March 28, 632 K.C.

Dear Diary,

Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike spiders? Just thinking or saying the name brings back that creepy-crawly sensation of excessive legs and discomfort. Our night patrol from yesterday revealed that Duskwood has a serious arachnid problem. And to think we just handled a worgen threat on the south end of town. Now there's a giant spider lurking beneath the ground with its colony of spawn. Here is a summary of my observations from tonight:

• The Nightbane Worgen have been nearly culled by these spiders and made into hosts for these parasitic spiders when they egg lay.

• A number of Duskwood people have been killed beneath the ground for gods know how long in tunnels beneath the Rotting Orchard?

• Fire is very effective when you can throw it right.

• Undead also linger underground!!! (I had to decapitate my first ghoul and... that was really unnerving. Didn't think a head could pop off like that.)

• Luthen Hightower needs a good shaking or beating for going into the woods intoxicated and nearly dying underground! And why is that man so light to carry?! (And Blackscale makes a great bodyguard)

• Sir Adamar has a... strange connection with Kobald and boundless reservoir of bravery.

• Edric should invest in a helmet.

• Sir Folcard shares my opinion that 'Spiders are gross'.

• And lastly... don't rely on me to use a machine. Excavators are not my thing... But maybe it proved helpful given that I ground up a worgen's arm with it.

Well, at least we are done for now with that mess. I have a feeling we will go back to deal with the Spider the size of a barn. But I hope it isn't any time soon. I'm going to take another bath here in a minute and I might sleep in it to avoid the likelihood of a spider crawling on my body.

And can I just say it feels really nice to be out of Duskwood and in Southwatch again? I mean even though it's quiet in the barracks usually, I'm at least in a place where the dreams won't plague me so... And I need to visit with that Blacksmith Apprentice Hal. My legguards were a bit damaged after dealing with the Worgen. Said machinery was used to nearly crush me against the wall as it went rabid. My legs are still... barking. Ha-ha. Get it, Diary? Barking! Cause you know-...

Okay, maybe I should stop writing for now. That joke was corny.

   Adamar pressed his steed into a trot beside him, tugging his hood just a little more down over the top of his head. He lived to be outside the walls, like Araian had said... but he was no stranger to the endless dangers that lay in wait. Scanning the sides of the roads idly, nodding his head in agreement.

"Family is a hard thing to come by these days, my Lord."He said, a tinge of regret tinging his words.

"You and yours have been nearly the only family I have known." He cleared his throat lightly, trying not to think to hard on the recent events.

"I failed in keeping your daughter safe, but I mean to atone for that failure. I’ve... Never spoke of it out loud, but I've always thought of Rosemarri much like a sister. She was always there when the road grew dark for me."

  He had lost count long ago regarding the number of times they had traveled the road from Stormwind to Duskwood, as well as the many times that journey etched into their memory had been interrupted by violence of some kind. Be it bandits, beasts half-starved and desperate for a meal, or something other-worldly.

  Though not dressed to be waging war in the mud alongside tens of thousands, Araian was dressed appropriately for where they were going. A suit of chainmail was worn beneath that cloak. His sword strapped to his side and that massive war hammer rested in a holster hanging off the side of his charger, easily drawn in case the call for violence had to be answered..

"I have had more trouble holding on to family these past years than finding it. Their lives fall like water through my fingers.. I'm cannot accept their passing any longer." Sparing a glance over at the knight riding alongside him.

"My daughter's fate is no fault of your own, Adamar.. But in the failures of a father that played at war seeking vengeance for a dead king and the boy that grieved for him. Her father should have been here to protect the lives that matter most in this world to him..”

I want her back, and that is precisely what we're going to do. One way or another."

"Losing that which we love, seems to be the cost of duty." Adamar sighed softly, digging his canteen out of the saddle bag and took a quick gulp.

"Honor and duty. They used to mean everything to me." He chuckled lightly again, thinking back to his squiring days. Things were so much easier back then.

"It's just an endless cycle of war, all in the name of a man sitting upon a throne. Sure, we defended hundreds, if not thousands in the process. But, when it came time to hang up the sword... who was left to watch over those so close to home?" He stashed that canteen away and shook his head.

"That's why I'll see this to the end, my Lord. I know dark and terrible things lay in wait, but you will not fight it alone, my Lord. We’ll search through the very gates of hell and beyond until this family is whole once more."

Araian made to cut the man off with a wave of his hand.

"Honor and duty are not coffers we pay tithe to in the lives most precious to us. Those we hold dear were taken from us, and from behind our backs while we faced a separate evil no less. Those that struck at our family..Their fate is sealed and I will see all those that have wronged us turned to ash by the very Light I command." Declaring it so for all to hear, not that they were gathered around anyone at all on the empty road to Duskwood.

"The two words should hold as much meaning to you now as they did before, if not more so though, Adamar. Honor demands we answer the wrongs we've suffered with justice. It is our duty to protect the weak and combat the wicked.. Never forget that. Use it as fuel for the fire we'll burn them with." Pointing further down the road to where the Three Corners outposts' torches glinted in the distance.

“We'll start in Duskwood.. I want to see where she was taken from us.."

   "Lord Cutler. Here. Lady Blacksage. Here. Lord Dawnstride. Here. Lady Grouss. Here. Lord Sunshield. ... Lord Sunshield..?

   No voice sounded to answer the attendant's call and the rush of whispers and murmured voices rose as heads turned to spot the empty seat along the long row of tables and high-backed chairs where Araian Sunshield was to take his seat. While the wars had raged it wasn't uncommon for seats in the House to be empty as various lords and ladies were scattered across the world fighting Stormwind's battles.. But now? At the wars end attendance was almost mandatory if only to note who was still left among the kingdom's nobility. Pages were dispatched to discover what kept the Lord of Sunshield from the gathering.

   Araian pulled his gaze from the towering statue of Danath Trollbane at the sound of Adamar's approaching steed. The charger he himself was seated upon shook its head with a snort as if greeting the knight's own mount as the lord tipped his head in a knowing nod.

   "We should be attending a gathering of the House of Nobles.. I am sure they have sent summons to nearly every lord or lady they could find in the Kingdoms in an effort to determine just who remains after the war."

   Araian began, sparing a glance back down the walkway that led into the city proper, as if expecting a retinue of the King's pages sent to summon him back to the Keep.

"I have more pressing concerns and you do no one any good standing guard at the door alongside a few dozen other knights of the realm."

   The reigns were given a firm tug as his horse stopped beside Araian's and Adamar gave his own glance back towards the city. A scoff escaped him at the mention of the gathering they SHOULD be attending. He recalled his last time setting foot in there, the looks and comments that he received upon returning from their little skirmish off the coast of Kul Tiras.

   "I agree, my Lord." He allowed a faint chuckle as he reached a hand down to pat the neck of the beast.

"Any chance to venture beyond the walls, I’m grateful for. This city is poison on the soul." He turned his gaze forward once more. "This a personal matter?" He knew damn well it was.

   Amusement crinkled the skin around his eyes as Araian nodded his agreement before urging the charger beneath forwards and the clatter of the beasts hooves sounded over the distant din of the city behind them.

  "We are of a people that were born to live our days beyond the high walls of the kingdoms we serve I've found. We do no good to anyone caged up like pets. Besides,there are enough roosters strutting about the Cathedral Square as it is."

   Araian chuckled, nodding politely to those men adorned with the lion on their tabards, standing sentinel at the city gates.

"It is a family matter, Adamar. As personal as they can get and no one living within these walls will keep me from her."

The pages that had surely been sent to their estate on Manor Row would discover the Lord of Sunshield and his escort had already departed and were long gone..

   Araians words hung heavily about him, he knew the man to be right. Maybe... he had just grown used to the feeling of everything being ripped away. Adamar’s life seemed to be a never ending struggle to keep a shred of something left to call his own. Southshore, Theramore, his sister, his wife and child. The loss weighed heavily on the knight’s shoulders and silence gripped him for a time. Finally, he looked to Araian and offered a firm nod.

"I have not forgotten. Nor shall I ever."

    From the outside it must have been strange, peering in. Those that had flocked to the Sunshield banner, each of them in some way had lost more than anyone should in the journey of life. Perhaps that was a part of what made them so damn stubborn in so many aspects of life. Stubborn enough to refuse the passing of those they'd lost.. And maybe even damn themselves in the process of getting them back.

    "Nor shall we ever." He repeated those words with a nod as they crossed the bridge and into the  familiar gloom of Duskwood.

   "Her house was burnt to the ground. There.... is not much left save for the frame of the fireplace. Jerrith and myself sifted through the ashes and did not find much of anything. I searched the woods and there was not a trace of her trail, or scent. As if she just, vanished."

    Like Adamar it should have felt like home to him Duskwood, but it didn't. Those that had made it home were not there to welcome him back..

   "Aye, you told me. Still, I want to see it. I need to look with my own eyes and witness what may have happened before we continue. Come, take me there." Half hoping in the back of his mind a feral worgen, or even a lumbering corpse would dare to interrupt their objective for the night.. 

   Adamar nodded and he spurred his mount forward with haste. It wasn't that far of a ride to reach the outskirts of Darkshire where Rosemarri's house used to be. He let the wind pull his hood back, no longer worried to keep his face hidden for all in Duskwood would know him. From the last few citizens to the numerous beasts that roamed the hills. This WAS his home, and always would be.

   As Adamar took off, Araian's charger followed suit without needing the spur of the lord's boot for encouragement. A lifetime together saw rider and mount in tune with each others thoughts and before long Araian was nearly keeping pace with with the Sunshield knight. Despite the looming glow of Darkshire and the torches that lined the roads, Araian's gaze never reached the village. Instead? His stare fell on the spot that had once been the site of Rosemarri's cottage.

   As Adamar had stated earlier, little remained of the original structure but burnt bits of wood and piles of ash and debris. Only the stones piled to make the fireplace still stood to mark the spot of his daughters demise. As soon as his mount came to a halt  Araian's boots hit the ground with a 'thud!'; The war hammer holstered to his steed was drawn effortlessly and held his grip as he strode slowly towards the ruined remains of that cottage. Tentatively stopping just steps from where the door may have stood before he fell to a knee.. His free hand pressed flat to splay his fingers out across the dirt and ash.

   Adamar dismounted shortly after, giving the horse a steadying pat as he looked about the distant tree line. They were still fairly close to town, but nowhere was safe in duskwood. The husk of the cottage a testament to that. He rolled the great sword from his back and strode forward to stand a few feet behind Araian, giving the lord his space. He planted the tip of his sword in the ground and kept his attention to the world around them.

  Araian's fingers clawed at the ground, gathering up a fistful of dirt and ash as he knelt with his head bowed. Whether it was from the words of others and he'd made the assumption, or that he was a father and just 'knew' that the very spot he now loomed over was where his daughter had last stood and breathed freely before being taken.. The weight of such foreboding thoughts alone might have crushed him were it not for the rage fighting furiously against the pain the man felt.

"I am coming for you, Rosemarri. I swear it." He whispered under his breath as if they were for his daughter alone.

   Suddenly, Araian slammed his fist into the ground, striking at it with all of his might. Dirt, ash, and debris exploded outwards as the eternal bleakness of Duskwood and the ever-present cloud cover that hid the light from the forest floor broke. Blinding golden rays of light pierced through to bathe the kneeling Paladin in its warmth. Like a spark that ignited a wildfire, golden flames burst outwards from Araian's fist to consecrate the immediate area where that cottage had once stood.

   Adamar took a single step back in surprise as the ground beneath him was suddenly bathed in holy fire. It licked at his boots and filled him with a warmth that for a moment... reminded him of yet ANOTHER thing he had lost.

  His gaze turned to the sky and the light that pierced through the cloud cover and basked them in its warm glow. He looked back to the aged paladin and was awestruck. Even when he was a paladin and the light flowed through him, never had he imagined the light responding in such a way. He once more stood his ground and planted his sword into the earth so that he could lean his weight upon it. The display confirmed it... the time of sitting about asking questions was over.

The true work was just beginning.

“Tell us a story from your journey, Sir Adamar!” Rosemarii had asked with a smile. “I'm sure you have such exciting tales!” Adamar sat silent for a time, debating if such a tale was appropriate given the happy mood everyone was enjoying. His eyes lifted from the flames of the campfire, a slow exhale escaping past his lips with a nod of defeat. “Very well, my Lady... where do I begin?”

The night gave way to the gentle touch of the sun, dew and mist still clinging to the air about the small makeshift camp. The flames of the fire had died hours before, leaving only the feint wafting of smoke and the crackling of dying embers behind. The sound of blue jays and sparrows trekking off to find this days breakfast stirred the lone man propped against a large oak. A groan escaped the armored figure as he reached up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, feeling the ache in his back as he sat up straight. “No comforts of town, he said. What I would give for a straw mattress.” A light chuckle escaped Adamar as he pushed himself to his feet to stand in the peaceful ambience of the morning forest.

He found himself days behind schedule as he trekked his way across the Eastern Kingdoms towards Uther’s Tomb. No time restraint was given as he was commanded to leave the city, and so he had no grievances taking the longer scenic route through the forests and hills. Adamar groaned some more as he stretched out, digging his boot into the embers of the fire in hopes of igniting it once more. When his lazy attempt failed, he begrudgingly collected some timber about the grounds and worked to lite the fire once more. 

Hours had passed and breakfast had been finished as Adamar readied to pack up and head further north. The camp was packed up quickly enough and the fire was doused with a bucket of dirt. He took up his sword and once more stood idle in the sounds of the forest. Slowly, he dropped to a knee and buried the tip of his sword into the dirt. Wrapping both hands about the hilt, he rested his forehead against the pommel and took in a deep breath. “As a new day dawns, send the radiance of your light to shine in my heart. Make me true to your teaching; keep me free from error and corruption. Give me the strength to carry on; to right my wrongs. Let me be your healing hand to the sick; Your hammer of Justice to the wicked; and the keeper of all that is good.” Even though his eyes were shut, he could feel the warmth of the light piercing through the morning mist to wrap about him and bathe him in its presence. 

The silence of the woods was broken at the sound of a woman's scream. It echoed off the trees and sent birds fluttering to the sky. Adamar raised his gaze to the mists that surrounded his camp, unsure of where the cry had came from. Moments passed before another scream echoed from somewhere to the east of him... the sound of armored foot falls and men shortly after.

She ran as fast as her feet could carry her, soiled white gown fluttering in her wake. Blood spotted her fine wear and mud caked her knees where she had fallen several times. “No... no, light please” She gasped, barreling through the bushes as the branches scratched and tore at her face and arms. “She’s over here!” Came the cry of her captors not far behind. “ ‘urry up an’ nab her! The boss ‘ell ‘ave our heads if you let her get away!” The men cackled as they split up, darting through the underbrush after her. They knew these lands better than anyone and made quick work of cutting the girl off. “NO! Get away from me! I wont go back! I’ll die first!” The girl backed away from the thugs, unaware of the steep hill behind her. One more step sent her tumbling backwards and down the hill, crashing through bushes and bouncing off the boulders that were half buried. “Ha! You ‘ave a nice fall, darlin’?!” Blood trickled from her brow as she clawed at the dirt to pull herself away from this hell. The men were once more upon her, falling upon her like wild animals as they ripped at her clothing. “Get off of me! Light, please... someone... please.” 

The area grew silent suddenly as he eyes raised from the dirt to her assailants. They were no longer focused on her, but something else. Still sobbing, she followed their gaze as the sound of metal echoed yards away from them. He emerged out of the mist like an armored ghost, sword glinting in the morning light. “Who the hell is that? You lost, mate?” The men pointed their swords as the armored figure continued to grow closer. “Mind ye’ fuckin’ business afore you go an’ get hurt!”

Adamar stalked forward, his sword readied before him as he shifted his gaze between the two men. “One chance, leave the girl be.” His eyes shifted to stare into the eyes of the battered girl, hands tightening about the hilt of his blade. “Or die, here and now.” The two men laughed as they stepped away from the girl. They knew she was to exhausted and beaten to make it much further. “Well well, aint you’s just a brave soul. Well, cmon then tin man! W’ell get back to her when were done guttin’ you like a pig!” Adamar took a deep breath, closing his eyes for the briefest of moments. “So be it.”  Adamar began marching forward as the thugs to began to move in on him. “Light above, guide my hand.” It was if the sun itself had answered his prayer, light bursting forth from his sword. The mist melted away and the thugs could only raise their hands to shield their eyes from the blinding light. “Wha’ the hel-” The mans words were cut short as Adamar closed the distance and make short work of burying the tip of his blade through the mans stomach. His pal could only stare in horror at the blade that stuck out the back of his companions back, a feint glow radiating from the metal where blood did not stain it. “A-a-a... paladin?!” The man back away as he fumbled at his belt, pulling a crude looking horn from his side.

Adamar ripped the blade free, causing the now motionless thug to fall in a heap to the earth. A loud bellow filled his ears as he turned his gaze on the second... a horn between the mans lips as he began to retreat back up the hill. Instantly, the forest came alive with the sounds of shouting and the clanging of metal. Adamar did not pursue the man, but instead made his way to the girls side. “Can you stand?” He asked, kneeling down to place a gentle hand upon the back of her shoulder. The girl shirked away from his touch, still sobbing until she looked up into the calm blue eyes. Her breathing steadied some, but the look in her eyes spoke a thousand words of pain and sorrow. “Take heart... I shall see you away from this place.” The smile that had began to tug at her lips faded into one of fear as her gaze went behind him to the hill above. Adamar rose and turned to the sight of two dozen men lines up atop the hillside. A well fitted bandit raiding party, to say the least.

“You sure got balls coming into my woods, Paladin. She’s pretty, aint she? Tha’ why you tryin’ to steal her away from me?” The man that spoke was clearly the leader as the rest of the men flanked him. He was a large intimidating man who clearly made his way to the top buy beating the shit out of anyone in his way. His massive form leaned heavily atop a massive Warhammer that could flatten a mans breastplate. The rest of his gang sported crude maces, short sword’s and crossbows. Though none of them had armor save for a few that wore graves or pauldrons over their leathers. “Aint you alittle tiny to be a knight?” The leader asked, causing a roar of laughter to erupt from his men. “Hes probably just a boy been listening tah to many ah nana’s stories!”

Adamar couldn't help but chuckle silently to himself, wondering if these men would be laughing if he still possessed his original body. The humor faded as he moved to put himself between the girl and the hillside, sword bloodied and at his side. “I will give you all the same chance I gave this one.” He raised his voice so that they all might hear as he gestured with his blade at the dead man near him. “Leave this girl be. Turn away from this life of evil and seek forgiveness for the crimes you have committed.” Once more, his words were met with a fit of laughter. He raised his voice even louder as he raised the sword, sweeping the point to trace the top of the hillside. “Do not, then you may seek judgment... here and now! The choice is yours!”

The leader gestured for the others to shut their gobs as he began to slow clap. “Nice speech, kid. Balls, you got. But smarts, your lackin’... ya see, I got all these men, and there's jest one o’ you. You gonna wiggle your fingers an’ kill us all?” Adamar stepped forward and traced a half circle with the tip of his sword in the dirt before looking back to the group of marauders. “If I must. Make your choice.” 

“Alright, I’ve had enough o’ this little prick. Kill em’! An’ bring me back tha’ bitch!” Yelled the leader, sending a roar up among the men as they all began to surge down the hill side towards the lone knight and battered girl. Adamar spread his stance and raised his longsword over his head with both hands as he watched the tide descend upon them. “The Light is my Salvation, whom, then shall I fear?” The glow upon his blade began to grow brighter as he continued. “The Light is the strength of my Life, of whom then, shall I be afraid?” The first couple men made it to the bottom of the hill and were running headlong for him, maces raised above their heads. “I shall not be afraid... for the Light is with me!”

Light erupted from all around Adamar, coalescing into two angelic like wings that sprouted from his back. The sight alone gave pause to the men nearest to him before they charged in once more at the urging of their leader. “WHAT ARE YA WAITIN’ FER! GET EM!” As the first man passed over the half circle in the dirt, he was met with a outstretched hand. Light burst forth from Adamar’s palm before taking on the shape of a glorious hammer. It slammed the thug full in the face and filled the area with a sickening snap as his head lulled back, neck broken. Several move were closing in now as Adamar parried the next attack, swiftly bringing the blade back around the open the mans throat. A swift kick to the mans midsection sent him sprawling back lifeless... just outside that half circle. Three more men leapt over their fallen comrades and pressed Adamar at once. He parried another strike as blades slashed him across his midsection and head. The blows glanced off and left hardly a scratch, such was the quality of castle forged full plate. Adamar slashed the hand clean off from the next swing made at him before the wings upon his back vanished. The light suddenly surged outward from the soles of his boots, holy fire spreading across the dirt as it licked and set flame to his attackers clothing. 

The men fell to the ground, rolling like madmen as they tried to snuff out the flames that consumed them fully. The flames did not cease until the men lady motionless upon the earth. Seven men now surrounded him as they moved in, forcing Adamar back towards the girl as they sought to overtake him. Blows rang off his armor as he slashed and stabbed down two of them. But the sheer numbers overwhelmed even his kills as a mace slammed him in the side of the leg. “Graah!” He fell to a knee as another slash found the spot between the armor of his arm, causing a wide gash that began to trickle blood down his armor. He seized one man by the front of his leathers and pulled him into the downward strike of his comrade, his head cleaved in two. More and more men entered the fray until he was surrounded on all sides. The blows began to dent his armor and take their toll as his head began to throb from the constant hammering. “Tha’s it boys! Gut tha’ little weasel!” Adamar saw for the briefest second, between the legs of his attackers... that poor girl. Her knees were pulled to her chest and all hope had left her eyes at the sight before her. 

He would see her away from this place. Gritting his teeth, he braced himself firmly against the ground as the power welled within him. The leader could only gawk as the pile of men suddenly erupted and men went scattering everywhere. In the middle stood that lone knight, surrounded in a bubble of glorious light. Most of the men that hadn't been knocked out by the blast were now high tailing it deeper into the woods. “We don’ get paid enough fer this! Lets get the fuck outa here!” The leader snarled as he pointed after the fleeing men. “Get back here you cowards! I’ll fuck yer skulls when I finds you!” He cursed loudly as he looked back at the lone knight.

Adamar breathed deeply as he looked at the bodies that littered the ground about him. He slowly trudged back towards the line in the dirt he had drawn. He readied his sword before him as he locked eyes with the meat head at the top of the hill. Though, he faltered and staggered as his wounded arm fell to his side. It was then, he noted the small pool of blood forming beneath his feet. The strength went from his legs and he fell hard to one knee. It took everything to keep from falling face first into the dirt. “Fuck....im outa shape.” He mumbled to himself weakly. 

“Fuck it! Looks like ima have to finish this myself!” Bellowed the leader as he was already making his way down the hill, that massive hammer propped on his shoulder. “You put up a good fight, you little shit! But playtimes over! Hope the bitch was worth it!” Adamar buried the tip of his sword into the dirt and used it to prop himself up as he watched the man loom over him. “She is.” Adamar said, raising his chin in defiance and tugged off his helmet to drop in the dirt beside him. “Shitty last words, boy.” He hefted the hammer high over his head, sucking in a deep breath. Adamar closed his eyes and a smile came to his face as the clouds above opened up and basked them in the warmth of the day. Just as that hammer was about to come down, a globe of light descended from the heavens towards the pair. Adamar opened his eyes as that orb formed into a massive hammer that crashed into the top of the leaders skull, slipping a knife from his belt. The blow sent the meathead crashing to his knees in front of Adamar, hammer falling into the dirt beside them. The two stared at each other for a moment before Adam spoke up. “I’ll pray for your soul.” The leaders eyes went wide as Adamar thrusted that dagger into the side of the thugs neck. The leaders massive form fell backwards as he struggled to breath past the gurgling of blood in his throat. It only took a minute before the struggling stopped and the forest once more grew quiet and peaceful.

Adamar took in a slow deep breath, using what strength he had left to push himself to his feet. “Light... have mercy on these lost souls. Bring them home.” He turned and staggered his way towards the battered girl, who was now on her feet and wide eyed. “Y-you... saved me. Why?” Adamar only smiled to the best of his ability, holding out his arm to help her away from the grisly scene. “Because... there is good in this world worth protecting.”