The Master’s Summons: Shadiel’s Journey

"You have received a letter sir."

Shadiel looked up from his mediations and saw that Scyrax had come into the room unnoticed and was giving him an enveloped letter. The rogue was as almost as silent as Bellmont. The Letter was addressed to Shadiel El Shadorath, Not many would use his full name. The writing unmistakable. "Where did you get this from?"

Scyrax looking bored as usual stared into Shadiel's eyes. "Lady Sylvanas' attendant."

After waving off Scyrax who left as silently as he had come in, Shadiel stared at the letter and contemplated it's significance. "After all this time why would he send this now. Do I really want to open this?"

The Master hadn't parted with Shadiel in good terms. There were some words, some were magical incantations and then some were just curses. The sythegar mage hadn't expected to hear from his old instructor ever again. It was a part of his life that he tried to not to think of and never spoke to anyone about. In reality Shadiel didn't have time for this, Yagyu was in the midst of his troubles and the Grin's reformation under Ashenrock was still a very fragile thing. Constant attention was needed, that and the fact that his new promotion over the Grots and their training took even more attention still.

No, now was not the time for this. It could be dealt with better when things were settled down. Rising from his meditations Shadiel goes to a small cabinet in his room and inserts the unopened letter, he notices an expensive ring that he has picked up as well as a magicked rose that will never wilt. Shadiel placed a few spells on the cabinet that would allow him his privacy and then he walks out the door.

"too much going on and not enough time to take care of any of it. Yagyu comes first, then I will seek out whatever The Master is up to from then. After that, well maybe I can give this ring to someone."

The imp is a mischievous creature given to great curiosity and a penchant for evil. As the familiar for Bok’theg, Quzfip was all of these and just a bit more. Quzfip knew that his master had a black heart desirous of power and an intellect well-suited for Machiavellian politics. It was in this capacity that Quzfip enjoyed his time at Bok’theg’s side. Although he often complained loudly when set to fight by the warlock, Quzfip delighted at causing strife in tranquil settings.

So it was on the day when Shadiel El Shadorath received the envelope. Quzfip was one of the few, if not the only, one to notice the skulking figure of Scyrax as he bore the note to the Sythegar. Quzfip had seen Scyrax follow Bok’theg to Nagrand at Shadiel’s order. The fact that the imp did not reveal this to Bok’theg was testament to his deviousness.

It was not long before Scyrax departed as he had arrived, and not much time followed when Shadiel finally exited his quarters within Stonard. This was, of course, the opportunity Quzfip had been waiting for. Boredom being something that imps deplore among other things, Quzfip sought to amuse himself by causing problems for the mage. Hopping through the door to the blood-elf’s room, Quzfip made straight for the cabinet where Shadiel deposited the letter. How the imp knew exactly where it was placed is something that only demons can tell, as is the manner in which Quzfip was able to bypass the magical locks Shadiel had placed upon the small cabinet. Regardless, the cabinet was soon open and the envelope there for the taking. Quzfip snatched it from its spot and hurried back to the chair where Bok’theg reclined, head drooping in sleep as he struggled to read a rather boring tome of warlock knowledge.

Bok’theg watched with puzzled amusement as Quzfip scurried away from the chair after depositing the envelope in his lap. But upon seeing the open door to Shadiel’s room, Bok’theg knew there was more to this note than met the eye. Bok’theg’s conspiratorial mind knew this was an opportunity too good to pass up. He would have to find a way to open the letter undetected, read it, and have Quzfip return it, seemingly undisturbed. He pondered this puzzle for a moment before heading to the kitchen to look for a pot and a bit of water, Quzfip dancing merrily at his heels.

Tired and weary Shadiel returns to his quarters. The Grots were steadily improving, some being able to be promoted past that station but it was still tough work. A system had been set in place though to take some of the work load off the Mage but Shadiel's perfectionism demanded that he attend everything he could to oversee the process that he had built for the new restructured Grin.

Laying down on his bed Shadiel closes his eyes only to smell a small hint of sulphur. A demon had been in his room. quickly rising to his cabinet Shadiel checks the belongings that he has stored there under lock, key, and magic. Everything is accounted for, in particular the ring that he has purchased. The sythegar hesitates and then takes the ring in his hand, clearly unable to resist the temptation of the small jewel. Looking at it fondly and with some sadness in his face Shadiel makes a fist around the ring, closes his eyes, and then puts it back into the cabinet. His hand brushes the enveloped letter he had placed in there a couple days ago. Looking quickly at the ring and then the letter, the caster sighs in disgust and takes the message out. Opened carefully the letter is written with a neat hand and the ink that The Master typically used. Shadiel reads on with an ever increasing urgency.

Shadiel,

It has been some time my student. I have received word that you have not only joined the Blacktooth Grin, but you are now an officer of some advanced capacity within their ranks. Never was there any doubt that you would attain any dream that you sought, my only worry was that your impatience would get the best of you and lead you to straits that you were not ready for. I would not allow that from you, not only would it have been a waste of the resources I have invested in you, but of the concern I have for you like a son.

You are ready to finish your training. Seek out Xylem in Azshara. He should still be in that tower of his pretending at greatness that he will never attain. He will grudgingly give you the first step towards attaining what you have always sought. come prepared with what you have learned in serving the Grin, your quests will not be easy and yet I believe to you the reward will be high.

Take care of this business young one,

Blood Mage Sylvos Windrunner

Shadiel choked on the air he was breathing. The power he had always been looking for was now within reach. He could complete his training and come back and protect those that he would give his life for. He could make peace from the power that he would wield. Shadiel started to pack a few things and prepare himself for a journey to Azshara. He would need to get Chief Ashenrock to give him some leave for a small portion of time. Chief needn't know how dangerous this would be else he might deny the mage his request. Grimnir was back for a time and surely his old friend would see to the Grots for a short while. If Shadiel perished well, he wouldn't be there to get the verbal whiplash anyways.

Shuffling items from his cabinet to the bag he was preparing his hand once again touched that ring. An image of an Elven priestess fills his head. "I will be back" he assured himself, "I won't fail."

Shadiel closes the drawer and wards it again with various spells. He makes his way to the Chiefs quarters and politely knocks.....

The Chief hadn't been in and Shadiel wasn't about to expend the energy to run around trying to find him. If a druid didn't want to be found they wouldn't. Ashenrock would show up and Shadiel could talk to him then. If not the other Sythegar I am sure would cover for the mage. Impromptu comings and goings seemed to happen occasionally for all of the Grin. Hell, Bellmont wandered around all over the place and he never had to be cleared for that. Besides it was only for a week Shadiel thought. And if things went wrong it wouldn't matter anyway...but things wouldn't go wrong he promised himself.

Shadiel makes his way to the Inn and sees, as always, a large number of Grin keeping themselves inebriated by the swill that was in abundance in this particular swamp. There was Crunck and that slimey Bok'theg sitting together. Shadiel looks again at the tables and sees Yagyu drinking with an elf attempting at conversation near him. Sinderion was the name that Scyrax had told him. The two had met up in Silithus and accompanied each other on a few assignments. Scyrax said the Ranger was efficient in his work. Shadiel walks over and takes a seat by Yagyu, Sinderion however was not pleased.

"The bar maids wear odd dresses in this place" The Ranger muses openly.

Shadiel sighs, the elf was one of the Farstriders. They didn't like mages much and if this Ranger was stationed here he was going to quickly get on Shadiel's nerves if this approach of his kept up. The bar had tensed, not many were dumb enough to insult a Sythegar in the open. Upsetting a mage was even dumber. Considering how few mages the Grin had they were dependent on getting out of sticky situations fast from the portals only they could create. Though it had never happened a mage could surely close a portal before said obnoxious Ranger could enter it and escape the hundreds of pissed off alliance that were chasing them.

"Respect is earned here Ranger. Your deeds in the wars before the Grin mean nothing to us, remember that." Shadiel looked sternly at the Ranger and then tuned him out.

"I don need this right now, jus stay away from me Elf" Yagyu pokes a finger into Sinderion's chest and then is out the door. "I got things ta do."

Shadiel rises and follows the warrior. Catching up to him Yagyu puts a hand out to stop the mage. "I got sum thinkin ta do Shad."

"I was hoping that I could walk with you for a little Yag, I have to leave shortly for about a week." Shadiel's face goes a little tense at the word "week."

Yagyu peers at the mage and notices something is off. "Where ya goin?"

"I simply have some business to attend to. There is a particular mage that I need to see for a...personal matter."

"Should ya be gone longer an a week where abouts are ya gonna be?" Yagyu knew something was up, a location would be essential to find the mage if it was something more dire than the elf played it off as.

"Oh just around Azshara." Azshara is a big place Shadiel thought. Even still Yag can't get the mages in Xylem's tower to portal them up if even he knows to go there.

Yagyu nodded still not sure if he liked the fact that Shadiel was being fairly obtuse about a supposedly quick trip.

"There is one small matter left Yag," Shadiel leans in close. "There is a certain priestess that I want to give this to but I don't trust it in my cabinet at the moment and I don't want to risk losing it on my trip. You will hold on to this for me right? I think you know who it is for and what she means to me?"

Shadiel gives the item to Yagyu and the warrior nods. "I will take care of it Shad."

Nodding, Shadiel thanks the Sythegar warrior. "I plan to leave in a couple of days. I would like to tell Rock of my leave but I can't find him. If I cannot find him, would you also relay my trip to him if I haven't yet returned?

Yagyu nods and returns the salute to Shadiel. The mage goes off in the opposite direction that the Warrior heads to.

After being waved in Shadiel lazily takes a seat on an empty chair. Chief Ashenrock's attention was divided between whatever business the mage had and a curious blade that his eyes would seem to glance at with regular frequency. In fact the Druid seemed lost in business that had kept him out of sight for everything but the most important events going on in the Clan. Shadiel didn't have the luxury of inquiring about Rock's business he had more pressing personal matters to attend to himself. Perhaps when he got back he would look into whatever was troubling the Chief as of late.

Rock's eyes ripping away completely from the blade focussed directly on Shadiel. "What is it you needed Shadiel"

Shadiel composed himself, he put on his best impression of just every day regular business. "I need to take some personal leave. I should have it taken care of and back within a week."

Rock's eyes sneaked a glance at the blade one more before once again turning to Shadiel. "Where to and do you need help?"

Shadiel again controlled his composure and quieted his nerves before he replied. "I am headed out to Azshara to meet an old acquaintance of mine, and I will be fine going out alone."

Perhaps it was something in Shadiel's face, eyes, or voice that ripped Rock's attention completely away from the blade and the conflict he had shared with no one. His attention was completely now focussed on the Sythegar mage. "If you need the Grin, we shall be there. Safe Journey Shad."

Shadiel bowed to Rock before leaving. "Shad, shut the door I don't want to be pestered by that Warlock." Bok'theg was looking at Shadiel curiously as the Mage shut the door. Warlord Yagyu was no where to be seen. Curious that the Warlock would be out of eye shot from the one he groveled so hard for. A sigh of relief is breathed and the mage quickly gathers his already packed things and heads for the door. Glancing at the Grin of whom are about their business his eyes turn on last time to the priestess. Their eyes meet, and Shadiel nods and is gone from the Inn. He mounts and is lost in the night.

It had been a long time since Shadiel had been in Azshara. Even longer still had it been from his first time he had ventured into this heavily mountainous and ruinous land. He drifts out remembering days past from his training.

"Have you learned nothing Xylem? All of this (The master waved his hand around the tower in Azshara) means nothing. The power you seek won't be gained from any of it."

Xylem smirked at the Master. Shadiel nearly dropped dead from shock. How could this human disrespect such a powerful figure of the Master with such disdain? Seeing Shadiel's unease Xylem turns to the Blood Elf and looks him over. The young mage stands up tall and then conceals his energy output as to hide the strength he currently possesses. The mage in training had learned the value of concealing his power. If one didn't know what you could do or not do, they may not risk a confrontation. Xylem focussing his eyes in concentration still looked deep into Shadiel.

"It appears you have some level of skill, a pity it is wasted on inefficient training. One day if you are able to break free of the chains your master has placed on you, you may find that you needn't hide your power, that showing it for what it is can be protection from those foolish enough to attack you. When that day comes, you will be welcomed as my pupil."

Xylem flared his energies to create a massive aura that usually only magic casters could feel and yet Shadiel knew that this aura would be felt even by those that hadn't any ability. The Master sighed and beckoned Shadiel to follow him out of the tower. They left to the sound of Xylem laughing echoing after them.

"Does he entice you young Shadiel?" Sylvos looked at Shadiel with earnest eyes inquiring of the young mage's thoughts.

"Though his power great, I have seen greater sir." Shadiel had seen Sylvos take out a whole contingent of enemies and the aura that had surrounded him in the heat of battle had even dwarfed Xylem's intense power.

"Xylem's way is the way to fast and easy power. There however is a limit to how far you can advance using that mindset. Always remember, patience young mage, patience."

Xylem's tower came into view. Shadiel snapped out of his daydreams of memories long past and came to the portal keeper. The elf at first sneered at the mage, and then his face took on a more respectful tone. "You wish to see Master Xylem Magister Shadiel?"

"I see you have fallen into disfavor again, are you even more impatient than your master?" The elf's face contorted into a place of fury and was about to speak when Shadiel cut him off. "No, don't say anything that will make Xylem replace you with something other than dead ashes. Do your job and send me up."

The Elf having gone white as an elf possibly can said nothing but shot daggers with his eyes as he chanted the spell to send Shadiel El Shaddorath to Xylem's tower. The tower looked the same as the first time he had come. Nothing had changed, even the pupils that had been there then were still here now. Xylem obviously liked to talk about his students gaining power and yet none of them had shown any significant improvement from what Shadiel could sense. He hated to admit it but in this case the Master had been right. Walking up the stairs Shadiel allowed some of his magic to show. No doubt Xylem knew he was here, but it was a simple way of respect to show himself coming even for one as detestable as Xylem.

Once Shadiel reached the stop of the stairs, there he saw the one he sought. "Come to join me Shadiel?" Xylem looked at him and flared his aura. Shadiel quieted his own. The aura that had once impressed the much younger mage was now almost ridiculous. The Blood Elven Sythegar wondered if Xylem hid his real power as well because if not, he was one hell of a con man.

"No, I believe you know what I am here for. I received a summons from Sylvos that you held the last tests for my training. I have come to hear of them and then to pass each one given. Why don't you just give them to me and I can be on my way."

"I would if I could mage, but you see the carrier that was bringing such items to me has been lost to Azuregos, should you wish to recover them you have but to seek the blue dragon out and ask."

Shadiel was furious, but allowing Xylem this victory was unacceptable. He would seek out the blue dragon and do just what Xylem said, ask. The Blood Elf is out the door and down the portal before any other words can be said. He is seen riding east as if hell is on his heels.

Shadiel looked warily and painfully up at the Tower looming ahead of him. It had taken him a day to muster the strength to come back to this staging point after his run in with the Blue dragon Azuregos. Shadiel winces in pain and stops for a moment, he must collect himself before confronting Xylem. He blacks out into memory of the last week.

"WHAT DO YOU SEEK OF ME ELF?" Azuregos roared and Shadiel could feel the mystical energy of the great dragon.

"I have been told by Xylem that you carried off an important item from my old master , Blood Mage Sylvos. I merely request that item back and then I shall be on my way." Shadiel stood his ground he had come a long way and he had to be confident that his ability could take on this massive opponent.

"SYLVOS....SYLVOS...I HAVE NOTHING THAT HE ONCE HAD, BUT EVEN SO MAGE YOU DIE." Azuregos lunges at the mage but Shadiel was too fast, and had blinked away at the last moment before his impending doom.

Xylem had sent him on fools errand. Probably hoping that Azuregos would do his dirty work for him. Shadiel fires an arcane blast and watches it bounce harmlessly off the blue dragon. He fires an ice bolt and again it does nothing. The blue dragon focusses on Shadiel and again lunges, again shadiel blinks yet this time is not fast enough some of the damage has caught the Elf and stuns him where he lands ten yards away.

"Get up Shad, you can't fail you can't lose, there is too much at stake" The Sythegar thinks to himself. His reserves flare back up and with a howl of defiance he casts Dragon's breath. The dragon hurt by the fire powered spell howls and wobbles in his dizzyness. Shadiel then makes a run for it and casts invisibility. He was no match for the Dragon but he could take out Xylem even if it killed him afterwards.

Waking up from the tree that he had leaned against Shadiel digs deep for the rest of his reserves and approaches the High elf by the portal. Not a word is spoken and the elf sends Shadiel up to the tower. Xylem's students make way for Shadiel as he ascends the steps. Xylem who watches Shadiel approach has a sneer on his face, but his eyes they show a different story.

"Xylem, former apprentice of Sylvos Blood mage, this day you die." There is no hesitation in Shadiel's voice there is no emotion. He has left a place of emotion and is focussed only on his objective.

"Shad now wait, you misunderstand.."

"Save it human, I should have done this years ago." Shadiel steps up and immediately feels the presence of magic leave the space he is in. It seems as though Xylem had invested in some blood elf magic to suppress the arcane.

Shadiel laughed, he laughed so hard that his damaged body ached. While he lost himself in his amusement he leapt upon Xylem with a ferocity that needed no magic. Shadiel was a Sythegar of the Blacktooth Grin. He had been living for years with those that distrusted magic and had had to prove himself many times with only his physicality being given any merit. He had been trained in the limited use of sword play and his staff. Not on the level of the other melee fighters, but more than enough to take on Xylem. Blow after blow is landed on the human mage and Shadiel makes sure that they both stay inside the circle where no magic can be cast. The Elven mage is intent on his prey until finally the Human mage calls out.

"Stop I beg you, this was part of the test. You have passed even though I sought to weaken you first."

Shadiel looks at the Human. Xylem is desperate and scared, and he has lost all face with his students. He has no more reason to lie.

"Swear your allegiance to me Xylem, swear it not on your life, but on your magic. Your energies are mine. SAY IT!."

"I swear on the arcane that I hold within me that I am yours Shadiel El Shadorath, soon to be Bloodmage." Xylem was beaten, Shadiel's first quest was done. He collapses on the floor and feels the magic return to him again, the ward in the room must have warn off. Xylem fairs even worse and is already out. Shadiel lays there for a time in pain, before he drifts off he sees a light that urges him to continue living for just a bit longer and then the world goes black.

Shadiel opens his eyes and rests them on a small sealed box that lays on his stomach. He had been home for a week barely coming out of his quarters for nothing more than the most important events. Avoiding everyone he laid in his quarters praying for sleep that never came. Yagyu had come by, had given him the ring back. The glittering jewel on it made Shadiel's heart drop even more. Shadiel had failed his quest, failed to attain the power that would make him powerful enough to take care of the Grin better than he had been able so far. He saw their faces, they all looked at him and they knew, he had failed to take care of magely business. The Blood Elven mage sank deeper into the bed trying to hide himself from the unseen Grin that he felt were all outside trying to peek into his room.

He had hoped to return home victorious. She wouldn't be able to say no to him then. The Mage had nothing now, just a ring with nothing behind it but himself. It would have been fine if he had never gone at all. Why didn't he just stay when she asked? Now, he was back and had nothing to show for it but crumpled will and reports of her going off on some quest in Black Rock with a former member of the Grin. Shadiel takes the box and grips it tightly seeking to throw it against the wall and then burn it to ashes. Restraining himself Shadiel rests it gently against his heart. He then looks it over finally defeated and ready to give it up. He hears a small click and nearly drops the box. The seal on the box is gone and it can now be opened.

"Should I look inside even though I haven't earned it?" Shadiel's first thought is banished in a second. He looks and finds another letter. Written in Sylvos' hand and once more addressed to Shadiel in full name.

Shadiel El Shadorath,

If you are reading this then you are still alive, the dragons have been defeated, and Xylem humbled. You have passed every test put before you. I want you to know that I made the tests so difficult that you couldn't have done them alone. Only by using the sources that you have made could you have accomplished what was set before you. This young mage is the true strength of a Blood Mage.

There is no power to attain that you haven't had all along. There is no grand spell that can be taught to you that will assure your station as a Blood Mage. There is simply the need for you to work with and alongside those that will help and aid you, while in return you doing so for them. Continue your training Shadiel, continue learning, and continue building allies. I still expect much of you though at this time I pronounce you my equal. Come find me in the North when you have gathered your strength and your allies, Northrend awaits.

Sylvos Windrunner

Shadiel stood there dazed. His life once more had turned upside down. Had Yagyu not come for him surely he would have perished and even worse, failed. The room swam for a minute and Shadiel sits back down. The mage stands, goes to the desk and pulls out the Ring. Inserting it into his robe he goes to his desk and jots down a letter.

"Scyrax, deliver this when she isn't about. But make sure she gets it."

A shadowy form takes the letter and is gone. Shadiel is out the door preparing for the future.