Shadows and Silence

Character inspiration blog for Erik Virgas. Rogue and spy for the Shrouded Dawn. Shadow Council server.

[eriktherogue]

Debt Collected

Bishop Lancaster stepped into the room and looked around, frowning as he saw the table and the lone priest sitting on the far side of it, facing the door. Lancaster shut the door behind him which muffled the sounds of the tavern outside.

“Okay, I am here,” the bishop said as he moved to the seat directly in front of the door and sat down. “Why you had me come to this Light-foresaken place, I’ll never understand. But I am here.”

“Thank you, your eminence,” the priest said, bowing in his seat.

“Why here? Why Booty Bay?”

“Everywhere else that I’ve gone, he’s been there. Stormwind. Iron Forge. It doesn’t matter.”

“Who?” the bishop asked, frowning again. But before the priest could answer, there was a knock on the door.

“Who’s that?” the priest hissed.

“Be calm. I ordered drinks when I arrived. Come in.”

The door opened and a waitress carried in a tray with two glasses and a bottle of wine. The bishop studied her as she set the tray on the table and stood back.

“Anything else?”

“Not for now,” the bishop said with a smile. “But perhaps later.” The waitress nodded and walked out, shutting the door behind her. The bishop watched her until the door closed then slowly turned back to the table. He reached out and took the bottle of wine, pouring it into the two glasses before setting the bottle back down and taking the glass closest to him.

“I’m sorry, you were saying?”

“He’s following me everywhere,” the priest whispered again.

“Who?” the bishop asked as he took a long drink from his glass.

“The assassin. The one who came looking for the priestess. The one who assaulted my guards and me,” the priest answered, his words tumbling out faster as he spoke.

“Hardly an assassin,” the bishop countered. “He hasn’t actually killed you, has he.”

“Not yet. He’s still torturing me.”

“He would not dare. You are a priest of the Cathedral. Everyone knows you work directly with me. No one would dare lay a finger on you.”

“He knows, your eminence. But he doesn’t care.”

“Then he’s a fool. Or he’s suicidal.” The bishop took another drink and then reached for the bottle to refill his glass.

“He’s coming after me.”

“You need to calm down, brother. You are in no danger.”

There was another knock at the door. The bishop turned in his chair and called out, “Enter.” The door opened and a man dressed in black with a hood pulled low was standing there. The priest’s eyes opened wide and he gasped. But before anything could be said, the man in black threw a pair of small orbs into the room. They struck the floor and gave a small explosion, creating a gray smoke that filled the room. The bishop heard footsteps into the room, but could see nothing. Then he heard the voice.

“Your time is up,” a low voice said. Then there was another gasp. The bishop called out a few words and a shield started to glow around him. After a few moments, the smoke started to disperse and the bishop could see again. Across the table, the priest was slumped over with a knife sticking in his chest. In the shadows of the far corner of the room, the bishop thought he could see the silhouette of the attacker. Lancaster started to cast another spell, but there was another explosion and more smoke filled the room.

“You have no skill for this,” a voice said through the smoke.

“You can’t harm me,” the bishop spat back. “You don’t dare attack me.”

“The Cathedral can’t protect you here.”

“You can’t touch me,” Lancaster said. “And when I get out of here, the full might of the Light will hunt you down,” he added, sweat starting to run down the side of his cheek.

“You’re right,” the voice said. “I can’t touch you, now. But I am patient, as your friend here learned.”

“You won’t have the time,” the bishop said. Then he let out a slight cough.

“That’s where you’re wrong,” the voice said. “It’s you who doesn’t have the time.”

“What are you talking about?” The bishop let out another cough.

“The wine.”

Bishop Lancaster started to say something and then stopped. He looked at the bottle that was sitting on the table in front of him. He felt another cough welling up and his throat starting to constrict. He stood up so quickly that he knocked his chair back.

“I can’t say that it’s completely painless,” the voice said from across the room.

The bishop started coughing violently, stumbled backwards and fell against the wall next to the door before sliding down to the floor. As his cough became worse, the shield that had been surrounding him began to waver and then disappeared entirely. He doubled over, wrapping his arms around his stomach as he struggled to catch his breath. Then, out of the smoke, the figure in black walked forward and knelt down next to the bishop.

Erik leaned closer and held his knife across his knee. He watched as the bishop’s eyes opened wide and pulled at the collar of his robes. The bishop coughed loudly a couple more times and then stopped making noise altogether. Erik leaned forward and listened for a moment. The bishop made no more sounds, his eyes staring off into the void. Erik stood up and stepped over to the door. Opening it, he stuck is head into the hallway and looked around. Erik snapped his fingers twice and then moved back into the room. 

Silently, three figures appeared in the hall and walked into the room. Each was tall and slender, wearing plain brown cloaks with their hoods up. After they entered the room, Erik closed the door and looked at the newcomers. One of the individuals pushed his hood back to reveal pale skin and long, pointed ears. The blood elf pointed at the bishop’s body.

“Yes,” Erik replied. 

The blood elf nodded and then he and his companions began removing the bishop’s robes and stuffing them into a satchel. One of the other blood elves pulled out another brown cloak and put it on the bishop. While they went about changing the bishop’s cloak, Erik went over to the table and picked up the bottle of wine. He emptied the bottle onto the floor and then placed it on its side on the table.

“What about that one?” the third blood elf asked, pointing at the dead priest sitting at the table.

“Leave him,” Erik answered. 

“Where are we taking this one?” the fir blood elf asked.

“There’s a ship waiting at the docks.”

The blood elf nodded as his two companions pulled the bishop’s body up and draped his arms around their shoulders. The first blood elf then leaned down and pulled the hood over the bishop’s head and ran his fingers over the bishop’s eyes to close them. Erik opened the door again and led the group into the hallway. The two elves carrying the bishop’s body followed the rogue and the last elf walked behind them. They made their way through the tavern and had just reached the front door when a voice called out.

“Hey! He okay?”

Erik turned to see the bartender standing behind the bar and pointing at them.

“Too much to drink,” Erik answered.

“Alright, take him home then.” The bartender turned his attentions to his other patrons as Erik led his group outside. As quickly as they dared, the group made their way through Booty Bay and arrived at the docks. Several ships were moored to the docks. Erik led them to one near the end of the dock and stood by the gang plank. The rogue let out a loud whistle and, after a moment, a goblin appeared at the other end.

“Was wondering if you’d make it. We’re ready to shove off. Come on. Get onboard. Ain’t got all day.”

Erik nodded and walked up the plank, his companions slowly following behind. Once all were on board, the goblin began calling out orders. The gang plank was pulled up, the sails were gently lowered, and the ship slowly made its way out of the harbor at Booty Bay.

[eriktherogue]

Priestess Retrieved

The little grey figure looked up at Erik. The rogue stared back at the dredger, trying to read its expression for any guile.

“You are certain?” 

“Definitely,” the dredger answered.

“I’m in a hurry,” Erik said to the dredger.

“I would not waste your time.”

“How are you so certain?”

“Shorter than you. Long hair.”

“That could be anybody.”

“Blue eyes.”

“You are certain,” Erik becoming very focused on the dredger.

“Definitely. She is in there,” the dredger added, pointing towards the group of nearby buildings.

Erik reaching into his pocket and pulled out a red stone. He had seen other dredgers take them and Erik had taken the opportunity to liberate it from one of the denizens of this realm. He held the stone out for the dredger, but then pulled his hand back when the dredger reached for it.

“You have never spoken to me. You have never seen me.”

“Definitely,” the dredger responded in a whisper, reaching out again for the stone. Erik waited a moment longer before depositing the stone in the dredger’s hand. The dredger looked over the stone, smiled, and then wonder off into the nearby forests.

Erik moved into the shadows of the trees and looked at the nearby buildings. After a few moments, he ducked low and slowly made his way to the compound. Staying to the shadows of the forest, he eventually made his way to the side of one of the buildings. Cautiously, he peeked in through one of the dirty windows. Seeing nothing, he ducked down again and began to creep along the outer wall. One by one, he continued to move to windows and peer inside. Quietly he avoided the few people walking among the buildings, Venthyr he assumed based on what he had been told before his arrival. 

Finally, he made his way to the last window. The glass was grimy and prevented him from seeing inside clearly, but he could make out two figures. One appeared to be sitting at a table and the other standing across the room. Though he couldn’t make out what was being said, the voices sounded feminine. One sounded familiar. Erik moved around the side of the building looking for a doorway. Looking around the corner, he could see a courtyard in the middle of the structures and two Venthyr talking quietly to themselves. The rogue tensed slightly and waited. After a few moments, the Venthyr had apparently finished their conversation and departed to one of the structures across the way. Erik took a few moments to scan the area for any other people before stealthily moving towards the front of the building.

Erik found the door he was looking for, but it was locked. He took a moment to look for any obvious traps before pulling out a set of wires and working on the lock. A few seconds later he heard a click. Cautiously, he opened the door. Inside was a hallway with doors on other side. The rogue snuck inside and closed the door behind him, twisting the lock which made an audible click.

“What was that?”

Erik looked down the hall, guessing which door led to the room he had seen earlier. 

“What?” asked a second voice.

“I thought I heard something.”

Erik, sensing he had no more time, sprinted to the door that the voices seemed to be behind. Drawing a knife in his right hand, he grabbed the doorknob with his left and threw the door open. To one side stood a woman that Erik didn’t recognize. At the other side of the room, Niviene sat at a table looking surprised.

“Erik?”

The rogue stepped to Niviene, keeping himself between the priestess and the other person. 

“We need to go now, ma’am.”

“Wait,” the other person said, staring at the rogue. “You’re not the paladin. You’re the other one.”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Erik said quietly, a sharp edge to his voice. “But I will if you try to stop us.”

“It’s okay, Erik. She’s not the enemy.”

Erik looked over his shoulder at Niviene for a moment then nodded quickly before turning his attention back to the other person.

“Then they won’t stop us from leaving.”

“She is safe here,” the woman said. “But I will not intervene.”

Erik nodded to the woman, but kept his knife up at the ready.

“Where are we going?” Niviene asked as she moved to stand behind Erik’s shoulder.

“I’ve made arrangements to get us back. But we need to hurry.”

“Where is Bragh?” Niviene asked hesitantly.

“I’ll explain once we’re underway, ma’am. But we need to leave now.”

“Where will you go?” the woman asked.

“Someplace safe,” Erik responded quickly. Erik reached back with his free hand and took Niviene’s arm. Keeping himself in between the two, the rogue made his way back to the doorway and risked a quick glance into the hall. “I should restrain you,” Erik said, looking back at the woman.

“She won’t raise the alarm,” Niviene responded, looking directly at the woman. She nodded to the priestess and took a step further back from the doorway.

Erik nodded again and then led Niviene into the hall. Unlocking the door, he opened it a crack and glanced outside. Seeing no one outside, he risked opening the door wider to look around. Seeing nobody in the courtyard, he stepped out of the building and led Niviene around the side and into the surrounding forest.

“Where are we going?” Niviene asked in a whisper.

“There is a carriage nearby. It’ll take us from here. I’ve made other arrangements to get us back to Azeroth.”

“Not Stormwind. They’ll recognize me there.”

“No. Not Stormwind.”

After a few minutes of walking through the trees, they finally stepped out onto a dirt road. Just a little ways down the road stood a carriage with a dredger sitting in the driver’s seat. Erik led Niviene to the carriage. He opened up the door and looked inside. Seeing it empty, he stepped back and motioned for the priestess to climb in. Then he climbed inside and pulled the door shut before knocking his hand against the side. The carriage jerked and started traveling along the road.

“Are you hurt, ma’am?”

“No, I’m fine,” Niviene answered. She took a moment to compose her thoughts. “Where is Bragh?”

“He’s missing.”

“Missing? What do you mean?” the priestess asked, fighting to keep panic out of her voice.

“We were on the way to retrieve you and there was an attack.”

“Tell me everything.” 

[eriktherogue]

A New Clue

Erik walked around the ring in Oribos one more time. He had made the circuit at least four times already, but continued to walk slowly around again. The rogue wanted to keep his hood up, but he was looking around so much as he walked that he kept having to adjust it until he finally gave up and let it fall to his shoulders. Some of the guards took noticed, as he walked past again, looking for something but not finding it. 

Finally, the rogue stopped walking and stood still. His head continued to turn from side to side as if he were trying to take it all in at once. Then he noticed something. Walking nearby was one of the Brokers. An odd race that Erik wasn’t quite certain of. But this one was different. Unlike the others, this one had an unusual decoration hanging from his shoulder. A broach with a small cluster of forget me nots. Erik quickly moved forward so that he came to stand in the Broker’s way.

“Excuse me,” Erik said quietly, drawing the attention of the Broker.

“Greetings. Another of the humans, I see.”

“Yes. May I ask a question?”

“You may ask,” the Broker replied. “I cannot guarantee an answer.”

“The ornament you wear. What is that?”

“This?” the Broker asked, raising a hand to tough the broach. “I found it.”

“You did? Where?”

“Is it important?”

“I could be.”

“In that case, I’m sure we can come to some sort of arrangement.”

“Of course,” Erik answered hesitantly. “What do you require for this information?”

“Well, the price should be appropriate,” the Broker began. “But this piece is not cumbersome, so the price should not be as well.”

Erik continued to stare at the Broker, making no move or response. The Broker waited a moment longer before letting out a sigh, realizing that he would have to begin the negotiations.

“What do you have that is worth trading?”

“If you require riches, I can provide some small amount.”

“Mortal money is so.. fleeting. Hardly worth someone’s notice really.” The Broker paused and looked the rogue up and down. “What about those?” he asked, gesturing to the knives that hung from Erik’s belt. “Tell me about them.”

“They were made in Stormwind. The city where I live.”

“They were made for you?”

“Yes.”

“Custom work, no doubt. I will trade the information for those.”

Erik gave the slightest of frowns but quickly mastered his emotions. Slowly, the rogue pulled the knives and their scabbards from his belt and handed them over to the Broker.

“Excellent,” the Broker said as he took the weapons in his hand and turned them over to look at them from all sides. “The craftsmanship is above part. Rather good, even.”

“The broach, please?” Erik asked, interrupting the Broker’s survey of the weapons.

“Of course. The ornament fell from a woman. An elf, I believe though I suspect that I am wrong in that.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Her appearance was odd. No doubt because her twin was standing next to her. But the ornament fell from the first’s dress. I saw it and picked it up, but before I could return it to her, she and her companions had left.”

“Companions?”

“Yes. Her twin and two Venthyr. As I said, they disappeared before I could return the ornament. I assumed they would return at some point and I could see to its return.”

“Of course. Thank you,” Erik said, turning on his heel and starting to walk away.

“Do you not wish to bargain for the ornament now?” the Broker called. Erik did not respond. Instead, the rogue left the Broker standing as he made his way towards the teleportation pads that would take him to the upper level.

[eriktherogue]

New Alliances

Erik stood next to the banisters overlooking the city of Shattrath. Nearby, he could see the elevator bringing people to the Scryer’s Tier. Watching as another group left the elevator and walked past him, he shook his head slightly when he didn’t see who he was looking for and turned back to gazing at the city.

“I had heard you were asking around about me,” a muffled voice spoke from behind the rogue. Erik turned to see a man wearing brown robes and a mask covering his face.

“I have been.”

“If this is a trap…” the masked man began before letting the statement trail off.

“It is not. I need your assistance.”

“I assumed our alliance was over once the death knight was destroyed. Has he returned?”

“He has not,” Erik replied. 

“Then I’m not sure why you would need my help.” The masked person turned and started walking back towards the Scryer’s buildings.

“The commander and the headmistress are missing.”

The masked man stopped mid-stride. Slowly, he turned back around to face the rogue.

“What do you mean missing?”

“The headmistress was kidnapped. The commander was lost while trying to retrieve her.”

“Explain.”

“The headmistress was taken to the Shadowlands and was kept from returning. The commander finally managed to find out where she was and tried to get her back. Members of the Cathedral worked against him, but finally he managed to get their pledge to return her. We went to Oribos to bring her home and there was an attack. Servants set off an explosive.”

“Was he killed?”

“I don’t know. It is possible that he survived, but is beyond our reach at the moment.”

“And Niv….  the headmistress?”

“She has gone missing as well, though I’m not certain it is the same forces that originally took her.”

“Who is responsible?” The masked man asked, an edge to his voice.

“A bishop from the Cathedral. His name is Lancaster. His sister seems to be involved as well. They are still actively searching for the headmistress.”

“What do you want from me?”

“The commander’s last instructions to me were to get the headmistress to safety. I’ll be returning to Oribos to continue the search and hopefully find her. I had hopes that you could search the area of the Shadowlands called the Maw. It’s possible that the commander is there. But there is no guarantee.” 

“What about the bishop?”

“He was detained for his original crimes, but has since been released. I have searched his office and found some proof that he was connected, but there was no information about either the location of the headmistress or the commander.”

“Released,” the masked man repeated, the edge back in his voice.

“He will pay in time,” Erik said somberly. “My first priorities are to find the headmistress and the commander and bring them home.”

“Time moves faster for some,” the masked man replied.

“Will you help?”

“I will search for the commander. When I have anything, I will send you word.”

“Thank you. Good luck.” Erik nodded to the masked man before turning from him and walking to the elevator. As he stepped onto the pad, he turned and looked at the masked man again. He held that gaze until the pad lowered and took the rogue out of sight.

Banagan let out a slow breath before turning towards the Scryer’s buildings. He steadily walked back towards their libraries.

“Voltuk,” Banny called quietly. Within a few heartbeats, a fiery imp appeared walking at the warlock’s side.

“Yes?”

“My father is missing. Niviene, too.”

“Could be playing hide-and-seek.”

“They are not.”

“We going looking for them?”

“You will. I need to take care of something first.”

“Where should I start?”

“Erik thinks he’s in a place called the Maw. It’s part of the Shadowlands. Can you get there?”

“If there was a portal, I could,” Voltuk answered almost thoughtfully.

“Go to Stormwind. I’m sure they have portals set up there.”

“They won’t like me walking around by myself.”

“Never stopped you before.”

“So, go to Stormwind. Then go to the Maw. Then find your father. Seems easy enough.”

“Likely won’t be.”

“What if someone tries to get in my way?”

Banagan stopped and looked down at the imp. Voltuk had a gleam in his eyes, but that was not a new thing.

“Don’t get caught.”

“I never do,” Voltuk chuckled. “What about you?”

“I need to pay a visit to someone. Then I’ll make my way to the Shadowlands.”

“I’ll see you soon,” Voltuk said as he turned and skipped away, disappearing after a few steps.

Banagan looked back to the Scryer’s library and let out another slow breath.

“Lancaster, eh?”

[eriktherogue]

Search and Destroy

The window slid open with a click and a figure dressed in black slid into the room. A mask covered his face as he looked from side to side. The office was ornate, ostentatious even to his eyes.

“So much for a simple man of the cloth,” Erik whispered to himself as he crossed the room to the fancy desk. The rogue shuffled through the papers that sat on top of the desk but he didn’t appear to find what he was looking for. He then pulled open the drawers one at a time and searched each. Opening the final drawer, he pulled some papers out and looked through them. Again, apparently not finding what he was looking for, he started to put them back in the drawer when he stopped. Setting the papers on top of the desk, he then reached into the drawer and pulled out a stone. Turning it over in his hand, he saw that it looked remarkably like the guild stone he carried in his own pouch. Shoving it into his pocket, he pushed the drawer closed.

“I don’t care what they believe. This is my office and until I have been relieved of my duties I shall continue my task of bringing the Light to this retched place.”

Erik looked up at the door as the voices outside stopped. Quickly, he pulled a round flask, with a long string sticking out of it, from his belt. He set it inside one of the drawers, pulled his flint out, struck a spark to the fuse and quickly shut the drawer. The rogue then ran to the window and quickly climbed out.

The door to the room opened and in walked the bishop. Lancaster cast a seething glance at the priest who followed him in but neither said a word. Turning, The bishop walked over to his desk and then stopped.

“Someone has been here. Someone has been in my office!”

“The door was locked, your eminence.”

“I don’t care if the door was locked. These papers,” he said, pointing to a stack sitting on the desk, “were in the drawer.”

“Are you certain, sir? Maybe you took them out and forgot.”

“I am positive, you blind dolt. I would not have,” he began as he opened up the drawer and saw the flask, the fuse almost completely spent. The bishop’s eyes grew wide and he froze for a moment before yelling, “Run!”

The bishop and the priest sprinted for the door and turned into the hall just in time. There was an explosion from inside the office and tongues of flames briefly shot out the doorway before vanishing. The two men picked themselves up off the ground and peered around the corner of the door into the room. The desk was gone and there were scorch marks on the floor and ceiling with pieces of wood scattered throughout the room.

“Call the guard!” the bishop roared. “Not those foolish paladins. Get me the real guards! We will get to the bottom of who just tried to kill me!”    

[eriktherogue]

Markers

“So what will you do now, Erik?”

The rogue had been sitting quietly, staring at the papers and maps that were laying on the table. At the question, he looked up and leaned back in his chair. Across from him, a young lady sat on the coach with her legs pulled up beside her.

“I think it’s time I call in some favors, May,” Erik said calmly.

“You never call in favors.”

“Now’s the time,” Erik answered with a shrug.

“How many favors are you calling in?”

“As many as I need to.”

“To do what?”

“I can’t be everywhere I need to be,” Erik answered with a sigh.

“I’m sorry,” May said quietly. 

Erik nodded and cast a vague look around Sharlimay’s apartment. It was as comfortable and pleasant as it ever was. Some thought, some fancy seemed to occur to Erik for a moment, but then he shook his head and looked down at the table again.

“Think your contacts can find her?”

“Maybe,” Erik answered, rubbing his eyes a little. “Doubt it. Who ever took her from Draenor went to a lot of effort to not be noticed. You never know, though.”

“So all eyes open everywhere, is that it?”

“Something like that. But I also need to find one other person.”

“Besides Mrs. Larethian?”

“Yes. I need to find the man in the brown robes. The warlock.”

“The warlock? Why? Do you think he had something to do with this?”

“No,” Erik answered quickly. “But I think he’ll want to know.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I’m betting this will be personal for him.”

“Any ideas where he is then?”

“Last time I saw him, he was in Shattrath. I would be surprised if he’s there still.”

“What will you do if you find him?”

“Tell him what happened to the commander. And who was responsible.”

“Who’s responsible? Looking for someone to fight at your side?” May asked with a frown.

“Not exactly. If this goes how I expect, they’ll never see it coming.”

“So you’re going to rile him up and set him loose?”

“I don’t think I’ll have to do much,” Erik replied grimly.

“What about the commander? You think he’s still alive?”

“I hope so.”

“Then why aren’t you out looking for him?”

“Because, May. He said this was the top priority. To get Mrs. Larethian home. I’m going to honor that. And hope I’ve made the right decision.”

“Okay. While I’m sending word out, calling in all your markers, what’re you going to be doing?”

“I need to pay someone a visit,” Erik answered, barely above a whisper.

[eriktherogue]

You Were Warned

“We’re going to get a drink, boss.”

The priest scowled at the burly man, looking at him so sourly that the man immediately thought better than to leave.

“You are not being paid to drink,” the priest hissed. “You’re here to protect me at all costs.”

“We’re inside the keep,” the other man, who was almost as large as the first, replied. “There are plenty of guards out there.”

“And you two are supposed to guard me in here. What if he were to get inside? That’s why I have you two here!” the priest added, pounding his fist into the table he was sitting at. The priest continued to scowl at the two henchmen as they looked at the ground.

The sound of the lock in the door clicking caused all their heads to turn. Slowly, the door creaked open to reveal someone dressed in black leathers and wearing a mask. 

“It won’t help,” the leather-clad figure said as he stepped into the room. He reached behind himself and closed the door. The sound of the lock clicking again seemed to echo in the room. “They can’t save you.”

“It’s him!” the priest yelled. “Stop him!”

The two goons rushed forward with their arms stretched out in front of them. The rogue reached into a pouch on his belt and pulled out a small orb. He threw it at the ground, causing a quiet snapping sound and filling the room with smoke. The rogue dodged the grasp of the goons as they grabbed for him, moving to the side of one of them and kicked hard against his knee. The goon howled and dropped to the ground. Erik pulled one of his knives and struck the goon in the back of the head with the pommel. The goon’s eyes rolled up into his head and he dropped to the ground.

The second goon, hearing his comrade drop, turned and locked eyes with Erik. He lunged forward, but the rogue ducked under his reach. The goon recovered quickly and back-handed Erik before he could dodge again. The rogue stumbled a few steps and, before he could regain his balance, the goon quickly barreled into him. Erik was knocked onto his back with the goon on top of him. The goon brought his hands up to Erik’s neck and started squeezing. Then his eyes opened wide in shock before closing. The goon let out a groan and dropped onto of the rogue. Erik pushed and rolled the goon off to the side and slowly pulled his knife from the goon’s side.

“You killed him!” the priest screamed.

“No, but he will not wake up before we are done here,” Erik said as he calmly picked himself up off the ground and turned to face the priest. “You lied to me. I warned you what would happen if you did that.”

“I didn’t lie!” the priest said as he stood up from the table and backed against the wall.

“You told me you sent her to the Maw.”

“I did!”

“She was never sent to the Maw.”

“They were supposed to be!”

“She never was and you knew that.”

“They all disappeared! I didn’t know where they went!”

Erik had been slowly moving closer to the panicked priest, but he paused at that comment. “Tell me more.”

“There were several working there.”

“Who?” Erik asked, his voice growing quieter but more menacing.

“Women.”

“Who?” 

“Some humans, elves, Draenei.”

“Priests?”

“How should I know? I was told to put them there so I did!”

“But you knew they weren’t there when I spoke to you last. You lied to me.” Erik resumed walking towards the priest.

“If you touch me, they’ll hunt you down and kill you!”

“Perhaps. But they are not here now. You and I are. And. I. Warned. You.” Erik added, punctuating each word. Finally he was standing face to face with the priest.

The priest swung wildly at the rogue and hit him in the shoulder, barely even moving him. Erik reached around and grasped the priest’s wrist, twisting it and causing the priest to turn and face the wall with his arm pinned to his back.

“Now,” Erik said, taking hold of the priest’s index finger. He jerked hard. There was a cracking sound and the priest let out a scream. Erik spun him back around, pinned his back to the wall, and drew his knife again. Placing the blade to the priest’s neck, Erik leaned in close to the priest’s face. “I’ve no doubt you could heal that quickly. But the moment I see you trying before I say you can, I shall cut your tongue out. Are we clear?”

The priest whimpered, holding his injured hand to his chest, and nodded.

“Do you know where she is?”

The priest continued to whimper and shook his head emphatically.

“Do you understand the penalty for lying?” Erik asked, pressing the flat of his blade into the side of the priest’s neck. The priest gave a short nod, but said nothing. Erik stared into the priest’s eyes for a moment and then took a step back, letting go of the priest.

“I told you before that if you lied to me, I would haunt you to the end of your days. Nothing you can do will prevent that. But if I find that you’ve lied to me again, that end will come sooner than you’d hope.”

Erik turned and started walking towards the door. Just as he turned the lock and started to open it, the priest slid down the wall and began sputtering again.

“They’ll kill you for this!”

Erik paused halfway out the door.

“When you tell them what happened here today,” Erik said softly, glancing over his shoulder back at the priest. “Let them know that something dark is coming for them. Darker than me. And if they had any sense, they would find the deepest, darkest hole to hide in for the rest of time.” Erik looked away and moved through the doorway. Pulling the door closed behind him, he looked back one more time.

“I’ll see you soon.”

[eriktherogue]

Eleven

(warning: nothing graphic, but there is some torture.)

He woke to his head pounding. The stale taste of what passed for liquor in this Light forsaken place was still on his breath. He let out a groan with the realization that he had probably drank too much the night before.

“Or maybe not enough,” he thought to himself. With a grunt, he rolled over to reach for the bottle that was on the table beside his bunk. At least, that was his intention. Slowly, it dawned on him that he had not moved so much. He tried again to pull his arm around to reach for the bottle, but it would not budge. Slowly, the guard opened his eyes and looked to his side. It took a moment to focus, a moment more to recognize the rope that was knotted around his wrist. He twisted his head and looked to the other side, only to find his other wrist immobilized as well.

“It is about time,” a voice said softly from the shadows in the corner of the room. “I had feared that you had drunk yourself to death.”

Erik slowly stepped from the corner and into the pale light of the small window to this room. His hands rested on the hilts of the knives that hung from his belt. His eyes bored into the prone guard on the bed.

“Who’re you?” the guard slurred.

“No one of consequence. A seeker. I am seeking something and you are going to tell me where to find it.”

“I ain’t gon’ tell you nothin’,” the guard spat out with a growl.

Erik tilted his head and stared at the man for a moment. Then he drew one of his knives and held it up so that the blade caught the pale light.

“You are incorrect. You will tell me everything I need to know. The quicker you do, the quicker the medics will be able to start healing you.”

“I don’t need no medics,” the guard replied, pulling on the rope that tied his wrists together underneath the bed.

Erik moved forward faster than the guard had anticipated. The rogue’s hand closed over the guard’s mouth, muffling his sound. The guard then felt the tip of Erik’s knife poking at his side.

“You will,” Erik said as he drug the tip down the guard’s side, drawing a thin line of blood and eliciting a grunt of pain. Erik moved his blade away and leaned back from the guard who was breathing a little heavier now. “A woman. Priestess. Blonde. She was supposed to be sent to the Maw, but I cannot find any trace of where she was sent from or to. But everyone here that I’ve talked to seems to think you know where she went. Why is that?”

“No idea who you’re talking ‘bout!”

“Name is Larethian. Blue eyes. Here against her will,” Erik added with a frown. He turned slightly and then shoved his blade under the waistband of the guard’s pants. 

“Hey now!” the guard yelled as he squirmed, only now realizing that his legs were tied as well.

Erik pulled up on the knife and started to cut the pants down one of the legs. With one side of the pants cut open, he then reached over and repeated the process to the other leg. With both sides split, he then grabbed at the waistband and pulled the cloth away.

“I’m going to start with your toes. Every time you fail to tell me what I want to know, I’ll cut one off. That means you only have eleven chances to get his right.”

“Eleven? You daft? I only got ten toes.”

“I know,” Erik answered, giving the guard a dark look. He placed his blade next to the guard’s little toe on his right foot. “Shall we begin? Where is she!”

“I don’t know,” the guard started to panic. “I was gonna send her, but then when I went back she was gone!”

“Gone? Where? How?”

“I don’t know,” the guard pleaded. The whole lot of them.”

“Who?” Erik demanded, slicing his blade slowly along the joint of the toe.

“I don’t know! Bunch of women! Humans, elves, Draenei. All of ‘em! Just vanished before…” 

“Before what?”

“Before I could….  you know… Get her outta there,” the guard added hastily.

“Was she injured?” Erik asked, his voice deathly quiet.

“No more than the rest,” the guard offered tentatively.

“I see.”

“You gonna let me go now, right? I told ya’ what I know.”

“I promised that the quicker you answered, the sooner the medics could tend to you.”

“But I don’t need no medics, right?”

———

“I tell you, I heard someone crying out from his room.”

“You don’t think he’s at it again, do you?” 

The two priests looked at each other and frowned.

“I hope not. Something really needs to be done about him,” the first priest added conspiratorially.

“Not our decision. Let’s just make sure everyone is all right.”

The two priest’s stepped up to the door and knocked.

“Sir, we heard screaming. Is everything okay?”

The priest opened the door and looked inside. The groaning sound drew his attention to the bed. The sight caused the seasoned priest to pale.

“By the Light. Quick! Get some bandages!”

Further down the hallway, Erik pulled his hood down further over his head and began walking away, keeping to the shadows.

[eriktherogue]

On A Deadline

The priest was sitting at the small table in his room, eating what passed for breakfast in this place, and quietly contemplating what the new day had in store for him. Without warning, the door burst open and slammed against the wall. Standing in the doorway was a man wearing black leather, his hood pulled forward to help hide his features. 

Erik walked into the room dragging a moaning man by the collar. Once inside the room, he dropped the unconscious man to the floor and then reached back and pushed the door shut. All of this the priest watched with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. Erik then turned to look squarely at him.

“There are two things we need to reach an understanding on immediately. First, my name is irrelevant.”

“Who are you?” the priest stammered.

Erik frowned at the man. “The second is that calling for the guards will not save you,” he said as he pointed to the body on the floor.

“Guards!” the priest shrieked as he bolted up from his chair and tried to push past the rogue. Erik reached out and grabbed the front of the priest’s robes. He then stuck his foot behind the priest’s and pushed him backwards, causing him to trip and fall heavily to the ground on his back. Erik knelt next to him, keeping his hand pushing down on the priest’s chest.

“I do not have time for this, and therefore you do not have time for this,” Erik said in a calm, quiet voice.

“What do you want?”

“I am looking for someone. A woman. She has been moved multiple times and each time it seems to be by your orders. You will tell me where she is now.”

“What woman?”

“Her surname is Larethian. Blonde. Blue eyes. Where is she?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Erik’s left hand lashed out and slapped the priest’s face. If anything, it seemed as if the priest’s eyes got even wider.

“Do not lie to me,” Erik said in his still calm voice. “You know where she is and you will tell me.”

“I promise, I have no idea what’s going on.”

Erik frowned again. His free hand reached behind his back and pulled a knife from his belt. He brought the knife around and placed the flat of the blade against the priest’s chest.

“I have been tasked with finding this woman. I have been given the discretion to use whatever means I deem necessary to do so. You will tell me where she is or I will end up doing something that you’ll regret.”

“I’ll regret?”

“I promise you that I won’t.”

The priest looked into Erik’s eyes and there was a subtle shift in his body language.

“Do you know who I work for?” the priest asked with a sense of bravado.

“I do. And I do not care.”

“You should care,” the priest retorted, trying to look angry though not quite being successful.

“I don’t care. And that should worry you more. I know who ordered all of this. And they will get their due when the time is appropriate. But for now, it is just you and me and my very sharp knife.” Erik dug the tip of his blade into the fabric of the priest’s robes and pulled slightly.

“You don’t know what they’ll do to me.”

“Perhaps. But I do know what I will do to you if you make me wait much longer for the answers that I need. I have been charged with retrieving this woman and as such, we are both on a deadline.” Erik put noticeable emphasis on the word dead.

“You don’t understand,” the priest said, his false bravado fading.

“I do understand that unless you tell me what I need to know right now,” Erik started, pulling his knife a little to tear open the front of the priest’s robes, “then life will be very difficult for what is left of you.”

“Left of me?” the priest repeated, panic edging into his voice.

“Left attached anyways.”

“I can’t tell you.”

“You will. Because if you don’t, I will maim you here and now. But you will live. Long enough for me to visit again soon, where I will take a little more from you. And it will continue like that, where I will come looking for you every so often, to take another piece of flesh. And you won’t know when it’s going to happen. And you won’t know where it’s going to happen. You will only know, with undying certainty, that it is absolutely going to happen. And nothing you can do will stop it.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“You are wasting my time and your’s,” Erik responded, pushing the tip of his blade into the priest’s chest. “And you don’t have much time left. I will start with your finger. They say that the pain eventually goes away, but I can say from experience that it never really does.” 

The priest looked up into the cold eyes of the rogue who was leaning over him. His mind raced as he thought about what was said in that passive, unnervingly calm voice. He felt the tip of the knife starting to pierce the skin of his chest. Then he closed his eyes and shuddered.

“She’s in the maw! They had me move her into the maw!”

[eriktherogue]

Reconnaissance In a New Realm

Children ran around the court square outside of the orphanage in Stormwind. From time to time, the matron of the orphanage would look out the door to make sure that everyone was safe. Some children played near the fountain while others ran along the street. Most tried not to get too close to the Cathedral to risk disturbing the priests and paladin there. For that reason, none of the young people noticed the lone figure who stood in the shadow of their home.

Erik watched the front steps of the Cathedral. He stood quietly in the shadows and took care to not be noticed. His leather armor blended in with the darkness beside the building so that most passersby never saw him. His gaze never wavered from the entrance. He seemed intent on the comings and goings there, but never made any other move. 

Another group of priests came out of the Cathedral and made their way down the steps. Half way down, one priest separated from the rest and started walking in Erik’s direction. The rogue stepped away from the shadows and began walking towards the Cathedral in a path that would cross the lone priest. As they got closer, the priest pulled on a bag that had been slung over his shoulder and held it in his hand. At the same moment, the rogue reached into his pocket and withdrew a small leather pouch. As the path of the two men crossed, they paused.

“Here, this will disguise you,” the priest said offering the bag to Erik. “The next group will be leaving in about thirty minutes. Just long enough for us to get more supplies for the journey. Paperwork inside should get you where you need to go.”

“Where will the portal be?”

“Off the great hall. Can’t miss it. Guards are stationed to make sure only authorized people go through.”

“Thank you,” Erik said quietly as he reached over to take the pack. With the other hand, he gave the priest the small leather bag. “This should cover your inconveniences.”

“Just don’t get caught,” the priest said as he took the money bag and tucked it into a pocket. “Getting back may be harder. The papers clear you for it, but they change their minds quickly over there.”

“Anything else I need to know?”

The priest shook his head. Erik nodded and then started walking towards the steps again, leaving the priest behind. The priest, surprised by the abrupt departure almost turned to look at the rogue before his common sense caught up with him and prevented the glance. The priest continued walking past the orphanage and disappeared around the corner.

Erik slung the sack over his shoulder and started walking towards the entrance to the Cathedral. With luck, a group of travelers were heading up the stairs as well, and Erik moved in behind them. As the guards checked their papers, they let the group in and Erik passed without question or incident. Once inside, he took a quick survey of the main hall. It was crowded and loud with people moving constantly. 

Breaking away from the group he’d followed in, Erik moved to the sides of the great hall and then turned down one of the hallways. Slowly, he followed the hallway until it finally emptied and he was alone. Testing one of the doors, he found it locked. He put an ear to the door and heard nothing from inside. Then he heard someone coming from further down the hallway. Erik turned and started walking back to the great hall so that his back was turned to the new arrivals. A pair of priests walked briskly past him and never paid the rogue a glance. Once they were past the entrance to the hall, Erik turned again and moved back to the locked door. Pulling out his lock picks, he made quick work of the lock and slipped into the empty office. There, he opened the sack and pulled out some priestly robes and the travel papers he had been promised. Erik pulled the robes over his leathers, adjusting them as best he could to hide the nature of his armor beneath. Then he looked over the papers. They were simple, straightforward, and bore the signature and stamp of the bishop. These should do, Erik thought to himself.

The rogue put his ear to the door for a moment before opening it. Seeing no one in the hallway, he slipped out and shut the door behind him. Quickly, he made his way back to the great hall. It was still very active with an obvious flow towards one doorway at the far end. Erik took a moment to consider the scene when he saw a priest walking in his direction with a stack of large boxes in his hand. Erik walked to the priest’s side and subtly bumped into him, causing the priest to lose balance and the boxes started to tumble.

“It’s okay,” Erik said as he caught the top box and helped to hold the others steady until the priest regained his balance.

“Thanks,” the priest said. “They’re not heavy, but they sure are awkward.” 

“I understand,” Erik said as he held onto the box and tucked it under his arm. “Never enough hands.”

“I’ll say,” the priest answered with a knowing nod. “So much to do and never enough people to do it. So who’s left holding the bag?”

“Or the box?”

“Or the box. That’s right. Us!” The priest suddenly shrunk a little, realizing that his voice had gotten louder than he intended. He gave Erik a chagrined look, but the rogue simply shrugged.

“I didn’t hear anything,” Erik said quietly as he started walking alongside the priest. They continued on to the doorway with the flow of people. The priest continued the small talk, but Erik only partially paid attention. 

As soon as the passed the doorway, he saw the large portal the dominated the room. Two mages stood on either side and held it open as the flow of people continued through. Taking a deep breath and clinching his jaw slightly, the rogue continued forward.

“It’s not that bad,” the priest said to Erik in a whisper. “I’ve been there once already. It’s kind of pretty.”

Erik simply nodded and then stepped into the glowing portal. He let his breath out quickly as he appeared on a platform, the breath quickly turning into a slight whistle as he looked at the floating city for the first time.

“Like I said, kind of pretty.”

“Keep it moving! We need to get these supplies sorted and shipped to Bastion!”

The rogue looked around and saw the mists around the city. Nearby was a portal floating in the air. At the edge of the platform another priest started barking commands, telling them where to take the supplies that they had just brought over. Erik stay with his group and carried the box into the city. The group was led towards a room to the side of the main entrance and there they started to deposit the bags and boxes that they had brought with them.

“I’ll be right back,” Erik said to his new friend.

“The bathroom is to the right. I don’t think they had any before we arrive,” he added in a quieter tone.

Erik nodded and then stepped out into the walkway. First he looked back to the landing platform to his left, then he looked to his right and followed the crowd. The circular room was as huge as any Erik had ever seen, and the pillar of light in the middle definitely drew attention. The rogue fought the urge to gaze around and instead tried to identify where people were going.

“Get up to the flight station right away. They need those supplies.”

“I hate using those worm things. Why can’t they open a portal to Bastion?”

Erik nonchalantly looked over to see the two priests having the conversation. One was carrying a large backpack.

“Don’t know. Don’t care. Just get those medical supplies there immediately.”

“Is it that bad?”

“Don’t know. But they’ve been calling for them all morning. Get going.”

The priest with the backpack nodded and stepped over to a square platform near the column of light. Erik watched with interest as the priest then disappeared. The rogue quickly stepped over to the platform and looked it over. He saw no obvious mechanism so, tentatively, he stepped up. There was a flash and then he found himself on a new level. The rogue glanced around and saw the priest he had followed walking towards one of the floating figures that were everywhere in this place. Erik stepped off the platform and followed, getting close enough to hear the priest tell the floating figure that he was heading to someplace called Bastion. The floating figured nodded and gestured to one of the floating beasts beside him. They looked like magical worms. Erik watched as the priest climbed onto its back and flew off.

“Where would you go?” the floating figure asked Erik as he walked closer.

“I must check on the wounded in Bastion.”

“Of course,” the floating figure responded, pointing to one of the flying creatures. Erik hesitated for a moment and then climbed onto its back. The beast smoothly lifted from the ground and flew to a large, glowing window. As he passed through, everything changed to blurring colors and light. He held onto the reigns tightly as the beast seemed to know where to go on its own. Finally, they passed through another portal and there was ground beneath them again.

Erik scanned the land below. It looked vaguely familiar, even if it was not his own home. He hoped that the beast would know where to take him and, after a short flight, his hope was rewarded. He could see a collection of buildings and various people moving about at them. Along with a large collection of priests and priestesses, there appeared to be other humanoids. Most were blue and some had wings. The beast began descending towards the buildings and within moments was on the ground. As soon as he slid out of the saddle and stood up, he ducked his head and moved into a nearby group before anyone could call to him. Scanning the area, he could see several who had the bearing or markings of someone in charge.

As he moved within the crowd, Erik saw several priests off to the side of the buildings. On the ground lay more individuals, giving the appearance of a triage area. He was about to move on from the area when a movement caught his attention. A priestess was kneeling next to one of the injured soldiers and had reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. She was here.

Erik moved closer to the triage area and positioned himself across from Niviene. After a few moments, she stopped tending to the soldier on the ground and leaned back on her heels. As she blankly scanned the area around her, her gaze continued past the rogue. Then she stopped and turned her head back towards him. Erik saw recognition in her eyes and saw her draw breath with the intention of speaking. The rogue shook his head slightly and then his eyes glanced to the side. Niviene followed his gaze and saw one of the Cathedral priests watching the healers. Niviene dropped her gaze to the soldier beside her and nodded. After a moment, she looked up again. Erik slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a stone which she immediately recognized. Niv nodded again.

“Get back to it priests!” someone nearby yelled. Niviene forced herself to look away and turn her attentions back to the soldier beside her. Erik risked a glance at the voice, getting a good look at the person’s face, before turning and heading back to the landing area.

“Greetings, priest. How may I assist you, today?” one of the blue skinned people asked.

“I must return to the city.”

“Oribos? Or course.” She gestured to what looked liked a winged lion. Erik nodded and walked to the lion, climbing onto its saddle. The lion leapt into the air and soon they were on their way through the portal and back to Oribos. As they passed through the first portal, he looked beneath him and started a little to see he was riding one of the magical worms again. Erik glanced from side to side. He looked for anything definitive, but all he could see were streams of light and a pale blue that filtered around everything. And then they flew through another portal and appeared back in Oribos. 

The rogue slipped down from the saddle without and response to the greeting of the floating figure who was waiting there. Erik quickly walked over to the platform and with a flash found himself on the lower level of the city once more. It took him a few minutes of wandering before he finally found the walkway that led to the platform where the portal originally brought him to this strange world. He started making his way down the hall when he heard someone call out.

“Where are you going?”

Erik ignored the voice and kept walking. Suddenly, Erik felt a hand grab his shoulder and jerk him to a stop. He was pulled around to face a priest with his hand gripping the shoulder of Erik’s robes and two paladins standing beside him.

“I asked where you were going priest.”

“I was returning to Azeroth.”

“On whose authority?”

Erik reached into the pocket of his robes and brought out the papers he had been carrying. He then offered the papers to the priest. The priest looked over the papers and scowled.

“You’re coming with me until we get this sorted out.”

“I’m sorry,” Erik said, looking the priest in the eyes.

“Don’t be sorry, just do what you’re told.”

“No, I’m sorry that this has to hurt.”

The rogue thrust his hand forward and punched the priest in the throat. The priest let go of Erik and stumbled back as he held his throat and gasped for air. The paladin to the left reached up and tried to grab Erik, but ducked beneath the paladin’s grasp. Erik stepped back and then pushed off of the paladin’s back, causing him to lose his balance and tumble into the other paladin. Erik reached into his pocket again and pulled out a small orb. He threw it at the ground where it shattered and suddenly there was a plume of smoke. The rogue turned and sprinted down the walkway. He was already outside by the time he heard the calls from behind him. As the paladins came running through the smoke, Erik leapt forward and dove into the portal that shimmered on the landing pad.

Erik ducked his head and rolled across the ground. Looking up, he recognized the portal room in the Mage Tower. He jumped to his feet and ran towards the entrance ramp, tearing off the robes he’d been wearing as he went. He burst out into the sunlight and ran down the ramp. As soon as he was on the ground level, he ran to the corner of one of the businesses and moved to the other side. Controlling his breathing, he waited and watched the entrance to the tower. Soon, a group of men in armor came jogging down the ramp. Erik turned and pulled his hood up over his head as he walked away. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his stone.

“Commander. I found her.”

[eriktherogue]

Uncertain Theories

Erik climbed down from the gryphon and thanked the master before heading to the road. Darkshire was the same as it always was; dark but busy. Adjusting the swords on his belt, he began walking down the road out of town, eventually stepping off to follow the path to one of the last houses in the village. Finally finding himself standing at the front door of the two story home, the rogue glanced from side to side before finally reaching out to the door and giving it a quick knock.

There was a moment of silence then a heavy, erratic thumping moving from inside the house toward the door. The curtain at the neary window fluttered before the door flew open, banging roughly against the adjacent wall. Erik barely had a chance to blink before he was nearly bowled over by an object latching itself around his legs.

“Uncle Erik! Uncle Erik!” Korissa shouted, “Did you come to rescue me?”

Erik stumbled back a step and looked down in surprise at the young lady attached to his leg. Taking a moment to secure his balance, he glanced towards the door quickly and then looked back at Korissa.

“Who is after you, Miss Korissa?”

Korissa skipped backward and looked up at the visitor, “Nobody. I’m just bored. Daddy and Banny are out back fighting.” at this the child did air quotes, “And momma’s in her workroom. I’m not allowed to go in there… not after the last time.”

“Of course,” Erik nodded solemnly. “Then may I send you on an important quest? I would like to talk with your mother. Could you please ask her if she is available?”

Kori rolled her eyes and sighed, “That doesn’t sound important to me but okay. Come on in and I’ll get her.” she stepped into the house and waited for Erik to follow, once inside she pointed at the spot on which he stood, her eyes narrowed, “Stay right there.” she admonished before skipping off down the hall, skidding to a stop as Niviene rounded the corner, the priestess’ own expression an exasperated scowl, “Kori what in the Light are you doing? I thought I told you to go play in your room. Did I hear voices? Is someone here?”

“I’m afraid that was my doing, ma’am,” Erik said from the door. “Miss Korissa was kind enough to greet me at the door. I was hoping that you might have a moment to talk.”

Niviene made a futile attempt to school her features into a neutral expression as she nodded, “Yes. Of course. Do you need me to get Bragh?” apprehension was evident in her voice as she moved further into the room, “Would you like a drink? Maybe something to eat?”

“No, thank you,” Erik answered. Then, for a brief moment, there was a look of uncertainty on the rogue’s face. “Actually, I was hoping that we could speak alone for a moment.” Erik pause again. “I am unsure and do not want to bring it up to the commander prematurely.”

“Yes. Of course.” she repeated the nturned to Korissa almost absently, “Kori honey, why don’t you get a couple of cookies and go play in your room while I have a talk with Erik.” she held a plate of sweets out to the child then patted her on the shoulder and sent her on her way. Once the girl was out of sight she motioned the rogue to follow her. She didn’t speak until they entered her workroom then she turned, “We can talk in here. Kori won’t come in and we’ll have a little privacy. As long as Bragh and Banny stay outside. Is there trouble?”

“No, ma’am,” Erik answered. “Something has come up recently. The commander knows most of it. But there was one part I haven’t mentioned yet.”  Erik paused, apparently collecting his thoughts. “I’m sorry to bring this up, but I have a question about warlocks. And you and the commander are the only people I know well enough to trust the question. I will understand if you’d prefer not to discuss it, though.”

“Warlocks?” Niviene glanced down, only just realizing she still held the plate of cookies. She set the plate down with an audible thunk and turned, squaring her shoulders and raising her chin slightly, “Of course. What is it you need to know?”

“I am curious about their minions. Specifically, can one minion serve a different master? I’ve had very little contact with any, at least in any meaningful way. So I have no knowledge as to the restrictions of their servants.”

“Serve a different master? Well… I don’t think so. At least I’ve never heard of such a thing. But we are talking about demons here; yhey seem to do what they think is in their own best interest, even when tied to a specific warlock.” she thought for a second then shook her head, “I know that those that were under Noctifer’s influence never served anyone else. Luc… Lucidena never used minions that I know of… none of the other warlocks in the Shrouds seemed to share their demons. So no… I think it’s safe to say that they can’t serve more than one master. Of course it’s been several years since I had any dealings with a warlock so things may have changed.”

“I see,” Erik said, looking at the floor for a moment before looking back at the priestess. “There is a warlock who seems to have an issue with the same enemy that attack you and the commander before. I mentioned this already to the commander,” he added quickly. “I have met this warlock twice now, but he was masked both times and I’ve had no luck determining who he is. The first time we met, though, there was an imp with him. And the imp seemed… familiar.”

Niviene glanced up at Erik, her tense expression giving way to curiosity, “Familiar? Did you by chance here it’s name?”

“No. I heard no names used. When I found them in the forest after the attack, I requested that they come with me to talk to the commander. The refused and the warlock used a spell to disappear. But before the imp left, it said something that caught my attention. I heard it say ‘sucker’, before it disappeared.”

Niviene blinked at that , “Did it have a very snide tone of voice when it said it?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her knees buckled slightly and she put a hand out to steady herself, “No.. it can’t be. He left. They said he couldn’t come back…” she paused for a moment, her thoughts racing back to her nightmare and she shook her head, “It can’t be. He… he said it wasn’t possible.” Niviene heaved a ragged sigh then looked up at Erik, realizing she’d been babbling. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, sliding into a nearby chair. She sat for a moment, brushing a wrinkle from her skirts then folded her hands neatly in her lap, her eyes downcast as she struggled to gain control of her emotions.

“As I said, I don’t know enough about their minions to know. I’d never heard another use that term, but it is possible I would imagine. And if they are bound to serve one alone, if this is the same imp it could mean that it is no longer bound. But either possibility only brings up more questions.” Erik stopped and watched as Niviene sat quietly. “I am torn about telling the commander. If I am wrong, what would it do to him?”

Niviene looked up, “But if you’re right and you don’t tell him… No. He needs to know, one way or another. If it’s Banagan he will want to know that his son has returned. But.. you said you’ve encountered him a couple of times… How long ago? If it’s Banagan, surely he would have let us know he’s here…”

“I’ve spoken to him twice. Once was shortly after the attack. The second time was a few days ago. He asked questions about the death knight who had attacked your home. I told the commander about that meeting yesterday, but chose to keep this part to myself until I could figure out what to do. If it is him, he had an opportunity to say so but chose not to.” Erik stopped and let out a quick breath.

“I think you are correct. He should know.” Erik stopped and looked at Niviene. “I’m sorry to put this situation on your shoulders.”

The priestess shook her head, rising, “There’s nothing for you to be sorry for. If Bragh asked you to look into it you were doing as you were told. If you did it on your own you did it out of concern for your friend. Either way there is no fault at your door. I’ll go get him. Unless you’d rather I tell him…”

“No, I will tell him. I’m sure he will have questions. But I thank you for the offer. I will wait for him here. Thank you.”

Niviene nodded and turned to the door then stopped, she glanced over her shoulder, her voice faltering slightly, “Erik… did he happen to mention if there was a woman traveling with him?”

“No, ma’am. He did not mention that. And there was no one with him either of the times we spoke.”

The priestess nodded and took another deep breath before stepping out the door to fetch her husband.

[eriktherogue]

Something Odd

“Erik? Are you listening?”

The rogue blinked twice, his thoughts racing back to him. He glanced down to notice the drink in his hand that he’d fixed but hadn’t sipped since. Then he looked up at the young lady sitting next to him on the balcony. It was a cool evening in the city and the sky was clear for a little star gazing.

“I’m sorry May. My mind must have wandered.”

“Is something wrong?” Sharlimay asked, taking a sip from her drink.

“I’m not sure.”

“Is it about the commander?” She asked, watching as the rogue nodded slightly. “Think that other guy was involved?”

“The warlock? I don’t know. Maybe. But for some reason I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not sure. Just a feeling I have. Something unusual, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“Well, obviously brooding here isn’t going to help you figure it out,” May replied, setting her drink down.

“I’m not brooding.”

“Of course not,” she answered with a grin.

“I don’t brood.”

“Never.” May stood up and moved next to Erik. Leaning over, she took his hand and started to pull him up. “There’s a new tavern opening up. We should check it out.”

“We have drinks here, May.”

“I don’t care. We’re going out.”

With a sigh, the rogue stood up and allowed himself to be led off the balcony and towards the apartment door.

[niviene-larethian]

Hope

Niviene looked at the man across the desk with narrow eyes; their sky blue hue turned nearly ice white. The man blanched slightly at the flash of emotions the priestess was unable to conceal and he found himself wishing that he could have taken back every word he had just spoken. Not that it would matter, the sheaf of papers clutched tightly in her hand laid his findings, or lack thereof, out in stark black and white.

She nodded then rose to her feet, moving around the desk and heading toward the door, “Thank you Mr. Winston. I trust the amount I’ve already given you will suffice since you haven’t given me any more information than I already had.”

The man narrowed his own eyes briefly, looking down at the diminutive blonde until a movement caught his attention. The young man leaning against the wall had only raised his head but it had been enough, Winston sensed the tension in the young man, as If he were waiting, and with the look of barely suppressed anger he bore, Winston was certain he didn’t want the young man’s attentions to fall fully on him. “Yes ma’am. Quite right.” He tugged on his forelock and ducked his head before stepping through an already closing door.

Niviene sighed heavily, heading back to her desk, “What do you think Erik?” she asked as she handed the rogue the stack of papers. While the young man read through Winston’s report the headmistress took a sip of tepid tea, grimacing slightly at the temperature.

“Looks like he was pretty thorough but I won’t know for sure until I’ve finished my own investigation. If Rhio can be found rest assured I will find her and I’ll bring you news of where she is.”

The priestess nodded, “I should have called you to begin with. I know if anyone can find her you can.”

Erik pushed off the wall, straightening his shoulders and headed toward the door where he paused and looked back, “Niv, I mean what I said. I’ll tell you what I find out. But you may not like what I tell you.” He peered at her closely, taking in the slumped shoulders and the sadness in her eyes, “You should prepare yourself for the worst. Just in case.”

Niviene stared at him for a moment then blinked back tears, “Rhio’s been missing for six months Erik. I think I’ve played out every possible scenario in my head. I hear what you’re saying. I… I just can’t give up hope.”

[eriktherogue]

Jumped

Erik finished reading the page on the clipboard and then handed it back to the dock worker. “Everything looks good.”

“Thank you, Mr. Virgas. We should have all of the crates in the warehouse before the end of the day.”

“That’ll be fine,” Erik said.

“If you don’t mind me saying, sir,” the worker started, waiting until Erik gave a slight nod. “Things are running very smooth. Some of the men were worried that the business would collapse after all that... unpleasantness.. with your father.”

Erik listened and then nodded.

“Anyways, we’ll have it done by the end of the day and I’ll have the paperwork to you in the morning.”

“That will be fine. I’ll speak with you in the morning.” Erik turned and walked up the ramp back to the main part of the city. 

Erik moved past the Cathedral district and made his way towards the upperclass section of town. Wearing a fine, blue tunic instead of his normal leathers, he drew no attention from the guards as he passed them. The rogue unconsciously tugged on the cuffs of his sleeves as he walked.

Without warning, Erik felt something slam into his shoulder and knock him against the wall of the building he was passing. Before he could do anything, someone grabbed his collar and dragged him into a nearby alley. The hands pushed Erik against the wall and pressed an arm against his neck.

“Hands in the air and don’t make a sound or you’re dead.”

Erik raised his hand, his arms resting against the wall behind him.

“Good,” the attacker said, his face close to the rogues. “You’re going to give us your coin purse. Then you’re going to give us your keys.”

“Keys?”

“Yeah, to your warehouses. We heard you talking about it down on the docks. You’re going to give up the keys and you’re going to forget we were ever here.”

“Or else what?”

“Or else we’ll have to convince you.”

Erik stared into the eyes of the man and felt him push his arm against the rogue’s throat slightly. Suddenly, Erik brought his right arm down and struck his elbow against his attacker’s forehead. The pressure of the arm against Erik’s neck slackened and Erik brought his elbow down again on the side of the man’s head. Erik then put his hands against the man’s shoulders and, braced against the wall, shoved his attacker back. Before the man could recover, Erik brought his knee up into the man’s stomach, causing him to bend over.

Reaching behind his back, the attacker drew a knife out and slashed horizontally at the rogue. Erik slid to the side, against the wall, out of reach of the blade. The attacker stood up and lunged with the blade. Erik slapped the back of the attacker’s hand and knocked the blade against the wall. The rogue then stepped in and grabbed the man’s wrist, twisting his arm up. Shifting his grip, Erik continued to rotate his attacker’s arm until he pulled the man off balance and dropped him to the ground on his back. Stepping away, Erik reached underneath the back of his tunic and pulled out the dagger he had hidden in his belt.

“Get out of there!” another voice called out. Erik looked to the entrance of the alley and saw another man standing there. He looked back down at his attacker who was now scrambling to his feet. Casting another glance at Erik, the attacker turned and sprinted to the entrance of the alley. Reaching his friend, the two turned and disappeared around the corner. Erik ran to the main street and scanned the area. Frowning, he saw no sign of his attackers. 

Erik slowly slid his dagger back into his belt and started slowing his breathing. Looking around again, Erik let out a quick breath before turning and, with a quicker step, made his way home. 

[eriktherogue]

Brooding

“Where are you, Erik?” May’s voice called out as she entered the apartment and shut the door behind her. She waited for a minute and, when she didn’t get a response, stepped further in. Seeing the door to the small balcony was open, May walked over to find Erik sitting on a chair staring at the sky, a newly opened bottle of rum on the table beside him and a glass that appeared to be untouched.

“Uh oh,” May said with a grin, her hands moving to her hips as she looked down at the rogue.  “Someone’s brooding again.”

“I don’t brood,” Erik replied calmly.

“And you always say that when I call you out for brooding.” May sat down in the other chair on the balcony and picked up the bottle, noticing that it was still relatively full. “What’s bothering you this time?”

“Its been two weeks since the attack, and I have made no headway in discovering who was behind it.”

“The attack on your commander?”

‘Yes,” Erik said, reaching over and picking up his glass. He held it in front of his mouth for a moment, then returned it to the table without drinking. “I thought it might have been one person, but I cannot find him to question him.”

“What if it wasn’t someone from Stormwind? What if they hired someone from Ironforge, or from Kalimdor?”

“I thought of that,” Erik said with a frown. “If that’s true, I may never determine who it was. At least not unless they make another attempt.”

“You think its likely they’ll try again?”

“Yes.  I would, if it were me.”

“If it were you, there wouldn’t need to be a second attempt,” May responded, setting the bottle back on the table before sitting back in her chair to look at the sky. Erik glanced over at his friend and after a moment shrugged his shoulders slightly.

“I suppose not.”

[eriktherogue]

[eriktherogue]

Character Flaws

easily scared | whiny | repetitive | selfish | arrogant | easily excitable | too silly | stubborn | blank minded | overly cautious | loud | easily bored | untrustworthy | disloyal | manipulative | over sensitive | possessive | clingy | obnoxious | gullible | annoying | judgmental | tactless | merciless | unlucky | soft-hearted | sarcastic | reckless | paranoid | unsophisticated | pushy | self-critical | smart-ass | solemn | erratic | antisocial | complex | dubious | egotistical | tongue-tied | temperamental | lazy | sadist | masochist | predictable

Tagged by @rileygraylyle