Warcraft Fan Fiction ❯ Bloodstained Shadows - Chronicles of a Lost Soul ❯ Frozen Hearts - Chapter 5 ( Chapter 50 )

Chapter 5:

 

 

It's been just another ice cold day until now, but soon I'll be travelling to the warm heart of Dalaran and leave these pathetic tournament grounds behind me. The Argent Crusade won't be able to use it anymore anyways.

Yesterday was the big day of the old Tirion's event. In the late afternoon the slaughter commenced. Unfortunately for myself and the people that had signed up together with me there was a short-term flood of applicants, so the old Fordring decided to let the aspiring warriors, as he called us, take turns with the different trials they had set up for us.

Sadly, our group had to go first and the trial we had to face was ridiculous..., a little horde of monsters from Northrend.

Yes..., the old Fordring actually send us against a magnataur, two of these strange worms called jormungar and a yeti. To make it easier for us they sent them in one after the other, except for the worms, which were introduced as the `twin-terrors`.

Hilarious if you look at it as entertainment, but not much of a trial for someone trying to challenge the Lich King himself. There was a time when I almost admired the Argent Crusade a bit due to their courage, but now they remind me far more of the Scarlet Crusade in its final strokes before we finished them up that day with the frostwyrms.

Crusaders... they are all just the same.

The magnataur was the most annoying of the creatures we had to fight. That stench was almost paralyzing.

It didn't take long for us to kill that giant four-legged beast. Even though he smashed one of the tauren participants with a single strike, he couldn't take too much. After only a few minutes, the body of the magnataur lay to our feet, covered with bleeding wounds from our swords and axes and burns from the spells of our warlocks and mages.

The `twin-terrors' were the most dangerous encounter. Both of them were able to spit out a different kind of acid. Only a few spurts of each acid touched my skin, still even my numbed feelings felt the pain it created. It burned its way right through flesh and bone. The jormungar called Acidmaw would sometimes turn around and spray his corrosive bile into the group. Now I'm glad I dodged that the moment the creature had aimed for me. I don't know what effect the acid would have on Saronite, but I wasn't too keen about finding that out either.

The third creature was a yeti from Northrend. The crusaders called him Icehowl. A rather simple brute. He always grabbed one or two people from the group who were too slow and threw them against the wall of the coliseum. Afterwards he charged at them trying to crush them. I can't remember anybody who wasn't able to get out of the yeti's way in time. After its third try, we heard a loud cracking noise and blood came pouring out of the ears of the furry white animal.

Everything was rather... amusing.

After this test we were led out of the arena and onto the upper tiers where most of the viewers were sitting. Even the warchief Thrall and his personal brute Garrosh Hellscream were present. I tried to put as much distance between me and them as I probably could. Varian Wrynn and Jaina Proudmoore were their counterparts of the Alliance, sitting directly on the opposite tribune.

Garrosh and Varian are both more the hot-headed types, shouting at each other while the fight in the coliseum was already waging.

The second trial was for a group of Alliance warriors when a little gnomish warlock tried to summon a doomguard as an opponent. I have to admit, he has my respect. He was strong enough to open a portal to the twisted nether and summon something even more dangerous: an eredar lord. With a single strike the demon tore the little gnome apart and turned to the rest of the fighters.

Apparently the demon was also not too strong, for the group of humans, dwarves and nightelves managed to slay him without any greater losses.

After the red eredar lay defeated on the ground of the arena, Garrosh and Varian again started to shout insults at each other. Moments later a group of warriors from each side leaped into the coliseum and started fighting each other. I wanted to join them, but was held back by my fellow guild-members. I don't know why I stayed up there with them, if I had really wanted to join the fray, I could have easily got out of their grips, but well... now it's too late for that anyways.

There was no winner in that battle. In the end everybody took enough blows to go down, all of the participants were scarred for eternity. The priests and paladins of the crusade would have a busy night with them I said to myself with a foul grin on my lips.

The fourth encounter was the most interesting. The crusade had managed to capture, yes `capture', two of the Val'kyr of Arthas. In this fight the contestants even got a bit of support from the Argent Crusade. A total of four experienced paladins joined the battle.

The two Val'kyr, one as black as the night, the other as pure as light, were far more efficient killers than the previous opponents. About one third of the participants were killed, they even managed to eliminate one of the paladins. Even though, if I think about it... If those really were lieutenants of the Lich King, they were probably only cannon-fodder of the unholy legion. I guess that was another reason why the Crusade was able to capture them.

Yet the much greater surprise was what occurred after the trials had been officially finished.

It was just after Tirion Fordring had finished his little speech that this day the Argent Crusade had delivered a heavy blow to the Scourge when it happened.

A few Argent Crusaders were already waiting for us at the sides of the tribunes to escort us down into the arena again for the award ceremony.

The air around us lost temperature fast. Everybody knew this wasn't just a normal air-current.

The wind carried his hollow voice into the coliseum as a dark portal appeared at its entrance. Everybody fell silent as he spoke to us..., Arthas. The few warriors still down in the coliseum were trembling in fear, there you could see what these trials are truly worth. But still, even I was paralyzed as I stared at him and his runeblade.

The heavy armour made noises with every step he took, Frostmourne tightly clutched in his fist. The ice blue eyes of the skull on its handle seemed to be staring at me.

It was the old Fordring who broke the silence and commanded him to lower his weapon, Frostmourne, and surrender because we would outnumber him easily.

His only response was a vile laughter.

With only little effort he plunged his weapon into the ground of the arena, shattering it immediately and sending the remaining survivors of the fight against the Val'kyrs down into an abyss.

Arthas disappeared again through the portal that he came from just as fast as he had appeared.

“Soon your champions will be mine, Tirion.”, were the last words he spoke to us.

From above you could barely see the bottom of the pit.

After a few moments a strange clicking sound came to our ears. It originated from down there. I was pretty sure I already knew who or what was the one creating these noises. Only seconds later terrible screams were heard.

I don't know whether the Crusade made any further efforts to get down there or not, most of the spectators were asked to leave the building, including us.

Soon afterwards deadly silence filled the tournament grounds, some of the priests and paladins even started to say silent prayers. By then everybody knew that we were the ones who had actually lost this battle today.

But well, we all know how crusaders tend to think: the battle might be lost, but we will still win this war, even if we are missing three limbs and are half-blind. On the other hand... why should I care about them. It's not of my concern if they run into their own doom or not.

At least we didn't do this for nothing. Before we were lead out they presented us with a new belt and a variety of different pieces of armour for us to choose from for everybody who took part in the trials.

Me for my part, I just stuck to the belt they gave to me, I didn't want to take off my Saronite armour , not to mention not wanting to walk around in armour decorated with the symbols of the Horde.

It also took me a great deal of effort to scratch that damn symbol off the belt with a rather sharp stone I found the other day near the cliffs. How comes those arrogant orcs believe they can just take their symbol as a general model for the whole of the horde anyways?

But well... now my belt is covered with scratches and I'm on the flight to Dalaran.

Finally a wyvern was ready to take me there. There were way too many people here, it took over an hour of waiting time to get one of these damn animals.

The route we have to fly is dangerous. We fly directly over the area near the fortress Scourgeholme. It's a small outpost filled with minor nerubians and reanimated crusaders of the Argent Crusade. From there they lay siege to the 'Justice Keep' of Tirion Fordring and the `Crusaders Pinnacle'.

The areas of Icecrown are also known for the blizzard-like snowfall and the extreme cold. The Scourge is not the only dangerous thing about this area. The area itself can be considered an enemy from time to time.

Luckily the city walls of Dalaran are not far. You can see the flying city basically from everywhere in Icecrown. A few strong mages keep the blizzards out of the city with a sort of shield around it.

As the wyvern finally lands on Krasus' Landing on the edge of the floating rocks, I feel a bit glad that I have solid ground under my feet again, sort of.

The Kirin Tor managed to rebuild Dalaran as a beautiful city, still I think of it as too noisy and crowded. It has a warm atmosphere as you walk through its streets. There are even a few small animals running around between the trees, squirrels and rabbits of some sort.

Yet I guess everything around here is only a creation of magic, a spell or an illusion. A few days ago I tried to smash one of those squirrels near the memorial of Antonidas in order to find out if I'm right, but that little bugger was just too damn quick.

After entering the city I stop for a moment to think about what to do. I look around at the bypassing people for a minute before I make up my mind and head for the blacksmith near the northern bank. Maybe there someone will be able to give me a hand with my new belt. I don't have a problem with the scratches all over it's buckle, but I guess they'll be able to remove the symbol of the orcs at a whole and not just scratch off pieces of it like I did.

I enter the searing heat of the forge. The people there greet me in a careful, yet friendly fashion as it is normal in Dalaran. Only few will treat you differently according to your race, profession or believes. Although, even if it understandable with a bit of common sense, they act a bit reserved when they can clearly tell by just looking at someone that killing is his or her sole profession.

Most people in Dalaran are so fond of their magic that they don't look at me as an enemy. As long as I'm not looking for a fight that should be okay, still most of them tend to be a bit too arrogant in this city if you ask me.

Outside the sky slowly turns black as night time approaches whilst I hand over the belt and a small fee for the 'repairs' that have to be made. The blacksmith takes it directly with him to the upper floor whilst the women at the counter tells me that I can pick it up tomorrow about noon.

As the blacksmith with my belt walks to the staircase, he comes past the open flames of the forge. The whole belt shines brightly reflecting as much light as possible. I suppose it's made from Titanium just like my blade, Armageddon.

Saronite seems to be the complete opposite of Titanium, except for being extremely hard and sturdy, which is a trait of both materials. Titanium is as heavy as you'd expect it to be, non-magical - one could even say 'reflecting' and shines forth brightly in the light. Saronite on the other hand is exceptionally light to wear, compared to other metals it weighs hardly anything. It also reacts extremely well with magic, as one could probably imagine, especially with shadow magic. It absorbs it to some sort and makes you able to use this stored energy. I usually don't care too much about things like this and I'm sure most people would never even notice it, but... Saronite doesn't reflect any light at all. It never has this shine or glistening to it that other metal has. You can even clean or polish it as long as you want, it will always stay as dull as a rock.

'The black blood of Yogg-Saron' - I wonder how much of those myths are made up and how much of it might actually be true. Whatever the answer to this might be, I'm not too keen to find an answer for them. I have my own problems to attend to.

Saronite driving you insane - I know there are a few people that think of me as insane already, so why bother about it. I can't become something that I already am.

I leave the forge and turn to the inn across the street.

Though lives were lost today we, the few people of our guild who participated thought we should celebrate our success in the tournament. Nothing too excessive just maybe having a drink together at the inn or something like that.

At first I didn't really want to go there, but they somehow managed to persuade me anyways. I can't even recall how they did that. I don't know if I grow too attached to those people or not. They hardly know anything about me and I'm not planning on changing that in near future. It's probably the best like it is at the moment. They know what they have to know and are all fine with that.

I slowly approach the Legerdemain Lounge. Sundown draws nearer and the lights inside the tavern are lighted as I come closer to the building. As I enter the lower floor, I can already hear a few familiar voices.

The innkeeper Amisi Azuregaze greets me and asks if she can do anything for me. She's the owner of this tavern together with her husband, the quel'dorei or highelf as you might call him, Arille. I shake my head shortly as a response and point to a table in the back of the room where can spot a little group of bloodelves, tauren, trolls and whatsoever.

Cassiopheia is the first person I recognize from the distance. The whole lot is laughing after one of them has finished his story. I stand there for a moment and wonder if I really should join them. I always have the feeling that I don't really fit into their group. My thoughts are interrupted the moment Cassi notices me standing there in the middle of the room. Not that it would be that easy to miss a Forsaken in a black Saronite armour standing in the middle of brightly lit inn, I just thought, maybe even hoped, it would take longer.

With a gesture of her hand she signalizes I should come over to them. I take my time and just look at them for another minute. Cassi already narrows her eyes due to her rising level of annoyance and I know I shouldn't push it too far if I wanted this evening go by as smoothly as possible.

I take the few steps to the table and I'm welcomed in a hearty fashion by most of the people. The majority of them sitting at the table are members of the guild, but some of them have also brought some friends along. I don't bother to memorize any of their faces, none of them is worth any further attention in my eyes.

I take a seat at the wall next to a painting of a large floating crystal tree surrounded by a forest of pure white crystals.

The barmaid is eager to deliver everything our group wishes for, ranging from non-alcoholic drinks over the classics like mead and beer to food. Except for us it's a rather quiet evening today.

The group quickly divides itself into two parts, each with people that know each other better than the other lot. I myself found me sitting in the middle of both sides. To my right there is the side with Cassi, most people there are telling stories of past ventures or curios occurrences with the rest listening tensely, and to my left there is the part of the group with Seljun where most of the talking is somewhat pointless and confusing but always ends in wild laughter.

It's a miracle none of the sides doesn't disturb the other.

The hours pass as everybody is having fun, only I sit there in silence and watch the ongoing frenzy. I somehow long for both of the things that I see, but I tell myself I wouldn't fit in. I don't want to tell my tale to anybody at the table nor do I feel in the mood for mad laughter.

After thinking about it for a while, I decide to get up and leave the tavern to get some fresh air. I don't give any comment on what I intend to do, I just leave without a word. It doesn't seem to bother that many people that I just got up without a reason.

I step onto the street, only the light from several windows and a few magic candles lights up the street. At this time of the night everything is quite in the city. This is the time when I actually like Dalaran. Not knowing why, I decide to stay close to the door of the tavern and lean against the wall of the building looking up into the air. The sky is cloudless, every star can be seen.

This is what Keira helped to build up, the thoughts come to my mind as I connect several stars with each other in my imagination. Strong, yet fragile..., just as hope always seems to be. I grab for the bag with the scale and try to touch it, ... to feel it.

This is what Keira had died for.

It doesn't take long until I hear light footsteps approaching the door from the inside.

Cassiopheia comes out into the dark and quiet streets of Dalaran. The new robe she is wearing this evening suits her well, the pure moonlight makes it look even better as far as I can tell from looking at her from the corner of my eye.

“So, there you are...” she announces as she sees me leaning against the wall of the tavern. “Where have you been? I've been wondering where you disappeared to all of a sudden...”, the tone of her voice is reproachful. “What are you doing out here anyways?”, she asks but I don't bother to respond. She wouldn't listen to me anyhow.

She points inside again and asks “Wanna come back inside with me?” Silence, that is my answer, although I can already imagine where this is going.

“What's up with you? Shouldn't you be happy that you've been taken into account for the charge at the citadel?”, yeah right... as if I would be happy that the old Fordring found one real fighter for their charge with his idiotic tournament.

“It's nothing...”, I respond. A rather poor lie.

“Tell me... come on. What is it about?”, she's pressing it. I wonder if she actually wants to know what's on my mind or if she just tries to be polite.

“Well..., just listen...”, I have no idea if this answer will satisfy her or not. I'm not too keen on a long conversation about something like that at the moment, at least that's what I tell myself. “Be grateful that you are happy. Be grateful that you are not lonely. But do me one favour..., don't be any of it while I'm around.” Even while saying this I keep on gazing at the stars above us.

“Oh come on... Is it again about that pathetic little grudge of yours? I'm sick of ...”

“PATHETIC?!”, I burst out at once probably yelling loud enough to wake up people across half of the city. I spin around seizing her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes. “Did you really just say that?” I ask again a bit calmer, still with a feeling of disbelief. She doesn't respond, even tries to look away to the ground. Rage fills my mind. I can barely hold back so I won't hurt her.

“Do you have any idea what I've been through in my life? Do you have any idea what I've done to get to this point? Do you have any idea what I witnessed? DO YOU?!”, I start yelling at her again while I keep her shoulders in my grasp.

Again she is the one who remains silent.

“Do you see that you know nothing? NOTHING! Don't you dare to tell me you'd understand any of it. Don't you even think about it.”

I keep on taking this all far further than it would have originally went. The conversation keeps on going in my head, although Cassiopheia didn't say a single word in the last two minutes. I yell at her as a voice in my head keeps on answering me.

After a while it doesn't feel as if I'm the one answering anymore, more like the devil inside my heart called wrath.

“The blood of many people covers my hands... even from the ones I once loved...”, I yell at her, still driven by anger.

A moment of complete silence arises out of nowhere.

After I have calmed down a bit, Cassi opens her mouth to say something.

“I... I..., You... know that I didn't mean it like...”

I push her to the side and let go of her. I finish her last sentence in the back of my head, after all it's not too hard to guess how it will end.

Antonidas' memorial is near, maybe I'll go there, or I could head for Krasus' Landing and travel deep into the Stormpeaks.

I take a long walk through the streets of Dalaran where I can finally calm down for good.

I can't even recall everything I yelled at her in this outburst only minutes ago. I don`t know if I should apologize to her tomorrow or in a few days or not. Everything piled up again this evening and she was the one there when the dam broke. Everything happened so suddenly... even for me.

I make up my mind to take the next wyvern to the Stormpeaks to cool off my spirit.

On my way there I try to recall what just happened.

"Maybe..", I say to myself as I speed up my pace to get to Krasus' Landing, "..even insanity is only a feeling."