Ripples of Shadow
Chapter 3 - The Plan and the Reckoning

The sun stood little more than halfway to the horizon, and the talking was far from done. The day stretched on for Dro’gath. He sat cross-legged with four women amongst cushions, blankets and other frivolity that Dro could certainly do without. The elves undoubtedly enjoyed their comforts, almost to the point of being ridiculous, but the two in front of Dro didn’t seem so bad.

To the left sat Tasilyna, a hunter and ranger of the wilds. Perfectly straight brown hair was pulled into a soft pony-tail at the nape of her neck, accenting the brown and green leathers she wore today. Green eyes were now narrowed in light of the conversation taking place. On the right sat Tasilyna’s sister, who could have been her mirror, except her hair, which was bright white and curled elaborately atop her head with a long pony tail streaming down her neck to nestle between her shoulder blades. Eleirysa’s green eyes were equally intent on the woman sitting beside Dro, but neither the two sisters nor the woman spoke. Finally, the mage broke the silence.

“So, with all relative pleasantries aside Kaihlyn, what you are suggesting is a direct insult to not only me, but my entire homeland. You do realize this?” Dro’gath didn’t think Eleirsya’s eyes could narrow anymore as she spoke without making it impossible to see. The woman beside him sipped from a cup of honeyed tea before she spoke.

“And tell me Eleirysa, do you not think it the same of every race, no every nation even every organization on our fair planet? Mmm?” The warlock almost mused the last to herself, taking another sip of her tea. “No I think it is quite possible that corruption lies everywhere, and the Dark Prince has more of a hand in matters than we may possibly know. You all saw how the Scarlet Crusade was duped.”

“But they were fools! Blind with their own zealotry!” Eleirsya’s voice rose with each word, and she stabbed a finger into her hand at the last word. She tilted her chin in the air and composed herself before continuing. “The Elves of Silvermoon would never allow such corruption.”

“Hmm is that so? Has it been so long since the sundering and Illidan’s betrayal? You think the same could not happen to your own people? Although a bit more subtlety?” With each word from Kaihlyn, Eleirysa’s cheeks grew more crimson. Tasilyna broke in with a clearing of her throat.

“If I may ask, with all due respect, how do you plan to take action?” Tasilyna’s sister glared at her as she spoke. “Sister, do not look at me so. The warlock’s words hold merit, even if what she proposes may darken our hearts. We must always be on our guard, especially in these times. Now, Kaihlyn, please continue.” Dro’gath listened as Kaihlyn unraveled the entire story. She told of the infiltration of Arthas’ eyes and ears into the service of every major nation in the world. The two elves eyes grew wider at mention of each person named in a myriad of hierarchies even in the upper echelons around the world. However, Dro thought their eyes were going to pop out of their skulls when Kaihlyn finally revealed her plan. Her plan to put things in motion. It certainly was a beginning, but it could also be an end. An end to everything they knew…

.....