World of Warcraft®

Taeril'hane Ketiron stood stoically in the courtyard outside of Auchindoun, watching the gryphon circle and land at the Alliance flight landing nearby. He was accompanied by Lazhna Trueflight, his Captain of the Phalanx, along with her wolf companion Stormwatcher and two pandaren warriors from her guard. As the gryphon flew over them, Lazhna instinctively reached for her bow, but Ketiron grasped her wrist before she could. "No. We will not stoop to the level of Hellscream's savages. We are here in peace."

"There can be no peace with the Alliance as long as they shelter murderers," Lazhna replied, referring to Sekhesmet.

"That is as may be," Ketiron replied sharply, "but this is my friend and brother-in-arms, and I expect you to treat him with respect. Do not test me, Lazhna, I am not in the mood for it."

Lazhna sighed, and bowed her head. "I understand, General."

Ketiron looked up to see the draenei approach, alone, carrying a parcel of some sort. He gently set it down, and nodded in greeting. "Archanon poros, General," he greeted the elf formally.

"Sinu a'manore, Battlelord," Ketiron replied in kind...then smiled as he grasped Velenkayn's arm in greeting. "You are well?"

"Better than others," Velenkayn said grimly. "That is partly why I am here, Taeril'hane. I had hoped to speak in private..." His gaze went to Lazhna and her guards.

"Since the...incidents involving Rakeri Sputterspark, Lazhna is very paranoid about my safety," Ketiron explained. "She is afraid I will meet the same fate as her brother did, when he was killed by Sekhesmet at Sorrow Hill."

Velenkayn's eyes widened. "Her brother...Yatiri?"

Ketiron nodded. "She is against my even speaking to you, given that she feels the Alliance is sheltering her brother's killer, on top of his crimes as a Forsaken war criminal."

"Sekhesmet seems to be very popular with the extremists of late. As do I, and Genevra." He explained everything that Valmy had told him - the pamphlet distributed through Stormwind, the attack against Genevra in Ironforge, the threats against her home and family, the burning of the house in Lakeshire. Ketiron stared in stupefied horror throughout the entire exchange, and even Lazhna's expression was one of shock. "Lord Valmy is keeping in contact with Genevra, who has presently relocated from Stormwind...she is likely to remain on the move for some time."

"By the Light," the Blood Knight Master breathed. "Who is responsible for this insanity?"

"No definitive identification yet, other than being a human woman, a mage with red robes." Velenkayn sighed, remembering what Valmy had heard from Lakeshire. "There is the possibility that Marennia Sputterspark is part of this vigilante force."

"The grasp of the Feltouched reaches out from the grave!" Ketiron snapped, enraged. "I did your Alliance a favor by killing him, and so they go after those in the Alliance who might consider me a friend instead of an enemy?!"

"They are cowards who attack innocents. They burned the house to the ground not only thinking that young Daisy would be inside, but expecting so. They are no better than the monsters they think you are." Velenkayn shrugged, odd for a giant in plate armor. "I am used to the vitriol. It pains me that others are involved in this."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Stay vigilant, for a start. I think this will help." He lifted up the parcel and unwrapped it, revealing a beautiful jeweled sword of draenic design. He held it out for Ketiron to take. "Crafted in my own forge."

Ketiron took up the blade, giving it an experimental swing...and nodded, pleased. "You realize that this will reinforce the extremists' calls for your death, Velenkayn."

"Let them," Velenkayn replied. "I can defend myself. Genevra cannot, not while she has Daisy to consider."

"Agreed...what do you suggest?"

The Battlelord smiled. "Another call to my comrades at the Ebon Hold...ones of a more red flavoring, as it were."

Mid morning the day after the fire, Orwyn stood on a hill and looked down into Lakeshire. In the town, Watch officers were just finishing loading the last of a dozen arson suspects, including two members of the town watch, into prison wagons bound for the Stockade. Although it was poor compensation for the destruction of her home and the threat to Genevra and her family, he was nonetheless pleased that there were now evidence, suspects, and witnesses to start the process of dismantling this new group of vigilante fanatics.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he turned to step back under the awning hastily erected to protect evidence from the crime scene as it was collected and sorted. Several investigators busied themselves over bits of charcoal, broken bottles, samples of the accelerant used to amplify the fire, and other potentially useful objects.

The officer in charge of the new anti-cult squad, Lt. Sedgegrave, watched the activity of the investigators carefully. An older gentleman, Sedgegrave himself was a new addition to the Watch, having transferred from the military after a bad knee precluded him from further campaigns on Draenor. He still had plenty to learn about police work, but Orwyn appreciated his leadership ability and clear-headedness.

Orwyn stood beside him. "I'm pleased with the progress so far," Orwyn observed. "Having a detachment at Stonewatch did some good other than keeping the gnolls away."

Lt. Sedgegrave nodded. "Shame they couldn't extinguish the blaze, but securing the scene and starting the investigation as soon as they did certainly made it easier to collect evidence and find witnesses. Catching the bonfire revelers before they departed was a stroke of luck."

Orwyn nodded. After a pause, he frowned and said, "what was particularly disturbing though was the town watch's complacency, or complicity in this. It seems that the guards loyal to the kingdom were taken off shift for the night, except for one poor man, who was incapacitated before the mob came along." He glanced momentarily back into the town. "The commander swears he didn't change the patrol schedule. So either someone else did, or he's lying."

Still watching the activity in front of him, Sedgegrave observed, "it's a serious problem, not knowing who can be trusted in the town watch."

Orwyn nodded. "That's why I'm requesting that General Clay give control over Lakeshire's security to the Stormwind Watch until the town watch is sorted out. No one here can afford a repeat of their unconscionable performance last night." Orwyn paused and look straight at the Lieutenant. "I'm going to put you in charge here in the meantime."

Sedgegrave looked momentarily surprised, but quickly recovered his unperturbed expression. "Yes sir." He considered the assignment momentarily while Orwyn regarded him steadily. "I'll move the Stonewatch Garrison to Lakeshire for the time being. If we have to keep an eye on the residents *and* the town watch, we'll need everyone in the region."

Orwyn nodded approvingly. "Very well." He pulled out his pocket watch and examined it. "I'll be returning to Stormwind now. I'll be spending most of the afternoon in meetings about this situation, I imagine. Send word if you need anything, Lieutenant."

"Of course, sir." Sedgegrave saluted Orwyn crisply. Orwyn returned the salute, then headed off down the hill into town.

An official notice from the Watch was posted in Stormwind and the small towns of the kingdom the day following the destruction of Genevra's home.

Citizens of Stormwind

The Kingdom is offering a reward of 5,000 gold for information leading to the arrest and conviction of additional persons responsible for the arson of Ms. Genevra Stoneheardt's home in Lakeshire the night of June 22nd.

Anonymous tips will be accepted.

It should not be necessary to remind the citizens of the Kingdom of their rights and responsibilities under the laws of the Kingdom, which protect everyone equally from violence justified by "public opinion." The justice system treats all fairly and consistently, while the heated temper of a mob can change from one target to another at a whim. It is dedication to equality and the rule of law which has preserved the Kingdom through past crises, and will through present and future ones.

It should also not be necessary to state that those who conspire against the public by usurping the law and assuming the roles of judge, jury, and executioner, will be found, arrested, and subject to the most severe penalties provided by the law.

Posted by order of Lt. Commander Orwyn, Stormwind Watch

06/24/2015 01:00 PMPosted by Tyvian

Maybe I should get out of here soon, lest some wandering pair of eyes notices the demon at the door and the man in house...nah.

Later in the day, Officer Rhomen was making another round of Lakeshire with his partner, his tiger Baikal. Near the town hall he paused to take a careful look at the sky. That afternoon, a terrified resident of the town had limped into the inn babbling about being attacked by a dragon. Watch officers could make little sense out of his ravings, even after giving him a couple stiff drinks. Finally a medic gave him a sedative and he was given a room to sleep it off. Rhomen thought the whole story was extremely unlikely, but years of spending most of his time in the wilds had developed in him a careful nature.

While Rhomen was examining the sky, Baikal had made a discovery. With a low growl, he nudged Rhomen hard in the leg and oriented himself in the direction of the burned house. Rhomen looked down, and then with the immediate grasp of the animal's meaning that had come from their long companionship, he turned to look in the direction indicated.

Although difficult to identify at that range, there was definitely now a small green glow coming from the ruined doorway.

Rhomen's consistently stoic face registered no surprise at the sight. He placed his hand on Baikal's head and said in Draenic, "Yes Baikal. I see. Perhaps we are having another visitor today. Let us go."

Rhomen and Baikal started deliberately up the hill. Soon the communicators of the officers assigned to Lakeshire crackled to life. "Officer Baikal has seen light at ruin of house. We go to investigate. Assistance requested."

A response is circulated to Orwyn's declaration.

Citizens of Stormwind, we are betrayed. The Horde filth has completely infected our defenders, for in light of recent events, it has become clear that the Stormwind City Watch has chosen their side in this war.

We, the loyal citizens of Stormwind, who love our city and our nation, are condemned because we take proactive measures to defend our people, while our so-called law enforcement sits in their offices and garrisons and allows Horde sympathizers and war criminals to run free. Now, the Watch has issued a bounty against those who did what they could not.

It is well known that Lieutenant Commander Orwyn is a friend and trusted confidant of the traitor Stoneheardt, who has somehow managed to escape her well-deserved fate. We, the loyal citizens of Stormwind, declare him guilty of high treason against the Kingdom of Stormwind and the Grand Alliance, and hereby sentence him to death.

We offer any loyal citizens a reward of five thousand gold sovereigns for the death of Lieutenant Commander Orwyn, provided the decease can be verified. In addition, as the Watch's efforts have contributed to the escape of the traitor Genevra Stoneheardt, the reward will be increased to ten thousand if she is executed also, again provided the decease is verified.

In the name of all Citizens Remembering the Crimes of the Horde

Tabatha had just finished collecting a few packages from the Cathedral of Light and began the familiar walk to the Abby. when she saw the notice on the archway exiting the main city gate. Her brow furrowed in confusion. Hastily she ripped it down and hid the notice in her satchel. Matron Stoneheardt was no more a traitor then a pig was a cat, she thought to herself. Surely these misguided folk had been drinking too much dwarf urine at the Blue Recluse.

She adjusted the packages she was carrying as she started her walk again. Perhaps the light did not shine through them as it was meant to. She knew from her studies that the light was kind, yet powerful force. Something must be clouding its rays to cause someone to put up such a thing. She sighed shaking her head, knowing herself to overreact. It was probably nothing. Matron Stoneheardt had many enemies. It came from the position she held. This was probably just another hurt soul crying for help. She would pray for them when she got to the Abby.

Stoneheardt.

It was that name that made Quinton Donaby stop and peruse whatever nonsense was posted this week. He read through the notice, nodding silently to himself. He had never dealt personally with Genevra Stoneheardt, though he knew the name, and was not at all surprised by the accusations, considering her known associates and relations.

Still, Donaby shook his head. Most of the Alliance’s self-proclaimed watch dogs did nothing but bark futilely up trees. His own warnings and evidence had gone unheeded during the seige of Orgrimmar, and when he took matter in his own hands, he and his men were branded as dangerous instead.

Now with the furor in Draenor, it was unlikely anyone of authority was going to bother with dealing with these… he paused to double check the bottom of the paper. These “Citizens Remembering the Crimes of the Horde.” Fel, that moniker seemed designed to make sure no one talked about them.

He couldn’t decide if it were idiocy or brilliance. He let the matter drop from his mind.

Therefore, it was with great surprise a few days later while having a drink at a tavern that he overheard Genevra’s Stoneheardt house had been burned down.

“Well, what do you know,” he mused to himself. “The dogs have teeth.”

The next exchanges amused him. The Watch, miserably prone to ignore warnings of danger, was quick as always to respond after damage had been done and they could meet their minimum duty.

But then the counter response from the… Donaby mentally dubbed them “Rememberists” for the time being… was far too extreme.

Plenty of teeth, but no restraint. Guard dogs that always go for the kill are little more than wild beasts.

Calling for Commander Orwyn’s death would not bode well with the public. Further, it could hinder Donaby's efforts to bring Kordrion Stoneheardt and his cohorts to justice unless he were able to use the extremists to his advantage.

It only took a little searching before he found one of Stormwind’s street urchins. He gave the boy a few coins, asking, “Care for an easy job?”

He motioned toward the square with the notice board. “Watch to see who puts up notices and tell me about anyone you see posting more notes like this one. I’ll give you ten gold for that information, and another ten if you can tell me where they go after posting.”

06/25/2015 12:44 AMPosted by Rhomen

Rhomen and Baikal started deliberately up the hill. Soon the communicators of the officers assigned to Lakeshire crackled to life. "Officer Baikal has seen light at ruin of house. We go to investigate. Assistance requested."

Tyvian Reinheart had finished his perusal of the home, wandering up the dangerously unstable stairs to the upper floors. The Watch had done an admirable job here in the initial investigation, but once they had cleared out and marked the area as hazardous, not many were busied by the shell of a home that was left. It was just a burned out husk after all.

Idly scratching a fingernail into the burnt wooden frame of Genevra's old bedroom doorway, Tyvian turned his head as small hoofbeats pattered their way frantically through the house below him before coming upstairs and Zepsil could be seen. The imp stammered as fast as his mouth could form the words, "Someone's coming! Big guy! Wearing blue and gold! Wha-" Tyvian cut off his slave's babbling with a sharp cut of his hand. Well, now to add a little oxygen to this fire.... or napalm, we'll just have to see.

"Come. We're leaving." Crooking one finger at the demon, he channeled a small portion of the demonic magics that writhed within him and in a bright green flash, he and his pet were gone, leaving only a small pile of slightly lighter colored ashes where he had once stood.

Genevra breathed a little easier in her apartments in the city. It was not home but it was. She looked over the letters that had reached her here, She wondered at her being here, she was easily tracked in Booty Bay and came back into the city in the dark of night. The City Watch were just a yell away. But they hadn't been there when Valmy was attacked. This thought plagued her since she heard of it. He was attacked in the city. Was there anywhere she would actually be safe?

She pushed the thought away and looked to the letters. Her heart sank as she read the note from Ducky. She worried about him so much and now she knew that he was worrying about her. She did not do enough to protect her people from the attacks at the abbey, the deaths are still unanswered. She penned a letter and would see that it was delivered.

The other letter was more complicated. When she finally broke the seal of House Ketiron she heard the accusations of the "Citizens Remembering the Crimes of the Horde." She read the letter and was grateful for the reassurances.

Leaning back in her seat she mused aloud, supposing Noikona would hear, but it didn't matter, that woman was a devoted ally. "When I started down this path years ago, it was to gain an understanding of ALL knowledge, not just that which was relegated to the Alliance." She rubbed her face as she sighed. "I knew that people would not see eye to eye with me but many have and we have grown as an order, but these attacks..." She looked back to the letter from Ketiron, "They seek to punish us for trying to help others. The knowledge that we have gained over the years has helped so many." And harmed others she silently reminded herself.

With the letters on their way to their recipients, Genevra took stock of her current dwelling, nearly all of her things were lost in the fire that had consumed her home and these apartments were poorly equipped. They had served as a place near the Cathedral for nights when Devotions ran late. They did not have the things that she wanted. They did not have her things. A liftetime of memories, both good and bad had been tied to that home. She couldn't dwell on this, not now. As the emotion threatened to overtake her.

There was one more letter to write.

She started to write:

Citizens Remembering the Crimes of the Horde

No. She shook her head and crumbled that note, starting over.


My name is Genevra Stonheardt, I am a Paladin in the service of the Cathedral of the Holy Light. I am Steward of the order known as Conclave. I have devoted my life to the Light and the pursuit of knowledge, ALL knowledge. I have always strived to use this knowledge and power to help others, and to see less death and emptiness in our lives. I will continue to do these things because I know them to be right.

I will be offering devotions in the evening at the Cathedral of the Light in Stormwind, and I will continue to aid those who are in need regardless of their race or status. This Wednesday at 6 bells, sermons will continue, for I endeavor to hold up the Three Virtues. I will continue to do these things because they are right.

She looked over the notice and handed it to Noikona who looked it over "This is a step in the right direction. To run is to lose, for that's what they desire. To stand firm in what you believe will show others that your teachings are true. These zealots wish to fill you with fear and I know its not easy, but this stance will defeat them in the end."

Genevra took a deep breath and signed her name to the bottom with a flourish. "Then please see that it is posted."

This was going to be a long night.

She smiled as she read Genevra's notice. Brave, but foolish, she thought, incinerating the parchment in her hand with a thought. She thinks because we are dedicated, we are blind. No doubt she will have the place manned with Watchmen...if they can be bothered to rouse from whatever dens they hide in. There had been arrests in Lakeshire, she had heard, but that was to be expected...and there were still plenty of loyal citizens there who had avoided Orwyn's witch hunts.

She considered the layout of the Cathedral; the central nave only had three adjoining rooms. One of them led to the front door, one was a dead-end side room, and the other led into the catacombs. Getting someone inside would be difficult, but not impossible. It would be getting them out that would be the trouble. She also remembered the gazebo behind the Cathedral where the sermons were given...it was too open for a more overt demonstration, but Genevra usually stood right inside the gazebo's entryway - and a sufficiently strong person could back her into it, and do away with her cleanly. It would be the crowd around her that would be the problem.

She considered the possibilities at hand. One was the gnome. She was bloodthirsty enough, certainly, but still retained enough of her intellect to function; after all, being able to reforge orc-sized armor for a gnome was the work of a master blacksmith, and the weapons she carried were lightning steel, a metal created in Lei Shen's forges on the Isle of Thunder. Even with the heavy armor and large weapons, she was small enough to escape most people's notice, and smart enough to figure out her own way. Her other was problematic...he had dealt with Genevra before, spoken relatively cordially to her. He was also the son of a decorated war hero, and had lost his father to Sekhesmet's black magic when he was a Forsaken.

He would have to prove his loyalty to the cause, she decided...so she paid a visit to Darkshire. Not wearing the attire she had been identified with (some had taken to calling her "the Red Mage"), but in her tunic, trousers and high boots, with the tabard of Stormwind and her crystal staff. She knocked on the door of the house on the far edge of town, and was greeted by a young man, slightly younger than twenty, with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. "Mistress," he whispered, recognizing her at once.

"Master Tanis. I need a word with you."

Sekhesmet's eyebrows rose to nearly the top of his skull, reading the parchment Valmy has given him. "She's a bold one, I will give her that." They were walking in the gardens of the Temple of Karabor in Shadowmoon Valley on Draenor; Sekhesmet's hand rested on the hilt of a charged battle-mace, as he leaned on his staff - still moving gingerly after the attack he had sustained in Ashran nearly a week earlier. "She reacted much as expected, hm?"

"And I will bet you enjoy hearing about it," Valmy said bitterly. "What is it exactly about you that makes her despise you? I don't care what she says - she does. And now she's turned it on me, too."

"Genevra has had her fair share of enemies over the years, as have a number of people in the Alliance tied to her - her son Kordrion, for instance, as well as Saavedro, my former apprentice. He was a member of Genevra's inner circle; he and I clashed many times over the years in battles of wits, and when he became part of this whole Conclave business, I think she took it personally." Sekhesmet snorted. "Saavedro was more a danger to her than I was, and most certainly more of one to himself. Back in the days of the original Modas il Toralar, I actually fought against the Pia Presidium, and I think I get along better with them than I do with Genevra's lot. Gentyl is apparently not one to hold a grudge."

"And you think Genevra is?"

"Indeed. See, here is the thing, young lordling - Genevra has supposedly been betrayed so often, she expects it. As I said, she preaches forgiveness, tolerance, all the wisdom of the Virtues - in public, anyway. In reality, the only Virtue she follows is Tenacity. She tenaciously runs away and hides from her problems. She always has. The fact that she's decided on this course indicates either she wants the attackers to come out and be done with it, or - more likely - she believes the threat has passed and is wondering what everyone is so worked up about."

"She has a five thousand gold bounty on her head, Sekhesmet. I kind of doubt she thinks the threat has passed." Valmy looked out across the valley for a moment, then admitted, "I did think that she was doing this to bait the Remembrists. She claims no, she is just trying to 'live her life', to do the work she has to. I am not so sure."

"Orwyn can only do so much, you know. He has good people in his command, the ones I've met, at any rate...but I, too, wonder if these 'Remembrists' have spies in his guard who might be inclined to take up the five thousand gold bounty on his head." Sekhesmet shrugged. "I'm no stranger to being targeted by bounty hunters. After all, I still suspect that Genevra wanted to hire these 'Feathers of Iron' to assassinate me."

"She would not do such a thing," Valmy protested.

Sekhesmet laughed. "You have not known her as long as I have, Lord Valmy. Genevra will do anything to ensure that her perfect world remains so. She will ostracize, she will condemn....yes, she will even kill. She has a shadow in her soul, one that she tries to hide from - and one that she tries to keep hidden from the idealistic rubes like yourself who flock to her banner." His expression became serious. "She has a veritable storm of darkness in her, lad. I would be careful standing too close."

Valmy's eyes narrowed. "You're planning something, aren't you? If you're thinking of doing something, I will --"

"Oh, relax, will you?" Sekhesmet snapped irritably. "I told you, I am not her enemy, no matter how much she thinks so. I do not plan to harm her in any way. Rather the opposite, actually." His eyes were like blue flames. "We have a mutual problem. I think it best that we work to find a mutual solution. To this problem...and to our problem."

[[ Before the bounties were announced I was going to say come to Kalimdor where they who only have courage in an anonymous mob wouldn't follow. I don't know if that would be a refuge if such money's involved, unless things are going to get really interesting. ]]

A pale woman in gleaming armor stared at the notices pinned to the bulletin board, her expression impassive. Her eyes scanned across several want ads, lingered momentarily on a missing poster,and then settled upon a letter pinned to the board. The corner of her lips twitched upwards. She had been following the back and forth between the "Rememberists" and the supporters of Genevra Stoneheardt. Fidchell sneered as she read Genevra's declaration.

"Let her preach." She growled, loud enough to startle the guard standing next to the bulletin board, as well as several passers by, "The Light will not favor her, nor any who would cast their lot with the Horde. The mongrels that lie with the Scourge shall be as damned as they are."

The former Paladin saw little distinction between Forsaken and Scourge. She spat on the ground and turned away from the board abruptly, striding purposefully away. The guard, as well as one of the citizens she'd startled watched her leave. As she left the square, a smirk played upon her lips. Things were certainly getting interesting.

Everywhere Matron Stoneheardt moved Noikona was there. Not hiding in the shadows, but putting her in the forefront, watching, attempting to read the intentions of everyone that crossed Genevra’s path. There had been a diverse showing of individuals in the past days, from both sides of the separating path which divides light and dark. None appeared as a threat, although interesting nonetheless.

Upon leaving the Cathedral, Noikona let Genevra walk slightly ahead, but still within eyesight, it was here she sensed something amiss, a figure just out of leaping range but close enough to be heard. From how they moved, keeping themselves always between obstacles, made them appear to know her fighting style. The two regarded each other for several heartbeats. It was a gnome, dressed in heavy armor, impossible to recognize, Noikona took in every detail. She took a few steps forward which apparently prompted a response. The gnome spoke the word “Soon” and then was gone.

((On second thought, though there is a thread of connection to this story line I'll post what I had here originally in it's own thread as not to hijack this one.))

Velenkayn was furious as he left the Cathedral that night. There was a time when Genevra took his warnings seriously. He had told Ketiron of his suspicion of Marennia Sputterspark's involvement with the "Remembrists" because he had actually gone to Lakeshire himself - wearing the armor inspired by that of the Stormwind guard (and the non-death knight members of his own garrison forces), with the cloak marking him as one of Genevra's inner circle. (Or so he had thought.) A member of the town council had told him what he had seen that night, and saw a gnome woman with wild red hair cast the first torch into Genevra's house that night.

Genevra, of course, was shocked...and immovable. She would remain in the public eye, with no one but the convict as her bodyguard - instead of staying somewhere safe. If you had listened to me, you would not be in this predicament now! he thought. Instead, you choose to put your fate in the hands of bureaucrats and mercenaries! Stay here and be damned, then. I have work to do...

He had seen Sekhesmet approach the Cathedral, and shot him such a look that if his eyes could set a man afire, the former Forsaken priest would be like the Wickerman burnt at Hallow's End. The priest, for his part, had nodded cordially in greeting. Sickened, knowing that he would worm his way into Genevra's confidences (somehow), Velenkayn had triggered his hearthstone and returned to Shadowgarde. He had had enough of Stormwind for today.

It was late in Shadowmoon Valley; though one could never really tell due to the infinite night that permeated the place. His sanctum inside the town hall was quiet, and he heaved a heavy sigh as he sat down, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Suddenly, he heard the floor creak behind him...reaching for his weapon, he stood, turning to face whoever it was --

-- and felt agony as a huge sword cut through his armor like tissue paper, held by a... I swear to the Light, Battlelord, he remembered the Lakeshire councilman telling him. A gnome with crazy eyes and dissheveled red hair, wearing what looked like orc battle armor. Had two big swords that looked like a snake or dragon striking out or somethin'. "M...Marennia?" he gasped, as he sunk to his knees.

"You should not be surprised, Velenkayn," Marennia Sputterspark said coldly as she removed her helmet. "You yourself said that you expected it. You hoped otherwise, but you expected it."

The death knight recoiled in horror. "You...were watching us?"

"Yes. My patroness and I have been watching you for some time. You and that mutt Valmy. You're good, I'll give you that much; you figured it out far quicker than we anticipated. But you and your kind are few, and we are many...and now, you're about to be one less." She wrenched the blade from Velenkayn's gut, and hopped nimbly onto the table behind her, ready for a decapitating strike. "Goodbye, 'Battlelord'. Give my regards to your daughter...in Hell."

"Velenkayn, you got a minute? We --" Valmy stopped dead in the doorway, seeing Marennia about to strike. His wrathguard enforcer, standing next to him, charged immediately, knocking Marennia off the table and against the wall. "Shadowgarde, to arms!" he roared. "We have intruders in the Keep!"

"DEMON MUTT!" Marennia screamed insanely as she leapt at him, knocking him to the ground. She bolted out the door, cutting through the legs of the death knights and Alliance soldiers that had come running. She leapt onto the back of one of the gryphons at the flight master, and flew away.

Valmy shook his head to regain his bearings, then got to his feet; he looked to Velenkayn, who was holding himself up with one hand on the edge of the table. The warlock quickly went over to him, kneeling. "Velenkayn, are you --"

"Seal...the gates," the death knight rasped, as he collapsed to the floor.

Valmy looked up at the uninjured men who had come in. "Get the medics in here, then seal the gates! Now!"

"Yes, sir!"

Velenkayn remained unconscious, tended to by the garrison's medics. Despite his undead state, the wound he sustained was grievous - it would have been fatal, or damn near, to a living man.

Valmy, now acting master of the keep, paced nervously in the main hall, clawed hand tapping on the hilt of the jeweled sword he wore at his belt as he moved. Since he had locked down the keep nearly two days earlier, there had been no word in or out of the fortress - the magisters with their portal to Stormshield had been sequestered, all the gryphon riders grounded, and all couriers and patrols brought in. Admiral Aximand, commanding the fleet on Draenor's seas, had been left on his own.

"Reports from the wall gates, m'lord," the steward of the keep's barracks reported. "No signs of any activity out there at all. If Sputterspark was intending to rally a mob to attack us, I think they'd be here by now. I think she was just here for the Battlelord."

The warlock nodded reluctantly. "Open the gates. Little by little, let the patrols out, try to get things back to relative normality. But maintain the guard. I do not want this repeated."

"Yes, m'lord." The steward left to carry out his orders. The mages returned to the watchtower outside the main wall, and traffic to Ashran (and hence, back to Azeroth) resumed. Not long after, a courier came in from Stormwind, bearing the seal of the Watch. "I'm looking for Battlelord Velenkayn?"

"The Battlelord is currently occupied," Valmy replied. "I am in charge here for the moment. You have a message from Stormwind?"

"Yes, sir. Commander Orwyn wishes an interview with the Battlelord regarding these 'Remembrists'. He has sketches of the suspects he wishes to show."

For all the good it will do him, Valmy thought cynically. "We cannot simply run to Azeroth every time His Highness the Prince of Procrastination wants something." The worgen snorted. "If he wants to be useful, he can come out here and be fodder for the Iron Horde like the rest of us."

"Sir, I --"

"No, don't tell him that...inform the commander that we're busy fighting a war for people like him, and that if he wishes an interview with the master of this keep, he can come to this keep. Is that a more satisfactory answer for you?" The messenger was silent, and Valmy waved a disgusted hand. "Get out of my sight before I arrange to have you sent to the front, you little weasel."

The courier nodded and all but bolted.

Posted in Stormwind, Ironforge, and towns within the kingdoms:

WANTED:

Marennia Sputterspark

(a sketch of her face and profile follow)

For Arson

Reward: 5,000 gold for information leading to her arrest and conviction.

Sputterspark is partial to wearing unique armor of orcish origin. She should be considered armed and dangerous. Report sightings of her to the Stormwind Watch immediately

Posted by order of Lt. Commander Orwyn, Stormwind Watch

((For a lark: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/joshmaul-001/Wanted%20Poster%20for%20Marennia%20Sputterspark_zpsz2djdvbl.jpg ))

-