The journey to Raynewood Tower took them two days through the thick forests of Ashenvale. Relara and Avrus were careful to stay away from the main paths as they paid attention to any sounds of pursuit from Night Run.
On the second morning, they finally saw the tower.
It was built from white marble, with purple banners hanging from its walls. Sentinel guards patrolled the wooden platforms built into the surrounding trees.
"Tell me about this commander," Relara said as they walked. "Will she believe us?"
"Melyria Frostshadow has led the garrison at Raynewood for over two centuries," Avrus replied. "She's known for being fair. If anyone will listen to our warning, it's her."
Relara nodded, though she couldn't help touching the fel tattoos on her chest.
What would the Sentinels think when they saw her like this?
"Stay calm," Avrus said quietly. "Let me do the talking at first."
They approached the main gate, where two Sentinel guards stood watch. Both women wore the traditional purple and silver armor of the army, with moonglaives crossed on their backs.
"Fandu-dath-belore?" one of them called out.
"I am Avrus, formerly of Auberdine," he said. "This is Relara Whitemoon. We bring urgent news about satyr activity in the area."
"Welcome to Raynewood Tower," the first guard said. "I'm Sentinel Nightwhisper, and this is Sentinel Moonblade. What kind of satyr activity are you reporting?"
"We escaped from a satyr settlement that was holding Sentinels prisoner," Avrus said, gesturing behind them.
Sentinel Moonblade walked closer to get a better look at Relara's tattoos.
"Those markings," Moonblade said slowly. "Where did you get them?"
"The satyrs… forced them on me," Relara hesitantly answered.
Nightwhisper's hand moved to her weapon. "Sister, what are you seeing?"
"I remember seeing these in our training manuals about demonic corruption," Moonblade said carefully. "We should take precautions."
Avrus stepped forward. "Please, we need to speak with Commander Frostshadow immediately. Lives are at stake, and every moment we delay puts more Sentinels in danger."
The guards looked at each other uncertainly. After a moment, Nightwhisper nodded.
"Very well. But standard procedure requires us to bind anyone showing signs of potential corruption until they can be properly examined." She pulled out a set of silver chains blessed by the moon priestesses. "It's nothing personal, just protocol."
Relara wanted to argue, but Avrus gave her a warning look that told her not to make trouble.
Sighing, she held out her hands and let them chain her wrists.
They were escorted through the tower's main hall and up a spiral staircase to the commander's office. The room was elegant, with moonstone crystals providing soft light and maps of Ashenvale covering the walls.
Sentinel Melyria Frostshadow sat behind a desk made from living wood. She had white eyes, dark blue hair and wore standard Sentinel armor.
"Report," she said simply.
Sentinel Nightwhisper saluted. "Commander, these two approached our gates claiming to have escaped from a satyr settlement. The female shows signs of demonic tattooing across her body, which is why we bound her hands as protocol requires."
Sentinel Moonblade nodded and added, "The male claims to be Avrus, formerly of Auberdine, and the female is Relara Whitemoon."
Melyria's eyes moved between the two guards and then fixed on Avrus and Relara. "Thank you, Sentinels. Now I want to hear from them directly."
Avrus bowed respectfully. "Commander, we escaped from a satyr settlement called Night Run. They're holding at least four captured Sentinels prisoner."
Melyria's raised her head sharply. "Four Sentinels? Give me their names."
"Captain Virela, Yyna, Elenma, and Ellada," Relara said. "They were captured more than a month ago during patrol missions."
"I know those names," the commander muttered. "They were reported missing. What happened to them?"
Relara took a deep breath. "The satyrs have been dosing them with Warsong Oil every day. When I last saw them, three were already growing small horns. Their minds... they weren't themselves anymore..."
"And you?" Melyria's gaze fixed on her tattoos. "How did you avoid the same fate?"
"Mother Moon protected me," Relara said simply. "She blessed me with an unshakeable connection to nature itself. The corruption couldn't take root in my spirit."
"Tell me everything," Melyria commanded. "From the beginning."
Relara took a deep breath. "My father... he made a deal with the Felmusk satyrs. He thought he was protecting me from the fate that befell my mother, who was a Sentinel that was… captured by Warsong orcs, but instead he delivered me right into their hands. The satyrs are led by Chief Lorax, but they're working with something called the Cult of the Dark Strand."
"I've heard whispers of that name," Melyria nodded.
"Their leader is Athrikus Narassin. He has a Soul Gem containing trapped Highborne souls from ten thousand years ago. The gem also powered the defenses of the Felmusk Clan before I destroyed it." Relara's voice grew stronger. "The four Sentinels... when I left, Captain Virela, Elenma, and Ellada were already growing small horns. They were giggling and praising the satyrs. Only Yyna still had moments of clarity."
One of the guards behind them cursed softly.
"How did you escape?" Melyria asked.
Relara glanced at Avrus. He nodded.
"Avrus helped me," she said. "But there's something you need to know about him first."
Melyria raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"Avrus was a satyr," Relara said quietly.
The two guards behind them immediately raised their weapons, but Melyria held up a hand to stop them.
"Explain," the sentinel said calmly.
Avrus spread his hands. "It's true, Commander. I was corrupted by the satyrs of Felmusk centuries ago, but I never lost my connection to Elune completely. When Relara arrived as a prisoner, something in her purity reminded me of who I used to be."
"He helped me destroy the Soul Gem that powered their defenses," Relara continued. "When we were escaping, the satyrs and felhounds caught up to us. Avrus threw himself between me and a massive felhound that had torn open my chest. He fought like a wild beast to protect me, even though he knew it would probably kill him."
Melyria nodded slowly. "And then?"
Relara's eyes began to shine with reverence. "Then Elune herself intervened. A beam of pure moonlight fell from the sky and bathed Avrus in divine radiance. The corruption that had distorted his body for centuries was completely purified. His hooves became feet again, his horns disappeared, and all his wounds were healed. She transformed him from a satyr back into a night elf."
One of the guards dropped her moonglaive, and it clattered on the stone floor.
"By the moons' glow," Melyria whispered. "I've heard of such miracles, but they are extraordinarily rare. A satyr must repent so deeply, so completely, that Elune herself takes notice…"
The guards looked at Avrus with respect, bowing their heads slightly.
To be forgiven by the Moon Goddess after centuries of corruption was beyond anything they had ever witnessed.
"The Moon Goddess blessed me as well," Relara whispered as she pressed both manacled hands against her heart. "She gave me three gifts to help me escape Night Run. First, she granted me an unshakeable connection to Life that protected my spirit from fel corruption. Second, she allowed me to see wisps that guide me toward help when I need it most - that's how I found Avrus in the first place. And third..."
Relara raised her bound hands and concentrated. Silver light began to flow around her fingers, condensing into the shape of a bow made of pure spiritual energy.
The weapon glowed with the same silvery radiance as moonlight.
"She gave me this," Relara said softly. "A bow made from my own soul, blessed by her divine touch."
Melyria stood up so quickly that her chair fell backward. "The Priestesses of the Moon have their own bows blessed by Elune, but the purity of that light... it's as if Mother Moon herself crafted that weapon."
"Elune protected me from corruption, guided me to salvation, and gave me the tool I needed to escape. I live to serve her will." Relara said, dismissing the spiritual bow.
Melyria walked around her desk and knelt before Relara. "Forgive me for doubting you. It's clear that she has marked you for a special purpose. Those chains are an insult to one so blessed."
She gestured to the guards, who quickly removed the silver chains from Relara's wrists.
"Tell me," Melyria said, standing again. "What do you plan to do now? Surely the goddess has shown you a path forward."
Relara straightened her shoulders. "I want to join the Sentinels. My mother was a Sentinel before the orcs took her. It's my birthright and my calling."
"Then it would be my honor to have you in our ranks," Melyria said immediately. "Someone blessed to such an extent belongs among us. We'll start your training immediately."
"By Elune's grace, thank you!" Relara exclaimed, her amber eyes lighting up with pure joy. She had dreamed of this moment for years, training in secret while her father tried to keep her safe at home. "I've wanted nothing more than to follow in my mother's footsteps and serve our people."
Melyria smiled at her enthusiasm. "Your passion honors her memory. The Sentinels need warriors with your dedication, especially in these troubled times."
Relara smiled and turned to Avrus. "What about you?"
Avrus shook his head gently. "The Sentinels are a sisterhood, Relara. Male night elves cannot join their ranks, but I have found my own path to serve our people."
"What do you mean?" Relara asked.
"During my centuries as a satyr, I learned much about corruption and how it affects the body and spirit," Avrus explained. "Now that Elune has purified me, I want to use that knowledge for healing instead of harm. I plan to travel to Astranaar and study alchemy there."
Melyria nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. We always need skilled alchemists to create antitoxins and healing potions for our warriors."
"The war against the Horde grows more dangerous each day," Avrus continued. "Our Sentinels face orc poisons, troll venoms, and worse. If I can brew potions that save even one life, then my redemption will have meaning."
Relara felt a pang of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye to the night elf who had risked everything to help her escape. "I'll miss you, Avrus. You saved my life back there."
"And you saved my soul," he replied softly. "When I saw your courage in the face of corruption, it reminded me of who I used to be. You gave me hope that redemption was possible."
Relara wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Avrus stiffened for a moment, surprised by the gesture, then hugged her back.
"I'll visit you in Astranaar when I can," she whispered in his ear.
"I would like that very much," Avrus whispered back. "Stay strong, Relara. Elune has great plans for you."
They pulled apart, and Relara could see tears in his amber eyes.
She felt her own eyes growing wet as well.
"May Elune light your path," she said formally, giving him the traditional blessing.
"And may she guide your arrows true," he replied, bowing deeply to her.
Avrus prepared to leave. At the doorway, he turned back one last time.
"Remember what I told you about the Cult of the Dark Strand," he said seriously. "Athrikus Narassin is still out there, and he won't forget that you destroyed his Soul Gem. Be careful, Relara."
"I will," she promised. "And Avrus? I won't forget what you did for me."
He smiled sadly and walked out of the tower, beginning his journey to Astranaar and his new life as an alchemist.
Relara watched him go through the window. She had gained her freedom and her dream of joining the Sentinels, but saying goodbye to her saviour was harder than she had expected.
"He's a good man," Melyria said quietly, coming to stand beside her. "Mother Moon chose well when she decided to redeem him."
"Yes, she did," Relara agreed.
She touched the fel tattoos on her chest. "What about these? Will they cause problems with the other Sentinels?"
"Some may be suspicious at first," Melyria admitted. "But once they hear your story and see Elune's blessings upon you, they will understand."
Relara hesitated, then decided she needed to tell Melyria everything. "There's something else about the tattoos that you should know. They're not just marks on my skin... they actually give me power."
Melyria's eyebrows rose. "What kind of power?"
"Life drain," Relara said quietly. "When I drink blood, the life energy gets stored inside the tattoos, and then I can use it to make my weapons drain life. When I shoot someone with an arrow infused with this power, their life force flows back to me and heals my wounds."
"That's... concerning," Melyria said carefully.
"During our escape, when that massive felhound tore open my chest, I used the power to heal myself by draining the other demons." Relara's voice grew quieter.
Melyria's expression grew worried. "Did the power affect your mind?"
"Yes," Relara admitted. "When I was using it, I felt this incredible bloodlust. I wanted to keep draining more and more life. It felt amazing, like I was finally in control of everything. But Elune's blessing protected me from losing myself to it completely. The feeling faded once the battle was over."
"Elune preserve us," Melyria whispered. "You're walking a very dangerous path..."
Relara nodded. "I know. But here's what I don't understand... She gave me three powerful blessings to help me escape Night Run. She purified Avrus completely, removing every trace of his corruption. But she left my tattoos untouched. Why would the Moon Goddess heal him but leave me marked like this?"
Melyria stared out the window at the forest beyond. "I'm not sure," she finally said. "Perhaps Elune intends for you to use this power against our enemies? The Horde grows stronger every day, and we need every advantage we can get in the coming battles."
"Or maybe," Relara said slowly, "she wants me to overcome it myself. To prove that I can resist the corruption without her direct intervention."
"That's possible too," Melyria agreed. "The Moon Goddess works in mysterious ways. Whatever her purpose, you must be extremely careful with this power. Promise me you won't use it unless absolutely necessary."
"I promise," Relara nodded. "I'll only use it to protect innocent lives."
Melyria nodded, though she still looked troubled. "Tell me more about this Felmusk Clan. How many satyrs are we dealing with?"
"At least six hundred, maybe more," Relara said. "Chief Lorax commands them, but there are several lieutenants under him. They have dozens of felhounds, corrupted wisps that act as scouts, and at least six corrupted Ancients of War guarding the settlement."
"Six hundred satyrs," Melyria repeated. "That's a significant force. What about their defenses?"
"Night Run is built around these massive red marble pillars that pulse with fel magic. The corrupted Ancients block most of the escape routes, and the wisps patrol constantly. There's only one way in or out that wasn't heavily guarded... the old drainage tunnel Avrus and I used to escape."
Melyria walked over to one of her maps. "If they're that well-defended, a direct assault would be costly. We'd need siege weapons to take down the Ancients, and enough Sentinels to match their numbers."
"What about the captured Sentinels?" Relara asked urgently. "Yyna, Captain Virela, and the others... they're still alive in there."
Melyria sighed deeply. "I understand your concern, but rescue missions are incredibly difficult when dealing with corruption. If they've been dosed with Warsong Oil for such a long time, they may not even want to be rescued anymore."
"Yyna still had moments of clarity when I left," Relara insisted. "There might still be hope for her."
"Yes, but we must be realistic about what we can accomplish." Melyria said gently.
She walked over to one of the guards who had remained silent during their conversation. "Sentinel Moonblade, I need you to prepare a hippogryph immediately. Send word to Commander Thenysil in Astranaar about the Felmusk Clan and their settlement at Night Run. Include everything we've learned about their numbers and defenses."
"At once," Moonblade replied, saluting before hurrying out of the room.
Melyria turned back to Relara, and after a moment of hesitation, her shoulders sagged slightly. "I need to be honest with you, Relara. We cannot attack Night Run immediately."
"What?" Relara's amber eyes flashed with anger. "But those Sentinels are counting on us!"
"We don't have the manpower for an assault on a settlement that size," Melyria explained patiently. "Raynewood Tower has only forty Sentinels stationed here. Even if we called in reinforcements from the surrounding outposts, we'd still be outnumbered three to one."
"Then get more reinforcements," Relara said desperately.
"From where?" Melyria asked. "Our forces are stretched thin across all of Ashenvale. The Horde has been pushing deeper into our forests every week. Splintertree Post grows stronger while we lose ground. Every available Sentinel is already fighting to protect our people from orc axes and goblin explosives."
Relara clenched her fists. "So we just abandon them?"
"We need confirmation from Commander Thenysil before we can commit resources to a major operation," Melyria said firmly. "She commands all Sentinel forces in this region. Any assault on Night Run would require her approval and coordination with multiple outposts."
"How long will that take?" Relara demanded.
"At least two weeks for the hippogryph to reach Astranaar and return with orders. Possibly longer if Thenysil needs to consult with the other commanders." Melyria's voice grew softer. "I know this isn't what you want to hear, but we must be strategic about how we use our forces."
Relara turned away, staring out the window with tears of frustration in her eyes.
Two weeks.
In two weeks, Yyna and the others might be completely lost to corruption. They might not even remember who they used to be.
"I understand your anger," Melyria whispered. "But rushing in without proper planning would only get more Sentinels killed or captured. We have to be patient."
"Patient," Relara repeated bitterly. "While our sisters suffer in that cursed place."
"Sometimes being a Sentinel means making difficult choices," Melyria said. "Protecting the many sometimes requires sacrificing the few. It's a harsh truth, but it's one you'll need to accept if you truly want to serve among us."
Relara wiped her eyes and turned back to face the Sentinel. "I understand. But I don't have to like it."
"No," Melyria agreed. "You don't. The day we stop caring about our fallen sisters is the day we lose what makes us worth protecting."