right for his chest, the first thing he felt was his armour caving in and pressing against his chest, then the air evacuating his lungs and the feeling of weightlessness. Then smashing into something and then darkness, that lasted only a few moments, he opened his eyes to see he was looking up at the sky, the stars shining brightly alongside the two moons, the White Lady and the Blue Child.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve tried to sit up but when he felt something slam into his arm and break it, all he could do was cry out in agony as his bones were crushed, he tried to raise his sword but that too was halted by the same maul that had sent him crashing through a mound. As coughed harshly and felt a metallic tasting fluid assault his tastebuds, he spat up a small wad of blood, it looked like the maul had done more than just knock the wind out of his lung, it had put one of his ribs into one in the airs place. He looked around and saw that he was surrounded by the last remaining Grimtotems, only six were left, two were definitely wounded and two were dead, even if he was going to die here, he gave them more than a run for their money.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I guess she was right to send more than three to kill him.” Said of the Grimtotem warriors

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do not doubt her word Rutahn, she is more wise than you, had we not done so, we may not have been able to take him.” said another.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Enough chattering, kill him so we can leave, I have a small army of warrior to get back to Thousand Needles.” Said Isha Gloomaxe

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes Chief Gloomaxe.” Said one of the Grimtotem, he moved close and hovered over Drekhve, in his hand was a large single edged axe, ready to deliver the executioners mercy onto the victim.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the Grimtotem raised the axe, Drekhve could only think on how he had failed his mission, he had hoped to find the one responsible for the attack and expunge the accusation on the horde, he was able to do so, but none other than those who committed the deed and him will know of it. And now he was going to die without passing it on, he offered a silent prayer to the Earthmother that these people pay for their slights and also the boy, Ichigo, is made aware of those who have committed this atrocity, he deserves to know. He looked up to see the axes razor sharp edge gleaming in the twin moon’s light, and then he watched as the Grimtotem’s muscles tightened as he prepared to deliver the final strike, and as the axe drew close all he saw was…

<p class="MsoNormal">Fire.

<p class="MsoNormal">His would be executioner had been blown away by a large ball of fire, his charred corpses landing several metres away and continued to burn into nothing, for a few tense moments everyone was silent and didn’t even dare to breath.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who is out there?!” roared Isha Gloomaxe, raising her weapon to fight against anyone who would get in her way, she searched around to see who the attacker was and soon she found him, and her eyes widened at the very sight of the monster before her.

<p class="MsoNormal">The monster was a nine foot tall Tauren in robes of fiery red and metal, intricate patterns were weaved into the fabric that hung over the metal, his chest was covered in thick red plated steal that flowed like scales. On his shoulders were red pauldrons with orbs of fiery liquid embedded within and surrounded by jagged spikes and thorns, the only thing bare was his aged face and the angry snarl that adorned it.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A shaman?” asked one of the Grimtotem warriors, the ‘Shaman’ in question glanced at him and with a wave of his hand the Grimtotem was thrown through several mound before crashing into a solid stone prop, that was a massive wind spell that was performed on a whim.

<p class="MsoNormal">The rest of them looked on in shock as he had dispatched one of their warriors almost casually as one would brush off dirt from their cloths, that meant that the one in front of them had the power to literally wipe them from the face of the earth.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Tell me: what has this young warrior done to incur the wrath of your mighty clan” asked the Shaman, to which the remaining Grimtotems moved apart and got ready to face the one who attacked and killed two of their own.

<p class="MsoNormal">“None of your business Shaman.” Said Isha; brandishing her axe in both hands and ready to use it to cleave the insufferable bastard in two.

<p class="MsoNormal">“But I think it is, to attack this Youngblood, especially one affiliated with my clan is something I take great offence to.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Your clan? Who are you?” demanded Isha

<p class="MsoNormal">“I am of the Ragetotem Clan, although I was raised within the Dawnstriders when I was separated from my clan.” Said the Shaman, his answer did not answer their question and it infuriated Isha more than ever. “I see that is not enough, alright, my name is Mairne Ragetotem.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Realization dawned on them all who this man was now, he was one of the most deadly Shamans in the world, skilled with the elements in ways that were terrifying, and he was both a shaman and a skilled warrior. He was the son of a clan of the fiercest warriors in Tauren Society and raised in another clan of some of the greatest spiritual leader as well, he was known as one of the most powerful shamans of his generation, although that was several generations past he is still one of the best there is.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Impossible… you are him?” said Isha, shocked welling in her, this was not what she was supposed to be going against, it was meant to be a simple fool who stumbled upon information he shouldn’t have and not a damn shaman that could be if not more powerful than the matriarch of the Grimtotem Tribe.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, if you leave now, you do so with your lives, and whatever honour your believe you have.” Said Mairne, but one of them didn’t listen and simple charged, raising his hammer up and ready to use it to smash the damn shamans head in.

<p class="MsoNormal">Mairne observed the warrior for a moment and when he moved to strike Mairne raised his hand and simply flick his finger at him, what happened next was nothing short of the goriest things anyone would likely ever see in their lives. The Grimtotem warrior had been literally cut and blown in half from head to groin, his body was blown away and is internal organs were sent flying all over the small clearing they resided within, the only sound was the body parts hitting the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I sincerely hope that you are much smarter than your friend, or you too will be what the insects feed upon in the morning.” Said Mairne, the three remaining Grimtotem’s could only stair in shock at the fact that he had killed three of their own easily, and by two accounts with nothing more than a wave of his hand a flick of the finger.

<p class="MsoNormal">Isha knew that they couldn’t win, their only choice was to run, but before they did that they had to remove one last obstacle.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Kill that boy and then run!” she screamed, the two remaining warrior tried to do as she complied, one raised his swords to stab at the wounded Drekhve while the other tried to do the same, but Isha took off running, rather and risk being in the crossfire.

<p class="MsoNormal">Mairne watched as the two Grimtotem’s moved to kill the Youngblood, he raised both his hand and with a quick call he opened up the earth beneath the young Tauren, he fell into the pit and away from the swords of those trying to kill him. He then turned his attention to the two killers, he called to the aid of the fire and it was given, he sent out a wave at the two Tauren and watched as they were consumed by its embrace and reduced to nothing but charred husks that continued to burn and decompose. Mairne turned to look for the last one but found she had chosen to flee rather than face him, understandable, but still he had more pressing matters on his hands at the moment, such as the life of one young warrior that they were trying to kill.

<p class="MsoNormal">Mairne approached the pit and with a wave of his hand the ground rose quickly, bringing the boy back up to ground level, he had been badly wounded, several arrow wounds as well as major trauma to the chest and also several stab wounds. He would need some immediate help otherwise he would be dead within the hour, regardless of the Grimtotem’s actions, but luckily he knew someone who could help him bring this warrior back from the brink. Moving back he began the call and soon the earth beneath the wounded Tauren warrior began to shift and rise, creating a small platform which he laid upon and beneath it, were four earth Elementals.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Follow” said Mairne, turning and moving off, the Earth Elementals close on his heels and bringing the wounded Drekhve with them on a stone stretcher, these were the last things he remembered before fully succumbing to exhaustion and his wounds and passing out.