//------------------------------// // 7. It Ain't Ogre I // Story: Sunset in Azeroth // by RIPoste //------------------------------// The next day, Sunset found Helcular waiting for her at the Fountain of Dalaran. She had not bothered to bid Jaina farewell that morning, having already informed her about Sunset’s upcoming mission the previous night. Jaina had seemed surprised that Sunset was issued one so early, but was too tired to offer her thoughts on it due to a late night project. And no, the reason why Sunset did not say goodbye to Jaina was not because she felt that Jaina needed the rest (though she most certainly does, considering her state of mind the previous night.). It was more to do with the fact that Sunset had spent too much time doing some last minute research about ogres and their weakness. Yeah, that’s definitely why. She would have went to see Archmagus Modera, but unfortunately, her former tutor was out for official business at the moment. That was probably for the best, Sunset did not want to foster another parent-child relationship if she could help it. Especially considering how the last one went.  Helcular had greeted her warmly, and the two of them had immediately departed for the stables, each of them with a haversack of supplies on their backs. Procuring the steeds were the easy part, though Sunset had to try three times to properly mount one without falling off. At least Helcular had more decency than the stablemaster and instead of doubling over in laughter, had helped instruct her how to ride a horse properly. Then came the hard part.  Sunset had ridden on other ponies’ back before, when she was a filly. The experience had been rather comfortable and fun, according to Sunset’s memories. This was absolutely nothing like that. Maybe her physical structure had changed, maybe the horses here are less ‘fleshy’, the fact still remains that they were still uncomfortable to sit on. Her steed was a tall powerful stallion with a brown coat that felt as though it were covered by platemail than normal flesh, and Sunset was not surprised by how uncomfortable it had made her journey. Not to mention how tiring it was. And boring. Sunset had plans to continue her studies on the ride and in the night, but truth be told, she was having too much trouble trying to stay in her saddle to even have a look at the scenery around here. As such, she was grateful for when the sun had begun to set and Helcular gave the signal for them to stop for the night. She immediately regretted leaving the saddle, as she felt the aching in her legs intensify each time she took a step around the camp. Thankfully, Helcular had offered to be the one to help set up the wards for their camp, a small little clearing by the side of a group of trees. Sunset had gratefully accepted his offer, but had set up a small but powerful trap near her just in case. The second and third day fared no better, though Sunset was worried that she was getting used to the amount of time she spent in the saddle. Still, that did not stop her from falling asleep like a log when night came. Or rising early because of how her aches and bruises she accrued from the consistent riding. Fitful sleeps had made her cranky, but no less polite, though she was developing quite a hatred for the saddle and the mount, in fact missing the time when she herself possessed those four legs and stamina to trot long distances in a single day. The next day was just as uneventful, though Sunset found herself much more attentive to Helcular’s conversations than before. She was probably adapting to the discomfort of riding faster than she thought. Thankfully, Helcular’s topics of discussion mostly did not require her to respond in length and the man himself was satisfied with just the occasional affirmation that proved Sunset was indeed listening. A fact that Sunset was most grateful for. Still, the ordeal was most uncomfortable. It was not till near evening that they saw their destination. “There we are,” Helcular claimed as he raised his hand and pointed at the town. It was a small town, with a few houses that were neatly packed together, all within the confines of a white stone wall from which hung the banners of Lordaeron. “The town of Hillsbrad Fields. We will be heading straight to the townshall, where we will be provided accommodations and will serve as a meeting point for our rendezvous.” Sunset grunted in agreement. She will be happy to actually get rid of the soreness from their long ride, even if it were only for a few moments. A moment’s rest for the time will be very much appreciated. However, Sunset could not ignore the looks the townspeople were giving them as they rode into town. Her curiosity was satisfied when Helcular noticed her quizzical looks around them. “They are suspicious of us.” He said, “afraid of us who wield powers beyond their ken.” Ah. Glad to see that the good old distaste of magic-users is still prevalent across dimensions, Sunset grimaced. Hopefully they would not break out in riot. Thankfully, the two of them reached the town hall without any incident. The building was easily the largest in town, and even had its own stable and quartermaster. The man had been rather cold towards them, but did nothing to hinder them as he took over the reins of their steeds after Helcular handed him a couple of copper coins. Beckoning to Sunset, who was still sore and aching from the entire street, Helcular entered the building. The place was quaint, with floors and walls made from strong oakwood, a strong fire was burning in the hearth, kept safely behind a fence of iron which at least let the heat out. Decoration in the main hall was sparse, save for a single table behind which stood a paling man, probably because he just saw the two magi enter. Helcular made to move towards the man, but stopped when he heard his name being called out. Sunset turned with her companion back to the entrance of the hall so see a trio of humans, two male and one female, striding towards them. “Helcular! Never thought I would see you here!” The man speaking flashed a smile from beneath his black mustache. Save for his facial hair, he was completely bald, and looked to be in his forties. The other male looked just slightly younger and was clean shaven, and had his brown hair combed back while the woman had let shoulder length blonde hair flow freely. All three were dressed in brown  tunics and pants with a blue tabard that depicts the symbol of Lordaeron. “Sir Erik!” Helcular smiled back and clasped the hand offered by the other man, giving it a hearty shake. “It’s good to see you.” “You too,” Erik chuckled, “truth be told, I was looking for you, was hoping that you would like to join us on our way down to Southshore.” “Ah, you are the group that the Alliance asked to help Southshore with their ogre problems?” “Yea- Wait, how did you?” Erik’s eyes widened in realisation before he looked at Sunset, seemingly seeing her for the first time. “OH! You are the help the Kirin Tor sent? Hah! If I knew that they would have asked you to come, I wouldn’t have wasted my time looking for you!” Turning his attention to the redhead, Erik let out another snort, “and I see the Kirin Tor are still as stingy as ever with their magi. Sending only one? At the very least they had the decency to ask a local resident mage to help!” Sunset felt a surge of protective anger at that statement. While it was true that the Kirin Tor was merely a stepping stone for her to become stronger, it was still the place that took her in and taught her the ways of magic. Frustration was beginning to give way to an angry retort, and the fact that she was tired was not helping her hold it in. Before she could retort, Erik let out a good-natured laugh and clapped her on the shoulder. Hard. “I jest!” He smiled and held out a hand, “just glad that the Kirin Tor are still stalwart allies of the alliance to respond to such a small operation. Anyway, I am Captain Erik, Knight of the Alliance!” Sunset looked dumbly at the hand for a good two seconds before remembering her manners. Clasping it with her own, she nodded at the man. “Sunset Shimmer, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Erik.” “The pleasure’s mine, Lady Shimmer,” Sir Erik smiled before he turned and gestured to his companions, “these are my fellow knights, Sir Redrick and Dame Finora.” The two knights nodded at her, which she returned. “They are amongst the finest companions one could ask for, so you can be sure to trust them with your back, Lady Shimmer.” “I see.” Sunset replied, a little too tired to process whatever was being said to her right now, besides the names. “Nice to meet the both of you.” “Now, if you don’t mind me asking, are you all that were sent?” Helcular asked, “seems a little less than what I was expecting to deal with ogres.” “No need to worry, apart from my squire, I have sent the rest of my squad towards Southshore this afternoon to scout out the situation.” Erik replied. “It’s a day’s ride if you follow the road, so the five of them would be arriving there about tomorrow morning.” “I see, then when will we be departing ourselves?” “Hmmmm,” Erik placed his hand on his chin, thinking deeply, though Sunset missed the glance he gave her. “What say you to first light tomorrow morning?” “That would be fine,” Helcular nodded. “Good. Now, Finora? Could you help guide the young lady to the room the magistrate was kind enough to leave aside? I would be talking with Helcular here awhile.” “Okay.” The woman nodded as she walked over and motioned Sunset to follow her. Sunset looked at Helcular, who nodded, before she followed the woman to a quaint room. It had no furniture save for a couple of beds, a table and a chair. Not that Sunset was complaining, considering she had been sleeping out in the open the past few days. “Need any help?” Finora asked. When Sunset shook her head in the negative, she nodded and pointed at the table, or more appropriately, what was on it. “Water in the bowls are for washing, the cups are for drinking. If you need any help, feel free to ring the bell and you will have a servant come help you.” She turned to leave the room. “Understood,” Sunset replied, suppressing a yawn. “Thank you, Dame Finora.” The knight merely smiled, “The pleasure's mine.” And left the room. Sunset paid her no heed, opting to just collapse on the bed and letting sleep claim her. As soon as the two were out of sight, Captain Erik’s smile turned into a frown as he regarded Helcular. “Okay, be straight with me, what’s the Kirin Tor thinking?” At Helcular’s perplexed expression, Erik let out an exasperated sigh. “I meant the girl! What are they thinking sending her out here?” “I assure you, Sunset’s competency has been vouched for by her mentor, the Archmagus Kel’Thuzad.” “Of course it has!” Erik growled, “I don’t think the Kirin Tor would want to be known for sending liabilities to the battlefield. But what I want to know, is why they would send someone as young as here out for a combat mission?” “Ah, they wanted her to gain some combat experience, her master said she had almost nothing else left to learn in a classroom that fieldwork can’t provide.” “Land’s sake!” Exclaimed Redrick, causing the other two to turn to him, “you mean this is her first combat mission?” “Beside the point, Redrick,” Erik snorted as he looked Helcular in the eye, “you know something, Helcular? You know I got a brother, right?” “Ah yes, a knight like you,” Helcular’s eyes narrowed, “I heard that he died in the Second War, my condolences.” “No need for that,” Erik replied gruffly, his teeth gritted as he continued, “so you see, he had a daughter, my niece, sweet little girl, who I am taking care of right now. She’s turning sixteen this year, and you know what,” He pointed down the hallway in which Sunset had taken to leave the hall, “that girl looks just as young as her, if not younger. So what I would like to ask is, what is the Kirin Tor thinking, sending children to the frontlines?” “I assure you that I have no part in this.” Helcular sniffed disapprovingly, “my job is to aid you to the best of my ability and ensure that she does not die.” “Yeah, you’d better.” Captain Erik straightened as he folded his arms. “Though I would say you have been doing a terrible job of it, considering that Miss Shimmer looks dead on her feet. I would even guess that you took four days to reach here, right?” “What does it matter?” “Helcular, I know that you like that girl, but you need to understand that it’s not good to push a growing child! If you have been taking proper breaks instead of riding hours on end, you would have reached here tomorrow!”  “By the light,” Erik sighed, “I just hope that we won’t have her blood on our hands come tomorrow.” “Here you go, Lady Shimmer,” A blonde male teen handed her her canteen of water, that had just been refilled. The boy was only one dressed in mail armor, what with the three knights clad in full-plate armor and the two magi in their robes. Though that my attribute to the fact that he was still a teen. “Thank you, Orys,” Sunset replied, eliciting a blush from him. Orys was the squire of Sir Erik, who the captain had placed in charge of defending both magi as part of the battle plan. Unfortunately, the man must not have noticed how smitten his squire was with her, and was probably blind, considering how Orys stammered everytime they talked since the start of their journey this morning. Not that Sunset was not concerned with how she looked. While she may not seem like it, Sunset took great pride in the fact that she was quite the looker in Equestria. While magic was her focus in life, she should at least look good using it, at least good enough that she would have a horde of fans and admirers waiting to serve at her beck and call. Though Orys' actions were beginning to border on irritating. At least he was too shy to even want to speak to her, a fact that Sunset was grateful for. The princesses help her if he did, she might accidentally toss a fireball in his face if he was going to stammer all conversation, and that would definitely place her poorly in the eyes of the Alliance and Kirin Tor. Sunset took a light sip from her canteen, the water was stale, but refreshing nonetheless in the hot afternoon sun. In fact, Sunset was thankful that Captain Erik had called for a break after four hours of riding. Despite her good’s night sleep, her legs and back were still sore from the four days of constant riding, in fact, why did Helcular insist upon riding for as long as there was light? Sunset did not had time to ponder for that, however, as the captain stood up, did a stretch and turned to the rest of them. “Alright, rest time’s over! It’s time for us to move out!” It took the group less than ten minutes to have saddled up and be back onto the road, Erik settling a comfortable pace for all of their horses. Riding beside Helcular, Sunset could tell that the older mage was disturbed by something, but declined to comment anything on it, rather… “How much farther to Southshore?” Helcular started, then turned to smile at Sunset, “Ah, Sunset, just a bit longer than five hours. Erik doesn’t want us tired out by the time we reached there, so he had us traveling at this pace.” “I see.” Sunset pursed her lip as she thought about something, “any tips?” “I’m sorry?” Came Helcular’s surprised response. “I mean for when I am fighting,” Sunset elaborated, “I have never been in a fight before.” Especially one that concerns my own life and death. Sunset added silently. “Advice... “ Helcular closed his eyes, deep in thought. “It would probably be not to think about it.” “Excuse me?” “Killing others,” Helcular clarified, “is never easy. Taking a life is something that will always haunt you, something you will want to undo. It will become a distraction when you are in combat, so the best thing to do is to not think about it.” “Ah." Sunset frowned. She was not talking about killing, in fact, she was hoping that they would subjugate the target this time. However, Helcular had seemed serious about this, perhaps the ogres were indeed a threat that must be killed? But will it really be that easy? Sunset’s inner voice rose. Try all she might, she was still a pony at heart. Killing others had always been something that was anathema to her. Was she truly doing the right thing? It was a question that stayed with her for the rest of the journey, her concentration broken only when they neared their destination. The sun was just beginning to set, and the darkness began to silently creep over the sky, a silence that was broken by the distant shouts and the strikes of steel on steel. “What in the name of Terenas?” Captain Erik swore before he turned to the group, his jovial eyes becoming as cold as steel in an instant. “Knights! With me! Magi, stick with Orys and follow close behind! We ride to Southshore!” “We ride!” Cried the other two knights and Orys as they donned their helms and kicked their horses, spurring their steeds into galloping speed. Helcular nodded at Sunset and kicked his steed, leaving her in the dust before she could cry out. “Ah, I don’t really know how to…” Sunset’s voice trailed off as she watched them galloping off into the distance. “Well sure, leave me alone here without telling me how to speed up.” She muttered, annoyed. Not one to be left behind when she could help it, Sunset began kicking her horse lightly in hopes of getting it to start galloping. Then with increasing force when the initial kicks did not provoke a response. “Come on, how hard do you want me to kiiiiicuuuuoooooaaaaahhh!” Her horse sprang into full gallop, Sunset could not help but try to hold on as she tried to avoid being thrown off her steed. It was scary, but weirdly exciting, traveling at the speed. However, it was apparent it was too fast, seeing as she caught up with the group in no time and with no idea how to slow her steed down. Thankfully, Redrick noticed her plight and helped took her reins, guiding her steed’s speed, making it slow down to match them in pace. It was not long before the town came into sight, it was much larger than the Hillsbrad Fields, but had no walls surrounding it. However, what caught Sunset’s attention was the fact that multiple figures were scampering about the town. Figures that were definitely not humans. “Gnolls!” She heard Erik curse, “Stupid raiding beastmen! Men, draw steel!” Ah, she thought that they looked familiar, those hyena-headed humanoids that were as dumb as a rock and practised slavery. While I would not question why they were attacking a human town, I thought we were supposed to deal with an ogre problem? Unfortunately, it looks like she would not get the chance to dwell on it, Sunset reflected as her companions took out their weapons. Captain Erik and Sir Redrick wielded a greatsword each while Dame Forina unslung a warhammer from her back, all three carried shields on their other arm as they urged their horses to greater speeds. “Orys! Stay with the magi! The rest of you, with me! Charge!” The captain ordered. “Come with me,” Helcular said to Sunset as he slowed down their speeds in contrast the three knights sped forward, “you too, squire.” “W-we aren’t going to help?” Orys stammered, echoing Sunset’s thoughts as he pulled over. “Yes, we are, but not from directly behind.” Helcular explained, “I don’t want to accidentally turn Sir Erik into a charred corpse if I could help it. We will need a better ground from which to cast our spells.” His eyes swept over the area, “over there, follow me.” Helcular led them to a small hill that overlooked half of the town, meeting no problems from the gnolls apart from two, which Helcular had reduced to burning corpses. Apparently the rest were gathered elsewhere, or at least that was what Sunset had suspected. Her suspicion was proven correct when they reached the top of the hill. Majority of the gnolls, numbering around twenty, were centered around the singular tower that loomed over the town. Apparently, the human residents here had reinforced the area surrounding the tower, having built a trench around it and were trading blows with the gnolls, though neither side seems to be doing any real damage. Another group of ten or so were engaging Captain Erik and his group, who were faring a lot better than the villagers despite being much more vastly outnumbered, given the trail of dead corpses that the trio had left behind them. Captain Erik, in particular was terrifying. Seated atop his armored steed and clad in steel plate armor, seeing him swing his greatsword about with such ease made Sunset glad that he was on her side. Each swing of his weapon sent gnolls scampering for their lives leaving those that were too slow to fall to the ground, never to rise again. Sunset was glad that she had not eaten anything since breakfast, as she felt herself on the verge of throwing up again. The stench of blood in the air was pungent, amidst other smells, and the odor cooked flesh gave off was no more pleasing to the nose. Don’t think about it. Sunset repeated the mantra in her head, trying to force the carnage the knights were visiting on the gnolls out of head, trying desperately to forget the dying screams of the gnolls. “Sunset,” Helcular said as he dismounted pointed at the group assailing the villagers, “we will strike those gnolls over there, prepare your spells.” More out of a desire to have something to do to forget than to be actually useful, Sunset dismounted and stood beside Helcular. It was easier when she actually had a task, and Sunset picked a spell in her mind and traced a sigil in the air, feeling the power welling up in her. “Not Arcane," Helcular instructed as he flung a lance of fire at the gnolls, incinerating one, causing Sunset to stop her spellcasting. "Fire would be more effective." Sunset made to protest, but thought better of it. Instead, she muttered a word of power as she grabbed ahold of the magic within her, feeling it well up in her hand. She saw her hand burst into flames, yet felt none of the heat . Setting her sights on the gnoll group surrounding the tower, she threw her hand forward, a ball of fire leaving it and arcing over half the town towards the gnolls. It struck the fringe of the group, the resulting explosion immolating three gnolls who were probably too cowardly to go forward to face the human residents. Two of them howled in pain as the fire burnt them, but the one was caught within the blast dropped onto the ground,screaming aloud before its burning corpse stopped moving. Sunset winced as their cries of pain reached her, almost messing up the second spell she was in the midst of preparing. Was it this easy to kill? Sunset wondered in disgust, before she stopped that thought as her second spell began fluctuating out of control. Don’t think about it! Don’t think about it!” Immersing herself in her spellcasting , Sunset gestured again and sent another ball of fire at her targets. This one found its mark in the middle of gnoll group, and the two caught in the explosion this time were at least killed fast enough that they did not have time to cry aloud in pain. It got easier as she continued, more due to the fatigue she felt as she flung spell after spell alongside Helcular. The constant mana drain at least made her tired enough that she did not need to think about the morality of what she was doing. “Sunset!” Orys called. Sunset paid him no heed, or rather she was too focused on casting another spell to pay any attention to him, and was not prepared when he pushed her down the hills. Raising her face from the pile of dirt she landed upon, Sunset seethed with indignation as her fatigue and frustration was making it very difficult to hold in her anger. She turned to look at the top of the hill, where Orys was standing, wanting to scream at him, ask him what was the big idea only to stop when she saw him being swatted away, as easily as one would swat a fly, by a cylindrical object the size of a tree. Oh wait, that was a tree trunk, Sunset blinked in realization. And she found herself looking up, and up, and up as a shadow loomed over her. “Horseapples.”