. . . "Featuring: Silandra Silverwood The Blood Knight Chambers in Silvermoon had changed so much since Silandra Silverwood was first inducted into the order and its mysteries. Once the place had surged with unearthly powers, the results of the captive being that was held here and the spells used to contain it. With the creature gone, there was but a fiant echo of that energy remaining, a lingering scent in the air. However, at the same time, much remained the same; the closed, secretive chambers with their soft red lighting that created an air of secrecy and security, where the Blood Knights could discuss that which was important to their order safe from the prying ears of others. It was for this that she had come here today, drawn by orders from her leaders. So much had happened in the last few weeks that she had to wonder what this was about. There had been the renewed Scourge attacks across both Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms; the undead armies had poured forth from their floating necropolises, unleashing a torrent of death and destruction. Ogrimmar had burned, and there were rumours that the Scourge had tried to destroy Stormwind as well. Then came the news that the Scarlet Crusade had fallen, destroyed by an army of Death Knights. What was stranger, however, was the fact that those Death Knights had then somehow left the grasp of the Scourge, and had pledged their allegiance to the Horde and the Alliance. What were once the Lich King\u2019s mightiest servants had suddenly become their greatest weapons against him. And now the Horde \u2013 and by all reports, the Alliance \u2013 were mobilising their armies, preparing to take the battle to Northrend, and to the Lich King. Their goal was nothing short of the complete destruction of the Scourge. It was a battle that she wanted to be a part of; every fibre of her being burned with anticipation of the terrible vengeance that she would unleash upon the undead and their masters. She only assumed that this order was related to these matters. \u201CMy lord\u201D She began, kneeling before Lord Bloodwrath, one of the leaders of the order. \u201CYou sent for me?\u201D \u201CI did.\u201D He replied. \u201CWalk with me, Silverwood.\u201D She rose, following him as they walked deeper into the Blood Knight chambers. \u201CThese are troubling times, Lady Silverwood.\u201D He continued. \u201CWe face our greatest threat yet, more so then even the renegade prince. The Scourge are on the rise, and we must do all in our power to destroy them, both as our people and, as regrettable as it is to say this, as a part of the Horde.\u201D \u201CWhat, then, would you have me do?\u201D \u201CIn order to ensure the safety and security of our campaign, we must eliminate those subversive elements within the Horde that would pose a risk to us.\u201D He stopped, turning back to her. \u201CLady Silverwood, do you know of the Kon School?\u201D She nodded. \u201CThey were a group of Orcs who opposed both the Forsaken and we Sin\u2019dorei joining the Horde. They beloved that the Horde should cast out these elements, and that Thrall should be replaced with a different Warchief. However, the Kon School was destroyed; their leader committed suicide rather then be bought to justice\u201D \u201CMostly correct.\u201D He replied. \u201CWe have reason to believe that the Kon School still exists. While Maskdon, their leader, did supposedly kill himself, there were many who belive that the suicide was faked.\u201D He paused. \u201CRecently, we came across one of his agents, an Orc by the name of Teppy, working with another Horde guild in Ogrimmar. Teppy is known to be loyal to Maskdon, but not terribly bright.\u201D \u201CSo if Teppy has surfaced, you feel that he may be working for the Kon School.\u201D Silandra summarised. \u201CAnd you want me to discover the Kon School\u2019s status and deal with them.\u201D \u201CCorrect.\u201D He nodded. \u201CTeppy is working with an adventurting guild known as the Redrock Raiders. Join them, infiltrate their ranks, discover their secrets. Locate the Kon School, expose them and destroy them.\u201D He handed her a folder. \u201CThis has all you need to know about the Raiders. They are a simple lot, but we have seen enough cases where an innocuous front hides a greater secret.\u201D \u201CVery well.\u201D She took the folder and snapped a sharp salute. \u201CI will not fail you, my lord.\u201D \u201CShorel'aran, Lady Silverwood\u201D She saluted and turned to leave, trying to focus on her duty. Secretly, she felt a burning distaste at the back of her throat; while she had her duty to her order, and, as such, the Horde as a whole, she found it hard to hide the unpleasantess of it. She would be forced to work amongst lesser races, to serve and fight alongside them. It would be degrading and disgusting, yet she knew that she had her duty to fulfil. With a gruint of fear, the Orcish cultist, a member of the Birning Blade, turned and ran from his opponents, knowing full well that he was outnumbered and outmatched. \u201CBowen!\u201D The Orc that he had been fighting with moments beofre called out. \u201CHe\u2019s gettign away!\u201D \u201CDon\u2019t worry about it, Teppy.\u201D A female tauren called back. Realitvely slim for her race, she had sharpm keen features, a contrast to the sually someqwhat sleepy look of her kind. \u201CI\u2019ve got him.\u201D She raised her rifle, sighting on the running Orc\u2019s back. Narrowing her eyes, ashe squeezed the trigger; there was a loud crack and a puff of smoke, then, moments later, the orc collapsed in a cloud of red sand. \u201CGood shooting!\u201D A male troll called out from nearby. \u201CYa got him real good!\u201D \u201CThanks Skaase\u201D Bowen replied. \u201CIt was easy.\u201D She looked back over her small group. \u201COnce again, Durotar is safe from the Burning Blade\u2019s vile trepidations, thanks to my selfless work.\u201D \u201CHold on a moment.\u201D Skaase offered as he approached her. Muttering an incantation, he raised one of his three-fingereed hands to her muzzle. A small cut on it healed up, closing without even leaving a scar. \u201CDat looked pretty nasty dere, Bowen. Good ting I fixed it for ya.\u201D \u201COh Skaase.\u201D She swooned. \u201CYou\u2019re so caring, allways looking after others.\u201D \u201CUm, can I get some help here?\u201D Teppy asked. The bald-headed Orc sporeted a number of cuts and bruises, with one eye swollen shut \u2013 the other was covered by a mechanical lens. He\u2019d been in the thick of the fighting, getting the worst of it. \u201CAye, me too, matey.\u201D Edvard Blackheart moaned out. Lying in a heap, the Forsaken had suffered a number of injuries, mostly broken bones, that could have killed a living person. Of course, that didn\u2019t make them any less painful. \u201CI be in a world of hurt over here, yarr.\u201D \u201CIn a moment, mon!\u201D Skaase shot back. \u201CI gotta make sure dat Bowen\u2019s okies first.\u201D Bowen nodded, looking over her group. \u201CBesides, I have to be on my best. Something important has come up in Orgrammar that I need to attend to.\u201D She paused. \u201COh, and I\u2019m interviewing some potential new guild members as well.\u201D \u201CBut of course.\u201D A Blood Elf Warlock spoke up, busy brushing the dust off his robes. \u201CI mean, obviously you want these new recruits to get the proper impression of this guild. Heaven forbid that they feel that we\u2019re a bunch of inept screw-ups lead by a couple who care only for how good they look. After all, you only want to attract the highest calibre of skilled, capable heroes to your following.\u201D His words dripped sarcasm. \u201CWell of course, Zafkiel\u201D. She agreed, completely missing his point. \u201CWe only want the very best in the raiders.\u201D \u201COf course.\u201D \u201CHey, where did everybody go?\u201D A voice called out from across the next rise. \u201CI got lost, and I\u2019m all confused. All these rocks look the same to me!\u201D Bowen glanced over the group. \u201CCould somebody go rescue Rhandt for me?\u201D She finished with a sigh. \u201CAs I said, I have important business to attend to.\u201D Fifteen minutes later, she was back in Orgrammar, riding through the hustle and bustle of the city with all haste to make her meeting. It was vitally important that she made it, not for her guild and not for the Horde as a whole, but for her personally. Oh, and Skaase as well. Finally, she reached her goal; a hall in one of Orgrammar\u2019s valleys that was a hub of activity. One of the city\u2019s guildhouses, it had been largely untouched by the Scoruge\u2019s attack, there was still a lot to be done. She could see that supplies were being packed and prepared for shipping, presumably fro the forthcoming Northrend offensive. A few of the guild\u2019s members were present, either deep in discussion or practicing with each other, clearly drilling themselves to face the undead legions. It was an image of efficiency and discipline that Bowen was proud of. It was a pity, then, that this was not her own guild. But she was taking steps to rectify that problem. Dismounting her Kodo, she stepped into the guildhall, looking for a particular person to talk to. It wasn\u2019t hard to find them; a large female Orc, dressed in a baggy floral frock and wearing boxing gloves, her eyes covered by goggles; they would have stood out anywhere. She was shouting orders at the peons who were busy carting supplies around, clearly in charge of the whole situation. \u201CExcuse me, Aunty Jack-\u201C \u201CIf you\u2019re one of those bloody peons, then go grab a box and drag it out. I ain\u2019t got time to waste.\u201D Bowen was briefly taken aback. \u201CUm, no, actually. My name\u2019s Bowen Thropping and I-\u201C \u201CNever bloody well heard of you.\u201D She blinked. \u201CUm, I put in an application for your guild.\u201D \u201CI get a lot of bloody applications.\u201D \u201CYes, well, I was hoping that you could just tell me what was the status of mine.\u201D \u201CListen here, Sunshine. I\u2019ll get to it when I bloody well get to it. If you haven\u2019t heard back form me, figure that you ain\u2019t up to bloody snuff.\u201D \u201CUm, I applied with a package deal; myself and a shaman-\u201C \u201CNo bloody packages either. You apply individually.\u201D \u201CWell, um, in that case, can I put in an application for him?\u201D \u201CHe puts in his own bloody application.\u201D \u201CThing is-\u201C The Orc turned to her, somehow looming over the Tauren despite being far smaller. \u201CListen here, sweetheart. I got to bloody well organise my guild\u2019s relocation to Northrend. I ain\u2019t got time to listen to ya whining. Now submit a proper application otherwise, get the bloody hell out of here before I rip your bloody arms off!\u201D \u201Csure\u201D Bowen managed to squeak out, then scurried off before the Orc followed up on her words. Leaving the guildhouse, she sighed as she looked over her Kodo. \u201CI guess I\u2019ve got no choice then. I\u2019ll have to interview those new guild members.\u201D She shook her head. \u201CI was hoping that I wouldn\u2019t have to. It\u2019s so hard to pretend I care\u201D She was rather disappointed by Aunty Jack\u2019s rejection, as well as the fact that it meant she\u2019d have to go back to leading the Raiders. Furthermore, she couldn\u2019t help but shake the idea that members of the Aunty Jack show were watching her \u2013 and laughing. Silandra hated Ogrammar. She had hated it ever since the first time she had stepped into the city; no, the first moments of the first time she had stepped into the city. While she had acknowledged that the Scourge\u2019s recent burning much of it to the ground was a severe blow to the Horde, she secretly hoped that, at the very least, they could rebuild the city to be less barbarous, less primitive and less cluttered. There was a new reason why she hated the city, however. Ever since their mass defection, it had become a refuge for the fugitive Death Knights that had escaped the Lich King\u2019s grasp. Thrall had taken them in, and declared that they were, once again, loyal sons and daughters of the Horde. Others had not been so forgiving; Death Knights were not welcome in Silvermoon, as they served as a very uncomfortable reminder of the destruction the Sin\u2019dorei people had suffered at the hands of the Scourge. Similarly, the Tauren of Thunder Bluff found the Death Knights to be abhorrent, removed from the natural cycle that they so revered. And in Undercity, the general feeling is that Death Knights were seen as a weapon to be used against the Scourge, and not much else. She could see several of them, gathered in small clumps, trying to avoid others. Despite Thrall\u2019s words, there were many who did not trust them. Silandra was amongst their numbers; to her, there was still every chance that a former Scourge agent could still be one. She had considered the very real possibility that their so-called defection was a part of some grander scheme, to infect the Horde from within with loyal Scourge agents, and then betray them when least expected. She knew she was right not to trust them, and knew to keep her eyes on them at all times. And then there had been the voice\u2026 She blinked, focusing on the task at hand. If any Death Knights turned traitor, she would be ready for them. Her blade \u2013 Apollyon, the great destroyer \u2013 would be the instrument of her retribution, the final judgement for their treason. But for now, she had to concentrate on other matters. Bowen Thropping, the leader of the Redrock Raiders, had been very eager to respond to her application; almost too eager. Silandra wondered if her eagerness wasn\u2019t a part of a trap; the Tauren woman had deduced Silandra\u2019s mission and was intending to trap her, making sure she never discovered the truth. If such was the case, Silandra simply figured that she would have to kill Thropping on the spot. Meeting at one of Ogrammar\u2019s inns \u2013 a filthy, disgusting place filled with filthy, disgusting people (especially a rather beaten-looking Tauren slumped in a corner, muttering about Death Knights) \u2013 she patiently waited for Thropping to arrive while considering her options. She figured that, if she drew her sword and cut Thropping down on the spot, nobody here would mind. Well, except possibly the Tauren, but she could deal with him. \u201CSorry I\u2019m late.\u201D A female Tauren began as she stepped into the room, eyeing Silandra, the only Blood Elf present. \u201CSilandra Silverleaf, wasn\u2019t it?\u201D \u201CSilverwood.\u201D She stated, carefully sizing up the Tauren. Sharp-eyed, she was clearly an experienced hunter; a rifle on her back, and her armour worn from numerous battles. However, there seemed to be something furtive about her, as if she was hiding something. \u201CYou are Bowen Thropping.\u201D It wasn\u2019t a question, more of a statement of fact. \u201CThat\u2019s right. Good to meet you.\u201D She smiled and took a seat opposite Silandra. \u201CShall we get started?\u201D Silandra found that Bowen\u2019s interview was surprisingly lacklustre. The Tauren didn\u2019t seem to care much for her past experience or previous associations, being more interested immediately in what Silandra could do for the guild. No, she noticed, that was not entirely true. Bowen wanted to know what Silandra could do for her personally. The guild, it seemed, was secondary to her needs, a point that Bowen unconsciously emphasised each time. What is Bowen hiding? She asked herself. Is this a front for the Kon School? Is she Maskdon\u2019s heir, or an agent for him, or is this some other, unrelated matter? She had been very carefully listening to what the Tauren said, seeking any cues. And if she is working for Maskdon, is this all an elaborate trap? Or a ruse to throw me off; the Kon School were opposed to the Sin\u2019dorei, so maybe by recruiting me, she helps cover their tracks. All were possibilities she would have to consider, and all were reasons for her to join this guild. She would find the truth behind this seemingly innocuous Tauren, regardless of the cost. \u201CSo Silandra.\u201D Bowen finished. \u201CReally, you\u2019re all that we could want. I\u2019d like to offer you a place in the Redrock Raiders.\u201D \u201CVery well.\u201D Silandra nodded. \u201CI accept your offer.\u201D \u201CExcellent!\u201D She finished. \u201CWe could use a new point-man, and I feel you\u2019ll be perfect for the role.\u201D Silandra narrowed her eyes. \u201CMy role is retribution, revenge for the fallen and destruction of my foes.\u201D \u201COf course it is.\u201D Bowen finished. \u201CWell, we can work on that.\u201D Despite the fact that most of its members were filthy, unwashed savages of menial intellectual capabilities, Zafkiel Voidrender actually liked the Redrock Raiders as a guild. In fact, he liked them for precisely those reasons. Its members were, for the most part, idiots who were ridiculously trusting and gullible, and had no idea when one of their fellows was abusing their trust for their own ends. Which was precisely what Zafkiel intended to do. He had joined the guild simply because he wanted a group of small-minded idiots who would be easy to convince into serving him and doing his dirty work. People who he could shamelessly manipulate and boss around while building his own powerbase. He would use and abuse them, and then abandon them once they were no longer useful to him. As distasteful as it seemed, it was ideal for him to spend more time with them, if only to learn their secrets and find new ways to use those to his advantage. It also meant that he could keep an eye open for potential threats, those members of the guild who may be possessed of slightly more self-awareness then the others and could even pose a threat to his own plans, as unlikely as it seemed. It was in one of their newest recruits that he had found one, a fellow Sin\u2019dorei, she was clearly intelligent, perceptive and sharp-witted. She also seemed to be hiding something. It was this that interested him the most; he wanted to know what it is, and how he could use it to his advantage. \u201CSo, tell me more about yourself, Levisha\u201D he began. The pair of them were relaxing in the yard out the back of the Raiders\u2019 guildhouse. \u201CThere\u2019s not much to say.\u201D The dark-haired Sin\u2019dorei replied dismissively. \u201CI\u2019m just a simple hunter.\u201D \u201CRhandt is a simple hunter.\u201D He offered, pointing to a fellow Sin\u2019dorei guild member who was currently being mauled by a large black wolf. \u201CYou are not.\u201D \u201CMy doggie is biting me!\u201D Rhandt called out. \u201CIs that good or bad?\u201D \u201CWell, there isn\u2019t much to say, really. I may be a little more\u2026 capable then some, but that\u2019s about it.\u201D \u201CHow did you come to be here?\u201D He continued. \u201CYou\u2019re only new to this guild, after all.\u201D \u201CMy previous guild broke up.\u201D She stated, dismissively. \u201CHalf of them died, and things went downhill from there.\u201D \u201CWhat-\u201C He began, but was cut off by Bowen entering the yard. \u201COne moment, it seems our valiant leader wants something.\u201D \u201CHmm.\u201D Levisha simply replied, sipping her fruit drink. \u201CExcuse me, everyone.\u201D Bowen spoke up, the crowd of assembled Raiders falling silent (save for Rhandt and his wolf). \u201CI\u2019d like to introduce a pair of new guild members.\u201D Zafkiel\u2019s ears perked up. New guild members were always something to keep an eye on; they had the potential to be either an asset or a threat; his task was to assess which they were as soon as possible. \u201CFirstly, I\u2019d like to introduce you to Silandra Silverwood, a Blood Knight. Let\u2019s make her all feel very welcome, okay?\u201D There was a chorus of mutters and half-hearted greetings as a Blood Elf woman stepped out next to Thropping. He recognised her immediately, much to his dismay; tall and muscular, she had shoulder-length orange-blonde hair, immaculately clean armour and, most distinctively, rather disturbing, solid green eyes. \u201COh, it\u2019s her.\u201D Zafkiel stated, the disappointment evident in his voice. \u201CWell.\u201D Levisha spoke up, a suddenly eager tone colouring her words. \u201Cthis is an interesting development then.\u201D Silandra scanned the crowd, looking for any signs of her targets. It wasn\u2019t hard to find Teppy; heavily armoured, his lack of pants, bald head and the lens covering his right eye made him stand out. More interesting, however, was a second Orc who was clearly watching bot him and her. He was clad in mail armour, with a helmet that covered most of his face; what his interest in her was unclear, but she intended to find out. Instead, she was surprised by a meaty hand being laid on her shoulder. Glancing behind her, she could see a third Orc; clearly a warrior, he was clad in heavy armour and wore the tabard of the Warsong Clan on his chest. A large axe was over his back, one that had clearly seen a lot of use. \u201CI want a word with you, Blood Elf.\u201D \u201CWhat do you want, Orc?\u201D She asked as she turned to face him. \u201CI am Byg Zham of the Warsong clan.\u201D He snarled. \u201CI am a proud Warrior of the horde; I fight with honour and courage for my people and for the memory of our great leader. I will make no secrets of my contempt for your people, Blood Elf. Before now, those of your kind who were in this guild served to support us warriors; but now, one of you dares to stand in amongst us true heroes of the Horde. And that is why I must tell you how you will behave\u201D \u201CYou point being?\u201D \u201CListen to me, little Elf.\u201D He snarled. \u201CIf you are to fight alongside me in the front lines, I expect you to conduct yourself with the same degree of courage and honour as my brothers.\u201D Silandra gave a contemptuous laugh. \u201CHonour?\u201D She sneered. \u201CHonour has no place on the battlefield.\u201D \u201CHonour is what defines us!\u201D The orc roared. \u201CNo.\u201D She stated. \u201CHonour is an excuse that the defeated use to cover their failures. Those who are defeated can claim that they fought honourably regardless, and that their honour will preserve them as a way of reassuring themselves that their defeat was not their fault. On the battlefield, I conduct myself with discipline and integrity, but I fight as I see fit; I will not be defined by your laughable code of conduct.\u201D \u201CYou little worm. I should cut you down where you stand.\u201D \u201CI dare you to try, Orc.\u201D She replied, an almost eager tone in her voice. \u201CYou will find me to be a most capable opponent. However, I am here as a member of this guild; Bowen chose me to join your ranks; I would prefer not to thin their numbers.\u201D \u201CBah.\u201D He spat. \u201CThis guild has grown weak and contemptible. I would be better off seeking battle elsewhere.\u201D He stormed past her, shoving his way through the crowds. His attitude suggests that he was one of the Kon School. She observed. So what was this, a challenge? A test of my determination? Or a warning not to interfere with their business? Clearly this is bears further investigation. She was intending to follow the Orc, when Bowen again spoke up. \u201CThere is a second new member that I would like to introduce to you all. Actually, he is a former member of the guild who I thought lost, but has been returned to us. And, while he has, um\u2026 changed, I\u2019d like him to be just as welcome and feel just as much a part of the guild as he was before.\u201D A figure stepped past her; a Jungle Troll clad in heavy plate armour, his skin was a lifeless grey, his hair limp and white, while the cracked paint on his face gave the impression of nothing so much as a skull. However, the most telling feature was his eyes; deep and sunken into his skull, they burned with an unholy blue light, the mark of those who had once served the Lich King. \u201CI\u2019m sure that some of you remember Laj\u2019ral from when he was last with us.\u201D She finished. \u201CAnd I know that he will be a valuable asset to me.\u201D Silandra wasn\u2019t listening. She was instead trying to fight back every urge she had to simply cut him down where he stood, right there and then. A Troll Death Knight\u2026 the embodiment of all that she hated, all that she loathed in the world, and all that she had sworn to destroy. And then she heard the voice, one she had not heard in months, one that had seemed to be lost in Outlands, where she buried it in Archindoun. Yet it spoke as loudly and clearly as ever."@en . . "Third Transfer"@en . "Featuring: Silandra Silverwood The Blood Knight Chambers in Silvermoon had changed so much since Silandra Silverwood was first inducted into the order and its mysteries. Once the place had surged with unearthly powers, the results of the captive being that was held here and the spells used to contain it. With the creature gone, there was but a fiant echo of that energy remaining, a lingering scent in the air. \u201CMy lord\u201D She began, kneeling before Lord Bloodwrath, one of the leaders of the order. \u201CYou sent for me?\u201D \u201CI did.\u201D He replied. \u201CWalk with me, Silverwood.\u201D \u201CWhat, then, would you have me do?\u201D"@en . . .