Dedicated to @ea_carter with thanks for taking me on a beautiful journey in her stories

So this was the commander of the Crimson Blade, Camnath thought. He was not at all as he had expected; this, Sauren Nightflame. As the company went through the motions of introductions and the usual niceties, he could not deny the man had a presence.

He supposed he should have, right enough, being the leader of one of, if not the best assassins guilds in the Eastern Kingdoms. Their reputation spanned a substantial number of years, from when Tiene's parents were members of the Blades. Their services were unaffordable to the more lowly citizens of Azeroth, but they were renowned amongst nobles and noteworthies for doling out their swift methods of justice and vengeance with the utmost discretion.

Kings hired them when they required the assassins' skills of stealth and espionage to aid in their feuds with other disgruntled nobility or enemies - in recent times, being the horde, orcs and trolls. Strange, how a guild such as the Crimson Blade could be so famous for their unique abilities but was never held accountable, never brought to justice themselves.

Camnath smiled inwardly; it was therefore slightly amusing that both he and Tiene had chosen a career in something which, by all accounts, was anything but honourable. Yet it was held in high esteem by some and sought out by many. And it paid well, going by the unimpeachable tailoring apparent in both Sauren and Brett's attire.

He imagined their headquarters would be quite exorbitant for he had the impression Sauren Nightflame would be a man of impeccable taste. Camnath sensed this individual possessed an excellent ability to present grandeur, without it being prone to flamboyance which, so quickly turned to crassness.

Talking of which -, he thought, as the irritatingly familiar voice of the Magister followed close behind. Camnath forced down a snarl.

Granted, Dar'Khan had played his extravagant garb down a shade for this evening's festivities, but still, this Sauren had style the likes of which the Magister could only dream. The evidence of which played clearly in Dar'Khan's eyes as he neared the party. Camnath unashamedly took pleasure in seeing a pinch of uncertainty on his face.

Yathas afforded the introductions. Dar'Khan gave a small bob of his head in greeting to Brett and Sauren, though his eyes lingered a little longer on the Guild Master. His persona soon reverted to the usual proud peacock that he was, as Sauren spoke. "Ah, Magister Dar'Kahn Drathir. Yes, your name is familiar. Is it true you played a large part in the construction of Quel'thalas?"

"Indeed it is," the Magister replied, never one to be remotely modest. "It was a huge undertaking and one I am rather proud of."

"Hmm," the Guild Master said, unimpressed. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back again. "I would imagine you must have received much glory and commendation for this achievement?"

An uncomfortable silence befell the group. Those aware of Dar'Khan's embittered feelings towards the Magisters on Quel'Danas, awaited his response.

Perhaps the evening with all its splendour and gaiety were at fault, but oddly, Tiene felt a little sympathy for Dar'Khan. He was irritating yes, and he'd infuriated her with his earlier interruption, but she had the impression everyone was laughing at his expense right now. And she knew only too well how that felt.

She decided to speak up in his defence. "Dar'Khan has the appreciation of us all, for we would not have such a beautiful home if it had not been for his contribution," she said.

Her father stared at her in disbelief then his face softened as he realised what she had said was not, in fact, a lie nor exaggeration.

Camnath stared too; notably stunned. Lightly, she brushed his fingers and inched nearer, so he knew it was compassion which made her say what she did. He curled his fingers around her hand. A crooked smile of shame crossed his face for his earlier gloating.

Dar'Khan, for once, was speechless and he looked at Tiene with a rare, humbled expression.

"Well, the gratitude of a nation is indeed a worthy accolade," Sauren said. "Now, young man," he continued, dismissing Dar'Khan and turning to Camnath. "Would you allow me to have one dance with your lady - my future pupil?"

Camnath nodded, appreciating the fact the Guild Master sought his permission. "Certainly, but it is, of course, Tiene, who should decide."

The men were very gentlemanly and gallant, but Tiene still felt a bit like a prize hawkstrider at auction. She smiled a little uncertainly and accepted Sauren's hand, allowing him to lead her down to where guests whirled around the plaza dancing and laughing.

She was acutely aware of the young Guild Master's hand on her bare back as he swept her around to the music. "I have heard some excellent things about you," he said suddenly.

"Oh? Was my father trying to impress that I will be a good pupil?" She attempted to come across unfazed by the leader of the Blades, but there was no denying it was difficult not to be affected by this rather affluent individual.

The Guild Master smiled at her. "Indeed he was, naturally. But I also did my homework."

"You did?" She was surprised, and a little unnerved.

"As I am sure you are aware, rogues have a tightly woven network in which all guilds can relay information and news to each other?"

"Yes, I am aware." She smiled as it triggered memories of Nerisen instilling such information through the endless book supply he gave her.

"Then it should come as no surprise I enquired about your abilities with the Students of Shadow."

"It should be no surprise, and yet, oddly it is. I hope, nevertheless, you received an encouraging report?"

Sauren's laughter was as gravelly as his speech. He held her a little tighter. "Indeed, otherwise, you would not be coming to Lordaeron." His eyes searched hers for signs of something which she did not comprehend, but his smile assured her he considered her a promising student. "I foresee a formidable assassin in you, Tiene. And I have no doubt you will achieve great things."

The music ended and linking arms, Sauren led her back to Camnath, who had watched them like a hawk all the time. The Guild Master gave Camnath Tiene's hand and bowed his gratitude to the young couple.

Inaris and Duthan had since rejoined the group having seen their sister dancing with an affluent stranger. Short introductions followed before the Guild Master announced he had to depart. He advised the company he would be returning to Lordaeron the next morning to ensure everything was ready for his latest batch of students arriving. Sauren then thanked everyone for their welcome and hospitality. With one last kiss on Tiene's hand, he turned and left with Brett in tow.

It was late evening, and time for them to head home also. The next day would be busy ensuring everything was ready for Tiene's journey to Lordaeron. Dar'Khan obliged by providing the portal to Silvermoon.

Camnath was once more mildly irritated when Dar'Khan suddenly asked him if he may have a private word with Tiene. It seemed Sauren's impeccable manners had rubbed off on the bothersome spell-wielder, but he was no more likeable. "I promise I will not keep her long," he assured the suspicious young elf. Camnath looked at Tiene, seeking her consent. She nodded with a smile, and after throwing a warning look at Dar'Khan, the young elf passed through the portal.

The Magister looked a little lost for words, but eventually, he found his voice. "Thank you for earlier," he said. "No one has said such a kind thing about me before."

Tiene studied him, trying to gauge if this unexpected gratitude was the real reason he wished to speak with her. A moment passed, and satisfied his intention was genuine, she smiled. "Do not underestimate the power you possess Dar'Khan. You have truly achieved great things. You do not need some churned out title; it is after all merely a name. It won't change what you have done, nor will it make you more powerful."

One corner of his mouth curled up. "You are very wise for one so young, Tiene. And do not doubt me when I say, your words mean a lot to me. But, it is in my nature to seek more - I hunger for recognition. Perhaps it is the curse of learning magic."

"I hope not," she said. "I would not wish for Inaris to think his spell mastery was affirmed only by a pompous title."

Briefly, Dar'Khan's eyes clouded before he forced a smile and acknowledged her words with a curt nod. "Good luck in Lordaeron, Tiene," he said, tight.

His shift in mood noted, Tiene smiled a little hesitantly before slipping through the portal to rejoin Camnath and her family.

Music: I am The Fire by Halestorm

https://youtu.be/8hkmuTvkp_s

The Crimson Blade headquarters lay within the sprawling grounds of Capital City in Lordaeron, on the banks of Lordemere Lake. It was very much like a small fortress, with its single entrance through a portcullis opening into a vast central area which was used predominantly as training grounds. The complex also accommodated stables and a myriad of outbuildings, which stored everything from food supplies to armour and weaponry.

In each corner of the courtyard stood large turrets, each constructed on three levels, the upper floors being home to Crimson Blade elite and the Guild Master himself.

Student quarters ran all around on the lower floors housing up to two hundred pupils, segregated further to reflect their various skill levels. Adjoining the said turrets were the main halls, which accommodated a strategy room, a library, dining hall and the kitchens.

As the leader of the Crimson Blade approached with his right-hand man, Brett Hornsby, the portcullis opened up. A stable boy awaited their arrival and quickly grabbed the reins of the Guild Master's horse as he slid, effortlessly, from the saddle.

Immediately, Sauren strode towards the turret which housed his quarters. Removing his gloves, he slapped them to the chest of a pageboy who'd scurried out of the building when his master neared.

Sauren barked orders to Brett over his shoulder as he walked, "Brett, you will see to it the room next to mine is made ready."

"The one next to yours? That is your wife's room."

Sauren halted and turned on his heel. His lips curled in a sneer. "Yes, I know, but she is no longer here, is she!" His tone, bitter.

"No, sir, she is not," Brett replied, his voice duly lowered. It was a sore subject.

Piper Alston was Sauren's wife, although estranged. She now lived in Duskwood with her family. She had produced no heirs for the master of the Crimson Blade due to some spell cast on her by trolls and was hitherto ousted from the Guild premises.

Sauren had been bitterly disappointed - angry even - and she was sent home to her family, looked upon as a failure of a wife. The Nightflames were the nobility of assassins, but Sauren's particular reputation had already reached far and wide, so the Alstons did not contest his decision. Piper agreed to return home quietly, without fuss and there was never any mention of the circumstances. Any discussion which might open speculation on Sauren's fertility would be frowned upon and result in a high cost to her family.

Occasionally, the young Guild Master called upon her to attend any official events where being seen with his wife would be deemed appropriate among the nobility. After such occasions he would claim his 'husbandly rights', before sending her home again, sometimes bruised and shaken.

It was one of the things Brett loathed about the young commander, but he had made a promise to the boy's father as he'd lain on his deathbed. He swore he'd stay to help build and protect the guild and aid Sauren in becoming a tenacious leader. Sa'themar had known his son had particular interests- of which he didn't approve - but he'd believed, indubitably, in his son's ability to lead the guild in future years, maintaining its reputation as the most successful band of specialists in the Eastern Kingdoms. Sauren certainly had ambition, coupled with a fierce determination to succeed.

"So - prepared for what then?" Brett asked.

"Not what, Brett. Who!" The commander's brown eyes flashed a warning at his second in command.

"Who then?" Brett asked. He had already guessed, but, for some reason, needed his fears confirmed.

The leader of the Crimson Blade stepped closer and smiled in an all too familiar and unsettling manner. "Tiene Firefury." Her name slid easily from his lips, like honey and his mouth curved, licentious, showing his perfect teeth.

Brett inwardly fumed. He believed monogamy and honouring your marriage vows were part of being a good man. Although widowed now for five years, he'd remained loyal to the memory of his late wife, Mary. So, considering the young man was - albeit just technically - still married, Sauren's nocturnal habits were of something Brett strongly disapproved.

He fought to keep the distaste from voice. "Forgive me for saying, Sauren, but do you think it is wise to have Tiene in the main tower; next to your chamber?"

Sauren took two steps closer. His elven build and intimidating manner bore down on the older man. "Would you rather I placed her amongst the hungry, wild bucks in the student quarters?" he said, waving his hands towards the dormitories.

"No, sir! But the girls' quarters..."

Sauren's voice took on a sharp tone. "Are inadequate for such a young woman. Now see to the room!"

"But - " Brett knew he would not dissuade the commander, but he felt driven to try.

The leader of the Blades glared at the old assassin through strands of his platinum mane. "She is a Firefury, Brett, as well you know. She was born of two of the most deadly and impressive assassins to have ever been trained by my father. She is possibly even a match for the Nightflame dynasty. She deserves the best."

The older rogue took a deep breath. In context, he could not deny what Sauren had argued, but it was his intentions which worried him more than anything.

Sauren waited long enough to ensure his second in command was not going to counter his response. Satisfied there was nothing more forthcoming he hissed his order for the final time. "Now see to the room!" The Crimson Blade leader turned and with three long strides entered the hall, before bounding up the stairs to his quarters.

Brett scuffed the dirt with his boot, annoyed, frustrated, worried. His concerns were not without reason.

There was no denying the young Guild Master could be charming - he had more than competently demonstrated that this evening at the wedding. He was handsome too, turning many a young girls head in the passing. But, Sauren had an appetite. He was insatiable. Not only did he frequent whore houses, but he also used his position to lure women to his bed, not excluding those in the complex, be they student, or staff.

Some stupidly thought it meant it would further their careers, and they went all out to catch the eye of the handsome yet undeniably sadistic leader.

Although disappointed for having no heir with his wife, Sauren would not tolerate a possible bastard child either. A few were privy to the knowledge of what happened when not one but two of his 'ladies' fell foul to such a predicament. That particular subject was mute and never discussed. Speak of it, and one lost their tongue - or worse.

Brett shuddered. Sauren had not always been so confident, egotistic or calculated though. As a young boy, he had undergone some hateful treatment at the hands of people who were against the union of elves and humans. He was considered filth, a freak, lower than a cockroach. He bore it all in silence for years, burying himself in books and his studies. He excelled in all he did even against the odds and the constant bullying. But, Brett had always suspected a darker side to the boy. And as he grew, those traits came to the fore.

Sadly, Sauren was nothing like his father. Sa'themar had been an honourable, decent man, who believed his rogues were figures to be respected, honoured, but they had to exude respect and high regard for others in return. He had his faults, yes, but there was no other leader, to Brett's knowledge, who had built such a commendable reputation for himself and his guild, as Sa'themar Nightflame.

No, Sauren rode his way through history on the back of his father's enviable reputation. But, he was cunning, brilliant with it, he knew how best to exercise his power, and Sauren bathed in the privileges he believed such a position merited.

Now, Brett could only feel pending dread concerning the arrival of this season's recruits. Tiene Firefury was particularly special, and that was undeniably due to her parentage. She was the daughter of the very couple Sauren himself had idolised when he was a young boy. They were Brett's colleagues of earlier years, and Yathas remained his closest friend. A few individuals within the guild had also worked with Tiene's parents. They remained loyal to the Firefurys, respectful, and would automatically award the girl guidance and support when training as a rogue.

But, he feared Sauren would try to seduce her. From what he had gauged at the wedding, Tiene was very fond of Camnath, the young elf who accompanied her, and he, in turn, was smitten with her. If Sauren were to have his way with Tiene, it could have a detrimental effect on her and Camnath's future. It would also run the risk of fracturing bonds of friendship between Brett and Yathas.

Nonetheless, an order was issued. Brett Hornsby ushered the page boy to find the chambermaids for the task ahead. When they all arrived, he told them what was required, and they ran off immediately to carry out their duties.

He headed towards his rooms, housed in a different turret to Sauren's. Thoughts flooded his mind. How he wished he had torn up Yathas' letter requesting his daughter join the Blades.

It had instantly caught Sauren's attention, however, when he'd read the name Firefury. For all Sauren had been a very young boy during Yathas' and Lina's time with the Blades, he had been inspired by them. He'd watched them training from between the balustrade spindles in the inner halls, or the windows overlooking the courtyard; they were exceptional. He'd been fascinated by their skills; how they moved, swiftly, agile, synchronised. Choreographed in a manner he had never witnessed in any others; the boy had expressed he wanted to be like them.

Sauren loved his father, idolised him, but the Firefurys were unique. How he'd cried on the day Lina died. Yathas, filled with grief, had decided the role of an assassin was no longer for him, so he'd resigned to look after his family and live a more sedate life.

But, now his daughter was due to embark on the way of the rogue. With a heavy sigh, Brett opened the door to his chambers and then closed it quietly behind him. He feared for Tiene. If only I had torn up that letter, he thought.

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