Missing in Action

The initial signs of the plague had begun.  News spread fast as rumors of the undead wandering in large numbers throughout the lands reached the ears of Stormwind.  Even worse were the tales of a horrible infection that eventually turned all exposed into one of the walking dead.

Panic began to spread across the realms.  The Church and the Royal family began to mobilize a defense.  Priests and paladins were prepared to counter the disease with the healing powers of the Light.  Still, it wasn’t enough.

Eldwin and Dorthia were prepared for such an emergency…

“What is this?” I asked as Eldwin and Dorthia escorted me down the basement of their home.

“Stop complaining and just go!” Eldwin shouted as he tried to shove me through the doorway.  The little gnome was stronger than I thought.

I wasn’t really sure what they had built under their house but at the same time I was curious so I entered the strange metal doorway.  Inside was a large living space, filled with various boxes…supplies of food and water.  I could see there were additional rooms beyond the main room and it seemed like there was an additional staircase that lead to even lower levels.

“Master Derric,” Dorthia took my hand and led me to a nearby chair.  “The city is starting to get overrun.  I fear this plague is beyond the ability of the leaders or the Church to stop.”

“There’s been greater threats,” I replied, “and Stormwind managed to stop those.  I’m sure it will survive this one as well.”

“Possibly,” Dorthia added, “but we must also be prepared for the worst.”

I heard the door slam behind me.  Turning around, I saw Eldwin shut a huge heavy metal door, spinning a wheel in the center.  I could hear the locking mechanisms clicking and grinding into place.

I was starting to realize what was happening.  “What did you just do?” I asked.

Eldwin wiped his face and said, “I’ve locked us in.  We should be safe from the zombie invasion.”

“…what?”  

“It’s okay Master Derric,” Dorthia tried to console me.  “There’s plenty of food and supplies to last us for years down here.”

“You locked us in!” I stood up in frustration.

“It’s for the best,” Eldwin responded.  “If this plague grows worse, it is quite possible that all sentient life on Azeroth will be killed.”

“I think you’ve finally snapped Eldwin…”  

“You may think I am crazy but we must think of the future,” he replied.  “If the zombies kill everyone, it will be our duty to repopulate Azeroth.”

I started rubbing my temples as I felt a headache approaching.

“Another headache, Master Derric?” Dorthia asked.

“Yes.”

“You seem to get a lot of those.”

“Mostly when I am around you two…”

Still, I couldn’t hate them.  In their bizarre eccentric minds, they meant well.  They truly believed that the world was coming to an end and they proceeded in a logical fashion…logical to gnomes that is.

In some ways I couldn’t blame them.  The plague was spreading fast and the night before, rumors were spreading that the healing powers of the Church were failing to cure the afflicted.  Many whispered of Arthas.  

“Wait…” I had a revelation.  “Our duty?  How is it our duty?”

Eldwin sat down on a nearby chair.  “Well, Dorthia and I will do our best and you…oh right.  Hmm…I think we should have brought along a female human.”

“So, this new Azeroth will be repopulated by gnomes?” I asked.

“Not a bad place to be really,” Eldwin added as he nodded with approval.  “Don’t feel bad though.  You’ll be the tallest person around!”

Dorthia placed a sympathetic hand on my shoulder.  “And if you, Master Derric, had a girlfriend, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”

I felt another bigger headache coming along.

“I’d like you to open the door,” I said calmly.

“Afraid I can’t do that,” Eldwin replied.

“Don’t you mean you won’t?”

“Nope,” he added.  “Can’t.  The door is on a timer.  At the earliest, I can open it after three weeks.”

“Eldwin,” I responded.  “After this is through, you are so not getting a raise in your salary.”

He stood up and walked over to me with a cheerful smile.  “Look on the bright side.  If we are right then it was wise for us to stay down here.  If we were wrong, then regardless, it’s good news since civilization is still intact.  Besides, it’ll only be three weeks.”

“And what are we going to do for three weeks?”

Dorthia grabbed a box from a nearby table.  “Anyone for Yatzhee?”

The Master’s Glaive

My eyes felt like they were bleeding.  I didn’t remember how long I stayed up in the library, scouring though all the ancient tomes and books regarding the Old Gods.  There was surprisingly very little information regarding the ancient beings.

Leaning back on my chair, I massaged my weary eyes, recollecting the events that took place.  The journey to the Master’s Glaive was an utter disaster.  Kamillia, Sabinian, Ksyusha and Maethis were all wounded by a hidden archer.  And by the Light, what if Stella were poisoned?  I shook my head to filter that horrible thought and the consequences of it.

We were fortunate to escape without any casualties.  But our attacker escaped.  We didn’t even know who it was.  Simply put, we were careless.

It was a bad decision.  We traveled there without any plan.  It was just a swipe in the dark hoping we could find some clues to Clementis’ whereabouts.  As a rogue, I should have known better.  But in any event, we did learn some things.

I am certain we were not tracked.  We traveled across Darkshore on horseback.  If someone followed us, we would have known.  Kamillia was right.  The Glaive is of some importance.  Whoever attacked us was guarding it.  Considering his prowess with a bow, he was a hunter or ranger and possibly even a rogue.  He was also very good at camouflaging himself which suggests he’s a rogue or dare I think, a night elf?

Regardless of who he was, he was a person.  That meant he can bleed and that meant we can capture him.  I know many of the other Keepers would disapprove but if he were to be apprehended, and I had a few minutes alone with this person, I’m sure my methods would generate…answers.

We needed to go back but with better preparation.  Stella suggested Aurlon and he would definitely raise concern to our assailant.  I wanted Saibley.  If you want the job done, you send in a rogue and I am not proud or insecure to say that she is a superior rogue than I.  Her skills will be most beneficial.

Aurlon had holy magic but I thought some shadow magic could be useful too.  Ksyusha agreed to join our offensive.  Diversity in attack.  Face your enemy with a wide variety of weapons and they won’t be able to defend against it all.

From the whisper I heard from our attacker, he seemed…cocky.  Good.  If he is that arrogant, we have a chance.  We just need a good plan.  For Clementis’ sake, we need a plan.  Time is our enemy.

I stood up and walked over to a wall with a mirror hanging on it.  I stared at my own image.  I looked cold and unforgiving.

From now on, I will not let my emotions get the best of me.  I am a rogue, trained in Ravenholdt and by the Defias.  Curse you Edwin but you were right.  Take your emotions out of the equation and you’ve already gained an advantage against your enemy.  I only wished I knew where this new path would lead me.  Unfortunately, this new path is cloaked in darkness…

News From Afar

Carlo Aurelius lunged at me with his blade and I only managed to dodge it at the last minute.  Considering this was only a practice session, I felt that he took it much more seriously.  There was no delay, no semblance of easing up.  He took another swipe and I deftly parried it with my sword, twisting his aim away.

He took a step back and sheathed his blade, bowing afterwards, satisfaction gleaming from his countenance.  I followed his lead and did the same.  Leaving the circular sparring area, Aurelius grabbed a couple of towels lying on a nearby bench, tossing one to me.  The training was long and hard and the soft towel was a welcome touch to my wet face.

“You fight marvelously Derric,” he said.  “I’d hate to meet you in a dark alley.”

“I have a good teacher,” I replied, hanging the towel around my neck.  I grinned, “And yes, you should be wary of me in the dark.”

For over a week, I have been at Ravenholdt training to become a better fighter and to master the arts of stealth and cunning.  I wondered if the others would notice my disappearance but considering I have been traveling far and wide, I doubted anyone would find my absence unusual.

Aurelius toweled off his own face and then peered curiously past me.  “Friend of yours?” he asked.

I turned around and saw a pink haired sweet faced female gnome hurriedly jogging towards me.

“Dorthia?  How and why are you here?” I asked in surprise.

“I have some urgent news Master Derric,” she said.

“How did you find me?  I don’t remember mentioning Ravenholdt to you.”

She pulled out a white stone with runes covering it.  “I used the new tracking device.”

“Huh,” I reacted, “maybe it’s not such a great device afterall.”  I grinned.  She didn’t join me in the levity.  Something was wrong; very wrong.

“Here,” she handed me a bunch of paper.

Raising an eyebrow, I took the papers and began to scan them.  Once I realized they were copies of Clementis’ journal as well as Stella’s desperate letter, I read more carefully.  My hands turned into fists, knuckles white with tightness.

“Thank you Dorthia for bringing this to me,” I said calmly.

“I thought you would want to know right away,” she said meekly.

“I’m glad you did,” I responded.  “Let me grab my things and we’ll head back to Stormwind and Lakeshire right away.”

Aurelius walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.  “Problems?”

I just nodded.

Dorthia looked up to me.  “Do you think he is dead?”

Shaking my head I replied, “No.  Whoever did this has some hatred towards Clem, Stella and possibly all the Keepers.  No, I’m convinced he still lives or whoever did this would have left the body.  This was a message.”

“What do you plan to do?” Aurelius asked.

“The citizens know me as a Gadgeteer.  A dealer of trinkets and devices,” I commented.  “It’s time I became an Inquisitive.”

“This should be interesting,” Aurelius added.

I nodded.  “Most of the Keepers are paladins and priests, restricted to a certain extent by their conviction to the Light on how to pursue this.”  I folded the papers and tucked them in my shirt.  “I’m a spy and a rogue.  I’m not bound by such codes.”

“You would go against your faith?”

I smiled.  “Break the tenets?  Never.  Of all people Carlo, you should know we rogues never break rules.  We bend them.”

Aurelius grinned.  “Well said, my brother.”

Can you hear me now? Good.

Due to my travels to Theramore, I had not been able to visit my shop for weeks.  I wondered if Eldwin and Dorthia managed to keep it running.  For all I know, Sprockets could have been either burned to the ground, sold off for a handful of magic beans, quarantined like Gnomeregan or all of the above.  Suddenly my steps became more rapid.  I mean, Eldwin was still sane albeit somewhat eccentric.  Dorthia.  I could count on Dorthia.  She was a sensible gnome.  Surely she kept the place in one piece.

My pace turned into a light jog.

I stood in front of the shop.  No fires or external damage were visible.  That was a good sign.  Sighing in relief, I made my way to the front door when it suddenly burst open.

Dorthia ran out yelling, “Master Derric!  Thank the Light you are here.”

I rubbed my temples.  “What’s the problem Dorthia?  And it’s good to see you.”

She beamed, gracing me with her cherubic smile.  “I’m glad you are home again, Master Derric.  I am sorry for my lack of manners but it’s Eldwin.”

“What did he blow up?”

“Nothing,” she teasingly pushed me.  Gnomes were stronger than they looked.  “He just locked himself in the backroom and refuses to open the door.”

“Heh, well you could have just blasted it with arcane fire,” I said sarcastically.

“I did,” she replied.

“Oh…I didn’t really mean…”

“It didn’t work,” she added.  “He built some sort of contraption that protects the door with some invisible shield.”

I sighed but I wasn’t mad.  How could I?  I looked at Dorthia and she had those pleading eyes that were seeking help.  There was a purity and innocence in their actions, empty of malice and evil.  I repeat.  Either you love or hate gnomes.  There is no middle ground.

“Well, let’s see if I can convince him to come out,” I said as I entered the shop.  Dorthia followed right behind me.

I went to the back of the shop where the stairs to the upstairs workshop was located.  I could hear banging and whizzing sounds coming from upstairs.  It seemed Eldwin was working on something.  As I climbed the stairs, I began to think of how to get the crazy little gnome out of the room.

When I touched the doorknob, I felt a tingling sensation.  There was something surrounding the door and I could feel it.  It was like dipping your hand in water.  You could still move your hand and fingers but you felt resistance.  This was what Dorthia must’ve been talking about.

Clearing my throat, I spoke, “Eldwin, I need you to open this door at once.”

The noises behind the door suddenly stopped and I could hear Eldwin’s little gnome feet padding their way to the door.

“Is that you, Master Derric?” he asked.

“Yes Eldwin,” I answered.  “Open the door.”

“Afraid I can’t do that,” he responded.

“Can’t or won’t?” I asked.  And it wasn’t a rhetoric question.  I wanted to know if he was refusing to open the door or if he really couldn’t get it open.  With Eldwin, you never knew.

“Won’t,” he said.  “I’m working a super secret project.”

“And you can’t share it, even with me?”

“Nope.”

“Okay, well in that case,” I removed a small pouch from my belt and shook it making the coins inside jingle, “I guess I can’t pay your salary.”

Almost immediately, I heard multiple locks clicking open and I felt the odd force shield evaporate.  The door swung open and Eldwin stood there with his hands outstretched.

“That was easy,” I said as I tossed him the pouch.

“Money talks,” he said as he spilled the gold coins onto his hands.

I casually walked inside the room and made my way to the main work table.  Tools of various sizes and shapes were strewn across it as were bits and pieces of odd looking mechanical pieces.

“So, what are you working on?” I asked.

Eldwin walked over to me and sat on a stool.  Dorthia, who was shadowing me the whole time, stared at wonderment at all the equipment.

Eldwin handed me a small flat piece of metal, no bigger than the size of a gold coin.  “It’s a Geometric Point Sensor.”

“A what?”

“It’s a tracking device of sorts,” he explained.  He pulled out another little metal box and pushed some buttons that were located at the top.  A small globe of light appeared just above the box and the words “Stormwind City” appeared within it.  “You see?” Eldwin added, “this device is telling you that Geometric Point Sensor is located in Stormwind City.”

“Impressive,” I replied.  “But Geometric Point Sensor is too long.  Why not GPS?”

Eldwin just stared at me.  “As I was saying,” he continued, “the GEOMETRIC POINT SENSOR can be used to track the whereabouts of individuals.”

“How does it work?”

“Magic,” Eldwin almost rolled his eyes.  “The tracker identifies the unique arcane signature of the geometric point sensor and then processes the information.”

“Seems like a pretty complicated mechanical device,” I commented.  “Why do you need magic?”

Eldwin massaged his beard.  “I suppose if you could setup an array of satellites in geosynchronous orbit around Azeroth that can track the signals of the geometric point sensors and relay them electronically back to the trackers, you wouldn’t need magic.”

I stared back blankly.  “I hate it when you start speaking Gnome.”

“Which is why I am using magic,” Eldwin said with a smile.

“All kidding aside,” I added, “this could come in handy with the Keepers.  If someone gets in trouble, we would be able to locate them.”

“As long as they had the geometric point sensor with them.”

“Right,” I agreed.  “If we could somehow fit the GPS…I mean the geometric point sensor into a hearthstone, we wouldn’t have to worry about anyone misplacing it.”

“I can easily retrofit a tracker and geometric point sensor in every hearthstone.  And I can make it so that every one of them can identify the arcane signal of any of the hearthstones using the equipment,” Eldwin explained.

“How accurate are these?”

“Normally it will only pick up the general location, like Stormwind City or Elwynn Forest,” Eldwin answered.  “But if you manually input information of the individual and that individual also manually sends a signal back, then it will be pinpoint accurate as you get closer and closer to the person.”

“How long will it take for you to make one for each Keeper and say about a dozen more for future members?”

“I can make them but I still need a mage to fill the devices with arcane magic,” Eldwin said.  “Dorthia isn’t trained enough for the high level of power required.  This particular one, I got energized by using up a favor I had saved up with Old Man MacFay.”

MacFay was a repeat customer to our shop.  He was completely ignorant when it came to mundane objects but a superb mage.

“Know any powerful mages?” Eldwin asked.

“A couple,” I replied.  “I’ll have to ask them for a favor.”

Memories Part II

Because Edwin and most of his men were wanted criminals, he sent me and some other boys in training to enter the city to steal supplies.  We never worked as a group but performed our acts of burglary alone.

I was assigned to break into the house of Lord Phaerus, well respected by the general populous of Stormwind.  But those who lived in the shadows were familiar with his love of debauchery and cruelty that was rarely exaggerated.  Edwin had told me, Phaerus possessed a great deal of precious gems stored in a chest within his manor.  The Brotherhood needed the gems to finance our organization.  Since neither he nor his most trusted men could set foot inside Stormwind, he sent me.

The job itself was quite easy.  All I had to do was bypass the guards at the gate which was easily accomplished by scaling the walls using climbing claws.  Then I had to make my way to the second floor of the manor and enter the study window.  Inside, there was a special hidden compartment in the wall that most likely housed the large box of gems.

How did I know all this?  Edwin was the engineer who rebuilt the manor.  He had the complete plans of the house and all its rooms.  In fact, he had specially designed the secret compartment for Lord Phaerus.

It didn’t take me long to sneak past the guards, climb up to the second floor and enter the study.  I planned to pick the almost invisible lock that opened the secret compartment in the wall but then I wondered.  Taking out a small key that Edwin gave me, I pushed it into the lock and turned it.  It clicked open.  I chuckled to myself realizing Lord Phaerus didn’t even bother changing the locks.

Inside was a large box, about the size of a good sized tome.  Opening it revealed the numerous gems, each separated by shape and color.  I would have guessed the gems were a small fortune if sold in the black market.  After closing the box and tucking it away in my backpack, I made my way to the window when I heard a voice.

“I think you have something that belongs to me.”

I turned around and recognized Lord Phaerus flanked by two of his guards.

“I have no idea what you mean,” I said as I made a mad dash out the window and began to climb up using the gutter drain.  Unfortunately, the drain wasn’t strong enough to support my weight and it gave.  I yelled out as it tore from the wall, swinging me back into the window from which I made my escape.  I did my best to break my fall by rolling but I still ended up on my back and in lots of pain.

The two guards picked me up and held my arms as Lord Phaerus approached me.  One of the guards tore the backpack away from me and placed it on a nearby table.

“Did you really think I would leave that secret compartment the way it was knowing Edwin was still out there?” he said to me menacingly.  “I added an arcane alarm that you happened to set off.”

He began to pace in front of me, “Now what shall I do with you?  I suppose I could hand you over to the authorities.  You’re young but probably old enough to be sent to the Stockades.”

He placed his fingers under his chin as if thinking, then grinned.  “No, I think I’ll keep you here.  The basement is built out of solid stone.  No one will hear you scream.”

I had no idea how to get out of this situation but I’d be damned if I let this man think I was scared of him.  I would not give him the pleasure of surrendering peacefully.

He walked up to me, his nose almost touching mine.  “Now what do you think about that?”

“This is what I think about it,” I said as I kicked him hard between the legs.  Lord Phaerus crumpled to the ground crying out in agony.

The two guards must’ve been in shock because they both loosened their grip on me as they saw their master fall to the ground.  My survival instincts kicked in at that moment.  Pulling hard, I managed to free myself from their grasp and made a run out the door of the study, stepping hard on Phaerus’ prone body, specifically his groin, in the process.

The two guards tried to catch me but I was too quick and was already speeding down the stairs.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t silence them and they yelled out the alarm.

I ran as fast as I could, unable to avoid crashing into a household maid, knocking her down.  Besides her, I didn’t see anyone else and I ran out the main entrance.  I saw the gates before me.  If I could just get past the gates, I could easily escape into the streets where I would blend into the crowds.

But there were the two gate guards blocking my path.  The first took a swipe at me, trying to grab me.  I managed to duck under his attempted grab but I couldn’t escape his buddy.  The second guard was smarter and clocked me hard against the back of my head.  It didn’t knock me out but I was on the ground before the two of them picked me up.  Even in a slight daze, I could see Lord Phaerus coming out of the manor.

Phaerus grabbed me hard, squeezing both of my cheeks with one hand.  “You’ll suffer like you’ve never suffered before for what you’ve done.”  He then struck me with a fist and I felt warm blood trickle out the side of my mouth.

“Take him to the basement,” Phaerus ordered.

“Actually, I think you should hand him over to me,” a voice suggested behind me.

Still in a slight daze, I saw a man in a dark uniform or outfit approach us.

“This is none of your business, Shaw,” Phaerus said.

“Maybe.  But you also have no business taking this boy into your basement,” Shaw said as he glanced at me.  “I will take him to the authorities.”

“You have no jurisdiction here, Shaw,” Phaerus grabbed my shirt.  “You wish to challenge a noble?”

Shaw smiled.  “Certainly not.  I would never oppose you.  Course, if you decide to let me hand over the boy, I could probably overlook certain rumors I’ve been hearing.”

Phaerus’ eyebrows rose, “What rumors?”

“Oh, your particular tastes for certain types of ladies.  I’m sure the Church, not to mention your wife would like to know about your…indiscretions.”

“You have no evidence.”

Shaw confidently walked straight up to Phaerus, placing himself between me and the Lord.  “Lord Phaerus, you of all people should know that I am quite capable of collecting evidence, both real and unreal.”

“How dare you blackmail me!”

“Maybe you should be more wise with how you spend your free time?”  Mathias seemed very serious now.  “Give me the boy.  Otherwise your name won’t be worth spit in this city.  I will guarantee it.”

One of the guards slowly went for his blade.  Mathias shook his head.  “Have your men stand down or tonight will be bloody.”

“Stand down,” Lord Phaerus said in defeat.  “Take the boy but just remember, this isn’t over.”

“It’s over Phaerus,” Mathias said calmly as he took my hand and began to leave the scene.  “Just you remember that.”

After we made our way past the gates to the relative safety of the streets, I asked Shaw the most obvious question.  “How did you know I was there?”

“I know everything that goes on in this city Derric,” he said calmly.  “You’re good but I had my men make sure they report to me if you were ever seen within the walls of Stormwind.”

“Why?”

“Your father,” he answered.  “He asked me to keep an eye out for you.”

“How is he doing?” I asked meekly.

“He was heartbroken,” Mathias answered.  “He’s still heartbroken but he’s trying to understand.  Are you planning to see him?”

“Eventually,” I replied.  “Not yet though.  Wait, you’re not arresting me?”

Mathias chuckled.  “Let’s just say you owe me one now.  Besides, freeing you will just be another humiliation to Phaerus.”

“People in your debt tend not to live long lives…”

“I am convinced you are an exception,” he replied.

There were no long farewells.  He simply escorted me to Murderer’s Row and left.  From there it was easy for me to escape Stormwind to meet up with the Defias at Westfall.  Edwin was not pleased with the failure of the mission but was somewhat pleased that I managed to escape.  Of course I neglected to mention the part where Shaw came in and saved me.

I always wondered why Shaw helped me that fateful night and years later I learned the truth.  I learned that my father made a deal with him, that if Shaw could keep me out of real trouble, such as ones that were beyond the bounds of his influence, then he would allow Shaw to take me under his wing if that was my wish.  For my life and safety, my father gave up his hopes of me becoming a paladin.

Shaw, like Edwin, saw potential in me that was outside the roles of an honorable knight.  He, like Edwin, planned to mold me for his use.  My father saw me as a knight and hoped to mold me in that fashion.  Reflecting on my past, I wondered if anyone was truly the master of their own path.  If we weren’t, I was damn sure to fight every inch of the way.

Memories Part I

Taking a sip from my glass of whiskey, I sat pondering over the story I told to the others at Lakeshire.  My eyes were in a dazed trance watching the dancing flames of the fireplace located in my study.  I brushed my hand back and forth on the leather armrest of a large old leather chair that once belonged to my father.  He used to play with the armrest.  I guess I picked up his old habit.

I know I took liberties in the details of the story but it was basically, almost, in essence, correct.  I mean I only met them recently.  How could I trust them with my past?  Clementis assured me the past was the past, but was it really?  My father used to always say, “We reap what we sow.” I wonder what I will be reaping in the near future.

Call it my rogue and spy sensibilities kicking in.  Call it insecurity or precaution.  But I just wasn’t ready to fully disclose my past.  Not now; maybe not ever.

With one last gulp, I emptied the glass and placed it on a small table next to the chair.  I leaned into the chair, sinking into its soft old brown leather, comforted by its familiarity.  I remembered the truth.

***

My father and I had recently moved outside of Stormwind on the borders of Goldshire living a life of a farmer.  My father tended the crops while I raised the animals.  It was not a life I enjoyed.

I loved the city and so did my father.  There were days when he and I would just wander around the Dwarven District to see all the wondrous inventions and gadgets on display.  There was always something new or exciting going on in the city.  I loved its people and all it represented.

Then it was all gone.  The Stonemasons were mainly responsible for rebuilding the city after the war.  It took countless man-hours and resources when it was completed.  Unfortunately, the corrupt House of Nobles swindled the Stonemasons out of their just compensation.  My father was a Stonemason.  Within a week, we had to leave the city we cherished to start anew on a small plot of land outside its great walls.

He could have fought, like Edwin.  But my father, the noble paladin, did not.  I heard of the Brotherhood as news of their exploits spread across the realm.  They were fighting the good fight.  They were fighting injustice and corruption.  I am ashamed to say it now but I believed Edwin was a better man than my father at that time.

When I was growing up, people would say I was a precocious child.  I didn’t know what it meant at the time.  I just assumed they meant I got into trouble a lot because of my curiosity.  I suppose in retrospect, both definitions are generally correct.  At any rate, that fateful night when Edwin VanCleef visited our home, I made sure to listen in on their conversation.  Peering behind a door, barely cracked open, I saw my father arguing with Edwin.

“Why do you continue to defend them?” I heard Edwin yell to my father.

Ral, my father, replied, “I am not defending them.  But there has to be a better way to deal with this.  It will hurt not just the nobles but innocent citizens as well.”

“Collateral damage,” Edwin said.  “Distasteful but unavoidable for the greater good.”

My father shook his head, “What has become of you?”

Edwin shrugged, “You always see the world as black and white.”

“No,” my father responded.  “Right and wrong.”

“No matter,” Edwin casually wandered around the small living room.  “While you and your son continue to slave over this pitiful plot of land, I will bring Stormwind out of corruption by freeing its people from the tyranny of the nobles.”  I could have sworn I saw Edwin stare right at my eyes even though I was hiding behind the door and the shadows.  “And what of Derric?  You still planning to send him to the Cathedral?”

“Yes,” my father answered, “he will train to become a knight.”

“And he is happy with this decision?”

“I did not offer him a choice,” my father answered.

“You think this is best?” Edwin took a seat in front of my father.  Again, I could have sworn he glanced at me, as if he knew I was eavesdropping.  “I remember Mathias saying your son had a natural talent and ability in a career, how shall I say?  Less honorable than becoming a paladin?”

“I might agree that he certainly has great dexterity and skill to be a spy but that is not his world,” my father said.  “Derric’s heart is too pure and too compassionate for that role.  He is a paladin at heart in a scrapper’s body.  But it is his heart that will carry him in this life and that is why he will become a knight.”

“Maybe you are biased because he is your son?”

My father stood up, showing signs of anger.  Edwin seemed to shrink away.  “I know my son.  Better than you or Mathias.  And now this conversation is over.  Leave us be.  I will not aid you in your cause.”

As my father seemingly regained his temper, Edwin stood tall again, taking his hat off the wall and placing it on his head.  “So be it Ral.  I will not bother you again.”  Again, he glanced over to me.  “But if you decide to change your mind, I will be heading back to Goldshire before leaving for Westfall.”

My father did not flinch.  “Edwin, you are embarking on a dark road.  You still have time to change your path.”  He sighed.  “May you someday learn to let the Light guide your journey.”

“I have a torch for that,” Edwin mocked as he left the house.

My father sighed again as he collapsed on an old leather seat, shaking his head.  I moved to the back of my room and looked out my window.  Edwin was slowly making his way towards Goldshire.

Gracefully and in one fluid movement, I hopped out the window and moved deliberately and silently towards Edwin.  Just when I thought I had him, he suddenly turned and faced me.

“You have tremendous natural skill but sometimes natural skill is not enough,” he said to me.  “I can make you invisible against your foes if you are willing to come with me.”

I tilted my head thoughtfully.  “You knew I was eavesdropping, didn’t you?”

“I did,” he answered.  “So what do you think of your father’s plans for you?”

“I hate it,” I replied.  “I want to train and become like you and Mathias.”

Edwin smiled or grinned.  I couldn’t tell.  “Then come with me and you can train with the Brotherhood.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes, tonight,” he replied.  “I’ll be headed off to Westfall later tonight.  If you want to learn, you’ll have to leave with me tonight.”

“I can’t leave my father,” I said as he looked back at the old farmhouse.

“I will make sure he knows you are with me and that you are safe.”

“I don’t know…”

Edwin kneeled down before me.  “Listen.  This is your opportunity to prove to your father you weren’t meant to be a knight.  You will train with the Brotherhood and be part of the liberation of Stormwind.  And once that’s done, you can return to your father with your head held high, proud of your achievements.”

“But he’ll be alone and I didn’t get to say good-bye…”

“If you return to the house now, he will not let you go.  You know I am right.  And yes, he will be alone but only for a little while.  Is that not but a small sacrifice compared to restoring Stormwind?  Or bringing honor to your house again so you can live in the city?”

“We can go back to the city?”

Edwin clearly grinned.  “Why of course.  Once the nobles are brought to justice, your father will be rightfully compensated.  You’ll have great wealth and neither of you will need to toil the land again.”

I was just a child then.  It was so easy to convince myself that I was doing the right thing.  Surely my father would approve of stamping out injustice?  Didn’t we deserve to live in the city again and not in some small meager farm?

How easy it was to convince myself that my selfish acts were truly noble.  I took Edwin’s hand that evening and disappeared into the night, forever changing my destiny.

The Last Time?

“Bazil Thredd was Edwin’s second-in-command. He’s actually holed up in the Stockades.” Shaw replied as I gave my report of what took place within the Dead Mines. “If Edwin was being truthful and there’s more to the Defias, then we need to speak with Bazil.”

“Why would Edwin lie?”

“Why wouldn’t he?”

Typical of Shaw to answer a question with another question.

He leaned back on his chair. “At any rate, you did a wonderful service for Stormwind. I think we can bring healing to the land again now that the Defias is crippled.”

I shrugged and started to leave.

“Oh, one more thing,” Shaw asked. “You never saw Edwin’s body after he fell into the water, did you?”

“He wouldn’t have survived that fall, especially not with his wound.”

“Right.” Shaw sounded unconvinced. “No matter. Even if he lived, his power is gone and there’s no reason to pursue him. I suppose I can at least give my old friend that much.”

“What would you have done?” I asked.

Shaw tilted his head. “You asking if I would have killed him outright?”

“Yes.”

“I would have killed him.”

“I guess that makes you a better agent than me.”

Shaw shifted his calm emotionless presence to something more soft. “Possibly but that makes you the better man.”

I was surprised at the answer.

“Mercy Derric. Mercy. That differentiates you from me. And you’re right, that’s why you probably won’t fit SI:7. But that’s not a bad thing. Edwin lost his and look what happened to him? I figure someday I’ll get my due as well. Your father kept his and it seems he made sure you kept yours too.”

Standing there, I stared at Shaw dumbfounded. I didn’t know how to respond.

He smiled. “Thank you again from all the people of Stormwind. We hope your next service will be equally successful.”

“This was my last time.”

“Until the next time,” he said with a sly grin.

I didn’t answer and just left.

Van Cleef

By mid-morning we stood along the outskirts of Moonbrook. The lack of wind and the sheer openness of the landscape brought forth an eerie silence. The town itself was completely deserted, or at least it seemed that way. Once brightly painted and pristine buildings of the popular town were now falling into ruin due to neglect.

I handed Channon a map of the surrounding area and marked the entrance of the secret passageway. “It will take you a few hours to reach the door but I suspect you’ll get there before I do considering I will have to navigate through the entire mines just to reach it,” I explained. I added to my comment already knowing what she was thinking, “If I don’t get there by tomorrow, you can assume I was captured or killed and the mission has failed.”

Channon studied the map and didn’t respond. Maybe it was her professionalism or her training but she showed no emotion. She was completely businesslike. Considering her experience, I had to assume it was necessary for her survival. I wondered if I would ever reach that point.

After soaking the map into her memory, she nodded and said, “I’ll be waiting at the meeting point,” at which point she sped off, disappearing into the fields of wheat. Even with my training and keen senses, I couldn’t track her. She had completely faded away as if a phantom. I sighed and made my walk to the desolate town. There was no point delaying the inevitable.

If you happened to come across Moonbrook, you would have thought it to be a ghost town waiting for time to consume its structure and location. There was a definite feeling of emptiness. Even the animals stayed away from this scene of death and decay. So many had died in the battle of Moonbrook.

But the truth was, the moment I stepped on the path entering the town, I knew eyes were trained on me. Depending on the level of threat I measured, the hiding Defias would either let me pass, assassinate me while I wasn’t looking or send the entire band of thieves to confront me. I wore my old Defias leathers and the tell-tale red scarf that identified me as one of the higher ranking lieutenants of VanCleef’s brigands.

I passed what used to be Moonbrook’s townhall and noticed a pair of Defias bandits step out of the shadows in front of me. Without even looking back, I knew another pair of rogues had emerged behind me.

“Identify yourself,” one of the bandits commanded.

“How dare you question my purpose here!” I shouted with anger. Unlike the past, the Brotherhood had degenerated into a band of worthless bandits and killers. The only concept they knew was brute strength and force. “Step aside or you will find the ground you stand on to be your final resting place.”

I could see the bandit flinch and there was fear in his eyes. Of course I knew his question was applied to any stranger, whether they looked like a Defias or not. But I was wearing the special leathers that only top lieutenants wore and I had to present myself as such. The question itself was as test to weed out spies and intruders. The Defias knew many of their band did get captured and they knew Stormwind would love to discover the locations of all the secret hideouts. Had I given a recognizable name, they would have attacked me on the spot. SI:7 had lost over a dozen men because they didn’t know how to respond to the demand correctly. I mean really, when did bandits ever want to identify themselves, even amongst their ranks? My answer fit my appearance. Now I had to play the part to be fully convincing.

“You are but one and we are many,” the bandit seemed to find new courage. “You believe you can fight all of us and escape?”

I stared into his eyes showing pure hatred, “No, just you. If I die today, I will die having the satisfaction knowing I had gutted you with my blade.” The newfound courage he had faded in a heartbeat. I didn’t need to be convincing when my hatred truly did run true. If not for the mission, I would have killed that bandit along with all his friends.

Stammering, he spoke for the last time, “you may pass. My apologies Lieutenant.”

I continued my walk and when I got beside the bandit, I swiped my backhand across his face. Completely caught off-guard, the bandit took the full brunt of the blow and dropped to the dusty ground. Blood oozed from his broken mouth.

“When I leave, it will be wise if we do not meet again.” With that last cold remark, I headed for the large granary where the secret entrance to the Dead Mines was located. First crawling and then finally stumbling up, the bandit ran away along with his friends. In the Brotherhood, strength and intimidation ruled all.

I made my way to the granary where I found the trapdoor that led to the mines. There I saw other Defias thugs but none spoke nor did they hold their gaze on me. After making my way down the mine elevator I noticed how much of the mine had changed. Defias miners were busy excavating the rich copper and tin ores found in the caves. I had not seen the mines for a very long time. I could not believe how large the operation had become. With all the coin funneling in from the mines, VanCleef could have easily financed a great weapon of some sort.

Realizing I didn’t want to be truly questioned by a senior member of the Defias, I progressed through the mines. It was difficult not to rush through the passageways but I didn’t want to seem suspicious. So I maintained my guise by walking proudly and confidently as I passed the miners. No one dared to stop me. It was all a guise but I cursed Shaw under my breath. He reminded me of who I once was…

Logically there was only one place VanCleef could store such a powerful weapon. It had to be the underground port. All secret supplies and equipment were transported by boat into the mines by a hidden waterway found at the very bottom of the mines. When I did reach the hidden port, I stood in awe of what was built.

VanCleef had built a warship of immense size. The ship was heavily armored and I saw no less than a dozen cannon ports along each side. There was no way Stormwind could defend against such devastating power. I would have stared at the ship all day had not my eyes caught a glimpse of the real prize. VanCleef was walking along the deck checking the work of his soldiers.

Coming back to my senses, I made my way around the large ship and headed to the secret passageway. The secret door was a very unique feature of the underground base. It was meant to be an escape route in case the hideout was attacked. Only the top officers of the Defias even knew it existed.

It didn’t take long for me to find the long dark passageway that ended in a dead end or so it seemed. It had been years but I still remembered the sequences of switches hidden behind rocks and dirt. With one final twist, the door grinded open. The initial glare of the afternoon sun blinded me and I had to step back. Once my eyes were readjusted, I saw that Channon had already arrived. She stood next to me, her muscles tense in alertness.

“Remember our deal,” I said.

She just nodded. “What’s the weapon?”

“A battleship,” I answered, “One large enough to raze Stormwind. A normal assault on it would do no good. It’s too heavily armored. But it can be sabotaged.” I pulled out a grapefruit sized metal ball of darkish grey. “This is a bomb. That battleship is steam powered which means it has a large furnace at its heart. Blow up the furnace and the explosion will most likely cripple the ship.”

Tossing a small sack to her I added, “There’s a dozen bombs in there. I assume you can enter the ship and plant them?”

“How do you set them off?”

I pulled out a small rod engraved with magical runes. “This rod is magically attuned to the bombs. Click here and boom.” After showing her how to activate the rod I handed it to her. “In case VanCleef kills me.”

Channon examined the rod before slipping it behind her cloak. It seemed like she was heading to the ship but she glanced back. “How long have you known VanCleef?” She gave me a look that wasn’t judgmental or full of distain. Instead there were was sincere concern and understanding.

“All my life.”

She nodded before gracefully jogging down the pathway.

With the plan set in place, I made my way to the warship. Walking my way past all the guards and workers, I grew tense. Worried that someone I knew would spot me I shifted and readjusted my red scarf nervously. Good thing the others didn’t like to make eye contact with those whom they thought were of higher rank.

The ship was immense and it took some time for me to climb all the steps and platforms to reach the deck. Using my limited knowledge of ships in general, I headed towards the back of the deck where the captain’s quarters were usually located. There were a couple of doors but only one was open. But that’s all I need to see. I could see past the door where VanCleef was sitting behind a desk, studying some documents.

Using all of my rogue skills, I stealthed my way to the door, using the shadows as my shield. It did occur to me that there were no other Defias on the deck except VanCleef. Considering all the activity below, you would expect the deck to be just as busy. But it was serene and VanCleef was all alone. But I had to set aside my instincts and glided into the room. Stepping out of the shadows, I pointed a dagger towards VanCleef.

He looked up calmly, hardly surprised at my presence. “I thought you’d never wear those leathers again.”

“One last time, Edwin.”

VanCleef leaned back on his chair, folding his arms. “Let me guess, did old Gryan send you?” He shook his head as if to answer his own question. “No, no, Gryan isn’t clever enough for that. Shaw. It had to be Shaw. Tell me I’m wrong.”

“This isn’t for Shaw,” I replied, cautiously moving towards him. “This is for the people of Stormwind. The same people you decided to abandon.”

“Still holding to those ideals, just like your old man.”

“You held those same ideals, once.”

“That was a long time ago. Ideals fade with age.” I saw a glimmer of sadness, humanity finally penetrating that thick cold and heartless shell he wore.

“I won’t accept that and I don’t think you do either. You still have a choice,” I tried to plead with him. Killing VanCleef was not an option for me. No matter how corrupted he became, I still remembered the young passionate man I looked up to while growing up. It’s odd how Fate brings things together. Shaw trained VanCleef and the two were good friends. VanCleef and my father were both stonemasons but each chose a different path when Stormwind abandoned them. And in the end, all three became bitter enemies fueled by differing philosophies and ideals. But I still clung to the man I knew still existed beneath the jaded exterior.

VanCleef sighed, “It’s too late for me now. There are things in motion that cannot be stopped. This is bigger than both of us. My destiny lies here.” He waved his hand, beckoning to someone behind me. “And your destiny is here as well.”

I turned around and saw three Defias bandits slip out of the shadows. Whoever they were, they were better than me for I was unable to detect them. Wearing the same dark leathers I was wearing, they circled around me cutting off my escape.

“You’ll remain here until we raze Stormwind, then afterwards we can discuss your options,” VanCleef explained.

Surprisingly, one of the bandits had a different suggestion. “He is to be executed,” the bandit said with chilling effect.

“I have not ordered his execution,” VanCleef thundered but there was uncertainty in his eyes.

“We have orders that say otherwise Captain,” the bandit replied.

“You will stay those orders.”

“I’m afraid not my dear Captain,” the bandit hissed, “like you said, things are in motion that cannot be stopped. This order is bigger than you.”

When I was a Defias bandit I always assumed VanCleef was the leader. He rallied the stonemasons together when the House of Nobles cheated them out of their compensation for rebuilding the city. To think there were other darker forces working above VanCleef unnerved me and I realized the Brotherhood itself was just a pawn for someone else’s evil schemes.

VanCleef was clinching his fists into white balls. There was anger and frustration added with concern. No matter how brutal he became, I knew deep down VanCleef did not have the heart to murder me. That was my trump card and that is why I decided to meet him face to face before blowing up the ship. There was a tone of an ultimatum as he said to the three bandits, “You will disregard those orders.”

“So has the great Captain decided to betray the Brotherhood as well?” one of the bandits asked.

“The Brotherhood is mine.”

“It appears you are wrong.”

All three bandits pulled out dual daggers and I did the same. One of them laughed. “You may be an exceptional rogue but you lack experience. Any one of us can bring you down.”

One of the bandits pounced on me, slashing with his dagger. We tumbled to the floor together, my hand locked onto his wrist fighting to prevent the lethal blade from slashing my throat. VanCleef tackled another bandit hoping to buy me some time. That’s when it occurred to me the third bandit wasn’t visible.

That is until I saw him collapse on the ground, blood oozing from his open throat. My attacker looked over in horror as he saw his newly deceased comrade. Standing over the body was Channon. She seemed to appear out of nowhere.

I grinned. “Guess it’s a good thing I didn’t come alone.” A hard knee to the groin caused him to roll off me.

The bandit stared at Channon as if he recognized her, or her reputation. Regardless, he knew he was overmatched by her. Leaping to his feet, the bandit sprinted to the door clanging a large bell hanging next to the exit while crying out, “Intruder!” I gritted my teeth knowing the entire underground dock was now alerted with our presence.

With uncanny speed, Channon intercepted the fleeing bandit and ended the cry by stabbing him in the chest. The death was almost instantaneous, her strike deadly accurate.

I turned to VanCleef and watched him punch the last bandit in the jaw. The bandit was rendered unconscious and dropped hard to the floor. Clutching his side, VanCleef was grimacing. He had fought the bandit weaponless and as a result was stabbed in the gut. His white flowing shirt was stained dark red with his sticky blood. VanCleef almost collapsed himself but I managed to rush over there to keep him up.

“The entire Mine will be upon you two. Leave me,” he said to me as his face contorted with pain.

“I won’t abandon you,” I said while glancing at Channon. She seemed unconcerned with my response.

VanCleef tried to smile through is pain, “You still think I can be saved?”

“Yes.”

“Such grand ideals, just like your father,” he said. “My greatest regret isn’t Stormwind or the Brotherhood. It was being unable to see your father one last time to reconcile before he died.”

“He forgave you.”

“But will I ever forgive myself?” Before I could answer that, VanCleef added, “We can escape through the secret passageway. We just need to reach the platform and climb down to the path that leads to it.” I nodded and wrapped his arm around my shoulders to help him walk.

Our small group moved to the deck and already some of the Defias had spotted us. There was an initial barrage of crossbow bolts and arrows, although none came close to striking us. The platform VanCleef was mentioning was already swarming at the bottom with numerous bandits. The entire ship was surrounded. There was no escape.

Channon glanced at the wooden platform and then to the overhanging cliff near the ship. The secret passageway was higher up than the base of the docks. The path that lead to it actually went up to the very cliff she was looking at. I knew what she was thinking. If the platform somehow leaned towards the cliff, one could theoretically make the jump.

“The bombs should topple the platform and with good timing we can jump onto the plateau,” she said. “Since we are all rogues here, I am assuming we are all athletic enough to do so.”

“But Edwin is injured,” I said.

“I can manage one jump,” he retorted.

I was going to argue but I knew we had no other choice. If we didn’t act fast, the Defias would be on top of us. And no matter how dangerous Channon was, she could not fight off an entire army.

“Let’s do this,” I said.

We moved as close to the platform as possible without risking getting skewered by the multiple arrows being shot at us. Channon drew the engraved rod from beneath her cloak and glanced at me. I nodded. With a twist, the rod clicked and revealed a small red button. “Here goes nothing,” she said as she pressed it.

The ship shook and rattled as multiple explosions from deep within its hull ripped through it. The hull shattered and wooden splinters shot through the air, impaling many Defias. Others were consumed by the raging fire and their bodies crumbled against the shockwave. And as we expected, the platform’s foundation was shattered as well causing it to topple.

We rushed to the platform as it started to collapse and we all made our calculated leaps. Channon easily reached the plateau as did I but VanCleef fell short due to his injuries. Hoping my agility didn’t abandon me at this crucial time, I dived towards him and managed to clasp one hand around his own. Unfortunately VanCleef’s inertia pulled me down as well and I barely clung to the face of the cliff. Because I had to use my other hand to keep myself from falling, I could not help VanCleef pull himself up. He was hanging with one hand high above the dark cold waters below.

“I can’t pull you up Edwin, you need to use your other hand,” I said.

It seemed like he was about to swing his other hand to give himself added strength so he can pull himself up but then he stopped. He just looked down and then up to me.

“What are you doing?” I cried. “Give me your other hand!”

There was a calmness on his face, a serenity I had never seen since VanCleef formed the Brotherhood. He just smiled and said, “I’m glad you escaped the Brotherhood Derric. You are better than the Defias. And tell Shaw the answer lies with Bazil Thredd and that I am sorry.” I felt his grip slipping. I tried to hold tighter but my strength was fleeing me.

“Live well Derric. You do your father proud.” With that last statement, VanCleef released his grip on my hand and plummeted to the sea below. His body splashed hard into the blue water and didn’t resurface.

I almost slipped myself until Channon rushed to me and aided me up to the plateau. We looked at the destruction below. The gigantic ship was reeling back and forth, making eerie death pang noises as the fire continued to consume it. The few Defias that managed to escape unharmed had already retreated. Most were killed with the explosion and others would follow as they succumbed to their injuries.

My entire body felt numb. I stopped a conspiracy to destroy Stormwind yet I didn’t feel victorious. I watched a man I grew up respecting and even emulating fall to his death. Channon didn’t say a word but helped me up and we both escaped the Dead Mines.

Westfall

I had barely gotten off the gryphon and swung my bags over my shoulder when Gryan Stoutmantle approached me. He was a stoic man who carried the burden of protecting Westfall from the Defias Brotherhood. Heavy lines etched his once youthful face. His once proud golden hair was streaked with grey.

“You must be Derric Lawson,” he said as he offered his hand.

“Yes I am,” I replied.

“I am Gryan Stoutmantle and I lead the People’s Militia. Shaw said you would arrive today.”

He helped me with my bags and escorted me to a large inn still under construction. It looked like the roof was just completed even though I could hear the echoes of hammers coming from above. It was a great building and with a good paint, it would be an excellent place of rest. Whether the Defias would allow it to be finished, that remained to be seen.

Once inside, I was given a room and I managed to settle in a bit. Gryan was waiting for me at the lobby once I headed back out. Beside him was a woman I did not recognize but I had a very good idea who she was and who had sent her.

She had skin like a porcelain sculpture. Her form fitting leathers curved around her body that accentuated her delightful form. Her hair was in a bun, held together by metal sticks that could easily be used as weapons. The strands could be described as white, silver or platinum and it only added to her exotic beauty. She stood with confidence next to Gryan. I should have known Shaw would have sent someone like her to make sure the job was done. I figured most men wouldn’t be able to resist her and if they could, I was certain the two wicked blades strapped to her waist were not there just for decoration.

Gryan called me over once he saw me. “Ah Derric, Shaw told me that I should introduce you to this lovely lady.” He gestured to her. “This is Channon.”

“Well met, Derric.” She nodded slightly.

“Well met, Channon.”

“Well then,” Gryan clapping and rubbing his hands together, “I’m sure you two need to discuss whatever Shaw had planned for you. I have other duties to attend to so if you’ll excuse me.”

We both nodded farewell to Gryan who left us to ourselves. Since we both knew the inn could have ears, we only discussed when we planned to leave Sentinel Hill. She didn’t know we were headed towards Moonbrook but she understood the trek would take a couple of days on foot. Details of our assignment could be discussed in the silence of the plains.

The next morning we left the inn and headed west towards the now desolate town of Moonbrook. Once a thriving center of commerce, the Defias chased everyone out of town and now fully control it. The People’s Militia has tried numerous times to retake the town only to be driven away. If Gryan fully understood why Moonbrook was so critical to the Defias, he would have sent all his troops but for now he didn’t concern the town worthy of such an effort.

Channon and I traveled along the rolling plains of Westfall, careful to avoid the familiar trails and roads. Our greatest advantage was surprise and we wanted to make sure no one knew we were coming. Even at night, when the chill surrounded us, we did not start a campfire fearing we would lose our advantage.

“So, where are we headed exactly?” Channon asked as she chewed on a biscuit.

“Moonbrook,” I replied.

“And why there?”

Channon knew the details of our assignment, that is to kill Edwin VanCleef and sabotage his weapon of mass destruction. What Shaw didn’t tell her is what my involvement in this task was and why I was so important.

I answered, “Moonbrook is the location of the main hideout of the Defias. There’s only one place where VanCleef could store a large weapon. That would be within the Dead Mines. Unknown to Gryan or pretty much anyone else, there’s a secret entrance to the mines within Moonbrook. That’s why the Defias protects the town so much.”

Channon asked the most obvious question, “How do you know all this?”

I sighed. “Do you trust me?”

“No.” Her answer was refreshingly honest.

“Do you trust that Shaw would not partner you with someone who would jeopardize your life by betraying you?”

“No, he would not.”

“Very well then,” I said. I took a chance that Channon was level headed as Shaw. “A few years back, I was once part of the Brotherhood.”

Her reaction was emotionless. She sat there absorbing what I had said.

“You don’t have the cog tattoo that all Defias have,” she said.

I showed her my left arm which was clear of any tattoo. “I used to have one here. I paid a mage in Stormwind a great deal of gold to have it removed.”

“And why did you leave?”

“Conflicting philosophies,” I answered. “The Defias Brotherhood was first formed out of necessity. The House of Nobles had swindled hundreds out of their rightful payment of rebuilding Stormwind. Penniless, those men banded together united in spirit. But in the recent years, the Defias have become nothing more than common thieves and murderers.”

“And now you work for Stormwind,” Channon added.

“I do not work for Stormwind,” I stated angrily. “I have no allegiance to the leaders of that city. But I do care about its citizens. Whatever wrongs the nobles have committed, the punishment should go to them, not the people.”

Channon seemed to understand the underlying emotions this particular assignment had for me and did not press the issue. Instead she moved the conversation to something more practical.

“You know all the secret hideouts but how do you plan to infiltrate them? Won’t they recognize you?”

“Some of them will but I’ll be wearing this,” I replied. I opened one of my bags to reveal a full Defias outfit. “With this leather and red mask, I should be able to walk in without problem. Most of the underlings do not know me and with the disguise I should be able to reach the heart of the Dead Mines.”

“But I wouldn’t be able to follow you,” Channon said.

“That’s correct. Even with your formidable skills, you would be swarmed by all the bandits but I have a solution,” I replied. I pulled out a small map of the surrounding area and gave it to Channon. “Marked on the map is another secret passageway into the mines. There will be no guards there.”

“Why not go this way then?”

“The passage is sealed magically,” I explained. “It can only be opened from the inside.”

Channon nodded. “So you will sneak into the mines through Moonbrook and then open the other passageway for me to enter?”

“Yes.”

“And then we take care of VanCleef.”

I went silent for a moment. “Channon, I ask one favor from you. I ask that you leave VanCleef to me alone.”

She raised her eyebrows.

I explained, “Just agree to this. VanCleef will most likely have guards. Those I will need you to eliminate but I ask you leave him to me. If I happen to fall on his sword, you can kill him.”

“Is there something I should know?”

“Nothing that won’t be revealed when we face VanCleef,” I said.

She seemed to think it over and said, “Very well. VanCleef is yours. I will not interfere.”

“Thank you.”

The rest of the evening we slept in silence. I wondered what Channon must be thinking. I wondered if I would die in the Dead Mines tomorrow.

SI:7

SI:7. Every kingdom has an army. And every kingdom of any worth has a SI:7 in some form. They do the work that the army can’t or won’t do. They do the dirty deeds, the unmentionable acts to secure the realm. It is a place where the normal citizens shy away but in their hearts applaud its existence.

Not long ago, I was asked to join its ranks by Mathias Shaw, the master of SI:7. I refused and will do so till my death.

Mathias Shaw is a man not to be reckoned with. He managed to bring respectability and to a great extent, acceptability to the covert organization. His jovial manner and charming personality hides a man trained to be one of the most deadly assassins in all of Azeroth.

I entered the Stormwind barracks and found Shaw alone sitting at a table going over what appeared to be official paperwork. It seemed working for the government meant lots of reports. It was odd to see such a deadly man involved in such mundane and ordinary work.

He knew I was there without even looking up.

“Hello Derric,” he said as he signed some document. “I see you got my message. How are Eldrid and Dora? I presume they are doing well?”

“Cut the crap, Shaw,” I replied. “I’m not here for casual conversation. Why call me here? You know I want nothing to do with SI:7.”

“Yes, you made that very clear the last time you visited,” Shaw responded now making eye contact with me. His eyes were steely blue, serene and cold at the same time. “And Rogers has full facility of his hand now in case you were wondering.”

I stood silent. He remained calm and cool like always.

Resting his arms on the desk, he laced his fingers together and sat up properly. “I need you to perform an assignment for me. Completely off the books.”

“Why would I do that?” I almost rolled my eyes but I knew Shaw picked me for a reason and that bothered me.

“I need you to infiltrate the Defias Brotherhood.” Shaw’s voice didn’t hint at any emotion. He knew what he was asking but he was unwavering. I stood there and unconsciously and instinctively grazed my left arm with my hand.

“No.”

“You’ll find there’s no other choice.”

“Why don’t you just fuc…”

Shaw cut me off. “Edwin is planning an attack on Stormwind.”

I froze.

He saw my reaction and swooped down for the kill. “I have confirmation from various sources that Edwin is planning a major assault on this city. He has built himself a weapon of mass destruction, as one source put it. It must be something incredibly large if it’s capable of razing Stormwind.”

“That’s not possible,” I argued in vain. According to my knowledge of Edwin VanCleef, he was more than capable of manufacturing some weapon of war. He was a cunning and dangerous assassin but it was overshadowed by his engineering skill.

“You know I am right and you know Edwin has become a desperate man. Desperate men will do desperate things,” Shaw continued to press his case. He got up and walked towards me. His eyes were no longer cold but there was understanding and empathy. “He has to be stopped.”

I remained silent accepting the statement.

Shaw continued, “I know the Defias has numerous hideouts but I doubt many of them would be able to hide such a powerful weapon. Unfortunately, I fear we have little time to investigate those hideouts. That’s why I need you. You’ve dealt with the Defias in the past. You know where this weapon can be stored, don’t you?”

I did.

“I suppose you could tell me but that would be no use,” Shaw explained. “If we used any kind of frontal assault, knowing how clever Edwin can be, he will be able to escape with the weapon. No, I need someone to sneak in and sabotage the weapon and kill Edwin.”

My body stiffened, “No.”

“There’s no choice Derric,” Shaw stood right in front of me. I felt as if I was shrinking. “If we don’t stop him, Stormwind will fall. That means a lot of innocent people will die. You risk Eldwin and Dorthia.”

“You bastard,” I mouthed. My hands formed fists and it took all my willpower from hitting him.

“I don’t enjoy this Derric. But this is a dire situation and whatever personal feelings we may have, we have to put them aside for those we love and care for.”

My body relaxed and slumped. Shaw had won. Again.

He knew it as well, adding, “The flight master has already been informed. You are scheduled to leave for Westfall tomorrow at dawn. Taking into the travel and prep time, you will have a couple of days in Westfall before you need to find Edwin. And I’ve assigned one of my agents to help you. Her name is Channon and she will meet you in Westfall.”

He turned around and returned to his seat at the desk. “If it’s any consolation, I’m sorry.”

“Fuck you.” He didn’t cut me off this time. I turned around and disappeared.