Commander Braghaman Larethian

Staying In The Wilderness

“No chance that I can get you back to the city is there? You’re intent on living out here in the wilderness.”

Braghaman looked at Lord Shadowbreaker and his eyes contracted slightly.

“Wilderness! We have a fountain here, I’ll have you know.” Bragh smirked as he lifted his mug and took a drink.

“That you do, Larethian. That you do,” Shadowbreaker said with a chuckled.

“Did you get over to see the academy?”

“Sure did. Nice barracks you’ve got set up over there now.”

“We’re happy with it. But we just call it a dorm, not a barracks. Don’t want to give people ideas that a new fort is being built out here. Some people would take that as a sign that we’re the next target for the horde.”

“Fair enough. You know, if you had built it a little bigger you could take on more students.”

“That’s okay. I’m happy taking them one squad at a time.”

Shadowbreaker took a sip of his drink, watching Braghaman as they sat in front of the hearth in Madam Eva’s inn. He cocked his head to the side as Bragh took another drink and watched the fire.

“You’re certain that you won’t go back into the field?”

“Not this time,” Braghaman answered quietly. 

“You’re certain?”

“Yeah,” Bragh replied with a sigh. “I’ve been adventuring for so long. I’m one of the last. Most of mine are gone. Retired, or…” Bragh’s voice trailed off.

“I can understand that,” Shadowbreaker said, looking down at the floor.

“Besides, I’ve lost a step. Better to send people who can keep up,” Bragh continued after a moment.

“They need people with experience,” Shadowbreaker countered. “People who know how it all works.”

“Not sure I’m that guy. After what happened on Argas.”

“You mean what happened to Brother Rasman?” Shadowbreaker asked. Braghaman nodded, but didn’t say anything. “He knew what he was getting into. He knew the risks just as well as any of us do when we go out there. His death wasn’t your fault.”

“Maybe. Or maybe if I was a little quicker.”

“From what I understand, it was a big demon that was responsible for his death. And I also believe that you made that demon pay for his transgressions. Brother Rasman would have respected that.”

“Perhaps.” Bragh took another slow drink and then turned to look at the other paladin. “Its time for others to step up and lead. I’ll make sure some of them are as prepared as I can. But my place is here. I can feel it in my bones.”

“I could always order you to go,” Shadowbreaker offered with a smirk.

“Sure. Remember how well that worked out for the last paladin who thought they could make me go back to Stormwind when I didn’t want to?”

“I remember the stories,” Shadowbreaker chuckled. “Did you really beat Faris with a frying pan?”

“No, that wasn’t me.”

“Anyways,” Shadowbreaker continued with a grin. “If you’re sure I can’t convince you.”

“You can’t,” Bragh answered with a smile. “But I appreciate that you still think enough of me to ask.”

“Always, Larethian.  Always.”