The Search for Redemption

Bjorke wrote out each message: We go into the Caverns to find Sorowyn, Avatarak, and Jivundus. Together, we will find the child, Atolli, and bring them back safely. Ready your gear, gather supplies for a 5-day trip. Be prepared to move at my signal. No other business is more important.

She addressed them to her Medlem, sealed each with her signet ring, and handed them to Truitt for delivery. “Make sure that young Draenei understands. I’m not sure how good her reading is.” Bjorke headed for bed, where images of Atolli and Issa lost and crying plagued her, her troops unable to find them.

As she finished her paperwork the next afternoon, the communications device crackled and popped with static. Looking up at the map, she saw a dot labeled “Sorowyn” in Tanaris. Bjorke tapped the comm.. “Soro? Is that you?” Her heart leapt at the thought of her friend safely back.

A roaring in the background nearly drowned out the soft voice. “B-Bjorke?” then “Hush, I heard you the first time!”

“Are you alright? Answer me!” She was already at the flight master, buying a fare to Menethil.

“A dragon has told me where she is. I’m going to get her now.” More roars.

“Wait, Soro, I’m on my way.”

“I’ve already waited too long. I have to go now…”

“Blood Guard Sorowyn Drakkenwind! You will wait for me, do you hear? That is an order!” Bjorke commanded into the device, praying that would buy her some time.

“I will wait… Turid.”

As she stepped off the boat in Theramore, a large red cat stepped quickly up to Bjorke, as if impatiently waiting for her. Pyry, Feera’s cat. “What in the Pit…?” thought Bjorke. It had a bag in its mouth, and it thrust it into Bjorke’s hand. A note in the bag read Soro gave this to me. I’m worried, and I hope you can help her. ~ Feera The bag contained a small jade figurine, broken in half. It was the device Soro used for communications with those closest to her. Bjorke frowned. This was not a good sign.

She tapped her comm. and said gently, “I’m almost there, Sister. I’m coming.”

For once, the winds in Tanaris were calm, and Bjorke made good speed across the desert. Blastit’s large hooves could handle sand as easily as snow. She found Sorowyn in cat form, near the large dragon known as Tick, lying perfectly still, save for the twitching of her tail. Ready to pounce, it seemed. Hands on her weapons, Bjorke stood between the roaring dragon and her friend, glancing at Soro. “Are you alright, Sister?” she asked yet again.

Sorowyn shifted form, and removed her helm. “He says he knows where she is.” Bjorke turned to look at the tall elf. Her hair was tangled and matted, her face drawn, her eyes were still yellow and cat-like. Her battle gear was in serious disrepair, and her weapons missing. Her face had a vacant look, haunted and not completely aware of her surroundings. She spoke again, sing-song, like reciting a child’s rhyme. “He’ll tell me where, for a price. Eye for an eye; life for a life.”

Bjorke grasped Soro’s arms, trying to make eye contact with her. “Soro… I’ll go. I’ll pay the price, then. Atolli needs her mother.” But the elf shook her head, looking at the dragon.

“I’d never ask that of you. Besides, I’m not cut out to be a mother. Look at what I did to Feera.” She frowned, thinking of the injuries inflicted on her dear friend.

“You did what any mother would do! I’ve done the same! We’ll find another way, Soro. Arson has made a gizmo that can track the time streams.”

Still looking everywhere but at Bjorke, Soro’s face took on a look of bewilderment. “Arson? Is he that gnome? Do I know him?”

“I… I don’t know, Soro. He keeps to himself. But you can trust him. And Razor, she can help track her. Leiwyn, you know her, she’ll help. Lijana, too, will bring her shield and sword.”

Soro’s head snapped up, and she stared at Bjorke. “I don’t know her.”

“It’s alright, Sister. I know her. I trust her.” Bjorke’s voice was soothing, and she kept her hands on Soro’s arms, rubbing them gently, as if calming a child. She looked the sky: the sun was dipping behind the mountains. “Come on, night falls fast here. Let’s go to town, and rest. I can have the team here by morning. We’ll head out at first light. Where’s your mount?”

“Mount?” Soro looked around, then shrugged.

“It’s alright, you can go with me. Blastit can carry us both.” They headed to the inn at Gadgetzan. Bjorke got Soro settled with a bowl of stew, and stepped outside to contact Truitt. “Send the word. We leave from Gadget at dawn.”

As she sat down to keep watch next to Sorowyn, her friend looked up at her with those yellow cat-eyes. She reached out a taloned claw-hand and grasped Bjorke’s shoulder. “Look after Atolli for me.” The druid lay down, and closed her eyes.