SOULDEFILER EPIC FAN FICTION
AN EXCURSION FROM ORGRIMMAR
Souldefiler’s devoted Champions have laid the groundwork for the imminent invasion of Stormwind. Bors, Senna and Gia have all accomplished their tasks and now await their mistress’ arrival.
Punicilla and Twill are on a Horde battleship making it’s way back to Orgrimmar. Before it docks they are met by a party sent out by one of Baine’s advisors to intercept and gather any sensitive
news before it becomes public knowledge. Still wearing the garb of The Horde and showing no other sign that they are Champion of the Devoted they await the party.
Captain Grash came to the side of the ship facing the docks as it started to sail in. He saluted as Puny and Twill turned on hearing his approach.
“Champions, we have a message to lay anchor here and await a boarding party. Baine has requested that you stay on board until he has gathered enough information. Please wait in the cabin below, I will notify you when the envoy arrives.”
Puny and Twill exchanged glances. “Very well” said Puny, folding her arms. “But we must not be delayed for long. Time is of the essence, and while we appreciate such devotion, we have matters to discuss with the Council”
Twill remained silent but looked past the captains side. “It seems we will not have long to wait. I see a ship.” Just barely on the horizon there was indeed a ship incoming, showing Horde colors.
“We will await your envoy in our quarters captain” said Twill and followed Puny down.
“Do you think they suspect?” asked Twill under her breath.
“No. If they did we would be in chains by now, or at worst, thrown overboard for the sharks. They suspect nothing.”
Twill sat down in the chair and put her feet on the table. “If you say so” she said, leaning backwards and putting her arms behind her head. “I am so hungry.”
Puny turned to her companion “You ate last night. How you got away with a missing sailor I will never know.”
“It was a stormy night. He fell overboard. Accidents happen you know!” she laughed, leaning forward
“True. But it was a gamble nonetheless. And what did you do with… what you couldn’t finish…?” said Puny trying to not to look Twill in the eye.
“Better you don’t know. or ask.” replied Twill getting up and stretching. “I am still hungry however.”
Footsteps could be heard outside getting closer. There was a knock on the door and the captain opened it. “Champions, the envoy is here. Actually two envoys.”
“Two?” asked Puny now sitting in the chair Twill had vacated. Twill made her way to the door and peered outside. “Yes I see two. Two blood elves. I suppose they wish us to speak in our native tongue”
“Yes two have arrived requesting to speak to you immediately and without any chance of being disturbed. My orders are to hold position until you have finished.” said Grash.
“Well let’s not keep them waiting! Any food captain?” asked Twill leering at the captain.
“Food. Of course. yes… I… Will see what can be done” he replied nervously, as he backed out keeping his gaze on Twill.
“Twill. Enough. This is no game.”
“Oh you’re still no fun Puny” said Twill as she spun round in a circle and sat in a chair.
"There was a knock on the door and Twill opened it for the two Blood Elves before closing it behind them and locking the door. “Please, take a seat” she said before taking her own.
"Champions, welcome home. “I apologize for the inconvenience but the Council feels it would be wise for us to gather as much information as possible and have it delivered discreetly to the Council.
Word has spread throughout Orgrimmar that two of the Horde champions along with their Alliance friends have journeyed to the East. We are seeking clarification.”
Puny leaned forward “Clarification of what? It is no secret that we have friends in the Alliance who we have shared adventures with. Why is this suddenly a concern?”
“There is none” said the first Blood Elf. “I am Captain Nyfera Sunwalker. I am here as official envoy of High Councillor Baine Bloodhoof and Crown Prince Lor’Themar.
We only seek assurance that your loyalty to The Horde is still strong and of utmost importance to you.”
“Oh of course it is!” yelled Twill. “Do you think we would be sailing here so brazenly if we had some other purpose? I admire your devotion Captain but I hope you do not think ours is misplaced!”
“I meant no offense Ranger Twill. Your exploits as a Horde Champion are legendary. But these are strange times. Word has reached us of events in Stormwind that are troubling”
“Such as?” asked Puny. “If we are of course privy to such information.”
“The Night Elves plan an assault on Feralas. We assume they hope to establish a base of operations there. Darkshore is as of yet still uninhabitable, and Ashenvale is still contested.
We cannot allow them to marshal forces in Feralas if such reports are true.”
Puny looked over to Twill. “It seems our journey home must wait a bit longer” she said. Twill rolled her eyes and muttered “I’m hungry…”
“Captain who is your companion who as of yet has been silent? I recognize his Farstrider uniform and bearing.” said Puny.
“This is Ranger Captain Brigan Sunstrider of the Farstrider Rangers. His knowledge of the Feralas region is unparalleled.”
“Then send him!” yelled Twill “We can go onto Orgrimmar for food and rest!”
The Farstrider turned slowly and pierced Twill with a keen glance “Remember YOUR place Ranger, I am still officially your superior.”
Twill sat down again stretching her feet out and crossed her arms. Puny simply smiled and motioned for both to sit.
“There is more here. I am not so blind as you may think. Speak.”
“Champions. We know you travelled to the East. We know something happened there. The Council believes it is important to warrant a direct interview but this is more important. The Night Elves cannot be allowed to muster.”
We are asking for your help. the Council has agreed that we can ask for your aid in this matter. Please. Your help would be of great worth"
Puny sat back and looked at Twill. Twill rose from her chair and came around to the side of the table, sitting on it. “What’s in it for us?”
“Nothing” replied Brigan “Only the recognition from the Council that you assisted in a very delicate and important mission. We are not there for direct confrontation. We are there merely to collect information.
Secrecy is paramount, no confrontation should be started.”
“Secrecy is not my strongest suit” said Puny. “Twill is the one you seek.”
“Agreed” said Brigan. “you are to accompany us and guard our base of operations along with Captain Nyfera. Twill and I are to infiltrate the Night Elf fortifications and learn what we can”
"Puny exhaled deeply. “I need time to discuss with my companion. If you would?” She motioned to the door. A loud knock rang through the door followed by a gruff voice. “Food for the passengers… Cap’n Grash’s best stores.”
Twill jumped up but Puny grabbed her arm and with a look told her to stay. “Enjoy the food prepared for us, while we discuss our options.”
“Consider well. But do not tarry” said Captain Nyfera “We have much to do.” The two Blood Elves left, closing the door behind them.
Twill jumped up angrily. “That was MY dinner paladin!” stepping up to Puny. “we don’t owe them nothing! We have our own mission!”
Puny smiled and pulled out a blue stone from her belt. “Watch.” And bent down and put the stone on the floor. A blackness darker than night formed ringed in blue fire.
The voice of Souldefiler came through the darkness followed by her face. Both kneeled. “Report. Have you reached Orgrimmar?” asked Souldefiler in a soft voice.
“Yes my Queen. but here is a complication. the Horde intercepted us and have ordered us to Feralas. They seek our aid in learning what the Night Elves are up to.”
“Interesting” said Souldefiler. “This may well work out to our advantage and kill several birds with one stone. Go with them for now. But allow yourselves to be discovered, but not so brazenly. Alert the Night Elves to your presence.
They will panic and retreat to Stormwind. There I will have one of the Devoted to manipulate Greymane into joining them. Once separated from Anduin and Stormwind, it will be all the weaker, and Feralas will still fall to the Horde.
Greymane and his worgen people will be slaughtered.” Twill bowed her head “So we are to go with them my Mistress?”
“Yes” said Souldefiler softly. “When you have done what they require, return to Orgrimmar. Report on its state of leadership, it has always been a fractious alliance at best, full of squabbling tribes and other petty nonsense.
We will reunite them all in Devotion, or utterly destroy them in their Defiance. One thing before you leave. The two Captains. Be wary of the male. he is not what he seems. but the other. I sense doubt in her heart.
She wavers in her own loyalty to her Horde. That is why she questioned yours. Punicilla. When you have her alone, test her Devotion.” Puny Bowed. “My Mistress. It shall be done”
A death gate opened and a Devoted Champion unknown to them came through holding an amulet. “Take this. Offer it to this captain as a gift when the time is right. It will open her eyes and show her the truth. My truth.”
Puny took the amulet and the Champion nodded slightly before returning though the gate. “I expect to hear good news soon.” The blackness dissipated and the warmth of the room came back.
“Good” said Twill. We can now move along" “Indeed” said Puny getting off her knees. “Let us tell them of our choice.” They stepped out of the room and made their way to the cabin where the two Blood Elves sat.
“Who was that person that came through the Gate? Our Mistress seemed to know her well” said Twill. “I know not” said Punicilla. “But whoever it was, she was no mere Devoted Churl. Clearly our Mistress has many great warriors who are Devoted.
But not as Devoted as us Five” she said softly laughing as they came to the cabin. Opening the door they walked in.
“You didn’t eat?” asked Twill. “May I?” and not waiting for an answer, sat down and ate ravenously.
Brigan looked at her with no hint of disguising his distaste “Have you decided?” he asked still looking at Twill as she tore into a roasted chicken. “Yes” said Puny “We can help you.”
“Good” said Captain Nyfera. “We should leave immediately or at first light.”
“We shall be in our cabin when you are ready to leave” said Puny dragging Twill to her feet, a half eaten chicken leg dangling from her mouth. “You know where to find us” and pushing Twill in front of her closed the door behind her.
“What do you think. Can they be trusted?” asked Nyfera.
“The Paladin… Yes. The Ranger… No. But that is not what troubles me. Come.” Brigan stood up and led Nyfera to their own cabin.
He stepped in and went to a chest in the corner. “Close the door” he said as he opened the chest. Nyfera did so and then came over. “What do you have there?” she asked.
Brigan seemed to not hear her while he rummaged in the chest. “It’s here somewhere I saw it earlier…” as he rummaged deeper. “What are you looking for?” said Nyfera, slightly louder.
“Ahhh!! This!!” yelled Brigan joyfully as he pulled out a parchment. “This is a report from Lady Liadrin on the assault on Light Hope’s Chapel by Death Knights of Acherus.”
“When Arthas attacked th…” began Nyfera. “No” interrupted Brigan. “When the Death Knights of the Ebon Blade attacked seeking to raise Tirion Fordring”
“I thought that was secret” said Nyfera.
“It is. Or was.” replied Brigan. “Punicilla was there defending. She told Liadrin in her own report that the one who led the assault was the Death Lord Souldefiler.”
“I do not recall the name” said Nyfera. Brigan nodded. “She is, or was, a champion of the Alliance. She left some years ago mysteriously. She has not been seen since. But my Rangers found her.”
“I see” said Nyfera. “Where?” “On this island that has only been discovered recently.” replied Brigan
“So the Alliance control it?” said Nyfera standing “We should warn the council”
Brigan pulled her down. “No they do not control it. When contacted, or should I say, encountered, she made it clear she considered herself no member of any Alliance.
When asked about the Horde, she simply replied she treated them with the same disdain she always did. It would seem she lacks allies of any sorts and lives as some kind of recluse.”
“So are we going to look for her? She would be a great ally. As human… or… Forsaken…” said Nyfera with a smile
Brigan looked at her from the corner of her eye. “You can certainly try. But she would kill you before you could even blink. That island she now inhabits has given her immense power. It has amplified her mastery of undeath… blood, and the frosty chill to a level unseen and unknown. Its almost as if she draws power from the very heart of Azeroth”
“But that amulet was destroyed after the war with Ny’alotha” said Nyfera. “Its power was returned to Azeroth.”
“Indeed it was but I do not refer to that Heart” said Brigan once again reading the manuscript. “Hmm… but this manuscript tells us only how she failed to raise Fordring. Puny then reports that Souldefiler came to her seeking both
friendship and reconciliation. The two of them were once friends. It seems Punicilla has somewhat softened her heart, but not fully. Anger and resentment still eat away at her heart, and many a time Puny has visited the shamen asking them for help in ‘silencing the voices’ as she put it”
“I see…” said Nyfera. “So Souldefiler is still on this island as we speak?”
“Yes she is. And every day, she grows more and more powerful as she attunes her powers to whatever lies there. I know. I have been there.” he said, getting up.
Nyfera watched him and slowly rose herself. She noticed a strange look on his face and faced him. “What happened?”
“We went there with a full squad of Rangers and some druid allies. A. Full. Squad. We can take down entire cities with just a handful of my Farstriders. But Souldefiler…”
" She cut us down as if we were wheat before the sickle. I saw her freeze our feral druids into icy husks as they sprang at her, and shatter them with a word. Those who tried to flee, she simply chained with ice and let their hearts freeze.
Those were the lucky ones. My Rangers, led by me And Sergeant D’ee, she saved till last. The Power of the Blood! Never have I seen it wielded in such a way. She stole our very blood and made it her own, and those who fell became her undead minions."
Nyfera walked over to the table and poured them both a drink. "But my trusted friend and second in command, D’ee, her fate was worst of all. Throwing me to the floor, she jumped over my prone body and yelled a challenge to Souldefiler prepared to siphon my very life force as she bore down on me. Souldefiler merely paused and laughed. “I will always remember that soft yet cold voice, as it taunted D’ee asking her will she die. As D’ee leaped with drawn arrow she was caught. Dropping her weapon she hung in mid air, holding her throat. I rose to my feet and yelled a challenge, but Souldefiler regarded me less than a worm in the filth. She swung D’ee to one side and slammed her into the wall, breaking every bone in her body. Then she raised her. And now I had a choice. To flee and mourn my fallen Rangers and my friend, or join them in death.”
Nyfera was now silent and listened to every word. “What happened? How did you escape?”
"By fortune, or her mercy, such as it is I do not know. I only remember fleeing. I remember the howls and screams of the dead, and the challenge issued to me by what remained of D’ee as she led the hunt. Using my skills I hid myself in the undergrowth as the undead ran past seeking me. Then all fell quiet. I lay there for what seemed a lifetime, listening and watching. I saw and heard nothing. Cautiously I made my way out and saw I was alone. I made my way to the battleground, hoping to retrieve the belongings or insignia of my fellow Farstriders.
I saw nothing except a pile of broken bodies and scattered bones. But I do remember vividly seeing the corpse of one of my Farstriders hanging from the tree where his life ended. I searched his corpse quickly. I found nothing. I left the island and returned to Orgrimmar. I sought out Prince Lor’themar and he swore me to secrecy. He asked me to recount the encounter, and noted every word. Never have I uttered this tale, until this night."
“So why tell me?” asked Nyfera.
“Because” replied Brigan taking a drink. “Our two new companions have also been there.”
“How do you know that?” asked Nyfera.
“I saw it in their eyes,” he replied. “I cannot be certain for sure, but something in their eyes reminds me of the eyes of D’ee as she pursued me into the woods.
I fear something terrible is about to happen. But until I am of no doubt in my mind, our mission still stands and I must trust the judgement of the Council. Come. it is late and we set sail tomorrow. We should sleep”
He rolled over to his side and was soon asleep.
“I really wish you had not told me that story Brig. While this… Souldefiler… seems powerful, she has hidden herself away. Perhaps we will never hear of her again. She does sound a very powerful ally. If only she would. or could…
Never mind, a fool’s hope. Imagine her power with the Horde. She could lead legions.” said Nyfera, staring at the roof as she lay in her bunk. “Brig… Brigan!” said Nyfera softly. Rolling over she saw the now soundly asleep Brigan.
“how can you sleep after a tale of that sort I will never know.”
She rolled over also trying to sleep. But sleep would not visit her that night. After an hour she rose and went to the ship’s deck. Looking at the ocean before her, new thoughts sprang in her head. Could Souldefiler be persuaded to join The Horde? Or at least aid them. What would be her price. And would the Horde be willing to pay. Could Nyfera be the key. Such praise and honor would be placed on her.
To bring a mighty Death Knight, nay Death Lord to the welcoming arms of the Horde. And maybe Souldefiler herself would look on her favorably. Looking out to the horizon as the ship raised anchor and sailed Northwest, a strange red sky seemed to form on the eastern horizon, as if blood itself was splashed onto the skies.
Deep in her Citadel within the island, Souldefiler walked briskly to her sanctum. As she passed the Devoted kneeled. As she turned to address them a Death Gate opened and the Devoted Champion who delivered the amulet to Punicilla and Twill walked through.
The Devoted Champion fell to one knee and waited the Mistress’ command.
Souldefiler walked over and motioned her to rise “You return” she said softly. “They have their token?”
“Yes my Mistress” came the reply from the hooded Champion. “They set sail for Feralas on the morn. But I have other news.” The Champion knelt again and bowed it’s head. Souldefiler turned to face her. “Leave us” she commanded, and the Devoted stood up and left the chamber.
“Speak” she said to the Champion as she removed her helm letting her hair fall around her shoulders.
“I sensed the presence of a powerful Farstrider on the vessel, along with another Horde Captain who I am unfamiliar with. I believe this Farstrider to be Brigan Sunstrider. The other I know nothing other than a name.”
Souldefiler paused in her steps.
“Brigan Sunstrider? The one so learned in lore? He indeed would be a prize. For both of us no? The other you know nothing of?”
“Only a name my Mistress” came the the voice, “Nyfera Sunwalker, Horde Captain of some repute I know nothing else”.
“I see” said Souldefiler walking towards her Champion. “They do so love their Sun references do they not these Sin’dorei” as she walked past the still kneeling Champion.
“Brigan Sunstrider. I believe he was the one who led the assault a while ago. Interesting.” She turned to face the hooded Champion. “Rise and remove that hood”
The Champion did as ordered awaiting command. Coming to her Souldefiler slowly brought a hand to it’s chin and stroked it.
“I feel your eagerness to prove Devotion. I will give you a chance.
Bring this Brigan to me. Alive. Do this, and you will earn renown and great reward.”
She stood now mere inches from the Champion, her icy breath caressing it’s face.
“Do not fail me Champion D’eea. You do not wish to suffer the same tortures Senna does when she loses sight of her Devotion” and returned to her sanctum closing it’s doors behind her.
D’eea herself donned her black hood, turned and strode out of the chamber.
