The Hidden and the Declined

Ever since the founding of Prophet's Promise some 70 years ago, only one thing brought the prophets concern about their position. To the east, among the coastal mountains could be sensed a great but unknown power. Even though it was completely alien to even the Emperors themselves it brought an eerie feeling to them. As if something from their very heritage warned that the threat was real. The mountains had been investigated countless times but always some strange thing hampered it: either the investigators disappeared or abandoned their mission. Even the most adept qiraji sorcerers couldn't even locate the source and after a while, the qiraji decided to simply abandon the mountains and hope nothing would go wrong.

The Night Elves however, had their theories concerning the mountains. In the colossal war many millennia ago, called the War of the Ancients, the victory was secured with the help of the five dragonflights. Two of them were practically obliterated and the three others seemingly vanished from the face of Azeroth. No one really knew why or where but some ancient Kaldorei sources suggested they were still somewhere, hidden from the lesser races.

Archdruid Fandral and the other high command of Vordanaar were concerned. The insectoid race, the qiraji, were becoming far too powerful for the balance of power in Kalimdor. Even though the Kaldorei were usually peaceful in nature, the rising qiraji empire had made them nervous. Even though the two races had obviously had no interaction with each other, they had heard of their raids on the tauren and the centaurs. Simple bandits didn't interest the Night Elves, but something felt wrong.

First, where had this highly advanced race come from? They had made their presence known not so long ago and even then, they used weapons and tactics unknown for simple savages. They had to have a highly advanced civilization, hidden away from outsiders.

Second, they showed little disregard for other races. They robbed and killed them without remorse, yet they didn't take their lands or enslave them. What was the reason for their atrocities?

Thirdly and most disturbingly, the nature itself feared their presence. Through the Emerald Dream, the druids could feel them bringing terrifying, chaotic but distant memories to the nature surrounding them. The memories weren't the qirajis' doing but they resonated them weakly, yet noticeably.

Fandral had discussed this with his assistants and the High Priestess herself and they had opted for caution. The qiraji did not threaten the Kaldorei, yet, so attacking them wasn't an option. However, Fandral wasn't planning on standing by.

"You called, Shan'do Staghelm?"

"I did, Naralex. I have an important task I ask of you. You may know of the insectoid threat from the south?

"Relatively well. What about them? The Kaldorei haven't cared much from other races' mischief. Though I must admit I've been feeling a slight uneasiness about them."

"As should any druid. I don't know yet why but the threat is real. Though war is not inevitable, we must prepare for it."

"War? We've been in peace for nine millennia. Are the qiraji really that dangerous?"

"I'm afraid even more. We don't know their true nature and that's what concerns me. While our groups are investigating them, I'd like to secure our safety. That's where you come in."

"You're talking about getting possible allies? But there is now no one more powerful than the Night Elves."

"No one active. Can't you come up with anyone more powerful than us?"

"Active? Since when … You can't possible mean… someone from the War of the Ancients? Demigods?"

"They won't answer anyone's call outside their domain. I'm talking about the three remaining dragonflights. You see, we have possibly found one's location, though we cannot tell which ones'."

"So I should approach them in the Emerald Dream and try to get their attention?"

"Correct, Naralex. Convince them to join our cause once again. Our ancient alliance saved us once, and possibly it will again. Do this and the possible qiraji threat is done for."

"I will do my best Shan'do. Ande-thoras ethil."

Though the taverns in Promise weren't many, some of them had established themselves among the local garrison. Scorpid and Pint was one them. Situated near the northern entrance, it was well placed to serve most of the outpost's populace. Though not exactly glamorous, it was certainly cozy and slightly cheaper than the others. These traits made it appealing to Sirexx and it was probably his favorite place to refresh his strength. This morning he decided to visit it with Ke'nir.

Ke'nir was very pleased with himself. He had completed a demanding solo mission and earned some respect and ishns. He had defeated a powerful basilisk and its herd which could have threatened Promise's safety. Ishns were used to buy things but they weren't actually currency. They were a sort of cheques, a certificate of the worth of your deeds. Ishns were directly given to you so they could not be loaned, given or gambled. They were a notion of how much Ahn'Qiraj appreciated your work and how much goods you deserved.

Not that honor and glory were the main motivators. Even in Promise you wouldn't have a difficult time wasting your hard earned reward. The qiraji weren't exactly materialistic but they didn't believe in paucity.

"Hi Ush'lar, I'll take the usual turtle back with a little extra ghost mushrooms and pineapples" grinned Ke'nir.

"Sounds good, I'll take that too," commented Sirexx.

"Alright, coming soon. 1/5 ishn, if you may. Creator's favor to you."

The tavern was small and there weren't many seats. There were mostly gladiators and Unseen present. The dim light of the oil lamp and the relaxing sound of the flute welcomed many qiraji to a new day. Sirexx and Ke'nir took seats in a table near the door.

"I really don't mind these days hanging out in Promise," remarked Sirexx.

"Well, me neither but sometimes it's nice to feel useful to our people."

"Especially considering our successes and group. You're right but sometimes it's good to just relax."

"What's your opinion about the Mirage?"

"The new book about the search for legendary eastern isles? Haven't read it yet, though the concept is certainly interesting."

"It is. The author claims to have discovered one of them called Tel'Abim."

"Really? I guess I should buy it then…"

"Suit yourself. I wonder if there's something behind them, across the Great Sea. I mean, our lore does imply Azeroth to be round but the Western Sea is equally mysterious."

"Though the Prophet himself ordered us to spread the Creator's word to the four corners of the world, though that could have been just a metaphor. So who knows?

"Skeram certainly knows and if we're not told, it's probably not important."

Ke'nir moved forward and his voice turned to whispers.

"Do you believe everything we're told or not told?"

Sirexx was surprised by the question. Did he? Though he had had his moments of doubt, he usually regarded himself loyal to his leaders' authority. Sirexx also lowered his voice.

"Why not? Has Skeram given us reasons not to trust him? Or anyone else?"

"Not really. Though sometimes I'm concerned… I'm not sure I truly understand why we're doing so much preparations if the Creator's all-powerful? And… what if his return isn't like we're told?"

Sirexx wasn't sure what to say. Basically Ke'nir's questions were treason against Ahn'Qiraj, its leaders, God and the qiraji race. However, he couldn't ignore Ke'nir's remarks even though he didn't believe them. Yet, Ke'nir placed a lot of trust in him as he could from now on tell the prophets about Ke'nir's questions. For that Sirexx was grateful.

"For the sake of all Kalimdor, let's hope they're right. Anyway there's not much to be done. And if I were you, I wouldn't share such remarks. If someone overhears such things you'll be a head shorter in no time."

"I know, Sirexx, it's bothering me. Let's just hope I'm wrong.

After finishing their meals, they were confronted by a wasp on the street. It was bringing a message from Sa'rol. A new mission was waiting for them. Sarol's office wasn't far away so it didn't take long for the duo to cover the distance.

"What took you so long? Too busy gambling your boots away?" grinned Ra'jol.

"Of course not. When I play Me'lesh, it's others who leave as paupers. No we were just having quality time in Scorpid and Pint, joked Sirexx.

"Anyhow, Sa'rol's waiting, let's see what's in store for us this time" said Danoxx.

"Pleased to see it didn't take too long for you."

"Wasps are fast, Sa'rol. We came as quick as we could." answered Danoxx.

"Good. The Creator has found a way for you to serve Him and Ahn'Qiraj."

"We will be happy to do so. What does He ask of us?"

"To fulfill your purpose, to spread His sacred word. This time, there's a way to do this very easily. You see, we have found a possible disciple among the sand trolls.

Sirexx frowned his forehead. No race except qiraji had embraced the Creator. Why would the trolls do so now?

"She is the first hydromancer of the tribe. She's having some kind of dispute with the chief. The thing is, she's very frustrated with her superiors and believes they're being led to a period of decline. Moreover, their conflict with us further weakens the Sandfury tribe. So, she sent us an offer. We help her overthrow their chief and she allies the tribe with us and embraces the Creator's grace."

"Just like that? We go in and murder the chief? Even a gladiator could do that." wondered Danoxx.

"Do you honestly think the tribe members would accept an alliance with invaders and murderers? No, that's not your mission. A hydromancer cannot be the chief so she had to find a puppet to lead formally. Sadly, he's greatly disliked among the trolls and they will not accept him easily. For that, he needs a boost from local legend. A sword called Sul'Thraze the Lasher."

"Sul'Thraze? The greatest troll blade of all? It would even rival any of our generals' weapons!"

"You've sure had long afternoons Sirexx. Who cares about some backward morons and their weapons?"

"Don't be too harsh Ra'jol. Now my reading came in handy. Sul'Thraze truly is miracle of a weapon. Too bad it's…"

"…lost you're saying?" asked Sa'rol smiling. "Well, in that case you need to update your knowledge. After receiving the offer, we didn't waste time wondering about the sword's whereabouts. A weapon of such stature is not easy to hide. We have no shortage of wasps and even they didn't have much difficulty finding clues. It seems it's somewhere in southern Barrens."

"Southern Barrens is very sparsely populated. Not many possible thieves. In fact I can come up with only two: taurens or the pig-men."

"Taurens are not found in that area. But you are correct, Danoxx, that leaves only one possible culprit. Quillboar, as they're called. They're your target. Locate and take Sul'Thraze by any means necessary."

"We haven't moved past Thousand Needles yet. Is it wise to push further? It could antagonize the races further north, like the Night Elves."

"We will not compromise with non-believers! We take what is necessary to promote the Creator's glory. Moreover, none can challenge the might of Ahn'Qiraj. The Night Elves have already infiltrated our lands, why should we make concessions to them? Barrens is not even Night Elf territory."

"I didn't mean to criticize. We'll be on our way soon."

"Any questions?"

"Why cannot this future-chief fight with other weapons? Why does it have to be Sul'Thraze? asked Ke'nir.

"As I said, he's widely disliked. However, Sul'Thraze is considered sacred and any victor using it is considered blessed. Even this weakling. May Creator's light guide your path."