Chapter 25

Standing on the balcony overlooking the square in front of his mansion, Varrus clung to the railings, overlooking the hundreds of people who chose to follow him. 

Each of them were dressed in long, flowing robes, or equipped in armor. 

Standing behind Varrus were Syra, Rho'dan, and Helios. The other four veteran guards were each escorted by an arcane golem carrying a large sack. Walking through the crowd, the veteran guards handed everyone present a bonus of 10 fist sized Mana Stones. 

At the same time, a man and woman dressed as a butler and maid handed out glasses of wine. 

The veterans swaggered with a sense of superiority as the members of House Vandercross muttered their thanks. 

Varrus allowed them their moment, Elves would always be arrogant assholes-especially to one another-it was simply part of the culture. 

If he tried to forcibly change their ways, it would be like forcing a deeply religious person to convert to another religion. It was absolutely not worth his time and effort to force his Earthly sensibilities onto these thousand year old+ High Elves. 

As the old saying went, 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do.' 

So, Varrus simply smiled down at his employees while his guards handed out a sizeable bonus. 

Their well polished plate armor glistened in the morning sun, and sported the classic Silvermoon colors of red and gold. On their chests was a stylized V signifying Vandercross. 

Veteran Guards:

In fact, everywhere Varrus looked, banners of House Vandercross were hoisted in the air, depicting the V. 

The robes of every member also had that same V stitched above their heart. 

If there was anything Varrus knew about most people, it was that they liked to feel like they belonged. 

Uniforms sucked, true, but there were also many people who were caught up in the swagger. Guilds in WoW for example, were partially popular due to their tabards. On Earth, people identified one another on the battlefield due to their heraldry, and this concept even carried through to modern day between opposing sports teams. 

The point was, wearing a symbol made people stand for something. That the people down below all stood for Vandercross! 

Varrus smiled as the last in line was handed their bonus, and Varrus raised his hands wide to calm all the muttering chatter. 

"My friends, my people, Silvermoon is ours!" Varrus raised a glass of wine, and toasted the assembly. 

In response, the Elves silently raised their glasses, and toasted Varrus in turn. 

Taking a sip, Varrus let the sweet drink slip across his lips, before setting the glass down. 

"It is by your hands, the Undead have been cleansed. It is your efforts that have held the northern docks, and protected my wife! I salute you!" Varrus slightly bowed, and inclined his head. 

"Now, however, is a time for rebuilding. As is evident, our fair city is in ruins. Every hand shall be needed in its reconstruction. House Vandercross, despite our noble origins, is no exception. Once the funeral comes to an end, reconstruction will begin tomorrow. Before we leave to honor our fallen, I have one final gift!" Varrus spoke like the typical politician or showman, then gestured towards a dozen boulder sized objects covered in cloth that sat in the square. 

The veteran guards wordlessly removed the cloth, revealing twelve monolithic Master tier Mana Stones. 

"Mana Stones, I expect, will become the favored currency in the coming days, making you, House Vandercross, the wealthiest citizens in all of Quel'Thalas. 

However, I want you to flaunt your wealth, to show the world the splendor of our Great House. While all those who abandoned us feed on scraps of Mana Stones, you my friends, you will enjoy the mana from the crystals in this square whenever you so desire!" Varrus gestured and spoke grandly. 

That seemed to get a reaction out of the smug Elves, as more than a hundred of them broke composure, and nakedly stared at the stones in hungry anticipation. 

Varrus grinned like the cat that had caught the canary. He had bribed these people, shown his power, and showered them with bonuses. 

These 487 Highborn would form his core powerbase. 

As a member of the Convocation, all he had going for him was personal power, and the prestige of his father's name. 

With real, physical people spreading his good name, and rumors of his generosity spreading throughout the land, his place among the Convocation would be undeniable. 

"We depart in 15 minutes, enjoy." Varrus waved his hand at the giant Mana Stones, then left the balcony and headed towards his office to go over his ledger. 

Helios, Rho'dan, and Syra tagged along, following a step behind. 

"Is this wise, Highlord? I would not be surprised if a thief or even a mob came to steal these Mana Stones kept out in the open." Helios questioned. 

Varrus nodded in reply, and paused to gather his thoughts. 

"I plan to have Rho'dan distribute one of these large Mana Stones at the intersection of every main thoroughfare. At that location, a squadron of Crossguard shall ensure fair distribution of my gift. The open display on our own turf, of course, acts as free advertisement for the benefits that House Vandercross offers its members. As a ranger, I do not expect you to understand business tactics, but your council is welcome all the same." Varrus slowly intoned as he briefly paused in his step to genuinely give credence to the possible ramifications of leaving Mana Stones out in the open. 

Helios pursed his lips, obviously displeased with the plan. 

"Whatever my husband does, I'm sure it will work!" Syra praised, squeezing Varrus' arm. 

"The risks of theft are not small, I will grant you that. Our people, however, are in a bad spot right now, and need all the help they can get. I will not go back on my word, nor will the people of Quel'Thalas find my home so easy of a target." Varrus shook his head, and said decisively. 

"You are thinking about this the wrong way, Helios. The Highlord is killing two birds with one stone. By instituting the Mana Stones in such an above board manner, he can protect himself from the enemy within, as well as reinstitute the rule of law upon this city, cementing his authority as Highlord." Rho'dan patiently explained. 

"I did not know you were so far forward thinking, my Lord! I thought the desperation of our people was only a weakness, and not your strength. Bringing law and order to a city lost to despair? I expected a Vandercross to brutally strike down dissidents or resort to mind control to restore order. You surprise me yet again, Highlord." Helios passively verbally backhanded Varrus, while paying him a compliment.

Varrus could only scratch the back of his head. He didn't even think of theft as a serious issue, and just wanted to keep his people from transforming into Wretched. The less of those ghastly gremlins he had crawling around, the safer Silvermoon would be for everybody. 

But if his depressed ranger, and stalwart guard thought he was a 5D chess player, why disabuse them of that notion? 

Shrugging his shoulders, Varrus' good mood was put on hold when he entered his work room, and saw his mother-in-law lounging at the long table in the office. 

"You two are dismissed." Varrus tiredly waved towards Helios and Rho'dan. 

"Awe~ that's too bad, having a strong man like Rho'dan around might just keep me tame~." Faedra blew a kiss at the stoic guard as he bowed his way out of the room. 

"What do you want?" Varrus said while crossing his arms. 

"My, the way he wields authority, he must be quite demanding in bed, isn't that right, Syra?" Faedra slinked out of her chair, and rubbed her hand over her belly. 

Syra frowned, and swatted Faedra away. 

"Answer him." Syra demanded. 

"Why must I want something? Can a mother not visit her family, and congratulate them on a job well done?" Faedra swept a well manicured hand through her perfectly maintained black hair, and smirked at the pair. 

Varrus kept his arms crossed, and gave her a disbelieving look as if to say 'really bitch?' 

"Oh, you're no fun. You two, so stoic, so boring. You were made for one another." Faedra rolled her eyes, and toyed with a chess piece from an ornate chess set that was displayed along the wall. 

Varrus rolled his eyes. If only Faedra knew how much her daughter loved to laugh, cry, and shout. It only went to show how strained their relationship must truly be. 

"Why don't you guess my intentions?" Faedra said playfully. 

Syra unsheathed her blade, and held it to Faedra's neck. 

"Feisty as ever, my dear! But I was asking the Highlord. Here, I'll sweeten the deal, guess my intention for arriving here, and I'll tell you a secret." Faedra gently brushed the blade to the side, and uncorked herself a nearby bottle of wine. 

"To influence who I place upon the Convocation?" Varrus slowly entreated. 

"Incorrect. Although I happen to know your troubles in securing a certain Ranger General. Win this little game, and I'll throw in a juicy detail of his as a freebie~." Faedra swirled her finger on the lip of her wine glass, then took a shallow inhalation, then lightly moaned into the cup. 

Varrus paused in thought, taking a minute to formulate a reply. 

"Oh, you haven't spoken yet? You have two more guesses." Faedra said, appearing disinterested as she closed her eyes, seemingly enjoying the scent of her beverage. 

Varrus racked his brains, why else would Faedra be here ahead of the big funeral planned later in the evening? Certainly not to share with him who the assassin was, in fact, for all he knew, she could be behind the attack, or at the very least, be involved in some way. No, he very much doubted that this was the reason for her visit. 

Pulling up his canonical knowledge of events, Varrus thought of one possibility, but it seemed like a long shot. Shrugging his shoulders, he decided to go for it. 

"To warn us of Kael'Thas's intention to leave Quel'Thalas with 15% of our fighters, defeat the Scourge, and look for a replacement for the Sunwell?" Varrus wondered aloud. 

"No, but that is certainly news to me! Information of this caliber. Why if it's true, it changes everything! Who is your source, my dear? I could certainly have a good chat with them!" Faedra snapped her eyes open, and stared at Varrus in wonder, like she was some bird that had discovered a new shiny to collect. 

'My source? My source is that I made it the fuck up!' Varrus thought to himself internally, yet externally all he presented was a silent, smug smile. 

"Oh, very well, stay silent. It is only a matter of time before I see them for myself. In the meantime, I do believe you only have one more try! Well would you look at that!" Faedra clapped both hands on her cheeks, and adopted a look of faux surprise. 

'Damn bitch sure enjoys toying with people.' Varrus felt like grinding his teeth at his mother-in-law's constant provocation. 

"Someone knows-or suspects-that I am involved in killing Sanguinar." Syra said softly. 

"Bravo! I would expect nothing less from my darling daughter!" Faedra clapped. 

Varrus scrunched his brow. That was not good. In fact, that was very not good. 

If you were going to commit a crime, then rule #1 always was, and always would be 'don't get caught.' 

Considering Sanguinar's political connections when he was alive were extensive, there was a good chance that should his murder come to light, Syra could face court ordered execution or exile. 

"My oh my, the fear and confusion on your husband's face! You truly lucked out, my dear! It seems he does care! When can I expect grandchildren?" Faedra covered the back of her hand, and lightly chuckled. 

"My wife's position in this city is on the line. Of course I would worry about her!" Varrus all but growled. 

Syra squeezed his hand, and gave him a wide smile, calming him down. 

Varrus clung close to her. He would never let anything happen to her! 

"Oh don't look so panicked! Fretting over a small matter like this, let mother take the blame for it!" Faedra said, standing from her seat, and stretched like a lazy cat. 

Varrus took a deep breath to calm himself, and reached out to shake Faedra's hand, and offer his thanks. 

However, Faedra's arm disappeared from Varrus' sight in a blur, and was wrapped around Syra's shoulders instead. 

"Oh my! Apologies, but I do not touch taken men! Eyes only, young romantique! We wouldn't want anyone losing a hand or an arm on these floors, now would we?" Faedra winked at Varrus, then planted a light kiss on Syra's cheek. 

Varrus retreated his hand, and felt confusion at the entire situation? 

Was Syra's mom telling him she was a lesbian? But all those times before, he swore she was flirting with him! He also saw her flirt with Pathaleon the Calculator. Was she really just a femme fatale!? Was she threatening to take off his arm, or reminding him of Syra's threat? 

Varrus was so confused! 

"Well then, I look forward to each of your performances later today. This funeral is sure to be the most entertaining vigil of the ages!" Faedra gulped down the rest of her wine, and slowly disappeared from sight. 

"Wait! The information on Lor'Themar! We won your game, you must hold up your end of the bargain!" Varrus held up his hand and shouted. 

"So feisty! Very well. Lor'Themar has been Lireesa Windrunner's boy toy for centuries~ Make of that what you will." Faedra said before completely fading from sight. 

Even with his Detect Life spell and magic sight granted from his racial skill tree, he could find no trace of the crafty minx. 

Varrus was unnerved by her abilities, yet when he was going to turn to his wife to ask a question, an object clattered to the floor. 

Upon closer inspection, it was the chess piece from earlier. It was a dragonhawk knight. 

Once she departed, Syra blasted the chess piece with a blast of Light magic, melting it. 

Varrus grew increasingly dissatisfied with Faedra, yet he couldn't discount her usefulness. This warning came on the cusp of a very important event, one Varrus could not afford to fuck up if he wanted to become a major player in Quel'Thalas. 

"I was careful with my operation. No one should know of my involvement. Unless she told them." Syra silently raged. 

"You think your mother was involved?" Varrus questioned. 

"Only so she could gain your trust. It wouldn't be the first time she kept someone's secrets to her advantage. Who do you think I learned how to manipulate Thaladred from?" Syra pointed out. 

Varrus could only remain silent at that. This mother, daughter duo were quite the pair. 

He thought the worst thing he'd have to deal with in this new world were zombies, demons, and tentacle monsters. 

Little did he know his mother-in-law would be the source of his greatest headaches? 

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