Delayed Rescue

Maevrim hunched over on the ground, feeling sick. Nathire stepped forward to help her, but withdrew before his hand reached her shoulder—her earlier warning heeded. She covered her face with her hands, hiding the tears that began to fall.1

“Why did we not stop this? What am I doing here...if not to save your friend then? Standing while one may be injured is not my way to operate, Lady Maevrim.” Nathire demanded through clenched teeth. 2

Maevrim spoke through ragged sobs. “This was not my choice! I trusted that he would call me...He was supposed to call us when they time was right, to save her!!”3

She straightened, trying to calm herself, though the tears still fell. “No...I'm sorry...I'm sorry I trusted Tehrannis...I'm sorry I called you on a futile mission...” She cleared her throat, but her voice still choked. “Please...forgive me.”4

“You have nothing that needs forgiving madam.” As she continued to weep, his voice softened. “Do not fret my lady. I will always answer the call to save those that need it.”5

At the sound of the approaching Felsteed, Nathire pulled his Judgment mask over his face. He watched as Gaudi dismissed the steed, kneeling before them both and offering Maevrim a handkerchief. Nathire fought to control the anger in his voice as he said his goodbyes and pledged his help once more.6

Maevrim wiped at the tears, speaking slowly. “Lord Keruptis...must be informed. He rests deeply now…even I—” She froze at the voice that echoed in her head.7

Mistress...mistress...I need help?8

Maevrim stammered to Gaudi. “She is...speaking to me.”9

Gaudi frowned, becoming cautious. “Leahalani? But how can she...if she's been turned, to one of them?”10

“Tehrannis was confident that her loyalty would last through the...transformation...”11

He shook his head. “But he was...mistaken? Where are they? Can she be trusted?”12

“What choice do we have?” Maevrim answered Leahalani carefully. What sort of help? 13

Danaan…he...he…he betrayed…our oaths… he betrayed.. .our… vows… he betrayed.. .Tehrannis. 14

Maevrim cringed at the pain in Leahalani’s voice, her anger growing. 15

Where are you? Lord Gaudi and I stand ready to rescue you.16

Still in the cave… Danaan is at my side… and Tehrannis is badly injured...can you…pull us?17

Yes...yes, let me find someone to assist. Tehrannis refused our aid...would he come now?18

Yes..I order him. Maybe once he will listen to me.19

Would that not expose him to Jettblack?20

He is exposed...Danaan told her everything. He has been shot three times and his jaw broken.21

We will pull you first. We are only in Astranaar...we will have to fly quickly.22

Are you bonded to Jettblack...will she find you?23

I do not know? She .. purposely.. provoked me.. .. and we fought.. and.. and.. Horror filled Leahalani’s thoughts and she did not continue.24

What of Danaan?25

He is hers. He .. he betrayed Tehrannis completely... 26

Did you...are you...do you need...food?27

I am not hungry. Leahalani’s answer was terse and quick.28

Maevrim and Gaudi reached Astranaar to find two young people standing about, chatting. Maevrim fought to ask politely, “Please, can one of you assist with a summons?”29

The mage before her frowned in confusion. “What do you request?”30

Gaudi stepped forward, “A summon spell, good sir. It won't take but a moment.”31

The mage pointed to the elf he was speaking with. “You try, Altariel.”32

Maevrim hastily informed Leahalani that they had found help. She began to chant the words of the spell; Altariel and the mage simply gawked at the sudden portal of darkness that opened before them. The spell faded and Maevrim watched for Leahalani. It took a moment for her to realize that Altariel had done nothing. She began again as Gaudi explained to the young elf what to do.33

“I think they sold your soul...” The mage joked as he watched. His jaw dropped and he staggered back as Leahalani appeared through the darkness. “By the gods! This is beyond my mage books...how did you?” Curiosity overwhelmed him as Tehrannis staggered before them. “May I try?” 34

Gaudi shook his head as Maevrim tried to support Leahalani. “Thank you sir, but we are all done here.” 35

“We must hurry...Lord Gaudi—” She looked down, frowning as she realized that a gnome would never be able to assist an injured elf, even over a short distance. Then she looked past him to his voidwalker. “Thullos, Grimnak...”36

Gaudi motioned Thullos forward, assuring Tehrannis that the minion would support him. They moved as quickly as they could to the hippogryph mistress; Maevrim fairly threw a bag of coins at her. “Darnassus, please, and hurry!”37

It is not far…but it will do for healing. We just need time…enough time for Lord Keruptis to awaken…38

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