"When we saw you take down that troll, we couldn't help but come over. I take back what I said about you being my strongest reserve. You're my strongest trump card." Her voice was filled with admiration and pride.
"One more thing. I want to take a look at the altar. There may be something there that I want."
"Go. Leave the army to me. We'll set up camp at the foot of the hill and wait for you to return," Sylvanas said softly. Unlike her younger sister, she did not leap from her hawkstrider and throw herself into Shane's arms. She felt it was more important to help him handle the aftermath.
"Vereesa, we're leaving."
"But, Sister—" Once Vereesa had confirmed that Shane was unharmed, she tightly clung to one of his arms. She did not understand much about arcane matters, but that troll had looked incredibly powerful. When Shane fought it, the girl's heart had nearly leaped out of her chest. Yet when he struck the troll down in two blows, she was filled with pride and delight.
"No buts."
Vereesa was dragged away by Sylvanas, looking back every few steps. Shane watched them cross the hillcrest and disappear from sight. He really wanted to know what the troll had summoned.
A ray of sunlight fell upon Shane as the dark clouds finally dispersed. He took a deep breath. The stench of hex magic had vanished without a trace, leaving only the fresh, damp scent of earth after rain. Tiny motes of arcane energy danced with the breeze, brushing pleasantly against his skin. The air itself seemed to have gained new vitality.
The high elves were not night elf druids, but their innate love of nature could not be erased.
Shane walked down the muddy path, circling around