Ripples of Shadow
Chapter 4 - The Light Shines

Hendrig couldn’t help but stare. This human warrior, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, had rushed into the army of undead without a word to the dwarves. He was a human whirlwind, throwing himself into the hottest spots of combat all along the front line. The most astounding thing however, was that he never unsheathed his weapon. A massive claymore, almost as large as he, was strapped to his back.

Hendrig shook himself out of his stupor long enough to see Commander Baelof, saddled on Aralis still, in a steep dive, heading straight for the front lines. He would land in a few moments. “Clear room lads! The Commander is about to lend us a hand!” Dwarves all along the front line pushed back at the surging undead army, with the help of their new ally. Baelof landed some dozen or so paces behind Hendrig, and ran over to him immediately, gleaming war-hammers in each hand. Hendrig saluted his arrival and opened his mouth to speak.

“No need to report Lieutenant. I can clearly see that our initial estimate was off. Their army is much larger than we suspected.” Baelof said, cutting of Hendrig before he could speak. He sighed, and stroked his white beard which was strung in one long braid, and hung below his belt. “I will not allow them to defile our home Hendrig. It ends here.” For a moment he surveyed the front line, and Hendrig noticed his gaze lingered on the human warrior before returning his attention to him. “We cannot allow him all the ‘onor hmm? Shall we then?” Baelof’s blue eyes now smoldered with fury.

“Aye.” Hendrig nodded and hefted his axe in both hands. The two dwarves rushed to meet their undead opponents, fighting alongside the mysterious human warrior. Perhaps they had a chance…they would not lay their lives down lightly. No, this day the dwarves cry would be heard.

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A broom, suspended by innate arcane energies of the city swished by Kaihlyn as it cleaned the small room she had been given for the night. Immersed deep in her notes, which were strewn all over the floor in front of her, she paid it no mind. At one time, such an outright misuse of magical energy would have infuriated her, but more pressing matters weighed on her mind.

Her violet robes fanned out around her, as she adjusted the cushion under her bottom. The elves had been kind enough to supply her with ink and paper for the notes she had to write, and pigeons to carry them to their destinations. Her meeting with the sisters Tasilyna and Eleirysa had been fruitful. They carried much merit in the Silvermoon community, and having them tied to her would make things much smoother.

True, Eleirysa had a hot streak for a temper to say the least, but Kaihlyn was fairly certain she could trust her. Both sisters had all but placed themselves in Kaihlyn’s hand at the end of the discussions. Eleirysa and Tasilyna had agreed to leave that very morning to Northrend via a Sindorei vessel. Kaihlyn needed another day here. There was one more person she had to contact…personally before heading north. Dro’gath had elected to stay with her here. Although he did not feel comfortable spending the night in Silvermoon, so he was out sleeping under the stars, just outside the city.

Her hand fell again upon the note she received today, just after her meeting with the elf sisters. Smoothing it with one hand, she glanced at it. The note was written in a system of glyphs that Kaihlyn herself designed. Only by using a special incantation could it be read. Kaihlyn’s blue eyes flared deep violet for only a moment, and the note became legible.

Dear sister,

How are you? I’ve managed to reach Dalaran safely. It was quite the trip! You wouldn’t believe some of the things the Kirin Tor have managed to accomplish in this city, it’s truly breath taking. Alas, I digress. I have word that a particular woman you seek is studying in the Hinterlands, with the Wildhammer dwarves. I pray this reaches your eyes swiftly. May the Light shine on you Kaihlyn Do’marin. I hope to see you here soon.

The note held no signature, which was typical of her. As Kaihlyn mused to herself, a blood elf woman entered the room unannounced. She was rather short for an elf, but from the doorway into the room she glanced down at Kaihlyn sitting on the floor. Her straight black hair fell down her back almost to her bottom, and her green eyes shown with intelligence. Kaihlyn cleared her throat and raised an eyebrow at the newcomer.

“Forgive me mistress, but that which you have asked has been done.” The elf stood a moment longer, not quite fidgeting but obviously not entirely at ease.

“Be still Sadorai, you may close the door and drop your veil.” The girl complied, shutting the door and took a step further into the room. The air shimmered, and the blood elf standing before her was no more. A thin female demon stood before Kaihlyn. Her wings unfurled from her back, and she tossed her black hair about her head. Succubae were always a tad unruly. She refocused her eyes on Kaihlyn. “Much better, now you may continue.”

“If it pleases my mistress, I have located the two men of which you spoke. They have been…dealt with accordingly. They should bother my mistress’s plans no more.” The demoness before her stood, one hand on a very curved hip and the other toying with a barbed whip at her belt. She truly was the embodiment of temptation.

“Thank you Sadorai. You are dismissed, please leave me.” The succubus pursed her lips, but nodded in acquiescence anyway. A faint violet aura enveloped her, and she was gone. “That one is almost too good at what she does.” Kaihlyn murmured under her breath. But she got the job done... Kaihlyn smiled faintly to herself and resumed writing her notes. It seemed she could leave for the Hinterlands in the morning with a clear conscience about the security of Silvermoon.

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