The First Battle: 2 - The City

The gryphon soared over Elwynn forest, the city's lights in view in the early dark. Night had fallen as Seona flew, but luckily the gryphon knew the path to the landing platform even in the low light. Over the wall, down over the moat and into the gryphon roost, straw scattering as they landed and Seona jumped off, waving in thanks as she made her way quickly out of the building.

Outside, the commoners were buzzing about a commotion in the canals near the Stockades, the city prison. She summoned Caliburn with a flash of Light and rode as fast as she dared in the narrow streets to the canal district. Sure enough, a great many Alliance troops were stationed all around the prison. Had another riot started? Were the Defias finally pushing their way out?

She found another member of the Kingship, a fellow lady dwarf Paladin, Gildaroy, standing battle-ready near the prison's entrance, patiently waiting with other troops for any orders. Dismounting and pushing her warhorse out of harm's way, Seona joined her, a bit nervous, though she did her best to hide her feelings.

"Welcome to the party, lass." Gildaroy said, her lilting voice quiet so as not to interrupt the chatter of the officers positioning troops. "Ready to dance?"

"I suppose. I just hope I know the steps." Seona replied, taking her place in line and pulling her large mace from it's holster on her back.

Seeing other troops arriving, Seona gathered holy Light and whispered blessings over the newcomers, giving them extra energy and strength. As more and more fighters arrived, she began feeling far more self-concious, realizing she was vastly less-prepared for battle than these hardy warriors. All of them had seen far more fighting in their lives, and were much more experienced.

She turned back to Gildaroy, whose eyes remained locked on the entrance to the Stockades. "Why were we called? The Defias giving the city trouble?" The paladin just shook her head. "No, lass. Far as I c'n tell, there're some Horde holed up in there. Don't know any more'n that."

Horde! In the city? Seona gulped and turned back to the entrance. She heard sounds of a skirmish in the distance, near the other entrance to the prison, but she didn't move from her spot in the line. She had more discipline than that, at least. She didn't notice the people shifting around her until he stood at her side, silent. She jumped a bit when Cendall, called out, "All members of the Kingship of the East, to me! Find me at the edge of the Canal!" Turning to him, Seona noticed he looked a bit tired and worn out. She wondered how long he had been here, and what on Azeroth was going on, but wasn't about to ask him directly, seeing as he was too busy gathering his troops.

The two warriors in front of her were whispering, both bearing the colors of Al'shar lo Dor'ano, and Seona turned to concentrate on their conversation instead.

"Yes, far as we can tell, Horde made it into the prison and have fought their way through to him."

"You think they'll make it out of the city with him in tow?"

"We have a good group here, but they are crafty. They made it in, didn't they? We'll have to be on our toes, at any rate."

"If they escape? What then?"

"We no doubt will go after them, try to take him back."

Seona's eavesdropping was interrupted then, by a very strong-looking Night Elf warrior riding his large cat, also bearing the Al'shar colors. Seona recognized him immediately as Commander Leikos, as he had been at the picnic the day she had been inducted as a recruit of the Kingship. He seemed a bit out of breath, and yelled out, "Move back! Back from the entrance!" All of the fighters complied quickly, catching Seona by surprise. She followed their lead, wondering why, if they're trying to keep the Horde from leaving, they would move further away from the entrance. She didn't have long to wait for an answer.

The entrance of the keep exploded in a flash of arcane energy, blinding her and most of the warriors around her. The Horde had set some kind of magical explosion, either as a distraction, or to blow a hole for them to escape from, or at least, so it seemed to her. Unfortunately, it worked. On the other side of the keep, she could hear the sounds of fighting and the roar of something big and angry, and most probably green. Orcs.

Confusion from the explosion had everyone off guard, and chaos ensued as the various fighters tried to push them back or bar their way. Leaders barked orders and Cendall moved through the mass of fighting with precision, his athleticism and stealth a huge asset, but the fighting stopped suddenly, leaving many of the forces surprised and unsure.

Mages quickly determined that the energy surge had been a portal, not a bomb as Seona had guessed. The Horde could be anywhere, now. "Mount up! Mount up and meet at the city gates!" Commander Leikos rode past, and Seona called Caliburn to her. Swinging quickly up into the saddle, she rode hard through the streets with the other members of the Kingship nearby, Gildaroy to her right on her charger and Cendall on his huge motorcycle in front, following the Kaldorei. Poor Cal could hardly keep up with their pace, though Gildaroy pulled up a bit to keep pace. Seona smiled in silent thanks and other dwarf returned the gesture.

The city gates were soon in sight as they regrouped and awaited orders. Leaders were given assignments and many groups broke away and rode off into the night. First a group of Night Elves, to scout out the roads leading from the city; then, a gruop of gnomes, all bristling with bombs and gadgets, led by a very excitable gnome mage, rode their mechanical striders off into the west; a small, mixed group of humans, dwarves, and draenei rode off towards the east. Cendall went ahead and soon returned with orders to head for Darkshire in Duskwood and scout the area, making sure to call out any enemy sightings along the way and engage to slow them down.

The Horde was on the run and needed to be caught, along with whoever this "him" was from the prison, and Seona was going to do her damnedest to ensure they didn't get far. Riding off into the Elwynn forest, though, she began to wonder just what it was she had gotten herself into.

The First Battle: 1 - The Call

The Hinterlands were slowly darkening as the sun dipped down below the mountains. A cool breeze danced through the trees and finally found the paladin sitting upon her warhorse. The lady dwarf sighed, turning her face into the wind, a small smile on her face. Brown hair wound up in a loose bun tried to fall free, but was unsuccessful as the breeze passed, ruffling her dark tabard on its way down the valley. The golden, two-headed eagle on the sable field seemed to glow in the dimming light, and Seona Lightstone shifted in her saddle.

A long, low howl came from the distance and her eyes opened, alert for any potential danger. The warhorse's ears pricked forward as well. Leaning over, the young paladin patted her warhorse's armored neck. "Easy, Caliburn, easy. Sounds like the beast is still some way away." Caliburn snorted in response, one ear flicking back to listen while its twin remained forward, waiting for another howl. The abnormally large wolves of these lands were known to take down fully-grown gryphons.

Seona turned Caliburn back to the west, giving him is head as they headed back to the keep. The Wildhammer dwarves were wary of strangers, but she had been working with them for the last few days and they were a little more open towards her now. They didn't turn her away, at least.

Just as she was entering the Dwarven town, she heard a call come from her guild stone. Muffled from her pack, she slowed Caliburn and reached down quickly into her saddlebag, pulling it out.

"Any who can, please, come to Stormwind! Our aid is needed at the Stockades!" The voice that came from the stone belonged to Cendall Fost, one of the Lords of the Kingship. Seona, worried, immediately spoke into her stone in reply. "If my hammer can be of service, I will be there, though I'm not the most seasoned." The stone immediately responded, again with Cendall's voice, "Join us in the city, Seona. Make for the Stockades, near the Canals."

"Yes, sir." She altered her course, then, pushing Cal to run up the ramps to the keep's gryphon master. A few quick words and she had a flight to the city. Hopefully whatever was happening in the city would be kept in check by the troops stationed there. She wasn't lying when she had said she wasn't seasoned. Regardless, she'd do her part, one way or another. Her eyes locked onto the horizon and she gripped the gryphon tight, willing it to fly faster.

The Kingship of the East

The humidity was nearly unbearable in the jungles of Stranglethorn. Seona Lightstone, paladin, had just arrived from Duskwood, and was making her way south towards the Goblin settlement of Booty Bay. Caliburn's easy, fast gait was eating up the road, carrying her easily past paths that led off into the dark and steamy jungle. Large animals could be heard rustling in the vegetation, and an occasional roar from one of the rumored big cats, like the Stranglethorn tigers, would echo out over the trees.

Swatting away mosquitos, Seona sighed heavily, allowing Caliburn to slow to a walk for a bit after all the traveling. She had heard that the goblins were hiring for many odd jobs around the jungle, and paying decent enough wages, so she had made her way down from the human lands. She was beginning to regret the decision, though, as another insect decided she tasted delicious and bit down.

If her recent plans were to come to fruition, though, she'd need the extra coin. Some days ago, she had been in Stormwind and had overheard a knight asking about local guilds and political groups. He was well established and well known, and she had listened, eager to hear what would be recommended to him. Most of the groups mentioned were well enough, but the one that caught Seona's ear was a new kingdom, a new human kingdom that had signed a treaty with King Varien Wrynn to protect and claim some of the northern territory in the Eastern Kingdoms for the Alliance. They called themselves the Kingship of the East, and they planned to retake the lands that had once belonged to Lordaeron and return them to the Alliance.

She had then made her way to the Stormwind archives to do some digging, and realized that this "Kingship" was an excellent organization, very after her own heart. She applied for citizenship and now had to wait. Certain criteria needed to be met, such as more training, as well as plenty of time set aside to speak to one of the high-ranking members of the Kingship's government, such as it were.

Seona was only slightly nervous about the interview. She had heard that it was often the Queen herself that sat with new applicants, a prospect that made Seona a bit queasy, as she had never dealt much with royalty. Her life had consisted of wandering and helping refugees, not sitting in on tea or socializing with the elite or aristocracy. Still, this Kingship seemed like an excellent new nation, and one that didn't seem to require more than loyalty and honor and a little sacrifice to regain lost lands. Seona wanted to belong, and they seemed to accept just about anyone who didn't fit anywhere else.

Caliburn's ears pricked forward and his pace picked up. Seona looked around and realized the breeze had changed, carrying with it the obvious smell of salt and sea. They were nearing the coast and their destination. "Come, Cal. Let's get there." Not needing much encouragement, the warhorse picked up the pace again, following the rough road. They rounded a bend and came face to face with an archway created from the giant jaws of some huge sea shark. Each side was flanked by a bored looking Goblin in full armor. They didn't even bat an eyelash as she nodded to each and continued on, through the ominous arch.

The tunnel beyond the shark's tooth gateway was made of wood and was damp from the water below. Caliburn's hooves echoed hollowly on the planks. The light at the end was in sight, though, and it opened to the docks of Booty Bay. Merchants were calling out their wares, here, and Seona hadn't seen this many goblins in one place in all her life. Ships came and went from the main dock, crates of goods were being unloaded, and both Alliance and Horde walked between the shops, an uneasy, fragile truce between all involved. Booty Bay Bruisers, their clubs gripped tightly, eyed a few Trolls who were making rather menacing gestures toward a Draenei and Human. Seona just shook her head and turned north, following the upper deck of the town.

The whole place looked like it was constructed out of a fleet of ships, dismantled and stacked up on the shore of the cove. Come to think of it, that's probably exactly how the Goblins came to settle here. Seona giggled a little to herself as she passed a shop that looked exactly like a boathouse on a ship. She made her way to the end of the dock where a large, multi-story inn stood. She stopped by the local gryphon station, glad to see that the Alliance had enough pull among the goblins to make travel here easy, and then stopped at a mailbox.

Surprised to see she had a message, she dismounted and took the note. It was a simple parchment, with a seal she didn't immediately recognize. Confused, she opened it, only to smile wide. Her application had been received and processed by the Kingship's government. This was an invitation to join the high-ranking members of the Kingship in a Royal picnic in Elwynn forest. Her smile fell, though, as quickly as it had appeared. The date for the picnic was for today. There was no way she would be able to travel all the way North to Stormwind fast enough. Not unless...

She raced back the way she had come, back up to the Gryphon master. She knew this was a terrible long shot, as most gryphon masters only allowed rides for official business for the Alliance army and forces. The Gryphon Master looked a little surprised to see her again so soon. "Wha' c'n I do fer ye, Lass?" Seona, a little out of breath, gasped, "I need to get to Stormwind." He looked a bit confused. "O' course." Now it was Seona's turn to be confused. "You... you aren't going to ask for orders? Or a reason?"

Gryphon Master Gyll laughed. "Ha ha! Nope. Nobody worries much about such things 'ere. 'S long as ye can pay, lass, ye get a ride." Seona couldn't imagine her luck. She payed the fare, a little more than she expected, Gyll explaining about some sort of Goblin tax, and the gryphon soared off, over the jungle.

_.:| * |:._

Seona had ridden into Goldshire after summoning Caliburn back to Stormwind, only to discover a small Horde raiding party had gotten into Elwynn forest and attacked. Dismayed, she slowed and stayed out of sight, realizing she was no match for the mages that were laying waste to the small, normally bustling town. No luck, she thought to herself, but was quickly surprised by a loud shout from the road.

A human man stood there, in full armor, backed by a large group of warriors, paladins, mages, and others. They wore tabards Seona recognized, the golden, two-headed eagle on a sable field. The Kingship of the East had arrived for their picnic, but first, it seemed, they'd get some entertainment.

There were at least twenty of them, all fully armored and prepared for battle. They charged into the Horde mages, dodging spells and striking back, outnumbering them. Seona, overcoming her shock at suddenly seeing the very people she had been waiting for, quickly rode towards them, gathering the light around her and blessing all she could get to with spells of protection and strength. The Horde didn't stand a chance against the small army, and were quickly dispatched.

The warriors laughed, making their way to the nearby lake, and Goldshire came alive again, the citizens coming out of their homes and the Inn doors opening again. Seona followed close behind, shy. The Night Elf priestess that had stood close by the human's side noticed her and approached. Senoa dismounted and bowed low.

"Thank you," she said, nodding. "I am Kristyl Da'Kien." Seona gasped and bowed again. "Your majesty." Kristyl smiled. "I am Seona Lightstone. It is a great honor to make your acquaintance."

"Ah, Seona. How good to finally meet you. Come, it's safe with us by the Lake. Join us, won't you?"

Campfires were already being lit, and most of the group had removed heavy armor to reveal festive clothing beneath. They were relaxing under the trees, some fishing in the lake, others conversing around the fires. The tall, graceful Night Elf walked to the nearest fire and sat near the human warrior who had led them into battle. "Seona, please come sit near the fire. No need to be shy."

Blushing, Seona approached. "Seona, this is my husband, Hinik Da'Kien." Seona bowed again. "So good to meet you, your majesty." King Hinik smiled and welcomed her. Once they settled, the priestess asked, "So, Seona, how did you hear of us?"

Seona explained how she had overheard the conversation in Stormwind and discovered more about them. Then the queen asked, "Why should we let you join our Kingship?"

Seona thought about what she should say. She mentioned her loyalty, that she was trustworthy, though she knew trust had to be earned. Then, she said, "I will also uphold the honor of the Kingship, in all matters, both great and small."

Kristyl, who had been listening, smiled wide. "Those were the words I was waiting to hear. It is with great pleasure I welcome you to the Kingship of the East, Seona." She then reached into a nearby pack, and presented the paladin with a tabard and a magical guild stone. The two-headed eagle shone in the firelight, bright against the sable fabric, it's golden embroidery glinting.

Blushing even deeper, Seona smiled and accepted them both, bowing again. The nearby members of the Kingship applauded and welcomed her, a new recruit into the fold.

"Now, enjoy yourself, paladin."

She did, surrounded now by new acquaintances who would no doubt become friends, comrades, and, more than that, family, in time.

Warhorse: 5 - The Training

Seona followed Fandren down a few hallways, all in the same, simple stonework. They crossed s small courtyard with green grass and even a few flowers blooming where sun manages to shine. Each side of the small yard had a door, but the two on the right and left looked identical except for color. Fandren and Seona appraoached one of these, painted a light yellow, and Fandren stopped.

"Obviously I can't go any further, as you know. I've been told that a room has been prepared for you inside, just on the right. The door should be standing open. As I understand it, more paladins are arriving tonight and tomorrow, so you should have neighbors soon enough. Rest well, Sister."

Seona bowed in thanks, and Fandren nodded, turning to walk back the way they came. Seona sighed and pushed open the yellow door, and entered the ladies' dormitory. The long, low-ceilinged building was just one hallway with doors along each side, each leading to a small room, some had two beds, while others only had one. Seona was lucky that she got here when she did, as she was given a room to herself, and since all these rooms were built for a human, they seemed large to her. No one else was in the hall and most of the rooms doors were closed, though the second on the right was left open. No doubt this was her room.

She stood in the doorway, taking in the small room. There was nothing special about it, being square and very plain, with a simple bed across from her. To her right, along that wall, stood a very simple desk and chair, a quill and inkpot atop it's surface, and Seona guessed that there would be a few sheets of parchment in the small drawer. One small chest stood at the foot of the bed, though it had no lock. The walls were whitewashed and bare, though the window that looked into the courtyard above the bed gave a nice view and plenty of light. It was a room for a priest: open, minimal, and clean. She sighed and dropped her packs on the floor near the desk, closing the door behind her.

Collapsing onto the bed, she thought about the things Fandren had said, and how Brother Benjamin was dealing with his more outspoken and difficult student. She worried about the teacher's generally strict demeanor when it came to Fan, as she guessed that it was pushing him away from the Faith, rather than drawing him in. Try as she might, though, she could think of no way of convincing Brother Benjamin to let him learn on his own. She'd never tell him, never let him guess, but his strenuous teachings nearly turned her from the Faith as well. She simply found a better outlet, in the end. Perhaps after her training here, she'd speak to one of the paladins stationed here in the Cathedral. They might have some insight and advice for her friend, perhaps even a place for him among their ranks.

Seona didn't know when she fell asleep, but she suddenly realized she was dreaming. One moment she was staring at the ceiling, thinking of Fandren and his troubles, and the next he was there, standing next to her. He couldn't be there in truth, as the ladies' dormitory was entirely off limits to men, and even her rather mischevious friend wouldn't break that rule.

They were standing in what appeared to be a huge battlefield, the ground covered in snow, churned by the feet of hundereds of soldiers, their yelling and screams audible over the howling wind. Their armor was strange to the paladin, completely unlike anything she had ever seen before, though some of it held a strange familiarity to her, almost like it could have been designed by her people. Many of the designs were geometric, at any rate, and all of it looked ancient. She was glowing in the dim light, the snowy landscape cold and dark, though the Holy power of the Light pulsing through her and her large hammer illuminated those around her, but Fandren...

Fandren was like a cloud of dust, barely visible. He looked like a dark ghost, and his body pulsed with Shadow energies, absorbing the light. He was speaking words she couldn't hear, as if in a foreign tongue. Repulsed, Seona pulled back. Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind, a huge man, tattoos covering his chest, and long, dirty, matted hair waving in the chill wind, lifting her small form above his head. Fandren uttered strange words, dark energies lashed out at her attacker, and she fell again, and kept falling, down, further and further...

And landed on the floor. The howling wind continued, occasionally whistling through a crack in the window above her bed. A small rain storm had cropped up in the night, turning the already dark courtyard completely pitch black. Her heart pounding, she pushed herself back up and stood, smoothing out her shirt. She had fallen asleep hours ago, still in her traveling clothes. Shaking her head to clear it, she walked over and opened the door. Small torches along the walls illuminated the hallway in a comforting, flickering light.

It was empty and quiet, although a few of the other rooms had flickering light spilling through the crack under the door. Other travelers, perhaps even other paladins, had arrived while she slept. Seona took deep, calming breaths, and turned back into her room, quietly closing the door again behind her. She made her way over to the table, to the lantern there, picking it up. She found a striker and lit the wick, watching as the light from the lantern grew to fill the room.

The wind continued to howl and rain beat against the glass of the window. Slowly, her heartbeat slowed and she was able to think about what she had seen in her dream. Fandren had been frightening. She knew what she had saw. He was a Shadow Priest, a cleric dedicated to the darker arts, and one that inflicted pain and misery, rather than healing Light. Was that truly the path he was going to walk? Is that his future?

She sighed, a little sad. I cannot live his life for him. Neither can Brother Ben, for that matter. In the end, he must decide what he is, what he wants to be. She stooped to open her bag and change into a lighter shift for sleeping. Fandren is a friend. Even in my dream, even when he was... dark, he moved to protect me, to fight against that huge man. What was that man, anyway? He wasn't human. Perhaps the library can tell me. She blew out the lantern and worked her way under the covers and tried to settle in for sleep.

Tomorrow, she'd head over to the stables. Tomorrow, she'd choose a warhorse. The thought made her smile and she slept dreamlessly until dawn.