Grim Views

Manipulation

Lilliana - March 19, 2006

The fire that lay dancing shadows across the faces of the shaman
troll and the gnome mage steadily dwindled. The burning embers
were but a shadow of the raging fire it had been hours ago when
the two had begun their conversation. They were resting in the
small cottage that the strange pair called their home in some
unnamed land in Azeroth. The shaman was listening patiently as
the mage continued to wave his hands angrily; unable to get the
answer he wanted from his shaman companion.

“Bloodshine, you won’t say what has happened to Boggart? I
allowed him to live so that he could keep Lilliana safe! And she
brings us this Sandfury king to say hello? He nearly kills
you…..and you say we cannot go and rid this world of his filthy
presence….in all of my long years with you……” The clever little
gnome mage, Tranquility, was nearly roaring at Bloodshine, the
shaman. Bloodshine interrupts him, a talon raised to his face
with her eyes narrowed.

“I don’t know what happened to Boggart.” She replied in her
raspy, dark toned voice. “Lilliana only said that he left. You
know how difficult it is to get information out of that one. And
I was hardly in danger.”

“You didn’t even try to find out what happened to Boggart….” The
gnome accused. He was standing on a comfortably padded chair so
that he could be eye to eye with Bloodshine while they spoke.
“And danger?! Don’t even speak to me about danger, you know
better than that, my dear shaman! He took part of you!” The
gnome’s squeaky voice calmed a bit as he regarded the shaman.
“Yes I know he gave it back, your soul, but that is not the
point. You are being irrational, my dear. I don’t want you
playing this game, you left it long ago…and you’re too old. Hell,
I’m too old!”

“No, I didn’t try to find him. People disappear all the time,
Tranquility…Boggart is likely dead. I never thought that he would
ever leave Lilliana’s side, at least willingly.” The shaman
sighed, waving a taloned hand at the small gnome that she had
traveled with for so many years. Her fiery eyes found the cool,
blue eyes of the gnome, and spoke of comfort to him. “Lilliana
will be fine, she is my daughter, remember?”

“Yes, she is your daughter my dear Bloodshine, and that is what
worries me. Troubles makers, both of you! You both push against
the edge, threatening to fall to your doom before I have to come
and pull you back!” The gnome puffed out his chest. “You say
Lilliana will be fine? I’m not so sure… I only agreed that she
join The Grim when she had Boggart, without him…that entire
legion is corrupt, Bloodshine! The types that would kill their
mothers for a silver….”

"You’re worse than me. I think you did kill your mother for a
copper!” Bloodshine winked playfully at the gnome. He winked
back, rolling his eyes, exasperated with the shaman, for he knew
she was aware of what happened to his mother at the hands of
trolls. He often couldn’t get very far with her, so for now he
resigned himself to enjoying the playful wink he received from
her. The playful moment between the two did not last long
however. Both had much on their minds.

The pair was silent for a time, contemplating the recent events
that had transpired. The introduction of Warneshi which so
closely followed Boggart’s disappearance disturbed the gnome, for
he believed that Warneshi had done away with Boggart in an
attempt to get to Lilliana. Bloodshine, on the other hand,
dismissed that idea immediately. The Sandfury king was a dirty
bastard, however, from what she had seen of him during the end of
their encounter, he would never do anything to hurt her little
shadow priestess. There lied Lilliana’s power and the little
priestess did not seem to know what she was doing to the Tyrant
of Zul’Furrak. Bloodshine could not be sure however, and wanted
to let time pass before she or Tranquility made any moves. There
was much that confused her. The kiss that Warneshi gave to
Lilliana while in the moon glade, right before Tranquility had
nearly slain him was extremely troubling to the shaman. Both
Bloodshine and Tranquility had paused and stared, wide eyed with
dropping jaws when Warneshi kissed the priestess. Bloodshine’s
heart had skipped a beat when she first thought he was going to
drain her daughter of her precious soul, but instead he embraced
Lilliana warmly, kissing her lips like a star struck lover! That
in itself did not confuse the shaman, for Lilliana was HER
daughter after all – and most desirable to any troll with a brain
in his head. And it did make sense, as Bloodshine served and
worked with Warneshi’s father, wouldn’t her young daughter,
strangely paired with the proclaimed Tyrant within the Grim’s
legion, an odd and twisted turn of fate, be expected to be with
Warneshi?

Despite this, the shaman was confused with Lilliana’s response to
Warneshi. Although the young priestess did not rebuff the King of
the Sandfury trolls, she did not return his gift in kind.
Lilliana’s stance had to all eyes looked like shock, for she
indeed had frozen in Warneshi’s arms. Perhaps her response was
shock, but the shaman was not so sure. Bloodshine did not want to
overanalyze this, however, the question continued to run through
her head….What was it that her daughter was doing…?

“We’ve argued long enough…” The shaman began.

“Discussed!” The gnome corrected.

“Alright, discussed,” Bloodshine leaned forward and planted a
kiss on the gnome’s forehead, careful of her tusks while doing
so. Tranquility always blushed when she did that, and he did so
now, his cheeks turning red as an apple.

Tranquility leapt off of the chair and prepared for bed. “We are
to continue this conversation in the morning, I mean it
Bloodshine. You are not going to Orgrimmar and messing with that
damned Sandfury, it will bring nothing but trouble. Let me go
there and kill him, now that’s a great idea!” Before the shaman
had a chance to reply, the gnome disappeared into the bedroom,
leaving the shaman still sitting in front of the fire, many
thoughts racing through her keen mind.

She would make a trip to Orgrimmar; perhaps speak with some of
The Grim’s officers. Once she had more time to explain her plan
to Tranquility, she knew that he would help her. He was her
partner in crime, and no one better to assist her in the upcoming
task. When considering what she would need to garnish from The
Grim, well, she knew what The Grim was all about, but she did not
know any of their members and she felt it worth her while to see
what she could gain from one of her special little chats with
them. Although her manipulation did not work with Warneshi, for
sure not all of them could be so powerful and cause so much
trouble. Her daughter would do well within their ranks, as long
as she maintained her current path. “If only I knew that little
ones path….” The shaman chuckled to herself, and then rose. She
pocked at the nearly dead fire and pulled the grate in front of
the embers. When next she spoke, her voice was cold and deep, “No
matter, I am used to directing pawns.” This was whispered as she
went into the bedroom, leaving the door open to gain what warmth
was left from the nearly dead fire. She joined the bed that the
gnome was in, slipping beneath the covers. Tranquility popped an
eye open at her, then went back to sleep. Bloodshine lay awake
beside the gnome for quite some time. Her mind drifted back into
what it had once been, when she had served the kingdom of the
Sandfury. Her mind began to calculate and plan.

Lilliana rarely became truly angered (aside from childish
outbursts), and rarely did she become worried. In fact, these
emotions were such elements of unknown to her that when she did
experience them they were intense instances that took her so out
of character that those around her were often confused at the
shadow priests “strange” actions. When Lilliana left the Sandfury
Embassy after a long conversation with Warneshi, she felt both of
these emotions. Anger for what her mother had done to Warneshi,
and worry for the Sandfury king. When at first she had thought
Warneshi simply lost his temper with her mother, she had
discovered that in fact, her mother had invited Warneshi’s wrath.
Not to excuse what the Tyrant had done to her mother by any
means, Lilliana still found that she was frustrated and appalled.
She had known little of her mother’s past, and had found out such
history through Warneshi, instead of through her own mother!
Warneshi had provided more honesty to Lilliana than had her own
mother. In fact, Lilliana had not known of her Sandfury roots
until recently, after ages of Warneshi ensuring her that she as
Sandfury, as was he...but had not been convinced until she
brought him to meet her mother.

The young priest was starting to understand the immense web that
she was caught up within, although even now Lilliana could not
fathom the thickness of it, for it ran deep, and would continue
to despite her most valiant efforts. Despite this, the little
priest aimed to detangle herself from the sticky strands as
Warneshi wished to speak to her mother, the only other Sandfury
alive that knew of their rich past as well as did Warneshi, if
not better. Warneshi was preparing, preparing for the inevitable,
for he would not live forever. Although he was immortal from the
acceptance of his demon mother’s curse, he could not maintain the
pace and the evil that it brought to the Sandfury kingdom....

Boots, the darkspear raptor named appropriately by Zuruzuru,
hissed at Lilliana as she approached his stall in the stables.
That beast did not like Lilliana, and she gave the poor thing
little reason to. It was not well trained when Lilliana bought
it, she not knowing much regarding raptor mounts, and due to it’s
lack of training Lilly was harsh to it, pushing it to its very
limits. The beast even had scars upon its sides from the
priestesses spurs. Despite the troll’s craft in healing, she was
unable to rid the raptor of his scars.

“I’ll not be needing you, today Boots. My mother is here, we
needn’t go search for her.” Lilly didn’t know why she bothered
speaking to her raptor as she dumped some food into his bucket,
ensuring that he was taken care of during his stay, for Boots’
snapped at her. Lilly batted at his snout, unafraid of getting
bitten. The two battled back and forth like that for a while, and
if anyone was watching it appeared rather humorous. Lilly was in
Orgrimmar. Her mother had sent word to her that she was coming to
visit her daughter in the great city later this evening. How
convenient, for Lilly had been searching for the evasive shaman
at Warneshi’s request, and had not had success in locating her.
Now all that Lilly would do now is wait. She aimed to speak with
her mother before bringing her to the Embassy, and to Warneshi….

When Bloodshine, Lilliana’s mother arrived in the great orc city
of the Horde, Lilliana treated her to dinner. The two took part
in idle chit chat, Lilliana laughing and giggling as she usually
did when with her mother while her mother smiled coyly, humoring
her young priestess. There was no mistaking the bond that the
mother and daughter pair shared. Lilliana loved her mother as her
mother loved her. However, Lilliana tried to be observant of
particular traits that her mother may display. If her mother had
controlled Warneshi’s father for decades, and then had trapped
Warneshi (if only for a short time), then what had her mother
attempted with her? Lilliana noted nothing however. This was just
her mother, and nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary.

It was when the two retired to the flat that Lilliana rented yet
rarely frequented, that Lilliana approached the subject of
meeting with Warneshi.

“Mother,” The young priestess began. “I have a favor to ask of
you.”

“Oh?” The shaman had her back to Lilliana, removing her armor and
dropping each piece delicately onto a chair in the living room.
She didn’t turn back to her daughter until she was done,
stretching her arms over her head in an idle fashion as Lilliana
was often seen doing. Lilly’s mother smiled, and sat down on the
bamboo couch. “Sit then, daughter, and tell me what you want.”

“Since you’re here, we are going to the Sandfury Embassy tonight,
to speak with the King there.” Lilliana’s tone was casual as she
sat down beside her mother.

“You mean Warneshi?” Her mother asked.

“Duh, who else is king of the Sandfury tribe?”

Lilliana’s mother did not say anything, but she was eyeing her
daughter curiously. Her daughter had her attention now, for she
noted the respectful tone with which Lilliana spoke of Warneshi
and his place as a Sandfury. She did not know what game her
daughter was playing, for she had never been able to read her
daughter, but any fool could note a tone of voice, a flash of
eyes, and gain some insight as to a creatures feelings. Either
way, if her daughter was going to invite her to go and speak with
the Sandfury King, it gave the shaman an excellent entry to begin
her own game, for that is what she truly desired.

Lilliana continued, “Warneshi wishes to speak to you about the
history of the Sandfury tribe, so that he can ensure our history
is properly passed on to others in the royal line, thingie.”

The shaman’s eyes narrowed just slightly, but she nodded her
head. After a length of silence, she sighed as well. “He told
you, didn’t he? Of our own family history, to the Sandfury?”

“Yup, he did. What you think he’s gonna keep secrets from me?”
Lilliana touched her mother’s shoulder. The shaman smiled at the
priestess, not looking annoyed at all, although inside she was.
For some reason the shaman had believed that Warneshi would keep
all of that quiet, and would not pull her daughter into such
knowledge, but again, she had “underestimated” the king. At
least, underestimated him in a sense. Bringing Lilliana into the
strange web that the shaman had lived so many years in the past
would be both a blessing and a curse to Warneshi, at least, it
would be as far as the shaman had plans for the king and for her
daughter. “He hasn’t kept any secrets, unlike you.” Lilliana
smiled cleverly at her mother and winked.

Bloodshine raised a taloned hand at her daughter, “I did not tell
you of the past for there was no need for you to know…..I never
fathomed that you would meet Warneshi…”

Lilliana interrupted her mother, “And you are not to try to
control him by any means.”.

The priest’s mother looked shocked, and exclaimed, “What?!” So
the King had shared that with Lilliana as well! The shaman
seethed with anger. The foolish creature this Warneshi was,
confiding in her daughter as if she were an advisor to his
proclaimed throne, which he barely had control over now as it
was, without his city back. It did not seem as though Warneshi
had informed Lilliana of his attempt of taking the shaman's soul
however, for Bloodshine was certain if she had known that she
would turn against the Sandfury King. But what Bloodshien did not
know, was that Warneshi had also been honest with Lilliana about
that peice of the puzzle as well. This was going to prove more
difficult than Bloodshine had originally thought.

“You know what I’m talking about, mother.”

Bloodshine saw no sense in denying it at this point. She sighed
and turned her sapphire eyes sadly upon her daughter. She lied
beautifully through her teeth so that even Lilliana believed what
she said, although her reaction would not suggest she did. “I do.
And I’m sorry. I feared for your…..”

Bloodshine did not have the opportunity to complete her sentence,
for Lilliana interrupted her with a hiss, “You feared for
nothing! I have nothing to fear from Warneshi! He is part of the
Grim! Don’t give me your motherly protection crud! I’m not asking
you either, I’m telling!” The priestess folded her arms and
glared at her mother. Although her tone was surprisingly firm and
harsh, the childish and almost immature undertone that it had was
undeniable.

A single brow was raised by the shaman. How childish her daughter
was. Nothing to fear from Warneshi? The troll was half demon, and
although he had confessed his affections to Lilliana during their
heated encounter in the moon glade, the troll was not good, at
least, not in Bloodshine’s eyes. He was a cruel ruler and had
sacrificed both his father and innocent brother in order to
obtain his power. She yearned to retake control of the empire
that had once been so strong. She knew that with her direction
that the city could be returned to the Sandfury. For now, playing
her daughter’s game seemed to be her best bet, and an excellent
start to her plans.

“Why do you want me to help Warneshi, my sweet Lilliana?”
Bloodshine’s raspy voice was low. She drew herself close to her
daughter, touching the side of the priestess’s face with a sharp
talon. Her daughter was quiet and did not answer her immediately.
When she did not answer the shaman, Bloodshine drew her hand
down, and rested it upon Lilliana’s chest, over her heart, “Is
there something here, my love?” Damn her daughter for being so
difficult to read.

Lilliana redrew from her mother, pulling her hand away and
scowling. Apparently her mother had hit some type of nerve, but
what? Denial? Agreement? Just what went on in that head of her
daughters? After her daughter withdrew from her, the shaman rose
up to her feet and ran her talons through her long mane of red
hair. She gave her daughter an expectant look, she did want them
to go to the Embassy this evening, did she not? “What do you see
in this Warneshi, my daughter?”

“Mother,” the priestess began, her voice even and low as she rose
to her feet along with her mother, and headed to the door, “He is
the king of the Sandfury tribe.”

“That he is.” Her mother replied, her voice dark. “Is that why
you want me to help him?”

Lilliana paused at the door, her talons resting on the wooden
frame. “We are Sandfury.” The priestess raised a brow at the
shaman and grinned. “It is only right that he receive our
allegiance, ya know? He has your daughters….”

The shaman chuckled as she left her daughter’s flat and followed
her to the long awaited Sandfury Embassy that had taken such a
strong hold within the orc city.

[Warneshi]

Jesthek stood with her back rigid, she was in fact representing
her people, so she needed to look sharp. She took a second to eye
her 3 sisters, the four of which made up the royal guard of
Warneshi Sandscalp. They where proud for the post, knowing that
it could not be trusted to any male. Jesthek moved a bit to get a
piece of her armor that was poking in a very uncomfortable way,
and let herself smile as she remembered the annoying troll she
had removed from the embassy earlier..zustek-something or other,
all she could remember is he complained like a small boy when he
woke up in the pond. That was when she noticed the two forms
heading towards the door, instantly she reconized one "ohh no"
she thought, Lilliana Bloodshine never meant anything good was
going to be happenening. She could not understand why her King
favored this little welp so, she was indeed attractive, but she
acted like some little young troll, not fitting to have the eye
of a ruler at all. But this other one she brought with her,
Lilliana never brought visitors, perhaps another Grim? If so
Warneshi still had his madate that all Grim be allowed entry no
questions asks. As Lilliana and her mother approached, the four
Sandfury women all seemed to scowl in unison; Lilliana was used
to this, she knew they didn't like her, but she smiled to
herself, most likely because they could never speak to Warneshi
the way she could and get away with it. With no questions asked,
Lilliana and her companion where allowed entry, the Sandfury
women where not worried, they knew their King could dispatch both
of them in a wim if he so desired, they even hoped a little that
he would.

Warneshi smiled, he told her once, he could smell that
troublesome little soul from a mile away, and he had not lied.
But the other thing he smelled, he had not smelled since that day
in the moonglade many days ago, Lilliana had brought her mother.
Warneshi closed the tome and place it in the drawer, his wards
where done, he just needed some more time to commite the
incantations to memory. When Lilliana came striding into the
room, Warneshi let a smirk slide across his lips, he always
enjoyed driking in the troll a bit before he spoke, reminded why
he enjoyed being the king of his people so much. It was when her
mother entered that Warneshi became his stoic self again, she was
buisness, and one never enjoyed buisness. Warneshi allowed his
eyes to float around the several art pieces and potraits
depicting great moments of the Sandfury, to remind himself why
this was all necessary, and worth his time.

"Lilliana, welcome and your mother ass well, pleasse sit, thiss
may take sometime Warneshi hass much he wishesss to disscusss
with both of you."

Warneshi waited till both where seated before he spoke again.

"Now Misstresss Bloodshine (refering to the mother in the proper
respectfull Sandfury greeting) let uss not allow thiss to become
like our previouss meeting, for your daughterss sake at leasst.
Warneshi asked you to be brought here becaussse our people are
soon to be in danger, their death will come, and not in the
physsical sensse. Warneshi doess not know how long it will be
till Slys'Thok comess to overpower Warneshi, but when that
happenss the Sandfury people will not losse their livess, but
their hisstory, and the hisstory of what hass transspired thesse
many many yearss of Warneshi'ss life. Warneshi can not allow
thiss to happen, and that iss why you are here; Warneshi askss
you as King of hiss people and as a fellow Sandfury, you musst be
there to passs on the knowledge of our people to the next ruler.
That iss of coursse when a suitable heir can be located."

Warneshi leaned back, he knew she would agree, he could smell her
lust for power; it was almost as strong as her hatred for him.
She had every reason to hate him after all, for the first few
years after his destruction of Zul'Farrak in his mothers name, he
had hunted the women who had try to kill him before he was even
concieved; wanted to slay the one being that stood between him
and absolute power. In time when Warneshi came to understand his
mothers true will, and how to break away from her; he realized
the paramount part that Lilliana's mother may come to play one
day. Warneshi was not naive enough to even hope her hatred of him
had vanished, but he prayed in his mind that she loved their
people as much as he did.

"Well? Misstresss Bloodshine, what do you think of that? Do you
love your people enough to give them a future, or hass the
wrongss Warneshi commited on you all thosse yearss ago still fuel
your rage and your actionss?"

[Lilliana]

The shaman took her time in responding to Warneshi. She appeared
to be pleasant, and even looked as if she was enjoying the
meeting, sitting comfortably in the chair that Warneshi had
provided for her. She was quick to notice that Warneshi could
feel her desire to power, and he could also taste her hate for
him. There would be little she could hide from this King, but
that would not stop her from trying, for she was confident
certain emotions could be excempt and hidden from this keen
warrior King. Warneshi certainly was different than his father.
He had proved that during their walk in Ashenvale, when she had
attempted to weave him to her very will. He was more powerful,
more determined, and more hateful than any troll that Bloodshine
had ever met, save for when it came to her daughter.

Ah, what love would do to even the strongest of creatures, and
that included Warneshi. Warneshi was taking a chance, actually
asking for the shaman to help him and his kingdom. In fact, the
shaman felt that he was being foolish, and truth be told, he was.
He was placing so much trust in Lilliana with pulling her mother
back into the sway, although the shaman had planned to reenter it
anyway, despite Tranquility’s warnings against it. It was clear
that Warneshi and Lilliana had formed a trusting relationship,
and although the young priest sat close to Warneshi during this
meeting with her sapphire eyes placed heavily on her mother
almost threateningly, there would be little that Lilliana could
do to control her mothers actions or prevent a fight between her
and the Sandfury king if such things came to blows.

Bloodshine sensed something within Warneshi that she could
possibly use to her advantage. Her eyes narrowed, and Warneshi
could feel her searching him, craftily reading him as she had
done in Ashenvale. She sensed the wards upon him. Now this
shocked her. She knew what they were for, and what they would do
to Warneshi. Did Lilliana know about this? Well, she knew most
everything else about Warneshi, and since Warneshi had invited
the shaman here, it was quite likely. Those wards would destroy
Warneshi, along with the demon mother that controlled him.
Bloodshine knew all of the history, knew all of the tricks. She
would indeed be a wealth of knowledge for Warneshi and for his
people. This is why the King wanted Bloodshine…. At this
realization the shaman blinked and actually revealed her
surprise. Warneshi was willing to sacrifice himself…. This
surprise was only for a moment, a brief lapse in her strict
façade. Lilliana did not notice it, but Warneshi did, and the
King smiled hesitantly. He was not sure what the surprise meant,
for the shaman was cleverly weaving her own protections. Nothing
against Warneshi or Lilliana, but, hiding her true thoughts. This
frustrated Warneshi when he noticed that he could not sense
everything about the shaman, he still had some control however,
and felt that not all was lost.

“The wrongs that you’ve committed have nothing to do with neither
my rage nor my actions, Heir of the Sandfury.” The shaman’s raspy
and dark toned voice brought attention to her from both Warneshi
and Lilliana. Although she was not attempting to weave any
control of either of them (she had never been successful with
Lilliana, and of course, her last attempt with Warneshi had been
a disaster), her very being demanded attention and that when she
spoke, others listen. “Ah you play upon my love of the Sandfury.”
She smiled lightly, and looked deliberately at her daughter,
“That is no card for you to play, my King, for I had left the
Sandfury ranks years ago, and perhaps that is why I have not
shared their grand history with my daughter.”

Lilliana began to fidget, the most indignant look that has ever
crossed her delicate and innocent face plastered there as she
listened to her mother. Warneshi shot her a look that clearly
asked her to keep still. Although he needed her here and for this
purpose, he couldn’t have her piping up and ruining everything
with one of her wise cracks. She bit her lip and did so, although
she didn’t like it.

Warneshi spoke to Bloodshine, his voice calm and deliberate,
“That issn’t true, Misstresss Bloodsshine.” Warneshi resisted the
urge to smirk. He did a surprisingly excellent job at it.

Bloodshine looked thoughtful as she considered Warneshi. “You
want me to be here to pass on this knowledge to the next ruler, a
suitable heir?” Bloodshine glanced at her daughter. A suitable
heir? Now the shaman was confused, although she did not look it.
So many thoughts were racing through her mind. Lilliana spent so
much time with Warneshi, and it was clear that….why didn’t
Warneshi simply claim his right as Sandfury King, for Lilliana
would more than produce a suitable heir for the kingdom. Was the
Sandfury King actually being respectful to her daughter? The
shadow priestess had not responded to his confession at the moon
well, he should be mortified, angered, in fact, now that the
shaman got to thinking about it, Lilliana should have been
slaughtered. Interesting. The shaman smiled and nodded her head
to Warneshi. Perhaps this would not be so difficult. Warneshi
knew that the shaman still hungered for power, she could not hide
it from him, and he was going to make it so easy for her!
Lilliana was the key, her dear little shadow priestess….

“No, I suppose it is not true.” The shaman’s voice was all but
whispered, the dark raspy tones swirling in Warneshi’s and
Lilliana’s ears. “I am the only Sandfury left from Ukoz’s empire,
other than you I suppose. The ways of our people should not be
lost…I agree.” Bloodshine looked from her daughter, to Warneshi.
Her dark eyes flickered across the paintings which depicted great
Sandfury moments in time. The way she was sitting in her chair,
it almost looked as if she was taken with pride, although that
too, was a façade, one that Lilliana, and even clever Warneshi,
fell pray to and believed the shaman’s newly formed demeanor. The
old shaman rose to her feet, and in a gracious display she knelt
before Warneshi in the proper Sandfury way when submitting
allegiance and servitude. Lilliana did not know what her mother’s
particular stance meant, other than a simple respectful kneel,
but Warneshi did.

The shaman’s voice was soft, yet still raspy when she spoke. Her
eyes met those of Warneshi’s, her fiery orbs two distinct flames
that spoke of power to Warneshi and to his people, “I will serve
for that purpose, Warneshi, King of the Sandfury. Now I know
there is much that you have to tell me this evening, and much
that I will be telling you. Perhaps you should order us some food
and drink?” Again, although the shaman was the one kneeling
before Warneshi, everything about her commanded that others
listen and obey her. Warneshi would have to get used to this.

[Warneshi]

Warneshi was smiling on the outside, inside he was fuming. This
was not going as he had planned. He had hoped that after
explaining the situation, the mother would at least seem like she
really wished to help his and her people. As things where now,
she spoke the words and Warnenshi did not believe her one bit,
however it did seem a rather good idea to have some food and
drink ordered. Warneshi remembered his two guests where mortal
and they probably where going hungry or thirsty. After sending
away a servent, Warneshi idoly chated with both female's, small
talk till their sustenance arrived. After both the women had
eaten and drank a bit, Warneshi decided to continue this
"negotiations" with Lilliana's mother.

Warneshi began outlining how the history should be passed, he
felt new texts should be drawn up, and that whenever an heir was
found that Lilliana's mother would be given much time with the
child as it grew, to make sure it was bathed in the knowledge of
it's people. Interesting, Lilliana's mother thought, from the
sound of things Warneshi did not plan to be alive when this heir
came along. She was also going to be able to teach the child as
well, this was almost becoming to easy...

Warneshi watched as the web was thickened with each word he
spoke, he was amazed with how easly Lilliana's mother was walking
into this trap; he had not figured she would fall for this sort
of trick, Warneshi thought she would of found it extremely
suspicous that he was allowing her in so easly. Warneshi looked
at the daughter, oddly enough he could not bring himself to use
her completly as he had wished to, the little troll had weasled
her way into his sensabilites, but that did not mean she could
not be a pawn against her mother...

As Warneshi continued to descirbe his future plans for the
Sandfury, it became apparent to Lilliana's mother that the Tyrant
may be trying to use her own daughter against her. He had made
sure to have the greater trust, or at least appear the more
honest. He had allowed her to think she had power by showing
signs of weakness to her. Warneshi Sandscalp was playing Lilliana
clear as day, how obvious did the tyrant wish to be? The mother
had to admit, there was feeling there, the tyrant gave her way to
much leaniency to not be harboring some feelings for the
priestess, but it seemed he was also trying to find a way to play
the daughter against the mother. Bloodshine could not yet see why
he would try to do this, what had he to gain? Revenge? If he had
wished revenge he would of killed her in the glade those many
days ago. No the tyrant had something else he was planning, the
wards, the signs of affection, this whole meeting; she knew the
bloodline, and this Sandscalp was trying to lead them all to some
point, she just could not see what it was yet...

Warneshi was happy to see he was keeping the older troll on her
feet, they had been dancing with each other since this meeting
began, they both knew the moves well, but Warneshi had hoped he
was gaining the better footing. This meeting was from over, they
still had much to discuss, and Warneshi hoped Lilliana would
continue to not chime in, he knew she the distraction she would
cause him, could be detremental to his cool facade he was trying
to keep in front of her mother, would perhaps cost him the mental
war that was raging between the two Sandfury.

As Warneshi finished his outline, he noticed that the mother had
been glancing at his arm, only for a split second, but he feared
the worse. This was not something he had hoped she would notice,
he knew it was foolish to hope she wouldn't, but one could always
dream that hope did something. Warneshi knew that if he did not
speak of the wards now, she would think this a secret he was
trying to keep, which it was, and would find a way to turn it
against him in this meeting, which she could. Warneshi acted
fast, only one way to counter this, only one way to save his work
from being un-veiled; the mother knew what the wards truely
meant, and Lilliana only knew what Warneshi wished her to know.
Warneshi had to keep their true meaning a secret from Lilliana,
he knew she had some power over him, he could feel the empty
space in his chest burn extremely hot to remind that her power
over him was indeed very real.

Warneshi pulled the sleeves of his light shirt back to reveal the
wards and looked to the mother.

"Warneshi knowss you know what thesse are, Warneshi knowss you
know the legend of the firsst Sandfury ruler, the firsst
Sandscalp. Warneshi will assure you that he hass not made the
same misstake that Sandscalp did, thesse are not the same wardss
ussed in legend, thesse are weaker wardss, not intended to
conssume the demon, as jusst banish it'ss infection from
Warneshi'ss veinss."

Warneshi was extremely happy the day was cool so that he was not
sweating, the lie he had told was a rather large one. All young
Sandfury knew the legend of how the first Sandfury had embraced
the nether as his ally, had taken what all feared as his closest
of friends, his most trusted of allies. Had used that power to
make the Sandfury strong, to forge the race into the greatest of
the trolls, the greatest of the races on Azeroth. What the
legends didn't say, and that only few Sandfury actually knew. Was
that the first Sandscalp, wished to remove himself from this
gift, and to even take the demons power himself, so that he would
be the master. Warneshi knew the mother of Lilliana knew what had
happened, the first Sandscalp had discovered the ritual to
transfer the demons power from the nether into his own form, he
had discovered how to transcend into a true power.

Warneshi knew that the first Sandscalp had become a true
nightmare, an Illidan of the Sandfury, he had drank deep of the
demons essence and used it to turn himself into a behemoth of
shadow, a demon of the nether. But the will of Slys'Thok had been
to great for the Sandscalp, and she had overpowered him and used
him as a machine to spread her mandate, and to subjugate the
Sandfury to her will.

Warneshi was not as weak as that first Sandscalp, and he knew it,
he was a direct descendent of Slys'Thok, and so he would be able
to succeed where the first Sandscalp had failed. But Warneshi
knew that if Lilliana's mother discovered his secret this early
she would try to stop him, would tell Lilliana what he planned to
do. Warneshi was going to fight Slys'Thok the only way he could,
trap her essence and will within him, transcend his half-demon
status and become a nightmare like the first Sandscalp. This
would destory his infected blood, he would no longer be a
Sandscalp, because he would no longer be slave to his blood, he
would be someting greater, he would control his blood, and use
that power to forge a new empire. Warneshi knew this would
destroy his body utterly, so he needed a new body to control.
Warneshi would have the new heir educated in what had happened,
so that when Warneshi's essence returned from the nether to
inhabit the body, Warneshi would know again what had transpired;
for he knew only the power would of his mother could be preserved
not any of his memory's. Lilliana's mother would train the new
heir, Warneshi would take it's body and memories, and continue to
rule his people, and they would be truely powerfull; he would
give the mother the option to continue serving, or to be
destroyed.

Warneshi knew this point was critical, he did not want to kill
the mother if she wished to try and stop him, he did not want to
do something to hurt Lilliana. She was a Sandfury after all, and
just like all his other people, he did this all for the good of
her as well; he snorted to himself, he knew it was for greater
reasons then that, but again, sometimes sacrifices had to be made
for the greater good.

Warneshi eyed Lilliana after he spoke his lie, praying to his
ancestors she did not mention the journal, or point out an
fallacy's in Warneshi's tale. The mother was right, it was weak
for Warneshi to trust Lilliana so, but he could not help himself,
it seemed as he played her to his whims, she played him to hers
as well. Then the mother tryed to play all of them. Warneshi
sighed to himself, what a web he had weaved, but when the dust
settled, he knew for the good of the Sandfury, it was all worth
it.

Warneshi ordered more refresments, it had been sometime since
they had been replaced, then continued the meeting.

"Now what iss it that you would tell Warneshi of the hisstory of
our people, how would you Misstresss Bloodsshine handle thiss
situation?"

[Lilliana]

Lilliana was silent the entire time that her mother and Warneshi
spoke. She was even silent when Warneshi offered his explanation
of the wards on his arm. She did not interupt to correct his
story, even though his words did not match what he had originally
told the young shadow priestess. While Warneshi and her mother
worked at this game of manipulation from both sides, Lilliana was
left caught in the middle.

This was a most unhealthy place for her, however, Lilliana had
already chosen which side she would support. Her silence when
Warneshi spoke about his wards and his plans with them spoke
volumes to the Sandfury King of just where Lilliana's loyalties
lied. Granted, Lilliana was not aware that Warneshi planned on
taking on a wretched demon form and later overtaking the body of
his heir so that he could continue to rule his people. Warneshi
had told her the wards would destroy the curse that he carried,
but that it would also destroy Warneshi along with it. That part
was true, it would destroy the hold his mother had on him, and
would destroy his body, but, Warneshi had left out quite an
important part of the plan. One that even Lilliana may not
approve of, although, one could not be certain until such a thing
was tested.

Lilliana nibbled quietly on the foods Warneshi's servants
brought. Her mother was in the process of answering Warneshi's
latest question. Bloodshine delved into deep Sandfury history,
some of which Warneshi knew, some of which he found as unfamiliar
information for him - shocking for the Sandfury King, Lilliana's
mother knew more than he had thought. This would take much longer
that their meeting tonight. All of this history Lilliana had
never experienced, never heard. She had been raised with no
affliations with any tribe, of any heritage, other than her
mother and adopted gnome father gave to her. Her eyes grew big at
some points, making her look like a little child, but mostly she
took the "history lesson" as any good student would, and tried to
look as non chalant as someone like Lilliana could.

During this entire time Lilliana's heart was growing angry. So
much history, so much that she had been denied in her years of
life regarding a heritage rich in amazing history of a powerful
nation, and her mother, her very own mother had been such a key
figure within it! But her mother had hidden it from her...she
never would have known any difference if it had not been for
Warneshi joining the ranks of the Grim those many nights ago...

Lilliana blinked. Warneshi had asked her mother how the shaman
would handle the situation. Her mother had leaned back in her
chair at this point, and smiled beautifully at the Sandfury King.
Lilliana titled her head at her mother.

"I wouldn't change a thing, my King" The shaman's raspy voice
tickled Lilliana's ears. "But I would like to know what part my
daughter will play in all of this, other than being your loyal
protector against my "crafty" ways here at this meeting"
Bloodshine tossed her daughter a knowing look. "Ah, and I would
like to make a request." She eyed Warneshi through red flames.
Her eyes were like looking directly into Lilliana's, little of
them was different.

"Go ahead." Warneshi bit his tongue, not answering the first part
of Bloodshine's question .

"I'll have to work here, it would be easiest at the Embassy
itself, or at least close by, since you already have such a
wonderful set up. But, my companion, the little gnome known as
Tranquility....I will be working on these tomes for the Sandfury
for quite some time. Can you gaurentee his safety within these
walls?"

Both Lilliana and Warneshi blinked at the same time. Was
Bloodshine setting up a death sentence for Tranquility, and most
likely herself, by inviting such a request into Orgrimmar? It
didn't seem to serve any intelligent purpose, but still, she had
asked...

When Warneshi did not answer straight away, most likely from the
absurb shock of such a ridiculous request, Bloodshine continued,
"Oh you needn't worry, Heir of the Sandfury, I can ensure your
safety from Tranquility!" She laughed. Although the shaman's
voice was harsh, raspy, her laughter was strangly soothing and
sweet, like a gentle breeze carrying the distant scent of
flowers.

[Warneshi]

Warneshi was seething on the inside, the old ones little jab hit
hard against his ego, and this request; he knew she was a bold
one but this, this was borderline insanity.

Warneshi weighed his options in his head before speaking. To
allow a gnome in his embassy was surely treason against the
horde, and would bring Thrall's ire on to the king and his newly
rising nation. Warneshi thought hard, he still needed the old one
close; to keep his eye on her; make sure she didn't come in at
some unseen time and foul up all his plans. He was overjoyed she
wanted to work here, he couldn't ask for a easier place to keep
his eyes on her, and to keep her under his thumb if need be, but
he was wary as well; she knew the risks of walking into the lions
den, and she wouldn't do it without protection. Warneshi thought
about the gnome, why use him as protection; one wrong move on his
part and the entire city of Orgrimmar would see him hanging from
a long rope.

Warneshi layed out his plan quickly, he knew the mothers eyes
where on him, and that she was trying to probe him; discover his
plan before he put it to words. The gnome would be needed here,
simply because the mother would be needed here, and Warneshi knew
exactly how he would handle it. Warneshi smiled before answering,
he may even enjoy seeing the little gnome about, well at least in
the way Warneshi was going to allow.

"How bold of you to speak to Warneshi about fearing something so
small. You should be wisser and know Warneshi already hass wayss
of dealing with the little squeekling should he have ever
encountered it again. But that iss neither here nor there.

Now to your requesst, you know what it iss you assk, if Warneshi
wass to be disscovered harboring alliance here it would bring the
horde down on the headss of the Sandfury. It would desstroy all
Warneshi worked for before it even had a chance to get moving.

Desspite that, Warneshi will allow the gnome to be here next to
you; if you are so dependent upon him. Under one condition that
iss."

Warneshi sent his servent running to retrieve several items he
would need for what he was going to propose. When the servent
returned Warneshi placed a brand with the symbol of house
Sandscalp on it, a pair of manacles, and several rags that might
fit a gnome.

"For the little thing to be here and to secure the Sandfury's
alliance to the horde; Warneshi requiress that thiss gnome, wear
thesse ragss of the a slave of Warneshi, and to be branded with
the emblem of the housse Sandscalp. Thrall hass permitted that
Warneshi iss allowed to hold the customss of the Sandfury to
promote further good relationss between the Sandfury and the
Horde. You are well aware that if the gnome iss viewed as a
slave, that he will be given not a second a thought by an
Sandfury, and soon the horde will adapt to that; then and only
then will he prove to be no threat for what Warneshi iss trying
to accomplissh.

Warneshi dossn't care if you or the gnome protesst, to be
perfectly honesst; if he iss disscovered as not being a slave,
then all Warneshi worked for will be desstroyed, and Warneshi
would have no need for you anywayss. But if you wissh to remain
in the thiss embasssy and to have that vermin serve here with
you; you will abide by the ruless Warneshi setss, and you and him
will suck up your pride and do as you are told. If that iss not
what you wissh to hear, then pleasse be gone from Warneshi'ss
sight; but Warneshi knowss that you wissh to be here next to him,
to keep your eyess on Warneshi. So Warneshi knowss what it iss
you will choosse. You have 2 dayss to bring the gnome here, in
ironss and ragss and branded; if not by then he will not be
allowed within thesse wallss, and neither will you."

Warneshi let his eyes fall upon Lilliana after he spoke, he knew
she loved the Gnome, and as much as he hated the alliance; he
hated knowing the pain and anger she was going to feel alot more.
Warneshi reassured himself, this was how it had to be, Warneshi
needed the old one still, as much as she still needed him; but
Warneshi also needed the horde. It was all a web, a confusing web
that Warneshi starting to get lost in, he closed his eyes and
prayed to the nether this worked, prayed that the gnome would not
be discovered for what he realyl was, prayed that the Sandfury's
return would be as he wanted it to be.

[Lilliana]

The web that Warneshi weaved was indeed thick, the spindly
tendrils were strong as they continued to wrap around the three
Sandfury that sat together in the proud Embassy. Warneshi and
Bloodshine were used to such ventures into the spiders lair. Both
had been used to playing the spider while they baited the fly.
And unlike the desperate insect that gets caught up in the
spiders web, neither of them struggled to make things worse, they
both rolled with it, but that still did not seem to stop either
of them from becoming more tangled into their game. That is what
Lilliana did not understand. Both of them were spiraling down a
path that would not be beneficial to either of them. Lilliana did
not know the deep history that was at the root of Bloodshine’s
and Warneshi’s behavior. Of course, Warneshi had told Lilliana
some things, but he had twisted the truth and altered the tale.
If Lilliana knew the entire truth….

Lilliana knew that Bloodshine would never submit to such
treatment of her companion Tranquility (and neither would the
little gnome!), and Warneshi would never allow the gnome in here
as if he were one of the horde, although truth be told, the
gnomes heart was with the horde’s plight, he had left his own
people long ago. When Warneshi’s gaze fell upon Lilliana her eyes
had grown dark as a midnights storm. Warneshi had seen Lilliana
angry, frustrated, and annoyed in the long time that he known
her, but never had he seen such disdain in her gentle eyes,
especially directed at him! She was furious with both of them,
and her time of keeping her mouth shut was over. She had been
riding in silence on borrowed time for minutes now, and had to
open her mouth, which she did in a wretchedly loud screech….

“Mother!!!!!! Warneshi!!!!!!!!! STOP IT!!!”

Lilliana’s shout could be heard throughout the entire Sandfury
Embassy, raising heads and curiosity to all the trolls that
worked there. The Kings Royal Guard all turned their heads in
unison towards the closed door where Warneshi, Bloodshine and
Lilliana sat. Jesthek, the strongest of the guard, and the one
who disliked Lilliana the most, hissed. How dare that little
whelp Lilliana make such a ruckus as if she was a little child!
She and the other three females that made up the royal guard
whispered harshly to one another. Surely if Lilliana was acting
so insubordinate their king would have to strike her down. They
crept towards the door to listen to what was occurring within.

Lilliana got to her feet, stealing the rags and the brand that
Warneshi’s servant had brought to the table. Lilliana slammed the
brand down hard on the floor, its metal echoing painfully off of
their ears. Lilliana then chucked the rags at Warneshi. One of
them caught on his charred tusk.

“I won’t hear any more of this from either of you! Stop playing
games! Mother you know that Warneshi cannot allow Tranquility
into Orgrimmar, and Warneshi you know that my mother would never
allow a brand to be put onto him!” Lilliana was yelling, her
voice loud and angry, but also commanding. She would not back
down.

Bloodshine rose and stepped close to Lilliana to put her taloned
hands on the priestesses arm. The shaman feared that Warneshi
would strike against her daughter, for Lilliana was out of line,
and she had thrown dirty rags at the King. Quite the insult!
Despite their seemingly close relationship, Bloodshine knew that
the King was playing her daughter; his patience would only go so
far. When Bloodshine’s dark eyes flickered to Warneshi, she found
it impossible to discern what he was planning, for he remained in
his chair, rag hanging from his tusk, with the most beautiful
shocked expression ever to grace his arrogant face.

Lilliana turned so quickly on her mother that Bloodshine wished
she had not risen to intervene with her raging daughter.

“Don’t even start that! I asked you to come here and help, and
you play these games with the Sandfury King!” Lilliana’s soft and
gentle voice was full of venom, she had had enough from the two
of them. “Both of you just figure out the linguistics and be
about your business! No gnomes, no branding….just behave!”
Lilliana stormed out of the room, leaving Bloodshine and Warneshi
absolutely speechless as her taloned feet clicked angrily on the
stone floors. She threw the doors open, which in turn hit Jesthek
and the other royal guards in the face for they all had their
ears pressed up close to the door. When Lilliana saw that the
female Sandfury had been listening so disrespectfully, she let
out a terrifying scream. This was not just any scream, but her
psychic scream that rang of nothing but awful fear. It filled her
fellow Sandfury’s minds in terror, and each of the royal guard
went fleeing in a different direction, their eyes wide and wild
with fear. Jesthek ran right into the room where Warneshi and
Bloodshine were, and bumped straight into her king. She was
knocked out of her fear induced bolt when she stumbled to the
floor at Warneshi’s feet, a look first of indignant anger,
embarrassment, and finally fear when she saw where she was, and
who she had fallen in front of.

Bloodshine remained where she was, allowing her daughter to
leave. She knew better to pursue her daughter when the little
priestess was angered. She tapped a talon to her chin, it was
most likely Warneshi’s turn to rage, but then again, she wasn’t
so sure. When she turned to him, her eyes briefly giving the
fallen Jesthek a disgusted glance, Warneshi seemed overly calm.
Bloodshine stepped back….and waited. Either her daughter had
ruined everything, or Warneshi would take this outburst to his
advantage, and they could get to serious business.

[Warneshi]

Warneshi allowed himself to smile. Lilliana was a Sandfury, rage
and all; while the rags that now adorned his tusks were a bit
insulting, Warneshi payed them little mind for he was impressed.

Jesthek heard a snarl from the direction of her king, and closed
he eyes; knowing full well his temper would lend him to striking
out at the nearest thing he could ge his hands on. When no blow
came, or the more fearsome thought; when Warneshi did not look
her in the face, Jesthek raised her head up. She was met with the
face of Warneshi who did not look half as angry as he should.

"Get up Jessthek, how shamefull to allow a little priesstesss to
steal your witss and send you running to Warneshi to be saved. Go
to your sisterss and all four of you find a suitable punisshment
for yourselvess for that weakness; if Warneshi doess not find it
suitable, he will chosse one himsself. Now go! Leave Warneshi to
his buisnesss."

Jesthek was shocked, she wasnt going to die; the punishment would
indeed have to be terrible, but her souls was still hers. She got
up and left the room quickly, noting Warneshi still had not
removed the rag from his tusk.

When the guard was gone Warneshi turned his eyes down to the rag
on his tusk and smirked.

"It seemss Bloodshine the same firey blood that commanded the
empire hass not ended with you. She iss something of an oddity
for a Sandfury, but well perhapss that oddity iss what iss needed
for the empire to immerge."

Warneshi looked down and pulled the rag off his tusk; setting it
on the table in front of him.

"Your offspring iss correct of coursse, we spend to much time
trying to control each other. Warneshi hass put hiss hatred of
you behind him, for you know full well if Warneshi had wisshed to
inact vengeance it would of happened long before now.

Warneshi knowss you still harbor ill will towardss him, it wass
Warneshi that took away your empire of pawnss. If you are here to
try and re-esstablissh that control, starting with Warneshi, then
pleasse take your leave. Warneshi will not have an empire of
lackeyss, but an empire of conquererss. You have the chance to
see what wass desstroyed risse again. The chance to see the
Sandfury risse for the third time in your life, and thiss time
they will not fail.

Your choice Bloodshine, Warneshi holdss no alterier planss for
Lilliana or the Sandfury. Warneshi iss not hiss father, but
Warneshi knowss hiss fatherss dream better then anyone. Warneshi
see'ss that dream within himsself all the time. Warneshi swore
thosse many yearss ago he would see the empire re-born, and you
know Warneshi'ss word iss truth. Remember the lasst time Warneshi
swore an oath? The empire crumbled from that one, so you know
thiss one will be fulfilled as well."

Warneshi smiled at Bloodshine and sat back in his seat to wait
and see how devoted this women was to her people and her
daughter. Whatever happened he knew soon he would have to
introduce Bloodshine to his only heir. He had hoped to keep
Krezinak hidden from her till it was absolutley necessary; but
Lilliana was right, someone needed to take the first step.
Warneshi wanted to see this matter done and to see progress in
the re-birth of his empire, so Warneshi's foot was put before his
ego.

[Lilliana]

“My daughter is indeed an oddity, don’t think that I wasn’t aware
of that!” Bloodshine found it difficult to withhold her laughter.
Lilliana had managed to pause the silly game that Warneshi and
Bloodshine were toying with, and had set them back on the trail
that would get the King where he needed to be.

“Enough of you trying to usher me out of here, my Lord.”
Bloodshine’s raspy voice came out in a humored laugh. She was
relieved that Warneshi had held his temper. She wondered if this
was a particular trend that he displayed with her daughter, or if
perhaps the Sandfury King was changing from what she believed he
once was. Memories of the time when Warneshi destroyed their
empire, slaying Ukorz and her young charge, Worneshi, flashed
through her mind when Warneshi restated the ill feelings
Bloodshine had towards the Sandfury King. The feelings were
there, and yes, Bloodshine’s aim was to kill Warneshi, she had
promised herself that she would those many years ago. But, truth
be told, the old shaman still harbored love for her people. Years
she had served the empire, and now with her daughter’s
unpredicted involvement with the Sandfury people, Bloodshine was
left with little choice but to serve.

Bloodshine’s gaze fell heavily upon Warneshi. She didn’t know
what he was planning precisely, other than what he had told her.
His plans must be grander than simply this. She would wait, and
serve for now as Warneshi and her daughter so desired. She would
serve truthfully, as truthfully as one of her kind could.
Warneshi still took a chance employing Bloodshine, but he did
have Lilliana. She was still strongly part of this.

“I am not here to re-establish the control that I once had. That
time is over" She leaned in close to the Sandfury King and spoke
softly... " It was the lack of control that I truly had that
doomed the Empire the last time.” The shaman's dark eyes
flickered towards the door where her daughter had departed.
Turning back to Warneshi, she bowed her head, the sapphire
tendrils of her long hair scattering across her face. “Let us see
then what you have planned for the Sandfury. You owe your people
much, Warneshi.” It was the first time that Bloodshine had used
Warneshi’s name when speaking to him. She remained where she
stood, and was waiting for Warneshi’s orders, she had agreed to
serve for the purpose of the throne, and she showed him the
respect expected in waiting for his "direction".

[Warneshi]

Warneshi was anxious, what he was about to reveal to the old
troll would probably change their relationship forever. She
served him because she wanted to see him fail and his people
succeed, the opposite of what happened so long ago. He knew deep
down she wanted revenge, but he could see in her a drive to make
the Sandfury whole again. In the oddest way Warneshi trusted the
old troll, he knew she was not stupid enough to try anything till
she had gathered much more of his trust. Full trust she would
never have; Warneshi hopes this would keep her in line for awhile
at least, besides, he had Lilliana and as much as he hated using
her; it was his trump card in this game of spiders.

Warneshi knew he could not let Bloodshine know of the work
Regnanetah was doing, he knew she wanted him to fail in whatever
plans he had; true she wanted Slys'Thok dead as much as him, but
she hoped Warneshi would perish as well. Warneshi enjoyed his new
aide, Regnanetah was a loyal Sandfury and a damn powerfull one at
that. The ideas Regnanetah had were a great bone to what Warneshi
wanted to accomplish, and perhaps would show Warneshi the only
way he could survive the coming conflict with his mother.
Bloodshine would come to know of Regnanetah no matter what
Warneshi did, so he would not try and hide the trolls existance;
but Warneshi would indeed make Regnanetahs service to him sound
far less important then what it reall was. That secret was for
another time, no Warneshi had one thing he wished to do; he would
prove to Bloodshine his true power and right to rule his people,
and the service to his people would be done ten-fold what the old
troll thought was possible.

"You should know Warneshi'ss planss, to resstore our people. A
simple plan, Warneshi served to long as her pawn, as her arm of
vengeance againsst our people, Warneshi will no longer serve,
insstead Warneshi will rule the bitch and take her power for hiss
own."

Bloodshine thought this troll must be crazy, every educated
Sandfury knew of the legend of the first Sandscalp; how he had
tried to defy their godess and the price he payed. Warneshi was
not foolish enough to try this, he knew without some mechanism of
power that he would fail; as powerfull as Warneshi was, he was
not powerfull enough to destroy his mother on his own. Bloodshine
wateched her king, a look of extreme doubt painted on her face.

Warneshi allowed himself to smile from one tusk to the other
before speaking again.

"You think Warneshi iss foolissh, that what wass attempted so
long ago can never be accomplisshed. Worry not Bloodsshine,
Warneshi iss not a king of foolss; that iss resserved for another
troll. *Warneshi smirked at his reference, he was starting to
actually enjoy the pirate troll.* Thiss time it will be
differant, Warneshi will succeed were Ukorz had failed; Warneshi
will not be swayed by the trickss of hiss mother, she will fall
thiss time. Warneshi hass the key to thiss victory...Behold
Bloodshine, servent of Warneshi'ss line and high shadow mistresss
of our people; Sul'Thraze iss reborn before your eyess. The key
to our victory iss weilded in the handss of the line that iss
curssed, and in the cursse iss born our freedom."

Warneshi drew forth Sul'Thraze from it's scabard he kept behind
his seat. The blade erupted in dark flames, its runes glowing in
an unholy light. A weapon of vile darkness and hatred, it was
indeed the heart and soul of his people. The Lasher sang in a
deep tone, calling to Bloodshine's blood, commanding her to serve
its weilder. Warneshi laughed like he had never laughed, he saw
in her eyes reverence and fear; all Sandfury of past and future
knew this blade for what it was when they layed eyes upon it. The
blade commanded the blood of the Sandfury, it sang to them;
reminding them of the power they all held within them, the
corruption that fed the fires of their hate. Like any other
Sandfury even Bloodshine was cowed in its presence, she wanted to
give herself to the blade, she saw her ancestors and the souls of
her blood that had yet to even be born, she saw her people, and
she saw their strength.

Bloodshine was laughing inside, Warneshi had brought it back, the
blade of kings; Ukorz's key to freedom. The boy had saved his
people, all that remainded was he use to strike his mother down.
Bloodshine began to look upon Warneshi in a new light, he was
free of his mothers will, he fought for his people not himself.
He was his father and she saw the same strength of Ukorz echo in
Warneshi.

Warneshi drank in the sight, to have this ancient troll bowing
before the great blade of their people; it was a sight Warneshi
had only seen in dreams. He saw in her a love for her people he
never thought possible; this old troll was indeed loyal, if she
had not been before, she could be nothing but now. Warneshi knew
the power of this blade, it was his link to all his people, and
their link to him.

"Slyss'Thok diess, that iss Warneshi'ss directive, we gather the
Sandfury free of the cursse of Zul'Farrak. Thosse not loyal to
the bloodthrone will be cowed and brought to our service at the
sight of Sul'Thraze. Our empire iss reborn, to the thundering
sound of the beating heartss of the Sandfury. The bitch diess and
we remain."