True Knight

It was the night before the raid. Lord Matheus looked upon his wife Lhorynna and marveled at her ability to sleep before the rising storm. How could she sleep so peacefully, knowing tomorrow they would go forth in battle? He shook his head in bewilderment, kissing her forehead before leaving her alone among the sheets.

Matheus walked around the meager camp, guards saluting him as he passed by. Campfires dwindled into embers in the early morning and the air was calm and silent. He commanded a contingent of blood elf knights, soldiers from his own House to fight against Kael’thas and to reclaim the isle of Quel’Danas. Their latest job was to assault a band of Dawnblade elves that have been causing problems around the area.

His walk in solitude was abruptly ended by a voice behind him.

“Lord Matheus, if I may have a word with you,” the voice said.

Matheus turned and the elf who spoke saluted him. He casually saluted back and nodded. “Speak your mind, Captain.”

“I just wished to thank you for what you did yesterday,” the elf responded. “We will be engaging a very difficult band and it may well be possible I may not survive the battle. I did not want to join the Light without showing my gratitude towards you.”

“None is required,” Matheus replied. “And let us not presume the worst. I plan to live for a long time.”

“But to honor me with such a gift…”

“And you have shown me your appreciation yesterday,” Matheus responded. “Your service to House Aravel has been unparalleled. You’ve earned your right to pave your own destiny. But I must admit, I hate to lose you.”

“I will always be in your debt,” the elf bowed.

“I’ll remember you said that,” Matheus said with a wink. “Now get some rest. We will need all our strength and senses for what lies ahead.”

“As you wish, Lord Matheus,” the elf said as he turned and walked off towards his tent.

As the distance between Matheus and the elf widened, the respectful demeanor of the elf changed to that of scorn and disgust.

“I’ll finally be free of this House,” the elf whispered to himself. “All these years of sacrifice and submission has paid off. No longer will I have to grovel at the feet of Matheus and his kin. Soon, all will call me Lord and Master.”

Entertained by the thought, the elf let out a soft chuckle.