Trials of Azeroth

Chapter 16

The strong northern wind chilled the elf to the bone as he gazed down onto the icy tundra below. Somewhere out there was the reason why they were here, the origin of all their toil and suffering, and Hwinion thankfully somewhat knew where to start.
"So where did that 'lovely' gentlemen say we should start looking?" Hollered Codin, fighting to be heard over the wind.
"He said that we would have good luck in the mountains south of the Grizzlemaw." Replied Hwinion, scanning the horizon.
"And how do we know that this fellow is trustworthy?" Asked the dwarf.
"Well, apparently, he hunts game around these parts, and often sees shady men clad in purple and black traversing the mountain paths. I trust him, and I think you should too." Explained the hunter.
"Well in all fairness, mate, he did try to kill me just for saying hello a few times." Stated Codin, his hair blowing violently in the wind. Hwinion shot the warrior a disapproving look.
"But..." Sighed Codin. "I suppose it's the only lead we've got. If you trust that madman, so do I."
"Thank you." Smiled the elf.
"Umm, if I may interject?" Said Fizzbiscuit, near blowing away in the gale. The other 3 turned around to look at the halfling.
"Before I get blown all the way back to menethil, can we please get off this mountain?!" Asked the gnome. He received a barrage of nods in reply.

The band of adventurers then began to hastily make their way down onto the ground and out of the inclement weather. They got to ground level soon enough and then began to head north along the main river in the hills, which was flowing and crashing violently. The group passed the occasional poacher or trapper making their way towards the Amberpine Lodge, but all in all, everything was quiet. As they made their way towards the target, the huge rock structure of the Grizzlemaw grew bigger and bigger, it's sharp and jagged formation intimidating the 4 adventurers, to say the least.
Then finally, as they got dangerously close to the Grizzlemaw, Hwinion broke south and headed towards the mountains where his elven friend had directed him, followed by the other 3.
Scores of snow capped peaks lay ahead of them, and somewhere within the labyrinth of summits lay the reason for them being there. They couldn't get there any sooner.

The group came to a halt half a league out from the mountain range and sat down to rest under the cover of a large redwood pine, somewhat sheltering themselves from the weather.
"Well at least the weather's nice." Joked Belmin, as he planted himself down against the tree. The gnome sat himself down next to the dwarf and rested his aching legs.
"Please, Belmin, you're a dwarf from Ironforge. You revel in this kind of weather." Replied Fizzbiscuit.
"There's a reason why I transferred to Loch Modan, you know!" Smirked the mountaineer, chewing away at a hunk of bread he had brought with him for sustenance.
Meanwhile, the man and elf were busy planning their next move.
"So where to next, Codin?" Asked the elf, taking a swig from his skin of water.
"Why are you asking me? Didn't your little friend tell you where to go next? Or did he neglect to tell you that and challenge you to a fight to the death instead." Laughed Codin, shivering in the cold morning air. As usual, Hwinion shot him a glance and muttered 'Codin...' in a disapproving manner.
"Alright, fine! Well, if I was Mr High and Mighty Stoneraven man, I'd place myself there. Easily defendable position, fairly concealed. It won't be easy, mind " Continued Codin, pointing to a certain steep and precarious looking peak. The Night Elf scratched his chin and pondered the options.
"Well, it wouldn't hurt to get a closer look." Nodded Hwinion. The man turned back to his halfling comrades, who were sitting back out of the wind and resting their weary legs.

"Come on, chaps, on your feet." Said Codin, gesturing them up to their feet.
"What?" Mumbled Belmin, with a hunk of tough bread in his mouth.
"We've just sat down!" Complained Fizzbiscuit.
"Yes, and now you're just standing up again!" Replied Codin.
"At least let me finish my bread!" Said the dwarf through a mouthful of food.
"You can dine on as much fine food, free of charge, once we pay these lads a visit. Now come on!"
After much deliberation the dwarf stood up and brushed the crumbs out of his beard, followed by the gnome.
"Well, as long as there's free food... and drink... lead on!" Smiled Belmin.
"Thank you. Lead on, master elf."

And with that, the motley crew set off once again, inching closer and closer to their target. Butterflies began to swirl in Codin's stomach. He could sense their journey was drawing to a close. Sadly, he would find this feeling not to be exactly true.