He Made Peace

This is my first attempt at something like this, I hope it is not horrid.

"He made peace; it is time for you to go.” The large Tauren stood on the hills of Mulgore staring into the dark valley below. “We must make sure that our future has not been thrown away with this peace move. I owe him much that I will not deny, but I cannot be blind in my loyalty. Awanu you are to find those that still fight for our future.”
“Yes my lord.” Awanu replied.
The large Tauren turned and left the hillside. Awanu began gathering what few belongings he had and set out to find those his lord was seeking.

The trip into the barrens went fast Awanu had not stopped to rest or eat he just traveled. When he came into Camp Taurajo many Tauren that lived there were still not sure how to react to the news of the peace agreement. They were silent for the most part, as if they were trying to absorb all that had just happened.

Awanu kept to himself and observed those around him; most seemed to be trying to go about their daily lives as if nothing had changed. Most of the travelers that were passing through the Camp had nothing new to report and all were just wanting to get to their destination as quickly as possible.
After three days in the little camp with nothing new to report, Awanu decided it was time to make his way north to the slightly larger village known as the crossroads.

As the sun started to set on the barrens Awanu left Camp Taurajo for the crossroads. Traveling at night in the Barrens can be dangerous, but traveling in the sun alone is almost always deadly. Very few people could handle the heat in the days and the extreme drop in temperature at night. The road to Crossroads was not much more than a trail the kodo had traveled from the northern end of the barrens to the southern end where they would travel to be in their final resting spot. Awanu, like most Tauren had traveled the road many times on the great hunts for the kodo. As the sun started to come up on the horizon Awanu could see dust rising in the distance to the north. With it being this early in the day and this far still in the south Awanu figured this to be kodo heading south. Awanu slipped off his mount, as soon as his feet hit the ground he changed, a large cat with horns now stood where Awanu the Tauren had just been. With the sun not full in the sky, slipping into the shadows was easy for the large cat; the kodo would make good food for the rest of the journey.

As the cat approached the dust it was clear that if this were kodo there were not many of them. Another hundred yards and it was clear this was not kodo at all but a small band of orcs moving south. Awanu could see that this was a small patrol group of Horde soldiers. Awanu could tell the gear they were wearing as well as the war mount they rode.
The six riders were moving rather slowly for a patrol. Orc warriors normally did not move this slow unless they were looking for someone or something. The patrol did not seem to be looking around at all the seemed to be lost in their own little world, talking to each other and enjoying the morning ride.
Awanu was about to change back into cat form when the first arrow struck. The lead orc of the patrol never had a chance, the first arrow struck just below the chin and a second and third arrow hit him just above the chin. The other orcs scrambled, they were trained soldiers so the y did not panic but even soldiers need to see their targets before they can fight them.
As the orcs dropped down into the ditch along the roadside for cover arrows were screaming over their heads from the east. One of the orcs tried to raise his head above ditch line to see where the arrows were coming from exactly, but three arrows hit the orc in a matter of seconds.
Awanu knew that only nightelves could shoot arrows like that for the Alliance. Still as the cat and he slid deeper into the shadows to try to find the shooters. The arrows were coming from the east side of the patrol and Awanu was on the southwest side, it would take several minutes to get to the shooters if he stayed in the shadows. From the looks of this battle, these orcs did not have several minutes. Awanu noticed that two of the orcs were starting to crawl toward him.
As the two orcs started crawling in Awanu’s direction, three humans stepped from the shadows. The first orc was hit before Awanu was able to help, but as the second human went to move Awanu pounced. The suddenness of the attack, and the fact that a large cat with horns had just appeared from the shadows, made the third human pause, this was his undoing. As Awanu finished off the second human, an orc axe found the head of the third. Awanu turned to face the first human and blasted him fairies fire so that he could not melt into the shadows and run. Just as Awanu thought this fight was going his way, a dozen more humans came out of the shadows; the fight was over in a matter of seconds.
It had been three days since the attack in the Barrens, and Awanu opened his eyes for the first time since that attack. Three large orcs were standing over him.
“He is awake.” Said on of the orcs. They all took a step closer and stared down. Awanu tried to focus his eyes, but his vision still blurred.
“You are very lucky.” Said the orc standing on Awanu’s left.
Awanu blinked, his vision still blurred and his head still a little cloudy. He tried to speak but his throat was dry and all that came out was a rasping sound.
Awanu became aware that there were others in the room. Behind the three orcs stood two tauren and a troll and behind them an even larger orc.
“Someone bring him some water.” The orc on the left said. Awanu turned his eyes in that direction. The orc was staring back at Awanu smiling. Even with his vision blurred, Awanu could see that the smile never touched the orcs eyes.
A hand appeared between the orcs with a glass of water in it. The middle orc took the glass while the orc on the right lifted Awanu’s head to help him drink. The water was room temperature but might still have been the greatest drink Awanu had ever had. The wetness on his throat made Awanu aware of just how dry his throat was. He could feel the water washing over the cracks. Awanu grabbed the glass and started to gulp the water down. The large orc holding his head grabbed the glass and at the same time lowered Awanu’s head. Awanu struggled to get back to the water but the orc had handed it to someone behind him.
“Drink slowly, your throat has some nasty cuts on it and you may not be able to handle that much water just yet.” The orc said. His voice sounded like it might have some actual concern in it.
“OK give him some room.” The very large orc stepped up from the back. “Everyone go out side unless you are here by my orders. And I have not ordered any one here.”
“I will need to stay.” Said the orc on Awanu’s left.
The large orc turned. “I think you will be more use outside.”
“I have orders from.” The orc on the left started, but the large orc slapped him across the face. The orc on the left just bowed his head and went outside. As the last of the orcs left the room, the large orc turned his attention back to Awanu. “I felt that you and I needed a little alone time. We have a couple of things we need to talk about.” The large orc pulled up a chair and sat facing Awanu. "Do you know who I am Tauren?”
Awanu shook his head.
The large orc smiled and rubbed his hands together. “It’s just as well. I need you to tell me what happened to you out there.”
Awanu tried to sit up, he had no idea who this orc was but it did seem that he was someone of importance. The orc helped Awanu sit up and handed him a glass of water. “Now drink slow, I don’t need you choking.”
Awanu took a small sip of the water, then a bigger sip, and told the orc his story.
The orc listed without showing any expression, when Awanu finished he smiled, rubbed his hands together and said. “I would be grateful if you never told that story to anyone else. There are numerous reasons for this, but for now let me say that it would not be in either your interest nor mine for this story to get out. If anyone asks you what happened, tell them you do not remember.” The large orc stood and walked over to the window. “How are you feeling?”
Awanu sat up knowing where this was going. “I can make it just fine.” he said and started to stand he grab his clothing, which had been piled up on the floor next to his bed. When he was dressed, the orc opened the window. “I do not wish to hear of you again. Now go.”
Awanu climbed out the window and into the night.

For the next four months Horde villages, though all of Azeroth were attacked. Some were destroyed. The horde never retaliated. Alliance ran rampant over all the Horde villages and yet those in Orgrimmar never struck back.

Awanu had seen many villages after the Alliance had struck. The devastation they left behind was far worse than anything he had seen during the war. None of the villages was ready for this kind of attack, Orgrimmar had recalled most of the troops, and those left to help did not have the skill or the seasoning to be of any real value. On a couple of occasions, Awanu was able to get to the village in time to help kill a couple of alliance or pull a couple of the injured from the battle and get them healed enough to travel or rebuild.
Awanu made his way through Azeroth helping where he could and gathering as much information as possible on Alliance activities and raids. He would hear stories here and there of small bands of the Horde gathering in an attempt to strike back, most of those stories ended in the Horde band being slaughtered.

In the small town of Tarren Mill, nestled in the foothills of the Alterac Mountain, Awanu was gathering his gear to move on when the Alliance struck. In a matter of seconds the small town went from nice quiet morning, to a full out battlefield. The Guards in Tarren Mill were a little more battle tested, and were able to put up a much better resistance.
Awanu ran outside the Inn to join the battle, as soon as he cleared the Inn door his from changed to that of a large bear. With all the fury he could muster, he charged at the first Alliance he saw, a human bowman. The human had little time to react as the bear’s claw raked through his armor tearing a large portion of flesh from the human. The human tried to move and turn in order to get a shot off at the bear but the bear swiped his feet knocking the human to the ground. As soon as the human hit the ground the bear clawed at his head and the fight was over.
The bear then turned to find the next Alliance he could kill. A gnome mage was trying to make his way out of the main area of battle. The mage had been so focused on his target that he had not realized he had left his comfort area and was now in the heart of the battle. The gnome broke the first rule of engagement; never leave your group to chase. Then the gnome broke the second rule, never panic. When the gnome realized where he was and that he had no help near by he panicked. He turned and started to run; as he did an arrow from a guard pierced his side. The mage fired an ice bolt over his shoulder without looking; the bolt of ice was random and hit nothing. Another arrow hit the mage in the leg slowing his movement. The mage went down to one knee and let loose shards of ice like rain from the sky. Tarren Mill Guards had to retreat from the area as the razor sharp ice fell. The mage, feeling more confident, turned back to his path of retreat. As he did so another arrow hit his back. The tip of this arrow had been filled with poison. The little mage knew he did not have long before the poisons would infect his entire body; he had to get to a healer for help. Closing his eyes from the pain he gritted his teeth and blinked, he appeared several yards away from where he had been standing away from the main force of the fighting. The gnome looked around hoping to see his companions, what he saw was a large bear charging in. The little mage tried to cast a spell but was to late the bear’s claw severed his head and his limp body fell to the floor.
The main body of the battle was at a stale mate. Neither side was gain ground nor were they losing ground. The fight had become one big blood bath. Awanu had charged into the main body and was fighting now with the guards of the town. He had taken several arrows in his thick hide and had been starting to slow; he knew this battle was likely his last.
Awanu found himself battling next to an orc who was swinging a war axe the size of a small house. He was clearing alliance out of his way with every swing of his axe. The looked over at Awanu and smiled, his front tooth had been knocked out and there was a big black hole where the tooth should go. The orc swung again, and again an alliance fell.
Awanu started to feel refreshed and rejuvenated, he was not sure why, it could be the site of the orc chopping down the enemy, but his body was feeling much stronger. He charged a dwarf warrior catching the warrior off guard. As the warrior fell Awanu slammed his huge paw onto the dwarfs face crushing the bones. The dwarf lay unconscious. Awanu started to charge another, when a rogue had stepped in behind him and thrust his sword deep into Awanu’s back. The big bear buckled, his legs not wanting to support his weight. Awanu turned, trying to claw the rogue but the rogue was to fast. He had slipped back into the shadows only to reappear behind Awanu again. This time a dagger hit Awanu in the side and the sword slashed at his hips. Awanu went down. As he fell his eyes caught a glimpse of the orc with the missing tooth. The orc’s mighty axe came down on the rogues shoulder, the rogue fell to the ground and never moved. Awanu looked up at the orc and saw a necklace of teeth around the orc’s neck. “FEAR THE GRIN”. The orc yelled. Then all went black.
Awanu awoke with a Blood elf priestess standing over him, her face was dirty as was her clothing. You could tell she had just left battle. Awanu tried to stand but the elf placed a hand on his shoulder and called out for help. “We have a live one here.” Her voice did not match her appearance, the voice was soft and clean yet it commanded respect.
An orc came over and looked down at Awanu. “You’re a very lucky druid.” The orc said. “This is the second time I have saved your life.”
Awanu now recognized the orc. He had been the one to help Awanu with the water last time he had been in battle. “Many thanks.” Awanu said. Just then a Blood Elf mage appeared next to the Orc. “The area is secure Warchief, and our wounded have been tended to.”
“Very good. Get everyone ready to head out. I want to hit South Shore while they are still on their heels.” The orc was still looking at Awanu as he gave the orders. “Have we word from the front yet?”
“Not yet, But I am sure we will hear from them soon.” The elf replied.
Just then a Tauren druid stepped into Awanu’s view. “We are getting the bodies cleared sir. When do we move out?”
“Not until we hear from the forward lines, I do not want to be running into a trap. We have had a great victory here today, I do not want to waste it by getting us all killed.”
The orc elf and tauren moved off to the side and Awanu could not make out what was being discussed. He saw that the priestess had moved over to help one of the guards, leaving him alone. Awanu stood up and looked around. He was surprised to see the amount of bodies lying around, both from the guards of Tarren Mill and from the Alliance that attacked. He had not realized how big the attack on the town had been. He looked back at the orc, tauren and elf talking and noticed they were wearing then same tabard as if they were from the same fighting unit. Awanu had never seen a Horde unit made up of so many races. Normally there would be several units fighting together, but still different units. As he looked around the area more he noticed that there were trolls, and undead as well, all wearing the same battle tabard. Many of them were clearing the bodies form the area and piling them up near the graveyard. The Alliance bodies were being taken further out of town and placed into a large pile, Awanu assumed for burning later. Awanu moved closer to the three talking as he approached all three stopped talking and looked at him. The orc asked, “Is there something else I can do for you?”
“Who are you and what unit is this?” Awanu asked. “I have never seen such a unit in the Horde military.”
The orc smiled, showing his missing tooth. “You might be better off not knowing who we are, some do not like us and what we do, so you are best to just forget you have seen us.”
“But, this is what I was to find, people like you, who would stand up to the alliance, you are why I was sent out here. I wish to travel with you and see what is really going on. I need to know what is happening.”
“What is happening is simple, our towns are being hunted by the Alliance as sport now days, and much like your people hunted the kodo. Orgrimmar is doing nothing to help, so we are defending our towns and our families. To the surprise of the Alliance I might add.” At this last part the tauren and elf started to smile, and Awanu noticed they too were missing a front tooth.
A large orc then approached. “Word has come in from the front lines, they say now would be the perfect time to strike.”
“Thanks Yagyu.” The orc turned to the elf. “Get your people together, leave the grots here to tend to the towns folk and get this place back in order. Everyone else I want in South Shore.” He then turned to the Tauren “Take your group further out and keep an eye on reinforcements coming in from Stromguard. I do not want to be hit from the backside.” The orc started moving over where all the mounts were being kept.
“I want to ride with you.” Awanu said.
The orc turned to face him. “No. You are not ready.”
“I can help. I am a druid. I can heal”
“We don’t need Heals.”
“I am going with you whether you want me to or not, you can’t stop me from going where I wish.”
The orc stopped. “Your right, I can not keep you from committing suicide.” The orc grabbed the reins of his mount. “Yagyu. Show this druid where we would like for him to be, so that he may be of the most use to us.”
“Yes sir.”
Awanu turned to the orc expecting to be shown the back lines group, the healing squad, what he saw instead was a large fist just before it hit his eyes. As he fell he could hear a hundred voices at once shout “FEAR THE GRIN.” All was black again.

Awanu went home, after almost a year of traveling trying to find this Grin again, he went back home. On the way he would hear stories of the outlaw group, the ones who would not lie down and die for the Alliance but would fight them. He was always a step or two behind them. Then he heard that the orc leader of the guild had been slain in battle. Then many others had perished as well. With a heavy heart he went home.
The large Tauren approached Awanu the night he returned. “I heard you were coming back. They say you have lost your way. I am going to help you find it again. Through the Lady I have heard the group you seek are getting ready to make a run in the North. They are the last hope we have for the Horde. Alliance are now in Orgrimmar, the orc is compromised. Go back out and join them and fight.”
“My Lord, I do not know where they are; they are not a bunch that seems to want to be found. Besides, even if I do find them, I am not sure they will allow me to join.”
The large Tauren handed Awanu a piece of paper. “This is where they are. If I were you I would make sure I were ready when I met them again.” The large Tauren turned and left.

(( More to come where all can join in))