User:Calenne

'Cold '

All the lights blew out, one by one, as the citizens of Menethil Harbor crawled into their beds, oblivious to the fact that many of them would not wake up once the sun rose.

Now was the time, the commander decided. He pulled on the badly frayed reins of his warhorse. The skeletal beast reared up on its hind legs with a shrill whinny reminiscent of a banshee’s screech. The moon, the only thing visible in the black night sky, made the horse’s exposed bones radiate a spectral light. The living-dead horse charged down the damp hill, the army of undeath, seeing the signal, followed eagerly at its heels.

The scent of death clouded over the land, the stench of carrion fouling the very air in the wake of the army’s passage. The commander’s horrible cackle was a battle clarion throughout the marshes around the small fortified town. By the time the scent and sound reached the guards, it was too late. The first shouts of alarm rose from the guards stationed at the gates and along the walls surrounding the village drew the attention of a young guard dozing off. He stood up from sitting on the cold stone wall, and leaned over it. His eyes widened, and then started shouting himself. Everyone knew, from the size of the oncoming scourge, that the inevitable battle would be perilous.

Undead beings flooded through the town, tearing down buildings, murdering innocents. The night’s raid completed, the army of undeath withdrew as silently as they had arrived, several of the undead passing within feet of the sea-green eyed child, only hours old, hidden inside a bush near the docks. A subtle golden light radiated from her skin and causing the undead beings to shy away from the spot and protecting her from the flames greedily leaping through the brush towards the water's edge.

Chapter One

17 years later

"Stormwind is lovely. I’m sure you’ll befriend a great knight there." Lies, they are all lies. Calenne sighed to herself. A messenger was coming to Menethil Harbor today to claim several horses for the knights fighting in the wars. I’ve never set foot outside of this town… She had just finished grooming and placing the final touches on the best trained horses, the ones she trained and bred herself. This would be the seventh time they had collected horses this year. They’re probably just killing them for sport. Calenne shuddered at the thought.

Hearing footsteps, the small girl turned around. "Ah, hello Sir Thomas. I wasn’t expecting you so soon."

The man merely nodded, his grim face showing annoyance. "Weather was nice. Didn’t rain for once."

Calenne hid a grimace; she loved the rain. "The horses are in the summer stables. This is actually one of them in fact." She gently stroked the dappled grey stallion she had just finished grooming.

"The beast looks very well bred, very well. Tell Sir Stratforth that his work is still greatly admired by King Varian."

The girl’s sea-green eyes narrowed. The messenger didn’t seem to notice. Unger had been taking credit for her blood, sweat and tears breeding and breaking horses for the man for fourteen years. She'd been slaving for a single bowl of soup a night since she was three years of age. No one cared though. Calenne was just simple stable girl. No family, no talent, so they said.

"This way." She kept her smile pleasant and her voice warm. She grabbed the halter of the stallion.

The messenger nodded and let Calenne lead him to the stables. When they got there the girl struggled to open the large wooden door. The man didn't even offer to help. Not that she was surprised. When she finally pried open the door, Calenne lead the stallion inside. Letting go of him, she lets out a sharp whistle. The horse walked over to the long end of the stables, standing in its spot, facing the messenger.

"These horses are the smartest and strongest we’ve trained this year." Calenne said as she opened the stall gates. The horses walked over to stand next to the dappled grey stallion. After letting twenty-three horses out of their stalls, the girl glanced at a white stallion. It wouldn’t hurt to say this one isn’t ready yet. Calenne walked back to Thomas.

The grim man stroked his ragged brown beard, examining each horse closely. "I’ll take all but two." He pointed at the brown bronco and the golden pinto. "The Bronco and Pinto are too frail, they would not last a day in war.”

Calenne nodded and gently lead the two back to their stalls, they will become work horses for the town, she thought sourly. Calenne grabbed a long rope off the tool wall and fastened one end of it to the lead horse's halter and running the line through the others with practiced ease, making sure each was secure and wouldn't come loose. Then, Calenne walked to the first horse, picking up the rope.

"I will tie the lead rope to your mount's saddle as usual. Sir Stratforth is in the tavern; he will have the papers for you to sign."

"Very well. I will go see to that." The man walked out without another glance.

Calenne shook her head sighing. Then she walked out of the stables with lead-rope in hand, heading for the messenger’s mount then tied the rope to the side of his saddle''. If I wasn’t barley able to get one meal a day, I would make it so the rope would come loose…'' Shaking her head again, annoyed at her own thoughts, she walked back to the stables to tend to the three horses left behind.

Chapter Two

"You’re joking!" Calenne couldn’t believe what she was hearing; Unger wanted ‘her’ to head to Ironforge, of all people? "Sir there must be some mistake!"

Unger shook his head, shuffling several papers around on his desk, "Everyone is too busy preparing for winter Calenne. You’re the only one that can deliver the package to King Varian."

"Yeah but--"

"Calenne, you will do this for me. It will give you a chance to see the world outside of Menethil anyways. I know you’ve always wanted that." Unger stood up walking over to the orange glow of the fire place; he picked up a wooden crate that was sitting on the gray stone ledge.

She sighed, but I haven’t the clue how to go there… he handed her the crate. "What’s inside it?" She asked.

"An old artifact," he shrugged the matter off. "I want you to leave tonight, follow the main road south-east to Dun Morogh. You should reach there within three days travel."

Calenne nodded. "Yes sir, Err… will I be on foot?"

"No," Unger waved his hand dismissively. "Take one of the leftover horses in the stables. It will take too long to travel on foot."

She bowed her head slightly, "Thank you sir, I’ll be on my way then." She smiled up at Unger and left the all too familiar office. She walked down the cold cobblestone road to the shed she was allowed to sleep in, and pulled on her heavy leather boots over the soft slippers she had been wearing. She grabbed her light cloak and wrapped the blue cotton over her shoulders, just as she was about to leave, her eyes fell on her small backpack. She unhooked it from one of the empty tool hooks, and slid the crate inside it. She looked once more around the shed thinking if there was anything else she should bring with. After deciding there wasn’t, Calenne left the shed, making sure it was relocked properly.

She walked quietly over to the stables, already knowing which horse she would ride. The clouds parted slightly in the night sky, an almost full moon casting shadows around the small figure. When Calenne pried open the stable door, she walked over to the white stallion’s stall. Sliding a halter over the horse’s mussel, she opened the stall’s door. Leading the horse over to the crossties, she fastened the halter to it, making sure it was tied properly. After gently stroking the horse’s smooth coat, she picked up the hoof pick lying on the half rotted damp bench nearby.

Carefully, Calenne lifted up each hoof; cleaning them with the hoof pick to be sure no pebbles were lodged inside. After, she set the hoof pick down, picking up a slightly frayed brush she brushed the stallion’s back and sides, taking her time to rid any dirt on the brilliant white fur.

Just as she was walking over to the rack, where the saddle blankets lay, a long shadow loomed onto the girl. Calenne turned her head, freezing in place seeing the figure.

"Calenne!" A boy, about her age stood in the door. Moonlight outlining his muscular figure.

"Tim!" Calenne smiled. "Shouldn’t you be in bed?" She placed a tan saddle blanket onto the horse’s back.

"I heard you were leaving tonight. I wanted to say goodbye." Tim slowly walked toward Calenne. "And wish you good luck."

Dry washing her hands, Calenne ran up to Tim, hugging him tightly. "Thank you. I wish that you could come, I don’t think I could handle being in Stormwind all by myself…"

Tim smiled at her. "Don’t worry. Everything will turn out great. In fact, you might even find a Paladin Knight there! Perhaps you could learn a thing or two in the Light!"

Calenne laughed. "I doubt it. You know I can’t speak a single word when in front of people I don’t know. Decides, I am only delivering a package. Then I have to come back to this life."

"Well, if you say so."

Calenne walked over to the saddles hanging on the wall. Grunting with the weight, she took one off and labored it over to the horse. "Tim, do you think you could help me with this?"

"Of course!" Tim ran up to her, taking the saddle off her hands and placing it on the horse’s back. "There, just take the halter off and put in reins, then you’re good to go."

Ducking under the horse to fasten the straps tight around its stomach Calenne laughed. "So eager to see me leave are we?"

"Well, I’m just eager to see your dream come true Calenne."

"Tim, it’s just a delivery. It’s nothing at all like my dream.”

"It could turn out to be a great adventure."

Calenne pulled off a set of reins from the wall, "You and your imagination."

Tim let out a cocky grin at her, "Hey, I’ll miss you." He said as Calenne hopped onto the horse.

She smiled, "I’ll miss you too." She kicked the horse’s side twice. He trotted out of the stable and into the night, the moon giving her golden hair a subtle glow. As soon as she crossed the bridge leading into the village she knew so well, she urged the horse into a fully fledged gallop.

Chapter Three

Thump, thump, thump, the muted sound of a horse’s hooves thumping against the moist dirt.

Thump, thump, thump, the repetitive, soothing sound went. Hours after hours, Calenne was excited to see all this new land. The marsh she grew up in, never knowing. She watched a gnoll ways away off the trail, chasing a small creature.

“So many things to learn and see, maybe. Perhaps, Tim was right, what do you think Spira?” Calenne laughed at herself and stroked the horse’s ears.

Another hour went by, and then another. Her legs were sore after the long ride through the muddy, uneven ground, having to slow from the thrilling gallop to avoid stepping in holes dug in by weather filled with water, wagons, and creatures. The journey was starting to become agonizing.

The sun was just beginning to rise; Calenne was still in the Wetlands. But with the oncoming light, she saw a structure. A rise on top of a tunnel built into the side of a mountain. That must be the way to Loch Moden! She urged Spira into a faster trot, wanting to get to the tunnel as fast as possible.

Calenne was dead tired, being up all the day before, and the same night. She wished Unger gave her the night to get good rest, but he didn’t care about her health. She had to work while sick with childhood illnesses. If Calenne was able to hate, it would be the man who raised her. But her kind heart doesn’t enable her to have any hate. Or so she thought.

Once she finally got to the entrance to the tunnel, Calenne dismounted. Pulling the reins down, she guided her horse into the darkness. Trailing a hand along the wall to keep her barring in the dark, she rounded a corner, once she got past the deep turn she saw flickering light in the wall up ahead, she hurried to the torch''. I’m sure no one will mind if I take this to get through the tunnel.'' Taking the torch off its rack she continued walking through the mountain. Spira whinnied, uncomfortable at being in such a dark and enclosed space with no sight of the sun.

"Shhh, I know boy." She patted the horse’s side. "We’re almost out." Right as she said early morning light began to show past a bend. She squinted at the bright light, her eyes accustomed to the light of the torch. The light might have been a great welcome, but it was the sudden cold that made Calenne shiver. As she walked out into the cool morning air, she saw a horrifying sight, a dwarf being torn apart by an orc. The creature held the dwarf over his head, growling at him as the dwarf contently hit him on the head with his rifle.

She dropped Spira’s reins and drew the small knife she had in her belt running toward the orc. The orc stopped trying to massacre the dwarf and turned his attention onto Calenne. What the fel am I doing? Calenne knew that she didn’t know how to fight. Yet, she knew she had to save this dwarf. Holding the knife in her hand she quickly sent an unpracticed jab at the orc’s neck. She missed, but the orc dropped the dwarf. Light, now he’s going after me! Calenne dropped the knife and ran for her life. If she could just get into the next tunn-

BANG!

Calenne gasped and almost fell over at the sound of the gun. Shakily she turned around and stared at the beast, fallen over dead only inches from her. She looked up, seeing the dwarf’s smoking gun pointed at him. Calenne looked back down at the wound in the orc’s back. "Y-you s-saved me…" She managed to get out over her gasping breath.

The dwarf smiled under his ragged beard, “aye lass, whats a wee thing like ya doin' all ta way out 'ere? some bugger might think ya up to somet'ing.”

Calenne just stared at the dwarf, before finding enough of her voice to answer, "I…Well I… Um…”

"Well?”

"…I-I am heading to Stormwind.”

"’eh? Whats ya reasons to be headin’ there?”

“I n-need to deliver something to King Varian…”

"I see. Well lassie, may I have ya name?”

“Um… C-Calenne Lightmantle…”

"That’s a lovely name for a lovely lass like ya’self. I am Borrin.”

"N-nice to meet you… Borrin.”

"Now lass, there no reason fo’ye ta fear me.”

Calenne swallowed, and gave the dwarf the best smile she could. “R-right. Of course. I-I am sorry, I ju—“

"Don’ mention it! Ye betta’ get yerself out of here. Before more of ‘em buggers come a runnin’!” The dwarf grinned.

Calenne nodded and picked up Spira’s reins. With him in tow, she hastily entered the second dark tunnel. Her torch was lost in the fight, and was probably snuffed out anyways. She had to do it this time, in the dark.

Chapter Four

What is that… Is that… Snow?! Calenne gazed with wonder as she exited the dark tunnel. She had never seen snow before, at least not this much. Sure there were small sprinkles of snow in the winter in Menethil, but as Calenne walked through the mounds of snow, she couldn’t believe her eyes. It reminded her of one of her dreams as a child. ''A winter wonderland, in early fall. ''She was astounded.

Calenne stopped to catch her breath. She watched as it escaped in a mist into the clear sky. She bundled up under a long dark cloak a dwarf in Loch Moden gave her. Shivering, she let Spira pick his way through the snow, unable to see the path.

Ironforge shouldn’t be too far away now. Calenne was too tired to worry if she didn’t get to Ironforge before nightfall, despite the fact that it would be even colder at night then at day. She didn’t know how much colder it could get. The temperature she was feeling now was cold enough to make her think that she was in the embrace of death. Of course she was exaggerating, but still, it felt more cold then she had ever felt before.

Looking up at the sky again, Calenne blinked in surprise as a large snowflake landed on her nose. She wiped her face with her cloak and shivered again. The sun was beginning to set, she wanted to get under a fire soon, it would be hard to see at night and Spira was tired from traveling all night and day. He wouldn’t be able to go much further.

A few hours after the sun had set she spotted a larger than usual mound of snow. As she went around it, she saw that it was actually a trail up higher in the mountain. The rocky side jutted out as if it were meant to prevent to keep people away. Calenne guided Spira around the mound and up onto the freshly shoveled out trail.

Calenne passed several stationed dwarven guards as she followed the trail to the large gates of Ironforge. The sight was amazing, metal in more quantity she had ever seen covered just the gate itself. Calenne was stunned. She heard stories about the great cities, but never really believed them. Now here she was, in front of the gates that were too large for her to comprehend. She slid off Spira, her soft boots making little noise on the frozen ground, and entered the city.

As soon as she went around the open gates, sudden warmth and activity were everywhere. Every race in the Alliance was there, Humans to Night Elves, and Dwarves to Gnomes, Dreanei. So many people, even on the day when Menethil opened up its port for the fight in Northrend, there weren’t as many as this. Spira was whinnying and shaking his head excitedly with all the new sounds and smells. Calenne was close to doing the same.

She walked up to a Dwarf, just standing in between buildings. "U-um… Excuse me?"

The dwarf looked up, "Aye?"

"C-could you tell me… Where the tram to Stormwind is?"

"Aye lass, just follow the lava pit to an area with lots of noise, with a spinning corridor, and ya be there! Oh, and if you enter a cave, ya betta’ gone too far."

Calenne didn’t understand half of what the Dwarf meant, but she nodded. "Thank you." She quickly walked away.

Following the lava pit, close enough to get its warmth but far enough away to not get scorched, she did happen to find a spinning corridor with a lot of noise, like gears grinding. The entry way was like a gear itself, the walls were spinning around a small bridge that made the ground stable. But it didn’t stop the constant shaking. Calenne slowly walked through the arch before Spira, letting him trail behind her. She came upon a cramped corridor, gnomes were everywhere, and engineering machines were everywhere. The sight of machines being built was astounding to Calenne’s eyes.

"Stormwind?" A gnome, with a high pitched voice that was about as tall as her knees with green hair smothering his face looked up at her.

Calenne blinked. "Sorry?" The gnome said the word so fast that she couldn’t understand him.

"Stormwind?" The gnome said again.

"Stormwind?" The gnome nodded. "Yes, I am headed t-there, could you show m-me where the tram is?"

"This way, this way!" The gnome speedily maneuvered through the piles of metal, Calenne tried her best to keep up. Over pipes, under legs, through baskets and over. Calenne was in a maze of engineering devices, if it weren’t for the gnomes green hair popping up from the piles, she would have easily been lost in the land of mechanics. She almost cried out in exasperation when the gnome stopped in front of another spinning corridor. The first one she went to all but made her sick.

"This be it! This be it!" The gnome chattered in enthusiasm. " Here ya be! Here ya be!"

Calenne tried to smile as best as she can. "Thank y-you." She let out a sigh of relief when the gnome scampered off. Now just a little longer to Stormwind. Calenne took a deep breath and held it while she guided Spira through the corridor, letting it out when she entered a complete metal cavern, with the roar of stone wheels against metal in the distance. She saw a sign with three different languages on it, Elvish, Dwarven, and Common.

Speak for strife as Stormwind is on the way.

Both ways it heads none it may stay.

Time passage correctly and safe you shall be.

But time cannot tell what you shall see.

Once Calenne had finished reading, the noise got louder. She gasped in astonishment as three large carts appear from the dark cavern into the lighted docking station. She hesitantly stepped on, stroking Spira’s snout encouragingly as he went on after her. It’s not as bad as it looks. She kept telling herself. Then the cart she was on suddenly launched down the dark cavern, causing her to lose her footing and fall. She found herself screaming in excitement and fright as the wind rushed by her face, her hair blowing back into a stream behind her. The terrifying experience seemed to last for hours.

When it finally did stop, Calenne was launched forward, running her stomach in to the safety rail in front of her. She fell back down winded, unaware of the man falling down in uncontrolled laughter. Spira quickly trotted off the tram, not wanting to re-experience that again.

"Hey there, are you alright?" The shaggy bearded man offered his hand to her.

"I… Y-Yeah, I’m… A-Alright. I… Think." Calenne took the man’s hand and shakily started to stand up, but once she got to her feet she doubled over, throwing up what was left of the meal she had two nights ago.

"Oh fel… Here." The man helped her back up, handing her the root of a plant. "This will make you feel better." He put the root into a satchel filled with water and handed it to Calenne.

She slowly drank it, not wanting to throw up in front of this kind stranger again. Almost immediately she started to feel better, she smiled as she handed it back to the man. "Thank you."

"First time riding the tram huh?" He smiled understandingly, offering his hand back.

Calenne flushed, "Y-Yeah… I didn’t expect anything like this." She stood up slowly again.

"Here, let’s get you off this cart before it launches off again."

Calenne gasped, the man’s eyes were an ice, cold, glowing blue. “M-my name is… C-Calenne...”

"Ysh." He simply replied. "Next time you take the tram, don’t take your horse with you." He gave her a smile.

"Thank y-you for the a-advice, Ysh." Speaking of horses…. Calenne nodded once to the man and ran off in direction that Spira ran.

Chapter Five

''By the Light! This is Stormwind?!'' Just like Ironforge, Calenne was breath-taken by the sight and smells of Stormwind. The district she was in was filled with smoke, but the massive cobble stone walkways and the size of the buildings was incredible! Calenne didn't know which way to start.

Calenne followed the road, looking at the artwork of the buildings. There were flyers everywhere, new ones painted over old ones with some form of glue. One in particular caught her attention.

Leauge of Lordaeron Recruitment

The League of Lordaeron needs knights that are willing to give everything for the cause to reclaim Lordaeron and the lands around it. The Scourge has claimed Eastern and Western Lordaeron, Stratholme too. And King Varian gave up on trying to get our home land back! It is now up to you, to help our cause and get our beloved home back! Look for Valdemar, Sarlain, or Elaute for recruitment information. Help us save those tormented souls. And take back our home! Returning it to once it was!

Calenne was astounded. Unger had never educated her on anything other than how to breed and train a horse. She had no idea that the Scourge claimed the famous Lordaeron. Does that mean Prince Arthas is...? Calenne shook her head''. No, Prince Arthas isn't dead. He is my hero. He is probably in Northrend right now protecting us from the Lord of the Undead.'' Calenne nodded to herself. ''I have to hurry and get to King Varian. ''

Calenne continued on through the quiet street, coming across a sign stating:

Dwarven District

I see, so I was in the Dwarven District. Calenne turned the corner; the street was split in two. A bridge crossed over the water of the canals, the street that continued on past the bridge went straight up to a massive castle. Calenne decided to cross the bridge and head down the path. She noticed a crowd of people in front of the entry, seeming on edge.

"King Varian isn't here?! What are you talking about?!" One of the men in a blue and white tabard asked.

"He left for Northrend several days ago, sir." A guard stated.

"That bastard of a king, he was suppose to send word to us before doing anything to get himself killed!" The man huffed and turned around, staring down Calenne. "Out of my way wretch." He pushed her to the side, almost into the water of the canal and stomped off.

"Um..." Calenne watched the man leave, then walked up to the guard. "E-Excuse me..."

"Yes?"

"Is it true that King Varian is no longer in Stormwind?"

"Yes, that is true. He left three days ago. He didn't want to cause a disruption in the city."

"I see..." She took off her pack and got out the box Varian gave her, "I have this package for him."

The guard took it, "Thank you, I will put it in his quarters for when he returns." He looked Calenne up and down for a moment, "You look like you were traveling hard, here." He gave her a small, heavy pouch. "Go get yourself something to eat and rest." He smiled.

Calenne stared wide-eyed at the pouch. "T-thank you sir." She quickly bowed and turned around back down the path she came from.

The guard watched her as she left, "I must tell him about this one. She has that glow he was searching for." He gave himself a nod and resumed his post.

Chapter Six

Calenne gasped in astonishment at all the activity in the Trade District of Stormwind City. Traders and sellers were everywhere, shouting out their sells and discounts. Mounts of all different kinds were blocking up the streets as people just sat and talked the day away. Tigers, Mammoths, Robot chickens...? Mountain goats, horses... She continued trying to guess the identity of the different animals that people used, as well as the different races of the people. Calenne had never seen this many people, not even in Ironforge were there as many people.

Calenne weaved her way through the people until she found the Inn she was looking for. She opened the door with the hand written Welcome sign in the window and entered. It was surprisingly quiet in the small room when the door closed. A cheery woman greeted her with a warm smile.

"Welcome dear, would you like a room for the night? Meal included free."

Calenne nodded tiredly, the fatigue from the last two days finally catching up with her, she handed the woman the pouch the guard gave her, "Yes please."

The inn keeper smiled and took the pouch, gathering a few copper coins out and handing it back to the fatigued girl. "Up the stairs, eighth door to the left."

Calenne nodded her thanks and went up the stairs, finding her room and taking her pack off. She kicked off her boots and climbed into the bed, not even climbing under the covers. She slightly dozed for a few minutes until the inn keeper came up and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

The woman came in with a wooden bowl filled with a still steaming stew, "The other guests haven't gotten any yet, as it was just made. You look like you could eat this whole inn." She smiled jokingly. "Here child, eat."

Calenne sat up, slightly narrowing her eyes at the woman for calling her 'Child' but too tired to say anything, she took up the wooden bowl and spoon and took a small bite of a chunk of meat. "Oh light, this is delicious!" She started taking more and more bites, all too soon the bowl was empty.

The woman laughed, "Would you like some more? I'll bring two more bowls up for you, and then I have to feed the others."

Calenne nodded, "Thank you, you are very kind."

The inn keeper smiled and left the room. Calenne sighed and took off her necklace, rolling the small blue stone in her fingers while waiting for the woman to return.

"Are you sure that you saw it, that it was her?"

"I am positive, she was very fatigued but there was that glow about her skin. I felt a strong holy presence about her."

The dark man ground his teeth, "Holy. If I can turn that around she will be one of the strongest, one of his own guards. Does she know of her powers yet?"

"It didn't seem so, the glow was uncontrolled."

"Very good. This will be simpler then I thought, age?"

"She looked to be about 17."

"Still a girl... Almost a woman. I'm surprised they haven’t tried teaching her yet. No matter, makes things simpler to me. Where is she staying?"

"The inn in Stormwind's trade district."

"Get her to go to Duskwood tomorrow, I want to see that glow for myself while I make my attack.”

They both grinned at each other, and the other nodded, leaving the crypt.

''Soon my lord, soon. ''

Chapter Seven

"I'm s-sorry?" Calenne had just woken up, the man was in her room watching her put her things together.

"I thought you might be interested in learning the ways of the Light."

Calenne stopped mid-stride from walking to her pack, "You mean, t-train as a Priest or Paladin?"

"Paladin mostly." The man smiled.

"I'm too old."

"Nonsense, no one is too old to learn the ways of the Light."

"So, I c-could?" Calenne picked up her pack.

"Absolutely, in fact, a man from the long retired Silver Hand is able to teach you."

"Who?"

"Sir Galdevin, of the League of Lordaeron." He tossed her a scroll. "He is going to be in Duskwood soon, you can head there today."

She caught the scroll and smiled, she had always wanted to become a Paladin, a Knight for the Light. "T-thank you so v-very much." She bowed her head, "Duskwood?"

"Aye, Duskwood, he will be in the Inn of Darkshire."

"Darkshire, got it." She watched as the man left, waiting till the sound of his boots faded down the stairs. Me, a Paladin... Of the Light. Calenne almost screamed out with joy, Oh if only Tim could know... I know, I'll send him a letter! Calenne got out a piece of parchment and a quill, she opened the drawer on the night stand and pulled out a bottle of ink.

Dear Tim,

I made it to Stormwind, you wouldn’t believe how many people are here, my journey was long, I didn't sleep until just last night. This inn keeper is the sweetest. She gave me three bowls of stew, in one night! I’ve never felt better! But the most incredible thing is, that I have a chance to train as a Paladin! Imagine that, me, a Paladin of the Light! Calenne Lightmantle, Paladin of the Light. I light the sound of that, don't you! You were right, this is turning out to be quite the adventure. I am going to Darkshire, Duskwood now, to talk to this man named Galdevin. I cannot believe this is actually happening! Tell Unger thank you for me, this is the best thing he has done for me.

Sincerely,

Calenne Lightmantle

Calenne smiled and folded the paper, sliding it into one of the envelopes from the drawer. She threw her pack on her back and put her boots on. Walking out the door she wanted to practically skip with joy, but that wouldn't be right. She didn't want to seem too enthusiastic about finally becoming a Paladin.

She smiled at the Inn keeper as she left the inn, she could have been the happiest person in the world that moment.

<p style="text-align:center">Chapter Eight

Calenne had the sinking feeling she was being followed as she guided Spira down the rugged pathway. The horse was extremely cautious.

"Shh... Steady boy." She reached over and scratched the white stallion’s ears. It is probably only a fox or something...

Suddenly, the horse reared up on its hind legs, causing Calenne to fall off. "Ow...!" She quickly got to her feet and grabbed the reins before Spira could run off. "Spira! Spira! Whoa, easy boy. Shh..." She placed her hand against his snout.

"I know I don't like this place either." She lightly stroked Spira's white fur. “Let’s hurry up and get to Darkshire." Taking the reins, Calenne walked alongside the horse. Unaware of the glowing blue eyes watching her in the bush.

"Look Spira! There it is!" Calenne pointed at the flickering lights up the trail. "Just a little further," She patted the horse’s side. "Then we can get you some delicious apples."

Spira whinnied, feeling a little safer now that they weren’t as surrounded by crowded trees as they were before.

Calenne left Spira in the stables when they finally got into the town. After she paid the boy to take care of him, she started heading towards the inn.

An old woman near the fire looked up from her flames, her eyes were white The woman gave a toothless, knowing-grin, "Galdevin is up stairs, better hurry." She said quietly.

Swallowing nervously, Calenne nodded and quickly walked up the stairs. She had no idea how or why the woman knew what she wanted, and she wasn’t about to find out. In the room just across from the stair case stood a man in blue and white armor. He was standing over a woman sitting up in bed, they were talking.

"What are you talking about Gald?" The woman asked, her voice shaking.

The man sighed, his body seemed on edge. "He is comming."

"Who is?"

"Remember, that raid on Hillsbrad?"

"...Cartres?"

"Yes."

"But he died!"

"The Scourge resurrected him. Cartres, he has become a Death Knight."

The woman gasped, her eyes going wide. "Then he..."

He nodded, "is no longer with us, the Lich King has his mind now, there is nothing we can do. I don’t know where he is, or--" The man suddenly turned around, "He’s here."

The man pushed Calenne aside, he sprinted down the stairs, unsheathing his sword as he went, the woman following closely behind.

"GALDEVIN!" A voice yelled from the distance. Watch as this village is destroyed by my hand!" Just as Calenne appeared in the doorway of the inn, a dark figure materialized in the middle of the town.

The figure was grinning manically, his yellow teeth standing out from his black armor. The glowing blue claymore at his side deadly. His glowing blue eyes were soul less. His white, lifeless hair was like Death.

"Cartres," Shouted the man from the inn. "Look at what you have done, what you have become! You were one of the few Paladins of the Silver Hand. You were my brother of the Light! All, everything you had strived for in life, is now in vain Cartres! You have let the Lich King take hold of your mind. Because of your actions and weakness, you are now his plaything!" The man’s knuckles were white on the hilt of his sword, his face was red.

The deathly figure only laughed. The laugh was so eerie that it sent shivers down Calenne’s spine. He spoke in the same eerie tone, the sound so hollow that it was an echo in itself. "Dying was the best thing to happen to me. I have more power then you could possibly dream of."

"You are a monster, nothing more than mindless Scourge."

"So quick to judge," Cartres smirked. "In ways, I am stronger then the Light, I could over power it easily, I could over power my master, taking the Scourge army for myself." Raising his hands he laughed humorlessly.

His fingers angled into sickly shapes, he raised them over his head, his white, cropped hair suddenly moving with unreal wind as a dark aura radiated off him.

The ground began to shake; the stench of carrion filled the air. Ghouls and skeletons rose from the ground. Moans, roars, and screams sounded as they attacked anyone they can find.

Cartres continued to laughed evilly, watching his pets destroy the town, "Now Gladevin, it is time for you to die." His hands gripped the glowing claymore seemingly hanging on his belt with no support and with two hands raised it up into the air. The glowing runic markings on the sword glowed brighter and appeared more menacing. Gripping the heavy hilt with ease he dragged the sword along the ground, creating sparks that flew up into the night sky while he charged at Galdevin. "The Light can't save you now!" He raised the sword over his head, slamming it down hard onto the man.

The sword caught shield, Galdevin had moved his shield above his head just in time. "Damn you to hell Cartres." With a move as quick as a snake he jabbed the hilt of his sword into Cartres' side, raising the blade up and jabbing it up into his underarm.

Cartres cursed, cold blood running down his side. He quickly backed off, causing the sword embedded under his arm to rip through his flesh, severing his arm off. Cold blood pooled around him, his arm falling on the ground between the two men. "Do you really think that losing my arm will defeat me?" He smirked, the moisture in the air around his other arm starting to crystallize, blue ice floated before his outstretched palm. Getting larger and larger as the seconds went by.

Galdevin's breath stopped in his throat, he couldn’t move, he couldn't breathe. All he was aware of was coldness. It was as if he was in the cold embrace of death. He couldn't see, though his eyes were wide open. Galdevin desperately wanted to break free of the spell, but nothing happened. He used as much holy strength and tried to burst the ice away. Instead all he could do was wish for death to hurry up with its job.

Cartres bent and picked up his arm placing it back into its socket, biding the ice to harden around the skin, to keep the arm in place. "Now where wer--" A particularly loud scream pierced his ears, he looked up to see a young woman being attacked by his pets.

Calenne was scared to death, she had watched as the two men fought each other in the middle of the town. She had stood transfixed, not noticing the ghouls sneaking up behind her.

A boney hand gripped her shoulder, another grabbed her hair. Calenne screamed, kicked and twisted, determined to get free, but more hands and claws gripped her. She continued fighting until long nails dug into both her arms, drawing blood. The hands began to pull, trying to pull her arms out of her sockets. Calenne felt one of her arms pop out of place, she let out a shrill scream, sobbing and screaming seemed to be the only things she could do. She wanted to give up, there was no way she would be able to escape this.

Calenne let her eyes close, tears streaming down her face from the pain of being torn apart. She let herself sink down into the blackness, the numbness. Another jolt of agonizing pain brought her back up. She screamed again. Blood soaked her tunic. The ghoul gripping her hair yanked her head back, almost hard enough to snap her neck backwards. She stared into the black holes of the skull. She just wanted to black out, the excruciating pain to end. She knew it was no use trying to fight back.

At last, it came. The sweet embrace of unconsciousness, she eagerly let herself sink down, down to where there was no return. Life meant little to her anymore. All the pain, sorrow, anger, was gone. The numbness was everything.

''Lo sono vostra Luce... ''

A bright light appeared in the darkness, Calenne pushed it down.

Lo sono vostra Luce... 

“Leave me alone.” The Light would not listen.

''Lo sono vostra Luce... Lo sono la tua Luce, la tua forza, il vostro potere. ''

She tried again, “Go away.” The Light kept advancing higher and brighter.

She yelled, “Leave me be! I want to be alone!” Calenne soon was engulfed in the light, it pushing her up and out of the darkness.

“Lo sono vostra Luce! La tua forza, il vostro potere!” She gasped, opening her eyes. The ghouls were still pulling on her, but she wasn't torn to bits yet. The excruciating pain was still there.'' ''

“Lo sono la tua Luce!” Calenne was no longer in front of the inn; the ghouls had pulled her around it. She was off to the side, near a dark tree. Calenne lashed out at the ghouls with remarkable power. Power she never even knew she had, golden light radiated brightly from her skin. The ghouls cringed away in terror. Rays of holy light struck them down, the rotted flesh and bone crumbling to the ground in front of her.

She fell back against the tree, her green eyes wide at what she had just did. Sliding down to the ground she watched the ongoing battle between the Paladin and the Death Knight. Blood still seeping from the puncture wounds in her arms and chest.

--