((Thanks to @elenariseventide for helping with this one!))
The flight to Quel’Danas had taken almost all of what little coin he had left to his name. The Eventide manor was some distance away, so he set off with a mile eating soldier’s stride. His mind was spinning with too many thoughts. Where was Eleney’a? Was she hurt? What was he going to say to Elenaris? How would she react to his arrival and news?
He shook his head, banishing them all from his head. He had to do what he needed to. Eleney’a was out there somewhere and he was going to find her, and then punish the ones who took her. But he needed the Eventides to do it, and they had a right to join him in this. He crested the hill that lead to the estate, pausing as he gazed upon it.
Something was wrong. It was too quiet. His eyes narrowed as he studie the area. Was he too late? Had they already set off for Dalaran? A frown crossed his face. Only one way to find out. He headed down the path towards the grounds, unknowingly tripping one of the magical wards that would alert any inhabitants to an intruder.
Upon coming further toward the estate, it would be shatteringly obvious that the windows that typical were illuminated were darkened and there was little movement outside and likely inside as well. The guards stood vigilant at the gate, more than usual and it took him a bit longer than having expected to be welcomed, if that was what you could call it. Not even the guards stood inside the gates, they would not budge from their posts as they not only stood at the front but spread along the perimeter.
It wasn’t until a dark haired smaller figure approached that Daer’the was truly addressed. She stood on the opposite side of the large iron gates that remained closed and spoke to him through the bars. “Master Daer’the…” Cindel’s words were almost hushed though it was moreso out of surprise. “What are you doing here? How are you not with Eleney’a…do you know where she is-”
“ Miss Cindel,” he cut her off. “ I need to speak with Lady Eventide, or her brother at once. If she is not here, then I need to know where she is.”
The little mage blinked, still overcome with the shock that he was there without the youngest Eventide after having been the one to receive the message detailing Enomea had her. “They are not…Lady Eventide warded the Estate before she left so I cannot welcome you in, but they went to Dalaran. They are going to be in the Broken Isles, Master Daer’the. W-what happened?”
The swordsman let out an angry curse. “ Where in Dalaran?” he demanded, “ I have little time to waste.” The young woman had always been kind to him, but his nerves were starting to fray under the stress.
Cindel shook her head. “I do not know precisely the location, though with missives from Lady Eventide they have met with Lady Sun’rael…Kaevia, she and Vel’adir have been sharing a flat within the city. Surely someone there can point you to them.”
“ Then I’ll waste no more time here.” he stated, turning and starting to walk away. “ Be safe Miss Cindel.”
“Daer’the!” She called out, her hands coming to grip the iron gate. “Is she alive?” She managed to get out through a slightly trembling voice.
He turned back to her, his anger evident on his face. “ I don’t know.” he said. “ But if she has been harmed, then those responsible will pay in blood.” Without another word he was off again. Time was running out.
