Things That Go Bump In The Night (Part One)

Below are actual accounts as recorded by Aurendar Moonstrider in the year of Elune - 2007:

All things considered, it was a beautiful night. Up above, the moon shown down on me like the spotlight on the stage star at the World’s End Tavern in Shatraath. I’m flattered. Not nary of a breeze this night. The stillness stabbed you like a well placed dagger. It was noticeable. Little did I know that the beauty of Azeroth was short-lived. For this night, death loomed just an ocean away. I had wandered into Ironforge after a long ride on the DeepRun Tram from Stormwind. Ironforge is a great place to take in some sights, grab a Darnassian Ale and strike up conversation with the local adventurers. First though, I stopped at the Auction House to see what the locals had for sale. A recipe for buzzard bites! SOLD! I’ve been hungry for those little morsels for many moons! Azrael isn’t too fond of them however. But I’ll make sure he’s well fed.

Just then I received a message from a local Ironforge courier. It read –

Aurendar,

Your presence is requested on the continent of Kalimdor at the entrances to the Caverns of Time. Ensure you are well stocked as adventure awaits.

Oh and by the way, you have been promoted to Man-At-Arms. Congratulations soldier!

Light Be With You,
Commander Garnil Thunderman
Sterling House

Garnil is an exemplary Commander. I have found it easy to follow his orders thus far. It will be an honor to serve him and Sterling in my new capacity. I hope I live up to their expectations.

Hmmmm… The Caverns of Time. The mere utterance of those words sends me reaching for my Long Bow. No good can come of this. I take one last swash of Ale pay my silvers and make my way to the local Bowyer. I stock up on my favorite Razor Shafts, make sure Azrael has meal and I have water. A quick ride to the griffin master and I’m off to Menethil Harbor to catch the next ferry to Theramore.

2 hours later, I’m standing outside of the gates of Gadgetzan. A vile place where horde & alliance see fit to co-mingle. The only thing I take away from that town is a shower. Eeellcchg. Definitely not one of my vacation spots. I hurriedly check my mail and mount up for the Caverns of Time. An hours ride away.

Soon I am riding full stride through the ruins and up to the meeting stone. There I am met by Garnil, Dohom and Askashia. Garnil is busy looking for a healer in our midst to assist us on our journey. Askashia & Dohom were at rest engaged in conversation.

“Well Met Sterling! It is a good night for battle!” I announced as I approached the party.

Dohom & Askashia looked up as I approached. As they stood and waved, I could tell they were happy to see me. I am fortunate to have met two such great adventurers. They are trusted allies and more importantly, good friends.

As I dismounted, Askashia greeted me in true Darnassian fashion, with a formal bow. I returned the formalities and saluted Dohom with respect. In the midst of conversation, Garnil came rumbling up the hill, his platemail brashing with each heavy step. Quite the imposing scene. I’m glad he’s on our side!

“I think I’ve got one! I think I’ve got one!” He yelled in between huffing breaths from running up hill in full armor. “Just what have you got Commander?” I asked. “A healer! I’ve managed to round up a healer for our run.” From the look on his face, I could tell he scored a trusted comrade. “Sorowyn! We got Sorowyn! She’s on her way as I speak!” Tales of Sorowyn’s adventures are regular parts of Ironforge gossip. Word of her healing ways is known through out the Realm. I have yet to fight along side her and am looking forward to opportunity. This is going to be a great run.

Ummm, Garnil? You never made mention of it in your note. Where exactly are we going sir?” I asked. Gaining composure, Garnil cleared his throat and boomed “The Black Morass awaits us!”

I literally felt a shudder roll down my spine. Lore and Legend speak of The Black Morass & Medivh’s nefarious deed. To venture into that time and take part in that Lore is a true honor…

…And Nightmare.

Once Sorowyn joined up with the party, we mounted up and journeyed down the dank path into the Caverns. Before we knew it, we were standing before the ‘Great Swirl’, the tell-tale sign of a significant area of adventure. One by one we stepped through the portal and into The Black Morass.

“What is this place? Why do I not have a good feeling about this?” Askashia mumbled. Trust me, I felt her sentiments exactly. Never before, have I felt such a heavy and foreboding sense of evil. It was quite overwhelming. With each step the air grew thicker. “STOP! Proceed no further mortals!” a voice called out in the darkness. Off to one side a High Elf approached and offered his assistance. He provided each of us a small device. Something called a Chrono-Beacon. What it’s for, I wasn’t exactly sure but he said when the time comes, you’ll know what to do.

Now be off!

With that, we headed into the Morass.

**To Be Continued**