Sunday, January 1st 2023

Early this morning we left Stormwind.

I told Valgar that I would like to drop off my things at the Orphanage before we depart.

He agreed but said that we could not stay long as there were two others waiting for us at the gates of Stormwind.

I am not quite sure what I was expecting when I dropped my things off. When they opened the boxes and started going through the contents. I don’t know. I thought I might get some satisfaction seeing my things go to someone else. But in the end I remember feeling a little sad. I remembered my time here in the Orphanage and seeing the same thing play out from the other side of the table. But these were my things and now someone was deciding if they were worth keeping or to be thrown away.

I remember looking at Valgar who stood by the door waiting. I think he read my mind because he just shook his head and said “They are just things boy and now they are someone else things. Leave them and let's be on our way.”

I guess that's just how it goes. One day it all becomes someone else's things, I just thought I would feel…good about it. Maybe I am still standing on the other side of the table.

At the gate we met up with the other two.

I didn’t know who to expect, but when we rounded that corner I caught a glimpse of the three foot tall, bushy eyed, green bearded gnome. I knew it was Nittlbur. He appeared to be talking to someone out of view.

It wasn’t until we were right on top of Nittlebur that I even noticed the second.

Leaning up against the base of Ranger Captain Alleria Windrunner was the night elf Anishar.

He didn’t say anything and I don’t think he was even listening to Nittlebur.

He simply nodded to Valgar and we were on our way out the gates of Stormwind.

We made our way through Elwynn Forest to Northshire Abbey.

We passed Goldshire but Valgar said that he wanted to reach the Abbey by nightfall.

He had things to discuss with the Deputy and Marshal who were both waiting there for us.

Along with our fourth member.

It was getting dark by the time we reached the Abbey.

Valgar introduced us to Deputy Willem and Marshal McBride, who then went about splitting us up to various parts of the Abbey.

I met a man by the name of Llane Beshere and was told that he would be in charge of my training. I was shown where I would be sleeping and that was it.

I didn’t see Valgar, Nittlebur or Anishar for the rest of the evening.

I didn’t even get to meet the fourth member of the group!

Llane told me to get some rest as tomorrow training begins!

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Monday, January 2nd 2023

Today is the last day of The Feast of Winter's veil.

Though you wouldn’t think it over here at the Abbey, it looks like the celebrations never even made it past the front gates. Located in Northshire valley against the backdrop of the foothills of Elwynn Forest. The Abbey feels like a place that time had forgotten.

Untouched as it is, massive trees have grown here. Their branches reach high and out. Creating a canopy, through which in some places you can not see the sky.

During the day they create deep pools of shadow and by night a darkness so black you are unable to see your hand in front of your face!

There is a large waterfall in the foothills to the northeast of the Abbey. I found it while taking a break from my sword work with Llane. From the waterfall flows a small river that separates the Abbey from the Vineyards to the east. The water is cool, clear and very refreshing. There is an impressive wooden bridge that joins the two sides.

It flows south until it reaches the walls of the Abbey, then through a portal and out to Elwyn Forest.

My hands, my arms and my legs. Actually my whole body is sore from today's training.

I would like to blame Llanes training…but I think it is me who is soft and lacking conditioning.

I need to get some rest now, I’ve dropped my pencil several times trying to write this entry.

My fingers don’t work!

I think after some rest I will be feeling better. Llane said that the training was currently as easy as it was going to get. So I had better strap myself in and be ready for the road ahead.

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Tuesday, January 3rd 2023

This morning wasn’t much different from yesterday. I met with Llane early for some instructions on weapons and armour. Then out to the stables to clean them out and refresh the water for the horses.

Some more sparring, Llane said that my foot work is getting better. Am still awkward on my feet, I keep looking down where am stepping and not keeping my eye on Llane. I have a few extra lumps and bruises to prove it.

After lunch we met with Brother Sammuel and Valgar. Llane suggested that Valgar and myself have a friendly sparring match. I won't lie. I was out classed in every way.

Valgar works with sword and shield in a way that makes it look like he was born with both in hand.

During the match I was able to get the upper hand and I struck a sound blow on Valgars shoulder. There was a snarl, flash of light, and it felt like someone had hit me over the head with a shovel. My head ringing and black spots filling my vision. I blacked out.

When I awoke I was inside the chapel and it was dark outside.

Valgar was there, kneeling beside the straw cot. He made a short apology for taking things a little too far and then left. My head was still cloudy but he seemed genuinely disappointed in his actions. I still have no idea what happened.

I was introduced to Priestess Anetta and her student Caedmos.

It was them who healed my wounds. And checked my head. It is a strange thing. While my body is clearly healed. I still feel the aches and pains. It’s almost like even though my flesh is healed, there is something more inside me that is still wounded.

I asked Priestess Anetta and Caedmos about it. They seemed to believe that the wounds might still exist against my spirit, my mind. That more often than not it was best to allow some hurts to heal over time so that the two can mend as one. But in some cases, when the extent of the damage is not obvious, a more direct forceful healing is required. Despite the price it extracts from the wounded.

“Better safe than sorry” she said.

I think I might just lay down here for a bit longer.

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Wednesday, January 4th 2023

Llane, Brother Sammel and Valgar went to Goldshire today. So lessons were suspended.

I spent the day working with Priestess Anetta and Caedmos.

I assisted Caedmos with his lessons on Alchemy. We went about the forest around the Abbey listening as the Priestess talked about the connections of all living things.

About herbs and roots. How they can be mixed to create powerful elixirs, salves and all manner of wonderful things.

I even had a go at making a minor healing potion.

One part Peacebloom, one part silverleaf.

Crush them together, boil with fresh water.

Cool and you are ready to go.

Am… not one hundred percent sure I will put my life in the hands of this potion I have made. But I will keep it close at the next sparring session!

Caedmos is Draenei. He had come from the Exodar, a great vessel that had crash landed on the Azuremyst Isles off the western coast of Kalimdor.

He came to Stormwind with a delegation and met a dwarf by the name of Valgar.

The two of them had stuck up a conversation and the talk of The Light had intrigued him.

Valgar had pointed him in the direction of the Abbey, informing him that the best place to start his studies would be there.

So here he is.

I left him in the Library with Brother Paxton.

I wanted to take another walk around the Abbey before it got dark. As I made my way back towards the entrance into the Abbey, off in the foot hills I could swear I heard the sound of howling wolves.

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Thursday, January 5th 2023

On my way out this morning I found Nittlebur with a man I would later find out was Khelden Bremen. They were standing in the library talking with Brother Paxton. Between them smoking on a wooden bench was a smouldering book.

Nittleburs eyes were downcast and sad.

I didn’t hang around to find out what was going on.

But after the Stormwind docks incident I can only imagine that Nittlebur was up to no good.

Today I was working with Brother Neal and Milly Osworth.

We were picking and packing grapes from the Northshire Vineyards.

The Vineyards are located southeast from the Abbey, across the river.

The soil appears to be rich and well suited for growing the grapes the Vineyard is famous for.

Milly said that the vines have been here for as long as she can remember.

After the harvest and a quick swim in the river.

We moved barrels of wine down from the top of the Abbey Bell tower to just inside the front door of the Abbey.

I’ll be honest, I think the training is starting to pay off. All this swinging swords, hefting shields and running in heavy armour has made me stronger than I have ever been before.

Though. I have not admitted this to anyone, I don’t know how things will play out if I have to actually use a sword. It’s very easy to swing the wooden sword at the tree or training dummy or even in sparring with Llane. But I think swinging a sword to take a life… well I don’t know.

Tomorrow a caravan is arriving to trade with the Abbey and both Brother Neal and Milly were keen to sell some of the fresh grapes and wine from the stores.

Felt good to help today.

It was hot work. But when the day was over. I went to the falls to cool off.

It is fast becoming a favorite place of mine, I can just lay back and look up at the sky, hear the birds sing and listen to the sounds of the waterfall and running river.

Ha! Listen to me, an orphan child of Stormwind, a City Kid who never wanted to leave. And now this…I am changing. This place and the people here…this is special.

As the sun began to set once again, I heard the sound of howling wolves from the foothills.

When I got back to the Abbey I spoke with Marshal McBride.

He told me he would speak with a man called Eagan Peltskinner in the morning and not worry about it too much.

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Friday, January 6th 2023

The caravan arrived today. They have set up just outside the front doors of the Abbey.

After all the introductions were complete and the trades with the Abbey had concluded. I went over to have a look at what else was for sale.

With the caravan had come a Weapon Smith, Armorer and shield crafter and a Cloth and leather worker. It was interesting to see the different styles of armour and weapons available.

I have seen some pretty impressive stuff made by the dwarfs in the Dwarf district of Stormwind. So it was also good to see that the men and women of Azeroth could produce some items of quality.

Valgar said it was “passable”, but I thought it was better than that… mind you. All I have been swinging about is a wooden sword. And.. the only things that I have made this far in my life are a few sketches and potentially either a mild healing potion or poison!

I wonder if Valgar has any knowledge on smithing. I will have to ask him. Maybe I could get him to teach me a thing or two about it. Or at least get a better insight into what to look for in a good weapon and armour.

I have a feeling that soon I will be needing that knowledge.

The rest of the day was given to sword drills.

Towards the end of the drills I noticed Marshal McBride speaking with a man dressed like a woodsman. I think it might have been Eagan Peltskinner he was talking about last night..

After they finished speaking he packed up his things and headed off into the foothills.

As I am sitting here writing this entry. I can hear the howls of wolves. They sound closer than ever. I can imagine them now, stalking through the deep shadows outside the Abbey walls.

I hope that Eagan can handle himself.

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Saturday, January 7th 2023

Things have been getting a little out of hand here at the Abbey with the arrival of the wolf packs.

The odd jobs that I was doing for the brothers have now been put aside and I have had to put my training with Llane to work.

Eagan returned and reported his findings. They have come through the foothills and are now being pushed out into Goldshire. It seems like a small thing to note, but the Rabbit population around the Abbey grounds has been destroyed with the arrival of the wolves.

Look, I am not one to seem ungrateful but…I am quietly happy about it. Not because I hate rabbits, or that I like the violence of their deaths. But… well… I'm kinda over eating Rabbit.

And I have had a lot…roasted, baked in a pie, or braised in a stew, cooked as a casserole…you get the idea.

Deputy Willem and Marshal McBride have requested that I tag along with Eagan to keep a watch on the new local wolf population.

Eagan has said that he is keen to teach me how to skin and prepare the pelts for sale.

Whilst I have been working here and pulling my own weight. It feels good to give something back. Everyone here has been kind and willing to share their knowledge. It feels only right that I should add what I can to this community, however I can.

The camp fire is dying down and Eagan has said he will take the first watch.

Am going to get some rest before the kid gloves come off, and I have to swap places with him. The weird thing is, I can’t hear any howls out here.

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Sunday, January 8th 2023

Something has made the wolves sick. Whilst out walking the lower foothills, Eagan and I came across a sickly wolf. Half starved and crazed it threw itself at us without being provoked.

It was the first time that I have killed something. The stroke was wild, a reflex black slash that caught the beast across the throat while it was mid leap. There was no finesse in the attack. It felt nothing like the practice swings or sparring, or mock battles growing up.

There was a rawness to it, and at this moment I can not explain how I feel about it.

As it lay there kicking its life blood soaking into the ground. I stood paralyzed watching, sword point angled down at the beast. Eagan came to me and with a reassuring hand on my shoulder filled in all the blanks to the questions that I wanted to ask but couldn’t.

I don't think I am the first student this woodsman has had.

Eagan showed me how to make a litter, using branches and braided grass. And together we collected the carcass to take back to the Abbey. He said we would take the wolf to Priestess Anetta and Khelden to examine. Maybe they could work out what the sickness was, and if they could. Then we might be able to work out what is driving the wolves into Northshire.

For now I am going to clean myself and my gear. Tomorrow Eagan wants to go back out and see if he can find anything that might be the cause of this sickness.

I am going to put my hand up to go with him.

I feel like I owe it to that wolf to find a way to stop this sickness from spreading if I can.

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Monday, January 9th 2023

While out scouting with Eagan we heard some strange sounds coming from the direction of the old Echo Ridge mine.

On our way to investigate we were ambushed by strange creatures.

We were only just able to escape with our lives.

As we got closer to the mine. We could hear the sounds of pick axes ringing on stone. Eagen said that no one had worked the mine in years and that there had never been any talk of reopening it.

We were coming down from the foothills, approaching the mine from above.

As we got closer to the roof I slipped and knocked a heep of rocks down the slope.

As they rained down over the old tiled roof of the mine entrance.

Eagan and I froze in place. When everything had settled. So had the sounds coming from inside.

With more care now, though I didn’t know at the time that the damage was done.

We scrambled down the right hand side of the entrance. The front of the mine was littered with old crates, smashed pots and a minecart.

Working our way through the piles of rubbish we peered into the darkness.

From the depth of the shaft came the cry “You no take candle!” followed by the slap of many feet on stone.

Bursting from the entrance were these four foot tall humanoid creatures. With tails like rats and large elongated snouts.

They were dressed in rags and waving pickaxes and stone clubs. The stench was awful!

I have no idea of the exact number that came for us. Eagan was shouting for me to run.

So I ran. He was right behind me all the way.

Back at the Abbey we told Deputy Willem and Marshal McBride about the encounter.

They told me to find Valgar and the rest of the group, while they discussed the matter further.

Later that day we all gathered in the main hall of the Abbey.

Deputy Willem and Marshal McBride said that the creatures that ambushed us were Kobolds. Eagan believes they are the reason that the wolves have been pushed so far out of the foothills, and that they could even be the cause of the sickness affecting them.

Due to their close proximity to the Abbey and for the safety of those living here we needed to clear them out. Myself, Nittlebur, Valgar, Caedmos and Anishar are to go to the Echo Ridge mine and clear it out.

Eagan gave me a wolf's tooth on a leather thong. He said it was from the wolf that I had killed. I am going to wear it and together we will get revenge on these Kobolds for the sickness. We leave tomorrow at dawn.

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Tuesday 10th to Wednesday 11th, January 2023

We returned from the mine early this morning.

While the mine wasn’t very big. The Kobolds were extremely good at hiding and knew the layout very well. It was no small thanks to Anishar, his keen eyesight and roguish talents which saved us from several amushes. And Caedmos, whose healing arts kept us up in the thickest of fights. Valgar was always at the front and we stood side by side as we fought our way through to the deepest depths

The way was dark and dank. And the smell. The smell was shocking. All about the floor of the tunnels were the scraps and discarded refuse of the invaders.

Here and there the rotting carcass of some unknown creature left to fester and the mouldering musty smell of timber barrels, crates and old mine equipment. All of which appeared to be untouched, whatever the Kobolds were here for, it wasn't the equipment left behind last time the mine was closed.

Fighting alongside Valgar, I didn’t feel the same unease that I felt slaying the wolf.

I don’t know if I was caught up in the righteousness that bled off Valgar as he fought, or if I had by killing the wolf stepped over some invisible threshold and was changed.

I raised the question with Valgar on the first night in the mines, he said that he would talk about it but that now might not be the best time. If I felt like I still wanted to talk about it after this was over, I should go and see him.

Am…not sure where I stand. I don’t feel like I need to talk about it. But I wonder if I should.

I think Nittlebur hated it the most. He didn't say much but it seemed like inside the confines of the mine he found it difficult to work his magic. I will let him know that we all appreciated his ability to conjure flame from nothing in those dark, damp, cold tunnels.

The fighting was close and bloody. I put the short blade that Llane had given me to hard work. And in the darkness, shield raised and shuffling beside Valgar. My movements became methodical and robotic.

The ball of flame that Nittlebur had summoned hovered in the center of the group, it was throwing shadows about us. I would be peering into the darkness and RAH! One of the things would leap out at me.

I would smash my shield in the direction of the sound, hold, and thrust my blade over the top of the shield and down.

We carried on like this for what felt like an age and just when I thought my arms would fall off.

Valgar called a halt. We had reached the bottom of the mine. Exhausted, we set up a small camp on the right hand side of the cavern. Using the abandoned equipment and crates to barricade ourselves in.

Valgar and Anishar took first watch… but I don't think anyone slept.

All I could hear were the sounds of things being dragged around in the dark and that rat squeak chitter echoing off the walls… and in the back of my mind the Kobold cries as we butchered our way down here.

In the dark I have no idea how much time passed, but Valgar called everyone up, and to be ready to go. Resuming our formation we made our way back up the mine and out.

There was no resistance on our way back out, and all the corpses had been taken.

When we reached the exit. I removed the Wolf tooth pendant and hung it from the timber frame that used to hold mine tools. I felt like I had gotten revenge for the sickness, and now I would leave the spirit to guard the mine. Well. I have no idea how any of that works, but it felt like the right thing to do.

Deputy Willem and Marshal McBride both expressed their appreciation of the group.

And even offered to pay us!

Valgar, Caedmos and myself donated our earnings to The Northshire Abbey. Nittlebur disappeared along with Anishar shortly after taking their cut and I have no idea where they went as we didn’t see them for the rest of the day.

Word is that things are getting rough all over Elwynn Forest. It must be true right?

If it can reach the peace of the Abbey, things must be bad.

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Thursday, January 12th 2023

After the clearing of the mines. Valgar requested that we all be moved into the same area of the Abbey. We now share a large room with enough pallets for the five of us.

I haven’t had much to do with Nittlebur and Anishar. For whatever reason their training has been in secret. I guess there wouldn’t be much point in me training with a mage, I don’t know anything about spell casting. I have enough trouble getting a campfire started with a flint!

And the shadow arts of Anishar, well. I think I’ve shown how bad I am after my blunder at the Echo Ridge mine.

Anyway…after the battles in the mines, I feel like we have come closer together as a group.

Am going to go and find Valgar after I have written this and tell him that I am grateful to whatever it was that made him choose me. Conscript or not, I am proud to serve Stormwind.

Nittlebur and Anishar must have come back from wherever they went in the dead of the night. When I awoke they were passed out on their pallets. They both smelt like the wine Brother Neals drinks. I questioned him about them and he said that they were not with him and that all the wine was accounted for.

It was late afternoon when they woke up. Nittlebur looked shocking, clearly the wine was not his friend.

Anishar delighted in telling us how Nittlebur, after drinking far too much wine, had climbed up on a table and shouted to the whole tavern to be quiet and watch him do a magic trick. Just as he reached the end of the spell he slipped in some beer, fell off the table, fired off the spell into the fireplace blowing multi coloured sparks and embers all over the place. Setting the rug in front of the fireplace alight. And as he fell, he took out a barmaid who was carrying a full tray of ale.

Apparently they got kicked out of the tavern at that stage, Nittlebur denies everything.

But the bump on his head tells another tale. I wish I had been there to see it happen.

The shared dangers of the battles in the dark seemed to have had an effect on us all.

I think that's the most I have ever heard Anishar say since I met him down in the Stockades almost a month ago.

It has been a long day. And I am dead tired. Llane has said that my sword work is improving along with my confidence. And now it is time for some rest.

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Friday, January 13th 2023

Milly Osworth has complained to Marshal McBride about a band of brigands who have set up camp east of the Abbey. She has said they are making life difficult for her and her workers to tend the vineyards. Whilst she hasn’t seen them act directly, some equipment has been going missing. From tools used to build the packing crates, to tools required for harvesting.

Anishar said he would speak with a man named Jorik Kerridan. And together they would investigate further.

Jorik it would seem is the one who has been responsible for the training of Anishar over these last few weeks.

Am going to have to stop here, and go and see Priestess Anetta. Llane got me good today in training, my left little finger was crushed and is turning a nice shade of blue. Hopefully she has something that can heal it quickly in case we have to deal with the trouble over at the vineyards.

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Saturday, January 14th 2023

Late last night it appears that Anishar and Jorik snuck into the Rogue camp disguised as members of the gang to gather information.

They returned before sunrise and reported that the thugs were part of the Defias Brotherhood.

Jorik said that the Brotherhood have a long standing grudge against Stormwind. One that dates back to the Second War. That the Brotherhood had helped to rebuild the city to its former glory and on completion were cheated out of payment. Something to do with a pre-existing dept and a lady by the name of Katrana Prestor.

I dunno…It seems petty to me to be stealing from the Abbey to get back at Stormwind.

He said he overheard someone called Garrick Padfoot saying that they plan to steal the next harvest. Laughing as he added that Stormwind was weak and would be too busy to deal with them. That they would get away with it with little to no trouble.

We passed on this information to Marshal McBride and Deputy Willem. While they didn’t disagree with the comments on the state of Stormwind. They couldn’t let the boldness of the Defias Brotherhood go unpunished.

The Marshal asked if we could help once again. Adding that the Northshire guard was stretched thin and would greatly appreciate the help.

Valgar agreed without question.

Tomorrow we go to face the Defias Brotherhood.

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Sunday, January 15th 2023

As we made our way across the bridge spanning the river that flows through the Northshire Valley, we caught sight of the Defias Brotherhood ransacking the vineyard.

The vineyard is old. And we had been instructed to do our best to preserve it.

Nittlebur was once again disappointed at being unable to let loose with his spells while we fought freely and unhindered through the hanging rows of grape vines.

We battled our way to the location where Anishar had said that their leader Garrick Padfoot would be found. The Defias put up a good fight but after seeing a few of their number put down they broke and fell back to the hills.

When we reached the small cabin that Garrick Padfoot was holding up in, it was just him and a single Defias Brother. We didn’t even get a chance to question Garrick.

Nittlebur, now free of the vineyard, was able to unleash his magic free from worry.

It was all over very quickly…

I felt heat rising from behind me as dancing shadows stretched out before me.

Valgar shouted a challenge to Padfoot as the door to the cabin opened and Garrick stepped outside. The last thing Defias leader ever saw was the giant fireball that smacked into him at full force as his foot touched the ground. The brother who was standing next to him as the fireball impacted was burnt so badly that he died not long after.

Am not sure I am going to be able to get the smell out of my clothes.

Milly Osworth is grateful for our help. She offered some bottles of the vineyard's vintage as a reward. The look on Nittleburs face at the sight of wine was hilarious.

She said now that the brotherhood was gone, with a little work they would have the vineyard up and running again.

Marshal McBride and Deputy Willem have asked if we could head over to Goldshire and speak with Marshal Dughan. With our help they have been able to get back on top of things at the Abbey. And now they believe that we could be of further help to the Alliance in Elwynn Forest.

We sat down tonight and shared our thoughts. Though we all come from different parts of Azeroth and beyond. We all seemed to agree that something had brought us together at this time and in this location. And that we should stick together. Valgar reminded us that we were Conscripts and would do as he had said regardless… for the time being. Caedmos was happy to follow us, there was a lot of Azeroth he was yet to see.

I squeezed the token in my pocket as I looked at Valgar.

I know I am here because of him. But what if there was some greater reason that brought me here, bought all of us here.

Some reason that my life had taken the path it had so that I could be here.

I think I have been spending too much time with Brother Paxton and Priestess Anetta.

And these chats about the Light with Valgar and Caedmos have started to rub off on me.

Tomorrow we leave for Goldshire and my time comes to an end here at Northshire Abbey.

Am really going to miss this place.

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Monday, January 16th 2023

I’ve said my goodbyes to Llane.

Llane has said that he wished he had more time with me. That there was a lot more that I needed to know before rushing off into the world as a meddling swordsman. I feel like I have come a long way since I first walked into the Abbey. Llane laughed at that but agreed. I will keep running his drills and hopefully I'll live long enough to come back and see him one day. Maybe I could teach him a thing or two!

Brother Sammuel and Valgar shared a few quiet words off to the side.

I noticed during the exchange Sammuel presented Valgar with a pendant.

Whilst it was only a brief moment, I think I caught a glimpse of Silver fist hanging from a golden chain.

Priestess Anetta had a few parting words for Caedmos but those were said in private.

I probably wouldn’t understand anyway. She gave me a pressed Peacebloom flower for my journal. Am not sure where I am going to keep it. I have been making sketches of a few places and people. I might put it on the page with her.

Khelden Bremen presented Nittlebur with a new tome for his arcane studies.

He said that he had woven a small enchantment into the cover to protect it from fire,

From what I have seen, I am wondering if the enchantment would be enough!

Anishar was nowhere to be seen during the goodbyes. It was only as we were walking out the gates of Northshire did I realise that he was with the group. He just winked at me and smiled. He seemed different, like he walked just a little bit taller and a dash more swagger.

Brother Paxton said that he was impressed with my Journals so far and my sketches.

He said that if I felt like it, I could send my finished Journals to him and he would keep them safe for me. He said he would love to read about my adventures to come.

I think I will send my completed journals to him. It would be kind of amazing to some day return to the Abbey and see them on a shelf in the library.

Eagan Peltskinner gave me a new flint and tinder box. It is a small wooden hand made thing and he had carved the likeness of a wolf into the top. My first kill. The lid on the top slides off to reveal a two part compartment. One for flint and firesteel and the other containing tinder. Eagan had packed it with a new firesteel, flint and some old cloth fibres to get me started.

As he put the box in my hands, he tapped the lid. “Take good care of this and it will take care of you.” he said “ Never leave home without it.”

Am going to have to get myself a good backpack or something to store this in for safe keeping.

By the time we left it was about midday.

We followed the river south from the Abbey down to Crystal Lake, and ran into two fishermen. Jason Mathers and Lee Brown. Lee appeared to be pretty enthusiastic about fishing and offered to show us some tips and tricks.

Valgar said that we might come back if we have some spare time but for now we needed to head for Goldshire and the Lion's Pride inn.

Despite his desire to get to Goldshire, Valgar also needed to check into the houses along the way. He said it was our duty to ensure the safety of everyone.

We met Adele Fielder and her six children. Cameron, Dana, Jose, Lisa, John and Aaron.

She said that since her husband had been called to the font she had been struggling for a time. Then Helene Peltskinner had shown up and with her help the two of them had made a comfortable living selling skins and handmade Leather goods.

I asked if she knew Eagan Peltskinner. She said that he was her brother and that she hoped he was well.

I didn’t say it, but I thought it was weird that he never mentioned that he had a sister. To be fair, the whole time we were together and not running for our lives. He spoke at length about the wilderness and how to survive in it. I guess it really wasn’t something that would have come up in conversation.

Helene offered to spend some time with me and fill in any gaps that he brother might have left in regards to skinning. And Adele said if I was willing to offer a hand. That she could instruct me on how to turn those skins into clothing and armour.

Valgar said I would have to come back in my own time.

So I think I will. If I have any!

It was dark when we arrived at the Lion’s Pride Inn.

Valgar organised our accommodation. It is a step up from the Abbey I can tell you that!

It has been a long day, and I need to go down and eat. Then head to bed.

Tomorrow we meet up with Marshal Dughan and find out how we can be of service.

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Tuesday, January 17th 2023

We met with Marshal Dughan after he had done his rounds.

He was keen to talk to us about an issue with Fargodeep mine.

Apparently Northshire isn’t the only place with problems…Kobolds.

The Marshal had received reports of them lurking around the site and he requested that we explore and report back.

Valgar let him know that we have had some experience in dealing with them. That we had cleared the Echo Ridge mine in Northshire of the same pest.

We gathered our things and headed out.

We followed the road southwest from Goldshire until we could see the Stonefield Farm.

From there we went roughly southeast off the road and into Elwynn Forest.

It wasn’t long before we came to a crest that overlooked the entrance to the mine.

As we made our way down the slope towards the Cave. We could see and smell evidence of Kobold occupation.

We hid behind some of the old mine equipment that had been dumped at the entrance. And while keeping a lookout, Anishar went to scout the mine.

It wasn’t long before he had returned and informed us that the mine was swarming with Kobolds. He was only able to get a short way in, but he noticed that the Kobolds looked alot tougher than the ones we encountered at Echo Ridge. We pulled out and headed back to Goldshire to report our findings.

Marshal Dughan was waiting for us on our return and didn’t appear to be surprised that the rumours were true. His concern was that all the mines in the area might be infested. And requested that we investigate the Jasperlode mine also.

We were instructed to head east out of Goldshire and follow the road until we hit the Tower of Azora. The building is a squat but impressive looking mage tower, it is very easy to see from the road. It seemed a little out of place to me. But then again. What do I know of magic and mages!

From here we headed north towards the foothills that border the side of Northshire Abbey.

We encountered a large pack of very massive grey wolves here. I marked the Den on my map and let the Marshal know to spread the word to avoid that place. These wolves were much larger and healthier then the sickly packs roaming the foothills of the Northshire.

Whilst the sight of the den did put a knife of fear in me, I was also happy to see that the sickness had not made it out of the Abbey Foothills.

As we reached the Jasperlode Mines there were the same signs of Kobold occupation.

As we scouted around the area and found a small camp to the right of the mine. The Kobolds had ransacked and taken it over. From our vantage point we couldn’t see any sign of the previous occupants. We discussed going in and clearing them all out. But it was getting late and Marshal Dughan had not asked us to engage the Kobolds. Only to scout the mine.

Once again Anishar slipped into the shadows and entered the mine.

It wasn’t until the moon was visible through the trees that he returned.

Dam near gave me a heart attack. I didn’t hear him coming and when he started speaking I just about fainted.

He reported that yes, the mine was infested. But as he searched through the tunnels he came across one that the Kobolds stayed well clear of. The walls, floor and ceiling of it were covered in thick sticky webs. And that there was an unnerving silence in that part of the mine.

With the Tower of Azora in the distance to light our way back to the road. And Anishar scouting the shadows. We made our way back to Goldshire.

The wolves of Elwynn Forest seem to be quite active at night, and Anishar did well to steer us clear. He would melt from the shadows and take us off the road to avoid a wolf or pack.

It added a lot of time to our return but I am very grateful for his efforts.

When we made it back to Goldshire the moon was high in the sky and we met the Marshal in the Lion’s Pride.

He said that he would need some time to go over our reports and plan the next course of action. With the infestation reaching this level he didn’t want to act rashly and make a wrong decision.

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Wednesday, January 18th 2023

Valgar went with Marshal Dughan this morning to Westbrook Garrison. They were going to discuss the Kobold threat on Goldshire and the greater Elwynn Forest.

Anishar also went with him as he had first hand knowledge on how things looked inside the mines.

Not long after they left, Caedmos and Nittlebur went out walking and picking herbs.

They had been deep in discussion since breakfast about brewing potions that could replenish magical energies. They were debating if there could be made one for both, Arcane and Divine or if there would need to be one for each source of magic energies or would there need to be one for each specific discipline within each category of the Arcane and Divine.

They were discussing something about the different spheres of magic and Titans or something as they walked out the door.

Then I was alone. After I finished my spiced bread and spider sausages.

Both I can recommend if you’re reading this and have never been to the Lion’s Pride Inn.

I thought I might go and see Lee Brown, see if I can catch some fish for dinner.

I spoke with the Inn’s Cook, Tomas. Asking if I was able to catch anything, could we have them cooked for dinner. He agreed, but only if I bought enough back for himself and Toddrick, the Inn’s Butcher. I agreed and added that I would try to feed everyone.

Brog Hamfist, Dobbins, Farley and Melika Lsenstrider.

It was only a short walk north out of Goldshire before I could see the house of Adele Fielder.

From there it was eastwards to Crystal Lake. I found Lee and Jason on the docks sorting through fishing equipment.

After reintroducing myself, I was able to buy an old fishing pole from Lee. He gave me some quick instructions on what to look for and how to go about reeling in a fish if I was able to hook one. He said that the lake was home to plenty of LongJaw Mud Snapper, Brilliant Smallfish and Bristle Whisker Catfish.

I think he read my blank expression because he said he would help me identify my catch if I bought it to him.

I ended up spending my day at the lake. I moved slightly down from the jetty so that I wouldn’t get in the way. But close enough that I could quickly carry a catch back to Lee for identification.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

After a rough start, my first catch being… an old boot. I quickly got the hang of it.

A short while after I landed my first fish, which Lee said was a Longjaw Mud Snapper.

As the sun was slowly creeping down behind the trees.

I packed up and carried my catch back to the Lion’s Pride.

I traded Lee a few fish for a small wooden crate to carry everything in.

I was able to bring back five Longjaw Mud Snappers, six Bristle Whisker Catfish and nine Brilliant Smallfish.

I was going to throw the Brilliant smallfish back, but Lee said that Tomas made a pretty mean fish soup with them. So I ended up keeping them.

Back at the Inn Tomas and Toddrick were quite impressed with the haul. And Tomas offered to teach me a thing or two about preparing fish and cooking them. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to learn. So I spent my evening helping prepare and cook fish for everyone.

Well, I smell like fish and smoke. So I am going to go wash up and head to bed.

Anishar and Valgar didn’t return tonight. So I can only imagine that things are quite serious.

Hopefully tomorrow they return from Westbrook Garrison with some good news, or a plan of action.

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Thursday 19th to Friday 20th, January 2023

Valgar and Anishar returned from Westbrook Garrison under the cover of darkness.

I am thinking sometime after midnight.

Valgar said that the talks had gone on for hours. Almost non stop from when they had arrived. There had been talk of leaving the Kobolds in the mines, they were not being used and for the moment the other then the smell. The Kobolds had not hurt anyone or troubled the town of Goldshire.

Then the Stormwind guards who had been on patrol here in Elwynn Forest started to add their thoughts and observations into the debate. Trouble was indeed on the rise.

The increase in the grey wolf population, the rising trouble with the Defias Brotherhood, the rumours of Murlocs in the Northeast and a new threat growing in the southeast near the border of Westfall. Things were heading towards a tipping point and they felt that the rapidly growing population of Kobolds in the area was more than they could handle.

The Kobolds had to go.

Valgar had volunteered our services. Informing the gathering that we had once before cleared out the Kobolds of Echo Ridge mine in Northshire. And our experience in fighting underground and in the dim light of the mines would make us a good choice for the task.

We were to strike quickly and without delay. There was no telling what the Kobolds might do if we dragged out the task. If we took too long in Fargodeep, the Kobolds of the Jasperlode Mine might come down on our heads from the north. And vice versa.

The small council had declared that we would clear the Jasperlode Mine first. It was far enough away, and if we were swift. There would be less chance of any message being sent to the Fargodeep mine and Goldshire coming under threat. That is, if the Kobolds were united and communicating.

For us, this wasn’t up for debate. Valgar gave the order, we gathered our things and were out the door. Caedmos had brewed a few healing potions the day they had gone walking. And handed them out. Nittlebur was shaking with excitement as he placed two small blue bottles in his shoulder bag. I remember at the time thinking that he was going to make himself sick if he drank those healing potions.

We followed the road north towards Northshire until we reached the foothills.

From there we went east, taking care when crossing the river in the dark.

We almost crashed right into a Defias Brotherhood shack which was hidden away against the hills! Thankfully Anishar was leading the way and we managed to sneak past it.

Valgar said he made a mental note of the location and would inform Marshal Dughan on our return to Goldshire.

Then it was on. Anishar had reported seeing several Kobolds ahead. It wouldn’t do to have them alert the others of our arrival. He told us to wait and melted into the deep shadows.

It wasn’t long before he was back and motioning us forward again.

I’ll be honest, it creeped me out a little. From where we were sitting, I didn’t hear a thing.

And as we crept towards the mine, I didn’t see any dead bodies.

Anishar was either playing us, or a far more competent killer than I imagined.

After a moment, on our right. The lights of Azora twinkled between the trees.

Seeing the lights, I remembered that small camp just past the mine and on the right side of the entrance.

After reminding Valgar, we decided that it needed to be cleared first.

We drifted out towards the tower then back around towards the mine coming at the camp from behind. Anishar and myself went forwards to the tents. It was butchers work.

There were only two Kobolds awake at the time, they were both sitting on the far side of the camp, with the fire at their backs looking towards the mine. Anishar and I went through the tents killing the Kobolds in their sleep. It was dirty work, honorless work.

Those two Kobolds at the campfire died without a sound as we rounded on them, Anishar’s daggers through one's neck as my blade toppled the head from the others shoulders.

I told Valgar exactly what I thought as they joined us in the shadows of the camp. He actually slapped me and told me to pull myself together. This was righteous work and we would cleanse the forest of this darkness for the good of the people.

I could begin to feel that… aura that bled from Valgar. That feeling of righteousness that I had felt while fighting beside him in the Echo Ridge mines.

It put steel in my spirit.. and as it got stronger it burned away the misgivings I held.

It was still dark as we crept through the entrance.

Once we entered, Anishar disappeared. Myself and Valgar went on guard. Nittlebur mumbled some arcane words and a small light sputtered to life between us.

Valgar told us this wasn’t going to be like the Echo Ridge mines, this time none of the Kobolds could be allowed to live. We must kill them all.

We looked grim faced under the light of Nittleburs enchantment as we nodded our agreement.

For the good of Goldshire.

I lost track of time as we hewed our way through the tunnels. Every now and then I could hear the terrified shouts and cries of the Kobolds off in the distance and Anishar went about his grim work.

At one stage, we rounded a corner as a Kobold came screaming down the tunnel. It was looking back over its shoulder and didn’t see us. It ran right into me, bounced off and into Valgars shield and dropped to the ground..

As we both turned to strike, there was Nittlebur arm outstretched fingers spread and the last sounds of a spell hanging in the air. There was a whoomp - and a bang a blast of flame sent the Kobold cartwheeling end over end back down the mine. In the flash of light I caught a glimpse of Anishar, standing in the middle of the tunnel like some death spectre before the light faded and the darkness swallowed him again.

We paused when we reached the webs and listened to the darkness. They appeared exactly as Anishar had described them. They hung from the walls in thick ropey loops and strands. Just inside the web tunnel, the light from Nittleburs orb illuminated Kobold size lumps on the walls and hanging from the roof.

Just like in the Echo Ridge mines, Anishar pulled his blasted rogue tricks and almost caught Valgars hammer to the guts. Stepping seemingly out of a pool of shadow, he informed us that the tunnel was crawling with giant black spiders, their abdomens speckled with red spots. And it appeared that they had caught many many Kobolds. He recommended that we avoid trying to clear them out as he was not sure just how many might be hiding in the webs and beyond.

Valgar reminded us that we were not here to clear out spiders and the longer we spent down here, the higher the chance that the Kobolds in Fargodeep might get wind of the extermination and retaliate against Goldshire and its people.

With the mine clear… except for the spiders, and all the kobolds we could find…confirmed dead. We made haste back to Goldshire.

The sun was only just peeking through the trees as we exited.

We headed straight south for the Tower of Azora. As we ran, we saw a pack of grey wolves making their way towards the camp and the grisly remains. The tail end of the pack only stopped long enough to sniff the air in our direction before bounding off.

After reaching the road we made quick time to Goldshire.

We stopped long enough to inform Marshal Dughan that the Jasperlode was empty. But a nest of Giant Black spiders had taken up residence in the bottom of the mine. And until they were cleared out, it might be best to leave it alone. Valgar also marked on a map for Dughan the location of the Defias Hide away.

Dughan said that he would spread the word and thanked us.

But now we had to execute the second phase of the plan.

Marshal Dughan said that we should head southeast along the road until we see Stonefield farm. He had sent a squad of Stormwind guards to keep an eye on the mine in case the Kobolds there got any funny ideas. He said that he had told them to join up with us on our arrival and to assist with the clearing.

He then gave Valgar an on-the-spot field promotion to Acting Deputy with the Stormwind Marshals.

When we arrived, the Guards were ready to go. Swords drawn and shields at the ready they reported that the Kobolds hadn’t shown any change in what they were doing. They were still bringing rubble and junk to the front of the mine and throwing it out the entrance.

The group had grown to ten. The finely equipped guards looked impressive in their polished platemail with gleaming shields and swords. I felt almost naked with my hand me down chainmail and notched blade. I remember thinking “how the hell have I not been killed yet.”

Valgar drew up a new battle plan. He had not accounted for help from the Stormwind Guard. But that didn’t slow him down. This fight was going to be even more aggressive than the Jasperlode encounter. We didn’t have the cover of darkness to mask our approach so as soon as they noticed us, the alarm would be raised. And with the five soldiers in shiny platemail, we would be like a red flag to a bull.

The soldiers would head south to the river, then turn and march back towards the mine via the causeway that led to the entrance. They were to make their intentions as obvious as they could and drawout the kobolds. While we waited for them on the farm side ridge looking down towards the mine. When the Stormwind Guard crashed into the Kobolds, we would sweep down and smash them in the side.

The plan worked flawlessly, the Guard were too much of an enticing target to be ignored.

The Kobolds raced from everywhere to join the frey. The Stormwind Guard were an impressive sight to behold. Working in perfect concert they butchered the undisciplined Kobolds as they ran to them in twos and threes.

Valgar gave the signal and we rushed to join the battle.

Nittlebur and Caedmos stayed up on the ridge, with their commanding view of the battlefield they were able to deliver their spells with great effect.

Nittleburs fireballs rained down from above, curling to smite Kobolds on the run or dropping from the sky like falling stars to blast them where they stood.

I saw a golden light swirl about a soldier who was on his knees…and as it winked out, he stood, raised his shield, spun his sword in his grip. Then rejoined the formation.

When the Kobolds stopped coming from the tunnel. We moved to take the fight down to them. It was tight, down in the mine. And the Stormwind guard insisted that they go first.

I think Valgars Aura was having an impact on them also.

Look, they were very impressive. Their discipline and martial skill was quickly becoming something I admired and… was maybe a little envious of. Llane had been right. I have so much more to learn.

We scoured the mine clean of life. No spiders here. The party of ten making quick work of the disorderly Kobolds and small thanks to the prowess of the Stormwind Guard.

As we followed an upwards sloping section, we came out at the top entrance to the Mine.

I remember the feeling of the cool air on my face. And the strange disjointed sensation of looking up and seeing the night sky.

I looked around and noticed the exhaustion on Caedmos face. The effort of keeping everyone on their feet was plain to see. He slumped to the ground and sat with his back against the wall just inside the mine. Nittlebur dropped down next to him and soon everyone was sprawled out around the place.

Valgar ordered a camp to be set, there was no way we were going to be able to get back to Goldshire tonight. And with the kobold threat squashed, there was no rush to get back either. We spent the night out under the stars.

I sat there for a long while…by the fire, numb and too tired to talk…just…staring at my sword which lay across my knees. Around the camp the snores of the Guard could be heard, thankfully Nittlebur slept quiet as a mouse…after taking a sip of something Caedmos had offered him.

When I looked up…across the fire. I could see Valgar… he was watching me intently.

After a moment he seemed to come to some conclusion and nodded. He pointed at me, and motioned for me to get some sleep.

I don’t even remember laying down. I think I was asleep before my head hit the dirt.

When I awoke the next day the Stormwind Guard had already left. Valgar said they had to get back to Westbrook Garrison to give their report.

We broke camp and made our way back to Goldshire.

My back was killing me, I think I slept on a root or something. If I can earn a few more coins, I am going to invest in some adventuring kit. Starting with a bedroll.

By the time we had arrived. Marshal Dughan was already aware of what had happened. A runner had bought him news directly from the Garrison.

He told Valgar that we were to take the day to rest, clean up and then we were to report down to Westbrook Garrison. Apparently our actions with the Kobolds had stirred up some trouble.

After Valgar had dismissed us. I was talking to Erma, the stable master just outside the Lion’s Pride and I noticed Anishar talking to a guy over by the small merchant wagon. A small exchange went on between them. Anishar went to walk away and the guy grabbed his shoulder and appeared to be appealing to him. I was too far away to hear what they were talking about. A moment later Anishar was walking back towards the inn.

He noticed me and came over. The guy was Remy “Two times”. Remy had told him that there were Murloc threatening the people in East Elwynn. Remy claims he had warned Marshal Dughan about them, but that he was more interested in the gnolls and bandits.

Erma who was standing with me, said she had heard the same thing. That these small creatures that looked like fish but walked on land were attacking anyone who came close to the water's edge.

I said I would speak to Valgar in the morning. After the talk with Dughan he had gone to Stormwind to make a report to Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker.

In the afternoon while I was going over my sketches in the main room of the Inn I noticed Anishar talking to a man named William Pestle. They exchanged packages. This time I definitely witnessed Anishar pocket a coin pouch. They turned to leave together and I locked eyes with Anishar. He grinned and winked at me, then put his finger to this mouth in a conspiratorial hush. As the two of them walked out the door, he flicked a silver coin over his shoulder at me.

I think he was buying my silence!

The cheeky bastard, it wouldn’t even buy me a drink!

I'll have to try to find out what he's up to tomorrow.

I had dinner with Caedmos and Nittlebur, but they were deep in their cups and talking mystics and magic again.

So I retired early to write this and get a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow I am going to have to try my hand at convincing Valgar to hold on the deployment to the Garrison and see to this Murloc threat.

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Saturday, January 21st 2023

So I stayed up late last night trying to work out and practise what I was going to say to Valgar in the morning. Trying to work out how I was going to convince him to tackle the Murloc problem.

I was down eating with Caedmos when Anishar came into the tavern. This guy is everywhere and nowhere. It is crazy how he manages to get around without being noticed.

Anyway, He said while he was in Stormwind he met up with Valgar. Valgar had said that he was going to be heading back to Ironforge briefly. Anishar said he had asked why, and Valgar had just said Dwarf Business. He had said that we were to wait in Goldshire for his return and that we were to make ourselves useful. When I asked Anishar what he was doing in Stormwind, he just grinned and gave me another silver coin.

When the hell did I get sucked into this hush money business.

Seeing as we were to make ourselves useful. I went to talk with Marshal Dughan.

Dughan said he hadn’t seen enough evidence that these Murlocs were a thing.

I explained our current situation and he said that if I felt so concerned with it, that I should go to the eastern Elwynn bridge and speak with a guard named Thomas.

After sharing this with everyone else. We all agreed to go take a look. It wasn't like we were doing anything else.

When we arrived at the small bridge, we spoke with Guard Thomas. He confirmed the rumours about the Murlocs. He went on to tell us that a few days ago two guards, Rolf and Malakai, had been sent to get an update on the Murloc activity. But they had not been heard from since. He asked if we could help, adding that we looked like a capable lot. And could we go and see if we could find the two guardsmen.

He pointed us in the direction they had headed off in. He said that if we followed the small river north, we would come to a lake with an island in the middle. We should start our search there.

When we reached the lake, Caedmos said the smell of death hung in the air. We spread out to search and it was Nittlebur who found the body. Much had been stripped from the corpse and we also had no idea what either of the guards looked like. A moment later Caedmos found a medallion with the words “Footman Malakai Stone” engraved on it. It was the water's edge. Whoever killed the guard must have dropped it as they entered the lake. Anishar came over and said that he could see small huts off to the east on the water's edge.

After walking back down river to find a place to cross, we came up on the small huts…and my first encounter with a Murloc.

They are strange looking creatures, somewhere between a fish and a frog.

Their mouths are large with rows of sharp teeth. Their skin seems to come in many vibrant colour variations and is covered in a slime that must act as a barrier to keep them from drying out. Their fingers, toes ending in claws.

And they are very very aggressive.

As we moved closer to the primitive little huts we were set upon almost immediately. There was a strange garbled gargle sound and one of them threw itself at Anishar. No sooner had he put it down, than the whole little village erupted in that bizarre cry.

Nittlebur and Caedmos were already working on incantations as I loosed my blade and went on guard. Anishar shifted in beside me.

As the group came running there was a whip crap of golden light in the center and they scattered leaving behind a dead Murloc, its eyes smoking.

There was the familiar whoomp of heat as Nittlebur began letting off his destructive fireballs.

Then they were on us, clawing and biting. They were fast, leaping about and scrambling up my legs to get at the exposed parts of my body. Thankfully Anishar was at my back, and his blades dispatching them before they could do any real harm.

Reflecting on it. It was strange. Without Valgars potent presence I wasn’t sure how I would… be… But faced with this raw aggression. I…on some instinct. matched like for like. I thought of the guards that had been killed, the fathers that wouldn’t come home to their children.

The orphans.

I felt a fury kindle inside me…a rage. Every nick, cut, bite, scratch only adding fuel to the fire inside. I was pretty reckless, hewing about with my blade two handed, swinging at anything in front of me.

It wasn’t until Anishar smacked me on the head with the flat of this blade, that I realised that the fight was over. All around us were the butchered and smoking remains of the Merloc.

Caedmos and Nittlebur were standing over a pile of mess and armour.

As Anishar and I walked up on them, he turned and held out an amulet that read “Footman Rolf Hardford.”

My blood was still up and I told Nittlebur to burn it all, leave nothing behind. He took great pride in reducing all the huts to ash. We left the Merloc to the wolves.

We buried what was left of the guards and Caedmos committed them to the light.

Reporting back to Guard Thomas, the deaths of the two guards confirmed his fears.

He requested that we pass on his report to Marshal Dughan and hopefully they could bolster their presence in East Elwynn.

It was late when we arrived to hand Dughan the report from Guard Thomas.

The frustration on his face was clear. And his shoulders slumped when he said he didn’t know what he was going to say to their families. I told Dughan we had removed the Murloc presence from Stonecairn Lake. And put their village to the torch. There was nothing left but ash. He thanked us for our efforts but due to the loss of two guardsmen he was unable to share in our success. He told Innkeep Farley that tonight was on him and then took his leave.

Today was interesting for me. From leading the group… to the discovery of this fire.

Am not sure I am going to be able to sleep tonight.

I think I might go and sit out under the stars for just a little bit longer.

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Sunday, January 22nd 2023

It was bucketing down with rain this morning when we woke.

Marshal Dughan had left a message for us with Farley.

He wanted us to head up to the Eastvale logging camp and check up on them.

He said when we arrived to speak with Marshal Haggard. Tell him that I sent you, he should be expecting you.

I think he felt bad for not having taken the Murloc situation more seriously and the loss of the two Guardsmen was weighing on him.

Valgar had not yet returned so we left a message for him, and made our way to the Logging camp.

The camp is east, out of Goldshire and not long after you cross the bridge you come to a sign post which will point you in the direction of the camp. Though you can see a few houses from the road, I recommend you stick to the path. The frontiers are a rough place.

After asking around we found Marshal Haggard.

Haggard informed us that the camp was having some troubles with wolves and Forest bears.

They were attacking the Lumberjacks and killing the Cows.

He asked that we head down to the sawmill and speak with Terry Palin and Supervisor Raelen to see if we could work together to sort out the problem.

We found the two of them at the back of the mill speaking with a team of Lumberjacks.

As it happens they were talking about the menace that was hindering their production.

We offered our services to follow the lumberjacks as protection while they worked and at the same time, culling back some of the more aggressive bears and wolves.

We spent the day trailing the Lumberjacks in the rain. It was horrible but I think the rain helped us with the wolves and bears. As the sun was dropping over the Foothills we made our way back to the mill. We had taken down eight giant prowler wolves and five Forest bears. Nothing went to waste. All the wolves and bears were skinned and the meat taken.

Supervisor Raelen called the Logging camp to the Mill where all the meat was cooked and shared. The Lumberjacks were grateful for the cull and protection. They said frontier life was hard enough without the wild life trying to kill you every other minute.

It was still raining but the mill was large enough to house the whole camp and the eating and drinking ran on late into the night.

Marshal Haggard put us up in his house. Which we were all grateful for.

I had no interest in the long walk home in the dark and rain.

The people here remind me of Eagan Peltskinner. Tough and resilient, they are all willing to do what needs to be done to survive out here in the wilds. These are the people that made Stormwind City great. and as I sit here drying out in front of the fire…I hope one day I can add my name to that list.

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Monday, January 23rd 2023

This morning we woke to the sounds of the sawmill. With the culling of the wolves and bears the lumberjacks here are in full swing the sound of timber being chopped echoing about the forest.

By the time we had eaten and said our goodbyes, there was already a line of wagons waiting to be filled for orders!

All though they wouldn't let us get too close to the saw, it was impressive to see that giant blade in motion!

The walk back was slow and relaxing. We were not in a rush. Caedmos and Nittlebur were constantly stopping to go off the parth and gather fresh herbs.

It was midday when we arrived back in Goldshire. There was no message and Valgar had not yet returned. I was starting to wonder what had happened to him.

I spent the afternoon running drills with Anishar while Nittlebur and Caedmos went back to look around The Tower of Azora.

It was late in the evening when I overheard a man named Argus. He was drinking at a table over from me in the Lions Pride. He is a smith over at the Goldshire forges. He was looking for someone to assist with a delivery. I said we would help and he told us to go meet with a Dwarf named Grimand Elmore in the Dwarven district of Stormwind.

Apparently he might need assistance to help deliver some goods to Ironforge.

It sounded like a good way to go looking for Valgar…After all he did say to make ourselves useful.

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Tuesday, January 24th 2023

This morning we made our way to Stormwind. I was thinking about dropping into the Pig and Whistle to say hi. But I was worried that I might get roped into staying and drinking.

I'll have to go back there on our return swing once Valgar is found.

It has only been a short while but I feel like I have done so much already, nothing to write an epic saga about…but definitely the beginnings of something.

We found Grinmand Elmore in the top northeast section of the Dwarven District.

Elmore wanted us to deliver a finely crafted weapon all the way to Loch Modan.

A member of the Stormpike clan had commissioned the weapon and been called back before Elmore could finish it.

This would be a perfect chance to not only ride the Deeprun Tram…which I had never done before. But I would also be able to explore Ironforge while looking for Valgar. Am hoping this counts as being useful.

The ride was quicker then I had expected it would be and smoother. Racing underground though metres of rock was awesome and then we shot out into the ocean. Through the overhead glass we could see out into the deep waters. I don’t have words to describe how small I felt, down below the Ocean waves, racing along the bottom.

Then we dove back under ground and not long after pulled into the station.

We came out in the district we learned to be called Tinker Town. A small section of Ironforge given over to Gnome engineers and their creations. From here we went right and bumped into a guard. We mentioned that we were looking for a dwarf named Valgar. The Guard told us we would find him in the Hall of Mysteries. If we followed the halls and kept going right we would come to the right place.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect anyone to know exactly who Valgar was. I didn’t realise he was so well known.

We passed through a mighty hall. With columns carved with dwarven script through which I could see a dragon skeleton hanging from the ceiling. And hundreds of books stacked high on shelves.

Then into a cavern with undressed walls and ceiling. The buildings that lined the right side were grim and unwelcoming. Even the small fishing shop that sat in front of a large underground lake was uninviting enough to squash my newly earned enthusiasm for the art of fishing.

As we emerged from the darkness of the cramped cavern, we stepped out into the light of another large and very high ceilinged hall. This area was well lit. like the Hall with the dragon skeleton there were columns carved with dwarven script and all around the sides were small squat buildings. In the middle of the right hand side wall, facing a large round pool of water was an incredible building.

Speaking to one of the guards in the area we learned it was the Hall of Mysteries.

The outside of the building was a grey stone chased with bands of gold.

The columns to either side of the main door appeared to be a white marble capped in solid gold and inlaid with gold and sapphire geometric designs. The outer columns appeared to either be encased in silver or entirely made of silver. They too were set with a gold inlay and ruby geometric design. And above the door, framed in silver, was a gold and ruby design that I didn’t understand.

I have never seen or dreamed of so much wealth in one place ever in my life.

On the second floor we found Valgar. Well, not the Valgar we were looking for but Valgar Highforge. Highforge, we discovered, is the highest-ranking member of the Silver Hand in the city. He politely informed us that he was very busy and that we should speak with either Beldruk Doombrow or Brandur Ironhammer as they dealt with the initiates of the order.

We could find them on the ground floor.

Beldruk and Brandur were standing at the foot of the ramp as we came down. They were in what appeared to be a heated discussion. I had no idea what was being said as I don't speak dwarvish. But I did hear the name Valgar.

As we reached the bottom of the stairs they stopped talking and looked at us.

I introduced myself, Nittlebur and Caedmos only just realising then that somewhere between walking into this building and now…Anishar had vanished.

Brandur said that Valgar had come in when the call had gone out to all initiates to return to Ironforge to help deal with a situation down in Dun Morogh. But that had been 4 days ago and he had not yet returned. Beldruk added that he had been the only one to return and that on hearing where he was needed he’d not waited to see if anyone else would come…and left.

I explained our situation and how we knew him. That we had been waiting in Goldshire for his return. Marshal Dughan had more work for us and we needed him.

The two began to argue again and after a brief fiery exchange, Beldruk Doombrow threw his hands in the air and exclaimed something in dwarvish. He then glared at us and stormed off muttering under his breath.

Brandur watched him go, as he made his way up the ramp we had come down from.

Brandur suggested we quickly make our way down to Dun Morogh and speak with Sten Stoutarm in Coldridge Valley . He would have been the last to see Valgar.

I asked why Beldruk was angry, Brandur just smiled and said “that’s Dwarf business lad”

Brandur suggested that we get some cold weather gear better suited to the climate here. He sent us to Stormbrow’s Clothier for some heavy cloaks. We lost track of time here underground and when we were ready to go it was already dark outside. And Anishar had not yet returned.

We hoped that one more day wouldn’t hurt our chances of finding Valgar, we agreed that it would be no good to anyone if we were stumbling around the dark in a new land. Only to end up freezing to death.

So we retired to a tavern just inside the main entrance called The Stonefire Tavern.

First light tomorrow, we headout into Dun Morogh and to find our leader.

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Wednesday, January 25th 2023

Innkeeper Firebrew woke us at the 5th bell. It is so hard to tell the passing of time here in Ironforge, the city appears to never sleep. It had never occurred to me how much I had relied on the sun and moon until they were gone from sight.

We gathered our things and made to leave. Anishar met us down in the bar of the Inn.

He had procured four backpacks for us. Each one complete with bedroll and assorted adventuring gear as he called it.

I actually felt foolish but very grateful. All I had thought to get was a cloak for cold weather. I was occupied with thinking about how I was going to try and find Valgar. I hadn’t thought about food or where I was going to sleep in the wilds.

Anishar also handed me a map of the area. He told me that he had asked around and found the location of Sten Stoutarm down in Coldridge Valley. He tapped his finger on an area in the southeast of Dun Morogh and we set off.

The gear looked like good quality and the map was well made. I don’t think I had enough money to even buy one of these backpacks, equipped as they were. I didn’t ask where any of this came from, I just hoped that their previous owners didn’t come looking for them any time soon.

As we passed under the statue of Modimus Anvilmar we left behind the warmth and protection of Ironforge. The entrance to the great city knee high with snow drifts, an immediate reminder that we were no longer in the warm climate of Elwynn Forest.

Following the ramp down from Ironforge we came to a sign post and followed its directions left. So far the map that Anishar had gotten was reading true.

We didn’t stop to explore Khrarnos. Preferring to keep on moving while the daylight was ours. Though there are lots of Ironforge Mountaineers out in the area, I did stop to double check our map and directions.

We passed a dwarf firing range on our way. I thought I was going to have to get Anishar to knock Nittlebur out just to get him away from the explosive. They had said that a dwarf had passed their way a few days back. He hadn’t stopped to talk and appeared to be in a hurry.

By his description it sounded like it was Valgar.

Making sure we still had Nittlebur we continued on our way southeast towards the mountain range between the Coldridge valley and Dun Morogh.

Reaching the mountain pass we came to a finely crafted arch way. The entrance was built into the mountain. Dwarf rune script was carved into the base stones. Even this far out from Ironforge the wealth of the dwarfs was visible with gold relief used to cap the stone work. To either side of the archway, enormous slabs of iron the height of more than three men had been installed. On each of them the symbol of Ironforge in red and gold.

With no dwarves here to maintain the pass, the snow had blown in and blanketed everything.

For the most part the cavern beyond the entrance was undressed stone, apart from occasional supporting pillars carved into the walls.

Making our way through the passageway we came across iron braziers. They had been stocked with fresh timber and were lit.

As we emerged from the passage we ran into a squad of dwarf rangers, their leader Mountaineer Thalos informed us that a dwarf had passed though on his way down to see Sten Stoutarm.

We were getting closer to Valgar.

The sun was slowly setting as we spoke with Sten Stoutarm. Valgar had come in answer to a cry for aid with the Frost Trolls and Trogg invasion that had begun in Coldridge Valley.

The southern parts of the area were being overrun with them.

He said Valgar had been hot headed when he said that he should be waiting for more to come before tackling the problem and had set off to the small camp of Grelin Whitebeard.

Sten marked the point on our map of Grelins camp and we rushed off to get there before night had fully set in.

We arrived at the camp just as they were setting a giant boar to roast over the camp’s fire.

I introduced everyone and explained why we were here and we met Grelin Whitebeard, his apprentice Soren and Nori Pridedrift.

Sten offered us one of the camp’s large tents for the night and while we were sharing the roast boar dinner. He told us all about the Trogg and Troll situation.

He said that he had spoken to Valgar when he had arrived and tried to explain the same thing. He said that Valgar looked tired, as though he had not stopped to rest since leaving wherever he had come from.

Whitebeard had said that Valgar seemed possessed of the same puffed up fury and stubbornness that all young dwarfs had these days. That his sense to prove himself had consumed him. The two of them had had a disagreement and that Valgar had left sometime in the night. Whitebeard wasn’t sure if he had gone to the trolls or if reason had taken hold and he had left to go back to Sten to await more support.

I explained that we had spoken to Sten and Valgar had not returned.

Grelin Whitebeard's apprentice Soren, who had been quiet since we arrived, said something in dwarvish. Both Grelin and Nori rounded on him and I think a few stern words were said. Soren then got up, bowed to the other two, apologised to us and went inside a tent and didn’t come out.

The temperature was quickly dropping and Grelin told us that it would be best if we went to bed. Tomorrow we would start the hunt for Valgar.

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Thursday, January 26th 2023

This morning I woke to the sounds of snow being beaten from the sides and roof of the tent.

The small fire that had been set in the center did a great job at keeping the cold out and the bed roll from the packs Anishar had… acquired were a noticeable upgrade from sleeping on the bare ground.

Outside Nori was busy over the fire making something he called Mornbrew, while Grelin was cooking a few cuts of wild boar. Soren was making his way around the tents and knocking off the snow from last night. When he noticed I was watching him he scowled and made an odd gesture at me. I didn’t want to seem impolite so I waved back, which only made him more angry and he stomped off to another tent and continued on.

Grelin said that he didn’t know much more about the trolls other than he figured they were from the Frostmane tribe. He said that the day before Valgar had shown up, They had gotten all riled up. And there had been sightings of a giant troll, a big blue brute with markings on his skin and face. Nori said that he had seen the brute lurking around the cave to the southeast of here, but since Valgar had left he had not seen the beast.

Caedmos said that he had a strong sense that Valgar was around that location, if not inside the cave. Anishar and Nittlebur both agreed for lack of having any other idea where to start.

Standing out in the cold, the two of them looked like they would rather be anywhere else right now. I also had no real direction, but I think if Valgar knew that giant troll was around he would have gone right for it.

Leaving our backpacks behind we made our way to the cave.

As we got closer to the caves I caught glimpses of the blue skin trolls walking around and hanging out at the mouth of the cave.

We stopped next to some giant trees and Anishar went to scout ahead.

It wasn’t long before he was back. He reported seeing a set of tribal drums and large metal disc on the right hand side and the remains of some iron cages on the left.

He said that the way in on the right was more obscured by fallen trees and that we should be able to sneak closer to the mouth of the cave without being seen.

We ranged up high into the foothills and then back down towards the cave. It was as Anishar had said, the fallen trees blocking our approach well.

When we arrived at the mouth of the cave there were no trolls to be seen.

Even the ones that I had noticed walking about the front had gone.

Anishar slipped inside the cave to see what he could find.

We waited for what seemed like an age, and just as I was about to say that we should go in and look for him. Anishar returned.

He said that he had found Valgar. He was bound to a stone pillar just under a rocky overlook.

He couldn't quite see him but he said that he didn't look good. His armour and weapons had been stripped from him and he looked to have been savagely beaten.

The area that he was in was an enormous cavern. In the center was a frozen pond and large jagged spikes of ice hung from the roof.

And that he had also found all the Trolls. They were listening to a giant of a troll. He had a large blue crest of hair, bone and feather fetishes about his neck and arms.

He was walking back and forth in front of Valgar waving a large sword. Every time he passed Valgar he would slap him with the flat of the blade.

Anishar swore that when he did, it would glow a soft blue.

We quickly formulated a plan.

We would go to the overlook that Anishar had found. Myself, Caedmos and Nittlebur.

Anishar would give us some time to get there. Then he would hit the large metal disk as hard as he could and hide.

I believed that the noise would draw out the trolls and give us a chance to drop down and save Valgar.

When the trolls returned after seeing nothing was out there, we would have grabbed him and made our way back out the cave and then it was a matter of getting back to Grelin’s camp.

We left Anishar at the entrance and sticking to the right hand side we worked our way deeper into the cave. We came to a small frozen river and the first evidence that Anishar had come this way.

Slumped at the bottom of the ice flow was a troll, his head leaning off to the side and exposing a wound that had ended his life.

Continuing on and following the right hand side wall we came to another small ice flow and another troll corpse facedown in his own frozen blood. It was then that I realised that I had not seen any other sign that Anishar had come this way.

Eagan Peltskinner hadn’t taught me much about tracking, let alone tracking in the snow. But I had thought that I might be able to see something that showed his passage.

When I looked back the way we had come, I could clearly follow the path we had made. Compared to Anishar we might as well have been shouting as we walked.

As we moved past the end of the ice flow the small passage opened up into the cavern that Anishar had spoken about. We dropped to the ground and crawled the rest of the way to the edge.

I didn’t need to get close to see the mass of trolls moving about down on the cavern floor. I could hear but not see the speaker. And I could hear the meaty slap his blade made as he stopped to hit Valgar on his way past.

I could feel a heat rising in my guts as my heart slowly started to beat faster.

Every time the speaker's voice floated up to where we lay, it was like a fan to embers.

And that sensation of rage began to smoulder.

It all kind of happened at once. I rolled to my side to pull my sword free as Caedmos put his hand on my arm. Then there was an all mighty clang and I froze in place the rage snuffed out.

Anishar had hit the metal disk and now all the trolls had stopped and were looking back up the cave. Even the speaker had stopped.

I could feel my heart in my neck as another loud clang echoed through the cave.

It sounded like Anishar was hitting the giant metal cook pot that Elly Langston had with a blacksmith's hammer. Just as I was wondering if the trolls would be as upset as she would have been, half the group broke off and headed up the tunnel to investigate.

The large troll had pushed his way through the remaining group and was standing above the far end of the frozen lake with his back to us.

It was now or never, with Valgar unguarded I had to drop down and grab him.

Caedmos had moved over to the left hand side of the ledge and was motioning me over.

He had found a section where I could drop down to the cave floor and reach Valgar.

With his help we should be able to pull him back up that same side.

I quickly slid over the edge and down to the floor. Without looking, my heart beating so hard I could feel it behind my eyes I raced to Valgar.

His face was swollen and his head sagged, thick bloody drool ran from between split lips.

Valgars arms had been pulled back around the pillar and his wrists bound so tight his hands had gone a nasty shade of blue. His knuckles and fingers busted.

I did my best to quickly and gently cut him free of the pillar and dragged him back across to the section where Caedmos was waiting to pull him up. It was hard work, Valgar had dropped to the floor when I had cut him free and was a total dead weight.

Caedmos had winced when he first laid eyes on Valgar, the pain was clear to see in his expression. But we had to get him up the side of the ledge quickly and there was no way of being gentle about it. Am glad that Valgar was unconscious for the whole ordeal.

As we worked to pull him up to the last rise, Anishar appeared over the edge.

Grabbing hold of Valgar and pulling, he said “we might have a small problem…”

As we cleared the top and rolled Valgar bodily through the snow away from the edge,

Anishar told us that everything was going well until the second time he hit the disk.

He had gone to hide when a group of trolls had come out of the trees to the northwest and made a line for the cave. Unable to hide outside he had slipped inside the cave and almost ran into the trolls coming up from the tunnels.

He said that he believed that he had managed to avoid being seen but now we might all be stuck between the two groups.

Kneeling down, Caedmos wasted no time getting to work.

Placing one hand over Valgar’s face and the other over his chest, his fingers barely touching him. Caedmos began to whisper. A soft golden nimbus began to form around his hands as the light between his palms and Valgar grew brighter.

While this was happening the trolls had begun to return.

I had my back against the pillar that was in the center of the ledge, turning from Caedmos I risked a glance out into the cavern.

The trolls that had made it down to the frozen pond were looking up at the roof and pointing.

I followed their gaze and noticed a dancing golden light was reflected there.

My head snapped around to look at Caedmos and I knew it was too late.

Valgar’s body was surrounded in a bright golden glow. The snow about him was melting, wisps of steam rising from his body in the chill. His wounds had already begun to close and a healthy colour was returning to his hands and bruised flesh.

But the light from the healing had been picked up by the ice crystals hanging over head and cast out.

We were like a lighthouse up here.

There was a roar from down below, the Giant troll had returned and noticed that his trophy had been taken.

Well, they knew we were here now. There wasn’t much joint trying to hide it.

I jumped up and ripped my sword free. I hadn’t taken my shield on this rescue mission and now I felt naked without it. I made the short dash to the area where we had pulled Valgar up, in time for a troll to peak his head above the ledge.

I was about to bring my sword down on it when a throwing dagger zipped past me and buried itself between its eyes. I watched it slide from the edge and drop back into the group that had followed it.

Their beady red eyes fixed on me and the angry shouts of alarm echoed around the cavern.

Nittlebur had gotten up and was standing behind that piller. He had begun weaving a spell. The poor guy was half frozen, his teeth chattering as he sounded out the incantation.

It looked like he was trying to roll an imaginary snowball as a small funnel of snow began to rise from the ground, twisting and swirling about his hands.

As the snowflakes melted together to form palm size blades of solid ice, he stepped from behind the pillar and threw his hands wide. The fan of ice blades whipped through the air and smashed into the giant daggers of ice hanging from the roof breaking them free.

With all the trolls pushing forwards to climb the edge they had nowhere to go and as the wagon size shards came crashing down on their heads.

I didn’t stop to see the full extent of Nittlebur’s spell.

Anishar was standing over Valgar and calling me to hurry. We didn’t have much time, the Trolls would soon be back tracking and coming down this side of the tunnels.

Caedmos was still working to heal him as we bent down scooping up Valgar under the arms and began carrying him with his heels dragging out of the cave.

His skin was hot, like a stone left out in the sun and all his wounds were healed. Even the broken fingers. The power of the light was incredible, but I remembered what Priestess Anetta had said and I wondered what price Valgar would pay.

We made our way back past the first ice flow with Caedmos and Nittlebur taking up the rear guard.

As we came up on the first intersection in the tunnel there was a yelp from behind followed by a blast of chill wind. I risked a glance over my shoulder and saw Caedmos hastily helping a snow covered Nittlebur up off the ground, behind them three trolls frozen in place up to their knees.

We ran on, turning left at the fork until we came to the second ice flow and the first pack of trolls.

We wedged the still unconscious Valgar between the left hand wall and a rock formation then took up positions to either side of a boulder that had fallen on the edge of the flow.

Caedmos and Nittlebur hid against the right hand side of the tunnel.

I was watching the trolls when Nittlebur caught my eye. He was waving and motioning for us to stay where we were. I nodded and turned to pass on the message to Anishar but he was gone. His last footprint was in the direction of the iceflow.

As they reached the ice Nittlebur stepped out, pointed his hands at them and unleashed a wave of frost that blasted across the river and into the trolls.

The lead three were hit full on, ice rapidly growing up their legs and rooting them in place. The two behind them diving off to the side and behind a pillar of stone.

Caedmos followed moments behind Nittlebur, taking up a place just behind him.

His hands shimmering with light, he began making a large circular motion. As his right hand came around to just above the same shoulder he whipped his arm across his body in a downwards slash.

In time with the gesture a golden streak of light whip cracked across the chest of the troll on the far left and he crumpled awkwardly, his legs held fast by the ice.

I was blinking away golden spots as I slid down the small slope to the ice flow and scrambled across.

As I came up on the other side the two remaining trolls had started to smash away at the ice around their legs. Their crude stone hammers breaking off chunks with each strike.

The two who were hidden behind cover had seen me. A tall wiry troll was making his way towards me flashing two large bone daggers, while behind him a hunched weathered looking creature seemed to be drawing in the cold from around him.

Ice forming on his cupped hands and spreading up his arms.

I went wide past the two frozen trolls and charged at the dagger wielding troll.

He deftly parried my sword with one blade while licking out with the second, the thrust striking me in the shoulder and grinding the chainmail links into my skin. With my momentum behind me I tried to plant my weight and spin with the parry but I slid on the ice and crashed into my opponent and we went down in front of the old troll.

I had a moment to see the triumph flash in his eyes as he opened his hands to my face.

Then his head snapped back violently and he was pulled backwards off his feet.

The movement throwing his arms in the air and sending the summoned spinning giant spike of ice to smash harmlessly on the stone roof.

I had landed heavily on the troll when we fell and his head must have cracked against the ground because he wasn’t moving but he was still breathing.

I had also managed to lose my sword in the struggle. Anishar appeared at my side and pulled me to my feet.

We had to get moving again.

In the struggle Nittlebur and Caedmos had disposed of the last two frozen trolls and were trying to move Valgar across the ice. Anishar and myself helped him out of the ice flow and taking him under each arm, we continued our run to the cave entrance.

As we came to the cross in the tunnels we could see the trolls carrying their wounded up from where Nittlebur had brought down the ceiling on them.

Just as we were entering the last tunnel to the exit a shout went up from behind us.

They had seen us.

The trolls were almost on us as we rounded the last turn.

Anishar and I didn’t look back. Legs pumping we ran as fast as we could while half carrying half dragging Valgar.

As we came up and out of the cave we were met with a gun line of forest green Mountaineers. Behind them, Grelin Whitebeard frantically waving us off to the side.

We broke right out of the cave, diving into the snow near the iron cages as the Mountaineer’s rifles went off. The shots echoing off the foothills.

I layed there in the freezing snow gulping in fresh air as the squad of Mountaineers advanced into the cave.

Back at the camp.

Grelin said that when we had left he had sent his apprentice to see if he could round up some Mountaineers to assist with the search for Valgar.

Then he had heard a loud metallic crash followed by a second. He figured that something had gone terribly wrong. And he and the mountaineers had rushed to the cave.

They had battled with the small band of trolls which were out the front and not long after they had put them down, we had come rushing up from inside the cave.

Nori was handing out mugs of Mornbrew, the black bitter liquid did wonders to fight off the cold.

I sipped on mine while I was staring into the campfire. I could vaguely hear Nittlebur and Caedmos as they recounted the day's events.

We had saved Valgar but I felt strange.

I looked across at Nittlebur and Caedmos, they had their spellcraft. Which they both wielded with talent.

And Anishar who was standing just outside the campfire’s light range, who time and time again employed his shadow arts with deadly effect.

And then there was me. I had charged recklessly at that troll and as a result almost gotten my head blasted through with an ice shard. Not to mention that I had lost my sword.

I have no idea how I am going to replace that.

Valgar had been taken by another squad of Mountaineers and rushed to Ironforge.

Nori said Caedmos had done a great job at healing him on the outside, but now he needed attention on the inside. I guess Valgar had paid a heavy price.

It is late now and I feel like my mood has gone south. No amount of replaying today is going to change what happened, So I am going to get some rest.

Tomorrow is a new day.