A Rogue's Quest

August 10

The last thing I remember is attacking the priest. Just before the end of my dirty, rusted dagger sank into the depths of his chest, he raised his right hand to my forehead, then, BANG! The blackness took hold once again. When I awoke, I was in a crypt. It was dark, moldy and old. It was comforting. If I still had feeling, as well as bodily functions, I probably would have had one nasty headache. The priest I had attacked was kneeling beside me. He introduced himself as Sarvis.

Sarvis explained what had happened. I was (as fate would have it), a hired assassin for the Scourge. I was sent with a small group of assassins to secure Deathknell for a tactical strike upon Under City. We were defeated by the Deathgaurds. I was the only assassin to almost complete the mission, if it weren't for what this faction of the Horde calls awakening. Basically what happens in this awakening is that the freewill is restored to the undead Scourge member, however, once awakened, you have no recollection of anything prior to it happening.

I would have hyperventilated, possibly drawn a deep breath, or at the very least sighed if I had a pair of functional lungs, upon hearing this. Although I am, (as gathered by this point), undead, it still came as a shock to me. Sarvis continued.

Sylvannas Windrunner had discovered a way to regain her will from the iron grip of Arthas. Sylvannas taught this technique to a very select few priests. The priests had specific instruction: To seek out and awaken those of the Scourge that were powerful, yet just. Now, just like me, they are Forsaken.

Sarvis then handed me a book with nothing written in it, and a quill. He explained that I would eventually begin to remember what it was like before. Before I was undead. Then he instructed me to rest. Tomorrow I set out to meet Lady Sylvannas and secure a place within her ranks. I guess I'll need to acquire some gear as well.

August 11

The early morning light. Something about it seemed familiar. The sunlight filled Deathknell with it's golden rays. It almost resembled a living, thriving village. One good thing about being dead, nostalgia doesn't mean that much to me. I had a mission. Sylvannas Windrunner waited.

Sarvis warned me of the lurking scourge. One of the other hired assassins that were in the silent brigade was still around Deathknell. Unlike the living, the undead have no fear. Just like me the assassin wouldn't be fearful of a recently turned rogue. It was time to leave.

I made my way to the wooden piked gate that stood as a the only unnatural defense to protect the newly awakened. The Deathgaurds were out in full force. The patrol at the gate were blocking the passage of an unruly undead. He, like the sun light, seemed familiar. There was something not right about the situation. He seemed out of place.

That's when the first of the flashbacks started.

We were under geared. The reason being that we needed the cover. Montague was the brigade leader. A leader of a band of assassins. We were to kill priest Sarvis, to keep from having anymore of the Scourge awakened!

Ten rogues and one target. None of us liked each other. I would have laughed at the irony of the situation, if it weren't for the mission. Being Scourge meant no free will.

Montague turned to me and laid out the plan. The other 8 assassins were to distract the Deathgaurds and I was to face Sarvis, while Montague got him from behind.

He saw me. I pretended not to notice as I walked by. The dagger Sarvis gave me hung loosely at my side. Montague began to follow me. The Deathgaurds looked on, I knew they would protect me, but that wouldn't be the case. Montague was dangerous. I would have to face him alone.

I wondered into the woods. Montague still followed. He remained silent, but he was smart enough to keep his distance. When we were deep enough into the woods, I dropped the dagger. I knelt down to pick it up. A twig snapped, he was behind me. As soon as I had on the dagger, I spun around. Buried the sheathed dagger deep into his dead throat. He staggered backward. I grabbed the handle of the dagger and kicked him in the chest. As he sprawled backward the sheath slide off the blade. It's shine was exquisite. I threw the dagger. The blade buried itself into the ground beside Montague's head. He jumped up. I lunged at him with all of my force. I grabbed his head and twisted. His neck broke. I kept twisting until his head was removed not so clean off his body. I dropped his head beside his now dead corpse. I retrieved the dagger and sheath, then turned and began making my way to Brill.

August 15

The second bout of flashbacks came on. The battering ram of memories smashed on the moat door of my mind. I fell to the cobbled ground of the Under City.

The sun shone across the great and proud city of Stratholme. My husband (Gyles), was standing in close proximity to Prince Arthas.

Gyles was a patriot and was under the command of our beloved Prince. I ran to him with open arms expecting a warm embrace. He drew his sword and buried it in my chest. He twisted the blade and withdrew it. As I fell from his mighty sword in a bloody mess, I asked why.
He just looked into my eyes. He remained silent. The last words I thought I would ever hear were from Arthas.

“We must purge Stratholme to protect the remainder of Lordaeron from the Scourge!”
I awoke at the feet of Lady Sylvannas. The great banshee ordered me to speak what I knew of Arthas. I told her of my flashback and what had taken place at Deathknell. As for any recent news of the Lich King, I had none.

The next thing Sylvannas requested to know was what I planned on doing. I told her I wished nothing more but to make my beloved pay for the transgression and that I would kill every member of the Scourge to get my vengeance.

Sylvannas replied, “And so you shall Impany. The time of retribution has begun and you shall have a place within the ranks of the Forsaken!”

October 27

I was tracking a traitor. Aston was a trusted messenger, but had apparently had a change of heart and decided to re-join the Scourge.

I was perched upon a Spruce branch waiting for Aston. He would eventually come this way. It was just a matter of time.

I heard footsteps. I went against my instinct to wait and decided to attack. I pulled the swords that hung off my belt and lounged.

A bright light hit me. I sprawled on my back. I jumped up as fast as I could, another ball of light was heading for me! I dodged out of the way. I managed to throw a small pouch of flash powder on the ground. I darted to the ditch that was three feet away and sheathed one of my swords.
My attacker was a young bloodelf warlock. The Voidwalker by his side scanned the area looking for me.

“I feel it. It is here.”

It stated to the young warlock. Suddenly it began shifting to the ditch where I was hiding. I threw another pouch of flash powder and silently made my way behind the warlock.
I put the blade of my sword against the warlocks neck and demanded to know why he was following me.

The Voidwalker shifted back towards us. The warlock raised his hand to stop it from attacking me.

The warlock laughed. “You Forsaken are a funny bunch. Always thinking someone is out to get you.”

I demanded again what he was doing here. This time he answered.

“I have orders to deliver a package of goods to Sepulcher.”

I asked his name.

“Sylrath.” He responded with arrogance and pride.

I let him go. I asked if I could come with him to Sepulcher to try and speed up my mission.

“Do what you want undead. I have no quarrel with you.” Sylrath replied.

Twenty minutes later we saw a Forsaken messenger wandering down the path towards us. I told Sylrath about my assignment to assassinate Aston and told him I would split the reward if he helped me kill him.

He agreed. We walked past Aston and when we got three meters past him I gave the order to attack.

The Voidwalker shifted right behind him. Aston turned to attack, but the Voidwalker over powered him. I sprinted over to where the Voidwalker held him.

“By the order of Lady Sylvannas, you are to be executed on sight.” I stated.

I swung my sword towards his neck and decapitated him. I unstrapped my backpack and grabbed his head then placed it inside my bag.

As I returned the bag on my shoulders I thanked Sylrath for the help and gave him one silver piece for his troubles.

“Our paths will cross again rogue. Keep the silver.” Sylrath said.

I replied, “Call me Impany”. With that we went our separate ways.

December 4

It’s been a while since I have written in this damn book. Two years have passed since my last entry.

I have followed many rumors as to where Gyles was. With every failed tip I grew even more anxious to find him and deliver my justice. One such rumor led me to the Caverns of Time. I was told I would find what I sought there.

As I entered the rift I felt tingling. It started from my fingers and spread rapidly over and through my entire body. On the other side of the rift I began to breathe! I had lungs once more!
I was standing a mile or so outside of Stratholme. This was the Stratholme I remember. Not that decaying plague land that now exists.

I stood utterly lost in nostalgia. Then once more I remembered that I was breathing. I slid the glove on my right hand off and was excited to see skin! I was (at least for the time being), human once more.

The Inn was behind me. I was full of excitement, I wanted to see my face. I had lost all other focuses to this one goal. I ran hastily up the stairs to the washroom. I burst through the door and saw myself. Except it wasn’t quite me. It was an older version of myself. I suppose if I would have lived longer I would have been this person, but I wasn’t and never would be.
I slipped the glove on again and walked downstairs. Seeing myself as an old woman had reasserted the reason I was here.

I made my way down the path to Stratholme. Just outside was two rows of armored soldiers lining the path. Jaine Proudmoore and Uther Lightbringer stood contemplating the mysterious plagued goods that had arrived in Stratholme.

As I made my way to Jaine and Uther I was stopped by two guards. Gyles was no where to be seen.

“This is a matter that does not concern you stranger. You should leave.”

The guard on the right said to me. I nodded and turned and began walking away. As soon as the escort were out of sight I darted into the bushes. I made it back in time to see Arthas and Uther arguing about what the next course of action should be.

Arthas planned a culling. Uther tried to stop him but Arthas swore to contain the plague by any means necessary. Arthas then marched upon Stratholme. Gyles must already be inside!
As everyone that remained outside began to disperse a loud audible scream could be heard. That scream was mine. There was no point in taking my vengeance upon a memory.
I will find Gyles in the time that exists.

February 3

The rumors of war that have been circulating the past few months seem to be true. Scourge encounters have become much more common and concentrated. The Lich King must be awake.
I have finally made it to Northrend. The icy flight conditions had slowed travel by Goblin Zeppelin's to a grinding halt for the past few months. Supplies have also been short due to the conditions.

Currently I am writing this entry in the Violet Citadel in Dalaran. I am currently preparing to make a decent to Ice Crown to find Gyles.

In the recent months a group of Death Knights know as the Knights of the Ebon Blade have broken free of the Lich King’s iron will and have set up base called Shadow Vault.
They must have some information that I can use to find Gyles! They must!

Celebrity E-Mail: Rihanna

Dear Rihanna,

I have recently been jumped by three unruly young teenagers that happened to be listening to your hit song 'Shut up and drive' while they beat me senseless. Now I found this somewhat ironic in light of the tragic recent events in your life.

I do have a few questions though. Please don't take offense as I am just a curious party. My first question is probably the most important of all. What kind of steak is better for a black eye? I was thinking about going for a nice top sirloin however I have heard that a lean New York may work better. Any insight you have on this choice would be great.

Next I was wondering what song was playing when Chris did the damage? Was some of that rap music playing at the time? I have always found it very violent. Yet (funny enough), not as violent or homo erotic as UFC.

This is my last question, I promise. What is your contraceptive of choice, or do you prefer to leave it up to chance? This last one is more of an interest in my quest to find out what the majority of women in the world prefer, so please don't be offended.

Love and respect,
-A. Warren Johnson

Confessions!

By A. Warren Johnson

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with myself. It was enlightening as it was entertaining. We (my mind and consciousness), met up in the living room of my place. We had a lot of catching up to do. We chattered at one another about the mundane things we had both been up to for the past few months.
As it turns out my mind has been feeling a little on the depressed side while my consciousness has been running wild and free. My consciousness has recently been exploring the ideals of Human Rights and a One World Government and how they fight to the death with each other in deadlock. My consciousness is sure neither side will triumph over the other. My mind on the other hand has been reviewing and worrying about diseases and other such silly thoughts that really have nothing to do with me in the first place.
My consciousness comforted my mind for the first few minutes and suggested a change of some sort to nip the proverbial problem that has been plaguing my poor mind. My consciousness sees a bigger picture rather than focusing on the minor details which my mind tries desperately to come to terms with.
In the end my mind has agreed to take a little vacation and travel around the backwaters of the expanded with my consciousness. My consciousness can hopefully resolve the issues my broken mind seems to have, and show it that there is more to life than constant panic. Let's hope all goes well!

Life: The ultimate joke!

No one is completely empathic. We only have the unique ability to see the world through the eyes of the tragic/romantic/anti/etc heroes that we are. We are able (to some degree), sympathize with someone else's misery however, it is short lived. Soon we are back to seeing the world through one way glass.

Funny how the choices you make to better yourself hurt someone else isn't it? Just another cruel joke in the string of unfair and most of the time unfunny jokes we lovingly refer to as life. The punchline to it all of course being death. Sad? Perhaps, but definitely something to keep in mind.

Friends are the same way as life. You meet each other, and for a brief moment get caught up in the maniacal laughter, the blaring lights, and the feeling of true being understood! It's yet another joke. Everyone has the same emotional range. We know exactly how someone is feeling when they tell us about their problems. The punchline to this joke is one of my personal favorites: "We have all been there". It mirrors and enhances the joke, don't you think?

The meaning of life has come down to a game of who can fuck who the fastest. We (collectively, not individually), have put away our true natures of love and forgiveness in order to prosper from others misery. A sad state indeed for this lowly race. Sure we let some people see that glimmer of hope we have inside of us, yet for the most part we don't want to risk the safety of false appearances and fake emotion in case we get hurt. We save lives to justify the fact that we take them through abortion. I may not be pro life, but even I can see the irony in this!

There is an old saying I sure you have heard about 204, 739 times in your life. 'Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer'. Now I view this phrase a little differently than I'm sure most of you out there. I don't see it as a tactic to get back at someone that wronged you somehow. Instead I read it as something Jesus would have said. A kind of one liner parable. I think it means more to forgive those that have wronged you, rather then taking vengeance. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am since it's this new thing I have recently found called an opinion. They never lie, but they are highly subjective.

-A. Warren Johnson