Chapter 4

Rok'roham

The Draenei stood in the doorway for a moment. The Inn was empty, for the most part. Few people patronized the bar, and still fewer were lounging about. It was not difficult for the mage to spot him in the thin crowd. His spotless white outfit gave him away almost immediately. The mage strolled up to the bar, taking a seat next to the Human.

“I hope you like tea, because other than that, the only thing they serve is coffee,” said the man, turning on his chair to face the Draenei, “And from what I recall of your people, you don’t like that beverage much.”

“Tea will do, thank you,” replied the mage.

“Another round of Thistle for my friend here, Sprigis,” said the Human, turning to nod at the goblin tending the bar. The Human handed him a warm cup of the brew moments later. He paused to take a gulp of the strong liquid before continuing.

“You are the messenger from Stormwind, I take it?”

“Perhaps. Are you Stefan Dreis?”

“I am.”

“Then I am the messenger from Stormwind.”

“Ah, good,” chuckled Stefan, easing up slightly.

“I heard of your success with the Broken Mast. The Alliance thanks you, as does the Horde,” started the Draenei.

“Well that is good to know. Though getting the bounty is out of the question, considering the situation, mister…”

“Oh, forgive me. The journey has brought a heavy fatigue upon me. My name is Rok’roham Salderis. And to answer your question,” he stopped to savor a mouthful of the hot tea, “Yes, despite the obvious success of your mission, we cannot pay you the bounty, because there is no physical proof of Origazz’s demise.”

“Damned authorities and their ogre-dung technicalities!” stammered Stefan.

“Please, do not shoot the messenger! I can see why you should be distressed, but worry not! There is a chance you can earn that money, however…”

“Well, spit it out, man!”

“You’ll have to agree to do another job.”

“Filthy buggers. Well, I’d be a fool to decline. What’s the playing field?” inquired Stefan.

The Draenei leaned in closer, and lowered his voice considerably.

“We cannot discuss it now, and definitely not in Booty Bay. If you are willing to take the job, then come to the Inn at Duskwood tomorrow night as the sun is setting. You shall be contacted and brief thoroughly upon your arrival,” said Rok’roham, standing up.

“Very well.”

The Draenei nodded as he finished the last of his tea, and set the cup onto the countertop.

“My thanks for a splendid drink, Stefan. For now, I bid you adieu.”

“Goodbye, Draenei.”

After the mage had left, Stefan stayed at the bar for several minutes, lost in thought while he slowly drummed his fingers on an empty tea cup.

---

The Draenei slid back into the sleek coach, closing the door behind him.

“Has he accepted, Roham?”

“I am sure he will. Drive, Percilus. We have a long journey to make,” said the Draenei, pulling a hood over his head and closing his eyes.

The coach disappeared back into the jungle from whence it came, leaving only clouds of dust in its wake.

---

“You’re off to Duskwood, are you?” asked Lory.

“Yup. Fun, fun, fun,” he said, accentuating the word.

“Come now, what's wrong with making a good buck?”

“Ah, you have a very good point,” he replied.

She had just got out of the bath when he had returned, and was now combing down her long cascades of red hair. Meanwhile, Stefan tended to his boots, polishing them clean.

“Shall we dine tonight?” she asked.

“I think that is a splendid idea. What do you want to have? Fish?”

“Stefan, we’ve been having fish for the last few days. What about some meat?”

“Mm, a carnivore! I like that in a woman,” he said, growling playfully.

“I’m sure,” she replied, seating herself next to him on the edge of the bed.

“If you want meat, we shall have it! Platefuls of porks, beefs, and perhaps even some raptor, though I think they’re out of season this time of the year,” he said, finishing off his shoes and placing them aside, “Besides, once I reach Darkshire, the only kind of meat I’ll see will probably rise from the dead and try to eat me!”

Lorelein laughed. “It is Duskwood. You’ll bring me something back, won’t you?”

“Sure! Will I do?” he said, edging closer to her. She giggled.

“Oh, you sure would, but I mean if you happen upon something, take it as a souvenir?”

“Of course. Meanwhile, let’s get you dressed, because I’m famished,” he said, grabbing her hand and leading her to the wardrobe. She sorted through several dressed before pulling one free.

“I think I’ll wear this one tonight,” she said, displaying it to him. It was a dark green that illuminated her bright hair with brilliant perfection.

“It’s one of my favorites,” he said, helping her slip it on, “I love it almost as much as I love you…”

He trailed off as he lost himself in her bright blue eyes.

“But not quite as much. In fact, I’m not even sure if…”

She silenced him with her lips.

“Shut up and lead me to dinner, or I might settle with eating you!”

“Kinky,” he replied simply.

They laughed as they left the room together.