Always the fool

The pair arrived in Splintertree Post four days later. Buck looked at Sarella as they stood at the gate to the forest of Ashenvale. She seemed pensive as he gripped her by the arms, turning her to look at him.

“You don’t have to come with me Sarella. I know this is hard for you, being in this place.”

She shook off the cobwebs at his words, eyes locking on his. “No, I’m fine! Really! I have to be with you, I feel….safer…”

“Stick close then peaches.” He spoke, “I don’t have to tell you how unsafe these woods are.”

They walked westwards through the woods, Buck leading the way as Sarella followed close behind. Though Buck was at ease, Sarella was a nervous wreck; she clung desperately to her rifle, eyes searching the forest for any sign of movement. She stopped mid step, causing Buck to turn as he noticed her footsteps through the leaves ceasing. She looked off to the south, body frozen in a half turn.

“Peaches?” He asked, walking towards her slowly. “What is it?”

“It was here…” she whispered, eyes full of fear.

“What was here?”

“They found us here...” her eyes never turned from the spot.

“The night elves?”

“Yes. They found us camping right by that tree.” She sniffled, the memory rushing to her.

“And found you again by the looks of it troll.” A voice rang seemingly from nowhere. Buck sprang into stance, battleaxe gleaming as his eye focused to the east.

“You’re good elf, but not that good. Scent tells me there’s one of ya, ears can hear the backup coming, but they’re pretty far away, far enough for me to have plenty of time to lop that pretty little head off before they can stop me.” He spoke coldly. Sarella was frozen in panic; Buck gently pulled her behind him, placing himself between her and the still unseen kaldorei.

“Relax bull, had I wanted you dead I’d have put an arrow in your skull about fifteen minutes ago. You’re expected, but SHE’S not.”

“You left the message?”

“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, my orders were simply that a tauren would be coming and that I was to procure him and facilitate his safe arrival in Astranaar. However, my orders did not mention a troll, nor will I allow someone into my city that could jeopardize its security.”

“Tough shit. She’s with me, so you take me and her, or you can forget about it.”

The kaldorei stepped out from the shadows of an elm tree, her skin dark lavender, her hair snow white, as were the tribal markings streaking over her face. She wore her hair in a tight ponytail, everything about her spoke of a strict military mindset as she walked towards the two, slinging her bow over her left shoulder.

“Very well tauren, I have no desire to spend the rest of the day arguing with you, nor do I wish to engage in combat. We’ll all go then. But be advised, you are her liaison, any damages or disruptions she causes will be paid in YOUR blood.”

Buck’s presence was met with shock and disbelief in Astranaar. Sarella’s was far worse, most looked at her with disdain, but a few spit at her. The long standing hatred between their kinds was still as powerful as it had been for centuries past. Buck had lost his temper, nearly causing a small riot when a male night elf spat upon Sarella, cuffing the night elf with a fist that sent him down to the ground hard. Luckily the sentries calmed the masses down and Buck was given a VERY stern warning about his conduct. Finally the trio reached the town barracks, their escort leading them to a small room where a table and chairs waited. Buck took a seat and was offered a glass of water to drink; he accepted it and passed it to Sarella, much to the chagrin of their hostess.

“Warlord Plainsrunner I assume.” Came from behind them. Buck turned to see a male night elf enter the room. His face was stoic and framed with dark indigo hair, his sideburns long but trimmed, as well as a pointed beard on his chin. His left eye was missing, covered with a jeweled patch set in a rich purple sash wrapped about his head. He moved across the room and took a seat across from Buck, taking a grape from the bowl on the table and eating it. “I see we share a few things in common. A short temper, good taste in fashion, facial hair, fine women…” he said, winking at Sarella, “…and poor depth perception.” He tapped his eye patch, making Buck smile. “My name is Cade. I am a Lance Corporal, a servant of Elune, and it was me who sent that message.”

Buck’s smile faded. “You have my ex-wife?”

“No. The ring was a necessary to get you to come. You see, I brought you here to help me. I have something I think you need to see.” He spoke, motioning to one of the guards posted at the doorway; she nodded and walked down the hall, returning shortly with another male night elf. He was hooded and said nothing as he moved to take the fourth chair at the table, a small satchel hung at his side. “Luca here will fill you in on what we have. He’s been working under cover for almost two years, posing as a raving lunatic so as not to call attention to himself.”

“Posing as a lunatic to NOT call attention to himself?”

“You’d be surprised how quickly others grow accustomed to it after a while. My time spent as ‘Crane’ in one of the larger alliance guilds has merited little information, but I have a few leads.”

“Information regarding what?”

“Tell me tauren…” Luca spoke, reaching into his satchel. “What know you of this symbol?” he asked, producing a piece of paper with a crudely drawn picture on it.

“My wife has that branded on her lower abdominal area, near her privates. Said it was some sorority she was a part of. Why?”

“Ah, I see. So you were right Cade.” Luca spoke.

“Right about what?” Buck asked, growing impatient.

“Well Warlord Brobanak...”

“Buck” he interrupted.

“…Buck…What you see here is the mark, not of a sorority, but a cult. They call themselves the Order of the Ebony Lotus. Little is known outside of the name, but from what I’ve gathered, they’re big, bigger than we thought possible. They’ve infiltrated the biggest of guilds on both sides. And, wherever they go, they sew seeds of discontent, creating disharmony and disarray. What their aims are exactly, we do not know. But, we can only assume that their goals are destructive to the lives both of us have grown accustomed to.” Luca finished, taking a drink of water.

“What we’re saying Buck is that by some unlucky twist of fate, you’re involved in something MUCH bigger than a sour marriage. When we learned one of the most respected and beloved of the horde’s generals was nearly killed by his wife, a guild mate, and companion for many years, we grew suspicious. And when we learned that she brought a fellow guild mate into it, our suspicions grew stronger. Given what you told us, we have no reason to doubt that your former wife was and quite probably still is an agent of this cult. We need you to find her, and if possible, bring her back to us so that we may interrogate her as to exactly what we’re looking at. You’re now considered a horde ‘liaison’, present this amulet to any guard, soldier, or sentry to prove you are a trusted associate of the alliance.” Cade finished.

“Why do you think I will help you? What makes you think I WANT to be a trusted associate of the alliance?” Buck questioned.

“Because I know you’re a man of honor. We crossed paths many years ago and you proved it, and none of the stories I’ve heard about you speak otherwise.”

“When did we cross paths?”

“I led a small platoon at the time; we were in a full retreat from a losing battle against the naga when we came in direct contact with a small horde battalion. Beaten, bloodied, and exhausted, it would have been a massacre, had their commanding officer not ordered them to let us pass unharmed. I’m told he spoke ‘there is no honor to be had in killing helpless men’. I for one am glad he thought so.” Said Cade.

“You have her ring. How did you get it? And do you know where to find her?”

“The ring was ‘procured’ by me.” Luca spoke. “She sold it to a goblin trader in Booty Bay about a week ago. He was careless about it and thought nothing of crazy ol’ Crane wandering about his shop whispering to faeries.”

“Yeah… I can see how that’s easily ignored.” Buck added sarcastically.

“As for where she is, the last reliable intel I received was that she had been stationed in Crossroads as punishment for an outburst against a fellow guild member. Apparently she roughed up a druid who claimed to have slept with you not long ago. You can understand how she had a tough time dealing with such a terrible lie about her deceased husband.”

“I’m still dead?” Buck marveled.

“There are rumors you didn’t die, but nobody can confirm it yet. The only ones who’ve spoken about it are rather unscrupulous or have conflicting stories. Either way, your description does not match what people remember of you.”

“And how I died?”

“Your wife claims you were on savannah and were mauled by a pack of prowlers while you slept.”

“Oh great, so not only am I dead, I was killed by a pack of cats in my sleep. I’m sure that went over real well at my guild.”

“If you’re insinuating they laughed, you’re wrong. They held vigil for you for over three days. Your death was most lamentable. It will be interesting to see how your resurrection is taken.” Luca added.

“What support can I look forward to?” Buck asked, changing the subject.

“All the resources I can offer as my rank allows Buck.” Cade answered. “You are free to stay at the barracks and help yourself to our stores. Though the locals may not like it, Astranaar is open to you. But please be aware, though you are a friend of the alliance, not all of the alliance is to be trusted. Much like your horde, our ranks have been infiltrated by agents of this cult, and you’d be wise to make friends sparingly and trust even more so. Outside of the people in this room, it’d be best to make this topic hush.”

Buck nodded and turned to Luca. “What about you?”

“I’ll give what support I can, but don’t expect much. I spent years working on my cover and getting to where I am. I cannot afford to risk blowing my cover to help you. It’s nothing personal, but if my cover is blown, not only would I be in danger, but those around me would be too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must return to Stranglethorn, folks may not pay attention to me, but they’ll notice if Crane isn’t there.” Luca bowed and left the room.

“Will you be staying the night then?” Cade asked.

“No, I’ll take some provisions, but I plan to be in Crossroads tonight.”