The Ardal Affair parts I-V

Part 1: The Bait


It had been nearly a week since Atton and Corbec had arrived back at Stormwind City. It was a mark of how turbulent their lives had been recently that they both had a strange feeling of foreboding, feeling sure it could only be a matter of time until something happened.

Sure enough by midday something did happen. Atton entered his workshop, a number of librams retrieved from the library were tucked under his arm. As he walked over to his table to deposit his burden he noticed a small scroll, attached to the table by a throwing dagger. ‘Gotta be S.I.7’ he thought, ‘no one else is so melodramatic’. Sure enough, when he had safely stacked his books to one side, he found the SI7 seal. Promptly prising the note open he read…

Atton
I am sorry to have to trouble you so soon after your return. My immediate superior has asked me to contact you and request you come to the SI:7 building in Old Town as soon as you are able. I cannot say much other than to tell you this is a matter of utmost importance that requires your immediate attention. Bring Corbec…this concerns him also.

Yours
Valerian.
SI:7

“Oh joy,” Atton muttered, “Corbec’s gonna be thrilled”


Atton didn’t any trouble locating Corbec, he was to be found talking animatedly to a rather pleasing barmaid in the ‘Pig and Whistle’ Tavern about how he’d fought off a great horde of goblins and shredders. Atton was somewhat less than amused upon hearing how the Warrior had, according to his account, saved his Paladin friend from certain doom.
“Yes, brave one indeed, our Corbec” Said Atton in an ironic voice. Corbec visibly stiffened in his seat at the sound of his friend’s voice but before he could say anything Atton continued
“Then again he is very strong, he does a lot of exercise…especially his mouth!” he finished pointedly.
The barmaid nodded to them and left them to their business, giggling as she moved away.

“What?” asked Corbec, his voice laced slightly with guilt. His mood changed somewhat when his friend had finished relaying the message.
“You know my opinion on S.I.7 Att, never trust any of them!”
“Cor, mate it said it was of the utmost importance and required our immediate attention” Atton repeated.
“I know of something else that is of the utmost importance that also requires my immediate attention” replied Corbec sarcastically.
“Such as?” asked the Paladin with a modicum of curiosity.
“MY DAMN PINT!” the Warrior growled, holding up a flagon of ale as though to emphasise the point.
“Cor….” Said Atton, letting the word hang.
“Fine! Bloody dramatic gits…probably isn’t even that important” Corbec muttered as he stood to follow Atton.

The S.I.7 building was not that far from the Pig & Whistle and the walk took no more than five minutes (though it seemed longer to Atton by the time his friend finished grumbling!). When they arrived they were ushered into a small antechamber occupied by a sinister looking rogue. Rogues in general tended to always look shifty to Atton, even those he counted among his friends, but this one seemed to have something unsettling about that had nothing to do with his trade. The door behind the two adventurers closed behind them as they entered, the rogue motioned them to sit indicating two chairs to one side of the entrance.
“Atton, Corbec,” Began the rogue without preamble, “Your friend Ardal may be in trouble” Any thoughts as to the suspicious nature of the rogue evaporated as concern took priority.
“How has Ardal found himself in difficulties? It was my understanding he planned to become a farmer!” said Atton uncertainly.
“He was instructed to use that pretence yes, but he has been in the service of S.I.7 since the charges against him were dropped” explained the shady man, “but I forget my self, my name is Meastran Sordis, SI7 senior official”
“Pleasantries aside I’d like you to explain the situation Ardal’s in more clearly” said Corbec, Atton nodding his agreement.
“Ardal was sent to Tanaris, why is a matter I’m not permitted to discuss, suffice to say he failed to contact us as he was supposed to and it is quite likely he has been captured”
“By who?” asked Atton.
“I’m not…”
“Permitted to discuss it?” suggested Corbec dryly.
“All you gentlemen need to know is that your travel arrangements have been made should you choose to take the mission”
“We can leave as soon as we’ve prepared some essentials” said Atton, this time with Corbec nodding.

When the Paladin and the Warrior had departed leaving Sordis alone, he immediately retrieved a strange orb from his belt pouch. As he held it in he palm of his hand it began to glow with a Pulsing red light, a sinister voice emanating from within the gem.
“Is it done?”
“It is my Lord” replied the Rogue in a venomous whisper.
“And they suspect nothing?”
“My performance was flawless,” replied Sordis, “They have no idea they’re walking straight into a trap”
“Excellent…you shall be well rewarded for this Meastran” said the vengeful voice as it faded to silence…


“We do both agree this stinks of a trap?” asked Corbec.
“Oh blatantly” Atton agreed conversationally
When they’d left S.I.7 Atton and Corbec had been careful to ensure they said nothing until they reached the Canal District…at which point they dropped their façade.
“What do we do then?” asked the Warrior.
“As I see it there’s only one way to work out who wants to trap us…”
“Spring it?”
“Lets face it, if they don’t succeed this time they’ll just try again so we may as well get it over with”
“I agree my friend but we need a back up plan” said Corbec.
“I’m way ahead of you mate, follow me…”

Half an hour later the two friends were in Stormwind’s mage quarter approaching the Arcane academies dormitory building, it did not take long to reach the dorm they sought. When they reached Sarah’s door Atton knocked brusquely and they waited as sounds of scuffling and muffled laughs emanated from the room beyond. Suddenly the door was opened a crack showing just Sarah’s head and shoulders, she wore a somewhat guilty expression whose sincerity was belied by the fact she seemed to be fighting the urge to laugh.
“I’m sorry madam Eskriel, I know I said you…Oh it’s you two” she said surprised as she opened the door properly, holding her arms out for a hug.
Before Atton or Corbec could oblige they caught sight of Sarah’s apparel…or lack thereof! Both adventurers quickly averted their eyes, realising Sarah was in little more than her leather underwear and in truth it would be more accurate to say a little less than!
“Erm…were we interrupting something Sar?” asked Atton. Sarah glanced down at her scantily clad body then back at her friends, rolling her eyes she vanished from the doorway, returning a moment later in a long velvet robe.
“Better?” she asked patiently. In answer to this question she got her hug.
“So did you want anything specific or did it just strike you to come pay me a visit this evening?” she asked her trademark infectious smile as wide as ever. it was this smile largely that gave rise to the belief Sarah was an innocent naïve young girl, until they got to know her anyway. Atton had to confess that now she’d had her scar (souvenir of her time as a troll captive) had been magically removed her face was…Atton cast his mind around for the right word. Angelic, no wait he had it…Cherubic.
“We’ve come to ask a favour,” said Atton smiling.
“Define favour” replied Sarah.
“You remember my Nautichron?” asked Atton.
“The fish thing yeah” smiled Sarah.
“Wanna take it out for a spin?”
“Why…?” Asked the mage with her eyebrow raised
“Because as always someone wants us dead” said Corbec.
“Huh?”
“You remember Ardal?”
“She should do,” put in Corbec, “she removed several of his teeth!”
“Oh him!” laughed Sarah “Of course I do what’s up with him?”
Atton and Corbec explained all that had happened in their strange day, only interrupted when a half-naked guy made a quick exit.
“Who was he?” asked Corbec.
“He’s what I was doing when you guys showed up” she said, laughing at the expressions on her friends faces.
The conversation continued into the night and by the time Sarah agreed the moon was already high above the distant spires of the Cathedral of Light.
“One thing though” she said as Atton and Corbec made to leave.
“What?” asked Corbec
“What makes you so sure the S.I.7 guy is trying to set you up?”
“S.I.7 are well known for keeping their internal affairs…well internal” began the Warrior.
“They would never send us to clear up something they’d see as their mess” Atton clarified.
“Any idea who this fake Rogue works for?”
“We hope to find that out when we get to Tanaris” laughed Corbec…

The next morning saw the two adventurers setting off for Kalimdor, happy in the knowledge that they had someone watching their back…after a fashion.
“You know,” Atton began, “we could just be being overly paranoid and this could be exactly as the Rogue said”
“Att lets face it, we’re just not that lucky mate”
“You make an excellent point” laughed the Paladin as he watched Menethil Harbour sliding into the veil of distance.


Part 2: Where Angels Fear To Tread

“Tanaris….If Kalimdor was a golf course this would be the bunker” Corbec said as he looked out from the dock across the vast expanse of golden sand.
“Gadgetzan first?” Atton asked as he led their horses from the ship.
“Well that’s where our contact is supposed to be so we may as well, if we are to spring this trap we should try and play our parts” the Warrior laughed.

Gadgetzan, a Goblin City in Northern Tanaris and the only semblance of civilisation in the desert save the port they’d arrived at. The sun beat down on them from the cloudless sky, heat rising visibly from the scorching sand beneath the hooves of their horses. Both Atton and Corbec were glad to be without their Plate armour, in this sweltering climate they would be not so much protected as cooked in personal ovens. As they approached the main gates they were assailed by a myriad of smells and sensations, the scent of fresh baked bread, the distant clang of hammer on anvil and a host of voices bartering, arguing, begging and talking in the bustling trading posts.

The two adventurers made a bee-line for the local tavern where they were to meet their contact.
“We should’ve known better than to assume he would be easy to find, someone looking suspicious would be quite invisible in here” Atton joked as they scanned the patrons. In truth it was their contact who found them!
“Atton & Corbec I presume?” asked a silky voice from behind them.
“Depends who’s asking” replied Corbec curtly.
“Follow me” drawled the voice as it’s owner moved to a table in the corner.
As the three took their seats Atton got a good look at the stranger. He was tall, roughly 6’ 2” and was garbed head to foot in black. He would have been called handsome had he not got a scar running from his hair line to his neck that ran diagonally across his face.
“I’m afraid I must be brief, gentleman” said the Rogue.
“Suits us, we want to go get Ardal before any unpleasantness befalls him” said Atton returning the piercing gaze of the man.
“Ardal was investigating the Pirates of Lost Rigger Cove,” began their contact but paused, a look of mild irritation on his scarred face as Atton and Corbec exchanged a withering glance.
“My apologies, it’s just these days it seems we have to deal with a great many pirates” said Atton.
“Makes you slightly apprehensive about sea voyages really” added Corbec.
“Yes…” the rogue replied, the look of irritation now badly concealed beneath a faux smile “as I was saying…Ardal was attempting to infiltrate the main ships crew when we lost contact with him. If the Pirates have him it will not be much longer before his fate is decided, if he’s not dead already.”
“So we make for this cove, get Ardal then job done?” asked Corbec.
“Well…yes but it will be a difficult…”
“Is that it?” Atton laughed, “Let’s go then Cor” Before the man could stop them the two friends had risen from their seats and begun making for the door. As though an afterthought Atton paused as he reached the doorway and called “NEXT ROUND’S ON HIM!” indicating the Rogue, who’s irritation seemed to have become surprise.

When they had retrieved their mounts a thought occurred to Corbec.
“Att, where the hell is this Cove?”
“Um…” replied Atton, realising he had no idea. Corbec called to a passing Goblin bruiser, “Could you tell us which way Lost Rigger Cove is?”
“It’s that way, but ya don’ wanna go messin wif them Pirates!”
“Thanks for the warning but we are very hard to kill” laughed Atton as he spurred Dobbin forward across the sea of dunes.
“Though many have tried” Cor grinned as he wheeled his own steed around and rode after the Paladin.

Four and a half-hours later their high spirits were decidedly lower.
“Where’s Sarah when ya need her?” asked Corbec in a croaky voice.
“What?” asked Atton trying to shake off his own heat-induced Stupor.
“Well ya remember that trick she used to put out that fire in your workshop?” he explained with a wry smile.
“You mean when she conjured that water?”
“Exactly”
“Do you remember how much trouble I was in when the High Priest found out we’d turned the Catacombs into underground rivers?”
“But be honest mate how much trouble would you have been in if the High Priest had had his Cathedral burnt down?”
“You make a good argument” Atton laughed but ended up coughing as his dried out throat punished his levity. Both of them were too exhausted and distracted to notice the mountains they were skirting had an opening in them just ahead.
“Was that a mirage?” Corbec asked blearily.
“What?”
“That tunnel”
“Tunnel?”

Relief spread through Atton as they entered the cool shade of the tunnel that allowed access to Lost Rigger Cove. A cool sea breeze played across his face and as he drank the last of the water his throat began to soften once more. From the silly smirk on Corbec’s face Atton assumed his friend felt the same. The respite was short lived however as Ardal, if he was alive, may be put to death at any time.
“What’s the plan” asked Corbec raising an eyebrow.
“Go and get Ardal”
“Yeah but how?”
“Kill anything that tries to stop us?”
“You use that plan a lot”
“If it aint broke…”
“Fair point”
Both adventurers shook hands, drew their weapons and began to move toward an encampment at the far end of the cove. Moving slowly they managed to eventually get close enough to survey the main camp. A palisade wall that reached from the cliffs to the sea formed a natural defence around the five buildings. In addition to these was the fairly impressive sight of an impromptu shipyard. Atton had not seen one such as this since their trip through the Deadmines, though this was just a pirate galley rather than a Man ‘o’ War.
“Where do ya reckon they’re holding Ardal?” asked Atton.
“Which building is the most guarded?”
“They’re all guarded” Suddenly the discussion became academic as Corbec felt cold metal against the back of his head. Atton turned to see why his friend had fallen silent, the sight that met his eyes was not reassuring. Six Pirates had crept up behind them and one now had the barrel of a pistol aimed at Corbec’s brainpan.
“Move!” growled the Pirate. Atton and Corbec found themselves being led into the encampment and they seemed to be heading for the Ships.
“Now?” asked Corbec in a low whisper.
“NOW!” Atton yelled as he leapt in the air, back-flipping over his assailant’s head. In seconds they had retrieved their weapons from their captors and the tide began to turn. Pirate after Pirate fell to the maelstrom of movement that was Atton and Corbec, a pile of bodies in various stages of dismemberment began to mass at their feet.
“STOP THAT OR YE’LL BE BLOWN TO SMITHEREENS!” yelled a hauntingly familiar voice. When they looked up they realised their situation had got considerably worse. A Goblin that Atton recognised as Captain Stoddark stood on the jetty before them holding a lit stick near the fuse of a cannon pointing at the two friends. Suddenly the Pirates who’d been fighting them scurried out of the way.
“Cor…is that a Cannon”
“Yup”
“Options?” asked Atton in an anxious voice.
“Well we could fight and die or we could run and die or we could surrender”
“And not die?” asked the Paladin, a spark of hope in his voice.
“No we pretty much still die just not yet”
“WE SURRENDER” yelled Atton immediately.


Part 3: Old Scores

Atton’s mind raced as they were led up the ships gang-plank, hundreds of escape ideas considered and rejected during the short walk along the dock and up onto the deck. The two friends were brought before Captain Stoddark and forced to their knees.
“Well well my friends, how the mighty have fallen aye?” said the Goblin with a cruel laugh.
“I refuse to believe your behind this!” exclaimed Atton with a laugh.
“I agree,” said Corbec, “You don’t have the resources and you definitely don’t have the connections to infiltrate S.I.7!”
“Ye be right enough lads, fortunately ye lubbers are in the bad habit o makin enemies of many people”
“Enlighten us then” suggested the Paladin “who is behind it?”
“That would be me” growled a low yet sophisticated voice.
“YOU!” Atton exclaimed, his face contorting with anger.
“Me” agreed the man whose face lay obscured beneath a hooded cloak…

“Not to interrupt what looks like a nice reunion here Att but, who the hell is that?” Corbec interrupted.
With a cruel shriek of laughter the hooded man moved toward them. “My name is Lord Rasuria, a noble of Stormwind. A noble your friend tried to KILL!” he hissed in a venomous tone.
“I beg to differ,” said Atton quietly “I seem to recall not killing you”
“YOU LEFT ME DANGLING FROM A TREE IN DUSKWOOD FOR THE SPORT OF THE FELL CREATURES THAT ROAM THOSE PARTS! PREY TELL WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU CALL IT?” Rasuria demanded in a furious voice.
“Funny?” suggested Atton with a smirk. Corbec winced and watched as Rasuria stared blankly at his friend for a second, processing this answer.
“Well now the joke will be at your expense, Paladin” replied the Lord in a spiteful voice that failed to completely mask his anger, “TAKE THEM BELOW!” he ordered.

It seemed to Ardal as though he had been tied up aboard the Pirate Ship for weeks, though in truth he’d lost count of the days by now. ‘What I need now is a miracle’ he thought to himself glumly as he tried to get the food placed just cruel centimetres from his bound hands reach. His activities were halted as the door opened and the last two people the ex Rogue had ever expected to see were brought in.
“Ello Ardal” said Corbec as he and Atton were tied securely to a couple of the rooms chairs.
“I can’t believe it” Ardal stammered.
“I was a touch surprised too” said Atton.
“I just mean I asked for a miracle…and seconds later here you are!”
“Yeah but life’s full of disappointment” said Corbec with a wry smile.

Several hours passed and Atton and Corbec were afforded the chance to recount the situation at large to Ardal. The sun had set by the time anyone entered the little room. Lord Rasuria swept in, his hooded cape swirling at his feet.
“Atton just remember what we talked about ok?” asked Corbec pleadingly.
“What?”
“You know the ‘let’s not get everyone killed by insulting the bad guy’ conversation” said Corbec, a note of warning in his Voice.
“Enjoying our stay are we gentlemen?” asked the Lord in his drawling voice.
“Shut it pervert” replied Atton calmly, ignoring the way Corbec’s head sank.
“The same holier than though do-gooder that left me for dead then” said Rasuria, face still obscured by the opulent cloak.
“Speaking of left for dead how is it that you live?” asked Atton in a disgusted voice.
“When you left my driver and I suspended from that tree you intended us to be finished by the creatures of the wood and make no mistake they arrived”
“Let me guess…you taste to foul to eat?” suggested Atton with a smirk that was met with a swift punch in the face from the Lord.
“Actually my driver was taken first, the wolves pulled him apart and during the fray I was able to get free and escape nearly unscathed”
“Nearly?” queried the Paladin sounding, for the first time moderately interested in what the noble had to say.
“Yes,” hissed Rasuria, “nearly”. With a flourish he pulled back the hood of his cloak to reveal a scarred face.

“Oh my heart bleeds” laughed Atton enjoy the spectacle of Rasuria’s face contorting with rage.
“So why all this?”
“All this what?” spat Rasuria.
“Why not just return home to mummy and daddy and pull all those strings to have me got rid of. Why on earth bring us across the sea to a Pirate ship?”
“You fool, I couldn’t return home! You saw to that…I found out what you had done…the deal you struck with my father”
“You did what?” asked Corbec.
“Didn’t he tell you?,” chuckled the Lord, “this so called Paladin told my father what I had done and said that he would remain silent, but if I was ever seen in Stormwind again he would ensure that everyone from King Anduin down new about it!” he growled.
“Nice touch” said Corbec with a smile.
“Well I try” laughed Atton.
“SILENCE!”
“Yes do continue telling us of your genius plan by all means” said Atton dryly.
“It’s really very simple” Rasuria smiled.
“It would have to be if you came up with it!” said Atton cutting across him. After the second punch in the face Atton allowed the Lord to continue.
“I shall return to Stormwind once you’ve been disposed of and I shall take great delight in telling everyone that you tried to betray the Alliance. I shall tell how you joined forces with these Pirates who had captured Ardal and myself, and though I tried Valiantly to save Ardal’s life he perished along with the two of you as we tried to escape. You see brother Atton I don’t just want you dead, I want to make sure that you are remembered as a traitor, you see history will remember you as the villian of the piece and I the hero…I can think of no better torment to fill your last hours”

As Rasuria turned to leave Corbec called after him…
“Do you mean to say that I’m gonna die for something that he did when I was at the other end of the continent?” he said irritably.
“I’m afraid I couldn’t risk a would be advocate trying to disprove my proclamations upon my return” the Lord sneered.
“So tell me Ras,” asked Atton “how do we get to die?”….



Part 4. Fallen Heroes

“Your deaths will be nothing special. We’ll just weight you down and throw you over the side when we’re far enough out into the great sea…tomorrow morning should be good.”
“Oh very imaginative” Atton quipped “Tell me, did you come up with this master plan in your head or did you use your crayons?” With his face crinkled with annoyance once more he swept out of the room, locking the door behind him.

Ardal, who had until now remained silent, now spoke up.
“So what’s the plan?”
“What plan?” asked Corbec.
“Wait…isn’t this part of your plan to rescue me?” asked the Rogue in a disconcerted voice.
“Not really no” said the Warrior.
“All we have to do is work out a way to get free before he comes back in the morning” said Atton with a smile.
“Right,” said Corbec with a grin, “lets figure this out”

The Sun rose the next morning into a cloudless sky. Within their prison sat three rather depressed friends, not one of whom had been able to get free of their constraints. Right on time Lord Rasuria, Captain Stoddark and a number of burly Pirates arrived to lead the captives up to the deck. Rasuria watched with delight as weights were attached to the three friends.
“You do realise I will KILL YOU for this don’t you Ras!” Atton growled a fury bristling throughout his muscular frame.
“Save it for the Sharks Paladin!” laughed the noble. As they were moved to the side of the boat Rasuria grinned a broad sadistic grin as he said “So any last words?”
“Yeah actually,” said Atton struggling round to face the Lord, “Piss off and play with your dollies you perverted sick son of a donkey…”
“PUT THEM IN NOW!!” demanded Rasuria. As he was shoved of the side of the Galley Atton ensured the last Rasuria saw of him would be a smug grin.

The water met them with a force that belied its liquidity, it felt more like hitting a wall. So this was to be how he died was it? Slowly descending to the bottom of the great sea. All three of them kept determinedly held their breath, the marvellous human spirit that drives all of us refusing to let go of that last shred of hope…then Atton saw the light. ’Stay away from the light’ he commanded himself but then he realised the light was coming towards him! As realisation dawned on him Atton very nearly used the last of his air in a soundless cheer…

Corbec could see little other than his friends in the murk. As he fought to maintain his grip on consciousness he caught sight of Atton. Far from looking worried the Paladin looked like he’d dance for joy given the chance. ‘You really are a pillock sometimes aren’t you?’ he thought to himself as Atton’s eyes widened with happiness. That was when the bubble appeared around him and he vanished.

Sarah had at first relished the chance to pilot the Nautichron but after weeks of little else she was growing bored. She had followed Atton and Corbec to Tanaris, gone ashore long enough to know they had asked about Lost Rigger Cove, had followed them to the Place in the Nautichron and when they were taken aboard the ship she followed it out to sea. By the dawn of their first day at Sea she was growing decidedly weary and when she saw Atton, Corbec and Ardal float down past the window she thought she’d started hallucinating!

When the Portals closed there were three bubbles of water inside the Nautichron, a different person in each. With a snap of her fingers the bubbles vanished and the three adventurers dropped to the deck with enough force to shake the craft. Atton fancied he saw a dent in the deck plating from the Iron bars hung from Corbec’s legs.
“Bit early for swimming isn’t it?” asked Sarah with a playful smile as she watched her friends cough up a fair amount of seawater.

A couple of hours later when everyone was dry they sat down to discuss the matter at hand. Rasuria’s ship was approaching the coast of Stranglethorn Vale, he would arrive at Booty Bay in less than four hours.
“Its simple, we just get to Stormwind first and have him arrested as soon as he arrives!” said Corbec.
“No” said Atton simply as he strapped on his bracers.
“What else can we do?” asked the Warrior, though a worrying feeling in the pit of his stomach told him the answer.
“I didn’t kill him when I had the chance and two of my friends nearly died. I will NOT make that mistake again!”
“Atton…” began Sarah in a soothing voice but she stopped when she met his gaze.
“I’m going” said the Paladin leaving no room for argument.
“Then I’d best get ready to go too” said Corbec rising from his seat.
“I do not ask you to help me in this my friend though I appreciate the gesture”
“Atton we have been friends long enough that you need not ask my help, now lets go kill this bastard!”
“Agreed!” laughed the Paladin as he and the warrior high fived.

Less than 20 minutes later Atton and Corbec were climbing up the side of the ship using one of Atton’s more recent creations, Suction-o-matic climbing aids. Lord Rasuria sat below deck, searching through Atton and Corbec’s possessions, completely oblivious to the fact that the top deck was now carnage. Atton and Corbec fought with vengeful fury, each blow that landed carrying the force of a small cannon. Rasuria knew nothing until the door to his quarters was kicked into pieces and Atton and Corbec stepped in.
“But you…your…I” stammered the noble.
“Much as I hate to admit this Ras you and I share a common factor” Growled Atton.
“What might that be?” spat Rasuria, regaining his composure.
“I tried to kill you but didn’t make sure I succeeded and now you like me will suffer for that same mistake!” As the Paladin made to cut down the vile man, Rasuria ducked beneath the blow and ran from the room. Clutched in the lord’s hands was a number of Atton’s Gnommish devices. ‘One of these must be a weapon’ thought the noble desperately as he fled.

Atton and Corbec finally caught up to their prey in the powder magazine of the ship, Rasuria having run out of places to run. Corbec moved to cover the only door as Atton advanced. Deciding to try one of the Gadgets in desperation, Rasuria selected a strange obsidian box with a red button on it. The noble was pleased to see the Paladin halt in his tracks.
“I don’t know what this is Paladin but with any luck it will be your end!” exclaimed Rasuria as he pressed the button. In a swirl of purple energy Bobby, Atton’s Mithril Dragonling, replaced the box. Before Atton could say anything to stop the Dragon, Bobby let out a burst of fire straight at Rasuria.
“BOBBY NO DON…” The rest of Atton’s shout was silenced by the deafening roar as the powder magazine exploded…

Sarah and Ardal had surfaced and watched Rasuria’s ship through the forward viewport.
“It should be over soon” she said with a smile. The smile was replaced by a look of abject horror as the Galley ahead of them was consumed in searing flames, hull pieces and Shrapnel flying everywhere…

Atton’s last moments were a tempest of pain and fear as he felt the skin burnt from his body and his hair cat alight. He was burning alive and could do nothing to stop it… Corbec was also burning though was probably finished off by the piece of powder keg that was stuck through his chest. Atton was struck by one last sobering thought… There’s no one to save us this time…this is the end…
And as the thought went through his mind Atton Lightheart died.



Part 5: The Haunting of Cataclysmia

It had been nearly four hours since Lord Rasuria’s ship had exploded and still Sarah and Ardal frantically searched the floating wreckage that now littered the shoreline. Both of them knew all too well that with Atton and Corbec never assume their dead unless you have proof. As news reached Booty Bay many people came to help look, it seemed Atton and Corbec were known and known of quite well.

The afternoon was wearing on when the proof of their deaths was found. One of the Blackwater raiders uncovered the two heroes’ bodies, neither was a pretty sight. By the time evening had arrived both corpses had been laid in coffins and were readied for the trip back to Stormwind. Already news had reached Stormwind and from there the news spread to all of Atton and Cor’s friends. The Cathedral of Light was to be prepared for the funeral.

Meanwhile along the coast of Stranglethorn two people were just regaining consciousness. Atton looked around with a smile, he had no idea how he’d managed to survive but it appeared he had. Not far from him Corbec was sitting up too, though Atton thought the Warrior looked a bit pale. ‘I guess he has been in the water a while’ Atton reasoned. That wasn’t the only oddity… Atton suddenly remembered Corbec had been skewered by a chunk of wood and yet there was his friend with not so much as a mark on him.
“What time is it?” asked Corbec, an odd echo to his voice. The Paladin looked up at the sky but was startled to find it replaced by a horrible swirling vortex.
“Oh no!” Atton said dropping to his knees.
“What is it?” asked Corbec.
“I think we’re dead” said Atton as he looked at his translucent hands.
“WE’RE WHAT!”

For what seemed like hours both Atton and Corbec sat on the beach as the enormity of their situation sank in. It was then that a strange creature of blue and white light swept down on glowing wings to float before them.
“Hello weary travellers…I have come to lead you on your final journey” said the spirit.
“Um…no thanks,” said Atton getting to his feet, “Sorry to cause you a wasted trip and all”
“Atton…we died I don’t think we get a choice” said Corbec also rising.
“We do get a choice actually,” said the Paladin confidently. “And I quote ‘and to those souls who fall in battle for a righteous cause a choice shall be given, that they might live in a land eternal and blessed with unending peace or be allowed to remain as a spirit guardian. As a spirit guardian they may not truly cross over until they themselves so choose’” Atton kept his gaze fixed on the spirit the whole time he recited.
“Your friend speaks true though I thought that knowledge had been lost. I must warn you if you are to consider this…it is folly- a half existence neither living or dead”
“Unless you could find a way to live again!” replied the Paladin.
“My dear soul, you would have to have a living person, probably more than one, perform a redemption and everyone knows you are dead.” Replied the Spirit reasonably.
“So we make them think otherwise” Atton said stubbornly.
“Is this your choice also, brave Warrior?”
“I would love to live in this land of which you speak but I fear it would bore me after a while” Corbec answered with a wry look on his face.
“Then I can but wish you luck in your endeavours” said the apparition, and with that she vanished.
“You better be right about this mate” Corbec muttered as they began their long walk…

Many people had gathered in Stormwind for the upcoming funeral.
“Many have come to pay their respects it seems” said Versia as she surveyed the courtyard from the window of their room.
“I am not surprised” replied her brother Garjiimp. Their conversation was suddenly interrupted as Versia’s son Verit burst in.
“Mother, Aunt Cat is doing it again!” he said anxiously. Versia hurried out onto the landing shared by all the inns rooms. A gnome was floating in the air suspended by a flickering beam of blue light that emanated from the fingers of a Night-Elf Priestess whose entire body seemed to be composed of a shadowy fog.
“Cataclysmia! What are you doing?” asked Versia blankly.
“Levitating a Gnome” replied the shadow priestess with a note of amusement in her voice.
“I can see that but why?” asked the Hunter as she stared at her sister.
“He came into my room uninvited” replied Cat simply.
“I tried to explain,” squeeked the gnome in terror, “I work here, I was told to bring a message to you” he said pleadingly.
“Oh” said Cat reaching out for the note the Gnome held out for her. As soon as she took it she lowered the hand firing the beam, her body once more becoming solid.
“EEEEEE” yelled the gnome as he fell down the first flight of stairs. Cataclysmia hadn’t even paid the plummeting gnome a cursory glance, now more interested in the note.
“What does it say?” asked Versia as Garjiimp and Verit ran to check on the Gnome.
“The Coffins will arrive this evening and the service will be held the day after tomorrow to allow everyone to get here” replied Cat handing the note to her sibling.
“You can’t just do that to people you know Cat” said Versia as she took the note.
“I’m going for a walk” Cat said interrupting Versia, “I don’t need another lecture” she added as she began walking downstairs.

As Corbec and Atton approached the gates of Stormwind they couldn’t help but notice the road was busier than normal. They had both given up trying to get anyone’s attention, as it was glaringly obvious no one could see them.
“Why on earth are all these people here?” Corbec wondered aloud.
“Dunno, maybe there’s a party” suggested the Paladin
“We were well missed then” said Corbec in a sarcastic voice. Both of them headed into the City both beginning to question their decision not to pass on.

Cataclysmia did not really know where she was going but found herself in the Trade District. Idly thinking she would examine the wares of some of the quaint little shops, she walked toward the Apothecaries. The Elf was paying little attention to her surroundings as she walked but that changed when she heard a very familiar voice saying her name…

Despite the Paladin’s objections, Corbec had insisted they stop. The Warrior was feeling a bit dejected at the ineffectuality of his friend’s plan. Both friends hopped up to sit on a couple of barrels outside the Apothecary in the Trade District. While watching the world go by Atton recognised a familiar face heading into the shop.
“Hey look, it’s Cataclysmia!”…

The Priestess tried very hard to dispel the thought. Considering the circumstances perhaps it was just a product of Atton and Corbec being on her mind. Yes that would be it. The only problem with this theory was its failure to explain why she could see two ghostly figures staring at her from the shop door. She blinked hard but when she opened her eyes the spectres remained. The Elf moved to leave the shop, stepping quickly around the spirits and headed back to the inn.

“What?” asked Corbec, puzzled as to why the Paladin was wearing a grin the width of the Thandol Span.
“Cat just stepped around us as she left” said the Paladin in a distant, happy voice.
“What’s your point?”
“Cor you pillock! If she stepped around us that means…”
“SHE COULD SEE US!” yelled the Warrior realising what Atton meant.
“Where did she go?”
“I didn’t see”
“We have to find her” Atton said with a laugh.

“Cat?” Versia called as she entered Cataclysmia’s room.
The shape on the bed jumped at the sound of her name but calmed when she recognised Versia. A day had past since she’d seen the strange apparitions and she was still unsettled.
“What is wrong, sister?” asked the Huntress as she opened the curtains.
“I…it’s really nothing.” Cataclysmia answered.
“Then why have you been in here in the dark since your walk?” asked Versia.
“I do not wish to speak of it” replied the Priestess firmly.
“Will you at least come with us to visit Atton and Corbec’s mothers?”
“No but pass on my respects” replied Cat, glaring at Versia.
“Very well…well we’ll see you this evening then”
“Yes”

There was no sign of Cataclysmia anywhere despite spending many hours looking. Atton and Corbec sat remorsefully on a wall in Old Town looking at the people passing in the hope Cat would walk past.
“Look!” exclaimed Corbec, making Atton jump. Versia, Verit and Garjiimp were just leaving one of the districts many inns.
“I think we may have found Cat” Atton laughed as he and Corbec headed into the inn.

Cataclysmia lay on her bed trying to sleep, something she’d found impossible during the night. Finally she said in an angry voice to no one in particular… “This is foolish! I did not see Atton and Corbec! They died!!”
“Well I suppose your half right” laughed a voice that made the Priestess’ blood freeze. Opening her eyes Cat saw Atton and Corbec standing in all their ethereal glory both grinning and waving.
“How is this possible?” asked Cat backing into her beds headboard.
“Well put simply,” said Corbec with a grin, “we died but we didn’t pass on”
“How?”
“I may have refused to go” Atton replied sheepishly.
“This has to be a trick” retorted Cat, still eyeing them suspiciously.
“No” replied Atton smiling “the trick is yet to come”…

As the morning of the Funeral dawned many people flocked to the Cathedral, including many friends and family of the deceased, oh and the deceased of course. Cataclysmia strode into the Cathedral to find the enormous building was already filling up. Behind her Atton and Corbec marvelled at the scale of their send-off. Instead of taking her seat Cataclysmia carried on walking and, ignoring the stunned looks of the other mourners, strode up to the Coffins. Atton noticed that a massive portrait of Corbec was hung over the Warrior’s coffin, there was one of him too.
“Hey Cor, dya reckon they’ll let us keep those portraits?”
“Could you try not to sound like your enjoying this!” replied the Warrior.

Sarah had been one of the first to arrive at the Cathedral, feeling she should check to make sure everything was arranged properly, and as such had got a seat in the front row. As Cataclysmia walked past her and up to her friends’ bodies Sarah got to her feet.
“What do you think your doing?” She demanded as Cat began unlocking the coffins.
“I’m trying to save our friends!” replied the Elf, though she knew what everyone must be thinking as they watched her.
“Stop what your doing right NOW!” Sarah commanded, the sleeves of her top disappearing as the entire length of her arms became flames. Many people had begun heading for Cat, Warriors, Paladins, Rogues and others. Atton had a sudden thought…

“Wait!” Cat said quickly as Sarah prepared to barbecue her, “I have a message from Atton, he said to say that when everyone thought you were dead they still came and helped you. They need your help!” Sarah made her decision quickly. A colossal wall of flame sprung up between the hoard of mourners and the Coffins.
“Thank you” said Cat.
“WELL BLOODY HELP THEM THEN! DO YOU THINK KEEPING A 60 FOOT HIGH WALL OF FIRE THERE IS EASY” Sarah exclaimed.
As Cat began the spell she added, “Atton said you shouldn’t swear in church either”

Sarah managed to hold the barricade but it became quickly apparent Cataclysmia was not powerful enough on her own to complete the spell. Suddenly three people burst in through a side door and two of them drew weapons, Makenshi, Brother Augustus and High Priest Bartholomew himself.
“Perfect” muttered Cat, “help me cast the spell of redemption now!” she demanded. The three newcomers stared at Sarah who was sweating profusely with the effort.
“I’ll explain later” she gasped “just do it or I swear I’ll barbecue all of you!”

Seconds later Sarah, and with her the fiery blockade, collapsed. The mob was now halted by the amazing miracle before them. Atton and Corbec’s bodies, or what was left of them, were suspended 20 feet in the air an a cocoon of golden light. Without warning the broken shells disintegrated into tiny specks that swirled as though caught in a wind. Cataclysmia saw the two spectres fade as the spell neared completion. The ball of Golden light split into two and began to form two very distinct silhouettes. As the two bodies were obscured by light a voice filled the Cathedral that caused a collective gasp from the congregation.
“REPORTS OF OUR DEATH HAVE BEEN GREATLY EXAGERATED!”

The blinding light faded to reveal Atton and Corbec standing before them without so much as a scratch on their brand new bodies. Cheering erupted and filled the Cathedral. Both heroes were too busy laughing and cheering to realise they were naked until Sarah pointed up at them and laughed.

It was an hour later when, fully clothed, Corbec and Atton made history as the first corpses to make a speech at their own funeral. When they arrived at the wake Atton was thrilled to see a laden buffet table but his face fell somewhat as he turned to Sarah and said, “Where are the beer basted boar ribs? They’re my favourite”
“Funnily enough I didn’t think to get food for the CORPSES!” replied Sarah though laughed as she did.
“How many times have you seen the corpses eat at their own funeral?” laughed makenshi. The laughter halted when both Atton and Corbec said “three” in unison.
“In fairness those tried to eat the mourners rather than the food though” laughed the Paladin, “But that’s another story!”

The End…for now