Emerging From The Vortex (Part 1)

The warrior known as Undeadmight started his life out the typical way most undead have. Undeadmight was once a cunning warrior for the Alliance, however when the plague had an effect on his post that he was issued at, and as a result he changed. He became the warrior known as Undeadmight. With no where to go, Undeadmight turned to Lady Sylvanis who seemed to be growing ever more popular in the Undercity, and he requsted a solution to this dilema. Lady Sylvanis knew of Undeadmight's once noble deeds and decided to preserve this spirit, however now he would serve under her and the new Undercity. Undeadmight grew fast throughout the ranks and would embark on an adventure that would change everything. 12:48 A.M. Saturday, Undeadmight was sent on a journey to irradicate all within the lost city of Stratholme. All alone inside Stratholme Undeadmight stood no chance against the fiends within these gates. Desperate to survive, Undeadmight fled. Barily escaping through the gates Undeadmight collapsed upon the ground and feigned. A horde hero hunter was journeying with a group he was accustomed to, and as a member and founder of their guild, Order of Dark Shadows, RanonDayo and his companions soon found themselves traveling to the gates of Stratholme. The group came upon a Forsaken Warrior, who at the time was collapsed at the gates with various wounds and seemingly coming into and out of coherency. RanonDayo tells his other companions that he is not going to continue as they have an ally who is wounded and needs attention and to take another in his stead. Helping the fallen warrior to his mount nearby, RanonDayo himself mounts up and sends SnowShadow off to hunt at his leisure as he leads the fallen warrior's mount to Lights Hope Chapel to help tend his wounds. During the long trek back to the Chapel, the Forsaken Warrior regains his conciousness and looks up to see an Orc leading him away from the gates of Stratholme. Weary from his wounds and the battles leading to them, the Forsaken had no strength to break the grasp of the well rested Hunter leading him from his mission."Who are you to take me away from my duties, Orc?""I am RanonDayo, Hero of the Horde, and server of Thrall. Who be you Forsaken?""I am Undeadmight, Server of Sylvanas and Hero of the Horde. Answer my question now that formalities are done with.""You are wounded and need rest to regain your strength Undeadmight. I'm leading you to safety. Once you are well, there will be nothing to stop you from carrying out your mission. Until then, let the members of the Argent Dawn heal your wounds.""You are wise and kind, if not somewhat unknown to me RanonDayo. I thank you for your help. My wounds were obtained at great cost and hardship. I was on a mission for my Dark Lady, and unfortunately I was ambushed before I could carry out that mission. If not for you, I would be dead, and but a whisper on the wind.""My friend, Members of my union are within Stratholme, leading a fight against the Baron who calls that place his home. I gave my spot up to another to help get you into a more proper fighting spirit. I hope that my companions fare well within those walls."At that, the Forsaken, known as Undeadmight loses himself to darkness as they approach the Chapel. RanonDayo, having heard the Warrior's name through various channels kept silent vigil until the Warrior was back from the grounds of Oblivion. A week long trial of healers, potions, salves and prayers were said for the Warrior.RanonDayo, who had seen the remnants of his companions return from Stratholme was none to pleased at word of some of the monsters and minions lurking within. Having sent a letter to the Dark Lady herself, he was soon pleased to learn he was to accompany the champion of Under City, Undeadmight on his journey to rid the land of the feared and insolent Dwarven Wizard known as Icebeard.He reported the news to Undeadmight, who was astonished to see that the Dark Lady had given an Orc special orders. But, was soon won over as he received news of the accomplishments of the Hunter who had found him dying at the gates after being ambushed. Together, they got their armor and weapons repaired, restocked on supplies and ammunition, sharpened their blades, and in silence, vowed to die together victorious, or in failure, as true comrades of the Horde would do.Together, they rode from the Chapel to the Gates of Stratholme. Ever vigilant for an attack, they reached the gates without incident. A piercing whistle cut through the air, and a large snow colored cat appeared to the Forsaken. Ranondayo stayed his friends blade."Relax, my friend, tis my companion for many seasons now, SnowShadow is a force to be reckoned with in battle, as you will soon see within these walls, for death will be given mercilessly by the three of us.""Ah! The cat that has been heralded as the greatest pet a hunter could have! For many seasons I have heard your companions name, but never the name of the Hunter who tamed him! I have waited for the day to meet the Hero of Thrall and the Master given his own Union of champions. Ranondayo, let me join your ranks, my blade is offered to serve the union of Order of Dark Shadows! Allow me this honor!""Friend, you were given that honor the moment I knew your name, for I have heard of your deeds and triumphs as well. And those that were already in the ranks of my command eagerly voted for your induction to the 2nd in command. Knowing that we will emerge victorius with two heros commanding their abilities."
The two comrades stared at the Gates of Stratholme, steeling themselves for the battles they were about to face and the evil wizard they swore to destroy. Nodding silently to eachother they walked in, leaving the clammy and deathly silent air of the Plaguelands and entering a new and unforseen enemy.
They emerged into a narrow walkway, groups of ghouls, zombies and skeletons wandered mindlessly before them. Undeadmight readied his shield and drew his blade, RanonDayo knocked an arrow to his bow and drew the string taught, aiming intently, Snowshadow growled menacingly, baring sharp fangs and extending his claws, ready to pounce when his master commanded."Undeadmight, you have the armor, I shall stand back and wait for your attack, Snowshadow will follow behind you to keep them grouped together."Undeadmight smiled evilly beneath his helm, "Just make sure those Roasting Spits you use for Arrows hit their targets, Orc"Laughing, Undeadmight charged into the closest group, Snowshadow dashing in behind as the "twang" of the bowstring and the clangs and clanks of metal upon metal and the beastial roar of Snowshadow ripped through the silence. Bones fell to the ground, as enemy after enemy fell before the trio. Soon, they found themselves within a large expansive room. Breathing heavily they sat catching their breath in a dark corner, mending their wounds and sharing a silent meal to regain some energy.Undeadmight wandered around, sword in hand as he yearned for a battle. RanonDayo looked at him and uneasiness filled him."My friend, come back here, something does not bode right in this room, I fear there may be a trap."Undeadmight knowing his companions ability to detect things solemnly agreed and returned to their corner, RanonDayo let his eyes sweep over the room and stole slowly to the cent of the room, setting a trap of fire down and backing up to his former position.
Not moments after returning to the safety of the shadows did two large doors open and the sounds of merriment and feasting reached the comrades ears. RanonDayo looked through the doors and motioned to Undeadmight that he had spotted their target roaming drunkenly to the doors.Undeadmight smiled wickedly and remarked in a hoarse whisper, "We end this now!"
Without warning and unable to be restrained, Undeadmight let forth a might warcry and charged at the Dwarf, Snowshadow followed suit as RanonDayo began to reach for his bow, but instead, grabbed both of his axes and ran headlong after his comrades.
The sounds of two battle cries, and a deathly roar caused the drunken wizard to turn and face the commotion. He smiled wickedly as his hands began to glow with a blue light, unleashing the power of Frost at the warrior, Undeadmight's charge slowed at the impact. The Hunter and cat still running full speed knocked the wizard out of his ability to summon another spell, Undeadmight soon regained his composure and ran into the fray using his shield to render the Dwarf unable to cast spells they soon finished him off.
RanonDayo sat down to drink some water and cleanse his wounds and motioned for SnowShadow to eat as well. Undeadmight, who remained standing over the deceased dwarf's carcass noticed something.
"Hey, Ranon, this here stonehopper has a pendant, I think it might hold his power, I'm gonna destroy it so no one else can use it against the Horde."
Before RanonDayo could move or say anything, Undeadmight's sword cut through the air and rang upon the stone steps with a resounding echo, the pendant the dwarf had been wearing exploded with an awesome light, temporarily blinding the two fighters, and severing the dwarf's head from his body.
Jumping up the steps, Ranondayo laid a heavy hand to the back of the Warrior's head.
"Fool Warrior! Did your brains rot from your skull ages ago? Or more recently? You could have killed us!", A look of disgust upon Ranon's face as he saw bits of undead flesh clinging to his hand.
"Nay, but if Rot was hot, I'd be a volcano!" Undeadmight exclaimed as he laughed.Unnoticed by the two arguing, a large crimson vortex began to take shape at the top of the stairs, a unworldly sound resounding from within. They looked back and stopped arguing. Debating on what to do now, and what was coming through to battle with.
Ever the joker, Undeadmight looked at RanonDayo and laughed while walking towards the vortex.
"Come on Friend! Let us see what awaits us beyond!"
With that, Undeadmight dove headlong into the vortex. Leaving RanonDayo and SnowShadow looking at eachother momentarily.
"Fool Forsaken.....Why did I ever bother saving him? Well, SnowShadow, let us go save our friend from whatever he's gotten himself into this time shall we?"
The two ran into the Vortex as it shattered behind them. Leaving the room silent and still, only a beheaded dwarven corpse remained. No signs of anything else were within the room.