THE PRAXEUM CHRONICLES
"Book One : The Blessed Light"

A World of Warcraft tale
by Stephen R. Sobotka / © 2012

DISCLAIMER : This story is an original prose based on situations, settings, places and themes from the MMORPG game "World of Warcraft", by Blizzard Entertainment Ltd. All characters that appear within - with the exception of all original characters created by the author - are the property of said licenses, and are used here without knowledge or permission of same.

This story is the rightful property of the author; all original characters and the plot depicted within are protected by copyright law. This story was produced to entertain fans of the original game, and is in no way, shape or form intended to be published for monetary gain. Please do not sue.

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oOoOo

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Twenty Four

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Inisde the Blood Knight Conclave, Silvermoon City, Quel'Thalas . . . .

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Lord Solanar Bloodwrath looked down from the raised portion of the conclave's gathering chamber. In all his days of service - both as a former member of the Royal Guard to Silvermoon's ruling family and as one of the high officers of the Bloodsworn Order - he had never been privy to such a situation as this. If someone had told me once, I would witness these people appearing in our Order's closed chambers-? He shook his head slightly, before flicked his eyes across to where his fellow Blood Knights stood in relative silence.

Relative, that is, because they were currently in heated discussion over this day's unexpected arrivals.

"This is . . . irregular, at best." one of the Blood Knight trainers said, looking at the motley collection of people standing before him. The Sin'dorei elf in black and crimson livery cleared his throat. "Irregular, and at the most-."

"At the most, it is an outright outrage!" a female Blood Knight, Irrisa Bloodstar said from one side of the wide chamber. "To allow these . . . Alliance inside our hall-!"

"Calmly, my Sister. These 'Alliance' are here under asylum," a dark-clad, ebony-haired elf said.

Irrisa sneered at the speaker. "Asylum, for which I would never have given them in the first place, Ajernon Sunblade! Had it been I-!"

"But, the fact remains, these people have been allowed asylum - given by a member of the Bloodsworn Order, which we are all a part of," Ajernon said firmly. "What one speaks, we all must support their decision. Otherwise, why else do we even-."

"For that matter, why are we even talking about this?" another Blood Knight - a vicious-looking, dark-haired male - said, before thrusting a finger at the cluster of figures standing in the center of the chamber. "The enemy has foolishly come to our own capital, and all we can do is talk about inconsequential circumstances-?"

"The consequences of the reported death of one of our Order," Knight-Lord Bloodvalor snapped, cutting everyone off, "is hardly inconcenquental, Knight Duyash!"

"Oh indeed!" Duyash said with an added edge to his words. "Considering how that particular individual is currently under suspicion for betraying us!" He gestured to the rest of the assembled Blood Knights. "We've all heard the whispered accusations from the Farstriders-."

"What the Rangers believe is not our concern, Knight Duyash!" Lord Bloodvalor said at his most censorious; his voice thundering with barely-checked ire at the younger knight's gall. "We are our own council, and will not be swayed by what outsiders believe - even among our own people!" He stared harshly from one Blood Knight to another, waiting for them to show a modicum of acceptance before he turned and nodded to Lord Bloodwrath. "As it stands, our Order's highest officer was about to bring the principal party in question to task. We do them - and Lord Bloodwrath - little respect by turning this open council into a squabble!"

Lord Bloodwrath bowed his head. "Well said, Lord Bloodvalor." He turned to face the cluster of persons arrayed on the lower floor before them, and made a motion. "Come forward, Dame Bloodsun." His eyes stayed fixed on the one he addressed, as she stood beside a human male in plate and mail armor, and two dwarves in girded leathers. With a short, respectful bow, the Sin'dorei woman moved forward to stand a few paces closer to the platform.

Several of the knights made soft murmurs to one another, but all fell silent when Lord Bloodwrath stepped up to the edge of the platform and gripped its gilded railing with both hands.

Drawing in a deep breath, Lord Bloodwrath said at length, "Your appearance here is . . . both a cause for great relief and, at the same time great consternation, Dame Bloodsun." He flicked a short glance towards the trio behind Freaja. "Especially in light of the company of those you bring with you."

Freaja nodded, before saying, "I'm more than aware of the . . . delicate nature that is before you, Lord. Especially when you add the presence of these people." She turned to indicate Liam and the Stormhand cousins. "Yet, I cannot deny that, were it not for these people, I could not be standing here, before all of our Orders' champions."

"It is little wonder in that, Sister," Irrisa said coolly, stepping away from her fellows to be better heard. "When last was heard, your detail assigned to an Outrunner caravan was slaughtered to the last man."

Freaja nodded. "I do not dispute that claim, but it clearly was in error."

"Yes, since you appear before us, alive." Lord Bloodwrath said. "As such, there is much talk among the people about what exactly happened to you and your detail. Much is . . . pure speculation-."

"Oh, get to the point, Lord Bloodwrath!" Duyash said. "Bloodsun has all but been called a traitor, and it hardly lessens the charge by the fact she IS the only survivor of that massacre!"

Lord Bloodwrath whirled and thrust a finger at the irate knight. "You will do well to remember your place, Knight Duyash! This is not a tribunal, but merely a council of inquiry!"

"Why not make it a formal tribunal, Lord?" Duyash said, pressing on with his tirade. "We need only question Dame Bloodsun in this case."

"Forgive me, Knight, but it is hardly your place to set Council protocol . . . not in this matter!" Freaja said sharply. Her words forced every Blood Knight in the chamber to face her, and she looked to each on in turn as she added, "The circumstances of that massacre, simple as they may yet seem, are compounded upon with further details that I and my companions must be permitted to present to you."

Duyash started to speak, but a quick chopping gesture from Lord Bloodwrath preceded his own words: "Are you suggesting there are further, incriminating circumstances in this matter, Dame Bloodsun?"

"I do, and I am, Lord." Freaja nodded to Liam and the dwarves. "This paladin and his companions are privy and witness to them. Else why would they willingly come into our kingdom, knowing the fate of any enemy who is against Silvermoon and the Horde?"

At that, several of the Blood Knights began to murmur to each other; clearly surprised that ANY enemy would willingly put themselves in harm's way for one of their own.

At length, Lord Bloodwrath held up his hand for silence. "I've considered this matter, in brief, and I will agree that Dame Bloodsun's claim demands a formal inquiry." He looked to Lord Bloodvalor and to Dame Irrisa. "As such, a Tribunal will take time to prepare. Lord Bloodvalor and Lady Irrisa will undertake the arrangements and selection of the officers of rank to hear all testimony."

Ajernon Sunblade spoke after a chorus of agreement faded from the chamber. "Lord, what of these . . . witnesses? While they remain under protection of our Order, what do we do with them?"

Irrisa nodded, saying, "Aye, we have no proper place to hold prisoners of war inside our Conclave's holdings."

"I may have a solution, Lord."

Lord Bloodwrath faced Freaja once more. "And, that is, Dame Bloodsun?"

Freaja spoke up. "Lord, while it may not exactly be a prison, my family's home is more than adequately armed and guarded by a substantial presence of knights and our city's guardians, who are loyal to our cause." After a moment's pause she added, "As well, the Knight has given his word, to abide and keep peace within our city walls."

At that, Lord Bloodwrath arched one feathery eyebrow. "As such . . . you believe him, Dame Bloodsun?" Watching as she turned to face the human, Lord Bloodwrath could not miss the silent exchange passing between her and him.

"Yes, Lord. I do. As much as I would trust any of this Order . . . even my own family," Freaja said proudly.

Lord Bloodvalor looked at the human, standing next to the two dwarves. While it had been ages since he himself had been privy to the company of humans - back during the Troll Wars and the Great Wars afterwards - the bearing and stance of this one, lone male was enough to give him pause. Here, amid his 'enemies', this man showed no fear. No disgust or loathing. The aura of calm that permeated from him was like the ancient tales of old; when Bloodwrath had known the true believes of the Holy Light to have this same quiet air of competence.

"Your word, human," he said after a moment more, "It had better be as binding as iron chains. Otherwise, that is exactly what you will find yourself in." Bloodwrath nodded to Freaja. "Your solution will be permitted, Dame Bloodsun. On the provision of guards from your own home will provide the . . . protection, that is needed here." He looked to the rest of the Blood Knights. "Are we all in accordance?"

A chorus of "Yea." answered Lord Bloodwrath.

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oOoOo

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In moments after the close of the council, Liam, Hanna and Rhandall found themselves under another escort of Blood Knights, This time, Freaja joined them on foot as they were led past several magnificent structures on the main concourse of Silvermoon's Walk of Elders.

"So, we are expected to give our testimony to your elders, prove of the attacks on your person and then . . . what, my Lady?" Liam asked her.

"The Council of the Order will not delay much." Freaja looked at Liam with a half-smile. "While we do tend to over-talk things, we may only need to wait a day before the Tribunal is assembled."

"Och, well then . . . least we won't have tae wait long fer th' firin' squad," Rhandall muttered.

Hanna scowled at him. "Ever th' optimist, cousin?"

Freaja placed a hand on Hanna's shoulder. "I may not be able to make any promises, friend, but I will do all within my means to try to secure your freedom from death." She nodded to the black look Rhandall shot her way. "It is the least I can do, for all that you three have done for me."

Liam said, "It is more than enough, my Lady. We shall always be grateful."

Rhandall snorted. "Grateful, my Auntie Annie's beer mug!" He stared hard at Liam, pointing a finger at him. "Yer just as in dutch wi' all o' us, Lad! An' I don't see ye tryin' t'find a way out o' this situation."

Liam said, "I have faith a solution will present itself, my friend. Always have that, and the Light will never abandon you." He added after a moment, "Besides, we have yet to see the end of this situation, Rhandall. There is always a chance we may have never needed to worry at all."

Rhandall frowned and stomped along in silence.

Eventually, the city guards that had been summoned to escort them came to a halt in front of a gilded, golden gateway.

Looking up, Liam asked Freaja, "We have arrived?"

Freaja smiled - a genuine one, filled with pride - as she stepped around the congress of guardians to approach the gateway. "We have. Come." Before she turned towards the gate to open it, she spoke quickly to the guardsmen, and they saluted before moving to take a cordon-position in front of the gate.

Liam and the Cousins followed her through the gate. Unable to hide their curiosity, the trio stared around with unchecked surprise. The home that Freaja led them to was modest - by Quel'thalas standards - but it was clear to Liam and his friends that it was no common dwelling.

Inside a small foyer lay another gate. The gilded bars of this gate were white with gold and reddish trim, and a blood-red sigil in the shape of a four-ray sun sat at its apex. Beside the spires the formed the gate's bastion, a pair of Sin'dorei in plate armor stood a silent vigil. Their eyes watched the trio of outlanders with grave suspicion, but they quickly bowed and snapped to attention when Freaja addressed them sharply in Thalassian. One made a short reply, then moved to open one side of the gate, before stepping back to permit them to enter.

Freaja nodded, then strode regally past the guard, leaving Liam, Rhandall and Hanna to follow her inside.

Beyond the gate, a wide courtyard spread out before them. Floating plant-holders and decorative sconces lined the high walls, which wrapped around in a curve before meeting the front wall of the tall home. Here, an archway led into the house-proper, next to which a hitching post stood; capped in bronze with several tether rings hanging down. A single hawkstrider - colored crimson and black, with a dual-rider saddle - stood preening in silence next to the post.

Pausing as she reached the stones in the center of the wide, walled in space, she turned to the trio and said, "As outsiders, you are the first to have ever graced these walls with your presence. For that, I bid you welcome to Sahamas House; the ancestral home of all members of the Bloodsun Family, since the founding of Silvermoon in ancient times."

Liam looked around at the surrounding walls and triple-level home. Everywhere, the evidence of residual magic filled the air, and lingered on every shaped stone and plank. "You honor us, my Lady," he said, nodding as he faced her. "I've only heard tell of the wonder of Quel'thalas and how magnificently the elves built their homes. To see it first hand . . . ."

"Well, it has paled somewhat, since recent times," Freaja admitted, her face turning in the general direction of the Dead Scar; now far off in the distance.

"Well, 'tis a cheerful place that ye call home, at least." Hanna said. "Don't ye think so, Rhan?"

"Oh, sure. Certain 'tis," Rhandall said brightly, just before he dropped into an undertone, muttering to himself, "If ye canna forget th' armed guard, ye canna get a more cheerful air than what's inside the Burning Steppes!"

Fortunately, Freaja didn't hear his comments, because at that moment the doors on the far end of the short tunnel inside the arch had opened wide. From within, a tall, armored, red-headed figure emerged; striding with quick and steady footsteps until they ducked past the low arch to stand tall before them.

"Freaja!" the newcomer all but bellowed, his wide, angular face draped with a grin as he strode towards the female paladin.

Freaja's own smile was an echo of his. Meeting him halfway, she let him sweep her up; his hands encircling her waist as he lifted her from the stones, before literally crushing her in an expansive hug. "Brother!"

Rhandall looked agog. "Tha's her . . . brother?" Rhandall muttered.

Liam smothered a chuckle, watching while Freaja and the tall male talked animatedly with each other as he lowered her to the stones. It was easy to see the filial way they regarded each other, as well as some of the similarities between them. "It would appear to be so, Rhandall."

Rhandall made a soft, phlegemic sound in his throat. "What in th' devil do they feed these bloody elves in this place!"

"Weel, I'd say there must be some additional breedin' in Lassie's family, 'cause that's th' tallest elf I've ever seen!" Hanna walked her eyes up and down the tall, red-haired male as he spoke with Freaja. The armored elf stood well taller than even Liam's own human height, by well near two full heads.

As one, the pair turned to face the others - Freaja taking her brother's hand as she nodded to Liam and the dwarves in turn. "Brother, let me make known to you Hanna and Rhandall Stormhand, cousins and hunters . . . and to Liam mac Roi, Paladin of Loredaeron and of Northshire."

At the mention of his name, Liam stepped one pace in front of the others, and bowed low over his left hand. "It is an honor to greet you, friend, in the name of the Holy Light."

Much to Liam's surprise, the tall elf returned the bow with equal grace, but the smile that had been on his face fell into a cool, schooled expression. "I am Freajr, son of Lord Odan Bloodsun." Rising, his deep green eyes fixed solidly on Liam's face with an expression of mixed curiosity and distrust.

Liam caught the flavor of his tone, and he asked, "Do you always welcome guests with such distaste, Sir?"

Freajr said, "If you mean members of the Alliance, Sir, then yes I do."

Freaja caught the tone of her brother, and she gave Liam and the dwarves an apologetic look. "Freajr, it was thanks to Liam and his companions that I was able to return here in the first place."

Freajr's stance and distaste did not waver. "Forgive me, Sister . . . but would you have me welcome a mongrel in our home, and give it free run of the pantry even if they had saved one of our flock?"

Rhandall snorted, "Who in' th' Abyss is he callin' a mongrel?" He looked at Freaja and said, "I think yer brother doesn't care fer our presence, Lass."

Freajr's lip twisted into a sneer. "And they say the Dwarves of the Alliance are too slow to comprehend such simple words! Looks like I was wrong about that."

Liam and Rhandall looked fit to take Freaja's brother to task, and Freaja herself was about to speak out, but it was Hanna herself who jumped first. "Now, look here Lord Fancy-Pants! We're in enough of a cook pot as it stands, an' yer not helpin' matters wi' all o' yer disrespectful talk!"

Freajr stared down at her and scoffed. "And how would you recommend I talk, even to a tittering hen as yourself, Dwarf?"

At that, Rhandall winced sharply. "Och, now ye done did it," he muttered.

Freajr merely grinned, but it was an expression he quickly lost as he and the others watched Hanna turned about, before darting over to where a tall, ornate bench sat against one of the courtyard walls. With a grunt, she hefted it up and stalked back over to where the tall elf stood. Plunking it down, she quickly climbed up onto its back, which brought her almost to eye-level with Freajr.

"What in the name-?" Freajr's exclamation was cut off when Hanna reached out and snagged him by the edge of his breastplate, jerking him down to where they were almost nose-to-nose.

"Now, ye'll listen well, Longshanks," Hanna said, bristling with ill-kept temper. "I'm bein' awfully lenient wi' ye, because Freaja's yer sister - an' I'll admit I've taken a shine tae her. But, yer attitude an' bad manners are wearin' me nerve down tae th' nub!" She pointed a finger in his face for emphasis. "Keep it up, an' I'll box yer pointy ears in so far, they'll come out yer nostrils!"

In the silence that followed, a sudden burst of laughter filled the air. Rhandall and Liam turned to see it was Freaja who was laughing; holding on hand up to her mouth even as she stared at the scene before them.

Freajr glared at his sister. "You find this . . . funny!"

"Oh no!" Freaja said, before she looked accusingly at Rhandall. "It's just that . . . it appears she and her cousin think alike!"

Rhandall arched one eyebrow, then he began to chuckle himself. "Och, stew me pink! She's right. I did say th' same thing, back in Silverpine."

Liam merely shook his head, trying hard not to add his own laughter to Freaja's. "Hanna," he said at length. "Let our host go. We came here in peace, so let's not start up another 'war', shall we?"

Hanna looked at Liam, then, as if realizing the absurd scene she was making, she slowly let go of Freajr and clambered down. But not before she gave him one last scathing look as she touched the stones. "Well, he was askin' fer it."

By then, Freaja had mastered herself, only chuckling softly as she approached her brother. "Freajr, you do yourself credit, but your distrust is sorely misplaced. As well, your temper is more than matched by our friend there. She gave her brother a mock-punch in the arm, adding before he could protest, "Show a little respect, for all that they're of the Alliance, these three were responsible for my being able to come home in the first place."

Freajr's expression soured, then as her words registered it lightened as he stared sideways at his sister. "You . . . you are right, my sister. Forgive me."

Freaja said, "It is not me you need to beg for forgiveness, Brother." She looked towards Liam. "After all, these people are our guests, after a fashion. You really must ask for the pardon of your bad manners."

He nodded to Liam and the dwarves. "My sister is right. It appears I and my father must thank you, for restoring Freaja to her home and station."

"The thanks are really unnecessary." Liam glanced at his friends. "We were only too happy to be of service to your sister, Lady Freaja." He glanced up and down briefly, before he indicated the mark on Freajr's shoulder. "You are a Knight as well, I see?"

"Yes," Freajr said with unabashed pride. "I was only just given my rank, not but five days hence."

At that, Freaja beamed up at Freajr. "You finished your trials already?" Clasping him in another hug, she asked, "If that is so, why were you not with Lord Bloodvalor when-?"

"I was called back to assist father, Freaja . . . there's been much change since you were last at home." He shot a side glance at Liam and the dwarves, before his smile softened a bit. "But that is talk for another time. What matters now is that you were fortunate to have such folk as these, to bring you back to us."

"Aye . . . though not all of us had a say in that," Rhandall muttered, only to grunt when Hanna mashed his instep with her heel. "Owch!"

"Manners, cousin, mind 'em!"

Liam started to apologize, but Freajr held up one hand to forestall his words. "Do not fear, Paladin." With a tolorant grin towards Hanna he added, "I have been told of the legendary tempers of the dwarves, and it seems that the tales do not lie. For that, I still am grateful for your going out of your way." He looked to Freaja and nodded. "When my sister was reported missing - dead, even - after the ransacked caravan she was a part of was found, our family all but lost all hope of seeing her again."

"We were only just told the tale of that incident ourselves," Liam said. Glancing at Freaja, he added, "We . . . do believe some other agency was involved in the attack."

"Aye, wi' the intent of doin' yer sister no end t'harm, it seems," Hanna added.

Freajr frowned. "Is this true, Freaja?"

Freaja ducked her head, but she said plainly, "It would seem to be so . . . but, I cannot say exactly who or what was the culprit responsible for what happened to me." She added softly, "The elders of our order already are in council with the leadership of the Farstriders, while an inquiry is being prepared."

Freajr looked surprised, but he quickly recovered and smiled as he looked from Liam to the dwarves and back again. "Until then, permit me to extend our family's hospitality. My father-."

"Freajr," a male's voice said, coming from beyond the entryway behind them. "Why do you not come inside? Has not your sister been released from-?"

"Forgive me, father," Freajr said, turning to face the doorway, and the tall, robed figure that had appeared in the shadowy light beyond it. "Your daughter was making us known to those responsible for her safe return." Stepping away, he moved to the person's side and guided them into the light; now revealed clearly as Freaja and Freajr's father by the shape of his face. He had silver-blond hair, tapered ears and a fine, short beard that covered his chin like Freajr's, but his eyes were closed shut. Clad in fine robes and leaning on a tall, metal staff with a gleaming crystal in its tip, the elder male was brought to join the others standing there.

"Paladin, friend-dwarves, this is Odan Bloodsun; Lord and First-Guardian of Sahamas House."

Liam started to speak, only to be brought up short when the silver-blond haired elf stepped away from his tall son and moved in close; one hand raising up to hover in front of Liam's face. Eyes still closed, Odan seemed to be focused elsewhere . . . then, he dropped his hand and said softly, "Strength . . . both of heart, body and the conviction of soul and purpose. Strange, to feel such depths within a human." He stepped back and made a bow towards Liam. "As my son as most likely thanked you, Paladin, allow me to add mine to his, for restoring my daughter to me."

"As I told your son, we were only too happy to be of service, Lord." Liam tipped his head a bit, studying the elder elf for a moment, before the point snapped into focus in his mind: Lord Odan is blind! That is why his eyes do not open to greet us.

As if sensing Liam's thought, Odan's mouth twisted up in a rueful smile. "Though I lost my eyes to the Scourge years ago, there is much I still can see, Paladin . . . though I do thank you for not pitying me. I could tell, and I can say that there is little in me that deserves pity. Even after all that has befallen my home and my people."

"With the strength your daughter has shown during the time she has traveled with my companions and I," Liam said, "it is clear no one should need to pity any of this family's house."

At that, Lord Odan smiled. "It does my heart well, to hear the Freaja has given a good account of herself, while in your care, Paladin."

Freaja ducked her head and blushed. "I have ever done my duty, to my order and my family, Lord."

Reaching out, Odan placed a warm hand on her shoulder, squeezing it. "As I should never worry for that, my daughter." Dropping his hand, Odan spoke to Liam,saying, "For now, Paladin, you and your companions shall be my guests. While you may be prisoners, all that I have shall be made available to you for comfort and restoration from your trials. A small token of my thanks for your service to my daughter."

Freajr moved to take his place beside his father - standing still as the elder elf reached up to grasp his near shoulder. "Come, there is food and drink prepared for you within."

Rhandall beamed. "Ah! Now yer talkin' good sense, Lad! Lead on, I say."

Hanna chuckled, "Typical, cousin . . . best to settle that cavern ye call a belly, before we talk of other things, eh?"

At that, Odan merely laughed. "Fear not, for my house has still the means to satisfy even the hunger of a single dwarf." He nodded and Freajr led him away. "Come inside and be welcome."

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oOoOo

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Jahkor Sunblight's Command, Farstrider's Square, Silvermoon City . . . .

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"To the Twisting Nether!"

Sergeant Alyn Sunstone stood nearby, placid as a stone while Ranger-Captain Jahkor Sunblight seethed and raged; tossing papers aside from his war table and smashing his fists against its unyielding surface. The dark-haired officer had been in a righteous rage ever since returning from the confrontation at the Shepherd's Gate, and it didn't appear to be slacking off.

"That wretch!" Jahkor said to himself. "She managed to survive! After all the planning and work . . . now she turns up, right when we're about to attempt the apex of my plan!"

"Sir, the sin'osa has been taken in," Sergeant Sunstone offered, trying to calm his superior's temper.

Jakhor whirled and glared at his subordinate. "By her own blight-cursed Order, fool! She's as safe as any babe in a cradle, so long as she remains in their conclave!" He turned away and started to pace back and forth. "So close, we were so, damn, close!"

"But, Sir," Sergeant Sunstone said, "She cannot be the thing that makes this whole affair come undone? As such, if she believes she is safe here in the capital . . . shouldn't that make her more complacent to lower her guard?"

Jahkor stopped in his tracks and turned slowly to face Sergeant Sunstone. "What are you driving at, Sergeant? Explain!"

"Sir, we knew the risk of leaving her alive, but we didn't know where she was prior to today." Sergeant Sunstone paused. "Now, we do know where she is, and it is certain she will not be as wary of danger in Silvermoon, as she was out in the wilds." He pointed at the ground for emphasis. "We can take her, here, where she is the most vulnerable."

"That is only possible, IF she were to leave the protection of her precious Blood Knight conclave," Jakhor said with a dismissive wave.

"Then, Sir, why not have her followed?" Sergeant Sunstone asked. "After all, we do have elements within the Farstriders that can . . . best perform the necessary tasks we now require."

At that, Jakhor looked at Sergeant Sunstone, his glowing eyes narrowing into hard slits. "Yes . . . yes, you have a point there." Eyes flaring wide, he asked, "Are the elements in camp as we speak?"

"Yes Sir."

A poisonous grin seeped slowly across Jakhor's face. "Good. Then, here is what I want you to do, Sergeant. Listen well . . . ."

As the Farstrider Captain put forth his desires before his subordinate, a dark air permeated the area around the Farstrider's quarters . . . .

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-==- To Be Continued... -==-