Ch 7 - From the Shadows Past
The air had a heaviness to it that was hard to describe.
It was hot and arid, much like someone had stepped into the desert plains of Tanaris, but this was the capital of the Alliance, Stormwind. The wind carried the hot dryness with it and people reached for glasses of water to clench the sudden thirst that feel upon them.
Princess Armathea was in the middle of her music lesson. The young girl, now six had a natural talent for the harp. She strummed it as her instructor played a viola beside her. The hot air gave her pause. She stopped and stood up.
The sky was darkening.
"Maddie?" She asked.
Her instructor held her viola and joined the princess looking out over the city.
"What is going on?" She asked.
zZz
In the entrance to the Keep Shagara was sitting in the stones speaking with Queen Rhenn. They were summoning and speaking with the water in the fountain. Water was a powerful element. All the elements were, but water was a life bringer, could bring an end to fire, and could destroy towns.
Water spoke to the blind, though blue eyed child. Beside her the small elemental then shivered and suddenly conveyed distress. The orcling released it and it dove into the pool near the statue of the King and his Queens as if in mass whatever had caused it fear would not harm it.
Rhenn looked up and rose to her feet looking at the darkening sky. She coughed, suddenly parched as Shagara felt a hot wind on her face. Suddenly she started moving quickly. Rhenn followed. "Shagara? What is it?" She asked.
"Thea…" Was all the girl managed as she moved into the Keep, her stick hitting stones, guards, and pillars as she tried to navigate around them.
Rhenn lifted her skirts to follow.
zZz
A black shape swooped into the castle garden. Two great feet pressed the tile so hard it cracked and suddenly glowed red with heat. The cloak went back and revealed a tall humanoid. The armor glowed red as did his eyes. The jaw was metallic. He looked and locked his eyes on the princess.
"No!" Maddie cried and ran toward the figure.
A hand lifted and grabbed her throat. Maddie was lifted into the air and thrown away like a doll. She landed in a heap, her neck broken, her eyes wide.
The fiery eyes again turned toward the princess. She gasped and turned to run. The human figure smiled and leapt into the air landing on the other side of her. He grabbed her around her waist. Thea screamed in panic as well pain. The arm about her as he lifted her into the air and burned her to the touch.
The scream alerted the Home Guard nearby. The form moved to the archway that overlooked the city and looking back with a smirk he looked back holding the small child. The cloak swirled around him and he leapt into the air. The Home Guard froze as the form suddenly lifted into the air as a great dragon.
The great tail sliced backwards and hit the pillars causing the home guard to jump from the pillars landing on the floor.
"Daddy!" Thea screamed.
Varian sat up from his throne. "Thea?" He yelled. The scream was distant, but audible. Anduin looked up as well and the two of them ran Varian calling for the Home Guard and the defenses to the city. He ran down the hall and found Shagara and Rhenn coming in. Cries were heard from the city and Varian drew his blade as his wife joined him. She was still moving about with some hesitation.
"Go to your rooms!" He barked.
"But…"
"Go!" He told her shoving her toward the rooms. She looked at him startled and worried. "I will get her back, Rhenn, I promise." He said turning as his generals flooded in.
Anduin and Varian ran toward the keep entrance and then jumped backwards as dragon fire burned the courtyard and the flagstones. They then looked up at the great leviathan above them.
Guards were mounting gryphons and shooting arrows at the great beast. Varian and Marcus both cried out from them to cease fire when they saw the small form struggling in the beast's great paw. Thea was trying to free herself. Her father drew his weapon and watched the great dragon flying over the town tauntingly.
"Deathwing!" Varian cried. "Have you no honor? You make war on children and not warriors brave enough to face you?"
The great beast banked and stretched his wings. The hot wind was nearly too much for the people about as they ran for cover. The King stood firm and watched as the beast lifted high into the air. The General of the City Defenses and the King walked to the Valley of Heroes and stood on the stone bridge into the city.
Varian watched the leviathan as he kited downward his wings spreading and the stifling breeze before him. The great dragon was speaking in Common, his voice angry, low, and harsh like the air he stirred. "The world heaves with my torment. Its wretched kingdoms quake beneath my rage... But at last... The whole of Azeroth will break... ...And all will burn beneath the shadow of my wings..."
He chuckled as he dropped and landed on the city's main gate towers. His bulk both crushed and the heat from his body melted the stone where his great clawed feet stood. He growled as he turned slightly feeling the prick of something. It was a spear in his side near where an adamantium plate had been riveted to his body. Though it was a minor irritation he threw the girl from his great paw and extracted the spear with his claws. Roaring in outrage he clenched his other foot down on the main gate looking with hatred at Varian who was standing his ground.
Varian had not flinched, though his heart screamed as his daughter plummeted into the waters of the moat beside them. She had landed with a splash, but he did not let it distract him as it seemed Deathwing hoped.
The beast reared back and roared causing the King and General to dive behind the statues for cover. The statue of Darath Trollbane shifted and then toppled into the moat leaving the feet behind as Varian hunched there watching the statue fall sideways.
The great beast lifted into the air once more and shifted. "I shall take my reprises on you great king." He growled and suddenly breathed a great arch of fire. Alarms sounded in the town as the beast moved toward the Cathedral of Light.
Varian dove into the water forgetting his beloved city was burning for the time being. He lifted his daughter to the surface. He swam quickly to the shore where he lifted her from the water easily. General Jonathan was quickly at his side.
Varian breathed into his daughter's mouth and was reward as she coughed back up. She whimpered and coughed crying out softly in pain. It was then he noted the burns on her clothing where she had been held and the red, angry, and blistered flesh on her sides. He narrowed his eyes swearing vengeance against this demon from hell itself.
"Your majesty, go, hurry." Marcus said. "I will care for her. Go!" He urged knowing the city needed its king.
"Go daddy." The faint whimper said. "I am only one of thousands. Go!" The girl hissed. She had never known such pain. The very touch of the great dragon had burned her skin. The water had been such a blessed relief she had fainted as the pain lessoned. Now she could feel the burns on her sides.
It was then he realized the alarms as well as the yells and commands of people in the city. He lifted his blade. It was the time for action.
Many people gasped seeing red outside the windows for they had run to the great building for shelter from the fires and the great dragon.
As Deathwing shifted to destroy the most precious building of the city a great form rose before him and shot flame back at him. Taken by surprise he veered away and turned back to see Alexstrasza, his sister, and queen of the red dragonflight. "Not this time, my brother." She said as several dragons appeared near her.
Deathwing shifted seeing his was outnumbered…for now. "We shall meet again, sister." He growled. "And next time you will not be so lucky. Nor will your pathetic mortal friends."
The dragon queen watched as the red sky receded, but the smoke and fires of the towns remained. From the cathedral stepped Queen Rhenn and Lady Helene who both bowed to the now humanoid dragon queen.
"We can never repay this kindness." Rhenn said looking about.
"The Emberblazes called for help. It shall always come." The dragon queen said dismissively. She then nodded and lifted her arm summoning a portal. "My brother must be stopped. We fly to Grim Batol where he is gathering his army. Send help if you can, young queen. Farewell."
Rhenn bowed as the dragons disappeared through the portal just as the King arrived in cathedral square. He blinked and went to his wife and looked about. "What is the damage?" He asked. "How many injured?" he asked raising his voice.
There was no answer just the soft whimpers of the wounded and the cries of people searching for loved ones.
A broken was moving quickly to them. He bowed. Rhenn smiled a little. "Erunak Stonespeaker. Welcome." She said.
"The Earthen Ring has helped all we can, majesties, but the Park was gone. We were able to save several of the inhabitants before it fell into the sea. Even now my brothers and sisters are working to help control the fires." He said.
Rhenn bowed her head. "My thanks."
Several stretchers was brought into the square bearing several wounded including, to the queen's horror, the princess. Erunak, a shaman at heart, took charge and began to triage the wounded as more appeared and needed help. Two more shaman appeared, both Wildhammer dwarves to help the priests and paladins of the cathedral.
Erunak then dropped down beside Helene who was looking at her sister's dreamy face. "Lady Mograine. Your help is needed elsewhere. There are others more severely injured. I will look after her. I promise." He said touching her shoulder.
Helene reluctantly went to help with the more severely burned or injured from falling rubble. The city lost more than fifty people, but the shiny cathedral remained a beacon even as the fires burned in the districts about it. The Earthen Ring and guards managed to contain the flames by sundown and were now dealing with hot spots.
He looked up at Varian. "With your permission I will care for her."
"Yes…please." Varian nodded.
The broken knelt by the princess who was shivering. Erunak knew this was the first sigh of shock. Her body had gone from being very warm as evidenced by her charred clothing and burned flesh to cold and confused, she was shivering and sweating at the same time. He pulled a blanket from a nearby stack and pushed it under her knees.
Gently he took her hand and used his other hand to summon a totem beside him. A general feeling of well-being was felt by those near. The princess's breathing eased as she looked up and focused on the shaman beside her.
She blinked though her eyes held pain it seemed to lesson as he gently made poultices to press to her burns to help them heal and keep them clean of infection. "I am Thea. Who are you?" She asked. His red and gold armor was quite distinctive and he had a gentle way about him she liked. A good friend, but she also sensed he was full of strength when it was needed.
Erunak smiled gently at her. So young to know such horrors of the world, he thought. He gently touched her cheek. "My name is Erunak." He said and then returned to his task. He then bound the poultices to her with a long bandage and then offered a hand to help her sit up. She did so and looked about seeing the other wounded.
"There are others Erunak." She said seeing her sister pressing a cloth to a child's brow.
He nodded. "Aye. Sit and rest." He said and moved to treat another.
Varian noted Anduin coming in. He was helping a young night elf woman into the square. The woman was holding a cloth to her side and her face had soot and burns. He realized that from the direction they had come this unfortunate girl had been in the Park. She was limping as the Prince kept an arm about her waist and her arm about his shoulders to help her walk.
Rhenn quickly went to them as Varian looked about. Many injured including his own flesh and blood, but Stormwind would remain strong. He saw several guard captains and Crispin of the Home Guard standing nearby. General Jonathan was standing with a map of the city directing crews of workers that he had no doubt pulled from the docks.
Varian joined them and Jonathan nodded to him. "Is the princess well?"
"She will survive." The King said looking back at the Broken. "How many wounded?"
"We do not know yet, majesty." Crispin said. "A couple hundred most likely."
Anduin let the young night elf drop to a bench next to the fountain as Rhenn who was gently speaking to her attended to her injuries. Helene was nearby with others. Feeling useless he went to his sister who was trying to stand and help.
Anduin pressed her back. "Stay sis." He said.
"I can help."
"You are injured and lucky to be alive." He said.
She sighed as more citizens brought more injured into the square. It became a field hospital of sorts as the King went to see the damage wrought upon his town. The gryphon he mounted soared high and showed him the new dammed area where a lake with an island had formed near the keep. Part of the wall had come down revealing the farms on the other side. The Park was gone and the Old Barracks were now charred stones and rubble. So much damage. It would cost to repair, but the capital had to look its best.
He sighed. He would talk to the dwarves and gnomes in the morning.
ZzZ
King Varian Wrynn had not seen a member of the Horde on friendly terms in ages. However, he was not about to dismiss a Horde bearing a green branch and white flag. They wished to speak on terms and were in a field where all could be seen just outside the great gates.
Varian dismounted from his horse and stood looking at the Horde. With him were several of his Home Guard, but he signaled for them to stay back as he stepped forward a few paces. The gap between the two parties was still a fair distance, and Varian waited for the Horde to make the next move.
Two elder orcs and a troll. He quickly recognized Saurfang the Elder from their previous encounter. The large orc stepped forward his eyes bright and his silver hair held back by a thong of leather.
"Varian, King." He said. "We come wishing to speak to you." He said across the distance between them.
"Overlord Saurfang." Varian said. "What brings you to my gates?"
"A mutual threat." The orc said he closed the distance between them even as he saw the Home Guard shift a little uneasily. Varian lifted his hand and the men stayed where they were, though they were watching. He nodded to the other two with him. "Vol'jin of the Darkspear Trolls and Eitrigg."
Varian nodded. The blood honor brother of Highlord Tirion Fordring had been in the city under the paladin's protection on more than one occasion. The orc elder regarded the younger king before he spoke.
"I have heard that your daughter was injured when the Worldbreaker attacked." He said. "My sympathy. Is she well?"
"Burned, but well enough. She is from strong stock." Varian said, a small amount of pride in his voice.
Saurfang nodded. "Good lass." He said. "But it is your arm and sword we require."
"My sword?" Varian asked folding his arms as he regarded the Highlord.
"Aye." Saurfang said. "Lo'Gosh is still a hero of the Arenas and his prowess with a blade is what will be needed to fight off this dragon monster. We ask, for now, to forget hatreds and join together to defeat this hate filled demon before he consumes us all."
Varian seemed to digest that before drawing his sword. Saurfang stood before him unflinching as Varian dropped the blade tip into the dirt and nodded. "I know you to be a man of honor. I will fight alongside you."
"As much as I detest your arrogance, King of the Alliance, I have little choice, but to swallow my pride and fight with you as an equal." Came a new voice.
Varian looked up and saw Garrosh Hellscream standing, shirtless holding Gorehowl, the great ax of his father over his shoulder. His tattooed body and great shoulder armor made from the tusks of some great animal made him look more menacing. Varian's eyes narrowed, but he refused to take the bait and rise to a duel with his arrogant young leader again. Too many things precious to him had been injured the last time.
"At least the feeling is mutual Hellscream." Varian grated. He turned back to Saurfang. "Where can we find the dragon?"
"He be in area of Grim Batol, mon." Vol'jin said as she stretched his himself to his full body size before relaxing and crouching somewhat.
Varian nodded. "Give me an hour." He said.
With that he turned away.
zZz
Varian looked over at the company he was with. He had told very few people that he was leaving and even fewer as to the reason why. Queen Rhenn and his son would co-regent until his return. If he did not return after six months, the period deemed to be appropriate by the House of Nobles, Anduin would be named King and his wife Dowager. His daughters would marry to further strengthen the Alliance. He did not wish to leave the city in such an upheaval, but the dragon would continue killing if he was not stopped and Varian already had a list of reasons to kill him. First, he had wreaked havoc on the peoples of Azeroth by angering the elements. Second, he had attacked the great capital and murdered his people. If that was not enough he had attempted to kidnap his first born daughter and done her grave injury.
All these things had made him swallow his pride and unending hatred for the Horde just enough to allow himself the ability to join the small Horde group in defeating the great beast. Word had been sent that the dragon though weakened by his sister in three attacks was immortal in dragon form. In humanoid form, they could stand a chance according to the Dragon Queen's consort. The dragon Queen herself had been taken to Vermillion Redoubt to be guarded by her sons and daughters as she healed from the wounds her once beloved brother and fellow Aspect had inflicted upon her.
Saurfang the Elder and Garrosh Hellscream sat confidently on their windriders. Varian had brought Crispin and Mathias Shaw with him. This would not be a strike by force, but rather by cunning and the fewer involved the easier it would be. Mathias had returned only days before after being in the Twilight Highlands. Most of the men he had taken with him had perished and he seemed to have a need to prove himself worthy of leadership again. He, however, was an asset since he knew the lands well.
Varian shivered a little as they flew over the icy valleys and mountains of Khaz Modan. The air was always biting and riding a winged mount made that all the more clearer. He looked to his side. Hellscream was perched on his windrider looking ahead as if he could see the goal.
Varian turned his head and could see now what the orc could see. The inky black horizon swirling with smoke and ash with red lightening crashing within marked where the dragon was. It was the inky blackness of death and destruction.
They came to the Badlands and beheld the great Scar of the Worldbreaker as the great charred swath through the middle of the region was called now. The elements were within the scar angry wishing to attack any adventure who stepped foot there.
Saurfang suddenly banked and pointed. Varian and Garrosh followed his finger. On a high mesa at the end of the scar stood a single, large, figure overlooking the valley below. From where they were the sun glinted off the metallic jaw. The figure was humanoid, but as he turned to face them, it was clear this form was only in human form.
"So come then!" The form boomed lifting a mace. "I have been expecting you."
Varian directed his gryphon down and then leapt to the mesa near the far edge drawing his weapon as he crouched ready for battle. Garrosh, Saurfang, Mathias Shaw, and Crispin all landed similarly as they all faced the great figure.
Deathwing was laughing as he looked at the small group. "My sister could not defeat me. What makes you think you can mortals?"
"Enough talk!" Hellscream bellowed and ran forward sweeping his great ax in an arch. Varian rushed forward as did the elder orc Saurfang. Shaw and Crispin completed the circle about the human formed dragon.
Deathwing watched as Varian engaged him and he carefully parried the blow and met the blade of Saurfang.
The sun blazed and the great mace of the Worldbreaker took its toll on these fighting it. Varian was bleeding in several spots, but paid it little heed. Garrosh had narrowly avoided a slash to his stomach, but the flesh was puckered for the mace also, as its owner, burned all it touched. Crispin had fallen when he had been unable to avoid a strike and fell to his death far below. Varian and Shaw would mourn him in time, but both had hardened their hearts. Varian cast a look at Mathias who had taken a blow to the shoulder and he was on the earth holding his broken arm panting. This had to end now!
Saurfang the Elder watched as Garrosh backed the great leviathan to the edge in a spurt of attacks. With a mighty heave he turned and buried his own great ax into the chest of Deathwing. The plating instantly opened and light and magma poured from the wound. Deathwing was startled and staggered. Gorehowl sliced downward revealing more and showing the Worldbreaker was only held together by the plates that kept the energy from ripping him apart.
Deathwing fell to his knees looking up at those before him. "Fools!" He cried. "What have you done!"
Varian stepped forward as he saw the weapons that had hit the dragon were now glowing red from the heat within the core of the beast. Deathwing looked up as he dropped to his knees defiantly. "Finish this King. For your greater glory." He hissed. "Lo'Gosh the gladiator conquers once more."
"No," Varian hissed through his own pain. His limps felt on fire. "For my little girl!" He said and raised his weapon in an arch. The Dragon actually smiled hollowly as the blade sliced through his neck and his body fell over the cliff.
Varian dropped his sword and panted as he looked about.
"No!" Came a bellow behind him. Varian turned and saw Garrosh Hellscream with a knife, Mathias Shaw's blade, lifted up. Between them stood Saurfang. "Have you no honor?" The elder orc hissed. "We have together killed the demon. It is a time to rejoice, not murder those with their backs turned because of your petty need for revenge against harsh words."
"He robbed me of my kill and triumph." Garrosh hissed.
"Perhaps, but if the five of us had not struck as one, we all would have parished." Saurfang said evenly.
Garrosh took a breath and then nodded. He turned away calling for his windrider. The elder orc was right and he knew it. This was different than being robbed of his kill when he met the challenge of Cairne and the Grimtotems poisoned the great warrior. This had been a team effort and even he had to grudgingly admit it.
Saurfang turned to the injured Varian and pulled out a cloth to bind his arm. He looked up at Varian who was staring at him. "You could have let him kill me." Varian said quietly.
"To what gain?" Saurfang said. "He needs to learn the limits to his vanity." He patted the King shoulder. "I remember your honor. You intervened and allowed me to claim my son's body for burial. Though we do not see eye to eye often, King Varian, you are a man of honor and courage and respect that." He smiled then. "Lok'tar ogar! Aka'Magosh." He said and put his hand over his heart as he rose to his feet and bowed his head. "I will never forget." He said.
"Nor will I." Varian said as he took the hand that helped him to his feet. "Blessing on you and yours as well, my friend."
Saurfang smiled again and called his windrider.
Varian went to Mathias who was looking over the edge at the blackened area where the dragon had fallen. It would never grow anything there as the black blood and molten core of the dragon seeped into the earth.
Varian winced as he aided Mathias in standing. The younger man's arm was broken, but they looked at each other and smiled. A great victory indeed, though not without loss. They would retrieve Crispin's body and bring it home to honor his fall, but for now it was a time to celebrate.
