Redemption - One

Do you feel the shadows in your eyes?

My mind was clear, and every part of me felt nothing but calm. I could feel myself slipping deeper and deeper into my meditation. With each breath inhaled through my nose, the closer I got to that state of pure calmness. And with each exhalation that went past my lips, I felt I was almost to that point of calmness that I sought.
           Almost.


My eyes snapped open as the sound of an alarm echoed throughout the temple halls. I could feel my heartbeat quicken as any calmness I had obtained disappeared. Priestess Alathea, who was leading our meditation, was already to her feet and heading towards the hallway that lead to the temple entrance. A few of us looked at each other in confusion, but it wasn’t long before we all followed her. It didn’t take us long to get to the entrance, and I could see that we weren’t the only ones interested in what was going on.
           Of course I knew we shouldn’t actually be here, as this alarm was used to signal Sentinels to battle, and priests to aid. Priests who had already finished their training. That wasn’t me. But that didn’t stop me from following the others, and joining the crowd that had gathered. Shortly news started to pass along and whispers filled the hall.
           I stood on my toes, craning my neck to try to see what was happening. I could see two Sentinels kneeling on the ground, flanked by other Sentinels. The two on the ground were wounded; one clutching her side, trying to stop the blood flow. Priests were at their side; those who were fully trained in the art of healing. They only tended to their wounds, and no one yet asked what was going on.
           The hall filled with silence, and everyone turned to look towards the ramp that went up the circular room to the second floor. Almost without a sound, High Priestess Tyrande, leader of the Night Elves, made her way towards the Sentinels. Those in the way quickly cleared her a path. The room remained silent, no one dared to speak and interrupt the High Priestess. She called upon the utmost respect.
           I watched in awe as she knelt beside the fallen Sentinels, and tended to their wounds. When she spoke her voice was soft, and filled the room with calm. She was speaking so softly, I had to strain to hear her.
           “What happened?” Her voice was soothing.
           One of the unwounded Sentinels spoke, louder than the High Priestess did. “They came by hippogryph to Rut’theran Village. They are Sentinels from Astranaar. They spoke of attacks, from the Horde.”
           People began to whisper all around us, but I could no longer hear their words. My heart had stopped.
           Horde, attacking Astranaar.
           My family lived there. Astranaar was my home.
           My heart began to beat again, and panic filled me quickly. My eyes were wide, fixed upon the two injured Sentinels. Those around me who knew of where I came from were watching me silently, unsure what to do. But I could only focus on what the Sentinels had said.
           “No...” I whispered as I exhaled. I was moving forward, letting my feet carry me through the crowd as I pushed my way through. “No.” I said, louder this time, and started moving faster, making my way towards the High Priestess and the Sentinels at her side.
           “High Priestess! High Priestess you must send help!” I had almost reached them, when two Sentinels stepped into my path, blocking me from getting closer. I tried to push past them, reaching out towards Tyrande but they held their ground, holding me back.
           Tears sprang to my eyes as I struggled to get past the Sentinels, but they had each grabbed a hold of one arm and one had her arm around my middle, preventing me from getting by. High Priestess Tyrande had stood now, and was facing me. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to suppress my tears unsuccessfully. When I opened my eyes Tyrande had walked closer to where I was held.
           “Do not worry child, I will send Sentinels to Astranaar immediately.” She turned from me without another word and nodded to the Sentinel who was in charge. “You know what to do.”
           “Yes High Priestess.” The Sentinel spoke with a commanding tone as she turned to the others with her, giving direction. “Go alert the Hippogryph Master in Rut’theran Village. We will prepare our forces and should arrive in Astranaar by morning.” The Sentinels who held me released my arms as they took orders, leaving me standing by myself.
           My mind was racing, and my breathing was heavy. I could still hear them talking around me, but couldn’t make out any more words. They had said they would reach Astranaar by morning. That wasn’t enough time. Who knows what they would find when they arrived? It’s too late, too late. Mama, Papa, Temli. Please be ok.
           Mama, Papa, Temli!
           “I have to go!” I cried out, surprising everyone around me, myself included. I went with it, clenching my fists with determination. “You’ll be too late! I’m going to save my family!” The shock was still displayed across their faces, and I turned on my heel, turning my walk into a run as I headed towards the entrance to the temple.
           My heart was pounding in my chest, and I blinked back tears that were clouding my vision. Ahead of me I could barely make out the forms of someone blocking my path, and I tried to push my way past them. Two strong arms grabbed each of my arms and stopped me from running, and as my vision cleared I understood it was more Sentinels that had stopped me. I shook violently, fighting back tears and trying to break free from those who held me.
           “Take her to her room.” The voice behind me was calm, yet stern. I let the Sentinels turn me around until I was facing the High Priestess. She was giving directions to the Sentinels, ignoring me.
           I struggled against those holding me, my eyes closed tightly. “Let me go! Let me go!” I was frantic, and panic was rising within me. I jumped at the feel of a hand beneath my chin, and as I opened my eyes to look into Tyrande’s purple shadows swirled within my normally silver eyes. I narrowed my eyes and tried to shove the Sentinels off of me, but they held tight.
           The High Priestess spoke again, once more bringing her hand to grab a hold of my chin. “Shadows...” Her voice was barely above a whisper. I parted my lips to speak but before I could I felt Tyrande’s magics sweep over me. As the golden ribbons of magic flowed from her fingers and into my mind I felt myself calming, and weakening at the same time. I stared up at Tyrande, breathing heavily. Without a word I let the Sentinels lead me to my room, and while my anger was gone, the shadows still swirled in my eyes.




Six days had passed and I hadn't heard anything regarding the attacks on Astranaar. Any time I asked about it, my questions went unanswered. Sentinels were watching me, it was like I was trapped within my own city. I wasn't even allowed to go down to Rut'theran Village anymore. Not until the High Priestess heard news on the status of my home.
           I sat on the grass near the river that flowed through Darnassus. I would often come here in the past, to the small cluster of trees along the bank of the river near the temple. I would often come here with Freddwynn, but that was a long time ago.
           My arms were hugging my knees to my chest as I thought of what could possibly be happening in Astranaar. And the more I thought about it, the more frustrated and angry I got.
           Finally I sighed and laid back against the grass, staring up at the bits of sky that were peaking through the purple and pink leaves above me. I hated being alone, and times like this I closed my eyes and wished my friends hadn’t left. And beyond that, I wished even more that Freddwynn hadn’t followed Alatariel. Why did he have to leave too? It wasn’t right, she shouldn’t have made him go.
           I sat up and scowled in frustration, pausing before standing. It didn’t matter. He probably hated me. No, he did hate me, practically said so when he left. I was angry now, angry at myself for continuously thinking of someone who didn’t even love me, and angry that I still didn’t have an answer on what happened to my home.
           “I have to go to Astranaar.” I muttered under my breath before making my way back to the temple. Tonight. I would sneak out tonight, and go home.




I crouched low beside Sable, my frostsaber, as I affixed my bag to her saddle. It was easy enough to sneak out of the temple and make my way to the stables, the hard part was going to be passing the guards stationed on either side of the portal to Rut’theran Village and make it to the boat. Fortunately, I was able to get the departure schedule. I had ten minutes to leave to be able to catch the last boat for the night. I was just about to climb atop of Sable when the sound of my name caused me to pause.
            “Mintia.” I immediately recognized the owner of the voice, and with a shake of my head I turned to face her.
            “Astarii, you can’t stop me from leaving, I have to go save my family.” I turned again to avoid her gaze, the brief moment of seeing the look of disappointment on her face hurt enough. She was my favourite teacher.
            “Astranaar has been destroyed Mintia, no one survived.”
            My fingers gripped into the reigns on Sable’s saddle. Tears sprang to my eyes and I struggled to keep them from falling. “You’re lying.” I said in a whisper.
            “I am not. We received the reports two days ago. Today people were sent to Astranaar to retrieve the bodies, and prepare them for proper burial. Tomorrow more will be sent to help start rebuilding.” Her voice was even, unmoving, and seemingly uncaring.
            I spun towards her, anger building within me. “If it is true, then I will go and see for myself. You cannot stop me.”
            “Oh Mintia,” Astarii walked towards me as she spoke. “What has happened to you?” I turned my head as she touched my cheek but she took my chin in her hands and turned me to her. “Do you feel the shadows in your eyes? Do you feel them in you?”
            I pulled back and turned from her, climbing onto the saddle atop Sable. “I do not know what you’re talking about.” I looked back to her, trying to hide the anger that was building within me. “I am truly sorry Astarii, but I have to go."
            To my disappointment Astarii walked to stand in front of Sable and I, blocking our path. “You do not understand the severity of this Mintia! Your family is dead! There is nothing there for you!”
            I scowled, now fully aware of the shadows that had appeared in my eyes. I dug my heels into Sable’s sides and she leapt past Astarii, and together we made our way to the portal to Rut’theran Village, leaving her calling after me.
            I pushed Sable into a run and ignored the startled Sentinels as we raced towards the portal. Our only chance to get out of here was to keep running until we reached the boat. I hoped we could make it in time.

           The feeling of familiar magics swept over me as we ran through the portal, and it was only Sable’s feline grace that saved us from colliding with the Sentinels stationed on the other side. She darted past them and continued toward the dock that would lead to the boat to Auberdine.
            Which was just pulling away.
            I urged Sable into a faster run, lowering myself against her back, my fingers gripping the reins tightly. With great effort she leapt from the dock and barely made the landing on the boat, her back claws scraping the edge as she pushed herself on. I turned her around to watch Rut’theran Village disappear slowly, my breathing hard as a wave of relief swept over me.
            I made it. I was going home.
            The weight of Astarii’s words hit me full force just then, and I collapsed against Sable’s neck, sobbing softly.
            If she spoke the truth, I would find a destroyed Astranaar.
            And my family dead.