8. The Patriarch

The breeze of Shadowmoon Valley was the same as always… unnerving… It had been days since Kaz had given Edward the note for the Patriarch. Still, no response.

Clouds of worry derailed Kaz’s thoughts into nightmares. What should he do?

Morsters was as cold and unaffected as ever, simply doing what needed to be done. Seemingly unconcerned about the weird look in Kaz’s eyes.

“I need some repairs. I’ll fly to the village.” He said.

Edurne barely turned to look at him, but he knew that was nothing to be expected.

She arrived in the village shortly after Kaz, only to find him in a quite unexpected situation. The Patriarch was there… A twist of fate led them to meet randomly… Apparently, Weyland had not delivered the note.

The Patriarch granted Kaz some time for a private conversation. Morsters snorted, but Kaz wasn’t sure if she snorted for being left out or for being delayed.

The two Warlocks climbed the stairs of the Inn and reached an isolated balcony, offering them the privacy needed for such a conversation.

“I met with mr. Weyland in Silvermoon the other night… I gave him a parchment to deliver to you, asking a meeting. “ Kaz started out.

“Mostly we can’t tell if Edward is in the same reality as we are, but do continue…”

Kaz kept up. “The reason for this was some information I received… Some rather… disturbing information”.

“And what is this information you are talking about?” Timrashal inquired.

“The news received, spoke of your Marshal, Patriarch” Kaz said in a serious and abrupt voice, pausing for a few seconds to see Timrashal’s reaction, as the Patriarch stared down on him.

“I…suppose you are talking about Lordaeron’s ex-Marshal and not the current one?”

“Suppose I am talking about Mordan... if that’s making it clear enough.”

“Yes… Well I must inform you that such business really doesn’t concern you, sir Shadowstep… this is internal Lordaeron business”

“Patriarch, with all the respect. Anything done to harm miss Mordan does concern me.” Kaz left no margin for negotiation, still remaining calm as a baby.

Timrashal smiled.

“Well, suppose I let you in on internal Lordaeron ruling… please ask away…” said Timrashal, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Lordaeron is more than a banner, Patriarch, you know that better than I do.”

Timrashal nodded in agreement.

Kaz carried on “Miss Mordan was a Marshal. You surely know your Marshal better than anyone.”

“A Marshal admitting to cold-blooded murder, yes” Timrashal intervened.

“What would you suggest we did? Pat her on the head and give her warning not to do it again?”

“Did she not give you a reason?”

“She did… not one that justifies it though…”

“And… that justifies Faranel?” came Kaz’s response.

The Patriarch seemed to agree with Kaz’s objections, as Kaz interpreted his reactions to that, but still wanted to keep the flag up.

Kaz brought up the trial issue, to which Timrashal reacted angrily, stating that it was either Thrall’s justice or his.

“And how is Faranel better than any other form of justice, Patriarch? Tear her apart? Do unimaginable things to her?” Kaz’s hands began to tremble at the thought.

Timrashal apparently wanted this conversation to end, so he once again stated that it was internal Lordaeron business.

“So, was there something else?”

Kaz saw no reason to carry on, merely stated:

“Forgive me Patriarch… but as far as I am concerned, this is more than internal Lordaeron business. Miss Mordan concerns me in a great degree… and so does her wellbeing… And I will do whatever I can to keep it that way. So, no… there is nothing else”

Timrashal grunted.

“Well, if it eases your mind, miss Mordan is well, very well even.” Said the Patriarch, unaware that Kaz had already found her in the Caverns of Time, just the day before.

“It would ease my mind to know she will keep being that way” Kaz added.

Timrashal gave Kaz the one answer he was looking for: “She is unharmed, proof has been given to the Horde that Lordaeron doesn’t allow random murdering and she will take up her duties in due time.”

Kaz couldn’t help a smile.

“I take your word, Patriarch. Thank you.”

Timrashal nodded, before Kaz added: “And… be sure to call on my services if you need them. I do believe the Patriarch would not speak anything else but his real thoughts, so… I trust, miss Mordan will no longer be endangered”

“Well, I will not represent those dangers… or not while she doesn’t do anything wrong”

“Be sure to let the ones who represent those dangers… that I will represent their own danger” Kaz replied meaningfully.

Timrashal smiled and said “I’ll try to keep it in mind”

Kaz nodded in respect and turned to leave.

Downstairs, Morsters was waiting impatiently. Kaz beckoned her that all was done.

They set off southeast once more, to infiltrate the Path of Conquest…

Kaz’s thoughts no longer turned around Cybele… As if he had fulfilled his duties towards her… and no longer had reason to let his mind linger around her… It was futile after all… They had both changed…

It was nothing more than a story that never really started…

Kaz smiled coldly at Morsters and hurled a shadowbolt to down a pesky elf that almost killed her.