Sounds, like noises filtered underwater, reached her ears. Voices. Familiar voices. Tiene's eyes flickered open. The world was blurry, but she could make out two shapes close to her.

"Tiene! Can you hear me?"

She smiled although it felt like it took her an inordinately long time to do so. Inaris!

"She hears you. Just give her a moment or two." Her father's voice.

Her eyes finally focused, and she saw her brother and father beside her. She automatically tried to lift her right arm. Sharp pain reminded her she had fallen from a great height. She had been lucky, though, the safety net did break her fall. The ground, unfortunately, not so helpful, broke her arm and dislocated her shoulder. Her arm and shoulder were strapped up. Other than aches all down her right side, there seemed to be no further damage.

She scanned the room; it looked like the complex' infirmary, the one place she had hoped not to end up in, but here she was, injured. She knew there was one in the grounds, so it was safe to assume that's where she was.

"Baby sis, you had us worried," Inaris said, patting her left hand.

Her voice was a little slow and slurred. "You were worried? Think about how I felt when I saw the ground rushing up to meet me," she laughed but flinched at the pain it caused. "So, how are you here?"

"Sauren got word to us. We came as soon as we heard," her father replied. "I believe you were going to come home for a couple of days? I honestly feel you would be better resting here until you feel able to get up and about anyway."

"But, Camnath is going home, and Sauren arranged for..."

Inaris looked at her sorrowfully. "Change of plan I'm afraid Tiene. Camnath won't be able to make it; his father let us know. He is working on a few missions. "

Tiene, initially gutted for not seeing her beau, was then stunned by what Inaris had just told her. "Missions? So soon?"

"Aye, he is excelling at everything, way beyond what the other students are at his level. I don't think they are hugely important missions though, maybe more in line with field training just."

"Even so!" Tiene had a little flush of envy, but it was short-lived. "I knew he would be great."

"Oh, are you talking about me?" Sauren said in his gravelly voice. The Guild Master approached then stopped beside Tiene's bed as Yathas and Inaris turned to greet him. Tiene smiled up at Sauren.

"No, I was talking about..."

"Her sweetheart," Inaris laughed. Tiene playfully punched his arm.

Sauren's face remained impassive. "Oh, the boy from the wedding?"

"Camnath," Tiene reminded him. "He is on missions already."

"Ah. Well, so will you be, once that arm heals in a few weeks. And I will be your mission partner on some of them."

"Really?"

Sauren's mouth curled at one corner. Her enthusiasm was most encouraging. "Really," he confirmed.

"You must get completely better first though, Tiene," her father said. "I know you, and your impatience leads you to do things before you are ready."

Tiene frowned. "Weeks, though?"

Sauren agreed. "I will not take you Tiene ... unless you are one hundred per cent fit and able." He grinned.

Inaris eyes shifted in the direction of the guild leader. There could have been an allusion in there if he had not known better.

"Listen to your guild leader," Yathas said to his daughter, who still had a slight pout on her.

"Hi!" a female voice joined them now. Lexie. The girl looked a little uncertainly at Sauren, but soon adopted a smile for the others. Tiene was happy to see her friend and beckoned her closer. Lexie moved in past Yathas and stood next to the top of Tiene's hospital bed.

"Hello," Inaris said. "And who might you be, young lady?"

Lexie blushed. She recognised Inaris from the first day Tiene arrived. "I'm Lexie," she said, not daring to look at Sauren.

The Guild Master eyed her carefully. "Come to say your goodbyes, Lexie?" he said.

Inaris looked round at Sauren, then back at Lexie. "Oh, you're leaving?"

Lexie sighed. "Yes. I don't please the master anymore, so I have to go." Her tone was slightly embittered.

Sauren's eyes burned into her, but he maintained his poise and dignity. "Sadly, Lexie did not make it through this afternoon's trial. It was her third and last attempt. I have, however, ensured a glowing reference goes to all other Guild Masters who may be interested in accepting Lexie to their guilds. We are, perhaps, more stringent in our methods than others. Lexie has, however, exceptional skills, in many areas."

Her eyes met his this time. She had not expected that. Even though her time with the Crimson Blades was over, he still showed her a courtesy she did not expect. She smiled wistfully. He returned the smile and afforded her a small nod.

"Now, gentlemen," he said, "shall we get some refreshments and let these ladies have their girl talk. We could discuss some more business perhaps, Yathas?" Tiene's father nodded. "You can, of course, see Tiene again, afterwards."

Yathas kissed his daughter's forehead and smiled at Lexie. "Nice to meet you, Lexie. Good luck with whichever guild you enter into."

"Thank you, sir."

"The name is Yathas, my dear."

She smiled a little embarrassed. Then Inaris also kissed his sister, on the cheek. "You didn't tell me you had such a cute friend," he said loud enough for Lexie to hear.

The girl blushed again. Tiene's brother was cute too. "I'm Inaris, by the way," he said, looking at her.

Sauren cleared his throat. "Shall we?" The irritation in the Guild Master's voice cut the moment short, and he led the way out, Yathas and Inaris following.

Once the men were out of earshot, Tiene smiled and said to Lexie, "Ignore my brother, he is a terrible flirt. A ladies man."

Lexie laughed, although it was a little bittersweet. "Is he now? I would never have guessed."

The girls smiled at each other. "I'm so sorry to hear you are leaving, Lexie. I wish you could stay." She was after all the first real female friend Tiene ever had.

Lexie sat on the edge of the bed, patting and stroking Tiene's hand. She took a deep breath then looked at her friend. "There is something I need to tell you Tiene, and you may be shocked by what you hear."

Tiene felt a little apprehension; Lexie was so serious. "Okay," she said, drawing the word out.

Lexie swallowed; this was not going to be easy. "Remember the day we started training, and I wore a scarf?"

Tiene nodded.

"I told you it was due to an allergy. Well, I lied."

Tiene had gathered as much, but it still did not prepare her for what she was about to hear.

"It was Sauren," Lexie said in a hushed voice.

Tiene's eyes grew enormous. "He tried to strangle you? Why?"

Lexie, although dreading telling her friend the details, could not help but laugh a little at Tiene's take on it. "Well, yes and no."

"Lexie! I saw the marks. I gathered they were fingers. But, Sauren? Our leader?"

"I was his lover," Lexie said quickly.

"What?" Tiene's face paled, but Lexie allowed her time to absorb what she was being told. "But - but he hurt you!" Tiene exclaimed, shifting in her bed, uncomfortable.

Lexie had intended to be scornful about her lover and Guild Master, but when it came to the crunch, she couldn't bring herself to say awful things about him. "He plays rough, but he is...was - amazing!"

Tiene's cheeks flushed, and her mouth went slack. Part of her wanted to hear Lexie's story, but she felt guilty - and embarrassed.

"I need to warn you Tiene," Lexie continued. "He wants you."

Tiene flinched, the movement causing pain in her arm to flare. She winced. "No, that is not possible. He knows my heart is for Camnath..."

"Wake up, Tiene! Our leader is an alpha male with an insatiable appetite for sex. He has had many a young woman pass through his door, not just me. Have you not been woken in the night by sounds from across the hall?"

Tiene nodded, hesitant. She had even peeked through the keyhole one night and saw a figure pulling a sheet around themselves, sneaking down the stairs. Now she wondered if that figure had been Lexie. She didn't ask.

Lexie looked at her friend. "And as for your heart, that is not the part of your anatomy he is interested in."

Tiene felt the blood drain from her face. "No! He wouldn't. He won't..."

Lexie smiled and stroked Tiene's hair in an attempt to calm the blonde. "You are a Firefury. You show such promise as an assassin and will quite possibly even best your parents, Tiene. I have seen it in you. Greatness! Some individuals shine, and you are one of those."

Tiene was flattered that Lexie thought so highly of her, but the panic was still brewing under the surface.

"I believe Sauren will allow you to exceed in your abilities first and foremost, the fact you are a Firefury is also a large part of why he desires you. But you will, one day, mark my words, become his pet."

Tiene was furiously shaking her head.

Lexie continued to smile, an odd, resigned but sad smile. "Hear me now. Do not fear it, Tiene." Her eyes became a little misty. "Once you see him, in all his magnificence, and feel him, you cannot resist. When he takes you, you will succumb to his charms. You will want him. You will want him again and again..."

Tiene shook her head and swatted away Lexie's hand. "No! I will speak with my father..."

Her friend's eyes hardened but did not lose their kindness. "No Tiene, you will not. And do you know why? Because you are a Firefury. You are driven by the ambition to succeed. You will not want your father to know about this, and cause him to worry. And what, Tiene, could he possibly do anyway? He is retired, and for all he is a Firefury, he could not take down the mighty Sauren."

"I can leave and join another guild. I'll come with you..."

"Not for five years, you can't. That is the standard contract, a legal and binding document between your father and Sauren. Different if you fail as I did. Then and only then, will the contract be nullified, still at a high cost though. And you cannot, will not fail. Will you!"

Tiene could not believe what she was hearing. She had thought Sauren to be a gentleman. Now and again, she'd sensed something dark about him, but he had only ever been polite and helpful toward her.

The fact he had a continuous line of lovers was not something which bothered her; after all, she had two brothers whose reputations with the ladies were also notorious.

But, what worried her was Lexie's conviction that the Guild Master would seek to take her to his bed. The only man she wanted in such a way was Camnath.

Lexie had made another valid point. As a Firefury, Crimson Blade meant something to her. It was in the blood, and although the leadership was different from her parents' day, what the guild stood for, remained constant. 

Out of respect for her father and mother, both legends of the Blades, she would see this through. She would deal with the over-sexed leader if, and when, the unthinkable were to happen; though she prayed it would not.

Lexie stood up. "I best be leaving now."

Tiene sighed, vexed to see her friend go. "Good luck. I won't forget you."

Lexie kissed her forehead, bade her farewell and good luck, promising she would keep in touch.

By the time Yathas and Inaris returned to check on her, Tiene was sleeping. Her father needed to return home for work but intended to return the next day. 

Inaris decided to stay overnight, having been offered Tiene's rooms by their very gracious host. He was relieved he would be able to check on his sister in the morning. 

Sauren also arranged for dinner to be taken to the rooms and Brett would be on call if he needed anything else. The Guild Master excused himself; he had some business to attend.

Brett accompanied the warlock to Tiene's rooms as planned. Inaris was suitably impressed, although he did find it strange such luxurious accommodation would be made available to a recruit. Clearly, his family name was held in high regard, but to put his sister in here? Was there something more to this? He wondered.

After settling into the room, he asked Brett to join him for dinner. He liked the man, and as he had a history with his parents, he was looking forward to getting to know him a little better. Brett said he would be delighted and planned to return when dinner was ready.

Inaris familiarised himself some more with the luxurious abode. Sitting on the bed, he opened the little cabinet next to it. Inside, he spied the letters from himself and, he assumed, from Camnath. He swithered. He shouldn't pry really. No! He would resist; it was private, between Tiene and Camnath. It would be very naughty of him to read them, he thought, as he unfolded one of the letters.

Darling Tiene (Aww, thought Inaris, chewing a knuckle.)

Things are going well here. The trainers and the recruits are all very friendly. I may have ended up in a better guild than those I attempted to get into in the Eastern Kingdoms. Oddly enough, I hear they are taking on trainees again.

Belaen Bloodmane, my Guild Master, is encouraging and a very funny man. I told him you were with the Crimson Blade, but I'm sorry to say, however, he does not seem too keen on your Guild Master. He claims Sauren is nothing like his father, even though he has managed to maintain the guild's flawless reputation. I told Belaen, all that matters is that he is kind to my girl.

Inaris smiled. Camnath was a very nice young man and most definitely in love with his sister. He was happy for Tiene.

I long to see you, Tiene. Now that we seem to have passed that awkward stage – all thanks to your brother's intervention the day you left -

Inaris blew on his fingertips and rubbed them on his robe - well pleased with himself.

– I am hoping we can perhaps take things a little further?

Okay, now would be a good time to fold the letter up and put it back, Inaris told himself - as he kept on reading.

I want to hold you close, cover you in kisses. I will not do anything you do not wish me to, but I would love to -

A loud knock at the door had Inaris quickly refolding the letter and popping it back into the drawer. He leapt off the bed, straightened the covers, then answered the door.

A young woman came in with a tray with two covered platters, a bottle of wine and two glasses. She smiled at Inaris and moved into the room toward the table near the window. Inaris offered to take the tray from her, but she smiled sweetly and shook her head.

Inaris sat at the table, watching as she placed first the cutlery, then the platters on either side of the table, followed by napkins and then the glasses. She glanced at Inaris. He sat smiling at her, adopting his best smoulder.

She giggled quietly, a blush creeping up from her neck.

"You're very pretty," Inaris said. "What's your name?"

The woman smiled but did not answer; she merely continued with trying to open the wine bottle.

"Please. Allow me," Inaris said. He took the bottle and opened it with ease. Pouring a little in the glass, he offered it to the young woman. She shook her head, rapidly and backed away. "I won't tell anyone," he said, smiling, moving toward her. The woman looked alarmed.

Inaris backed off. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten or offend you."

The woman looked at him and slowly started to relax. She took a step closer.

"I am Tiene's brother," he offered. "My name is Inaris. I am only staying here tonight as Tiene is in the infirmary..."

"I know," she said quietly. "I mean, I know she is in the infirmary."

"Ah. So you do speak," the warlock said with a smile.

"Yes," she blushed. "My name is Ellariah."

"I am very pleased to meet you, Ellariah."

"Likewise, Inaris. Most people call me Ella."

"I like that even better."

The door opened, and Brett walked in, and Ella shrank back a little, head bowed. Inaris noted her reaction; he thought it strange.

"You can collect the dishes later, Ella. Thank you, and leave us for now please."

The woman backed towards the door. She glanced once more at Inaris and smiled. He winked at her, and he saw her blush once more before she quietly closed the door behind her.

"Are all the servants as frightened?" Inaris asked.

"Frightened?" Brett asked, pouring himself some wine and topping up Inaris' glass. "Oh, Ella? She's not frightened Inaris; she is merely respectful and rather shy."

"Really."

Brett looked at the high elf. Handsome lad, and observant. Just like his father in his day. "Well, perhaps she is a little frightened. It's not every day your brother gets hauled into the cells for shooting a dart at one of the young recruits."

"Oh!" That explained it. Tiene's attacker was Ella's brother.

"She is worried about her job now."

"And her brother no doubt?"

"No, not him. He was a little bastard, even to Ella."

"Oh!" Inaris shook his head. Oh was all he seemed to be saying at this moment. "Poor woman, " he added, trying to break the monotony of his responses.

"Aye, she's a nice lass. Anyway, come, let's eat." They sat down and removed the covers of the platters. Inaris was well impressed. A generous helping of roast meats, sweet potatoes and carrots all dressed in a rich gravy awaited his palate.

"So what happened to her brother then?" Inaris asked, reaching for his wine.

"That's why Sauren is away just now. The boy will be dealt with, I assure you. Most likely ousted from the guild with notification to all other guilds that he is not worthy of membership."

"Is that done here, in the grounds?"

"No. Sauren has taken him somewhere outside. He is waiting for the boy's family to take him home. He didn't want to do it here because of Ella."

"So she has nothing to worry about, I mean with her job and all?"

"Nothing at all. She is well-liked by everyone." Brett chuckled. "She was worried about coming up with our meal, though."

"Why?"

"She knew you would be here and I guess she thought you knew about her brother and may judge her because of it."

"Oh." Inaris cringed at his answer again. "Is she...married? Courting?" Inaris braved.

Brett grinned. "Not another one," he said quietly, hoping the young elf was at least a bit more respectful to women than his master was.

Inaris looked at him questioningly. "Another what?"

Brett froze. He had not meant to utter the words aloud and had to try to respond quickly without causing any alarm. "All the men like Ella," said the old rogue in a rush. He calmed a little after a sip of wine. "But, no. She is not currently involved with anyone."

"Good," Inaris said with a smile. Brett merely smirked and continued eating.

The conversation revolved around Tiene's training and progress so far. Inaris was not surprised to hear she had been doing well; he knew she had tremendous potential.

The rogue also spoke of the days when Yathas and Lina were in the guild, and he seemed to enjoy reminiscing about the old days. He was careful, though when mentioning Sauren. Not wanting to cause the warlock any concern about Tiene's safety, he decided to limit mention of the Guild Master.

All in all, a pleasant evening was had by the two men who enjoyed an excellent meal and good company.

A short distance from Southshore, crumbled stone and broken wood littered the floor of an old farm building. Its roof only had a few splintered rafters remaining, allowing the bright silvery rays of the full moon to filter into the circular room.

Two giant black rats scurried around the debris squeaking and chattering to each other as they searched for a tasty morsel.

One raised itself on its hind legs to sniff at a pair of leather boots which hung mere inches from the rubble covered floor, swaying slightly.

The second rat was sent scurrying away in fear as the curious rodent suddenly screeched and toppled over - impaled. A shadow fell over the vermin's corpse.

Sauren bent down to retrieve his anelace from the twitching furry carcass. As he straightened, he grinned at the owner of the leather boots.

A young man, suspended in chains looped from two wooden beams, flinched. His terrified eyes watched as the Guild Master of the Crimson Blades cleaned his knife on the young man's shirt, smearing it with the rodent's blood. With wrists and ankles shackled, the steel links rattled as the boy trembled. A cloth wrap was tied around his mouth, muffling any sound he made.

Sauren's henchmen, stood with hands clasped in front of them, quietly observing. The guild leader resumed his tour around the room, eyeing the boy, as he played with the sharpened anelace. The blade glinted in the moonlight, emphasising the keenness of its edge; each flash from it, causing the young man to flinch again.

Sauren stopped in front of the suspended figure. "Carus, isn't it? Carus Lightstrider?" His brown eyes looked black in the soft rays of the moon.

The young elf nodded — fear widening his eyes.

"Did you enjoy today's trial, Carus?"

The boy nodded.

"Oh, you did?" Sauren's voice was as sharp as the anelace.

The elf rapidly shook his head, and a muted sound of panic came from behind the cloth gag.

"Hmm," Sauren started to pace back and forth in front of the boy. "You showed promise, Carus. You were quite a skilled assassin. However, it is strictly prohibited for you to use your skills on your fellow students. You do know this I take it?"

The elf whimpered and nodded his head. Sauren continued pacing, kicking a small stone around as he did so. He looked up the young man, and his eyes were fierce. "And yet you shot a dart at the Firefury girl today. One you laced with a sedative. Am I to understand that the sedative was to somehow, lessen the pain when she hit the ground!" Sauren's voice roared at him.

The boy was frantically shaking his head, his eyes rolling in panic like a frightened horse.

"So, it was to make her lose consciousness then, and therefore fall to her possible death?" His voice lowered, its timbre sounded more threatening.

The young elf was trying to speak. The Guild Master stepped closer - his movement like lightning causing the young elf to wriggle in his bonds. The chains clattered and clinked.

Sauren put his ear close to Carus' mouth. "I'm sorry - what was that?" He smirked as the elf struggled to speak through the gag.

Sauren brought the tip of the analace to the gag and pulled it down just enough for the elf to make a coherent speech.

"I – I'm sorry," Carus stammered. "It was just a stupid prank. I won't do anything like that again, I promise!" The gag was replaced immediately.

Sauren sneered. "Oh, I know you won't, Carus. By the way, your sister says hello."

The young man went rigid. Sauren tapped the tip of the blade to his lips and looked deep in thought. "Or did she say – goodbye?" The perfect teeth glinted in the moonlight.

Sauren discovered Carus had always bullied Ella since she was a child and took pleasure humiliating her still. Pranks such as tripping her up when she carried trays of food or pushing her out of the way as he passed her in the hallways, calling her demeaning names.

Everyone liked Ella. Sauren liked the girl too - not in the way he did others, but she had been a dutiful little housemaid and took great pride in her work. It mattered not to him what someone's station in life was if they carried out their duties well. He admired hard work and dedication in all walks of life.

In Carus' case, however, his bullying trait - something which triggered painful memories for Sauren - had seriously crossed the line when he fired the dart at Tiene.

The old rickety door to the building creaked open. Sauren smiled. His invitation it seemed had been accepted. "Good evening, Kel'Thuzad."

"Sauren," the mage replied, closing the door behind himself. He stepped in front of the chained figure, looking him over carefully. "So, what did he do?"

The guild master sighed as if burdened with a hefty responsibility. "He almost killed one of my new trainees."

"Almost? Was it a duel?" Kel'thuzad guffawed.

Sauren's eyes narrowed. "No. It was cowardice and the act of a bully."

Kel'Thuzad grunted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah. Say no more, Sauren."

The platinum-haired halfling crossed to the far side of the room close to his henchmen. "So, would he be useful for your – brand of magic?" He enquired of the mage.

Carus flinched, causing the chains to sing once more. His fear was escalating.

The mage studied the chained figure before him. "Oh, I think he would do very nicely - except for one tiny, thing." He stepped away from the terrified young man and crossed to where Sauren stood. Kel'thuzad then turned to face the elf again.

"And that is?" Sauren enquired with a grin.

"Well," the mage said with a dramatic hand gesture. "To use necromancy, one needs our victims - dead."

"Urg!" Carus' muffled sounds behind the gag were completely nonsensical. He struggled violently against his restraints and continued to mumble incoherent pleas, his eyes widening even more in panic.

A cruel grin spread on the Guild Master's mouth. With speed, not even his henchman could track, Sauren spun and threw the anelace at the suspended elf. The blade penetrated Carus' skull knocking his body back, the chains clanking and clinking.

A few moments later, the young boy's head lobbed forward. With the blade still embedded, his body finally stilled.

Sauren slowly rubbed his hands together then grinned as he faced the mage. "Problem solved. Wouldn't you say?"

                                  ______________________________________________

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