Book 4. The Price of Devotion…
Synopsis. Orgrimmar survives the assault of Souldefiler and her Devoted. The Horde Council, now united, sends its best warriors to aid their oldest foe. In the Burning Steppes, the remnants of Stormwind’s army now led by and bolstered by the return of their king, plan to retake their lands from the Devoted, who ravage the lands surrounding Stormwind, enslaving all and killing all and raising in undeath all who resist.
The Devoted champions, now work tirelessly to mould Stormwind in their Mistress’ image to serve as her seat of power when she returns to them.
But things go ill for the Death Knight. Betrayed from within and weakened, she returned to her citadel to regain her power and send out her most trusted agent to hunt down and either return or kill the one who betrayed her.
Chapter 1. The glory of the hunt.
Leading Brigan from the citadel Punicilla walked warily to the entrance. Time was against them. While he had regained much of his strength Brigan was still clearly not at his best. Repeatedly coughing, he gripped the shoulder of his savior, and with gritted teeth he spoke. “How much further. The air seems to become more wholesome the further we climb.” Punicilla stopped and allowed him to stand. Immediately he grunted and fell to a knee. “You still need healing,” she said, looking at him with growing concern. “But we must not tarry. Once she learns we are running free in her lair, it will not take her long to find us.”
“I agree…” said Brigan “but I am no use to you…”
Silencing him with a gesture Punicilla turned to look behind them. “What is it,” asked Brigan looking at her. Punicilla hissed at him without turning to look at him and motioned for him to get down. Obeying he knelt and concealed himself in the shadows. Punicilla did the same.
“What is it?” he whispered. Punicilla turned to him, a look of grave concern in her eyes.
“She comes for us” she whispered and turned to look at the passage they had just left.
“Who?” replied Brigan, “Souldefiler?”
“No” replied Puny, “She will not come after us herself. She has much work to do in her citadel. She will send one of her hands, Belios or Deva…” and her voice trailed off before she turned quickly to Brigan with her eyes wide.
“What is wrong?” asked Brigan, the wide eyes of Punicilla making him even more nervous. Punicilla quickly rose and helped Brigan up. “She has sent D’eea. Her most trusted servant. While Belios and Devarra are her Hands, D’eea is her most potent weapon. We must leave now, already D’eea scours the chambers below seeking us. Me…” and her voice trailed off.
Rising they both hurriedly followed the twisting path as it wound around the gaping chasm at the edge. Brigan followed the paladin, but he kept turning to peer into the growing shroud of darkness behind them. “We are there,” said Punicilla excitedly as a small chink of light shone in the gloom. “The door is n…”
And the air was knocked from her as she was struck in the back and knocked to the ground with a grunt. Turning quickly Brigan rushed to her side and helped her up. “She is here?” he asked as Punicilla winced. “Yes” she gasped heavily. “She has found us.” “Then we have no time to lose, let us…” and this time it was Brigan’s turn to fall, only this time backward as the unseen attacker landed a blow before melting in the shadows.
“Enough of this,” said Punicilla, and with a flash, she illuminated the area briefly. Looking around she saw nothing. Suddenly a blow from behind sent her sprawling into the ground. a soft laugh could be heard in the darkness.
“Punicilla… Punicilla listen to me” said the voice of Matilda in her mind. “You cannot fight her. She carries the blessing of her Mistress and is invincible. You must flee to the gate and escape. While D’eea is shrouded by this magic, she must remain in shadow.”
Grunting Punicilla rose to her feet and picked up Brigan. “No matter how many times she impedes us, we must go on.” The two rose and ran to the growing light. Suddenly Brigan gave a cry as he was sent crashing to the ground. Turning Punicilla saw him rolling on the floor seemingly fighting with an invisible enemy. She again sent a burst of light and it illuminated both Brigan and his assailant. For a brief second the figure of D’eea paused its attack and screamed as she shielded her eyes.
Kicking her off Brigan rose to his feet. “Give me a second.” Ripping off what remained of his shirt he wrapped it around a bone as a crude torch. “Light it!” he cried, and Punicilla obliged. Bursting into flame the burst of light shone the chamber. D’eea screamed and quick as a snake seemed to climb the wall and retreat to the darkness.
“That will cover our escape,” said Brigan with a hint of laughter in his voice at his joke. Punicilla turned and ran to the door. Brigan followed close, and as they threw themselves at the door, it began to slowly open.
“We are almost out” grunted Punicilla as she strained against the door. “Harder… Harder” said Brigan, dropping his body to get more leverage on the door. “We must get out.” The torch that had once shone brightly, now dimmed to a small glow. “There is no escape…” said a soft and evil voice. It came closer. “I will take you back to my mistress.”
Punicilla pushed harder, fear taking hold. Brigan strained at6 the door. “Come on… come on!” he screamed as the door slowly gave way. “Can you feel the darkness swallow you?” said D’eea’s voice, growing louder. The door opened further and Punicilla could see clear day outside. “We are close!” she yelled “We must get out!” and with a final push of all their strength, the door finally swung open and Punicilla and Brigan fell out of the chamber and scrambled on the ground to safety in the light.
Turning to the door they heard a scream of anger as the face of D’eea came to the door, her red-rimmed eyes blazing with fury. Punicilla turned and stood to face her. “Retreat to your darkness fiend, you cannot follow us now. When you can leave, we will be long gone.”
Turning to Brigan she picked him up. “Come, we have no time to waste.” Turning one more time to look at D’eea, who screamed with rage tearing at the air as if she could pull them back with her will alone. In a rage, she watched helplessly as the figures of Punicilla and Brigan disappeared from her gaze.
With one last scream, she challenged them to come back, but she knew they would flee. Retreating back to the darkness, she knelt on the cold stone, and all that could be seen of her in the gloom was two red-rimmed eyes, which never seemed to blink as she continued to stare at the door. Finally, she got up and returned to her Mistress.
Chapter 2. Just rewards.
D’eea strutted into the Halls ignoring the Devoted who watched her. Making her way to Souldefiler’s sanctum the strut became a fearful walk. Now she felt fear, as she had failed to return Punicilla to her Mistress or kill her. Gathering her courage she knocked on the door and knelt to await her doom.
“Enter.” said the soft voice of Souldefiler. D’eea walked in and made her way to the dais as Souldefiler sat on her throne. She knelt. “Speak.” said Souldefiler crossing her knees. D’eea gulped and reported her mission as a failure. “I see,” said Souldefiler, as she gestured to her right. A figure came to view and handed Souldefiler a parchment.
Studying it for what seemed an eternity D’eea began to rise. “I do not recall telling you to rise D’eea,” said Souldefiler still reading the parchment. D’eea quickly returned to her kneeling. Finally, Souldefiler rolled up the parchment and handed it back to her shadowy assistant. “Now you may rise. Do you see my new assistant?” she said, gesturing with her head to the departing figure. “Yes, my Mistress” said D’eea, for the first time feeling both shame and dread. “Am I to be replaced?” she said to herself. “It is no more than I deserve”
Souldefiler rose from her throne. “Follow me.” she said, and D’eea dutifully rose and followed her Mistress. “Tell me what happened.” she said, still walking to a new room D’eea told all that happened. They entered a room where inside devoted all stood round a summoning circle. “Stand by me.” said Souldefiler, motioning to D’eea. Again D’eea obeyed. “Do you remember me granting you great power, to strike swiftly in the shadows? Darkness being your ally” she asked. “Yes my Mistress” said D’eea.
“It seems Punicilla and Brigan devised a way to break the advantage. Where are they now?” she asked the figure who brought her the parchment. From the hood, a soft yet evil voice spoke. “They move to the coast. Clearly, they are waiting for rescue.” D’eea squinted at the figure, recognition slowly taking form. “Does she have the means to escape?” asked Souldefiler. “Not that we know of, but it’s possible there are boats capable of being repaired close at hand. Or she may use her Death Stone to flee.” said the voice as its bearer came closer. “I fear they will make for this spot here. It is secluded, and not well guarded. In fact, it is ignored.”
The figure came to the table and jumped up onto it before kneeling and pointing at the map. “This is where she will go mistress”. “Excellent Gia” said Souldefiler. “You have done well. Return to your chambers, and make sure no one is to disturb us until I call.” Mistress" said Gia, as he smirked at D’eea before leaving. “You never should have turned your back on me” he whispered to her as he left. The door closed behind him and D’eea heard the locks of magic hold it fast from within. There was to be no escape.
The door closed heavily and Gia felt a spell being cast. There was to be no saving D’eea now from her fate. “I shall take her place,” he thought as he strode down the hall. “I will be the one who stands at my Mistress’ side as she watches this world burn.” He was brought of his thoughts by a messenger. “Champion” it breathed… “Punicilla and the Blood Elf have been spotted lurking on the coast. We tracked them to a small copse and they made makeshift camp. They are making no attempt to escape”.
“I see”, said the gnome. “Perhaps D’eea wounded them more than we realized if they cannot fly now. Prepare a hunting party. I shall lead them. Meet soon at the western door where they escaped. it will be the shortest route.”
The devoted knelt and made haste to the other devoted hunters. Going to his personal chambers he lay on his bed and dreamed his dreams of glory. Suddenly his calm was shattered by the voice of D’eea giving orders. Rushing out he strode towards her. “What is this?” he shouted. “Why aren’t you dea…” and for the first time noticed the evil smile of D’eea on him.
“Far from it. I am to have my revenge and bring Punicilla back. You are to be left behind for matters more fitting your… stature…” snickered D’eea.
Grunting Gia pushed past her and strode to Souldefiler’s chamber. He knelt waiting for her presence. Souldefiler soon stood before him. “Mistress I was to hunt the paladin. Why have you reassigned it to the failure D’eea.”
Souldefiler raised an eyebrow. “I wanted to give her another chance.” Then with barely disguised menace she said softly “Does this disappoint you?”
Gia bowed his head and muttered under his breath. Souldefiler spoke clearly “Does this displease you?”
Gia rose, anger in his heart. “Yes. Yes, it does! You promised me I would hunt the paladin and bring her to you if D’eea failed and you would send her soul screaming to the pits. Why? She failed. I would not!” he said, and knelt again.
“Your devotion is admirable and duly noted.” said Souldefiler. “Devoted!” She cried, “to me” and all including D’eea surrounded her and Gia.
"Here stands one of the true Devoted she said motioning Gia to rise. Standing before her he stood and looked to his fellow devoted. D’eea said nothing except glower and cross her arms. Gia returned her contempt with a sly smirk.
“To be devoted is to be powerful. And to be devoted is to be justly rewarded.”
The devoted stood enraptured.
“Devotion burns deep in all of you. none more so than in my champions.”
Gia smirked again as D’eea turned her attention to him.
“But…” said Souldefiler softly, as she took the shoulders of Gia. “When devotion begins to falter. It must be restored swiftly. If a sacrifice must be made, it must be made. One of my Five champions has fallen far from devotion. To question my orders is to be not devoted.”
The devoted tensed and Gia’s eyes fixed on D’eea who began to lose her confident look. “When one fails me. That is a true loss of devotion”. D’eea looked nervously at Gia.
“Gia.” said Souldefiler. “You have served me well. You have been truly devoted. But never.” She took hold of Gia’s neck and held it firmly as Gia gasped and reached to break her hold. “Never question my authority again.”
Squeezing tighter she spun Gia around who fell to his knees gasping. “Mistress, I have been nothing but loyal, it was D’eea who failed you”
“Enough.” said Souldefiler and with blinding speed, she drew a Slayer and thrust it into the head of Gia. The devoted turned their heads as Gia’s body danced on her blade before she withdrew it. Gia’s body crumpled to the floor. Looking at her mistress in horror D’eea swallowed. “Mistress…” Souldefiler speared her with a glare. “Take this corpse to the gibbets at the western gate. When you return with Punicilla, she will have a new task and new charges to guard. I will hang in gibbets from the walls of the West gate all the corpses of those who fail me, and Punicilla will forever walk those gates, as it’s never sleeping, guard.”
She strode over the D’eea and brought her face to hers. “Bring her back” and turning again, she strode to her chamber, as D’eea knelt among a throng of devoted who stood still and said nothing as the body of Gia continued to empty at their feet.
Chapter 3. On the Wings of Beasts.
Punicilla and Brigan found new strength in their limbs as they ran down the bone-strewn path to safety. Punicilla stopped and turned, shading her eyes from the blazing sun as the blackness of the cavern they had escaped grew smaller. Brigan turned and took her arm.
“We cannot stay on the path. I will lead us through the woods. Where is your rescue party?” he breathed. Punicilla followed him into the undergrowth as she followed Brigan who moved swiftly over rock and log. “You’re talking to it” she said, as she tried to keep up. Nearly running into his back as he stopped, Brigan turned sharply. “What? did you come here alone? How are we supposed to escape?” he asked angrily. “Did you just save me from one fate to leave me to another?”
Puny turned her head and said softly “I never thought we’d make it this far, to be honest” and she sat down. “I need rest”. Brigan sat crosslegged from her and glowered at her. “Some rescue. Did you plan a way to get out?” Puny sighed. " I came here with my Death Stone, it would take us back…" She motioned with her head back to Souldefiler’s fortress. “In there.”
“I see” said Brigan softly. “Is there a way off this place?”
“There might, if the ruins of the old fishing village have not been disturbed.”
“Fishing village?” said Brigan. “I fear a small fishing vessel may be a lesser fate than simply knocking on her door and asking to return to her cells” he laughed grimly. “But I see no other choice. Boat it is, for as long as it may carry us.” he looked to Puny who seemed to be transfixed. Suddenly she spoke, but not with her own words.
“If you plan to escape by boat fear not, I shall not allow us to die on the waters. I will guide us to safe shores.” Brigan leaned forward and tapped on Puny’s head. “Say what now?” he said tapping again. “You got someone else in there with you…” as Puny’s eyes began to wander. “Yes… yes… I mean… no… yes!” stammered Puny.
“I carry a soul with me.”
“Strange power for a paladin,” said Brigan, Suddenly he inhaled sharply and pulled Puny down as a large shadow flew overhead followed by two more. “They are hunting us, we were wise to leave the road.” said Puny. “Yes, but we must move and find this village. With luck, they will not be there when we arrive.” Rising to a crouch, they made off silent as ghosts deeper into the wood.
Flying above on her winged steed D’eea scoured the land below. Motioning to her two companions to continue searching by air she wheeled her steed in and commanded it to land. Dismounting the Callowing croaked heavily before flying off to return to the citadel. D’eea knelt and searched the ground. her instincts were true, two figures had recently been here. Following their almost invisible trail, she donned her cowl. Only the burning red of her eyes gave any sign of life. She placed her hands on the ground as if feeling for a trail. She quickly looked at the horizon and loped from rock to rock, pausing now and again to search the ground.
Brigan led Puny deeper into the wood which was becoming more and more sparse. “This is worrying,” he said pausing as Puny came to his side, looking side to side. “The village is near” she breathed as Brigan crouched again.
“Down” he hissed as a devoted landed from the skies, dismounted, and began searching the area. He came closer. Brigan put his fingers to his lips and Puny remained still.
The devoted came closer as his mount retook to the sky with a scream.
Brigan crouched down further, never taking his eyes off the devoted, as it too, crouched and drew its weapon. They were within feet of each other. As the devoted took one more step Brigan burst forth and tackled him to the ground. With a horrible snap, he broke the neck of the devoted. Looking around to make sure they were alone, he took the body, hid it as best as he could, and took its weapon.
“A knife is better than no weapon at all” he said, as he put it into his belt. “Come. The coast is clear.” as he crouched and crept to the edge of the wood. Puny followed, but ever she looked back.
D’eea sped up her hunt. She felt the presence of Puny nearby, her eyes grew brighter with red fire, two fiery wells of evil in a black pitch. She looked up as she heard a Callowing fly overhead. It was riderless.
Brigan stopped at the edge of the wood and looked into the remains of huts and jetties. “It seems deserted.” Puny came beside him. “I sense no devoted here. but…” She paused and held Brigan’s eye. “Give me that weapon.”
Brigan hesitated.
Puny sighed and took off her amulet. "Give me a moment. Taking it in her hand she bowed over it and muttered something inaudible. looking up with a pained face and tears in her eyes she gave him the amulet.
“It is me she wants. Give me the weapon. Take this amulet. It contains the one thing that must escape this place. take it the one called Gemellus.”
“Gemellus?” said Brigan as he took the knife from his belt and handed it to Puny, as she dropped the amulet into his hand.
“Gemellus from Redridge? What does he know of this?”
Puny examined the knife before replying “If you know of him you will know where to find him. he will explain everything, but you must deliver that amulet, and what it contains, to him. he will know how to open it.”
Looking over his shoulder her eyes widened. “Now go. Go! She will completely ignore you, it is me who is her prize…”
Confused Brigan looked at the woods behind them. he saw nothing except the leaves rustle… Then he understood.
“I wish you luck Punicil… Puny,” he said quickly grasping her hand. “Return to us. We need you.” And with those last words, he sped off into the village.
D’eea moved quickly to the edge of the wood. Hearing soft voices she stopped and melted into the undergrowth. She continued forward very slowly. Finally, she caught sight of her quarry. She saw them exchange items. Her red eyes blazed, and she cursed her carelessness as her and Puny’s glances met. Seeing Brigan also turn, she further cursed her luck as she caused the leaves to rustle when she crouched to avoid detection. No matter. Let the ranger flee. He would die on the open sea and be swallowed by it. Punicilla was her goal. Watching the Blood Elf dash off to the shore, she rose to her full height and walked to her former ally, and now foe.
Only one would leave this place.