The Wandering Path: Lingering Shadows

Vord sat in Stonard and thought again on the events that lead up to the Grin reclaiming the swamp. Vord, Psylich, Sharkfyn and Path had gotten back to the Grin in time to get deployed to Shadowmoon Valley, where Vord watched as the grots who were in so much trouble he couldn't see the tops of their heads were promoted to full members. He watched chieftain Gorfrunch's death, and was corralled with the rest in Garadar to live the peaceful lives forced on them by the naaru, He rode with them out of Garadar, and to the portal to make their new home. And through all of this, he had the feeling that he was still not fully accepted back, that he was still an outsider.

Vord sighed and stood up. He had betrayed his clan, and now he'd lost them. He had betrayed Kaylish, holding her so that she could be struck down. He walked over to the Inn, thinking on what Fenris had told him, when some grots passed by and gave him a wide birth. "Watch out, thatn's not right." one said to the other as he passed. He was to preoccupied to discipline the grots, and let it slide. He walked in and went to a chest he kept in the back, and brought it to a table. 'If I can't be forgiven here, then I'll redeem myself for my failure to her.'

He looked at the armor in the chest. Everything was there, the gloves, the greaves, even his battered helm. 'If my time as a death knight gave me anything, it's this armor.' he thought. He remembered when he first donned it in the halls of Naxxramas, and he felt something that was like a sliver of ice come from the depths of his mind. He shook his head and dismissed it. 'I'm going to need help in this. I'm sure I can get "his" attention.'

Vord hopped off his mount and looked at the abbey. He had tracked Bellmont to Northshire Abbey, and was starting to wonder if he'd regret doing so. Vord knew that Bellmont would take great interest in making sure that the hit on Xylien was not carried out, but beyond that he was unpredictable. Vord walked into the abbey and saw Bellmont strolling from room to room looking at books and scrolls, and stopped to look Vord of casually before continuing. "Unless you have something of interest for me, I suggest you leave. Had I wanted company I would have left with someone."

Vord bowed in respect, and started to choose his words carefully. "Sir, I have information from the plaguelands that I think you'd be interested in." Bellmont turned to look at the orc, displeasure showing on his face. "I know much of what happens in those lands, more than you could imagine. If there is something of importance, say it and be gone." Vord nodded and decided that saying it bluntly would be the best route. "My former apprentice has been charged with my old mission." Bellmont cocked an eyebrow. "And what would that mission be exactly?" "It was an assassination mission, to take out Xylien." Vord said, knowing what was next. Bellmont's eyes flashed white with rage, and after a moment of silence, started speaking again. "I see, then I shall see to this matter personally. You are no longer required in this matter."

Vord's mind started to race. Yes, Bellmont was a very capable fighter and assassin, but the men under his charge, it was they Vord had no confidence in. "I wonder sir," he started, wondering if these would be the last words he said, "What would the Dark Lady think of an officer such as you taking troops out on a personal mission? Would those resources go unnoticed, or would a different approach be better?" Bellmont looked back at Vord, his hand dropping to the blade at his waist.
Vord eyed Bellmont for a few seconds, then continued. "Forsaken troops, especially the elite branches, would generate quite a bit of attention in the plaguelands, but the Grin, particularly individuals, would be able to carry out an operation there without making themselves as big a target, seeing as we are not affiliated with Thrall's horde." Bellmont removed his hand from his blade, but still glared at Vord.

"You find yourself lucky that you seem to be right...for now. You are to speak to no one about this, and you are not to tell Xylien of the hit, or I will make sure you learn the price of disobeying me. Do I make myself clear?" Vord nodded, "I know the price of information, and this is not the first classified mission I've been on sir." Bellmont nodded, and waved Vord off. "Now, if you are finished, I have other business to attend to." Vord walked out and mounted his worg. 'That takes care of that.' he thought, 'Now to get my armor in shape.'

As he rode back into Stonard, he looked around, and not finding her, walked inside the Inn. He looked around and asked one of the other grunts where Oroki was, when she appeared behind him. "You need something?" she asked as she looked through her herb bag. Vord nodded, hold his chest up. "I have some things that need to be cleansed." Oroki looked inside the chest at the armor, and then back at the orc. "Cleansed? Are you planning on wearing it again soon?" Vord nodded again, "Yes ma'am, I have need of it again." Oroki shrugged and walked outside. "Let's go outside, where we have a bit more room." They walked to the outskirts of the camp, and after about thirty minutes, Oroki stood up and sighed, holding the battered helm in her hands. "It's clean, but it's in dire need of repair. You'd be better off finding a new one." Vord grunted an acknowledgement, and Oroki turned to the rest of the armor. "It will take more time to finish, and I need to rest. I'll send for you when I'm done." Vord nodded and thanked her, and walked back into Stonard main with his helm, thinking on what Oroki had said.

Vord had been sitting at the table for a while now, examining his helm and thinking on what next to do. He couldn't replace the helm, but he didn't know of any blacksmiths that could repair it or one he trusted enough not to turn on him. As he sat there, Yagyu walked inside the Inn, and it took Vord a few moments to fully realize who it was. Yagyu had just returned after his self imposed exile, and most of the Grin thought he'd died at the betrayal at Ironforge. But here he was, returned to the Grin. Vord looked back at his helm. He hadn't seen much of Yagyu since he got back almost a week before, and he hadn't spoken with his former CO either.

The Sythegar saw his former Kagh' rok staring at his beaten helm. "Watchu got there Vord?" the sythegar asked. Vord looked up at Yag, a bit surprised at his interest. "It's my old helm. It either needs to be replaced, of which I'm loath of doing, or repaired." Yagyu picked up the helm and studied it. "It's sturdy, but light. Where'd ya get this? It's not of orish design." Vord laughed slightly and grinned. "It's standard issue armor for death knight of Naxxramas, custom made for each knight." Yag looked up at Vord, but his question was answered before he asked. "It was made for me when I turned and became a death knight."

Yagyu was initially surprised at this, and then started a brief snarl before curbing it. He looked back at the helm, and studied it a bit more. "Ya know, I could repair this fer ya, even enhance it with the right materials. Dark iron and some leather straps would help reinforce the armor without adding to the overall weight. But the forge is the key. To really pull this together, we'd need a forge near incredibly hot fire, like the ones near Blackrock Mountain." Vord thought on this for a moment, then stood up. "Then I'll go collect the iron you need, and send word when I'm done." Yagyu nodded and watched as Vord gathered his light traveling gear and weapons. When Vord had left, Yagyu sighed and sat at the table, looking at the helm.

It really wasn’t a bad hunk of metal, thought the Sythegar. Slowly Yagyu turned the oddly shaped helm over in his hands. Most orcish helms were sturdy and heavy, solidly built and designed to protect the skull from even the most crushing blows. Elvish helms were light but designed to turn blades. This helm however, was different. While it did not seem to be enchanted it had sense of evil about it.

Yagyu was no stranger to death and destruction but this helm…something about it disturbed him. As he sat contemplating it, he thought about its owner. Perhaps it wasn’t the helm at all but Vord that bothered him Of all of the Grinners to be turned, Vord was the last that he would have thought. Vord had always been loyal to the Clan and for a former Kagh’rok to have been turned twisted Yag’s stomach in knots. How could one of his own soldiers have become a death knight? Did he not train them properly? Was he not concerned enough for their well-being? Gorfrunch would never have let this happen to one of his troops, the orc chastised himself.

He turned the helm around to where a rusted bit of it drooped down the cheek cover. It looked the way he felt and Yag tugged at it with his meaty fingers.

“I should have come back sooner.” he thought. “Maybe if I hadn’t been gone so long I could have prevented it.” The rusted piece of metal came off in his hands. “Well, maybe I couldn’t do anything ta help Vord, but I can fix this for him. I suppose I owe him that much.”

Walking to his trunk, Yag opened it and found his blacksmith hammer still wrapped in the folds of netherweave cloth. Unwrapping the hammer, he grabbed a few supplies and put them in his pouch. He would need a few things to be able to do a good job on this helm and a quick trip was in order.

Vord stared at the growing pool of blood the spread from the dark iron dwarf on the ground. He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of killing again. He felt a cold touch in his mind, and he relived his slaughter of the dwarves in the area. He hadn't told anyone that he still felt this way, after his "cleansing", suspecting they would quarantine him. It also felt invigorating, it strengthened him, and he'd need all the power he'd be able to muster to take out Fenris.

He was brought back to the here and now by the sound of a rifle cocking. Vord saw it all in slow motion. He turned, throwing a kunai at the dwarfs center of mass, saw the knife penetrate the leather armor, the dwarfs face turning from confidence to horror. Vord felt the cold grow in his mind, and it felt like the air had grown cold as well. He walked to where his knife was and pulled it out, studying it. Memories of life with the Grin flooded to him, banishing the cold. "What's happening to me?" he wondered aloud. He tried to shake the feeling off and started searching the bodies and found his prize, dark iron scraps and ore. He returned to Thorium point, and found an orc messenger there.

After writing a quick message to Yag, and paying the messenger to run back to Stonard, Vord relaxed a bit, trying to fully grasp his "problem". "Who knows", he thought, "It's not all that bad. The power, the rush, what's the worst that could happen?"

Yagyu was just finishing packing when an orc ran into Stonard. Yag turned to meet the runner, holding a throwing axe in his hand. "Ya better have a gud reason fer comin' here." The orc bowed and said in an official tone, "I come looking for Sythegar Yagyu of the Blacktooth Grin." Yag studied the orc for a moment, and seeing no danger to the clan, stepped forward. "Aye, that's me." The orc held out a letter, which Yag promptly took and broke the seal. He scanned the letter, which informed Yag that Vord had gotten the dark iron and would be waiting at the Stand for him. Yag looked up to see the orc still standing there, at which time he snapped to attention. "What's all this Yag?"

Yag turned to see Shadiel standing there, watching the event. "What, I can't get a letter without the whole clan knowing?" Shadiel grinned, and the messenger shuffled slightly. "Sir, Vord paid me in advance if you had any orders to send to him if you had a better meeting place in mind." Yag gave a pained sigh at hearing the orc blow his cover, and Shad cocked an eyebrow. "Going somewhere? You just got back and are still healing, and now you're running off to meet with one who's betrayed us? You know what Felora would think." Yag started with a rebuttal, but then thought of his friend. It was true what Shadiel had said about Felora. She hadn't been the same since Faquarl had passed, but he didn't want to feel useless or that he needed babysitting. In the end, he just sighed and shook his head.

"Ya don't get it Shad." Yag started, but Shadiel cut him off. "So you think by going out to the Stand and running around our old stomping grounds you'll find something? Get something back?" Shad looked Yag over. Gorfrunch's passing had been hard on him, and if this did help him, then the least he could do was help. Yag turned to finish packing after dismissing the messenger. "It's something I gotta do, an' I don't expect ya to understand." Shadiel smiled slightly, "Well, if I can't stop you, then I'll go with you. But we'd better get moving before Felora finds out." Yag laughed, thinking about it and agreed. Minutes later, the two sythegar rode out from Stonard, but failed to see the figure in the shadows leave in pursuit.

Yes, there was something certainly going on inside that thick skull of Yagyu's. Felora knew very well that it wasn't polite to eavesdrop - it made her feel ashamed even if accidental - but she also knew that there was no way that she could simply let her clanmates ride into the unknown with no one along to care for their injuries. Despite their talents and best efforts, she had an overwhelming feeling that Yagyu and Shadiel would return the worse for wear if she simply stayed behind. If, that is, they returned at all.

Waiting until the pair had moved down the road a ways, she led her kodo from his pen and swung herself up into the saddle. Tamar gave a low rumble beneath her, and she patted his shoulder lightly as they moved onto the road to follow the tracks of the great wolves ridden by her friends.

The ride from Stonard had been long, but they finally arrived. The Stand was relatively the same, a few creatures had taken up residence but it seemed temporary. Yag surveyed the Stand and reminisced while Shad checked the area as Vord rode up the hill to meet the two Sythegar. Yag turned to greet his soldier while Shad gave him an appraising look. Vord gave the two a quick salute, "Sir, I've gathered everything that you've requested." Yag nodded, "Gud ta hear, I think there's a forge at the Blackrock camp a bit south of here." Vord waited as Shad mounted, and Yag took a few moments to take in the Stand one last time. Yag mounted Grimfang and the three Grinners rode off.

Vord viewed the scene again. Dead orcs lay scattered about, being no match for the Sythegar while for picked off the stragglers. Yag moved over to the forge and began to work on the helm, while Shad took turns watching the process and watching Vord. Vord was too preoccupied with not loosing control to notice Shad watching him. The rush from killing had come again, but Vord was fighting it every step of the way. He knew better than to loose control in the presence of a sythegar.

Yag turned, the helm in his hands. "There ya go, gud as new. Even better than before." Yag tossed the helm to Vord, who inspected it. It had little to no addition to weight, but at the same time had been not only repaired, but reinforced in areas where the armor was weakest. Vord admired the craftsmanship of the repair, and tried the helm on to check the fit. Yag shuffled at the sight, and Shad moved forward. "I'd like to see that helm, if you would kindly." Vord nodded, and handed the helm to Shad who gave it an appraising eye. It seemed he was mutter something, then turned his gaze to Vord.

The helm was of an odd make and design but aside from that there was nothing else extra-ordinary about it. Shadiel had dealt with enchanted artifacts almost his entire life, if there was something in the metal he would have sensed it. Suddenly Shadiel felt something odd. Not from the helm but from Vord who was eagerly watching the mage examine it. Cold spikes emanated from the Hunter's resonance. Vord probably didn't even know what was going on with him. Obviously some kind of energy was tied to his emotive state and extreme situations might bring something out.

Nonchalantly the Sythegar mage gives the helm back to Vord and in doing so touches the bare skin of Vords hand. Un-natural energy coursed through the orc, it was unlike anything Shadiel had ever felt before, Cold, powerful, and incredibly dark. Whatever this Hunter had been through he had not yet been completely cured of it. A thought crossed Shadiel's mind of taming this power, yet he wanted to know what it would do and how it fared against his own. He would await for the time to test that out when surely Vord would lose control in the intense Grin environment they were headed back into.

"Interesting Helm but I sense nothing magically odd about it."

Yagyu left this kind of thing to Shadiel so just nodded happy that he was out doing something. Vord having seen Shadiel watching him the entire time knew something was up but who was he to question a ranking officer? Shadiel once again took his turn in watching for enemy opposition and allowed Vord and Yagyu to speak on the arts of Blacksmithing. "This could be a powerful weapon for the Grin, for me," shadiel thought.

Having done the repair and visited the Stand, the Sythegar felt satisfied and so the three Grinners headed back to Stonard. Vord thought about his helm that was securely squared away in his pack most of the way back, and on what it meant. It then occurred to Vord the way Shadiel had been after making contact with him while transferring the helm back to it's owner, but the thought didn't linger long. The ride back was long, but they reached Stonard in the late afternoon, when the other Grinners were beginning to hit the bar and become violent.

Vord's senses were heightened, like those of a beast, and he could smell the blood mixed with the mud in the camp. As Yagyu and Shadiel tied their mounts up in the stable, Vord was still trotting in, taking it all in, the sounds, the sights, and that smell. This was his place in life, among his surrogate family. But he felt the other part in him stir, awoken. Vord tied his worg up in the stable, and found some food before retiring to a quiet part of the camp to meditate. As i grew later, the fights started breaking out, and Vord felt it become harder to keep centered. Eventually, he walked back into the Inn which served as barracks as well, but no one seemed to notice the difference in Vord's look, the way he carried himself. No one save Yagyu.

There was something about Vord that made Yagyu feel uneasy, and this change in Vord set off more alarms. As Vord sat down on a bunk to watch the fights, Yagyu decided he'd watch him a bit more closely, for now.

It was quiet. Most if not all the members of the Grin were sleeping. Vord sat up and scanned the inn, then quietly strapped on his newly cleansed armor and picked up his bags and snuck out the door into Stonard main. Vord checked for guards, but they were nowhere to be seen. Vord smiled at how simple it had been, and quietly whistled, and a skeletal warhorse trotted around the corner and up to his rider. Vord patted the horse, "It's been a while, hasn't it Soren?" The horse snickered as Vord tied his bags and mounted up. Vord took another look around and started for the gates when a voice rang out. "Where do ya think you're going?"

Yagyu stepped out of the shadows near the gate and blocked Vords path. Vord hung his head and grinned as Yagyu walked up to him. "It's a bit late for a trip out don'cha think?" Yagyu looked Vord over, he still had a carried himself differently, and the armor he was wearing matched the helm. Yagyu gripped his walking staff a bit harder, and pressed his question harder. "Where ya goin' Vord?" Vord looked up at Yagyu, revealing his pitch black eyes. "I'm heading up north, to the plaguelands. I've got some business to take care of." Yagyu shifted uncomfortably as he looked Vord over, stopping at the eyes. Vord grinned at the sythegar, "So are you going to call the guards, have them bring me in?" Yagyu smiled, "I don't need guards to take you in."

Yagyu brought his staff around and hit Vord in the chest, knocking him off his horse. Vord started to get up, but Yagyu brought the end of the staff to Vord's chest, pinning him to the ground. "You're goin' nowhere until we say so. Grin stick together, and ya should know that."

The next morning, Vord found himself back in the barracks part of the inn, having been beaten unconscious by Yagyu the previous night. Vord set to cleaning the mud out of the nooks of his armor, and from there set out to meet some of the of the clan in field exercises. The training had turned bloody in the end, when the hunted down some foolish members of the Alliance who had did not have the skill needed to keep hidden or alive. At the end of the engagement, the Grin headed back to Stonard, with a few heading to the bar of the Inn, including Vord. Vord sat at the bar, while a few other Grin were scattered about, with Shadiel and Yagyu sitting at a table, discussing Vord's problem.

"I'm tellin' ya Shad, somethin's not right here. I've never seen that from 'im, let alone an orc." Shadiel sipped his ale thoughtfully, "This is interesting, but I'm afraid I cannot tell you much without seeing it." The sound of a breaking mug cut through their conversation, and the two sythegar looked over in Vord's direction. Vord turned, and looked in the direction of the door, and Yagyu tightened his grip on his mace. Shadiel sighed and stood up. "Can't we keep a bar around for longer than a week?" The tauren druid Akkuma stood up as well, as cast a glance over to his officers. Vord looked the scene over and weighed his options, and got off his stool. Yagyu moved in between Vord and the door, as was quickly joined by Akkuma.

Vord charged for the door, sending tables flying and peons scrambling for cover while Shadiel brought forth a water elemental. "Everyone," the mage shouted, "This orc is not to leave this building! Understood?" Akkuma morphed to his bear form as Vord drew his swords. Akkuma swung with a downward right paw, but Vord ducked, slipping under the druid and quickly cut the tendons in the druid's back feet. Akkuma roared, which turned to a mighty yell as he reverted back to tauren form, mending his wounds. Vord was half-way out when Yagyu's mace swung around, knocking Vord back. The sythegar look his soldier over. "Where ya goin' Vord? Ya remember what happened last night doncha?"

Vord snarled and ran forward and blocked Yagyu's next blow, and with a mighty heave, disarmed the old orc. Yagyu retreated a couple steps back and pulled out his twin axes, while Akkuma went back into his bear form to rejoin the fight. Vord turned to the charging druid and sheathed his swords, while moving in to deliver a palm to the taurens chest. As Vord wound back, a glint of steel was seen by Yagyu, who recognized the attack for what it truly was, but Akkuma was too far along to stop. Yagyu charged in and knocked the druid out of the way, the hidden blade missing them by inches. Vord snarled again and reached into his bag, and pulled out what looked like an egg, and crushed it in his palm as Yagyu came around with another swing. Vord let fly the cloud of chile powder into Yagyu's eyes, blinding and enraging the orc warrior.

Yagyu swung blindly as Vord sidestepped the blow, pulling out his bow while making a break for the door. He knocked and fired an arrow coated with a substance that drained the power from the elemental, weakening it considerably, as Shadiel launched a firebal at the hunters feet. Vord jumped back, and Shadiel again fired another bolt, this time hitting Vords bag, setting fire to it and the contents. Shadiel smirked at his success as Vord charged him, black eyes glinting. "Hey Vord, ferget something?" Yagyu roared, distracting the hunter, "YEW FERGOT YER HELM!" Yagyu brought the axes down around the sides of Vord's head, boxing his ears and causing him to drop to his knees in agony. Shadiel loosed another bolt, knocking the hunter on his back, and Akkuma bound him with roots. As Vord started clearing the daze and working through the pain, he fought against the roots, but to no avail. "I HAVE TO DO THIS! IT"S MY MISSION!" Shadiel walked up calmly and pressed his hand down on Vords chest. "You no longer have any say in where you go." and he conjured a fire spell to subdue the hunter, burning an imprint of the elfs palm on the chest piece.

Vord was out cold. Shadiel took the opportunity to study the sleeping orc. Fire seemed to do well against the hunter in his maddened state, Shadiel wasn't so sure about frost. The mage casts an ice lance at close range before the rest of the Grin can stop him and he sees it almost harmlessly bounce off.

"He's out Shad" Yagyu said not wishing his former member of the Roof Walkers more harm.

Shadiel nods and steps away. A vicious opponent for one that was mostly disciplined in the arts of frost. This would have to change if he was to persevere against stronger forces who were wholly committed to their powerful king. Shadiel nods once and then departs for his quarters, he would have to act quickly. The spells of fire and destruction would have to be restudied tonight.

Many hours later Shadiel steps out of his room and makes his way to where Vord has been kept. He sees a lone Orc rising quickly and peer at him before noticing who it is. Yagyu relaxes and nods.

"He awake yet Yag?"

"He stirs an it look like the madness has passed, What you gonna do Shad?"

Shadiel notices the concern on the Sythegar warriors face. "I simply wish to question him a little. I doubt he understands much of what he is going through him not being a caster and all but I will have to pry out what I can..."

Yagyu looks sternly at Yag and bars the mage entrance. "This can't wait?"

"Wait for what old friend? For him to freak out again and this time when we aren't around to subdue him? We need to get to the bottom of this and we need answers now. This is the Grin, we aren't supposed to be babying our fighters. Hell, by all rights it wouldn't be against our code to put him down ourselves after last night."

Yagyu looked tense but he nods and lets the Mage past but keeps a close eye on what happens. Shadiel enters the room and Vord rolls over obviously awake from hearing the entire discussion between the two officers. Noticing a chair Shadiel sits down and for a moment stares intently on the hunter.

"You understand that I have some questions for you?"

"We, Shad, We have some questions" Yagyu has leaned up against the wall and has a vantage point that watches both mage and hunter."

A small smile breaks Shadiel's steel gaze. "Yes, 'we' have some questions."

Vord says nothing but understands that he can't escape if he wanted to. Yagyu has placed himself by the door and Shadiel though sitting was delicately holding his staff ready to cast if anything should happen. The two officers meant business. Vord stares at Shadiel with reserved defiance he would not betray his word or damage his objective with a loose tongue.

"I have looked deep into energy make up Hunter. What I find in there bothers me greatly. I think however our more skilled priests can cleanse you of this...taint...more easily than I might. My question is simple, why have you not had this done already?"

Vord goes a little white. He must not be cured yet he thinks. He still has one objective left. Shadiel noticing the Hunters tension leans forward on his chair and grips his staff more tightly. "I asked you a question Vord, I expect an answer."

Yagyu peers at Vord as well. "Spill it Vord."

Vord looks down and then back up to Yagyu. "I have a mission to accomplish, to use this power and then I can be rid of it."

"What kind o'mission Vord? I don remember sendin you on any mission."

"Indeed, and a mission in using this power would be something that I would remember if it occurred on my side. What is the mission and who ordered it?" Shadiel looks curious as well as irritated that Vord is not being more forthcoming.

"I can't tell you that, I was on grounds not to speak of it." Vord knows these words are going to cause problems. He was directly refusing to spill what he knew to the two Sythegar.

Shadiel's composure was relaxed but his eyes burned with a fiery glare. He was about to speak when Yagyu cut him off. "Yew have two officers tellin ya to answer, best start talkin quick."

Shadiel stands and slowly puts his face to Vords. "If you don't answer I will strip you of your taint myself. Then this precious objective of yours shall not be accomplished, at least with this power you hold so sacred at the moment..."

Yagyu looking to Vord and then to Shadiel slowly nods. "We won have ya keepin secrets Vord. Who ordered ya to be silent?"

Vord looked to Shadiel and then to Yagyu. He knew that Shadiel would do it. There was something about the glint in his eyes that he knew was very dangerous to him. The insidious elf might delight in taking apart Vord simply to investigate the secrets that his energies lay inside him. He knows he must give the two officers something. The officer that gave the order would not be happy with him. He looks again at the two Sythegar and bows his head. "Bellmont gave the order."

Mage and warrior look at each other and both gone from sight with great haste. Vord hears shouting from an angry Yagyu. "BELLMONT! GET YER BONY ARSE DOWN HERE!"

Vord shuts his yes wishing he could fall asleep and sleep through the storm that was quickly approaching. He then rises, dresses himself and goes out to join the two angry Sythegar that surely would be joined by the third.

Bellmont yawned grogerily.

"Forsaken only sleep once a month, could this not wait?" hissed Bellmont, rubbing his eyes.

Yagyu and Shadiel starred daggers at him, jesturing him to Vord as if he where some object left there carelessly.

"Whut mission did ya give him?!" barked Yagyu suddenly, the Orc gripping the hilt of his axe.

Bellmont raised a brow, searching his mind for the various missions he had sent Dreadstalkers on.

"Hmm?" said Bellmont, hoping for more information.

"If you refuse I'll simpily burn out the part of his mind with these secerts." spoke Shadiel.

Bellmont recollected. Given the state of things he thought it best to perhaps come clean with the personal information he had desired to keep secret.

"Well, he was the singular witness to the marriage of Xylien and myself... other then that... I know very little of what you speak." explained Bellmont.

Yagyu looked to Shadiel to attempt to exchange a look of disbelief, however the Blood Mage only scoffed.

"This is very evident by the way you two act... no I speak of the buisness in the Plaguelands." said Shadiel.

Bellmont tilted his head in thought.

"Hmm... the buisness in the Plaguelands does not... involve the Grin." said Bellmont,

"Grin are involved in it so it's Grin's buisness! Yur Dark Lady does not control us!" Yagyu growled,

"You speak as if we all don't have third parties in which we are involved... why is it I am the one being questioned, Shadiel I'm sure Yagyu would love to learn of what you say when you return to Silvermoon every night." said Bellmont, his eyes turning over to Shadiel.

"Perhaps, but my contacts do not threaten the Blacktooth Grin." said Shadiel.

"But you do have contacts?" said Bellmont, Yagyu turning his head to Shadiel accusingly.

"Bah... he's not who wur talking about! You stick to the subject!" growled Yagyu.

Bellmont shrugged and nodded.
"Vord... explain what you know... I will speak more later if need be." said Bellmont.

Yagyu and Shadiel turned to face Vord, who had hoped to keep out of the irritated sythegars scope. "Well Vord, there ya have it, Bell told ya to spill it." Vord nodded slowly and began telling the story of his trip to the plaguelands to cure himself, and the meeting between him and Fenris, about how Kaylish was targeting Xylien for assassination. "..And so I informed Bellmont of the danger, and after some discussion agreed that my assistance would help greatly. At that time, he told me to keep it confidential, as to avoid this situation."

Yagyu looked between Bellmont and Vord disbelieving that one of his own Kagh'rok would be able, let alone willing, to keep information like this from him ad the rest of the clan. He shook his head at Vord. "So, when do we leave? The sooner the better." Bellmont looked between Yagyu and Shadiel and seemed to be going over a list in his mind. "A few other details must be dealt with before we start, but I expect it to take no longer than a week or so. Now, if we are through here, I'd like to return to my rest unless anyone else has any objections." Bellmont turned and walked back to his quarters, and Yagyu gave Vord another disappointed look before going to his. Shadiel however, remained. "I don't know what kind of trouble you're getting into with this power you speak of, and to be honest, I don't really care if you kill yourself with it. The only reason I didn't kill you back there is because it doesn't sit well with Yagyu, but that does not mean you get off free. I'll not have you wandering around posing a threat to this clan, so you are quarantined to the barracks until we are ready to ride out. If you disobey, you die. Do you understand?" Vord nodded and headed off to his bunk, but still felt Shadiels eye on the back of his head.

A few days passed like this, Vord sitting on his bunk waiting to be told to ride, Bellmont tying up loose ends and handing out orders in preparation of the mission, and Shadiel studying what he could on the curse and it's effects. All this happened, with little to no information being passed to Ashenrock, who eventually found the quarantined raider.

Vord opened his eyes and saw his Warchief looking at him, then quickly rose to attention and saluted. Ashenrock grinned slightly and nodded, and Vord sat down on his cot again. "Tell me," Ash began, "Why are you separating yourself from the others? Why do you distance yourself from your clan?" Vord thought the question over, had Shadiel not told the Warchief of his quarantine? Vord took a deep breath and began. "Sir, I have been placed in quarantine due to my actions of late." Ashenrock stared in surprise at the raider. Vord had not been a particularly violent member of the clan by Grin standards, and he might have had his troubles, but hadn't he been loyal to the clan? Ashenrock asked what had happened, and Vord easily gave the story. As Vord finished, the Warchief had a strange look on his face. "I can see why Shadiel felt he had to take this course of action, and I am pleased to hear he has the clan's interest in this matter first in his mind, but I will not have a member of this clan caged like an animal. This, however, does not mean you are finished explaining this to me. Come."

Vord followed Ashenrock to a more comfortable part of the inn, and sat down. "Where did this problem stem from? Why haven't you been cured of this curse?" Vord sat and told Ash the rest of the story, his capture in the plaguelands, his turning, Pokes' group bringing him back, and the current mission to kill Fenris and Kaylish. "...And so Bellmont swore me not to tell Xylien that they they're after her to kill her." The sound of a mug breaking behind them made Vord turn to see Xylien standing there, her face livid. See took a few steps forward to join the two at the table but was still silent. Vord knew her well enough to know this was but the calm before the storm. "WHY DIDN"T YOU TELL ME THEY"RE TRYING TO KILL ME?!?" she roared at Vord. "Bell-" "I DON"T GIVE A DAMN WHAT HE MADE YOU DO!" she continued. "This is why we didn't tell you." Vord began, "We thought you would overreact and try to-" "OVERREACT!? THEY'RE TRYING TO KILL ME!" A swooshing sound emanated from the shadows and Bellmont stepped out while Xylien glared at him. "This is why I did not wish to tell you. They are too strong for you to dispose of yourself, it's too dangerous." Xylien's eyes flashed dangerously. "So you were going to leave without me, go by yourselves?"

Ashenrock held up his hands for silence. "Enough, would someone care to tell me what is going on?" Bellmont told Ashenrock of his relationship with the Grunt and the Warchief sighed. "I understand both stances here, but next time inform me of something like this." Xylien looked between Vord and Bellmont, "So when do we leave?" Vord and Bell turned to look at the Warrior, the later remaining quiet. "We?" Vord repeated. Xylien looked incredulously between the two. "You two don't think you'll be leaving me behind do you? There's not a chance in hell I'm staying here while you fight my battles." The exchange continued with Bellmont adding little, until Ashenrock again stepped in. "Xylien, I can see why they wish to keep you here, your temper will get you killed if you leave like this. However, she does have the right to defend her honor and life. I will neither force you to take her or keep her here, it is her decision."

Xylien thought for a moment before speaking, a little calmer this time."Thank you sir, you're right, my temper will get me killed if I leave now, but we all have business to attend to before we leave, and by then I'll be in control." Ashenrock nodded, "It's settled then. Now, as long as no one else has any more hidden information for me, I think I'll retire to my quarters for the night." Bellmont stepped back into the shadows, and Xylien headed off to a bunk to get some much needed rest. Vord walked out of the inn and sat in an open part of Stonard main and reflected on the recent events. In a matter of days, he had managed to betray the trust of almost everyone who had faith in him, and almost lost his place in his clan. Vord thought about his home in the Grin, his family, and vowed never to betray them again. As he sat thinking, he was not aware of the two figures who had been keeping watch over the camp.

Two orcs walked into Stonard, one a familiar face, the other caused a few Grinners to stare. There weren't many orcs foolhardy enough to walk into Stonard by themselves. However, the younger seemed unconcerned, though the older was wary, having lived and assisted the Grin multiple times. The younger orc, a shaman, stepped in front of his brother. "We come looking for an orc by the name of Vord." A couple Grinners whispered as Xylien looked up at the pair of orc, but was cut off by Bellmont. "Why is it you wish to speak with him?" Bellmont crossed him arms and looked the two orcs over. They weren't much, but even still, he gripped a set of knives hidden by his cloak. The shaman took a few steps closer, looking at Bellmont almost defiantly. "We come to bring him back to his clan."

The warrior moved up to his younger brother's side, whispered something in his ear, and looked at Bellmont cautiously. "And who are you to come here, looking for a member of the Blacktooth Grin, trying to take him off with you as you ride into the sunset?" The younger of the two grinned and gave a mock bow, "Forgive me, I am Tagashi, this is my brother Jyuugo. We are all that remains of the Garuda, Vord's clan by birth." Xylien cocked an eyebrow. "You've only half answered my question. What do you want with Vord?" Tagashi sighed as if bored and shook his head. "Jyuugo, being the oldest of the three of us, will assume the mantle of chieftain, I will serve as the spiritual guide, which leaves but one pillar of a clan empty: General and advisor to the chieftain. We come looking for Vord so he might fill that void."

Xylien scoffed at the arrogance of Tagashi, "Vord's not the type to up and leave his clan, you'll just have to look elsewhere." Tagashi sneered at Xylien, "Like he's never left the "Grin" before." Xyliens eyes flashed angrily and she clenched her fists. "Oh yes," Tagashi continued, "We know all about his incident in the plaguelands. Had we the strength, we'd have-" Jyuugo cut him off, seeing the rage in Xyliens, as well as a few others eyes. "Please forgive Tag, he's still a young'n, and forgets his place sometimes." As he finishes, Jyuugo gives Tagashi an intense glare, but is cut short by Bellmont. " Yes, it truly is too bad you didn't have a clan to back you as you rode in to save one of your own blood, I'm sure you could've dealt with the Lich by making himself laugh himself out of existence."

Tagashi scowled at Bellmont,who returned the stare down in kind. Xylien kicked up her heel and caught the kunai she'd freed from her boot. Tagashi looked incredulous at Xylien as Jyuugo tried to hide a smile at the sight of his younger brothers face. "Where'd you get that?" Tagashi asked, watching Xylien spinning it slowly by the fingerloop. "Vord gave it to me a while back, as a part of a debt he owes me, as he says." Tagashi thought for a moment before sneering. "Heh, a good story, but how do we know you don't have sticky fingers and prying eyes?" Bellmont's eyes flashed at this, Tagashi's remark being the straw that broke the camel's back. "I've held back long enough because you are his blood by birth, but you've tested my patience for far too long." The sounds of weapons being drawn rang through Stonard, and as Tagashi and Jyuugo started to draw their own, a voice drifted out of the barracks. "There a fight goin' on out there?" Xylien winced slightly, not being able to imagine worse timing.

Vord stepped out and looked at the camp as Tagashi and Jyuugo dropped their weapons, looking Vord over. "What's going on?" The hunter asked, looking at Xylien. "They claim to be your brothers, and they've come looking for you." Vord's head snapped over to inspect the two orcs in question. "I see, what are your names?" The two gave their names and Vord's face changed little. "Anyone could find that with enough digging, what are your full names, clan and title as well." Tagashi and Jyuugo gave their full names in the traditional way, stunning Vord. He sat down on the stone entrance to the barracks in disbelief, his head in his hands. "How...? When? They're dead...." Jyuugo put a hand on Tagashi's shoulder to silence him. "Our stories will have to wait, now that the three of us are reunited, there is something we must tend to."

Vord looked up at his brothers in confusion, and Tagashi answered his question. "Now that we are together again, we have the three orcs a clan needs at it's core. We can rebuild the Garuda again." Vord looked at Xylien in disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me before?" Xylien sighed, searching for the right words. "I knew that Jyuugo had been assisting Medorian in his work, but I did not know of his connection to you." Jyuugo cast a wary glance at Bellmont before speaking, "When you were captured, I came before some sythegar, told them who I was and of my lineage, that I was looking for you. They told me of your capture, and they accepted my service as a way of repaying them for some...misconduct on my behalf. I had thought they had told you, but this does not seem to be the case. Vord turned quickly to Bellmont and glared at him. "Why didn't you tell me he was here looking for me?" Bellmont showed no emotion as Vord grew more disturbed by the second. "You wish to have been informed of matters that not even some in the Sythegore arm knew of? We are required to tell you nothing." Vord grew even more enraged at this, his fists clenched hard enough that his nails drew blood from his palms. "HE'S MY BROTHER DAMNIT! NOT JUST SOME RAW RECRUIT WHO HAPPENED TO FIND HIS WAY TO THE GRIN!" Bellmont shrugged and dismissed Vord's rant. Vord looked around, finally stopping at Xylien, then called for his old warhorse, Soren. Hopping on the mount, he charged off into the dusk, as Xylien watched, then turning back to the two orcs.

After thinking for a minute, Tagashi scratched his chin before speaking. "We thought we'd have a few problems convincing Vord to come back with us, but you seem to have done the job for us." Xylien started after Tagashi but was stopped by Yagyu. "I heard everythin' ya said. This whelp might be arrogant, but he is Vord's blood. They'll stay here until Vord gets back, then they'll leave." Tagashi knew when he was outclassed, and this was clearly a case. Only a fool would continue to push, and so he bowed graciously to Yagyu, Jyuugo giving him a nod, and the two made towards the barracks without saying anything else.

Vord sat in front of Spirit Rock in Durotar. He might not have liked what Thrall had done to his race as a leader, but he still had to appreciate the land Thrall had claimed for them. Spirit Rock held no special significance to many hunters, but Vord found it a nice place to sit and meditate. He had been here for a few days, and had been visited by Yagyu, Grimnir, and another he had not expected to see so friendly. He sighed and reflected on what all he'd been told. Yagyu had said what Vord had expected him to say: family is important, but loyalty to the clan is too. This drew more of a line down the middle rather than breaking it up, though he did drop that the clan needed more fighters in it's ranks. Grimnir however, had proved to be of more assistance.

In his time meditating, and due to his unexpected visitor, he'd found that the Grin, even his own flesh and blood, wasn't what mattered the most to him anymore. His thoughts strayed to her often, and he always felt the same pang of guilt for what he'd done. In this time, he'd realized what he had to do, and what it would cost him in the end. This realization came into the open when he was speaking with Grimnir, and the old orc was confused as to how Vord had come to this. "...So yer plannin' on rejoinin' Arthas again? Usin' this power and reconnecting the link?" Vord shook his head. "No, it is my full intention to be dead before that happens. I need this power to free her, and to truly do that, the price will be my life. This is something I must do, and it is something I must do on my own. At least I can keep others from sharing my cost."

Grimnir gave a long sigh and looked the hunter over. "Yew've talked a lot about fate, destiny, ridin' to yer death. We're the Blacktooth Grin Vord, we've shaken th' pillars o' this world an' reshaped it's history wiv our own hands. Yew kin toss out big names, Fenris, Kel' Thuzad, Arthas. The Grin's strength is in our unity. I kin tell yew've been through a lot, an' mebbe yew don't think yew kin trust anybody, rely on anybody but yerself. Yew may think th' right thing ter do is ter march off to a glorious death, by yerself. But yew've given yer toof an' yer blood fer this clan Vord, means yew've got family here. An it means that if yew've got any demons to put down, th clan'll ride wiv ya."

Vord smiled at that thought, and stood up. Wether he liked it or not, the Grin would back him up on this, something he finally accepted. He walked a bit, then called for Soren and mounted up, riding off to catch the next boat to Booty Bay.

Vord rode into Stonard and lead Soren into the stables, then walked inside the inn and sat at a table, inspecting his armor. It was covered in dust, dirt, mud and blood from all the creatures and being that had been foolish enough to attack him on his journey. Ashenrock looked at the blood the raider was covered in, then at the hunters eyes. Something seemed different. "I hope that's not yours." He asked, walking over to address Vord. "No sir, but they won't soon try to spill mine." Ashenrock cocked an eyebrow, Vord was not usually this sadistic. "Indeed. I've been informed of your brothers visit here, and I can understand what you must be dealing with now, but know that no deserting will be tolerated. You have duties to this clan that cannot be thrown away so lightly." Vord chuckled darkly and looked up at the Warchief. "I didn't see the Grin charging Naxxramas when I was there." Ashenrock's eyes narrowed, "I run a different ship, and you'd do best to remember your place, raider." Vord nodded but stared darkly after Ashenrock who headed to his quarters. "Aye Warchief."

Fenris walked through the halls of Naxxramas with the same air of arrogance and importance he always did, heading to the dining hall. Although he had embraced the necromancy death knights are known for, he still found it enjoyable to eat rather than killing himself just to survive by magic. As he walked, the newer death knights looked at him with some awe, while the captains and instructors observed him with contempt. Yes, Fenris had gone toe-to-toe with the Nightlord, but he had only just gotten away, something he failed to mention when he told the story of his fight with the Forsaken commander.

As he finished his meal, one of the fresher knights came to him bearing a message. Fenris quickly took the note and dismissed the knight and looked over his new assignment, then crumpled it up and threw it into a fire enraged. 'Why do they want him back?' he pondered, walking back to his quarters, trying to keep his disgust from showing. 'He was nothin but an orc who managed to work his way around a blade, and they still want him?' He sat at the desk and pulled parchment and a quill out, dipping the quill and started to write. 'Well, if'n they want him, they'll get him.' he thought, grinning while contemplating what all he could do to the orc he hated with such passion.

When he finished, he sealed the note in an envelope, and walked out of his quarters in light traveling gear. He wouldn't need his weapons for this, but after the last trip out, he'd learned to keep on his toes. As he walked to the exit to descend to the plaugelands, he noticed Kaylish's door open slightly. He narrowed his eyes at the door, but continued on, making a mental note to watch her more carefully. When he reached the plaguelands, he walked to where no mindless would interfere, and waited. A few minutes passed before a voice spoke from the shadows. "Jus' as Ah was told, joo got ta lettah? Ah not be carryin' these tings jus' ta get picked up by da rottahs or eaten by da ghouls 'round heah." Fenris nodded, trying to conceal the grin at the thought of the courier and his master getting torn to shreds on the way back. He reached into his cloak and pulled out the envelope and gave it to the troll, who stowed it carefully in his bag.

"Now Urja," Fenris began, "Make sure he knows without bringing his entire clan down on us as well. My masters have one final use for him before we dispose of him." Urja nodded, "Ah not be da amatures joo deal wif. Ah make sure he be gettin dis wifout 'is clan knowin'." Fenris nodded again and Urja slipped into the shadows. The troll was slippery, but he got the jobs done without asking anything. Fenris turned and gave a cautious eye to the shadows he had at his back before starting back to the citadel. The gears were in motion now, and nothing could stop them.

Kaylish watched Fenris leave, then walked over to the fire and plucked the scrap of paper out of the flames, smothering the embers between her fingers. After a quick read, she re-crumpled the paper and tossed it back in the fire with a snort, "Bring him back? not bloody likely." She stalked through the halls of Naxxramas, her mind racing, she needed to prepare. "it's a test to see who's way works," she said, "either he kills Fenris, or I kill Xylien. Either way, I'm going to be free." It wouldn't be easy, Vord seemed as worried that she would lose as much as he did her winning. "Besides, I still owe her," she said under her breath, rubbing the scar on her neck where Xylien's axe had bit into it.

One way or another, the debt would be paid.

Meanwhile:

Xylien spun, slashing in a low-high-low pattern, the blade spun in her hand as she returned to a guard stance. With Bell away, she'd have no one to guard her back when she faced off against Kaylish, "I'm on my own" she said, hugging her stomach unconsciously, "eh, I've faced worse than a fledgling death knight before." When? "plenty of times, I've taken on the scarlet crusade, the-" every time you had help, you had backup, you've never fought something like this alone. "I... I know," she said. I could help, if you'd like. Xylien shook her head, "No, I can't allow that." eventually you're gonna have a weak moment, you know that. "I have friends-" they won't always be there, I will, although to fight you and the opponent would be nearly as bad as letting you fight. "I can't have you trying to take control of me." I swear to lend assistance only in the direst need, and then to pull back when the battle is over, in return, you don't fight me, deal? Xylien pondered for a bit, then bit her lip and answered.

It was shaping up to be a heck of a fight.

At had been a couple days since Urja had delivered the message to Vord, and he still couldn't believe it. Branded a traitor, and they wanted him back? Vord looked at the note again, studying it for anything out of the ordinary. He looked at the handwriting and found it. 'This is Fenris' hand...' He stuffed the note back into his bag and thought on it. Fenris had it out for him for a while, and Vord knew better than to trust anything Fenris said. But if he was under orders to return Vord to Naxxramas, would he try anything just over a vendetta? It did say there would be a trial, but of what kind?

The note stuck in his mind over the next few days leading up to the assault on the Keepers. Vord gathered his gear again and checked what he'd need when they headed up to the plaugelands. He thought over it again, then the clan, then her. He thought over the best, and worst, possible options and weighed them. He saw Yagyu walk by, occupied by his own thoughts, though Yagyu looked over at Vord, his eyes burning at the thought of Felora being held by the Keepers, then walked on to his quarters. Vord nodded at the unspoken command: Kill them, make them suffer.

Felora was back among the Grin, and Yagyu's demeanor had changed for the better. Felora might have suffered at the hands of the Keepers, but the Grin had repayed them in kind. When the Grin got back to Stonard and the debriefing was over, Vord headed to the back of the inn, where he could sit and think. During the battle he had gone into his death knight state more than he wanted to, but had he not his success wouldn't have been guaranteed. Vord still had a role to play, and until they went to eliminate Fenris, he'd make sure he'd play it well. He watched the other members of the Grin walk by to their bunks and quarters, and went to where he stashed his gear. As he was sorting through it, he felt eyes on the back of his head. "Lookin fer somethin?"

Vord turned and saw Grimnir looking at him. Grimnir had his arms crossed and studied Vord's face. Vord thought quickly and buried the note from Urja in the open chest, and quickly closed it. Grimnir stepped forward, face serious. "Back in Durotar yew asked me if I could suppress your "state", but yew seem to be usin' it more, enjoyin' it." Vord wondered for a moment if he'd been made and that Grimnir was about to deliver justice. "I did what I did to get Sythegar Felora home, I used it to support my clan, I thought someone like you would understand this." Grimnir sighed and sat down, rubbing his temples. "Yew're Grin, that makes yew blood here, yew've fought with us for a long time, and proven yerself more than once. But this thing with Arthas, the death knight thing, it's got us troubled Vord. Yew can't keep goin' with this. Once we're dun with Fenris, we're goin' ta cut the link." Vord nodded, adding "Yes Warlord, I understand." as Grimnir looked at him, studying the reaction.

He stood up slowly and looked Vord over once more before heading to his quarters, shaking his head slightly as he went. Vord watched the warlord as he walked off and felt resentment flare up. "How could he know what this is like? Who is he to decide what I can or cannot use for the clan?" He sat back down on his bunk and tried to sleep, he'd need the rest for when they'd move out again.

Vord started at a whisper in his ear. "Boss, you awake?"

"I am now," he said, frowning in irritation. "Why the hell are you creeping around in here, Grunt?"

"I found 'im, Boss. I found Psylich. I dunno what use 'e'll be, but 'es waitin for us in tha Unnercity. Path is out patrollin'. She's ready to leave when you give tha word."

Vord sighed heavily. These Forsaken were proving far more trouble than they were worth. It was as well to have Raider Path along too.

He peered through the darkness at the ragged figure. Looking down, the hunter saw that something long, slithering, and slimy entwined itself about one of Sharkfyn's ankles.

"What" growled Vord, "is THAT!".

Shark followed his pointing finger. "I don't see nuffink, boss. Maybe you need some sleep. 'Ere. Psylich gave me this message for ya."

She threw a crumpled piece of paper on his bed and vanished. The serpent slithered soundlessly out of the door.

Vord's doubts about including these two Forsaken on his journey increased as he peered at Psylich's spidery scrawl.

"Shortly before this writing, I find that I am floating in one of the outer sewers of the Undercity.

I do not know when the Dreadlord took me there, or how. I know only why I was left, floating face downward, in the filth and the slime: a poetic punctuation; a parting kick to the ribs; an undeniable statement of dominance.

I have little memory of where I was before Varymathrus took me away. I do not know where he imprisoned me. I do not know how long I was there. I only know of the taunts, the torture, and the worms.

The Dreadlord is a master of manipulation. He is adept at leading one to the deepest of cracks in one's own sanity, forcing them to stare into the chasm, at pushing them, leaning them over the side...almost letting go...only to pull them back from the edge.

And only to repeat the process until awareness, itself, becomes the greatest of evils.

Such suffering as was visited unto me can only find voice in poetry.

I shall scrawl this for you:

Worms
Worms Worms
Worms
All worms and no worms
Make worms into dull worms
Worms
But then,
There are worms
That putrify souls

Varymathrus has many worms. Worms galore! But he made them leave me alone, in the end. Made them disappear. At long last...I was tired. So very tired.

So long as I serve him, says he, the worms are kept away. I am safe from the worms. For I am a worm. I and all who serve his cause in the Undercity are worms. And would a worm trouble a worm?

He looked into my mind and saw my thoughts of Skassax. He laughed then, and told me that her enemies on that plane have defeated Her, and that she is imprisoned, while a fragment of Her is cast down to mine own state, that I may look upon her and pity Her weakness. And she is a worm, also.

So many worms.

I thought of the Grin, and smiled the missing-tooth smile. The Dreadlord laughed, and busted out many of my teeth.

And I awoke. In the sewers.

For now, the worms have gone."

*Writers note: Yes, I know it's long. Settle in with some popcorn and a catheter and you should be fine.*

Vord sighed and crumpled the note in his palm. "Go find Path and the two of you go get Psylich and meet the rest of us outside of Andorhal. Be careful, by the sound of this he might be out of his mind. If he poses a threat to us, eliminate it." Sharkfyn stared at him for a moment, then bowed, "Yes boss." Vord sat up on his bunk and watched the rogue slip into the shadows and out of sight, then looked out the door. Dawn wasn't too far off, so he decided to take advantage of it and finish his preparations. He gathered his gear and sat in Stonard main with his pack and armor, meditating while waiting for the others to awaken. "Up already? I couldn't sleep either." Vord looked around to see Xylien behind him, her pack in hand. She sat down and uncharacteristically remained silent, waiting for the others.

they were there for about half an hour before Grimnir came out, ready with his traveling and battle gear. Grimnir looked Vord up and down, then cast an eye over his gear and gave it an approving nod. The next to emerge was Yagyu, already wearing his battle armor, and carrying a few provisions he saw fit to bring for the group. Sinderion walked into camp minutes later, and dropped his prize from his hunting trip before joining the others. Shadiel came out of his quarters with his staff in hand, his pack on his back, as Ashenrock opened his door and stopped him. "Are you leaving for the plaugelands so soon?" Shadiel looked at the warchief with small surprise, then found his thoughts. "Yes Warchief, the preparations have been completed." Ashenrock nodded, his right hand feeling the dagger at his side while the other pulling his pack around. "You didn't think you were going to walk out of here without me, did you?" Shadiel smiled, "Of course not sir." the two walked down and joined the rest, and Yagyu gave a short briefing to Ashenrock and Sinderion, and was finishing as most of the Grin walked out to see what was going on. Draknora walked out as well, her axe and pack in hand. Vord spotted her walking up, and something small stirred in him, but he ignored it, thinking it was pre-battle gitters.

As the Grin slowly filed out, watching the small group, one voice rang out over the assembly. "Where do you think you're headed off to?" Yagyu, Grimnir and Shadiel all gave a pained sigh, hoping to avoid this, as Felora walked up to the small group. Yagyu turned to the others, "I'll handle this, it looks like you've got your own over there Shad." Shadiel turned to see Londra glaring at him, and he quickly walked over to talk quietly with her, though the smack across his cheek was more audible. Vord turned back to Yagyu and Felora, not wanting to eavesdrop on a sythegar or angry female. "Why didn't you tell me you were leaving, with almost the entire sythegore arm, to chase some death knight for the sake of some Raider?" Yagyu began a reply, but stopped in wonder at how much she knew."'ow'd yew hear about this? We did everythin' to keep it from ya so we didn' worry ya." Felora looked around sheepishly, lamenting that she'd blown her cover so fast. "I...followed you and Shad when you went to fix Vord's helm. I was keeping track of everything until I got captured." Yagyu stared at her dumbfounded until she spoke again. "You're not leaving me behind on this. I won't sit here and wait for you to return." Yagyu shook his head. "Yew just got back, yew need to rest before you ride out again." Felora snorted in anger, "Did that stop you from going out with Vord to fix his helm? You hadn't been back much longer when you rode out again." Yagyu shook his head, "This is different, I'm-" "You're what!? Stronger!?" Felora interjected, "I've got a bad feeling about this, that if I don't go, something bad will happen." Yagyu started to console her when she stopped him. "Haven't I lost enough? Do my friends have to be taken from me as well?" Yagyu hung his head in guilt. Thinking for a moment, he finally conceded. "Get yer gear, we'll wait fer ya."

Felora rushed off and was back a few minutes later, bringing Tamar with her, and the rest hopped on their mounts as well. Shadiel seemed pre-occupied and Londra was nowhere to be seen. Yagyu, Grimnir and Ashenrock took the lead, and the party started the ride north, with Vord, Dranora and Xylien covering the rear. Vord felt someone's eyes on the back of his head, and turned to see Draknora staring at him, and she flashed him a quick smile and wink. Vord returned it and turned back to continue riding and thought things over. "I can't get attached now, you've got something bigger to do." But the feeling stayed, and the thought stuck in his mind like a splinter. She didn't make it any easier the next two days as they rode north, and eventually they reached the ruins of Andorhal. Sharkfyn flagged Vord down, and he signaled Yagyu to stop for to let the mounts rest. Vord dismounted and walked to Sharkfyn, who gave a quick salute, and motioned toward a tower. "We got 'im in here boss, but sometin's really wrong wiv 'im." Vord walked in and saw Path guarding the door to a room. She glared at him as Vord walked in the door and saw Psylich sitting on the floor, mumbling about worms, then stood up and looked at Vord. "Ah you're here. I see you got my message." Vord paused, looking at the long, slithering creature hanging from Psylich's nostril. Psylich's small smile faded as he saw Vord staring at him, but Vord quickly picked it up again and continued. "Get your things together, we're moving now."

The four walked out of the tower and joined the others, Yagyu saw them first and pulled Vord to the side. "What're they doin' here? Yew didn' tell us they were comin'." Vord looked Yagyu in the eye, and Yagyu saw defiance flare up momentarily before subsiding. "I'm sorry sir, this had to remain a secret. There are many agents about that would jeprodize this operation." Yagyu held Vord by the shoulder. "I don't like all these secrets, you'll tell me and the chief if there's ANYTHING that concerns us, is that understood?" Vord nodded, "Yes sir." Yagyu let go of Vord, but continued to watch him as he mounted up.

Fenris stood on the hill just over the small camp along with Kaylish. Fenris had just gotten word, Vord and his clanmates had started riding north, and the letter he'd gotten from Bellmont had confirmed that Vord had taken the bait. The letter that Vord had planted on Bellmont told them that Vord had accepted their invitation to rejoin, and was heading to the meeting place. Fenris knew how many rode with Vord, but many did not concern him, of their ranks only three were real threats, the rest were negligible. Fenris had waited for this for a long time. Vord had gotten so much attention in Naxxramas due to how he took so well to the training, and now he was going to pay. Kaylish looked uneasy, but Fenris didn't notice much. What Naxxramas wanted didn't matter anymore, if Vord was weak enough to be killed he had no place among the Death Knight ranks. Fenris grabbed his runeblade out of the ground, "We're moving, kill the fire."

Vord and the rest of the group continued riding, and when the reached the eastern plaugelands, Sharkfyn, Path and Psylich quietly broke off from the rest of the group and started for Strathholm. The rest, unaware that the three had left, continued east, then north along the road. Finally, they reached a plateau, and dismounted to continue on foot. Vord looked behind and saw that Sharkfyn's party had gone missing and cursed under his breath. He silently signaled Yagyu, who nodded and whispered to Ashenrock. After a few moments, Fenris' voice rang out. "So, you decided to come back after all, eh Vord? You even brought the target as well." Xylien looked squarely at Kaylish, who returned the stare. Yagyu looked Fenris up and down. "Yew sure this is the same one we're after Vord?" Shadiel looked him over as well, clearly unimpressed as far as a mage. Fenris caught Shadiel looking at him and quickly brought up a frost nova. Shadiel cocked an eyebrow, "Is that supposed to impress me?" Fenris smiled, "Hardly, this is but the tip of the iceberg." He motioned to Kaylish, who started toward her own part of the plateau, Xylien matching her moves. Fenris unsheathed his runeblade, and Grimnir and Felroa dropped back a bit, while Ashenrock and Yagyu took the center, Shadiel and Sinderion starting a flanking motion on the sides. Fenris looked at the formation with a wary eye, it was balanced and there was no good way to get to the healers without killing all the others before. He let out a sharp whistle, and howling filled the air as a pack of plaugehounds came to Fenris' back. "Meet my pack, I've trained them well, and in return they eat well." His eye went to Felora, who shifted uncomfortably. "It's been some time since they've had...steak." Fenris charged forward into Yagyu, while hte pack of 25 plaugehounds made a beeline to Felora.

*End, I'm going to start a new thread for this fight, and all those involved.*