Recuperation

I awoke to a familiar face. One I had seen for very long time. I reached out and took Shadowminx’s hand. I smiled and looked at her with blurry vision. My heart was lifted by her presence but yearned to be with another. I asked her if she was here to take me to see Elune and told her I wasn’t ready to go yet. There was still much I needed to do and people I needed to see again.

She told me she was there to help me recover. My vision started to return and I noticed it wasn’t who I thought it was at all. She spoke as her, knew things only she would know, my heart knew it was her but it wasn’t. The person standing before me was a friend. We had only been friends for a couple of weeks now. Mabon and she were very close. Almost like sisters. How was it that Laiyne could know such things? How could she speak in that way, with that tone and understanding?

Shadowminx explained to me that when Laiyne was a child her spirit wasn’t strong enough to live on its own. Laiyne’s mother had preformed a spell that bound her spirit to another’s in order to make her strong enough to live. The soul that was bound to Laiyne’s was Shadowminx’s. Minx, as I called her, explained that she never thought that our paths would cross again. That she lent her strength to Laiyne so that she could live. Now that my path has crossed with Laiyne’s everything has changed.

I told Minx of the heartache that I endured with her death, of how I retreated to the Emerald Dream to be with her again. I informed her of my engagement to Mabon and my love and commitment to her. I was not about to give up Mabon and that I intended to be with her the rest of her life. By this time I had tears streaming down my face. My heart felt torn knowing that all I was doing was pushing her away. I could not imagine the pain she must be feeling hearing the words spill from my mouth. She knelt down, kissed me, and said, “Have you forgotten me so quickly?”

Before I could answer I felt her presence leave. Laiyne looked up, surprised that I was awake. I wiped all the tears from my face and hoped she wouldn’t ask any questions. I just smiled and nodded at her. I thanked her for coming and for helping heal me. I sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. I stood up and attempted to walk. I did well for a few steps and then fell on my face. Laiyne cast a few more spells on me to relieve my pain. I stood back up and thanked Laiyne again. I told her I was going back to Darnassus to see my mother. I told her she was welcome to come with me if she liked. With a smile she nodded and agreed to join me. I pulled out a hearthstone and returned home.

I went up to my loft and lay on the bed. Shortly after I arrived Laiyne appeared. She had many questions about what had happened in Scryer’s Tier. I answered them as best as I could but I don’t believe they made any sense to her. I laid my head down and pretended to fall fast to sleep. Laiyne left my side shortly after. As I laid there I couldn’t help but think of Minx as I fell to sleep.

Aftermath

Shadowfang raced to her master’s side killing all who stood in her path. She knelt down and took his limp body into her mouth holding him firm but gently. She quickly escaped the battle with her master to the Sanctum of the Stars leaving everyone else behind. Upon her arrival the Scryers there did what little they could to hear him but could not deal with the severity of his wounds. Desperately needing medical attention they created a portal to Scryer’s Tier in Shattrath City. There he at least stood more of a chance to live.  

News quickly came to Voren’thal, the Scryer leader, of what had happened and the condition of his new ally. He sent out a request for all of those who have healing powers to come to his aid. Over the matter of a few hours of constant vigil by the priests, Kelandros’ condition had been stabilized. Voren’thal, knowing he had no other choice, contacted a Darnassian representative. He told the representative to speak personally with Tyrande Whisperwind about what had happened to her son and of his condition.   Tyrande, not only being Kelandros’ mother, is the High Priestess of Elune. If anyone could heal her son it was her. The Darnassian representative returned in a matter of hours with twelve priestesses of Elune. They were ordered to keep prayer and vigil over her son. The representative handed a letter to Voren’thal addressed from Tyrande Whisperwind. 

Greetings Voren’thal the Seer, 

Thank you for taking such good care of my son. I pray to Elune that she will bless you for your generosity. I only wish I could stand before you and give you my thanks personally. As you know I have many things I have to deal with on a daily basis and I am not able to neglect my duties as a leader. These twelve priestesses before you have been sent in my place. They will be able to heal Kelandros of all physical damage he may have incurred but it will be several days before he is able to move around freely. Please see that they are taken directly to him so that they can begin their vigil.

Tyrande Whisperwind

Voren’thal took the letter, folded it up, and placed it into his robes. He looked at the priestesses and said to the guards, “Take them to him immediately. See that all of their needs are met. Do not let anyone but priests into the room. Kill anyone else that approaches. We cannot have them be disturbed.”

Retribution

It came softly at first then steadily grew louder. It was the sound of Illidan’s army marching to battle. The first of the enemy army emerged from the darkness of the gate to the Black Temple. Behind them came hundreds more. There was no doubt that we were out numbered but we were no ordinary soldiers. We were all elite fighters of our respective skills. With a quick shout I ordered my troops to form their offensive ranks.  I bent down, patted Shadowfang, my swift saber, on the back of the neck and whispered into her ear, “You know what to do, my friend, just like we’ve practiced.”  My fellow feral druids were the first wave of the attack. With a nod they all shifted into their cat forms. Behind the feral druids were the hunter’s pets, followed by the sentinels and warriors. Behind them were hunters followed by the priests and druid spell casters.  I thought to myself, “This will be a fantastic charge.” 

As Illidan’s army marched down the corridor they quickened their pace. Soon they were at a full run. With a tug of the reins Shadowfang let out a loud roar. This was the signal to start our charge. Without hesitation the feral druids and hunter’s pets charged the enemy, who were quickly followed by the warriors. The sentinels remained to protect the supporting forces. With a swift hard kick Shadowfang raced into battle. 

With every step Shadowfang made my heart quickened. As I removed the staff from my back I readied myself for battle. The armies collided with violent force. At a full sprint the druids pounced quickly on their targets killing most with the initial bite then quickly moved on to the next victim. By then our support started in. Flashes of light and violent explosions erupted along the battlefield. Arrows and bullets littered the air striking their targets with malice. 

With a shift in my saddle I prepared for the for Shadowfang’s first strike. As she leapt into the air and came down on her target I used her momentum to propel myself into the air. Shifting into my cat form, I came down sinking my fangs deep into the enemy’s neck, killing with a snap of the neck. My heart was beating so fast it felt as if my chest would explode. I couldn’t afford to stop moving because if I did I’d have been swarmed by the enemy. With a quick leap I pounced on the next of my many victims. By now I had had my taste of blood and it sent me into frenzy.  Illidan’s forces were no match for us. They kept coming and we kept killing.  

As I released my latest kill from my grasp I saw a shadow on the ground coming towards me. Leaping from his body I heard a loud thud behind me. I quickly turned and saw Illidan knelt over the life I had just claimed with his Twin Blades of Azzinoth buried into his chest. Had I been a moment slower that would have been me laying there.  

With a deep growl I said to Illidan, “You are crafty as ever, Illidan. You would’ve had me right then if it weren’t for your massive disfigured form.” Illidan began laughing and turned his head quickly to face me. His fiery green eyes focused on me with intensity. He removed his blade from his servant’s chest and turned to face me. He said to me, “You will not be so lucky again, Nephew. I will put your head on display so that all who see it will know that I would kill even my own family for power.” 

We began pacing in a circle watching the other trying to read one another’s actions. We both were prepared for the other to strike but not willing to make the first move ourselves. Finally Illidan grew impatient and charged. With a roar I met him in battle. If I were to have witnessed the fight second hand I imagine it would have looked like some kind of magnificent dance. Each of us was holding their own and neither losing their ground. 

At some point in the battle I had taken a nasty cut to one of my legs. Not having noticed it I kept fighting just as fiercely as before. We broke away from one another breathing heavily. We paused and admired our own handiwork on each other. Illidan’s chest and legs were covered in lacerations and bleeding heavily. I on the other hand just noticed the wound on my leg. I put pressure on the leg to test its functionality. The pain shot through my body making my wince in pain. 

Illidan saw my pain and said to me mockingly, “My, that’s a nasty wound you have there. You should really have someone check that out.” At that moment I had two choices. I could shift out of my cat form and attempt to heal my leg, which would probably just get me killed, or I stay in cat form and fight with the injured leg. I chose to fight and replied to Illidan, “If I were you I’d worry about bleeding to death. You have lost massive amounts of blood.” He looked down at his wounds and laughed, “These? These cannot kill me, Nephew.” He took his blade and tossed it to the ground. He flexed his talons and hunched down preparing to strike. He said, “I’ll show you what its like to bleed to death.” as he launched himself at me. 

Preparing for his strike I planted my legs ready to pounce on him. At that second my leg gave way and I stumbled backward. That was all the time Illidan needed to land his blow. He launched me several feet backward and knocked me into the temple wall. He had knocked me unconscious. Illidan slowly walked over to my limp body and picked me up by the head. With a leap he flew into the air and hovered over the battlefield. 

He shouted, “Kaldorei warriors, here is your beloved leader! Bear witness the final moments of his and your lives!” He took his talons and prepared for his killing blow. Groggily I opened my eyes to see him ready to strike. Out of desperation I swiped at his jugular making contact with his neck. With a gurgling scream of pain he let loose of me and grabbed his neck. 

My thoughts drifted to my life and all of those who I’ve befriended and those I’ve loved. My heart ached at the thought of not being able to see Mabon again and the pain she’ll go through when she learns of my death. As I plunged to the ground my thoughts focused on seeing Shadowminx once again. Maybe death wasn’t as terrible as I had imagined it to be. Then I realized that without Mabon I couldn’t be happy, not even with Shadowminx at my side. With a thud I hit the ground.

The Exchange

I awoke to the warm, fowl breeze of Shadowmoon Valley. The air was thickly hung in fog. I rose from my cot and walked of to a small basin of water. I took the rag from the basin and began washing the sweat off my body. I had restless sleep because what sleep I had was very unpleasant. It was filled with horrific images of the past and images I have not been witness to. Were they images of the future or illusions that my mind has created out of fear? My thoughts strayed to my bride to be. How is she? Does she long to be with me as much as I do with her? Oh what I’d do to hold her small warm body in my arms right now. 

 I finished cleaning off and walked over to my armor. I took one hand and gently ran my hand down the armor admiring the polishing it had received from the night before. With a sigh, I slowly began putting it on. As I put on each individual piece on I prayed to Elune for it to protect me in battle. Once the armor was on I went and double-checked to make sure all the straps were tightly tied and everything was as it should be. The last thing I need is for something to go wrong. I then picked up my staff and slung it on my back. Bending down I took my wolf’s head helm and tucked it under my arm. 

 Emerging from my tent I see all five hundred of my brethren standing in formation ready to march into battle. With a call to attention upon my arrival they all saluted me in one motion. The sound of their amror clanking from the salute nearly brought me to tears. Long ago I remember the same thing happening to my father. Now it was me who was the focus of attention. Looking at the men and women who volunteered to assist me in my task, I kept a straight face and saluted them in return. It was time for words of encouragement and praise for the troops much like my father had given so long ago. 

 “Mighty warriors of the Kaldorei, Today we bring retribution to Illidan the Betrayer!” as the troops erupted in cheers for a short while I placed my hand in the air to quiet them so I could continue. You all honor me with your devotion to our people and my clan. I want to thank you all for volunteering for this mission. Not one of you was assigned to assist me in this matter and I believe it shows the true nature of your character. I am forever indebted to you all.” I took a deep breath and continued, hoping I didn’t look nervous in front of the troops. 

 With the BlackTemple to my back I turn slightly and pointed at it. “We march to the Black Temple. There we will find Illidan and his forces. We will dispatch them with ease and take Illidan either dead or alive.” With a chuckle I said, “Quite honestly I prefer him dead. That way no one else will have to deal with him.” The troops laughed and cheered. “This is a day we will all remember! You will tell tales of this day. The day we marched on the Black Temple and defeated Illidan the Betrayer! We will be victorious!”  With the troops cheering and carrying on I took my helm from under my arm and fastened it on firmly. I took the staff from my back and held it in the air and yelled, “We march to victory!” The troops erupted into more cheering and clanging of their weapons. I turned around and pointed my staff at the Black Temple and yelled, “Let’s Move out!”  I closed my eyes and said a soft prayer to Elune then mounted my swift saber. It was dressed for the battle that was soon to ensue. I leaned down and patted the animal on the back letting him know how much I was depending on him. With a soft kick the saber began walking along side the group of soldiers. It didn’t take long before we reached the gates to the Black Temple.Outside the temple were remains of what looked like a failed offensive attack by the alliance. Tents and battlements were still in place. Bodies littered the field of battle. It looked as if the forces didn’t stand much of a chance outside the temple. The black walls of the temple towered along the sides of the entrance leading the way to the gates. It looked like Illidan’s forces would easily defend the gate to the temple by the way it was designed. 

 We stopped just outside the corridor to the gate fearing to enter the field where the ones before us had died.  Without a moments delay the gates opened and Illidan appeared. He walked to the middle of the field and stood there. With his deep scratchy voice he called out for the commander of our forces, “Leader of the Kaldorei forces, come and speak with me so that I may know who I will be facing in battle. I will send word to Darnassus that their foolish attempt to kill me only cost them the lives of so many brave warriors.” 

 Without hesitation I gave my saber another gentle kick and started towards Illidan. Half way to him I dismounted and walked the rest of the way to meet him. He said to me, “They’ve chosen you to be their leader? You look rather puny to me. Why not send a worthy warrior to stop me, maybe someone who is of a nobler bloodline?” With an evil grin he asked me, “What is your name warrior?” 

 I found it hard to keep my composure at his comments but managed to handle it well. I looked up at the monstrosity that Illidan had become and slowly removed my helm. The surprise on his face was immense. His face quickly went from surprise to a tinge fear. He quickly composed himself as to not be transparent. I said to him with a smile, “Greetings, Uncle. I see you are still as grotesque as the last time I saw you.” 

 He replied to me mockingly, “So they send my nephew to kill me?” He then said in a boasting voice, “Of course they did! This is a family dispute after all is it not? The only way to kill a Stormrage is to have another Stormrage do it!” He took his eyes off of me and looked at the troops behind me and said, “This will be a glorious battle. I hope you are up to the task before you, Kelandros. You should have brought more men. You little band cannot even dare to imagine the size of my army.” His eyes slowly returned to meet mine and said, “I will be looking for you on the battlefield. I wish to see how strong you’ve become. Although not nearly strong enough I imagine.” 

 He stretched out his wings and leaped into the air disappearing into the temple. I fastened my helm back on and mounted my saber. I returned to the troops and told them of our exchange. They all laughed when I told them of his surprise and fleeting moment of fear on his face when I removed my helm. I feel that it gave them a little more confidence knowing that even a monster like Illidan had fear.

Marching Orders

The day had come to travel to Outlands. Just before first light we had all assembled and were ready to head to Shattrath City. Thanks to the mages of Stormwind we were able to travel there directly through a portal. When we had all come through the portal I had the company form ranks and prepare for our march. By mid-morning we started out towards Shadowmoon Valley.

The march through Terokkar Forest was uneventful to say the least. However, once we reached Shadowmoon Valley all of that changed. The Burning Legion has infested this area completely. They swarm the land destroying all that they touch. We met quite a bit of opposition but they did not stand much of a chance against us. 

We marched past Legion Hold, through the Magma Fields in order to avoid Illidari Point, and stopped in Wildhammer Stronghold. The following day I sent out two of my best scouts to do some reconnaissance. Later that day they both returned and apprised me of the situation. They spoke of the best route to take to get to the Black Temple. They spoke of a Scryer’s base camp, called The Sanctum of the Stars, near the temple. This seemed like the most logical place to head our operation from.

On the third day I sent a small group of ambassadors to the Sanctum of the Stars to ask for permission to use their camp as our headquarters. That afternoon, word was sent from our ambassadors stating that this would not be as easy as we had thought. They explained that they were weary to have so many Kaldorei in their midst. They fear that letting enter their base that we may try to take it as our own. The Scryers sent a representative to speak to Voren’thal the Seer, the leader of the Scryers, asking for guidance in the matter. 

Voren’thal quickly replied and asked to speak with me personally. Having no other choice in the matter I accepted. I left the next morning back to Shattrath City to speak with him. I was taken to Scryer’s Tier and shown around by one of Voren’thal’s attendants. I was impressed with how beautiful it was but I soon grew impatient. After the tour I was taken to Voren’thal. We exchanged pleasantries and got right down to business.  

He explained to me that we would not let anyone who isn’t a Scryer into his camp and that I should find another place to use instead. He told me of how untrusting he was of the Kaldorei and that he saw this as an opportunity for us to take what is his. Despite my best judgment I protested furiously. How dare he insult my people, my honor, and most of all my family name? This must have pleased Voren’thal immensely. He smiled wickedly when he saw my temper flare. After having had my fill of the Blood Elf’s presence I started to storm out of the room.  

With a booming voice Voren’thal called out my name. I stopped and turned my head and glared at him with fire in my eyes. He told me that he would not let anyone that is not a Scryer into his camp, but if I were to swear my allegiance to the Scryers I could use the outpost for anything I needed it for. I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly trying to calm my temper. I slowly tuned to face him and nodded. Knowing fully of what he was asking of me, I told him he would have my reply in the morning. 

The flight back to Wildhammer Stronghold seemed like the longest I had ever been on. I had to weight the situation and the circumstances of what Voren’thal had laid before me. Before I gave my reply I needed to have more information about the area around the Black Temple. I spoke in great length to the scouts I had sent about the terrain and if there were any other places we could use as a base camp. They both agreed that the Sanctum of the Stars was the only place that was suitable to be used. 

Having little very little sleep that night I wrestled with the thoughts of my love, Mabon, and the decision I had to make. Do I try to win a battle against a strong army without good ground to fight from, pledge my allegiance to Voren’thal and the Scryers in order to have a better chance of survival, or do I abandon my family duty and run off with Mabon never to show my face to my people again? Would she think less of me if I ran away with her, would she think less of me as a Scryer, or how would she feel if I died in battle and could have possibly avoided it? 

In the morning I sent word to Voren’thal the Seer that I would pledge my allegiance to him and the Scryers. His reply was quick. Almost as if he knew me, that I would not abandon my obligation, and that I had no other choice for a place to better fight from. Once his reply came we marched to the Sanctum of the Stars. There we were greeted and shown where we could set up our camp. I kept the events private and did not tell my soldiers what I had done. Would they look at me differently? Would they understand that I did it as much for them as I did for me? Only time will tell.

 

Kelandros Stormrage

Bells

Two nights before I was to depart to Outlands an old friend of mine was to be married. She was to wed one of my fellow guild members, Teul. I am happy for her. Askashia has been through so much lately. As luck would have it my Dearest Mabon was in the wedding party as a bridesmaid. 

I arrived in Darnassus early so that I could buy the happy couple wedding gifts. I found two exotic frogs in the auction house and thought that it was odd that they were the only two. It is as Elune had picked them out herself. I bought the frogs because they are often thought to be idols of fertility. How fitting for a newly wed couple. I went to a vendor that was selling boxes and wrapping paper. I punched holes into the boxes and put some grass inside so that the frogs would be comfortable. I wrapped the boxes and made sure the holes were exposed so that they could have some fresh air. 

The time of the wedding was near by then. So I went and changed into my tux and walked to the bank to meet Mabon. We exchanged our pleasantries and walked hand-in-hand to the Temple of the Moon. Once inside Mabon and I split ways. The temple was packed with all of their friends and guild members. Just before the wedding started I got an urgent message from Askashia. She said that the person that was to be escorting her down the aisle had not shown yet and wanted me to take his place. I gladly accepted. 

I walked back to where all of the women in the wedding party were waiting. They all looked so beautiful, even the little gnome. My eyes ran across the line of women and saw Mabon. She was so beautiful but my jaw dropped when my eyes fell on Askashia. I had never seen her in a dress before. She’s not that type of woman. She wore a dress that was a shimmering white. It was like the dress emitted a radiant light that came from Askashia. 

The wedding was starting. The bridesmaids all started to take their turns walking down the aisle. Askashia looked at me and asked if I were ready. I held out my arm and she firmly grabbed a hold. As we walked into the temple I felt Askashia tremble with nervousness. We made it to the end of the aisle and parted ways with a smile.

The actual ceremony was short but it looked like an eternity for the two lovers. As the ceremony went on I locked my eyes upon Mabon. She must have felt my gaze upon her. She looked for me and locked eyes with me and smiled. It was then that I knew I had to do something. After the ceremony the wedding came to a close and the party was moved to another place. Mabon and I gave the happy couple our gifts and said our goodbyes to the couple. 

I asked Mabon if she would join me in Moonglade for an evening walk. She happily agreed. Before we left for Moonglade we decided to change out of our formal clothes and into something a little more comfortable. Mabon chose a dress of course. I think she has one for every day of the week for an entire month. The bad thing about that is she looks so good in every one. This makes me feel like I am repeating the same approval every time I see her. After we changed we departed for Moonglade. 

Once in Moonglade we started walking towards our favorite spot. Once we reached the moonwell we talked for a bit. She spoke more than me but that is to be expected. Not only does she have a gift for talking but she was also nervous which made her talk even more. In one of her talking spats I said I thought about how this spot would be the perfect place for my wedding. I thought she hadn’t heard what I said but she asked me about it later.

She asked me what I had said earlier. I told her in a nervous voice what I had said. It was then that her mischievous side came out. She began to ask questions fully knowing what the answers were and acting like she didn’t just to watch me squirm. She asked me who I saw myself marrying. Eventually I got over my nervousness and told her that it was her I saw as my bride. She let me hang on her reply for an eternity. 

She agreed that it would be a wonderful spot for our wedding. She made it perfectly clear that she hadn’t been asked yet. I told her that I would require a ring in order to do such a thing. Her reply was that she didn’t need a ring and that all she needs is me. I knelt to the ground before her and asked her if she would honor me and become my bride. She nearly knocked me over with her positive reply. We decided there that we could be married once I return from my family obligation. All I needed to do was to return safely and possibly meet her parents that were coming into town that weekend. I agreed and we spent the rest of the evening planning the wedding.

Kelandros Stormrage

Moonglade

Last night I decided to guide Mabon to my refuge, Moonglade. We met in Astranaar before we took off on our journey. She told me of how she had spent the day exploring the lands of the Kaldorei. She told me she wanted to get a better grasp as to who I am by exploring our lands. I have to say I was very impressed by her yearning to learn of my race and culture.

From Astranaar we ran east along the road and then headed north to Fellwood. Once we reached Fellwood I had to be more focused. There are many creatures there that could kill Mabon in a heartbeat. We made it through Fellwood alright and headed through Timbermaw Hold. The Timbermaw had a problem with me bringing a visitor into their home and ended up attacking Mabon. I quickly went on the offensive to protect her. I am afraid my reputation is a little tarnished with them now, but they got what they deserved.

Once through Timbermaw Hold we entered Moonglade. If you have never been to Moonglade I suggest you make at least one trip there to see its beauty. We walked along the road to Stormrage Barrow Dens. There we stood in the gazebo surrounded by a moonwell. My mind couldn’t but help think that this would be a wonderful place for a wedding. I explained to her that this was my home and that I come here whenever I am not adventuring. We spent several minutes there enjoying one another’s company.

From Stormrage Barrow Dens we walked to the town of Nighthaven. There I showed her the town and the views the town has to offer of Lake Elune’era. We sat on the deck that overlooks the lake and talked for a bit. Somehow the conversation turned to how high we were up in the air. I just smiled and walked her over to my favorite cliff diving spot. Once there I stripped off my heavy armor and kept the light pieces on. Pants, boots, belt and so on. I ran to the edge of the cliff and dove right in. What an amazing rush it is to dive from so high up. Mabon soon followed to my amazement. She had somehow changed into a swimming suit in the short time I was gone. She must wear that thing all times.

We swam around a little and then I took her to my meditation spot. This spot is at the bottom of one of the waterfalls that comes from Nighthaven and feeds into the lake. We stood in the waterfall letting the water consume us and enjoying the each other’s company. There we spent quite a bit of time talking over the roaring sounds of the waterfall. It is amazing how time flies when I’m with her.

Before I knew it, it was getting late. We walked back to Nighthaven and said our goodbyes. I regret having to part from her so quickly but I was late for yet another meeting and needed to hurry along. I told the inn keeper to allow her to stay as long as she liked but in the end she decided to go back to Stormwind.

Kelandros Stormrage

Battle Preparations

I have been spending a lot of time in meetings lately. So many meetings my head wants to explode. There are meetings for my upcoming battle, meetings of the druidic order, and meetings about meetings. I think the only thing that saves me from going crazy is the thought of my dearest Mabon. The thought of seeing her again is my driving force throughout the day.

The meetings that I really have anything to do with are for my upcoming battle with Illidan. We have spent the last few days hammering out our battle plans. We are still trying to put the final details together but it is mostly complete. We know how many troops I have and which path we are taking but we don’t know what our plan of attack is going to be. I leave those details up to the Generals to figure out. They have much more experience at this than I do. So far all I know is that I am taking five hundred of our finest into the heart of the Illidan’s territory.

Most of my men and women have been through many wars. Some are more battle hardened than even I am. They bring along all sorts of skills and experience that may help with our task. One such sentinel was a childhood friend of my father. She tells me stories of their exploits as children and how kind he was to her. It is nice to hear such kind words about my father from so many of the soldiers. A few of my men are old friends of mine. We had served together in the last war with the Burning Legion. There are a few young Kaldorei that are among our ranks, but their skill more than makes up for their lack of experience. I count myself as blessed to have all of the people that have been put under my command. I pray that I do not fail them as their leader.

Kelandros Stormrage

The Sterling

My recent adventures have put me along the path of many people. Most of which have been people that want something from me or wanting to kill me. There are a few people that I come across that actually want to help me. In the earlier part of my training I came upon a group of people that were united under the banner of Kingsblood. They were a small band of adventurers that were trying to make a difference in the world. However, the leader of the group decided to go elsewhere and left it in the hands of another. Now don’t get me wrong, this was a good group of people. Leadership deferred to Pher who led us well until his untimely death. His son stepped up and filled in rather well. The only problem was we weren’t growing in strength. This made it hard on everyone in the group. I was away training for a week and when I returned I found out the group had disbanded. I was alone again. Not entirely though. I still had good contacts with people. Rorlins the dwarf and Adeldia the Kaldorei were two whom I kept in contact with.

After the disbanding of Kingsblood I traveled for a while by myself. After a few weeks I found another group of adventurers. They are called The Crimson Knights. This was a different atmosphere than I had been accustomed to. They are a militaristic group led by the mighty and beautiful Khaira. While there I made a few friends and became the squire to the knight Azzure Keeshan. I learned much from Sir Azzure, however, two weeks into my training he had left the knighthood. Not entirely sure of what I was to do now that I had lost my sponsoring knight I stayed in limbo. While on a journey to Stranglethorn Vale I ran into my old friends Rorlins and Adeldia. They informed me of an individual who was starting up his own band of fighters. His name was Garnil Thunderman. Rorlins and Adeldia had expressed interest in joining his guild. I kind of blew off the notion of leaving The Crimson Knights, but after I had thought about it further I decided to contact my friends.

After talking to Rorlins and Adeldia for a second time about this guild I decided to give it a shot. I talked to Kharia and explained that I felt I was needed elsewhere and that should anything bad happen I may be contacting her again. I left the knighthood and joined Sterling. At first sight of the guild I was in disbelief. There were maybe thirty people all together in Sterling. My mind was wondering what I had gotten into. Not only were there a handful of people but I was the most skilled out of them all. I had made a commitment to be a part of the growth of Sterling and I stuck with it. Everyone in the guild was very nice and extremely welcoming. Garnil, the, Commander, is an interesting man. At the time he was quite wise and understanding leader for being so young. Now that he has a few seasons under his belt he is rather skilled leader. He has a way with people that is amazing to witness.

It didn’t take long for Sterling to get off of the ground. We had several people hear word of what we were doing and wanted to be apart of it. We now have several members and are still growing rapidly. Recently one of our newest members had been abducted by the Scarlet Crusade. A couple members of our guild went to rescue her. I regret not being able to aid in her rescue but I know it would succeed without me. We are now a strong and successful band of warriors and I am no longer the most skilled in the group. I would trust my life with any one of our members.

I can foresee that Sterling will become much more than what it is today. We have some outstanding new members and some very skilled veterans.  It would not surprise me if we soon had a force big enough to start striking at our enemies in their own bases. I am glad to see that Sterling is exactly as it sounds. It is an excellent example of what an army should be. It has the pure intentions of protecting the innocent and punishing the wicked. It has first-rate leadership and members. I am proud to be apart of something so wonderful.

Kelandros Stormrage

The Awakening Pt 2

By the time I reached Stranglethorn Vale I estimated that I was at about half of my original strength. Stranglethorn Vale is a very good testing ground. The trolls are vicious as well as the wildlife. By the time I had left there I had gotten much farther in my training than I could have imagined. From Stranglethorn Vale I made my way back to Kalimdor vie the boat from Booty Bay to Ratchet. I journeyed south to Tanaris and helped out the goblins in Gadgetzan.

Goblins are an odd race. They are surprisingly strong for being such small creatures. Their inventions rival those of the gnomes. I am impressed by their versatility. My time in Tanaris was short. From there I went down into Un’Goro Crater. There I helped a druid with some things he needed taken care of. I also came upon a camp to the north. The people there needed assistance as well. Un’Goro Crater is a beautiful place. However, the wildlife there is incredibly dangerous. I cannot count how many times I came close to death there. More than I would like to think of. The devilsaur are the most vicious of them all. These massive creatures have a funny way of sneaking up on you.

From Un’Goro I traveled to the northern parts of the Eastern Kingdom. I explored the entire region but mainly focus on training in the Eastern and Western Plaguelands. The remnants of the Scourge invasion are most prevalent there. I must say that this area brought me the most pain. I remember it being a very beautiful place. The scourge has sucked the life out of almost everything there. However, there is hope for it yet. I have seen signs that life is returning to the land. It was there that I completed my training. I had now become as strong as I was before entering the Emerald Dream.

I returned to Darnassus to speak with my mother once again. She told me about the excavation of another Dark Portal and that the Alliance and Horde have both gone through it. She told me of how the Burning Crusade has destroyed the Outlands and that they are fighting to take over the gate so that they can come destroy ours as well. This was not the reason I was called before her. This was just a buildup of what my real reason for coming back was.

The reason my father sent me back to Azeroth was not because he didn’t want my help in the Emerald Dream. It was because he knew that the Dark Portal had been opened to the Outlands and that the Burning Crusade were not the only danger to Azeroth. It was because of my uncle. Illidan was banished to the Outlands by my father and now that the gate is open nothing is stopping him from coming back to Azeroth.

 

My true reason for being brought back was to make sure that does not happen. I am to journey to the Outlands and stop Illidan and his army from entering Azeroth. My father might be able to do this single-handedly but I am not near as powerful as my father. However, this is a family matter. I will do what is asked of me even if it means my destruction. I will continue my training in the Outlands and become as powerful as powerful as my father.

Elune, guide my path. Protect me from the dangers that await me. Bless me with the power and determination to put an end to this permanently. I delight in your favor and sing praises to you. Use me as your weapon and defeat all that opposes you. Bless those that join me in rising up against the evils of the universe.

 

Kelandros Stormrage