of the banquet.
Maiev and the Sentinels headed directly for the temple.
“My decision,” the Watcher informed them. “I thought it best.”
“You did right,” the high priestess acknowledged.
In one of the lesser-used inner chambers, they at last came across two Sentinels guarding a night elf–size form covered in cloth.
“Who?” Tyrande finally asked, unwilling to wait even long enough for the makeshift shroud to be drawn away.
Maiev removed her helmet and tucked it under her arm. Jarod’s sister stared directly at Malfurion. “A Highborne. The one, I am told, you were informed went missing.”
One of the Sentinels uncovered the face. As Maiev had said, it was a Highborne. Malfurion knew immediately which one too.
“Thera’brin . . . ,” the archdruid rasped. “Where was he discovered?”
“Not all that far from where I and the other Watchers practice,” Maiev responded with a scowl.
Tyrande looked grave. “He did not die by accident, did he?”
Maiev reached down and pulled the cloth further. The savage gaps just under the Highborne’s chin greeted the shocked duo. “Only if he decided to slit his own throat twice—the second for pleasure, I assume”—she straightened—“and made sure that a missive we found with him remained pinned to his body when he fell.”
She spoke in a clinical tone, as if describing the general shape and appearance of a stone rather than the murder of one of their own. It did not at all surprise either Malfurion or Tyrande to hear her speak so: Maiev was ever precise, ever to the point, when performing her duties.
“What did this note say?” the archdruid demanded, a new chill running through him.
Maiev was prepared. She handed him a ragged piece of parchment stained in great part with the unfortunate Thera’brin’s blood. On it had been scrawled in what also appeared to be the mage’s bodily fluids a message written in a long-disused style of night elf script that stirred memories of the days when Zin-Azshari was still the capital and the evil of Queen Azshara was as yet unknown.
Suffer Not Traitors . . .
“We knew that there would be those who would never forgive them,” Tyrande said.
“But we thought that they would listen to reason, at least up to the point of not going through with such a heinous act.” The archdruid returned his gaze to Maiev. “Found near where you practice?”
“Yes. Either someone thought him a gift or they decided that the Watchers could be blamed.”
Her declaration was not without merit. Maiev and her Watchers were among the many uncomfortable with the thought of the Highborne’s eventual return to the fold.
“This will not remain a secret,” Tyrande said. “And should not.”
Malfurion agreed. “More important, we must find the assassins and deal with them before this grows worse. The timing can be no coincidence! This is not just about the Highborne; this is meant to cause chaos during the summit.”
“You are right, my love. I will ask Shandris—”
Suddenly kneeling before Tyrande, Maiev bent her head and declared, “Let me uncover the culprits! I know the facts better than any! I have investigated the body for all clues and studied the area in which it was found! There is nothing more anyone else could do. Give this matter to me! I swear I will do all in my power to see that those who would seek to foment unrest among our kind will be dealt with!”
Tyrande looked to Malfurion, who nodded. The high priestess gently put a hand on Maiev’s shoulder. The kneeling night elf looked up, gaze intent.
“I can think of few more dedicated to our people and their needs. Take command of this investigation, Maiev, and do it with my blessing.”
Some of the Sentinels did not look entirely pleased with this choice but held their peace.
Maiev looked as if Tyrande had granted her the greatest desire of her life. She rose and saluted the pair. “I will see this through, whatever sacrifice it must take!”
“I insist you take care, Maiev.”
Jarod’s sister grudgingly nodded, but her eyes did not show agreement. Both Tyrande and Malfurion were aware how focused Maiev could be when set upon a mission. In this case they needed that focus, and thus neither said more to discourage the warden from following through as she might need.
“The Highborne will want Thera’brin’s body returned,” Malfurion commented. “I think it best if I lead that effort. They already believe that the rest of us would rather see them wiped from the face of Azeroth; this will hardly improve their disposition.”
“Do as you say.” The high priestess