Commander Braghaman Larethian

Business Meeting

There were few travelers on the road leading to Stormwind. A few merchants or adventurers were riding towards or away from the capital city. None did more than nod to Braghaman in greetings as he rode past on his winged lion. The paladin didn’t seem to care and made no real effort to strike up conversations as he traveled closer to the city gates.

Bragh gently swayed in the saddle as Valiant took him beyond the walls and onto the bridge leading into Stormwind. Waiting at the other end of the bridge was a group of people who were all wearing plate armor. He could tell by the barding on the horses that they were representatives of the Cathedral well before he was close enough to make out their faces. He broke out in a big grin once he was close enough to recognize the leader. Shaking his head, Braghaman continued across the bridge and then pulled back on the reigns when he was in front of the group.

“Lord Shadowbreaker.”

“Good afternoon, Commander.”

Bragh looked at the group of men and women behind Shadowbreaker. Several were familiar faces. Directly behind the head trainer were Daicya and Jhern, both looking uncomfortable.

“Nice day for a ride, isn’t it commander?”

“Sure.” Bragh took a moment to scan the group a second time before looking directly at Shadowbreaker. “One of these days I’ll figure it out.”

“Figure what out?”

“Who you have watching me, that tells you went I’m coming to the city so that you can wait for me.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Just a coincidence that you’re waiting here for me with a bunch of my students.”

“Former students,” Shadowbreaker corrected. “They’ve all been tested in the field, as I’m sure you already know.”

“Yes. I do. Are you that worried about how I would respond to whatever it is you’re here to tell me?”

“Not at all, commander. I’ve always known that you were a sensible person.”

“Sensible. Right.” Braghaman raised an eyebrow slightly.

“So I know that you understand that causing problems at the Cathedral will not get you what you want.”

“Well then it’s a wasted effort. I’m not going to the Cathedral today.”

“You’re not?” Shadowbreaker asked, skepticism in his voice.

“I have other business in the city. No plans to go to the Cathedral today.”

“I don’t suppose I could ask what that business is, could I?”

“You could, but I wouldn’t answer.”

“No point in detaining you, I imagine.”

“Not really. I’d end up late and you’d end up disappointed.”

“Well, then, commander. I hope you have a good, and peaceful, day.”

“Thank you, Lord Shadowbreaker,” Braghaman replied, bowing slightly in the saddle. “May the Light protect you.”

“And you as well, brother.”

Braghaman looked at the other paladins one last time before clicking his tongue. At the sound, Valiant huffed at the paladins and then turned to pad off down the stone-lined road. As he was rounding the corner, Bragh was sure he heard, “Keep an eye on him.” 

Moments later, Bragh was past the gate house and had entered the trade district in Stormwind. He hadn’t even made it to the Auction House when a voice spoke up beside him.

“A welcoming committee?”

Bragh looked over and saw Erik walking beside him.

“Apparently. One day I’ll figure out who he has warning him when I’m coming.”

“I can look into that for you.”

“Another day. This is more important. Niviene isn’t answering her stone. She’s never far from it. This means something has happened.”

“I have been able to confirm that she went to Oribos with a large group of priests. But haven’t been able to get any more information. I suspect that we will need to go there to find out anything else.”

“Is there a way to get there without being seen?”

“I think so, but I doubt you could. It looks like they’re keeping a close watch on you at the moment.” Erik tilted his head slightly, motioning behind them. Braghaman nodded, refraining from looking back.

“Could you get there?”

“Probably. There may be a cost involved.”

“Do it. I’ll pay you back once you return.”

“And if the news isn’t good?”

“Then maybe Shadowbreaker is right to be concerned.”

“Sir?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Bragh said, shaking his head slightly. “Get all the information you can. Let me know when you’re back and I’ll meet you. Until then, I’ll head back to Darkshire to make them think I’m going to behave.”

“Do you intend to behave?”

“What do you think?” Braghaman looked over at the rogue with a smirk.

“I think that I’d better be going if I want to get the information back to you today.”

“Good luck, Erik.”

“You as well, sir,” Erik answered with a nod. Then he pulled his hood over his bald head and ducked into a passing crowd, disappearing from sight.

Braghaman nodded absently for a moment. Then he leaned over and scratched Valiant behind the ear. “Enough playing for now. Let’s head home.”

Valiant stopped walking and let out a low growl. The lion’s flaming wings flared out as he leaned down. Then with a powerful leap, Valiant flew up past the tops of the buildings. Braghaman glanced back in time to see two paladins pull back on the reigns of their horses and watch as he flew beyond the gatehouse and towards the walls of the city.