Brothers: Part II

“Captain Firewing,” the white haired ranger poked his head around the corner, “the ships are arriving.”

As Westel turned to face him, the ranger stood up straight, heels together, and brought his right fist to his chest. West waved a dismissive hand as he strode past, muttering, “At ease, Matero.”

“Do you have the orders?” Westel questioned as he walked through the barracks and into the cold drizzle outside. A group of orcs tore across the path and splattered mud onto his red and gold tabard. With a sigh, Westel brushed some of the muck away and looked expectantly to the Lieutenant at his side. Matero fumbled with the leather tube encasing the scrolls addressed to the Ranger Captain and finally produced the proper one.

Westel continued to move through the fortress, towards the docks as the small rogue trotted at his heels to keep up. “Ships should arrive at oh-seven-hundred,” Matero read slowly, occasionally stumbling over some of the words. “The Dawn’s Lady will be trans…transporting your squad.” Matero glanced up just in time to keep from colliding with Westel’s back as they came to a halt. He staggered to the Ranger Captain’s side and read on, “Their names are listed below. Give them a short briefing on the current state of affairs. Once they are famil– familiar? Familiar with the area, you will re…receive official orders.”

Matero peered up  at Westel nervously. The Ranger Captain lofted a brow and peered down at the damp paper in the rogue’s hands. “Is that all?” He asked, looking back out at the ships as they neared the docks. The Dawn’s Lady was not difficult to spot among the dark orcish ships, with her bright gold sails and Sin’dorei flags flaring in the wind. “No,” Matero began, “there is a bit more before the list of soldiers.” Westel sighed and clasped his hands behind his back. “Then continue, please.”

Pushing his damp hair away from his eyes, the small rogue read the last few lines. “It would be wise to note that your performance reflects upon all Sin’dorei. Remember, Ranger Captain, that there is more at stake here than your promotion.”

Westel’s lips thinned and his gaze dropped to his boots. “Fuck Leafshade,” he grumbled. West snorted and looked back up as supplies were unloaded from the ships. “Old woman probably hasn’t touched a bow since before the Second War.” He shook his head and looked to Matero for affirmation. Wisely, the rogue nodded in agreement. Westel shook his head and bid Matero to begin reading off the names of the elves under his command.

“Alvaris Brightbane, a warrior specializing in protection…Edanna Felo’dal, a healer…” As the Lieutenant listed off the names, Westel watched as orcs, tauren, goblins, and elves made their way onto the dock. His brow furrowed as a few elves descended the ramp of the Dawn’s Lady. He had never lead anyone but Rangers before. West was suddenly regretting his insistence that he be allowed command over a small team of Sin’dorei.

“…Isais Vi’le, battle mage and…”

A bright, golden head appeared above the throng of helms, and green skin. Westel stiffened as the paladin drew nearer, behind the rest of the Dawn’s Lady passengers. “They couldn’t possibly…” He wrenched the paper out of Matero’s hands just as the rogue announced the name.

“Caloneth Sorrelon II, Blood Knight.”

“Fuck.”