The Wayward Apprentice
Chapter I: Northshire Abbie
In the early morning hours, a great downpour had come over the forests of Elwynn. Even the water of Crystal Lake was beginning to rise. It had been raining for hours and not a soul would put one foot outside in this deluge. The woodland critters, who had felt the storm coming, were long hiding under rock outcroppings or hollowed out trees. The village of Goldshire was completely soaked, with many gallons of rainwater flowing over the rooftops.
Much of the townsfolk took refuge at the local Inn, while the guards rushed to the blacksmith’s workshop, afraid their armor would rust. Traveling merchants had it the worst. The unlucky ones who did not make it to town, had to take shelter at farmsteads and orchards or pitch their own tents, as the roads became unusable. Not even the little valley in the north was spared. The small river – which flows through here from the mountains and snakes its way down south to feed Crystal Lake – was almost twice its normal size. It even washed over the shabby wooden bridge, making it wet and treacherous.
Nestled in the heart of Northshire valley, a simple Abbey stood by itself. Under the cloud-darkened skies it appeared lonesome and forgotten. Yet appearances can be deceiving – as the saying goes – for this little church was, if not for the storm, one of the busiest areas of Elwynn forest. The townsfolk from Goldshire came here daily for prayers or even to consult the resident priests for advice and blessings. As fate would have it, the local vineyards also produced some excellent wine.
Alongside the seminary of priests, squires of the holy order also trained and studied here to one day become consecrated knights. But these would-be paladins were not the only ones to receive their schooling here. The guards of the nearby city of Stormwind drilled their recruits in this area as well.
All this exercise also had another purpose to it, for the forests had become increasingly dangerous of late. Frequent highwayman attacks and robberies were discouraging merchants from traveling these parts and the sudden growth of wildlife did not help matters either. Recruits from all over the Eastern Kingdoms were accepted and allowed to train here under the tutelage of various trainers, in order to make the region safe again. Yet all this, was not apparent in this weather. The abbey almost looked forlorn for all but one flickering light coming from the window of its modest library.
Although the abbey was small and the number of books it held was meager, the librarian had done his best to gather the most important tomes the trainees might need for their studies. From books about the holy light, to arcane studies and swordplay, these bookshelves had it all. The librarian had retired until the storm subsides but had left the door open to all who were interested in learning.
And sure enough, one eager soul had already been busy at work, digging through the knowledge contained in these old tomes. A large pile of books stood towering on a great oak table by the window. Under the dance of the tangerine candle light, a hand quickly scribbled away on a parchment, with the ink running low. Focused eyes were skimming through text after text in search of wisdom. Nothing is too much or too difficult for the diligent student. Or so one would expect. Yet, as with appearances, expectations too, can be deceiving.
* * *
to see the drawing for the final scenes!) 