Shadowdane
08-03-2008, 06:22 AM
Sadrick’s Treasure
Part 1
Sadye rode through the large city of Shattrath. It was a huge sanctuary city where Alliance and Horde factions were both welcome, as long as neither one of them decided to make trouble for each other. Shattrath was a popular city among the travels of the outlands mostly because of the portals it had to the various cities in Azeroth and other parts of the world. The history of Shattrath was also impressive. One could spend hours listening to the lore keepers and historians just telling about the cities construction and ability to stand through the many wars that have plagued the outlands over the centuries.
Normally Sadye would be zipping through the sky on one of her impressive flying mounts but today she was in no hurry; the sun was fair in the sky and the horizon clear of any danger so she was riding her hawkstrider with leisure. Sadye noticed people beginning to gather near the lower city gate, blocking her exit. Curious Sadye rode up behind the wall of people to see what had grabbed their attention so. Truly something was happening as a convoy was being lead into the City. Sadye could see the flags that indicated that an Ambassador from Azeroth had come to Shattrath. And based on the Orc honor guard it was a group from Orgrimmar.
Sadye, still mounted stood above all the other bystanders, and even as Sadye watched the carriage enter the city, a set of eyes fell on her.
The eyes looked her up and down and then narrowed.
“It’s her…” said a whispered voice. “… After all these years.”
Sadye patiently waited for the convoy to pass and then continued on her way toward the exit tunnel of Shattrath. The tunnel between Shattrath and Terokkar forest was long and wide. It was usually littered with the poor trying to pan handle money from the more prosperous travelers. Sadye was about mid way through when she sensed she was being followed. In midstride she both turned her hawkstrider and pulled her blade from its sheath. The glow of her enchanted weapon illuminated her face in the dark tunnel.
“It’s a nice day, but if you’d like to die then by all means try what you will!”
Sadye saw nothing.
But she didn’t believe her eyes, it was there in the dark shadows of the tunnel, she could feel it.
“Fear not little one, I wish you no harm.”
The voice was little more than a whisper and in the echoing tunnel Sadye couldn’t quite pinpoint its location.
“If that is true then show yourself.”
“Perhaps… in time.”
Sadye was not enjoying this game.
“Then state your business.”
“I’ve come to deliver a message. Sadrick’s treasure has been discovered.”
Sadye’s eyes widened as the voice continued.
“If you’d like to know more then come to the most southern corner of lower city at midnight.”
“And what will I find there?”
“Answers perhaps, but I’ve tarried too long already. Farewell Sadye.”
And in an instant, somehow the presence was gone.
Sadye could sense nothing except herself alone in the tunnel.
Her mind reeled with the possibilities and the questions that had now sprung to life in her head.
Was it possible? Sadrick’s treasure has been found? Who would tell her about it rather than keep it for themselves? Who knew of her and how? Could this be a trap?
There were just too many questions to consider. Sadye would be in lower city at midnight, but she needed to get something before then.
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Part 2
Shadowdane was sent flying through the air and hit the cold wall of the huge cavern. A loud roar was heard from the creature that he had just attacked. Slightly dazed, Shadowdane rose to his feet as a little sporelok came over to tend him.
In a small quivering voice the sporelok said,
“Him big.”
Shadowdane smiled.
“Yes he is.”
Shadowdane pulled the brim of his hat down just above his eyes,
“But he’s just made me mad! Stay back little friend!”
Shadowdane jumped back into the battle with new vigor hacking and slashing at the creature.
Lord Klaq was a huge red elemental. He led a group of creatures called Marsh Lurkers and Marsh Dredgers. They were creatures created from the essence of the swamp, covered with moss and having a very belligerent temperament. They had fallen upon the peaceful sporelok’s for years. Shadowdane had found a little Sporelok nearly beaten to death and decided he was going to help them fight the huge oppressors. He had to admit though the sheer size of Lord Klaq had caught him off guard. He would not make that mistake again. Shadowdane’s swords flashed and sliced the muck creature. Shadowdane had an advantage; he was small and quick against the lumbering elemental. He was able to dodge the huge arms pretty easily. Shadowdane quickly rolled between Lord Klaq’s legs and began cutting into his back. Lord Klaq roared in pain. His massive arm swept around in a blur faster than Shadowdane anticipated. Before he knew it Shadowdane was in the grip of Lord Klaq. Both of Klaq’s huge hands were pulling on Shadowdane, like a baker separating doe.
“Yeah….Unnnngggggg, this can’t be good…”
Shadowdane felt his bones pull and begin to crack.
Then without warning, a glowing blade sliced through Lord Klaq’s arm and he dropped Shadowdane to the ground as he grabbed at his injured arm.
“Good evening Shadowdane, mind if I cut in?” Sadye said with a wry smile.
“By all means.”
Shadowdane nodded as Sadye continued to hack at Lord Klaq.
“Go low Shadow, I’ll go high.”
“Right.”
Shadowdane began to slice into Lord Klaq’s legs until his tendons were severed bringing him to his knees.
Once down, Sadye and Shadowdane both thrust their swords into Klaq’s head silencing the muck Lord forever.
Soon little sporeloks came out of hiding and thanked Shadowdane and Sadye for ending their oppression. Once outside the cave Shadowdane looked at Sadye.
“Well it’s good to see you, what brings you here?”
“I was looking for you dear friend.”
“Well you have found me.”
“Yeah.”
Shadowdane looked Sadye over for a moment and as if he suddenly remembered something,
“So what can I do for you?”
“I need your help with something.”
“Ah, well let’s go somewhere private and talk it over.”
“Ok.”
Shadowdane and Sadye waved goodbye to the Sporeloks and took off into the air on their flying mounts.
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Part 3
High above Zangarmarsh, Shadowdane brought his windrider down on the top of a large mushroom. Sadye quickly landed beside him and they sat down beside each other.
“So, what’s on your mind?”
Sadye looked off into the distance.
“Have you ever heard of a man named Sadrick?”
Shadowdane thought for a moment.
“Not that I can recollect.”
“Hmmm, I guess not many have at that.”
“Tell me of him.”
“Sadrick was said to be a master rogue. A Bloodelf from Silvermoon. He was believed to lead a group of rogues on missions set forth by Voren'thal the Seer.”
“The leader of the Bloodelf Scryers?”
“The same.”
“Impressive. So, did you know this Sadrick?”
“I...”
Sadye paused and continued to look into the distance as Shadowdane tried to read her expression.
“I… knew him, yes.”
Shadowdane couldn’t gauge the response. He wasn’t sure what she meant by it but he knew there was something she wasn’t telling him.
“So, what do you need help with?”
“Well many years ago Sadrick went missing. He just disappeared without a trace. Stories were that he had a secret treasure that he would always talk about. Many rogues that he led would hear him talk about it. He would say his treasure was greater than even the legendary warglaive of Azzinoth. So you can imagine that those who knew him wanted to know of this treasure and what exactly it was. But Sadrick would never tell, not even a hint of what it might be. When asked he would just say it was a greater treasure than any he had found or would ever find.”
“I see.”
Sadye told Shadowdane of the encounter she had with the unknown figure.
“So you will go.”
“Yes, even if it’s some sort of trap, I will go because I have to know.”
“I can see this is important to you. I’m not going to ask why but I will help you with whatever you need me to do.”
Sadye smiled.
“I will need you to watch my back. Whoever approached me today knows more about me than I’d like. I have to know why they came to me. I have to know if Sadrick’s treasure has indeed been found.”
“So we shall go to Shattrath city and I will guard you with my unlife.”
Sadye gently ran her fingers down Shadowdane’s face.
“Thank you Shadow.”
Sadye stood to her feet and walked to her flying mount.
Shadowdane sat for just a moment longer with his eyes closed, his hand at the spot where Sadye had just touched him.
“Come it’s close to midnight and I want to be there before our host.”
Shadowdane jumped to his feet and mounted his windrider.
“Right, to lower city.”
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Part 4
Just past the entrance to the Scryer bank in The Lower city of Shattrath, Sadye was standing at a quarter till midnight. Just above her on a platform overlooking the area Shadowdane was cloaked and watching for anything that may be out of place or odd.
Fifteen minutes passed and still nothing.
Sadye stopped pacing back and forth and was about to signal Shadowdane when…
“So you’ve decided to come.”
Sadye turned and saw a figure draped in a black cloak and hood. The figure was slightly taller than Sadye but not by much. The voice was now less ambient and undoubtedly feminine.
“I have. Now tell me what you know of Sadrick and his treasure.”
“Hmmm you are quite forward aren’t you.”
“On this particular subject, yes. What do you know?”
“I know that Sadrick left Outlands to live his final days in Azeroth.”
“And his treasure? You claimed it had been discovered. Who has found it and where?”
“That is still for you to find out.”
The figure began to turn and retreat, but Sadye was unsatisfied with the answer.
Sadye ran after the figure and did a leap in the air spinning and coming down in front of the stranger.
“I grow tired of this mystery. Who are you?”
The stranger answered Sadye with a kick to her midsection sending her sprawling back.
The cloaked figure stood above Sadye.
“Ah Sadye life is full of myster…Eeeeeeeeeeeee”
The stranger was now flung backward as Shadowdane clipped her leg and used her falling momentum to force her to the ground, hard.
“I think the lady asked a question miss.”
“Oh, you brought a friend with you, how quaint. Too bad I don’t have time to play though.”
Sadye and Shadowdane were suddenly blinded by powder thrown by the stranger. They felt the cloaked figure brush by them as they tried to surround her. They both rubbed at their eyes and stumbled momentarily. When they could see again they could make the figure out scaling the rock face up toward the Scryer section of Shattrath.
“Quick!” Sadye said furiously. “After her!”
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Part 5
Sadye and Shadowdane raced up the Scryer’s tier on their flying mounts. At the top they could see the black cloaked figure rushing toward the Seers library.
“We have to catch her!” Sadye said as she charged past Shadowdane.
Shadowdane was following behind but something felt wrong to him. Then he saw it. The guardians were up and about. It wasn’t unusual for one or two to be patrolling but Shadowdane counted six and the Scryer guard was also out. Something else was going on here. Shadowdane didn’t have time to concern himself with it; he had to keep up with Sadye. By now Sadye had lost track of the hooded figure but was tracking her as best as she could considering the fact they were in a city.
“I think she’s headed toward the Scryer inn.”
Shadowdane stopped and thought for a moment.
“You’re still affiliated with the Aldor.”
“Yes I know. They’re not exactly friendly with the Scryer.”
“If you wish to persist, you must be careful.”
“I know Shadow. But that woman has the answers to a lot of my questions!”
“Well ok but if we’re going in we need to…”
“HALT! YOU TWO TURN AROUND AND MAKE NO OTHER MOVE OR WE WILL KILL YOU!”
Sadye and Shadowdane turned to find a large contingent of guards pointing crossbows at them.
“Uh oh.” Sadye and Shadowdane said in unison.
A guard with white hair stepped forward and addressed them.
“I am Captain Roland of the Scryer guard. There has been a theft in the Scryer tier. A rogue has broken into the newly arrived Ambassadors quarters and made off with some very valuable treasures. You rogues fit the description of the thief so you will be searched for the items.”
“This is ridiculous.” Shadowdane said, “I have brought this woman here to the inn to have a great night of relaxation, and we’ve just arrived we know nothing about a theft.” Shadowdane tried to sound convincing as possible. But Captain Roland was not biting this night.
“Then undead you have nothing to worry about, do you? Guards, search them.”
Shadowdane’s teeth clinched as two Scryer guards began to pat down his body. One of the guards went into his shirt pocket and pulled from it, a large Black Diamond.
“Sir! Look!”
Captain Roland came over and took the diamond from the guard.
Shadowdane looked in disbelief. He had never seen the jewel before.
“There’s one here too sir.” Another guard said pulling a diamond from Sadye.
Captain Roland collected both jewels.
“Hmmm, it appears that you two innocent bystanders are in possession of the Ambassadors diamonds.”
Sadye and Shadowdane looked at each other but neither had any explanation of how the jewels came into their possession.
“SEIZE THEM; TAKE THEIR WEAPONS AND THEIR ARMOR!”
Sadye and Shadowdane were stripped of their gear and placed in large leg irons and wrist chains.
“Perhaps you can explain your honest intentions to the Ambassador. You’re under arrest!”
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Part 6
Shadowdane and Sadye were marched into the large meeting hall north of the Scryer Inn. Surrounded by Scryer guards they waited until a group of officials entered. The group consisted of Arodis Sunblade, Magistrix Fyalenn, Xorith, and the female bloodelf ambassador from Orgrimmar, Ambassador Erina Dawnsinger.
Magistrix Fyalenn was the first to speak.
“What transpires here Captain Roland?”
“Magistrix, these two were caught in possession of the two black diamond’s that were reported stolen earlier this evening.”
“Have the jewels been retrieved Captain?” Ambassador Dawnsinger asked.
“Yes Madam Ambassador, if you would care to identify them yourself.”
Captain Roland handed the stones to Dawnsinger. She quickly inspected them and looked at Captain Roland.
“Yes these are indeed my diamonds.”
“Yes and there is more Ambassador, the female bloodelf, she bears the mark of the Aldor. This could have far reaching repercussions. If the Aldor was behind this incident.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger considered the gravity of that statement and approached Sadye. She looked her up and down.
“So little one why have you decided to steal my jewels? Are you plotting with the Aldor?”
“I did not take your jewels Ambassador; we are innocent of these accusations.” Sadye spoke, without hesitation.
“But the jewels were found on your person, how do you explain that?”
Now Sadye was at a loss for words.
“I cannot explain how they came into our possession only that we did not take them.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger looked to Shadowdane.
“And you undead, do you have anything to say?”
“Nothing that can help I’m afraid.”
“Hmmm quite right.”
Erina turned back toward Magistrix Fyalenn and Captain Roland.
“So what is to become of them?”
“They were caught with your stolen jewels and one an Aldor, perhaps a spy, the usual punishment for their transgressions would be execution.”
“Hmmm. That does sound sufficient; however might I make a request Magistrix Fyalenn.”
Fyalenn nodded for Dawnsinger to continue.
“Allow me to take them back to Orgrimmar for their punishment, it was after all my belongings they took, and I do not think they acted on behalf of the Aldor.”
Magistrix Fyalenn and Captain Roland conferred for a moment and then agreed to Ambassador Dawnsinger’s request.
“Take them Ambassador; we give their lives to you.”
Dawnsinger looked back at Sadye and Shadowdane.
“Then it is settled, tomorrow you will be transported back to Orgrimmar with me and placed in the dungeon until proper sentencing can be made.”
Shadowdane and Sadye looked at each other with the same question on their minds.
Did things just get better or far worse?
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Part 7
The next day Ambassador Dawnsinger's party left Shattrath for Orgrimmar, using the portal in the terrace of light. Shackled and chained Sadye and Shadowdane were lead through Orgrimmar. They were taken into the cleft of shadows and thrown into Ragefire chasm.
One of the orc guards laughed as they released the two into the dungeon.
“If you survive the night, then maybe you’ll be brought before Thrall to be executed. HAHAHAHAHAHA.”
Needless to say our heroes were not amused.
Ragefire Chasm was a cavernous area full of molten pits and deadly monsters. No one had ever escaped the chasm, ofcourse that was the point.
Sadye sat on the ground just inside the entrance and began fidgeting with her chains.
“Can you believe this Shadowdane? We were set up! And now we’re going to be executed for something we didn’t even do!”
“Hmmm, the rogue messenger must have placed the stones on us when she blinded us and rushed past.”
“Yeah that tracks, but why? What did it accomplish besides getting us thrown in here? She didn’t get to keep the loot.”
“True, but there has to be something more going on here. Could it have anything to do with Sadrick’s Treasure?”
“I don’t know Shadow; until yesterday I hadn’t thought of Sadrick in a very long time and now it looks like we’re about to die because of him.”
“I suppose the rogue could have just been trying to remove some of the competition for the treasure.”
“Well if that was the case why even tell me in the first place? GRRRRRRRRR!!!”
Sadye dropped her chains, frustrated.
“You know what Shadowdane? I’m really starting to doubt if this so called treasure actually even exists!”
“Oh you really shouldn’t doubt that…”
Sadye jumped to her feet and Shadowdane turned toward the voice.
A familiar black cloaked figure seemingly emerged from nothing.
“…You’re closer than you think.”
“YOU!!!!” Sadye growled.
Shadowdane grabbed her before Sadye could begin tearing into the stranger.
“Easy darling,” Shadowdane cautioned.
“You should heed your undead friends warning; besides this isn’t the end of your journey. It’s just another step. I had to get you where I needed you to be.”
“Well that’s great? But as you can see we’re trapped in Ragefire Chasm and unless you have a key to the door then we’re not going any…”
A quick glint of metal appeared in the stranger’s hand stopping Sadye in midsentence.
“All you had to do was ask little one.”
“Hmmm it seems you are more resourceful than we had thought, but you also seem to be playing us in this whole affair.” Shadowdane challenged.
“Undead, I didn’t invite you to this journey.”
Shadowdane’s eyes narrowed.
Now it was Sadye who put her hand on Shadowdane to calm him.
“Ok so you have a key, how are we supposed to escape Orgrimmar undetected?”
Well if you are truly rogues befitting Sadrick, stealth your way out of the cleft of shadows and follow the Drag to the Valley of Honor. Take the high path past the one that leads to the Hall of the Brave. If you can find a way to scale the wall, there is a short drop to the great empty in-between plain of Orgrimmar. Follow the plain until you get to the river to the south and you’ll be free.”
“Free to go where?” Sadye questioned.
“The Plague lands. That is where Sadrick’s home was.”
“The Plague lands are vast, where in there do we go?” Shadowdane asked.
The cloak dipped slightly as if the figure behind it were looking down, and then a whisper.
“Caer Darrow.”
Sadye had never heard of it.
Shadowdane began to get a sense of dread.
The shadowy figure was silent for a moment and then.
“But, that is the end of your journey, and you aren’t there yet. First things first, use this key to escape, if you make it to the Valley of Honor you will find your weapons and armor under the eastern dock. Now go.”
Sadye stepped toward the hidden woman.
“I’m not sure whether to thank you or not, but this is not over I promise you that.”
It was as if Sadye could actually hear the smile when the woman replied.
“No, it isn’t.”
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Part 8
The key the stranger gave to them worked. Shadowdane and Sadye quietly slipped past the dungeon guards and out of the cleft of shadows. They crossed the drag and into the Valley of Honor. They headed west to the small fishing pond and found, to their amazement their mounts were tied up by the dock.
“She said our gear would be under the docks.”
“Yeah”, Shadowdane agreed.
The two slipped into the pond and made for the docks. Once there they found a large backpack and in it, their armor and weapons.
“Ah, this is more like it.” Sadye smiled returning her sword to her side.
“Yes but something about this is strange.”
“Just this Shadowdane? The last two days have been completely bizarre.”
“Sadye… Who is Sadrick?”
“I...”
Shadowdane watched as Sadye contemplated the answer.
“It’s personal dear friend. Once this is over and the treasure is found or not found I’ll tell you what I can. Can you accept that?”
Shadowdane nodded.
A growing pain had started developing in his non beating heart, which he found strange and a bit disconcerting. He would not press Sadye, if she wanted to tell him she would. He didn’t have to like it though.
Equipped and mounted Sadye and Shadowdane ran up the high path past the hall of the brave and came to…
“A dead end…” Sadye exclaimed.
“Not exactly… Heeeyaaaaa!”
Shadowdane took off towards a small ledge.
“Follow me and I hope you’re not afraid of heights.”
Shadowdane leaped his horse off the small ledge to a high wall leading around to a large plank. Sadye watched in awe as the undead rogue coerced his undead mount up the plank and then leaped across to an inlaid wall tower.
Great Warlocks of old, how am I supposed to do that? Sadye thought.
On the other side Sadye saw Shadowdane beckoning her.
Well here goes, gods protect me…
Sadye followed the track set out by Shadowdane and closed her eyes as she made the large jump from the plank to the wall tower.
“Good jump darling, ready for another?”
“No.”
“Good Heeeyahhhhh!!!!”
With that Shadowdane grabbed the reigns of Sadye’s hawkstrider and they both went over the large wall of Orgrimmar!
“SHADOWDANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
A few seconds later they landed in the great in-between.
“Where are we Shadow?”
“This is what they call the great in-between, not sure how it came to be, but it’s here and according to our friend we have to travel south to the river.”
“Ok…”
The two raced across the endless ravine in the great nether area until the ground turned into sand. Soon they both saw the river and knew they had escaped Orgrimmar.
“Shadowdane look!”
Shadowdane turned to look where Sadye was pointing. The huge wide open nether they had just come from was now gone and a mountain wall was the only thing they could see.
“Don’t ask me to explain the deep magic’s of the world Sadye, because those are things beyond my knowledge.”
“Right, well to…umm, where again?”
“Caer Darrow.” Shadowdane reminded her.
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Part 9
The trek through the plague lands was not pretty. Once many years ago, the Plague lands were very beautiful with lakes and trees, wandering deer, and a variety of pretty flowers to be picked by the occasional wanderer. But now, they were something terrible. The plague lands had been twisted into a place of sheer evil, with living cancers infesting the land, the trees and even the remaining animals that roamed there.
“Such a hideous place, I feel unclean just riding through.” Sadye shivered.
“It’s not a pleasant place anymore no, but once it was a garden almost. You can still see the roses from time to time; they refuse to let the plague take over completely.”
“Funny you should see the silver lining in such a grim place Shadow.”
“Hmmm. Hurry we must be on our guard. We have to pass through the Ruins of Andorhal and then cross the waterfall to the east in order to cross over to Caer Darrow.”
“Ok. Lead on.”
Sadye felt sad as she saw what had become of this once beautiful land. But her sadness soon melted into a slight fear when she saw that Shadowdane was headed straight for what appeared to be a decimated town full of monstrous spiders, bears and skeleton guards.
“Quickly now!” Shadowdane said as his Skeletal War Horse broke into a full gallop.
Sadye kicked her Hawkstrider and headed straight for Shadowdane’s path. The two rogues charged through the devastated ruins with the monsters chasing behind them. The monsters would soon give up and return to their pitiful existence, but Sadye and Shadowdane continued onward into Sorrow Hill. From Sorrow Hill they proceeded east until they came to a small waterfall which bridged their way to Caer Darrow.
Caer Darrow was actually a small island set apart from the mainland save for one crackling and crumbling bridge.
Shadowdane stopped his horse.
“What is it?” Sadye asked.
“I’m not sure which way we should go. If we go right we’ll head into the main part of the destroyed town where Scholomance is but if we head left we go to the dockside town.”
“Given the options we should head left. I think… He would have liked it by the water.”
“Left it is then.”
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Part 10
The houses were pretty much the same as all the ones Sadye had seen since entering the Plague lands, destroyed and nothing more than rubble. But one of the structures caught Sadye’s attention. One with Bloodelf markings, or what was left of them.
“Here Shadowdane.”
Sadye and Shadowdane entered into the little structure. There was nothing left in the house except broken remnants of a time before the plague.
“Look around Shadowdane there has to be something here.”
The two searched the rubble for a good twenty minutes before Sadye uncovered a picture. The frame was intact but the glass long broken. Sadye’s eyes widened as she looked long and hard at the man in the photograph. She could feel tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
“Is that… Sadrick?” Shadowdane asked in a very quiet and gentle voice.
Sadye nodded and handed the picture to Shadowdane.
Shadowdane took the picture but was hesitant about looking at it. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He didn’t want to know if what had been gnawing at him from the beginning was true, but he eventually turned the picture over to take it in.
It only took an instant, and then Shadowdane knew. He knew everything. He knew what Sadye had been hiding and he knew why she had to find Sadrick’s treasure. As a matter of fact it was so simple Shadowdane felt like kicking himself that he didn’t realize it to begin with.
“This was where he lived. I never knew.” Sadye said wiping a tear from her eye.
“I guess since you’ve come this far you have a right to know. I just had to know if it was real, if it was true. I hope you can forgive me for not telling you to begin with but you see Shadowdane, Sadrick was…”
“Your father.” Shadowdane finished.
Sadye nodded.
“I never really knew him; I just knew he was a rogue and his name. Growing up I would hear legends about him and his great treasure from the people who took care of me. I thought one day I’d actually find him. And I guess in a way I did.”
“Hmmm, but what of his treasure?”
Sadye shrugged.
“I don’t know shadow we searched the whole area without a trace. But I think I’ve found something that I can keep.”
Shadowdane nodded as Sadye began to remove the picture of Sadrick from the frame. As she pulled the picture out she discovered a piece of folded paper behind it.
Sadye quickly unfolded it and looked at it.
“Shadow, its directions!”
“What do they say?”
“Eleven paces west from the shed door, turn south. Five paces and straight down.”
“The Shed? We passed a shed on the way in here. Come on that’s got to be it!”
They both rushed outside to the small storage shed that had remarkably been untouched by the passing of time.
“Let’s do it together.” Sadye said with a smile.
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Part 11
And then they both started to count; first the eleven from the shed and then five to the south.
“Here. This is where it should be let’s dig.”
Shadowdane and Sadye both hit the ground using nothing but their hands to grapple the dirt with. About five minutes later they hit something.
“It’s a lockbox. Quite sturdy.”
Sadye attempted to pick it but it was old and rusty.
“Shadow see what you can do with it.”
Shadowdane eyed the lock and also tried to pick it.
“Hmmm, tricky it is but I’m trickier.”
Shadowdane took off his glove and revealed his sharpened down pinky. He jammed it into the little box and wriggled it around until he heard the small click.
“Sometimes you just gotta feel them out.” He said with a laugh.
Shadowdane gave Sadye the box.
Carefully Sadye opened it.
Inside the box were a single diamond solitaire and a picture. The picture was of a woman holding a baby elf. The woman holding the baby was obstructed and all that could be seen was her chest and arms.
“This is Sadrick’s treasure, a photo and a diamond ring?”
Shadowdane laughed.
“No. Not the photo, You darling, You’re Sadrick’s greatest treasure. Look at the back.”
Sadye flipped the photo over and on the back was written.
The greatest treasure any man could or will ever find.
Shadowdane was right. Sadrick’s greatest treasure was her.
Shadowdane was holding the picture looking at it.
“Awwww you were such a cute little one.”
Sadye blushed a little and took the picture back from him.
“You know I wish people would stop…”
And then Sadye stopped. Her eyes flashed with a sudden realization.
“Ofcourse…”
Sadye was lost in two days worth of thoughts and memories.
“It all makes sense.”
Shadowdane looked at her confused.
“What is it Sadye?”
Sadye snapped Shadowdane an excited look.
“We have to return to Orgrimmar!”
“We have to what?!”
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Part 12
It was all that Shadowdane could do to keep up with Sadye. She rode like the devil himself was behind her. She rode with determination and passion. She had discovered something and she knew she was right. At the zeppelin tower Shadowdane finally had a chance to catch his breath.
“You do remember that we are fugitives from Orgrimmar right? We did escape their dungeon. So why in the name of all that’s holy are we going back?”
“I have a promise to keep.”
Shadowdane was still confused. His confusion only grew as they disembarked the zeppelin and headed toward the main gates of Orgrimmar.
“Um Sadye I really hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Ofcourse I do or I wouldn’t be heading straight for Thrall’s council chambers.”
“Oh good because I thought for a minute there you were… THRALL’S COUNCIL CHAMBER??!! YOU HAVE GONE MAD! It was the plague lands, you caught something didn’t you? Your head’s all clouded with sickness.”
“On the contrary I’ve never been so clear headed about anything. It’s time to end this.”
Sadye and Shadowdane raced through Orgrimmar and came to the valley of Wisdom.
As they were about to reach the entrance to Thrall’s Council chambers they saw a detail of guards standing in front, waiting.
“Sadye, Bloodelf and Shadowdane Undead, you’re presence is required in the Council Chamber by the great Thrall of Orgrimmar, you may proceed, UNARMED only.” Said an Orc Captain in front of the entrance.
“Stranger and stranger.” Shadowdane remarked taking off his weapons.
The two rogues were escorted into the great Council hall of Thrall. Both Shadowdane and Sadye bowed in his presence.
“Rise and step forward Shadowdane and Sadye.”
They complied.
“I am pleased that you have survived your time in Ragefire Chasm. Now it has been brought to my attention that you are being charged with the theft of Ambassador Dawnsinger’s jewels. Well I’m pleased to inform you that the actual thief has been caught. You are both herby absolved from these allegations. You are free to go.”
“Well that’s good.” Shadowdane whispered to Sadye.
Sadye narrowed her eyes.
Oh no, you’re not getting away that easily.
Outside the Council Chamber Sadye explained her thoughts to Shadowdane.
“Yes, that makes sense, you’re right. So what do we do now?”
“The only thing we can do… Wait.”
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Part13
They waited until night fall. They stayed cloaked and hidden as one by one Thrall’s council retired for the night. Soon they saw their prey emerge from the chamber. Slowly they followed her into the valley of Honor. She stopped just short of the docks.
“Well this is far enough I suppose. Go ahead little one reveal yourself.”
Sadye stepped from the shadows in front of Ambassador Dawnsinger.
“And your undead friend, surely he’s lurking close by.”
Shadowdane appeared on the other side of Dawnsinger.
“Ah there you are. So what is your business with me this fine evening?”
“It’s time to end the game Madam Ambassador.” Shadowdane replied.
“We know you’re the one who sent us after Sadrick’s treasure.” Sadye said.
“I want to know why.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Then let me refresh your memory Ambassador. You confronted me in Shattrath and told me to meet you in lower city because Sadrick’s treasure had been discovered. You then planted your own diamonds on us so we would be taken into custody and brought back here to be thrown in the dungeon.”
Shadowdane then took over the narrative.
“Where you released us and sent us on our way to Caer Darrow.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger laughed.
“This is truly a fascinating tale, you two should be writers. Unfortunately I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“There had to be a connection.” Sadye continued.
“And that connection was you. You were in every place that we were.”
“And what about the key to the Ragefire Chasm and the return of our gear? You had access to all of it and being a trusted Ambassador to Thrall no one would suspect you.” Shadowdane concluded.
“And the clue that unraveled it all for me. Both you and the stranger called me ‘little one.’ Now I know you sent me on this journey, what I don’t know is why.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger was quiet.
“Hmmm, I used to be better at hiding things.”
Sadye and Shadowdane exchanged looks.
“Very well, I shall tell you my story…
I have never told this story to anyone. It began many years ago. Sometimes it seems that a person’s life is already laid out before them even before they can have a say in it. I was to be an Ambassador of the people as my father was. He spent his entire life negotiating and trying to bring peace to the different nations of the world. I was schooled and brought up for the same purpose. It never occurred to me that there could be any other option. Not until I met Sadrick. He was very handsome of course and witty and in some ways I longed for the freedom to come and go as he did. On many nights he would come to my window and speak with me. He would tell me about his travels around the world and the things he had done. Sometimes, I would even sneak out of my room and we would ride through the fields in the moonlight. He was quite romantic, Sadrick. Then one night, he asked me to marry him to run away with him for good, to leave my duty and responsibilities behind. I said no. It was at that moment that I remember I could almost see his heart break, and inside of me, mine did as well. In those days I was more concerned with duty and being what others expected me to be. I considered it selfish to put my wants and needs before others. I didn’t see Sadrick for months after that. Oh it was agonizing. I tried to concentrate on my studies but every night I would go to my window and just watch for him.
Soon I was ready to begin my duty as an Ambassador to Orgrimmar. It was the night before I was going to leave that I saw him again. I thought I was dreaming when he appeared at my window. We didn’t speak at first, we just ran to each other and we held on as tight as we could. I had missed him so and now he was here. He knew I was leaving for Orgrimmar, and he knew I wouldn’t be coming back. That night, we made love for the first time. I remember falling asleep in his arms and hearing him whisper he would always love me. When I awoke the next morning he was gone, and I had a new life to start.”
Sadye looked at Erina.
“That was almost thirty years ago.”
“Thirty one actually.”
“Yes, hmmm. I’m sorry I was just considering the years because I was thinking that you might… …but the times don’t match.” Sadye said more to herself than to the Ambassador.
“You were thinking that I might be your mother?”
“Yes, I considered it but I’m not even 30 years old yet, so you couldn’t possibly be. Not if you only spent the one night together.”
Erina laughed.
“Well going by that logic you’re correct, but I said the night before I left was the first time we made love.”
“Then you met again.” Shadowdane injected.
“It was Love Shadowdane, and love will always find a way.”
“Tell us then. Finish your story.” Sadye encouraged.
“Very well.
I had finished my first week’s orientation with the Orgrimmar council and had retired to my chambers for the night. When I entered I noticed a red rose lying on the window sill. As I picked it up, I felt Sadrick’s arms embrace me. I wasn’t even alarmed. I knew it was him. I felt him. He whispered into my ear ‘I found you’ after that we were lost in each other again. After several hours we were resting beside each other in my bed. I asked him what he was doing here. He said he had come because I was here and there was nowhere else he belonged. He told me that if I didn’t want him to stay he would go, but oh how I wanted him. An arrangement was made that night. I would continue my life as an Orgrimmar Ambassador but for five days out of the year I would go to him.”
Erina stopped briefly
“Five days. Hmmm. Was it so short a time? When I was with him, it seemed like a life time would pass. But it didn’t matter we were together and for five days I was truly happy. Sadrick had built a house on the island of Caer Darrow. The reddest prettiest roses grew there. Sadrick would always bring them to me and leave them on my windowsill. Did you see the dock? We would often swim there and then make love. No one was around really and we didn’t care even if they were. But then two years later I found that I was pregnant. I took a leave of Absence from Orgrimmar. For nine months I stayed with Sadrick, until you were born Sadye. Sadrick looked after you until the wars started and the Plague began. Orgrimmar was almost on the breach of war and I couldn’t leave. When things had finally settled down I returned to Caer Darrow but Sadrick and you were gone. They say Sadrick contracted the plague, some say he died in the war. I’m not sure really. All I know is a few years ago I heard tale of a bloodelf rogue named Sadye traveling through Outlands. I journeyed back and forth until I found you. And here you are. And now you know the story.”
“So it would seem.” Sadye said, not really knowing how to feel.
“I suppose we should talk.”
“I’d like that Sadye.”
Sadye turned to Shadowdane.
“No words Sadye, take as long as you need. I’ll be here.”
“Thank you Shadow.”
Shadowdane left the two women on the dock. Almost an hour later he saw Sadye point to him and Erina began to chuckle. Sadye gave Erina a big hug and then mounted her hawkstrider. She rode over to Shadowdane.
“I’m ready.”
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Part 14
Sadye and Shadowdane had come once again to the large entrance of Orgrimmar. The long road of Durotar stretched before them. Sadye stopped looking into the vast horizon.
“Was it wrong Shadowdane?”
“Hmmm?”
“What they had together? The love they shared?”
“I don’t think so. They dared to share something and to make something beautiful in a not so beautiful world. It seems to me that Sadrick was a very lucky man really. He found the most valuable treasures in the world. Treasures that could not be stolen or taken away, he found your mother and you.”
Sadye smiled at Shadowdane
“You think I’m valuable?”
“More than all the gold in the world, Darlin.”
Then Shadowdane startled as he remembered something.
“Oh here, I grabbed this for you as you were leaving me in the dust in the plague lands.”
Shadowdane handed Sadye a single red rose.
“Awww, beautiful.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Shadowdane said smiling at Sadye.
“Well let’s be off then.”
“Yes, where shall we go Shadowdane?”
“Hmmm, have you ever heard of a place called Karazhan?”
And with that Sadye and Shadowdane rode off discussing plans of adventure.
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Epilogue
The sun was setting in the Western Plague lands. Even in the disease filled land the suns dying light gleamed off of the waters surrounding the small Island of Caer Darrow making the waters glow gold. Standing on the dock over looking this site was a lone figure. Her black cloak blew in the wind as she stood in silence. She stood looking into the past. She enjoyed the view for a few moments and then moved to the edge of the dock. Ambassador Erina Dawnsinger removed her hood and stared into the sky. The golden rays of the setting sun illuminating her face. She removed from her cloak a single rose and threw it into the water.
“Rest well my love, rest well.”
THE END
Part 1
Sadye rode through the large city of Shattrath. It was a huge sanctuary city where Alliance and Horde factions were both welcome, as long as neither one of them decided to make trouble for each other. Shattrath was a popular city among the travels of the outlands mostly because of the portals it had to the various cities in Azeroth and other parts of the world. The history of Shattrath was also impressive. One could spend hours listening to the lore keepers and historians just telling about the cities construction and ability to stand through the many wars that have plagued the outlands over the centuries.
Normally Sadye would be zipping through the sky on one of her impressive flying mounts but today she was in no hurry; the sun was fair in the sky and the horizon clear of any danger so she was riding her hawkstrider with leisure. Sadye noticed people beginning to gather near the lower city gate, blocking her exit. Curious Sadye rode up behind the wall of people to see what had grabbed their attention so. Truly something was happening as a convoy was being lead into the City. Sadye could see the flags that indicated that an Ambassador from Azeroth had come to Shattrath. And based on the Orc honor guard it was a group from Orgrimmar.
Sadye, still mounted stood above all the other bystanders, and even as Sadye watched the carriage enter the city, a set of eyes fell on her.
The eyes looked her up and down and then narrowed.
“It’s her…” said a whispered voice. “… After all these years.”
Sadye patiently waited for the convoy to pass and then continued on her way toward the exit tunnel of Shattrath. The tunnel between Shattrath and Terokkar forest was long and wide. It was usually littered with the poor trying to pan handle money from the more prosperous travelers. Sadye was about mid way through when she sensed she was being followed. In midstride she both turned her hawkstrider and pulled her blade from its sheath. The glow of her enchanted weapon illuminated her face in the dark tunnel.
“It’s a nice day, but if you’d like to die then by all means try what you will!”
Sadye saw nothing.
But she didn’t believe her eyes, it was there in the dark shadows of the tunnel, she could feel it.
“Fear not little one, I wish you no harm.”
The voice was little more than a whisper and in the echoing tunnel Sadye couldn’t quite pinpoint its location.
“If that is true then show yourself.”
“Perhaps… in time.”
Sadye was not enjoying this game.
“Then state your business.”
“I’ve come to deliver a message. Sadrick’s treasure has been discovered.”
Sadye’s eyes widened as the voice continued.
“If you’d like to know more then come to the most southern corner of lower city at midnight.”
“And what will I find there?”
“Answers perhaps, but I’ve tarried too long already. Farewell Sadye.”
And in an instant, somehow the presence was gone.
Sadye could sense nothing except herself alone in the tunnel.
Her mind reeled with the possibilities and the questions that had now sprung to life in her head.
Was it possible? Sadrick’s treasure has been found? Who would tell her about it rather than keep it for themselves? Who knew of her and how? Could this be a trap?
There were just too many questions to consider. Sadye would be in lower city at midnight, but she needed to get something before then.
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Part 2
Shadowdane was sent flying through the air and hit the cold wall of the huge cavern. A loud roar was heard from the creature that he had just attacked. Slightly dazed, Shadowdane rose to his feet as a little sporelok came over to tend him.
In a small quivering voice the sporelok said,
“Him big.”
Shadowdane smiled.
“Yes he is.”
Shadowdane pulled the brim of his hat down just above his eyes,
“But he’s just made me mad! Stay back little friend!”
Shadowdane jumped back into the battle with new vigor hacking and slashing at the creature.
Lord Klaq was a huge red elemental. He led a group of creatures called Marsh Lurkers and Marsh Dredgers. They were creatures created from the essence of the swamp, covered with moss and having a very belligerent temperament. They had fallen upon the peaceful sporelok’s for years. Shadowdane had found a little Sporelok nearly beaten to death and decided he was going to help them fight the huge oppressors. He had to admit though the sheer size of Lord Klaq had caught him off guard. He would not make that mistake again. Shadowdane’s swords flashed and sliced the muck creature. Shadowdane had an advantage; he was small and quick against the lumbering elemental. He was able to dodge the huge arms pretty easily. Shadowdane quickly rolled between Lord Klaq’s legs and began cutting into his back. Lord Klaq roared in pain. His massive arm swept around in a blur faster than Shadowdane anticipated. Before he knew it Shadowdane was in the grip of Lord Klaq. Both of Klaq’s huge hands were pulling on Shadowdane, like a baker separating doe.
“Yeah….Unnnngggggg, this can’t be good…”
Shadowdane felt his bones pull and begin to crack.
Then without warning, a glowing blade sliced through Lord Klaq’s arm and he dropped Shadowdane to the ground as he grabbed at his injured arm.
“Good evening Shadowdane, mind if I cut in?” Sadye said with a wry smile.
“By all means.”
Shadowdane nodded as Sadye continued to hack at Lord Klaq.
“Go low Shadow, I’ll go high.”
“Right.”
Shadowdane began to slice into Lord Klaq’s legs until his tendons were severed bringing him to his knees.
Once down, Sadye and Shadowdane both thrust their swords into Klaq’s head silencing the muck Lord forever.
Soon little sporeloks came out of hiding and thanked Shadowdane and Sadye for ending their oppression. Once outside the cave Shadowdane looked at Sadye.
“Well it’s good to see you, what brings you here?”
“I was looking for you dear friend.”
“Well you have found me.”
“Yeah.”
Shadowdane looked Sadye over for a moment and as if he suddenly remembered something,
“So what can I do for you?”
“I need your help with something.”
“Ah, well let’s go somewhere private and talk it over.”
“Ok.”
Shadowdane and Sadye waved goodbye to the Sporeloks and took off into the air on their flying mounts.
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Part 3
High above Zangarmarsh, Shadowdane brought his windrider down on the top of a large mushroom. Sadye quickly landed beside him and they sat down beside each other.
“So, what’s on your mind?”
Sadye looked off into the distance.
“Have you ever heard of a man named Sadrick?”
Shadowdane thought for a moment.
“Not that I can recollect.”
“Hmmm, I guess not many have at that.”
“Tell me of him.”
“Sadrick was said to be a master rogue. A Bloodelf from Silvermoon. He was believed to lead a group of rogues on missions set forth by Voren'thal the Seer.”
“The leader of the Bloodelf Scryers?”
“The same.”
“Impressive. So, did you know this Sadrick?”
“I...”
Sadye paused and continued to look into the distance as Shadowdane tried to read her expression.
“I… knew him, yes.”
Shadowdane couldn’t gauge the response. He wasn’t sure what she meant by it but he knew there was something she wasn’t telling him.
“So, what do you need help with?”
“Well many years ago Sadrick went missing. He just disappeared without a trace. Stories were that he had a secret treasure that he would always talk about. Many rogues that he led would hear him talk about it. He would say his treasure was greater than even the legendary warglaive of Azzinoth. So you can imagine that those who knew him wanted to know of this treasure and what exactly it was. But Sadrick would never tell, not even a hint of what it might be. When asked he would just say it was a greater treasure than any he had found or would ever find.”
“I see.”
Sadye told Shadowdane of the encounter she had with the unknown figure.
“So you will go.”
“Yes, even if it’s some sort of trap, I will go because I have to know.”
“I can see this is important to you. I’m not going to ask why but I will help you with whatever you need me to do.”
Sadye smiled.
“I will need you to watch my back. Whoever approached me today knows more about me than I’d like. I have to know why they came to me. I have to know if Sadrick’s treasure has indeed been found.”
“So we shall go to Shattrath city and I will guard you with my unlife.”
Sadye gently ran her fingers down Shadowdane’s face.
“Thank you Shadow.”
Sadye stood to her feet and walked to her flying mount.
Shadowdane sat for just a moment longer with his eyes closed, his hand at the spot where Sadye had just touched him.
“Come it’s close to midnight and I want to be there before our host.”
Shadowdane jumped to his feet and mounted his windrider.
“Right, to lower city.”
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Part 4
Just past the entrance to the Scryer bank in The Lower city of Shattrath, Sadye was standing at a quarter till midnight. Just above her on a platform overlooking the area Shadowdane was cloaked and watching for anything that may be out of place or odd.
Fifteen minutes passed and still nothing.
Sadye stopped pacing back and forth and was about to signal Shadowdane when…
“So you’ve decided to come.”
Sadye turned and saw a figure draped in a black cloak and hood. The figure was slightly taller than Sadye but not by much. The voice was now less ambient and undoubtedly feminine.
“I have. Now tell me what you know of Sadrick and his treasure.”
“Hmmm you are quite forward aren’t you.”
“On this particular subject, yes. What do you know?”
“I know that Sadrick left Outlands to live his final days in Azeroth.”
“And his treasure? You claimed it had been discovered. Who has found it and where?”
“That is still for you to find out.”
The figure began to turn and retreat, but Sadye was unsatisfied with the answer.
Sadye ran after the figure and did a leap in the air spinning and coming down in front of the stranger.
“I grow tired of this mystery. Who are you?”
The stranger answered Sadye with a kick to her midsection sending her sprawling back.
The cloaked figure stood above Sadye.
“Ah Sadye life is full of myster…Eeeeeeeeeeeee”
The stranger was now flung backward as Shadowdane clipped her leg and used her falling momentum to force her to the ground, hard.
“I think the lady asked a question miss.”
“Oh, you brought a friend with you, how quaint. Too bad I don’t have time to play though.”
Sadye and Shadowdane were suddenly blinded by powder thrown by the stranger. They felt the cloaked figure brush by them as they tried to surround her. They both rubbed at their eyes and stumbled momentarily. When they could see again they could make the figure out scaling the rock face up toward the Scryer section of Shattrath.
“Quick!” Sadye said furiously. “After her!”
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Part 5
Sadye and Shadowdane raced up the Scryer’s tier on their flying mounts. At the top they could see the black cloaked figure rushing toward the Seers library.
“We have to catch her!” Sadye said as she charged past Shadowdane.
Shadowdane was following behind but something felt wrong to him. Then he saw it. The guardians were up and about. It wasn’t unusual for one or two to be patrolling but Shadowdane counted six and the Scryer guard was also out. Something else was going on here. Shadowdane didn’t have time to concern himself with it; he had to keep up with Sadye. By now Sadye had lost track of the hooded figure but was tracking her as best as she could considering the fact they were in a city.
“I think she’s headed toward the Scryer inn.”
Shadowdane stopped and thought for a moment.
“You’re still affiliated with the Aldor.”
“Yes I know. They’re not exactly friendly with the Scryer.”
“If you wish to persist, you must be careful.”
“I know Shadow. But that woman has the answers to a lot of my questions!”
“Well ok but if we’re going in we need to…”
“HALT! YOU TWO TURN AROUND AND MAKE NO OTHER MOVE OR WE WILL KILL YOU!”
Sadye and Shadowdane turned to find a large contingent of guards pointing crossbows at them.
“Uh oh.” Sadye and Shadowdane said in unison.
A guard with white hair stepped forward and addressed them.
“I am Captain Roland of the Scryer guard. There has been a theft in the Scryer tier. A rogue has broken into the newly arrived Ambassadors quarters and made off with some very valuable treasures. You rogues fit the description of the thief so you will be searched for the items.”
“This is ridiculous.” Shadowdane said, “I have brought this woman here to the inn to have a great night of relaxation, and we’ve just arrived we know nothing about a theft.” Shadowdane tried to sound convincing as possible. But Captain Roland was not biting this night.
“Then undead you have nothing to worry about, do you? Guards, search them.”
Shadowdane’s teeth clinched as two Scryer guards began to pat down his body. One of the guards went into his shirt pocket and pulled from it, a large Black Diamond.
“Sir! Look!”
Captain Roland came over and took the diamond from the guard.
Shadowdane looked in disbelief. He had never seen the jewel before.
“There’s one here too sir.” Another guard said pulling a diamond from Sadye.
Captain Roland collected both jewels.
“Hmmm, it appears that you two innocent bystanders are in possession of the Ambassadors diamonds.”
Sadye and Shadowdane looked at each other but neither had any explanation of how the jewels came into their possession.
“SEIZE THEM; TAKE THEIR WEAPONS AND THEIR ARMOR!”
Sadye and Shadowdane were stripped of their gear and placed in large leg irons and wrist chains.
“Perhaps you can explain your honest intentions to the Ambassador. You’re under arrest!”
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Part 6
Shadowdane and Sadye were marched into the large meeting hall north of the Scryer Inn. Surrounded by Scryer guards they waited until a group of officials entered. The group consisted of Arodis Sunblade, Magistrix Fyalenn, Xorith, and the female bloodelf ambassador from Orgrimmar, Ambassador Erina Dawnsinger.
Magistrix Fyalenn was the first to speak.
“What transpires here Captain Roland?”
“Magistrix, these two were caught in possession of the two black diamond’s that were reported stolen earlier this evening.”
“Have the jewels been retrieved Captain?” Ambassador Dawnsinger asked.
“Yes Madam Ambassador, if you would care to identify them yourself.”
Captain Roland handed the stones to Dawnsinger. She quickly inspected them and looked at Captain Roland.
“Yes these are indeed my diamonds.”
“Yes and there is more Ambassador, the female bloodelf, she bears the mark of the Aldor. This could have far reaching repercussions. If the Aldor was behind this incident.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger considered the gravity of that statement and approached Sadye. She looked her up and down.
“So little one why have you decided to steal my jewels? Are you plotting with the Aldor?”
“I did not take your jewels Ambassador; we are innocent of these accusations.” Sadye spoke, without hesitation.
“But the jewels were found on your person, how do you explain that?”
Now Sadye was at a loss for words.
“I cannot explain how they came into our possession only that we did not take them.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger looked to Shadowdane.
“And you undead, do you have anything to say?”
“Nothing that can help I’m afraid.”
“Hmmm quite right.”
Erina turned back toward Magistrix Fyalenn and Captain Roland.
“So what is to become of them?”
“They were caught with your stolen jewels and one an Aldor, perhaps a spy, the usual punishment for their transgressions would be execution.”
“Hmmm. That does sound sufficient; however might I make a request Magistrix Fyalenn.”
Fyalenn nodded for Dawnsinger to continue.
“Allow me to take them back to Orgrimmar for their punishment, it was after all my belongings they took, and I do not think they acted on behalf of the Aldor.”
Magistrix Fyalenn and Captain Roland conferred for a moment and then agreed to Ambassador Dawnsinger’s request.
“Take them Ambassador; we give their lives to you.”
Dawnsinger looked back at Sadye and Shadowdane.
“Then it is settled, tomorrow you will be transported back to Orgrimmar with me and placed in the dungeon until proper sentencing can be made.”
Shadowdane and Sadye looked at each other with the same question on their minds.
Did things just get better or far worse?
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Part 7
The next day Ambassador Dawnsinger's party left Shattrath for Orgrimmar, using the portal in the terrace of light. Shackled and chained Sadye and Shadowdane were lead through Orgrimmar. They were taken into the cleft of shadows and thrown into Ragefire chasm.
One of the orc guards laughed as they released the two into the dungeon.
“If you survive the night, then maybe you’ll be brought before Thrall to be executed. HAHAHAHAHAHA.”
Needless to say our heroes were not amused.
Ragefire Chasm was a cavernous area full of molten pits and deadly monsters. No one had ever escaped the chasm, ofcourse that was the point.
Sadye sat on the ground just inside the entrance and began fidgeting with her chains.
“Can you believe this Shadowdane? We were set up! And now we’re going to be executed for something we didn’t even do!”
“Hmmm, the rogue messenger must have placed the stones on us when she blinded us and rushed past.”
“Yeah that tracks, but why? What did it accomplish besides getting us thrown in here? She didn’t get to keep the loot.”
“True, but there has to be something more going on here. Could it have anything to do with Sadrick’s Treasure?”
“I don’t know Shadow; until yesterday I hadn’t thought of Sadrick in a very long time and now it looks like we’re about to die because of him.”
“I suppose the rogue could have just been trying to remove some of the competition for the treasure.”
“Well if that was the case why even tell me in the first place? GRRRRRRRRR!!!”
Sadye dropped her chains, frustrated.
“You know what Shadowdane? I’m really starting to doubt if this so called treasure actually even exists!”
“Oh you really shouldn’t doubt that…”
Sadye jumped to her feet and Shadowdane turned toward the voice.
A familiar black cloaked figure seemingly emerged from nothing.
“…You’re closer than you think.”
“YOU!!!!” Sadye growled.
Shadowdane grabbed her before Sadye could begin tearing into the stranger.
“Easy darling,” Shadowdane cautioned.
“You should heed your undead friends warning; besides this isn’t the end of your journey. It’s just another step. I had to get you where I needed you to be.”
“Well that’s great? But as you can see we’re trapped in Ragefire Chasm and unless you have a key to the door then we’re not going any…”
A quick glint of metal appeared in the stranger’s hand stopping Sadye in midsentence.
“All you had to do was ask little one.”
“Hmmm it seems you are more resourceful than we had thought, but you also seem to be playing us in this whole affair.” Shadowdane challenged.
“Undead, I didn’t invite you to this journey.”
Shadowdane’s eyes narrowed.
Now it was Sadye who put her hand on Shadowdane to calm him.
“Ok so you have a key, how are we supposed to escape Orgrimmar undetected?”
Well if you are truly rogues befitting Sadrick, stealth your way out of the cleft of shadows and follow the Drag to the Valley of Honor. Take the high path past the one that leads to the Hall of the Brave. If you can find a way to scale the wall, there is a short drop to the great empty in-between plain of Orgrimmar. Follow the plain until you get to the river to the south and you’ll be free.”
“Free to go where?” Sadye questioned.
“The Plague lands. That is where Sadrick’s home was.”
“The Plague lands are vast, where in there do we go?” Shadowdane asked.
The cloak dipped slightly as if the figure behind it were looking down, and then a whisper.
“Caer Darrow.”
Sadye had never heard of it.
Shadowdane began to get a sense of dread.
The shadowy figure was silent for a moment and then.
“But, that is the end of your journey, and you aren’t there yet. First things first, use this key to escape, if you make it to the Valley of Honor you will find your weapons and armor under the eastern dock. Now go.”
Sadye stepped toward the hidden woman.
“I’m not sure whether to thank you or not, but this is not over I promise you that.”
It was as if Sadye could actually hear the smile when the woman replied.
“No, it isn’t.”
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Part 8
The key the stranger gave to them worked. Shadowdane and Sadye quietly slipped past the dungeon guards and out of the cleft of shadows. They crossed the drag and into the Valley of Honor. They headed west to the small fishing pond and found, to their amazement their mounts were tied up by the dock.
“She said our gear would be under the docks.”
“Yeah”, Shadowdane agreed.
The two slipped into the pond and made for the docks. Once there they found a large backpack and in it, their armor and weapons.
“Ah, this is more like it.” Sadye smiled returning her sword to her side.
“Yes but something about this is strange.”
“Just this Shadowdane? The last two days have been completely bizarre.”
“Sadye… Who is Sadrick?”
“I...”
Shadowdane watched as Sadye contemplated the answer.
“It’s personal dear friend. Once this is over and the treasure is found or not found I’ll tell you what I can. Can you accept that?”
Shadowdane nodded.
A growing pain had started developing in his non beating heart, which he found strange and a bit disconcerting. He would not press Sadye, if she wanted to tell him she would. He didn’t have to like it though.
Equipped and mounted Sadye and Shadowdane ran up the high path past the hall of the brave and came to…
“A dead end…” Sadye exclaimed.
“Not exactly… Heeeyaaaaa!”
Shadowdane took off towards a small ledge.
“Follow me and I hope you’re not afraid of heights.”
Shadowdane leaped his horse off the small ledge to a high wall leading around to a large plank. Sadye watched in awe as the undead rogue coerced his undead mount up the plank and then leaped across to an inlaid wall tower.
Great Warlocks of old, how am I supposed to do that? Sadye thought.
On the other side Sadye saw Shadowdane beckoning her.
Well here goes, gods protect me…
Sadye followed the track set out by Shadowdane and closed her eyes as she made the large jump from the plank to the wall tower.
“Good jump darling, ready for another?”
“No.”
“Good Heeeyahhhhh!!!!”
With that Shadowdane grabbed the reigns of Sadye’s hawkstrider and they both went over the large wall of Orgrimmar!
“SHADOWDANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
A few seconds later they landed in the great in-between.
“Where are we Shadow?”
“This is what they call the great in-between, not sure how it came to be, but it’s here and according to our friend we have to travel south to the river.”
“Ok…”
The two raced across the endless ravine in the great nether area until the ground turned into sand. Soon they both saw the river and knew they had escaped Orgrimmar.
“Shadowdane look!”
Shadowdane turned to look where Sadye was pointing. The huge wide open nether they had just come from was now gone and a mountain wall was the only thing they could see.
“Don’t ask me to explain the deep magic’s of the world Sadye, because those are things beyond my knowledge.”
“Right, well to…umm, where again?”
“Caer Darrow.” Shadowdane reminded her.
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Part 9
The trek through the plague lands was not pretty. Once many years ago, the Plague lands were very beautiful with lakes and trees, wandering deer, and a variety of pretty flowers to be picked by the occasional wanderer. But now, they were something terrible. The plague lands had been twisted into a place of sheer evil, with living cancers infesting the land, the trees and even the remaining animals that roamed there.
“Such a hideous place, I feel unclean just riding through.” Sadye shivered.
“It’s not a pleasant place anymore no, but once it was a garden almost. You can still see the roses from time to time; they refuse to let the plague take over completely.”
“Funny you should see the silver lining in such a grim place Shadow.”
“Hmmm. Hurry we must be on our guard. We have to pass through the Ruins of Andorhal and then cross the waterfall to the east in order to cross over to Caer Darrow.”
“Ok. Lead on.”
Sadye felt sad as she saw what had become of this once beautiful land. But her sadness soon melted into a slight fear when she saw that Shadowdane was headed straight for what appeared to be a decimated town full of monstrous spiders, bears and skeleton guards.
“Quickly now!” Shadowdane said as his Skeletal War Horse broke into a full gallop.
Sadye kicked her Hawkstrider and headed straight for Shadowdane’s path. The two rogues charged through the devastated ruins with the monsters chasing behind them. The monsters would soon give up and return to their pitiful existence, but Sadye and Shadowdane continued onward into Sorrow Hill. From Sorrow Hill they proceeded east until they came to a small waterfall which bridged their way to Caer Darrow.
Caer Darrow was actually a small island set apart from the mainland save for one crackling and crumbling bridge.
Shadowdane stopped his horse.
“What is it?” Sadye asked.
“I’m not sure which way we should go. If we go right we’ll head into the main part of the destroyed town where Scholomance is but if we head left we go to the dockside town.”
“Given the options we should head left. I think… He would have liked it by the water.”
“Left it is then.”
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Part 10
The houses were pretty much the same as all the ones Sadye had seen since entering the Plague lands, destroyed and nothing more than rubble. But one of the structures caught Sadye’s attention. One with Bloodelf markings, or what was left of them.
“Here Shadowdane.”
Sadye and Shadowdane entered into the little structure. There was nothing left in the house except broken remnants of a time before the plague.
“Look around Shadowdane there has to be something here.”
The two searched the rubble for a good twenty minutes before Sadye uncovered a picture. The frame was intact but the glass long broken. Sadye’s eyes widened as she looked long and hard at the man in the photograph. She could feel tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
“Is that… Sadrick?” Shadowdane asked in a very quiet and gentle voice.
Sadye nodded and handed the picture to Shadowdane.
Shadowdane took the picture but was hesitant about looking at it. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He didn’t want to know if what had been gnawing at him from the beginning was true, but he eventually turned the picture over to take it in.
It only took an instant, and then Shadowdane knew. He knew everything. He knew what Sadye had been hiding and he knew why she had to find Sadrick’s treasure. As a matter of fact it was so simple Shadowdane felt like kicking himself that he didn’t realize it to begin with.
“This was where he lived. I never knew.” Sadye said wiping a tear from her eye.
“I guess since you’ve come this far you have a right to know. I just had to know if it was real, if it was true. I hope you can forgive me for not telling you to begin with but you see Shadowdane, Sadrick was…”
“Your father.” Shadowdane finished.
Sadye nodded.
“I never really knew him; I just knew he was a rogue and his name. Growing up I would hear legends about him and his great treasure from the people who took care of me. I thought one day I’d actually find him. And I guess in a way I did.”
“Hmmm, but what of his treasure?”
Sadye shrugged.
“I don’t know shadow we searched the whole area without a trace. But I think I’ve found something that I can keep.”
Shadowdane nodded as Sadye began to remove the picture of Sadrick from the frame. As she pulled the picture out she discovered a piece of folded paper behind it.
Sadye quickly unfolded it and looked at it.
“Shadow, its directions!”
“What do they say?”
“Eleven paces west from the shed door, turn south. Five paces and straight down.”
“The Shed? We passed a shed on the way in here. Come on that’s got to be it!”
They both rushed outside to the small storage shed that had remarkably been untouched by the passing of time.
“Let’s do it together.” Sadye said with a smile.
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Part 11
And then they both started to count; first the eleven from the shed and then five to the south.
“Here. This is where it should be let’s dig.”
Shadowdane and Sadye both hit the ground using nothing but their hands to grapple the dirt with. About five minutes later they hit something.
“It’s a lockbox. Quite sturdy.”
Sadye attempted to pick it but it was old and rusty.
“Shadow see what you can do with it.”
Shadowdane eyed the lock and also tried to pick it.
“Hmmm, tricky it is but I’m trickier.”
Shadowdane took off his glove and revealed his sharpened down pinky. He jammed it into the little box and wriggled it around until he heard the small click.
“Sometimes you just gotta feel them out.” He said with a laugh.
Shadowdane gave Sadye the box.
Carefully Sadye opened it.
Inside the box were a single diamond solitaire and a picture. The picture was of a woman holding a baby elf. The woman holding the baby was obstructed and all that could be seen was her chest and arms.
“This is Sadrick’s treasure, a photo and a diamond ring?”
Shadowdane laughed.
“No. Not the photo, You darling, You’re Sadrick’s greatest treasure. Look at the back.”
Sadye flipped the photo over and on the back was written.
The greatest treasure any man could or will ever find.
Shadowdane was right. Sadrick’s greatest treasure was her.
Shadowdane was holding the picture looking at it.
“Awwww you were such a cute little one.”
Sadye blushed a little and took the picture back from him.
“You know I wish people would stop…”
And then Sadye stopped. Her eyes flashed with a sudden realization.
“Ofcourse…”
Sadye was lost in two days worth of thoughts and memories.
“It all makes sense.”
Shadowdane looked at her confused.
“What is it Sadye?”
Sadye snapped Shadowdane an excited look.
“We have to return to Orgrimmar!”
“We have to what?!”
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Part 12
It was all that Shadowdane could do to keep up with Sadye. She rode like the devil himself was behind her. She rode with determination and passion. She had discovered something and she knew she was right. At the zeppelin tower Shadowdane finally had a chance to catch his breath.
“You do remember that we are fugitives from Orgrimmar right? We did escape their dungeon. So why in the name of all that’s holy are we going back?”
“I have a promise to keep.”
Shadowdane was still confused. His confusion only grew as they disembarked the zeppelin and headed toward the main gates of Orgrimmar.
“Um Sadye I really hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Ofcourse I do or I wouldn’t be heading straight for Thrall’s council chambers.”
“Oh good because I thought for a minute there you were… THRALL’S COUNCIL CHAMBER??!! YOU HAVE GONE MAD! It was the plague lands, you caught something didn’t you? Your head’s all clouded with sickness.”
“On the contrary I’ve never been so clear headed about anything. It’s time to end this.”
Sadye and Shadowdane raced through Orgrimmar and came to the valley of Wisdom.
As they were about to reach the entrance to Thrall’s Council chambers they saw a detail of guards standing in front, waiting.
“Sadye, Bloodelf and Shadowdane Undead, you’re presence is required in the Council Chamber by the great Thrall of Orgrimmar, you may proceed, UNARMED only.” Said an Orc Captain in front of the entrance.
“Stranger and stranger.” Shadowdane remarked taking off his weapons.
The two rogues were escorted into the great Council hall of Thrall. Both Shadowdane and Sadye bowed in his presence.
“Rise and step forward Shadowdane and Sadye.”
They complied.
“I am pleased that you have survived your time in Ragefire Chasm. Now it has been brought to my attention that you are being charged with the theft of Ambassador Dawnsinger’s jewels. Well I’m pleased to inform you that the actual thief has been caught. You are both herby absolved from these allegations. You are free to go.”
“Well that’s good.” Shadowdane whispered to Sadye.
Sadye narrowed her eyes.
Oh no, you’re not getting away that easily.
Outside the Council Chamber Sadye explained her thoughts to Shadowdane.
“Yes, that makes sense, you’re right. So what do we do now?”
“The only thing we can do… Wait.”
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Part13
They waited until night fall. They stayed cloaked and hidden as one by one Thrall’s council retired for the night. Soon they saw their prey emerge from the chamber. Slowly they followed her into the valley of Honor. She stopped just short of the docks.
“Well this is far enough I suppose. Go ahead little one reveal yourself.”
Sadye stepped from the shadows in front of Ambassador Dawnsinger.
“And your undead friend, surely he’s lurking close by.”
Shadowdane appeared on the other side of Dawnsinger.
“Ah there you are. So what is your business with me this fine evening?”
“It’s time to end the game Madam Ambassador.” Shadowdane replied.
“We know you’re the one who sent us after Sadrick’s treasure.” Sadye said.
“I want to know why.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Then let me refresh your memory Ambassador. You confronted me in Shattrath and told me to meet you in lower city because Sadrick’s treasure had been discovered. You then planted your own diamonds on us so we would be taken into custody and brought back here to be thrown in the dungeon.”
Shadowdane then took over the narrative.
“Where you released us and sent us on our way to Caer Darrow.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger laughed.
“This is truly a fascinating tale, you two should be writers. Unfortunately I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“There had to be a connection.” Sadye continued.
“And that connection was you. You were in every place that we were.”
“And what about the key to the Ragefire Chasm and the return of our gear? You had access to all of it and being a trusted Ambassador to Thrall no one would suspect you.” Shadowdane concluded.
“And the clue that unraveled it all for me. Both you and the stranger called me ‘little one.’ Now I know you sent me on this journey, what I don’t know is why.”
Ambassador Dawnsinger was quiet.
“Hmmm, I used to be better at hiding things.”
Sadye and Shadowdane exchanged looks.
“Very well, I shall tell you my story…
I have never told this story to anyone. It began many years ago. Sometimes it seems that a person’s life is already laid out before them even before they can have a say in it. I was to be an Ambassador of the people as my father was. He spent his entire life negotiating and trying to bring peace to the different nations of the world. I was schooled and brought up for the same purpose. It never occurred to me that there could be any other option. Not until I met Sadrick. He was very handsome of course and witty and in some ways I longed for the freedom to come and go as he did. On many nights he would come to my window and speak with me. He would tell me about his travels around the world and the things he had done. Sometimes, I would even sneak out of my room and we would ride through the fields in the moonlight. He was quite romantic, Sadrick. Then one night, he asked me to marry him to run away with him for good, to leave my duty and responsibilities behind. I said no. It was at that moment that I remember I could almost see his heart break, and inside of me, mine did as well. In those days I was more concerned with duty and being what others expected me to be. I considered it selfish to put my wants and needs before others. I didn’t see Sadrick for months after that. Oh it was agonizing. I tried to concentrate on my studies but every night I would go to my window and just watch for him.
Soon I was ready to begin my duty as an Ambassador to Orgrimmar. It was the night before I was going to leave that I saw him again. I thought I was dreaming when he appeared at my window. We didn’t speak at first, we just ran to each other and we held on as tight as we could. I had missed him so and now he was here. He knew I was leaving for Orgrimmar, and he knew I wouldn’t be coming back. That night, we made love for the first time. I remember falling asleep in his arms and hearing him whisper he would always love me. When I awoke the next morning he was gone, and I had a new life to start.”
Sadye looked at Erina.
“That was almost thirty years ago.”
“Thirty one actually.”
“Yes, hmmm. I’m sorry I was just considering the years because I was thinking that you might… …but the times don’t match.” Sadye said more to herself than to the Ambassador.
“You were thinking that I might be your mother?”
“Yes, I considered it but I’m not even 30 years old yet, so you couldn’t possibly be. Not if you only spent the one night together.”
Erina laughed.
“Well going by that logic you’re correct, but I said the night before I left was the first time we made love.”
“Then you met again.” Shadowdane injected.
“It was Love Shadowdane, and love will always find a way.”
“Tell us then. Finish your story.” Sadye encouraged.
“Very well.
I had finished my first week’s orientation with the Orgrimmar council and had retired to my chambers for the night. When I entered I noticed a red rose lying on the window sill. As I picked it up, I felt Sadrick’s arms embrace me. I wasn’t even alarmed. I knew it was him. I felt him. He whispered into my ear ‘I found you’ after that we were lost in each other again. After several hours we were resting beside each other in my bed. I asked him what he was doing here. He said he had come because I was here and there was nowhere else he belonged. He told me that if I didn’t want him to stay he would go, but oh how I wanted him. An arrangement was made that night. I would continue my life as an Orgrimmar Ambassador but for five days out of the year I would go to him.”
Erina stopped briefly
“Five days. Hmmm. Was it so short a time? When I was with him, it seemed like a life time would pass. But it didn’t matter we were together and for five days I was truly happy. Sadrick had built a house on the island of Caer Darrow. The reddest prettiest roses grew there. Sadrick would always bring them to me and leave them on my windowsill. Did you see the dock? We would often swim there and then make love. No one was around really and we didn’t care even if they were. But then two years later I found that I was pregnant. I took a leave of Absence from Orgrimmar. For nine months I stayed with Sadrick, until you were born Sadye. Sadrick looked after you until the wars started and the Plague began. Orgrimmar was almost on the breach of war and I couldn’t leave. When things had finally settled down I returned to Caer Darrow but Sadrick and you were gone. They say Sadrick contracted the plague, some say he died in the war. I’m not sure really. All I know is a few years ago I heard tale of a bloodelf rogue named Sadye traveling through Outlands. I journeyed back and forth until I found you. And here you are. And now you know the story.”
“So it would seem.” Sadye said, not really knowing how to feel.
“I suppose we should talk.”
“I’d like that Sadye.”
Sadye turned to Shadowdane.
“No words Sadye, take as long as you need. I’ll be here.”
“Thank you Shadow.”
Shadowdane left the two women on the dock. Almost an hour later he saw Sadye point to him and Erina began to chuckle. Sadye gave Erina a big hug and then mounted her hawkstrider. She rode over to Shadowdane.
“I’m ready.”
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Part 14
Sadye and Shadowdane had come once again to the large entrance of Orgrimmar. The long road of Durotar stretched before them. Sadye stopped looking into the vast horizon.
“Was it wrong Shadowdane?”
“Hmmm?”
“What they had together? The love they shared?”
“I don’t think so. They dared to share something and to make something beautiful in a not so beautiful world. It seems to me that Sadrick was a very lucky man really. He found the most valuable treasures in the world. Treasures that could not be stolen or taken away, he found your mother and you.”
Sadye smiled at Shadowdane
“You think I’m valuable?”
“More than all the gold in the world, Darlin.”
Then Shadowdane startled as he remembered something.
“Oh here, I grabbed this for you as you were leaving me in the dust in the plague lands.”
Shadowdane handed Sadye a single red rose.
“Awww, beautiful.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Shadowdane said smiling at Sadye.
“Well let’s be off then.”
“Yes, where shall we go Shadowdane?”
“Hmmm, have you ever heard of a place called Karazhan?”
And with that Sadye and Shadowdane rode off discussing plans of adventure.
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Epilogue
The sun was setting in the Western Plague lands. Even in the disease filled land the suns dying light gleamed off of the waters surrounding the small Island of Caer Darrow making the waters glow gold. Standing on the dock over looking this site was a lone figure. Her black cloak blew in the wind as she stood in silence. She stood looking into the past. She enjoyed the view for a few moments and then moved to the edge of the dock. Ambassador Erina Dawnsinger removed her hood and stared into the sky. The golden rays of the setting sun illuminating her face. She removed from her cloak a single rose and threw it into the water.
“Rest well my love, rest well.”
THE END