16. The Headless Snake

The Sphere stood gathered in Beggar's Haunt, all their gazes resting upon the large kneeling figure in the center. There was a tense, excited hush as they waited for some word... some movement. It must have only been a minute, but as is always the way with such times, it certainly felt like longer. Shagrath rose to his feet, his armor creaking slightly. He turned to face them, the hint of a grin upon his lips.

Tonight would be a glorious day for the Sphere. The Lords had forseen that the Alliance was weak. Tonight they would prey upon it. They would bring an army to each of the major cities, and with the help of the warlocks and the runes they had aquired, they would open portals to the tower in Karazhan, allowing riders to come through. With the help of their Master's forces, they would kill the leaders. Bite the head off the snake. The Alliance would be in panic, in chaos... and then they would offer to those poor souls their promises. Of a more powerful lord.

Shagrath's breath wheezed slightly with excitement, and he had to stop now and then to take a breath before continuing. It almost frightened Fenuviel to see his master like this.

A Shadowlord would be in command of each group. Fenuviel tensed slightly as he looked about at the others standing with him. Darnassus... he could see the look in Neferi's eyes. She wanted it. Wanted to be there, be responsible for the chaos. Fenuviel's blood boiled as her name was called in turn. He wouldn't deny that he was jealous or that he would have liked to be in command there as well. But Neferi had already begun to walk away with her soldiers in tow.

Stormwind. Kori, naturally. Take them with you and wait for the Darkmaster. Kori nodded and turned away. The others followed after her. Ironforge...? No, please. Fenuviel would much rather have seen Stormwind or Darnassus fall before his eyes into panic. He watched as Elicia left with Kori, frowning to himself. His favourite. But he forced himself to turn his gaze back onto the Darkmaster.

The rest of you will go to Ironforge. Fenuviel's heart sank. How dismissive it seemed. Did those that were left mean so little? Only Thayill and he remained. Fenuviel bit his tongue, but inwardly gave a sigh of relief as she answered the question that was on his mind as well.

"And who will lead it?"
Shagrath paused and looked back at her, having started to turn around.
"You will, Shadowlady Thayill. You have the two Darksworn to aid you," he replied, gesturing to The Bloodspiller and Razenor who stood ready behind her. Fenuviel looked into the dirt. However much he loved Thayill, the idea of being under her command... He didn't deserve to be shoved off in such a manner! Surely he deserved to lead an army more than she did? Thayill cast a glance at him.
"What about Fenuviel?" she asked. Fenuviel tilted his head up, almost wanting to smirk. He needn't say a word, for it seemed she had the same questions as he, but lacked the same training. He couldn't bring himself to question the Darkmaster, at least not about something so petty as hurt pride.
"Fenuviel... will come with me," Shagrath replied, his tone calm. Should he have simply expected that? He hadn't dared to with his master's change as of late. Fenuviel bobbed his head in a respectful gesture, causing his hair to fall in front of his face to hide his furious blush. "Mount up, Myrmidon," he continued. Fenuviel gave a sharp whistle, and the snowy furred saber trotted towards him, the black stripes and the dappled moonlight making it seem entirely to ripple as it moved. Fenuviel pulled himself swiftly into the saddle, taking off after his Master. Their first stop would be Stormwind.


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Meet me under the Cathedral... the left catacombs...
Yes, master.

Fenuviel rolled his shoulders discreetly as he followed his master through the dimly lit passageways that snaked beneath the cathedral, unused to the armor he then wore. He clasped the dark helmet between his hands before placing it onto his head, tucking his hair beneath his cloak. So long as he remained at a distance, it was quite difficult to recognize the young Elf. But his eyes... even with Thayill's healing, the distinctive scars remained faintly. The odd silver glow.

Kori soon appeared as the two Elves waited, her army following swiftly behind. Shagrath opened a bag, producing some of the runes they had stolen from the Lost Ones in the marsh only days before. They'd need them for this portal. Kori nodded solemnly as Shagrath gave them his dark blessing. And that was it. He left them in the darkness, moving swiftly upwards again, Fenuviel close behind. They made their way to the next unsuspecting city.

Shagrath glared at Zerun, who stood alone in the military quarter.
"Where are the others?" Shagrath asked sharply.
"They scattered..." the priest replied helplessly. It took only a few words through the Sphere for the others to gather quickly about their master. He lead them down into the pit that ran through Ironforge, balancing on the grill that kept anyone from falling down into the molten metal below. Shagrath repeated the procedure, giving some of the runes to Drynn. Fenuviel cast a last glance towards Thayill before turning to ride after his master.


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Fenuviel was particularly conscious of himself as they made their way through Darnassus. Behind the Temple of the Moon, that's where they'd meet. Where the portal would be opened. Fenuviel's eyes remained pinned on his master for any sign at any moment. He watched as Shagrath glared upon reaching their destination, finding no one. The Darkmaster's voice echoed through his head, calling out for them, demanding to know where they were. Coming. They'd be there soon enough. And it was not long before Fenuviel caught sight of them approaching. The last of the runes were given up to Etarios, who promised to do his best.
Fenuviel started after his master, but Shagrath stopped when he heard the sound of his approach. He ordered the Myrmidon to remain with the others. Reluctantly Fenuviel bowed at the waist, turning around to ride back. When he looked over his shoulder, Shagrath was gone. A few odd looks were given to him as he returned, but Oinosthor, the good old dwarf moved aside to give him room in the circle. Etarios gritted his teeth slightly as he concentrated. The air seemed to stir about them, picking up leaves into the air at first, and then seeming to blow directly into the center of the circle. Darkness began to appear, growing into a large ellipse in the center of their circle. The edge was rimmed with burning shadows, though it was impossible to make out the image that tried to focus in the darkness. Etarios grunted, focusing hard still as his forehead beaded with sweat.

The ground beneath the portal seemed to darken as well, as though burned, spidery lines spreading out beneath them, throbbing with a crimson glow. Fenuviel stared in wonder at the portal, a strange excitement bubbling within him as he waited anxiously for the image to focus. The tower, yes... the riders, they'd be there. But it still struggled to form. He cast his glance towards Etarios, a pang of concern twisting in his stomach as he saw the warlock struggling, his face growing exhausted. But another sound caught his attention. It was the sound of footfalls.

"You there!" came a shout. Fenuviel's gaze shot to the left. A band of Kaldorei strode towards them, bows at the ready. Fenuviel drew his own, looking to the others. They had to defend Etarios. Before they could speak, the battle was upon them. Fenuviel knew they could not win now, but he did his best to fire a few well-aimed arrows into their midst. He heard a shrill voice swearing at him, and saw Palii shouting at him, gripping his leg, but it was too late. The Elves were upon him. He saw Etarios fall as well, but not before he had used the last of his strength to call forth a towering infernal. It charged between the armies, protecting Neferi as she fled as well. It was only a moment he took to appraise the situation, but it was enough of a lapse in concentration to allow an arrow to graze his knee, another slamming into his thigh, having slipped through a break in his armor. Fenuviel growled as he bit back a cry, pulling the arrow out before he stumbled away as fast as he could. They had failed.

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"Fenuviel!" a voice shouted. Fenuviel cast one last glance towards the village before jumping onto the boat. Panicked voices filled his mind, making him dizzy. Everywhere they had been caught. Their plans thwarted. Their own captured, fallen... Failed.
"Where is Neferi?"
Fenuviel blinked, seeing eyes upon him.
Neferi, where are you...? he called. Still in Darnassus. Injured, resting.

At the last moment, Fenuviel jumped off the boat onto the pier. He had to grip the pillar with a hiss of pain, taking a moment to steady himself before he began making his way back towards Darnassus, half running half limping. The voices persisted… they would not leave their master behind. Already in Darkshore. Stay you fools! But they disobeyed. I will get Neferi, I'm here! GO! Get away!

The fools... One by one the acolytes made their way, running towards Darnassus. Die then. I cannot save you if you will not obey me...

Their search was of little avail. Palii and Etarios were captured, Neferi... where was she? The Darkmaster's voice trembled through his mind. Calling them. To Darkshire. We have failed.

"Get to Duskwood... all of you.." Fenuviel breathed, his voice and face lined with exhaustion. They obeyed, finally... Good.


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They gathered those that had escaped and moved on to Stormwind. Those that could still walk, that is. They had to break free those that had been captured. Various reports came in. The Stockades. The catacombs in the Cathedral. The Command Center. Those that could move unseen were sent to investigate. The Command Center it was. But heavily guarded. They lay in wait, hiding in the alleyway nearby. There was a sickening sound as Shagrath jammed his spear into a rat that was unfortunate enough to try and scurry past. He let out a roar of frustration and rage that caused Fenuviel to shudder and back away, leaning against a lamppost for support. A few drops of blood were left near his left boot.

Distract them. Yes, they'd moved away from the doors for some reason. It was the time to move. They followed the master.

"Now, try not to look like a group of maniacs bent on revenge..." Shagrath murmured dryly. Fenuviel would have smiled if he had any energy left to be amused. Leria had escaped already, but in the basement they found Zerun and Drynn bound. They made quick work of their binds, Aritharo picking the locks on Drynn's, and Thayill slicing through Zerun's with her twin blades. It wasn't long once they had escaped though before they had to scatter once more. Lacking the energy to remain in Stormwind, Fenuviel made his way towards Darkshire, where it seemed news of their activities hadn't yet reached anyone.

The Scarlet Raven seemed to become their hospital then; the wounded slowly being moved there until all the rooms were filled. Fenuviel couldn't bring himself to answer when curious patrons asked what had happened. To Fenuviel's surprise, Etarios and Palii had somehow ended up in Darkshire, though the warlock was unconscious and the gnome could hardly walk. Fenuviel carried Palii in, his apprentice, as Seruka dragged Etarios to a cot. Setting the gnome on the floor once more, Fenuviel leaned against the door frame of a neighbouring room, looking in to see the Bloodspiller and Neferi. He was trying to give her a potion to ease her wounds, but she assured him her own were not the problem. Rest, Neferi, he said. She smiled, and seemed to collapse upon the words. Still so many wounded... Let her rest. Fenuviel bent down to pick her up, careful of his wounded leg as he carried the fallen Shadowlady to another room, placing her upon one of the few remaining empty beds.

"Rest well, Lady..." he murmured. Moving to the door, he heard her voice and looked back. "Rest..." She smiled and closed her eyes.

Fenuviel returned to check upon Etarios. The warlock struggled to remain conscious, broken sentences pushed from his lips. He worried for Neferi, but Fenuviel assured him that she was safe. He spoke of his failure, but then, they had all failed. Fenuviel shook his head. "You will have a chance to prove yourself again. We all will. But for now you must rest, you are of no use dead. Rest, regain your strength..."

Fenuviel was vaguely aware of Shagrath's presence, and cast a hesitant glance over his shoulder. The tall Elf indeed stood there, but his gaze was somewhat lost.
"Everyone dead.... lost..." his voice was barely above a whisper as he moved from room to room, seeing acolytes and lords alike reduced to bed rest.
"They're not dead, master..." Fenuviel responded, but was cut short as the older Elf fell to his knees, gripping his chest in pain. The Sphere, it burned him. The true Master was not pleased. Shagrath had failed him. But Fenuviel frowned. The orders had been clear. They had failed Shagrath! Should not they be punished instead? But Shagrath kept speaking of the tower. That he must return there and be punished.

Out the door, Fenuviel watched Shagrath make his way almost blindly towards Karazhan. He tried to chase after him, but the pain shot up his leg, causing him to fall to one knee. Fenuviel called for his frostsaber and crawled up into the saddle. Follow the master. The beast obeyed.

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Fenuviel watched, pained, as his master fell yet again to his knees, clutching at his chest and gritting his teeth. He asked his master why he walked, why he hadn't chosen to ride instead. But his words went unanswered. The Darkmaster rose again, moving ever onwards towards the tower. Fenuviel bit his tongue and followed after silently. They climbed flight after flight of stairs, Fenuviel lagging behind as he had to lean heavily upon the banister. Shagrath did not wait, nor did Fenuviel expect him to. But the burning of the Sphere stopped Shagrath before he could leave his apprentice behind completely. Fenuviel came about the corner to find the older Elf upon his knees, eyes closed with pain. Fenuviel thought for a moment that he saw the trail of tears. To see his master in such a state was a change. To be standing still and watching the Elf as he fell to his hands and knees, crawling pathetically across the stone bridge onwards... It should have given him pleasure. But instead he felt concern. He couldn't even be angry at himself for showing compassion rather than smug delight. He reached out, trying to help Shagrath back to his feet, but the Darkmaster simply swung his arm at him, swatting him away, but saying nothing. Fenuviel stood back for a moment until Shagrath had dragged himself to the doorway where a barred gate prevented entry to the tower itself. Fenuviel knelt down behind Shagrath, staring up at the gate and tower with apprehension.

"I've come, Master...." he heard Shagrath say. The gates slowly raised as Shagrath spoke on, and he crawled forward into tower, crawling up the stairs, still wracked with pain. Fenuviel paused, rooted in fear, waiting to see if the gate would slide shut behind him. Tentatively he slid forward himself, trying to make his way into the tower as well. Shagrath looked behind him sharply, his eyes blazing with fury as he stared at Fenuviel. Fenuviel felt as though his heart might stop simply from that look, drawing his lips tightly together as he leant back as though to get away, or as though the gaze had some physical force to do so.

"Those that are responsible will face the punishment. You only followed orders," Shagrath said.
"But we failed you as well, master... your orders were clear," Fenuviel murmured. Shagrath stared at him strangely.
"I will bear this pain without your help," he responded with a bittersweet smirk.
"It is my duty to aid you however I might… I would follow you. If you order me to go, then I shall," Fenuviel responded, and he meant it. If Shagrath did not demand him to leave, then he intended to remain.
"Return to Darkshire and help with the wounded. I will... I will return,"
Fenuviel rose slowly, murmuring quietly in one last feeble attempt to protest.
"I am no healer..."
"You will serve better there. You have no purpose here," Shagrath continued. Fenuviel submitted, bowing carefully once steady on his feet, though his gaze betrayed his reluctance. He backed away slowly. He stopped as he heard Shagrath's voice again, more quietly. "You did well today. I am proud..."

He had heard those words before. Whatever thoughts or emotions they brought this time was hidden as his hair fell in front of his face, bowing his head politely.
"I will wait for you, master," he replied tenderly, making his way out of the tower, looking back only long enough to see Shagrath nod slightly.