The assassin prowled the streets of Gilneas with the swiftness and grace of a cat. Quite a few actual felines were on the move as well, on the hunt for bats, birds, rats and the occasional snake. While not many believed her she swore she once saw a barn owl descend upon a cat. Just a common house cat. Yet it was the former who survived in the end with the predator its meal. Not that it was easy, being a predator in a land like Gilneas. Puddles of rain were so frequent people joked it was part of their architectural style. These liquid mirrors hindered surprise attacks by and against animals and humans alike. Still, those of sufficient skill could snatch their prey undetected.
Aygnes Tremase was anything but defenseless, but she liked to pretend otherwise. Rings that extend a small needle when you press down on its sides, hairpins coated in poison (a trick she learned in Pandaria) and other accessories that look inconspicuous but were nonetheless deadly all complemented her outfit while on official business. Deep down she even enjoyed the thought of drawing out the scum of Azeroth. Those who would prey on defenseless people, defenseless women. Every hand clamping on her mouth to stifle a cry for help they expect from a target is one less hand attacking the helpless.
But Aygnes had a feeling that her new mark won’t be so easily goaded into making a fatal mistake. They were cautious to the extreme. Five letters, over the course of a month, were sent to her, hidden away in packages of food or clothing. Each letter contained a piece of a map indicating where they want to discuss the details of her mission.
Where else but Gilneas City? The recently reclaimed capital was already bustling with life. Genn Greymane, with his last royal edict before abdication, invited races from all across Azeroth to make their home within the city walls. A stark contrast to the man who once erected a wall to cut off his former allies from succour even while the Scourge decimated Lordaeron, Quel’Thalas and everything in between. Whether it was regret motivating him, common sense catching up, the ruined state of the kingdom that motivated him now, or the influence of her daughter, Thornspeakers from Drustvar formed common covens with local Harvest Witches, sharing knowledge and growing produce that could even fetch a fine price on the markets of Halfhill. Speaking of which, monks from both Shen-zin Su and Pandaria moved in. They had their own district in the city with taverns, a bathhouse, and many other establishments the city may or may not be aware of. A few moons ago a tavern brawl broke out. The Gilneans bemoaned the lack of cider while Kul Tirans missed the stout and they had a scuffle over which is the more urgent to remedy. The Pandaren were ecstatic, happily comparing the tavern brawl to the drunken hozen style of brewmaster combat. While it were mostly those who grew outside of Gilneas who partook in their wide variety of noodle dishes, as the locals found them too spicy, Aygnes gladly took a bowl of hot soup during gloomy nights such as this, when the rain simply refused to stop.
She didn’t stop either as she moved to the more disreputable areas of the city. Here among the houses still half damaged by the Northgate Rebellion, The Wolfcult, the Forsaken, the Black Dragonflight and lastly the Scarlet Crusade, the underbelly of Gilnean society gathered. They were the ones who suffered most from the rule of the Greymane dynasty. The former king did much to gather enemies and his change of heart was seen by many on both sides of the Wall as too little too late. Even now it seemed that restoring the gates of the Greymane Wall took priority. Artisans from all three dwarf clans and even the earthen of Khaz Algar joined together in repairing the wall, but the only thing in sight here not suffering from decay was a blue box left behind by a bronze dragon who leaned too heavily into the tinkering tradition of their gnome visage form. This area had many names, none of them official. Some Gilneans jokingly called it the Cellar as it was seen as the underworld of Gilneas. There likely was an actual underworld within the sewers, but that was so out of sight most of the population did not have a name for it.
A more common name for the area was The Orphanage District. The Blackthorn Orphanage, named after a now fallen noble house, was built both as a show of goodwill and an open defiance to the crown. It was explicitly built to provide a home to those orphaned by the actions of House Greymane. Seeing it for the insult it actually was but fearful of fostering more resentment, the king let it operate and even provided aid to it as much as the Blackthorns were willing to accept. But when in a single night all members of the Blackthorn family perished and the orphanage all but burned down it didn’t take long till fingers began to point to the manor high on the hill.
The half burned orphanage remained as a sort of monument. And it was this building that Aygnes approached with silent steps. As she entered the ruined hallway she removed the innocent garb of a servant girl and carried on in the midnight blue, nearly black, of an assassin. The instructions were very particular. Go to the kitchen and light the fireplace. One of the more obvious pieces of evidence of foul play that detective Halford Ramsay was quick to point out during investigation of the fire was the neatly preserved state of every hearth in the building. The fire did not occur by accident inside. And sure enough the kitchen was perfectly serviceable. Of course Aygnes was well aware that thieves, murderers and cultists all gathered here regularly, so some manner of upkeep was expected. Still it almost brought up memories of the stonemasons that rebuilt Stormwind down in the south.
As Aygnes leaned down to light the fire she felt a slight tingling in her neck as if she was being watched. She turned around slightly but did not see anything. She turned back and began starting the fire but she could not shake off the feeling that she was being watched. Finally the bright orange glow illuminated her concerned face as she stood up.
And at that moment a hand pressed a sweet smelling rag over her mouth and her arms were pinned to her sides.
- Mmmmphhh! Mgghhhgfff. Hmmmmmmff!
Her surprised gasps were well rehearsed, but her fear this time was quite genuine. She was not sure what secret conspiracy led her here. Or that her attackers even belonged to the same group that sent the letters.There existed several rival gangs just in this district alone. She struggled and screamed but to no avail. Even more hands grabbed her legs and lifted her from the ground. She tried to kick her attackers, but their grip was strong. Aygnes turned her head to identify her would be captors, but almost as if sensing her intentions, or just anticipating this possibility a blindfold was tied over her eyes. Now with clothes covering her mouth, nostrils and eyes, she could not prevent the kidnappers from carrying her away… Soon Aygnes felt her arms going weaker and weaker as she slowly succumbed to a deep sleep.
Tess Greymane was grasping at her teacup as if it was the only thing that could anchor her to reality. She hoped the official coronation would finally make it seem real that she is now the queen of her nation, because it still felt like a dream to her. Deep down she had known. Ever since the death of Liam she had known that eventually it would fall upon her to lead Gilneas as the last Greymane. Any future of the Greymane name died with her brother as she reminded herself over and over. If she was to be the last she had to make sure it was a damn good effort.
- Strangle all you want, but the teacup won’t confess to murder - a guttural voice interrupted her train of thought.
Looking up her gaze fell upon her friends, her comrades in arms. Not something you would expect a princess or queen to have, but Tess was ever the rebel. Taoshi, Vanessa and Lilian were all fellow members of the Uncrowned. Circumstances and necessity brought them together during the most recent attack of the Burning Legion. But their alliance of convenience soon grew ever stronger bonds and she became very fond of her found family. Lilian in particular became a very close friend to Tess, despite the unlikely pairing of a Gilnean and a Forsaken.
- Hunting murderers would suit me better though, wouldn’t you agree? - She replied with a faint smile as she walked back to the table.
- I cannot tell, Tessa. I only ever saw you fighting. You are certainly good at that.
- It is not too late to join the Shado-Pan if you are serious - Taoshi interjected. - But we both know you are not.
- You are right, I am not - Tess shook her head. - If only I could. But Gilneas needs me. I just wish it didn’t.
She sat down with a heavy sigh. The others exchanged knowing looks. They’ve all heard this many times before. They knew perfectly well what was ailing their friend and sister.
- Liam was always the one better suited.for rule. She was loved by the common folk, respected by the nobles, and protected Gilneas while I was hiding away in this bloody manor!
Tears of anger and sorrow fell into her cup seasoning her tea. It took all her strength not to throw the cup against the dark wooden wall and shatter it like how her fate shattered her chances of a normal life.
Ever since an illness nearly took her life as a child she was afraid of feeling powerless. As a member of the wealthiest family in Gilneas, of course she had the means. However, unsurprisingly, her father did not appreciate her unprincesslike behavior. Their many fights on the subject taught her that if she wanted to be herself she had to do it in secret. While she became less visible to Genn after the passing of Liam there still were essentially two Tess Greymanes. The princess and the hunter. One fighting with silk fans, the other with guns and daggers. Wearing a mask in public was exhausting, to say the least. Over time a thought began creeping into her mind. The thought that something was wrong with her. That her need to live a double life was wrong. Often she even felt that…
- It should have been me - she wept softly.
Her friends moved as one, softly grabbing her hand. Those weren’t the hands of a princess.
- Many kingdoms would have fallen, and our lives would have been much duller without Tessa, the Uncrowned. You did a lot more good in this world than I did.
- That is not a high bar, Nessa. You tried to kill me three times.
- Four actually - Vanessa VanCleef replied which caused Tess to finally chuckle.
- Well I’m fairly certain once I am Tessa the Crowned I will have many more assassins in my bedchambers.
- Perish the thought, friend - Lilian said with a dismissive gesture. - A queen’s ransom fetches a high price.
- I sure hope so. Theresa Olivia Greymane, first queen regnant of Gilneas. That sounds priceless. So where will my kidnappers take me?
- Somewhere fun, with lots of monsters to kill. Do you still have that crossbow?
- The one made by Hawkmaster Nurong? Of course I have it.
It was an exquisite weapon Tess could mount on her wrist. It wasn’t as strong as a gun, but it left her hands open. It was her go to weapon when she went on “walks” as she liked to put it. She didn’t know if her father actually didn’t figure it out or just simply finally gave up on taming her. It was too late to do anything after she had been effectively raised by wolves.
- Well then I propose we have a little excursion while you are still a princess. A final farewell to the fun before your royal affairs tie you down - Taoshi announced.
- I’m sure I’ll have my share of excitement - Tess said with a smile. - It’s not like father just stood there in the throne room doing nothing. But the prospect does sound tempting.
- So will you come willingly, or should we just tie you up in your sleep?
- Surprise me - the queen replied with her smile widening to a grin.
Aygnes woke up as an entire bucket of ice cold water was splashed into her face. Her body jerk as much as her binding allowed. She was glad she changed into garments that did not cling to her skin when wet. That would have made the cold all the more biting.
At that moment she would also be happy to bite, but alas, her gag made that impossible. Tied to a chair as she was, all she could do was angrily grunt at the woman in front of her. Wearing an opulent silk dress of a rare shade of purple, the woman was flaunting her status. Even with an owl mask on, Lady Binger was recognizable to anyone with a sharp enough eye.
The Lady made no secret of her disdain for the Greymane dynasty and of all the nobles who decided to follow them. The Crowleys especially earned her resentment as former rebels who, in her words, lost their fangs. Ironic considering the spread of the worgen curse.
The impoverished were fond of her due to her generous donations, but most were wary of her. She ostensibly had an agenda, but nobody knew what that was. Aygnes sensed that she would find that out now.
- Good evening. I do apologize for my lack of hospitality, but this is a delicate matter.
- Good evening - Aygnes replied as her gag was removed by a figure behind her. - I also apologize. I’m in no position to either bow or offer a handshake, you understand.
- Oh I understand much, Miss Tremase. But there are rumours about you.
- Not flattering ones, I take it.
- Some are, but not all of them. However it does beg the question of what is the truth?
- Is that important to kill my target? - Aygnes asked while blowing on a lock of her auburn hair that stubbornly clung to her forehead, threatening to tickle a nose she could not scratch.
Lady Binger did not immediately reply. She slowly paced the room, all her movement, her every word drawn out. She knew she was in control and loved it. As she reached over and stroked the stubborn hair strands away, Aygnes shivered.
- There you go. And yes, it is important to know where you were during the Legion’s attack.
- Where every assassin was. With the Uncrowned.
- And would you be willing to kill a fellow member of the Uncrowned?
- That depends on how persuasive you are. If it’s the princess, you don’t have to be.
- Oh, is that so? - Lady Binger raised an eyebrow. - Has she wronged you somehow?
- No, she hasn’t. If anything she was always kind and polite with me. Unfortunately for her, she is a Greymane and they are a stain on the history of Gilneas that must be wiped.
- Couldn’t agree more, Miss Tremase. I want her dead before the coronation.
- Consider it done. And if I get caught somehow, we never met.
- Splendid. I’m looking forward to hearing of your progress. Now, good night.
- Wait, - Aygnes asked terrified. - What do you mean godnmmffm
The damp rag, or rather another one, was pressed over her mouth. Evidently, Lady Binger and her conspirators didn’t want anyone to learn of their hideout. Now, bound to the chair, Aygnes was even more helpless than before. Seeing the futility, she didn’t struggle, just waited for slumber to overtake her. When she woke up she was back at the Blackthorn Orphanage with a purse filled with gold beside her. She took the advance payment, and left as swiftly as she could.
Tess frowned as she read the letters. All over Azeroth things seemed to stir. Signs of unrest everywhere, but particularly from Quel’Thalas. It was obvious that whatever was going to happen would happen there.
- So close to our doorstep - she sighed. - Hasn’t this nation suffered enough?
A knock on her door roused her awake.
- Enter - she replied as officially as she could manage.
The one to call upon her was detective Halford Ramsey, probably the best tracker she knew. And she knew quite many of them. Most people weren’t too fond of the private investigator, but Tess appreciated his oddities.
- You couldn’t expose her, could you?
- No, but I hope I gave you time to check on our dear Lady Harriet Binger.
- I could, but unfortunately I had to return empty handed - Halford sat down with a sigh… She is taunting us with the truth, but her tracks are covered well.
- You found Anduin in a continent you never knew existed. If someone can find the evidence, it is you, Halford.
- You always say that with envy, Queen Greymane.
- Tess. For the last time, it’s just Tess. After all we’ve been through.
- Technically we haven’t been through a lot together. You just happen to appreciate my services.
- Yes, because it doesn’t make me feel like a pampered princess. I shouldn’t even be allowed to do this.
Tess poured tea into two cups and walked over to Halford with one. She took satisfaction from being a host that does not require or receive assistance from servants. Apart from one very special helper that she might need soon.
- You are queen now, you make your own rules - Halford said matter of factly while accepting the cup.
Some might have resented his bluntness or the way she didn’t thank Tess for the tea or even looked at her, but she liked how he treated her as just any other person and not royalty.
- That is true, but I will also be shackled to my responsibilities. Father is no longer here to lead, so if I stow away on a warship bound for the Krasarang Wilds it will be all the easier to notice.
- To be fair, your father was also on those ships.
- And you were there at the beginning - Tess said with envy in her voice.
- Who else to find a missing prince if not a detective?
- That’s the point - she groaned. - You are recognized for what you do and not who you are. And you don’t have to pretend!
- Don’t I? - He raised an eyebrow.
Standing up and stretching, Halford walked towards the desk filled with letters and appearance schedules. Tess hoped to relocate from Greymane Manor into an estate inside the city, called Greymane Hall, to be nearer to her subjects. Next to the papers and the candle, was a bowl of fruit. Halford picked up an apple and bit down on it with all the ferocity of a worgen.
- Ignoring what I am now, with this condition, you have to know my mind does not work like most people’s. It makes me exceptionally good at what I do, but it also makes me exceptionally bad at other things. Ana was always good with people, and I admired her for it. But not me, I was always comfortable with those who are already dead.
- And you don’t mean the Forsaken, I take it.
- No, not them. The dead, dead. They provide clues without judging you, asking stupid questions, looking at you like you are crazy. But I have to interact with normal people every day, to take on jobs, so I have to pretend I can relate to their simple little world where nothing makes sense and there is no causality or reason.
- It sounds exhausting - Tess replied softly then winced. She walked right into it.
- If that is what you think, why do you dye your hair red and pretend to be Aygnes Tremase?
She did not immediately reply. She thought back of the time Ramsey came calling on her while she was still washing away the hair dye. Blunt and tactless as he was, he did not wait for his knock to be answered. A small consolation but he did reveal that Tess’ secret has been obvious. Very few people are fooled by a simple anagram.
- By now you should know what I do at night is not the pretending.
- Tell me, what is your father doing now?
- I…I suppose he is in Stormwind, stepping in while Lord Turalyon is away.
- And the Lord is…
- Fighting Xal’atath. Or rather, her forces.
- Exactly. And the king?
- Anduin? He is also there fighting.
- Any other royalty there?
- Yes, the dwarves.
- Good - Ramsey nodded. - So based on the evidence, being a Queen should not prevent you from going to fight. I’m just a detective, I can’t afford to not pretend just a bit. But you are the queen. Make the rules!
- Very well, my loyal subject - she nodded, forcing back a chuckle. - I shall schedule a ball to the opening of Greymane Hall before the coronation. I want to expose Lady Binger there. We are not to leave this room until a plan has been decided and set in motion.
- Now that is more like a monarch is talking - Halford said with a smile. - Do you have pipe weed on hand?
Greymane Hall was intended to provide easier access to Tess and her subjects to interact. She did not want a remote manor far removed from the struggles of ordinary people to be her hideaway. Yet, for this first night it was opened up for the elite. Lords, ladies and socialites filled the halls enjoying the refreshments, the soft harpsichord music and the idle gossip.
This would have satisfied Tess, had he no ulterior motive. She took a deep breath and entered the ballroom.
Her dazzlingly elegant black and crimson dress drew many eyes to her. Some onlookers even gasped. She just smiled, barely saying a word as she crossed the room. Once she was sure she got everyone’s attention she turned towards the crowd.
- Good evening, my lords and ladies! It fills my heart with joy that so many of you accepted my invitation!
- It was our please - a voice called amidst murmurs of approval.
- Before we proceed, I want to make one thing crystal clear. While I have accepted the crown and will lead Gilneas as queen, I do not intend to make decisions alone. This is all our homeland, and we share our love for it. Your counsel will always be valued and considered.
Some cheered, many clapped, but Tess could see unease on quite a few faces. They suspected bad news was on the horizon. There was a saying that it doesn’t matter what a person says before they say…
- But - she raised her voice. A servant handed her a goblet filled with cider. Crisp, sweet and fragrant. She took a small sip before she continued. - We can’t move forward while there is an enemy amongst us.
The crowd gasped. The people began whispering and exchanged worried looks. Tess cleared her throat. And again.
- One moment, I feel - she drank more of her cider. - That’s better. As I was saying…
She began coughing. She tried to raise her goblet to her lips again, but her hand started trembling and the glass fell from between her fingers. Time seemed to slow down almost to a halt, people stood frozen.
At long last the goblet reached the floor where it shattered into a myriad fragments. A moment later Tess also began her fall. A servant running over to help her, barely managed to catch her before her head hit the floor. Nobody dared to speak as he checked her pulse. They all waited with bated breath, fearing the worst.
- She is dead - he announced with a trembling voice. - Our Queen is dead.
Cries of anguish filled the halls that were alive with music mere moments before. Some even fainted as cries for help rose all across the room. Some started for the door, but a loud voice cut them off.
- Everybody, stop! - Lady Binger commanded. - Let us remain calm.
- I beg your pardon Milady - Darius Crowley stepped forward. - But our beloved Tess Greymane just died under suspicious circumstances.
- You are absolutely correct, Lord Crowley. And that is exactly why we must remain calm. We have every right to suspect Queen Greymane to have been a victim of assassination. And chaos would only serve the assassin.
The crowd froze. It didn’t take a detective to realize what they were all thinking. The killer was likely still in the hall, among them.
- So what do you suggest, Lady Binger? - A cautious voice asked.
- Lock the doors - she said simply. - Nobody comes in or out until the killer has been caught.
- Well what if it is you - an elderly woman asked, adjusting her spectacle. - You made no secret of your disdain of the Greymanes.
- Lady Gretchen, you wound me - Lady Binger, huffed. - Do you think me a simpleton? Do you honestly believe I would assassinate someone I openly dislike so? I would be the first suspect. Besides, poison is a coward’s weapon. And I am anything but.
- How do you know she was poisoned?
- Well, I didn’t see her stabbed, did I? She was fine before drinking, and then she collapsed.
- But if that is so, are we all in danger? Is all the wine poisoned?
- If you haven’t died by now, it likely isn’t. Stop asking meaningless questions, and find the killer?
- Why are we taking orders from you again? - Lorna asked. - Since when are you in charge? I don’t even recall a Lady Binger.
- So, someone finally figured it out.
- Actually I’ve known for months now - a familiar voice rang.
The crowd gasped as Tess stood up and dusted off her dress. Her voice was steady with not even a hint of trembling or a cough.
- I apologize to all for my deception, but certainty isn’t enough without proof, and I wanted to lower the guard of Lady Harriet Binger. Or should I say, Harbinger?
- Bravo - Xal’atath said as her disguise turned to smoke and she stood there in all her frightening glory. - To tell you the truth, Tess, I’ve gone tired of this charade. But I’m glad I had a chance to test the future Queen of Gilneas. You show potential, but there are things in motion in this world that you are powerless to stop.
- Is that a threat? From someone who spent millennia stuck inside a knife?
- No, it is a chance from someone who made mistakes and grew stronger for them. There might come a time when you’ll need my help. If you continue to not disappoint me, you shall have it. I’ll be in touch.
Xal’atath gave one last smirking look at Tess before conjuring a dark void portal and stepping through it. The crowd just watched in horror, still shaken by a fact that the Harbinger invaded their ranks with none the wiser.
- So, who wants apple pie? - The Queen asked.
Finally the day has arrived for the coronation where Theresa Olivia Greymane officially begins her reign. Everything was meticulously planned from the decorations, to the carriage route, to the drinks handed out to onlookers.
The people adored Tess when she was princess, and news of her confrontation with Xal’atath spread to the population who loved her even more now.
Yet apparently the young queen had no appetite for ceremonies as a lone horse departed Greymane Manor ridden by a slender figure of flowing raven hair. The Greyguard gave pursuit, but were no match. They were nearly by the Greymane Wall, restored but wide open as per Tess’ wishes, that they finally cornered their quarry.
- Please, stop wherever you are going. We must return you to the city.
- I am sorry, but my people need me - a male voice replied and turned towards the pursuers. It was an elf.
Back in Gilneas city, not long before this, the crowd cheered as the freshly crowned queen stepped out of the cathedral. There was no more hint of uncertainty on Tess. She was as confident as ever.
- My people, my friends, my fellow gilneans. A new dawn has risen for our nation. But before we can begin and move forward, there is something that needs to be addressed urgently. Calamity has befallen Quel’Thalas. A nation that was our ally in the Second War. It’s conflict threatens the neighbouring Lordaeron, that help us reclaim Gilneas to ourselves and put an end to our exile. And if we don’t stop Xal’atath for good, she will threaten our homeland. My guards disagree, but they are chasing a decoy across the woods. I intend to take advantage of the situation and ride to Quel’Thalas, to do my part for Azeroth. Any of you, who wish the same, is welcome to follow me. For Gilneas!
And so the Queen of Gilneas departed the city with an army following. Not to stop her, but to provide support. She was glad to have them, but even more glad when two horses came up to flank her.
- So, you’ve got my letter. I take it.
- As a matter of fact, we did not - Taoshi replied on her left.
- But we knew you wouldn’t miss it. - Lilian added on her right. - Come, the others are already there.
- That might be true, but they don’t have an army - Tess replied with a wide grin. - Turns out there are perks to being a monarch, after all.
The trio rode on towards the horizon where the dark cloud of the void swirled above Silvermoon. It was midday, but from the darkness one would be forgiven for mistaking it for midnight.
