Disclaimer: I do not own Blizzard or Warcraft. All Characters portrayed in this story are property of their respected owners.

This is the sequel to The Crimson Fox. You can find it right here on FF! Although, you will not have to read it to jump right in to this one! Enjoy the story and then go read some Lore or play some WoW!

Echo of the Lion's Roar

Prelude

Stormwind was burning, just as Anduin Lothar had feared from the start. King Llane had to see reason now. They needed to gather the citizens, and flee before the Orcish Horde over ran them. The horses rushed through the streets at neck breaking speeds. The hooves sliding on the stones as they maneuvered the sharp turns around burning buildings.

Lothar saw a few soldiers holding one of the bottle neck points before the main keep. "How fares things here?" He pulled his charger up short. The animal rearing at the tension of his reins.

The men came to their feet seeing Lothar, and his small force consisting of only five fighters behind him. One of them stepped forward. "We have managed to hold this point so far. I can not say what transpires in the keep behind us, but I hear the north western homes have been under a full scale invasion for the last several hours. Since I no longer receive word by messenger or flare, I have assumed that it's gone."

A startled cry came from behind Lothar. He turned to watch Ondrena pull off her helmet. The long black curls falling over her shoulders." What of the housing square?"

"As I have said, there has been no sign for hours." The guard could see the female warrior was disturbed at his report.

Ondrena wheeled her horse around. She put her heels to it's side, but Lothar's hand shot out to seize the reins. "I forbid it!" He inched his horse closer. "Many times, on many things, I have given you what ever you asked, Ondrena. Not this time. The King and keep lay just before us. I will see both secure before we rush off into untested territory."

Ondrena's deep brown eyes filled with rage. She looked around at the audience and held her tongue. The look she shot him was purely that of a Stormwind noble. Lothar knew if he were to make mention of it she would no doubt knock him from his horse.

Ondrena was everything to him. Lothar remembered when he had first laid eyes on her. It was a time when no woman dared to stand with, or against the men of combat. He could still hear her loud resounding laughter, as she turned her back on her noble parents, and walked out of the main keep. The audience had King Adamant presiding between them. Adamant had determined that Ondrena could follow her heart's desire against her parent's wishes. She would be free to enlist in the Stormwind military as long as she left her title and noble rights behind. The King was certain the girl would relent in a matter of days. Gentle born with the face of an angel, she had not only chosen a warrior's life. She had blossomed to it. It was then Lothar lost his heart, and it was never reclaimed.

But Ondrena's rebelliousness was only matched in her ability to be unshakably stubborn. She had refused his offers of marriage. Instead working her way skillfully through the ranks. Finally earning her a place under his command, and firmly out of his reach. Openly anyway. One had to love the legalities of fraternization among troops.

But fraternize they had, and even now the proof of their secret affair was what was driving Ondrena's actions.

"Move to protect the King!" Lothar motioned his men forward. They passed between him and Ondrena. Still she remained unmoved. "Give me none of your insubordination right now!"

"My daughter could be dying as we speak." Ondrena growled low.

There it was. Lothar sighed. "Our daughter is probably already dead." It was harsh, but the words were true. "Stay by my side, Ondrena. We have lost much, and I do not want to loose you too."

Ondrena leaned over in front of the soldiers at the gate. Standing in her stirrups to touch her lips to Lothar's softly, at his words. "Eloise is our daughter. Because of that she can not be dead." Then the chestnut steed back away quickly. The reins flipped out of Lothar's reach. "Do your duty. I am a mother, and right now I have to do mine." She booted the horse with a harsh cry.

No light blessed speed could have aided Lothar in recapturing her. Fear in his eyes as he watched the only woman he loved disappearing into the burning city beyond.

O0O0O0O0O0O0

The King was dead. Curse that traitorous half orc, Garona! Steering his charger to the harbor to rejoin Khadgar and Alonsus Faol. Wrapped in his cloak before him was young Prince Varian. When he had come across Varian, the boy had thrown himself at Lothar. Making no effort to hold back his tears. Lothar could not blame him. He was covered in blood, presumably his father's. Recounting his terrible tale between gasps of air.

Lothar had sunk to his knees in agony as well. King Llane had been a childhood friend. They had remained close. Lothar lived under his service. Obviously, King Llane had died, because of Lothar's failure to his own.

Khadgar didn't need Lothar to tell him just who was wrapped in the thick brown and gold cloak. He reached up to grab the young prince, and pull him down. "Prince Varian!" He cried out. Moving the cloak way from the boy's face. Horrified he looked up at Lothar.

"The King is dead. The blood you see on Varian is a testament to that fact." Lothar dismounted and stood over them.

"Curse those green monsters. Did you see what happened, Prince Varian?" Khadgar whispered pushing the boys hair back in a gentle motion. The sight of so much blood. More then could have been splattered. It was clear he had held his father's body for a time.

Varian closed his eyes. Wanting to block out the memory, but it only came back stronger. Tears fell again as he nodded. Not able to speak, because he would give in to his sobbing again.

"Archbishop Faol!" Khadgar called as he stood back up. A hand dropped to Varian's back. Gently pushing the boy toward the waiting ship. "Prepare to look the young Prince over. He is in need of aid."

"Tell me, where is Ondrena? Has she returned?" Lothar looked at Alonsus rushing down the ramp. The flowing robes billowing with his haste.

"Ondrena isn't with you?" Khadgar frowned suddenly. "I thought she entered the city at your side?"

Lothar paled. "We got separated. I had hoped she would have arrived before me."

Alonsus moved closer putting an arm on Varian's shoulder. "You were not separated. The blasted woman went for the child didn't she?"

Lothar nodded. There was no time for decorum.

"We don't have much time to make our escape, Lothar, and we can't leave without you." Alonsus's voice was harsh, but full of pity.

Lothar didn't respond as he turned and remounted his charger.

Khadgar chasing after him, "What are you doing? We need to get underway with the Prince! There isn't a moment to spare going after a mere soldier. No matter what her bloodline was."

Lothar didn't listen as he rode off.

Alonsus looked down at Varian. Knowing he must curb his tongue before the Prince. "Khadgar, you know how he feels, but there is more there then I can say in present company."

The mage made a confused face, "What are you blathering about?"

Alonsus moved Varian toward the ship. "The Arathi line, mage. Lothar wasn't as remiss in his duty as many believe. Now hold your tongue. Prince Varian has been through enough already!"

O0O0O0O0O0O

Ondrena was cut off. Behind her only a flaming death, before her a full patrol of invading orcs. At least five that she could count. If only her horse had not run off when she had entered the house looking for Eloise.

The child had always been diligent and did exactly as she was told. When the nanny had run off, Eloise had stayed behind. She must never flee. Hold her ground and wait for her mother. No matter how long it was, Ondrena had told her over the years. Mommy will come for you. Just hold on to that knowledge.

Ondrena had entered the house in a rush. Searched everywhere. It was then she found little Eloise curled in a blanket far back in a closet. A small plush fox pinned to her chest chanting "Come for me. Come for me. Come for me."

"Eloise!" Ondrena had cried out opening her arms. Eloise had brightened. The girl half crawled half fell into her mother's embrace. Pushing back her daughter's dark hair, Ondrena scanned her child with a critical eye. If so much as a scratch was on her baby, more then Stormwind would burn. "Are you okay, my child?"

"Yes!" The fox was shoved at her mother. "She kept me safe! Mrs. Basche tried to get us to leave. But my Fox said to wait until you came for me."

"What a clever fox, she is too. Because I have come." Lifting her child to her chest. Turning she rushed out of the little house. Only to see her mount had been spooked off. Damn her for not tethering the creature. Now she was going to have to fight her way to the harbor on foot.

Setting Eloise down, she did not have to tell the girl to get behind her. The orc's features did that job well enough on their own. "Don't worry, Eloise. Mommy is a Stormwind Officer. I can handle a few scraggly monsters." The words were bravado. These Orcs were large, battle hardened, and blood thirsty. Plus they had the moral of capturing the human city. What was one more soldier at this point?

Seeing the armor of a Stormwind guard elected gruff sounds of excitement. They wanted to fight, and civilians did little more then cower and cry. But the armored humans, they were the best fun. And this one had a child to protect. The battle would be entertaining indeed.

The first one rushed in, ax swung high. Ondrena ducked and drew her sword. Gritting her teeth as the steel of her blade caught his arm and severed it. The cut was clean, but the creature grabbed it with his free hand and howled in pain. The sight enraging his companions.

Two more rushed in. She evaded the first swing of a mace, but the second Orc grabbed her arm. When the mace serpentine in flight and came back. Connecting with the side of her helmet. It was a killing blow if not for the thick plate. The cover being thrown free. Exposing her long black hair and bringing her to her knees.

The Orcs froze momentarily. They were not unaccustomed to females fighting in their own culture, but the pink skinned humans? All the women of their kind whimpered before death in the most pathetic of ways. Their confusion gave them all pause. Was this some sort of trick?

While they debated Ondrena worked at not throwing up. The world was blurred, and the sounds seemed muffled as if from a far away distance. Senses skewed, but that did not touch her memory. She knew why she was fighting. She also realized she was not going to last long against a foe, that was stronger and outnumbered her now four and a half to one.

One of the Orcs tried to moved around Ondrena to get to Eloise. The sword was thrust out and driven into the Orc's side. "Do not touch her!" Ondrena growled. Turning the blade she added looking toward the other green forms, "Do not even look at my daughter!"

The impaled Orc sliding off her blade. A hand clasping the wound as blood began to gurgle out between his tusks.

The other three attacked in unison. Ondrena twirling her blade, and wishing to the Light she had a shield. They were driving her backward. The crackling pop of the burning building becoming louder. The timbers starting to groan under it's own weight.

"Eloise." Ondrena called as her feet slipped out from under her. She caught herself and came back up to block the blow of the mace. "You have to run, baby. Run for the harbor and don't look back."

"I'm scared Mommy!" Eloise cried out.

Ondrena turned her eyes on her daughter. Certain, it was the same look her father had given her when she refused a noble marriage. He had thought it would be for the best. Ondrena knew this was the only chance her child had to live on. The world was cruel, and for Eloise to survive Ondrena had to be even worse. "You are my daughter! You fear nothing, now do what I say. GO!"

"I'm scared!" Eloise called again.

Ondrena turned to shout at her daughter to leave. But this time, one of her attackers took advantage of the situation. Grabbing her long flowing hair to hold her head still. The dagger in his hand being pulled across Ondrean's neck. The Stormwind Officer sliding to her knees. The eyes going void just before collapsing to her side.

Eloise screamed as the blood began to poor from her mother's mortal wound. The cry echoing with Lothar's as he rushed in. Possessed by grief and what he had just seen. If only he had been a mere moment sooner. The two handed sword Quel'Zaram cut through the remaining orcs as if they were not even there. He had no time to deal with them. Ondrena lay on the ground. Horrifyingly her body began to writhe in death throes before him.

"No, my love." Anduin Lothar pulled her to his chest. Immune to the sight of her blood spilling in streams over his plate armor. Tears flowing down his face as he brushed her hair back. Seeing for himself that there was no chance Ondrena would rise again. A wail of heart ache consumed him as he rocked her. First Stormwind was lost, then Llane Wyrnn, now Ondrena. His pain was unquenchable. The Orcs must be stopped. Driven back from whatever hole they had crawled out of.

Looking over he saw his daughter sitting still on the cobblestone path. Rivers of blood flowed through the cracks around her. Cinders floating in the air currents born of the burning city. Setting Ondrena down slowly. There was no time to bury her body. Let the city of Stormwind be her funeral pyre. As great as that honor seemed, it was not enough for Lothar. Nothing would ever be enough.

"Come Eloise, we are sailing soon. The others are waiting." He looked to the child. The large brown eyes just staring at her mother. She was covered in dirt, soot, blood and tears. Moving he lifted her to his chest. "I am sorry, dear. We have to go."

Eloise just turned her head into his neck, but not a sound came forward. Lothar patted her head. He knew how she felt. But he knew there was still something to be saved. The people of Stormwind. Young Prince Varian was still alive, and with him so was the heart of human kind.

O0O0O0O0O0O0

Lothar entered the royal cabin in the flag ship. Eloise in his arms.

Varian sprang from his seat on the bed. He had clearly been waiting for someone to come join him. The large room was dark and dismal.

"Pardon me, my Prince, but could you share this space with a young child I found. So far no one has come forward to claim her." Lothar studied Varian. The young prince frowned and nodded. Lothar moved to set Eloise on the bed. She remained silent. Sitting perfectly still. The dirty toy fox, now horribly singed still in her hands. "Your kindness is much becoming of you, Prince Varian."

Varian walked over and dipped a rag in the water basin. He turned and made his way back. Sliding down before the child. He started wiping away the dirt on her face. "We have all suffered so much today. It is not kindness to look after one's own people. My father." He froze. Lothar watching the Prince struggle to hold back the tears. Failing as they dropped like rain from his eyes, "My Father wanted me to be a good King. It is my duty to him and those still with us."

"You will be, my Prince. Focus on becoming that. I will take care of the rest." Lothar stood up making for the door before he too lost control of his emotions.

"Lothar?" Varian turned to face the Champion of his father.

"Yes, my Prince?"

"Thank you for all you have done for me and Stormwind."

Lothar flinched hard. What had he done? Fail to convince King Llane to leave the city? What about the failure to protect Ondrena? He moved his eyes to Eloise. Pain was unbearable as she raised her brown eyes to him. She was a mini Ondrea, and that image did nothing but rip out his very soul."I can do nothing else. My life is yours to command, my Prince."

The door clicked shut leaving Varian alone with the sad little girl. Crawling up to sit next to the child. Varian reached out one arm to encircle her. She leaned over and rested her head on his side.

"I wish I could promise you that it would be all better soon, but I can't. I have no idea when or how long it will take, but I will take back our home. Stormwind will rise again from these ashes." He looked down at the emotionless face. A child that forlorn and broken was a symbol of the state of his kingdom. Varian promised himself that someday in the future he would build a place where she and his people could smile again.

O0O0O0O0O0O0

Khadgar shook his head as he watched Lothar pace the wooden floor boards. The room doubled as their meeting chamber and bunks.

"You never said a word, Anduin." Khadgar whispered harshly. "I didn't have a clue that Ondrena had a child. Least of all one by you."

"What was he going to say?" Alonsus whispered back, careful not to be heard. The glow of the lanterns their only light on a rocking ship. "The woman was insistent no one find out, lest they stripe her from military service."

"That was not the whole of it." Lothar looked at his companions. "Ondrena always feared that King Llane would find out about Eloise."

"Why?" Khadgar rested his elbows on the table and dropped his head in his hands. "The King would have been over joyed. You are after all the last of your line. It's been a source of contention in the Kingdom since as long as I could remember."

"That's just it. King Llane and Anduin have always been nothing but the best of friends. With blood lines like that, a merger would not be requested. Lothar would be forced to hand Eloise over. The Wyrnns and the Lothars united. It's a fairytale story come true."

"But Varian is betrothed to Tiffin Ellerian."

"But the Ellerians are not even noble until the official ceremony, and betrothals can be broken. Trust me. I heard it a thousand times out of Ondrena's mouth. She never wanted Eloise trussed up to be sold off for political connections and royal breeding." Lothar slumped to his seat.

"So you kept silent." Khadgar leaned back in his chair. The picture had been painted. The image complete. "Seeing as King Llan is gone, Prince Varian is honor bound to fulfill his father's wishes, looks like your Eloise is in the clear."

"And we have more pressing concerns to think about. Like where we are going to go and who we are going to seek sanctuary with." Alonsus tapped his fingers on the table.

"We need to form an Alliance with the humans and other willing races. So we can stop these Orcs before all of Azeroth is over come." Lothar growled. The need for vengeance still burning like the core of the sun in his heart.

"Looks like a job for you, Lothar. As the last of the Arathi, you are the only one who could possibly convince the other Kingdoms to unite." Khadgar pointed out. "None of the Kings will trust the other to lead such a powerful collective."

"How am I to do that when I have to raise Prince Varian to be a good King for our people?"

"It shames me to say this, but Anduin, you do not have time for a child." Alonsus said cautiously. The man had just lost the woman he had loved for years, and his best friend. Asking him to give up someone else was going to be a touchy subject.

"I can't abandon Varian. It will never happen." Lothar slid a terrible glare toward the Archbishop for the mere suggestion.

"I wasn't speaking of the Prince, Lothar." Alonsus corrected

The room went deadly silent. Lothar saying nothing. Staring blankly at the light flickering into the lantern.

Khadgar felt his mouth drop open. "Archbishop, are you suggesting that he give up his only daughter? The last link we have to the Arathi bloodline?"

"Everyone thinks its done anyway. No one will fault him at this point for abdicating his duty to the bloodline in place of Prince Varian." Alonsus frowned, but stayed his course. "I do not like it either, but the girl is a liability that we can not afford."

"So you are suggesting I just hand over Ondrena's child to some stranger without a by your leave?" Lothar stared hard at Alonsus.

"That is exactly what you have to do, if we are to save Stormwind and the entirety of Azeroth from the Orcish hordes."

"You can't!" Khadgar came to his feet. The robes swirling about him.

But Anduin motioned him to sit. Looking to Alonsus he said in a flat tone,"Find me a family willing to take her. One whose silence I can buy, Alonsus, and it will be done."

"I am against this!" Khadgar slammed his hands on the table. He squeezed his eyes shut. These were good men. Brave heroes of his people, and they were throwing away a mere child because she may become a bit of a burden to them. Had this war already warped them so much?

"Against it or not, Khadgar, you will remain silent about what we discussed here today. I will have your word on it." Lothar waited for the mage to respond.

"I will not!"

Lothar moved to grab the mage by the front of his robes, "I have already lost a lot today, so excuse me if I don't mind adding one more mage to that list."

Alonsus jumped up ready to intervene should Lothar prove to be intent on removing Khadgar from the equation. The simple truth being, they had already lost so much, and they needed him. Needed his magical skill in the coming battles.

Khadgar narrowed his eyes on Lothar, "Very well. I give you my word I will not speak of it for now. But someday, if it ever comes to it, I will find her and I will return her to her place. She is an Arathi."

"Pray it never happens in my life time." Lothar threw him back.

"Gentleman, please!" Alonsus shouted. "There is so much war and hate left to come before this mess is over. We do not need it starting to grow between us!"

Lothar turned from Khadgar and stalked over to brood in his bunk. He didn't want to say it, but he too wanted rid of Eloise. That face, her eyes and hair, was all Ondrena. It was simply to painful to look upon.

Khadgar turned his back on the men. Promising himself someday he would right their wrong,

Author Note: Hope you enjoyed this piece. Next chapter I will jump both feet into current timeline.