Chapter 11

The fire burned hot in Grommash Hold. Outside, a blanket of white covered the ground— another light snow had come to Orgrimmar. The native desert plants had browned and died from the frost, their withered husks the only natural decoration. Those that could afford it covered their windows with glass imported from Silvermoon, the rest were condemned to shiver in the unnatural chill.

The frost seeped through the uninsulated desert buildings, a gift brought by Neltharion nearly three months ago. A creature of fire, heat, and magma had stolen the summer, and cast the land into shadow and blight.

Garrosh stared out the newly glass-paned windows of Grommash Hold. The streets were nearly empty, those who could not adjust to the cold had been sent to other Horde holdings.

They were weak, undeserving of the might of Orgrimmar.

Only the strong remained, as he wanted.

He settled upon his throne, staring down upon the map of the world. A forest of red and blue flags marked the newly added, incomplete shape of Pandaria.

Blue flags were Alliance.

Red flags were Horde.

He stared upon the holdings with furious concern. The blue flags outnumbered the red.

The doors flung open, a rush of cold air filling the chamber. Fires flickered and curled away from the chill. Garrosh looked up to find Malkorok dusting snow from his shoulders. It drifted, falling to dust the outlines of Pandaria.

"Winter is around the corner, but it acts like it is already upon us," said Malkorok.

"Deathwing's tantrum is a minor setback." said Garrosh. "But now— now it only serves to weed out the weak from the strong. So let his eternal winter come! Let it strengthen us more!"

Malkorok bowed.

"Speaking of Deathwing," Malkorok said. "I bring news from General Nazgrim. Apparently, Deathwing has landed on Pandaria."

Garrosh's golden eyes lit with fire upon the news, rising from his seat. He bent down to the shorter orc, a growl curled his lip.

"The Worldbreaker is on Pandaria?" he asked. "I thought that land was safe from his eyes."

"A land hidden from his eyes would likely draw his attention, in time." said Malkorok. "He is the Earth-Warder; his duties…"

"I know what his duties are!" Garrosh roared. "I know more about his duties than anyone on this miserable planet!" He turned to walk around the map, his eyes never leaving Pandaria. "I should have known it was only a matter of time before he discovers Pandaria."

He took in a deep breath and returned his eyes to Malkorok.

"Where is the Earth-Warder now?"

"In the Jade Forest, Warchief," said Malkorok. "He is heading for the Jade Serpent's Temple at the heart of the forest."

"The Jade Serpent," said Garrosh. "Yes. Our new Pandaren recruit has spoken about her." His eyes narrowed. "Were they allies once?"

"Deathwing has lived for thousands of lifetimes," said Malkorok. "Could we wager they may have met…"

"I cannot afford to wager. If it turns out they were not allies, I want to know. If they were, I want to know. And for now, until it says otherwise, I will assume they were."

Malkorok nodded.

"I have some more news, then. General Nazgrim has taken his own initiative just as you have instructed. It appears that the Hozen and even the Pandarens who have been so kindly towards us say they do not know who Deathwing is. In fact they do not know what a Dragon Aspect is."

A beat and Garrosh inhaled deeply.

"What?"

"I said that they do not know who the Dragon Aspects are…let alone Deathwing," said Malkorok.

"Interesting!" Garrosh said with an amused chuckle. Thoughts upon thoughts whirled inside his head as his grin spread wide. "Send for Ji Firepaw!"

"The monk, Warchief?"

"Yes," he said. "The monk. He will be of great use to us."

Malkorok bowed and swiftly ushered his way out.

It did not take long for Garrosh to await Ji Firepaw's visitation. The husky Pandaren came walking in, each step as heavy as his bulk. He paused before Garrosh and folded his hands in front of his chest, dipping his body low in a respectful bow.

"Warchief," the Pandaren began. "You summoned me?"

"Yes," Garrosh said, rising from his throne. "I have an important mission and you are the perfect subject to provide it. Your expertise in your people's customs will be greatly appreciated."

"Customs?" Ji asked. "Pandaria's customs? I am from the Wandering Isle. Our customs are different from those on Pandaria."

"Not too different," said Garrosh. "As I have seen from the reports. The only element that appeared to be different is their need to stay home and yours to wander."

He simply gestured, offering Ji a seat. The Pandaren nodded and sat. Garrosh sat opposite of him, his eyes staring deep into the Pandaren's as if he were looking into his soul.

"You can walk among the people of Pandaria without drawing too much attention," Garrosh continued. "Such a thing is difficult for the rest of us."

Ji folded his hands upon the table.

"That is why I need you," he said as he drew closer. "This war we are fighting, we fight it for freedom. To prove to those who think so little of us that we are to be feared. But there is a greater cause and a greater enemy that we are preparing to fight against. This war with the Alliance pales in comparison to the Horde's true foe."

"What is this 'true foe'?"

"Deathwing the Destroyer," Garrosh replied, his tone laced with a fury barely bound.

"Deathwing," said Ji. "I…I have heard of that name. Some whispered names of Worldmender…Neltharion…Earth-Warder. But most refused to even speak the names out loud, save those of the Tauren."

"Yes, there are members of the Horde who seem…swayed by his charms," said Garrosh. "And you must be wary them. All who would secretly plot with Deathwing against the Horde. How much do you know of Deathwing?"

"A gigantic, dragon, leader of the Black Dragonflight," said Ji. "He caused the cataclysm that wracked the world. I came to join the fight against such needless destruction."

Garrosh nodded: "So you can see he is a great foe. His recent actions has caused famine, strife. The snow outside is but a mere taste of the destruction and death he caused three months ago. But we will endure, ash cloud or no."

He clinched his hand into a tight fist, knuckles screaming white.

"He is the true enemy; the monster that burned entire regions to bedrock. He is a danger not just to the Horde, but to all life on Azeroth."

Ji stared, his eyes locked to the Warchief. Garrosh collected himself, burying his rage into his stomach. He straightened his shoulders.

"The list of crimes Deathwing has committed against the Horde, against the people of Azeroth are unbounded," he said. "Most call him the Worldbreaker because he broke this world—twice over."

Garrosh's eyes narrowed.

"Yet there was another world he helped break as well. My world, my home. Once it was a world of plenty, where my people lived as warriors, hunters— pride in our hearts. Then it was ripped apart, turned into a shattered, inhospitable wreck. My people lost and purposeless."

Ji's eyes widened and his jaw slacked.

"Many only blame Ner'zhul, but he was just a puppet," Garrosh continued. "The one who gave him the means, the one pulling the strings, was Deathwing. I will never forget the day my home was destroyed with my own eyes, under my own feet. I fear the same fate will befall Pandaria if Deathwing is not stopped."

"How can we fight against such a beast?" Ji asked.

"With subtlety and precision," Garrosh replied. "We cannot afford to draw him out in open combat. I bore witness to that folly and I am forever wiser. After our glorious victory over Theramore, he struck and commanded the ground itself to open up and swallow my troops. Only a few survived. We must plan our actions carefully because his eyes and ears are everywhere. I need allies, I need information, I need resources. Deathwing's ash cloud has polluted the land, poisoned the food, contaminated the water. The people suffer. Pandaria can provide those things. And in return, I can save it from Deathwing!"

He rose from his seat and placed a strong hand upon Ji's shoulder.

"Be my voice, Ji Firepaw," he said. "Tell your fellow Pandaren of Deathwing's danger, his duplicity. Deathwing is cunning. He feigns stupidity, clumsiness, wearing it as a cloak to hide his true intentions. And he would say anything to try and poison you from the truth. He would claim that some evil spirit, a parasite controlled his actions."

The light of Garrosh's eyes burned like cold fire.

"Onyxia…a mere daughter of his nearly brought an entire kingdom to its knees. He brought this entire world to the brink of destruction, and now merely bides his time for another attempt."

He curled his fists.

"He would dismiss these atrocities, make up excuses for them. Do not believe them. And you must tell the others as well not to believe him. Never trust his words."

Garrosh took a deep breath.

"Be warned, monk," he continued. "He can corrupt thoughts, disguise truth, bring forth dark emotions. You must arm the populace against him, or they will surely fall."

"I will," Ji said, confidence filled his chest.

"I am putting much faith in you, Pandaren," said Garrosh. "Do not disappoint me."

Ji rose up and bowed respectfully again.

"I intend to make landfall upon Pandaria's shores soon," said Garrosh. "But I must first gather my resources and troops. Go ahead of me and make ready for my arrival. Whatever intelligence you can supply about Deathwing's movements, report immediately. Even if it appears to be of no importance, report it."

"Yes, Warchief," said Ji.

"Dismissed," he said.

The Pandaren turned upon his heels and marched out.

Garrosh stood, leaning back and crossed his arms. A crooked smile spread up his lips.


"I was worried," said Jaina through the glow of the enchanted mirror. "But at least we know he is unharmed."

Varian nodded, though his brow riddled with unease.

"He is with Neltharion…" he said with a heavy sigh.

"Varian, you know Neltharion cares about Anduin," said Jaina. "And he will look after him. It was Neltharion who told us."

"And if he did not care, he would not have said anything," said Varian. "I know. But Jaina, I cannot…trust him. Not after all that has happened."

"You promised…"

"Yes, six months and I will not insult him," he said. "That does not mean I have to trust him. And half of that time has passed."

Jaina shook her head. Varian could see the frustration in her frosty blue eyes.

"Give him a chance," said Jaina. "Please."

"With the safety of my son?" Varian asked. "After…what Onyxia did…"

"Varian, Anduin has been around Neltharion before…"

"Under Velen's supervision," said Varian. The muscles of his neck tightened, his teeth biting off each word. "This is completely different! And you heard what Neltharion did to Azuremyst Isle…"

"It was an accident," said Jaina. "He didn't intend it…and no one was harmed."

"Is that supposed to give me confidence?" Varian asked. "Do you know what his little sulk did to Stormwind's shore? The wave that came rushing in? The damage to the harbor? We were lucky the casualties were as low as they were. Had it been high tide the docks would have been full. And even with that 'luck' the healers were completely overwhelmed."

He huffed and ran a stiff hand through his shaggy, brunette locks.

"I did receive that report," said Jaina.

"We were very fortunate," said Varian, his voice low as he tried to contain his anger. "However, the damage had been done. Most of the restoration is coming out of the tax payers' pockets and none of them are happy about it."

His shoulders slumped as he leaned against the table.

"I need to be down there," he said. "Jaina, I need to see Anduin for myself, see that he is truly safe. Especially after the news I have heard, of shadowy creatures rising from the ground."

"Neltharion mentioned them," said Jaina. "Before he left, he described how they seemed to rise from the land itself. Other reports have confirmed Neltharion's word."

"He said they were much bigger," said Varian. "More than just the size of a dog."

"There could be larger creatures still," said Jaina. "Ulduar yielded some clues. Apparently the Titans knew about these creatures. But where they came from and why they are there is still unknown."

Varian pressed his lips together, crossing his arms.

"Neltharion may be our best chance to learn more about these creatures," said Jaina. "And I am very interested in the history. Kalec is as well, and he implied the other Aspects shared that interest."

"I don't care what the Aspects are interested in," said Varian. "I care about my son."

"I know," she said. "Neltharion has been keeping in touch with both his flight and the Blue Dragonflight since the mists fell. He said that the corruption in the land has a broken dissonant sound, similar to an Old God."

"Another Old God?" Varian asked, rubbing his temples. "Just how many are there?"

"They seem to be everywhere, Varian. They infect everything they touch."

Varian lowered his head, his fingers drumming on the table.

"Varian," said Jaina. "Anduin will be alright. Neltharion is with him. Give him a chance to prove himself, to win over your trust. What better way than to show he can protect Anduin?"

"It doesn't mean I have to like it. But there is not much I can do from here. I need to go down there myself, Jaina. Neltharion's presence in Pandaria is not my only concern."

His foot twitched nervously.

"The Horde is down there as well. Even if I trust Anduin's safety with Neltharion, I cannot do so with the Horde."

"Then perhaps it isn't Neltharion you need to trust," said Jaina. "But Anduin. Trust that he can take care of himself. Because Anduin is as strong as his father."

His jaw relaxed. Varian looked up and met Jaina's warm smile.

"Trust Anduin," he said. "Perhaps. But it still won't lessen my fears."

"You wouldn't be a good father if you didn't worry," said Jaina.

"I will hold Neltharion responsible if any harm comes to my son," Varian said, his tone dangerously calm. "Whether that harm comes from the Horde or himself, even if by accident. He is responsible."

Jaina released a sigh.

"I'll tell Kalec," she said. "He'll relay the news to Neltharion."

"Good," he said, straightening his back. "Anything else to report?"

"No, but I do have a suggestion," said Jaina. "The Pandaren who came from the Wandering Isle…Aysa Cloudsinger and Jojo Ironbrow…"

"Yes, them," he said.

"Well, if you are truly concerned about Neltharion taking care of Anduin," Jaina asked. "You could send them to Pandaria to act as your eyes and ears; to ensure Anduin is safe."

"But further, Neltharion stated that there was history connecting him to Pandaria, but even he could not recall what it was. And based on the reports, the Pandaren do not know either— they did not recognize Deathwing or Neltharion's names."

"History?" Varian asked, his brow furrowed.

"Well, Alexstrasza said that the Aspects have visited Pandaria before," said Jaina. "Neltharion more than the others. But due to the mists separating Pandaria from the rest of the world for ten thousand years, they lost some of that history. And Neltharion, due to his condition, has lost some of his memory on it. He wants to find out more about Pandaria. Maybe sending Aysa and Jojo down might be of some help."

Varian tilted his head as he turned away in deep thought.

"What are you proposing?" he asked.

"They could walk unnoticed among the population," said Jaina. "Because they don't look like outsiders to the other Pandaren, they could hear backroom whisperings where we would only hear silence. It may be one of our best chances to uncover some of the hidden, guarded history of Pandaria. Or hear what the population is stating about the Horde. And if they were to speak highly of the Alliance, their words would find more sympathetic ears than our own."

"Neltharion is the wildcard, though," said Varian. "The Horde will not keep silent. They will spread the news of Neltharion's rampage far and wide. If the Horde then tells them of our…affiliation…it will tar us all with the same brush."

"Varian…"

"Jaina," said Varian. "Even setting aside Deathwing's acts, Neltharion did destroy the Barrens. And further, he has even proudly boasted as much…"

"After he awoke to find Theramore completely destroyed!" Jaina shouted. "I wasn't the only person who lost family and friends. He suffered, as did I…as did we all! If I had his powers, I would have done the same!"

"Jaina, while I understand his reasons…or why you nearly…" he broke off, collecting his words. "I cannot condone the suffering he caused, regardless the reasons or who it was used against. If we are to win this war, we must rise above the barbarism of the Horde."

Varian flipped back a brown lock from his shoulder.

"I cannot order Neltharion to stand down, but neither must I agree with his methods, or stay quiet. If he decides to attack the Horde unprovoked, he will be on his own. I will make sure the Pandaren know we did not condone or support it."

"You're cutting him loose?"

He sighed, shaking his head.

"No, not like you think," he said. "But I cannot afford to take responsibility for his…methods. I will admit that he is an asset, Jaina. So long as our goals to defeat Garrosh align, Neltharion will remain that. He has proven that much. But he is also a liability. His actions will determine how much of one or the other he truly is."

"You may not want to make such a judgment hastily," she said. "Not after what he discovered about the White Lady."

"The moon?"

"I looked at it through the telescope in the observatory," said Jaina. "There looks to be a very thin crack along one of its basins. Neltharion brought it to our attention. You can't see it with the naked eye, unless you have the visual acuity of a dragon. Or a telescope."

"How did this happen?"

"We do not know," said Jaina. "The Black Dragonflight and the Blue Dragonflight are both investigating. They are actually working together— as once as the case thousands of years ago. Varian, they are supposed to work together for the benefit of Azeroth."

"I know," said Varian. "I understand they have a role to play, even if that role has waned over time and ceased being vital. And even if certain individual's suitability for their role is…questionable."

"He is important," said Jaina. "All five of them are important."

"Keep me posted," he said. "Especially when Neltharion reports about Anduin."

"It probably would be a good idea not to inform anyone yet," said Jaina. "Not the masses anyways. We don't want to cause a mass panic."

"Right," said Varian.

Jaina nodded and the mirror went dark.

Varian turned and left the mirror behind.

He marched out of his quarters, the rapid strike of his boots sending echoes down the stone corridors of the castle. Guards snapped to attention and saluted as he passed, staring ahead and avoiding his eyes.

He slowed as he came to the edge of the courtyard, the small patch of greenery a spec compared to the burnt crater of the destroyed park. The twisted wreckage of burnt and broken buildings lined the unstable edges, too dangerous to remove. Broken, blackened beams twisted from the haphazard piles, like outstretched talons trying to tear their way into the rest of the city.

Neltharion had visited once, offered to rebuild the land. To repair the crater and clear the wreckage.

He had declined.

He could not extend such trust to the dragon. For while he may act different, call himself different…

Stormwind had fallen into the thrall of a black dragon before.

And that female dragon had claimed his kingdom.

His spirit.

His wife.

And nearly his son.

Lady Katrana Prestor; Onyxia.

Daughter of Deathwing.

Daughter of Neltharion.

The same dragon that now had his son in its grasp.

His hands clenched the railing, until his knuckles turned white and twinges of pain ran up his hand.

He did not let go.

He turned as a guard passed, her heels clicking on the stone pavers.

"Stop," he commanded.

"Yes, Your Grace," she said.

"Fetch Aysa Cloudsinger and Jojo Ironbrow," he said. "Have them meet me here."

"Yes, sir," she said with a prompt salute and spun upon her heels.

Minutes rolled by as the sun began to set, staining the white limestone of Stormwind Keep a fiery hue. He turned at the shush of bare feet shuffling over the soft grass. A glance revealed Aysa and Jojo, who slowed to a stop before bowing respectively. He acknowledged the gesture with a slight dip of his head.

"You have summoned us, Your Grace?" Aysa asked.

"Yes," said Varian. "I have a pressing mission for both of you. I hope I did not interrupt your classes."

"The students are learning fast," said Aysa. "Never have I seen so many that wished to learn our martial arts style."

"It is not often that someone can best me in a fight. I knew the instant you did that these techniques were an essential advantage in our fight against the Horde," Varian said. "I hope I am as good a student as your other trainees."

"You have been," said Aysa. "Except…"

"Except recently," said Varian. "Yes, my mind had been… preoccupied due to the disappearance of my son." He smiled. "But I am happy to say he has been found. On Pandaria. Which is why I need your assistance."

He motioned to approach and then leaned over to face the Park.

"I have received word that my son is with the Earth-Warder," Varian said. "Neltharion."

"We have heard you speak his name before," said Aysa. "As well as others."

"The dwarves curse his name for the destruction and sickness of Ironforge," said Jojo. "Most still refer to him as Deathwing."

"Deathwing," said Varian and nodded. "A name Neltharion wishes the world to forget. A name the world wishes it could forget."

He turned to look at the ruins of the park.

"When Jaina Proudmoore informed me of what Thrall had done, I could not believe it. Not at first. I could not believe it.

"Not after the Cataclysm. Not after entire regions, continents, shattered. Not after countless burned out villages, poisoned land, sickness, famine, death and war. Not after entire regions wiped clean of all life. Not after the suffering of the people, those few who survived. The few we were able to save. And even with that many, we were fortunate we did not lose more. Fortunate that he did not do more. Hundreds of millions…gone."

His eyes closed.

"I could not save more than a third of my people."

His fist curled.

"And yet…we saved Deathwing?"

The icy blue eyes opened with a flash of seething, hidden fire.

"Deathwing…good?"

Varian went silent, staring at the ruins of the park. The setting sun cast red and orange hues against the wreckage, the dance of light and shadows a vision of billowing flames. The uncomfortable silence lengthened.

"The Dragon Aspects are creatures created by the Titans, for the purpose of protecting this world." he said. His voice was uncharacteristically soft. "They may not be vital, and they are replaceable—one has been replaced. But the loss of any guardian is a loss for Azeroth. For this world needs defenders. But only as long as they are a net asset to this world, instead of a liability."

The frown deepened.

"And loathe as I am to admit it, he is an asset…for now."

Aysa and Jojo exchanged a glance, unease passing between them.

"The other Aspects spoke of who Neltharion once was. That he was once a wise, noble protector. A paragon, revered among their kind. One who defended Azeroth for longer than any of our species have existed. "

"They also spoke of who he is now, how he came to be. Of Old Gods, ancient, powerful and evil creatures that live on this world and seek to destroy the Titan's works. Of torments lasting longer than hundreds of our lifetimes. Of a soul, broken, twisted, and infected with evil, until Deathwing was the result."

"I don't know how Thrall was able to pull Neltharion to the surface, how Deathwing was so easily banished. But while they succeeded, the damage was done. Neltharion is not who he was ten thousand years ago."

His brow furrowed in concern; eyes narrowed intently.

"To undergo such torment for over ten thousand years," Varian said. "It would destroy any mind. Though freed, it does not mean that he is sound."

There was a flash of gold in his eyes as his jaw set tightly. Memories rushed to the surface, fuel the fire of his fury. Deep within, he could feel Lo'Gash stirring.

"I will not lie, Deathwing has done much damage to the Alliance. His list of crimes is long. He sided with the Horde during the Second War, allowed Ner'zhul to gain the artifacts he used to destroy Draenor."

"He infiltrated the Alliance of Lordaeron, tricked King Terenas to hand over his daughter for marriage so that he could become a member of the council. He brought the Alliance to its knees on many occasions. Even after his defeat during the Second War, Deathwing had his daughter Onyxia continue his work. She was responsible for the death of my wife in the mason protests. She kidnapped my son and was going to devour him. I cut off her head and hung it on the gates of Stormwind!"

He gritted his teeth.

"Then the Cataclysm came," he said, each word like sharp daggers from his mouth. "He burned through the land, nearly ripped a continent apart, flooded plains, raised mountains."

"We came here hoping to help those in need in light of the Cataclysm," said Aysa.

"And your help is very much appreciated," said Varian.

Aysa's eyes became downcast.

"But I could not fathom just how one creature could cause so much devastation."

"The end of the world…"

He made an effort to unwind his tense muscles.

"In the end, Neltharion decided to live in Theramore," said Varian. "The black dragonflight is nearly extinct, but he was able to gather a few of the very last survivors there. So he stayed, every so often helping the Earthen Ring heal the damage caused by the Cataclysm. "

"Then Garrosh destroyed Theramore."

"The mana bomb…" Aysa said. "I have seen the newsletters, the photographs of the devastation."

"Jaina said Neltharion tried a diplomatic solution, to avoid loss of life," said Varian. "But Garrosh tricked him. The city was destroyed, and many of the few remaining black dragons were killed, as they had aided in the city's protection."

"Neltharion's rage was…uncontrollable. It caused a volcanic eruption that blotted out the sun for an entire week, even two thousand miles to the North. He sundered the Barrens, destroyed their farmlands, polluted their water. And then he attacked Orgrimmar."

"He also saved my life. The Horde intercepted our fleet, calling upon all manner of monstrosities, including a kraken. I was thrown overboard, and Neltharion retrieved me himself. He swept through, destroying Horde ship after Horde ship, defending my ships. And then he helped us retake Northwatch."

Varian looked out over the ledge once more.

"I tell you this because you must know who and what Neltharion is," he said. "The crimes he has done are innumerable, atrocities many will never forget…or forgive. But for now, we have a truce. Because we both know that Garrosh must be dealt with."

"Neltharion is dangerous, unstable…but he is an ally, for now. At this time, we cannot afford to have him against us."

He paused, collecting his thoughts.

"He has attempted to pay us for some of the damages, such as by directing us on where to mine for resources, or even pulling them directly to the surface where we can get them. But one must never let him get too close, always keep him at a safe distance. Ironforge is a good example as to why we must keep a safe distance from Neltharion."

"What do you wish of us, Your Grace?" Aysa asked.

"I intend to come to Pandaria myself," said Varian. "But I cannot come until preparations here are complete. I want you to go down to Pandaria and see to it my son is safe. That is the first priority."

Aysa bowed.

"I will make sure the young prince is secure, sir," she said.

"I also wish for you to report back all that happens in Pandaria. What my son does, what Neltharion does. I do not quite trust Neltharion with the safety of my son, but he is a better shield than nothing. Neltharion communicates with the Aspect of Magic, Kalecgos, who then informs Lady Jaina Proudmoore of the news on Pandaria. I find out from her. While this does provide updates, it is still being filtered. It only includes information Neltharion wishes to…volunteer to me. Because he does not quite trust me either."

"That is where you come in. I want you to fill in the gaps. I wish to compare what Neltharion says with your report to see if they agree…or not."

"Yes, sir."

"Having Neltharion as an ally is important," said Varian. "I do not want him to think you are there to spy on his every move. Neltharion can peer into the minds of people, read their thoughts. He can also read their hearts, their true motives. You must take care not to let any unwanted thoughts slip."

Varian could see the worry upon Aysa's face as she turned away.

"Is there a problem?"

"A creature who can read minds…" she said.

"A creature who can not only read minds, but alter them," said Varian. "I'd expect he will be less likely to do the latter, given his attempts to regain respect and trust. But he will still read you if he suspects you. And there is no fighting it. So do not let him suspect you."

"And how can I do that?"

"Earn his trust," said Varian. "Meet with him, get to know him. Make him comfortable with your presence. He is unlikely to read your mind if he trusts you. Most important, do not let him smell your fear. It will only hasten his suspicion. Approach him with strength and bravery. Neltharion is as big as the mountains are tall. His is frightening to gaze upon. Do not let that shake your spirit."

His hands folded to the small of his back; shoulders straight and chest out.

"I have no doubt that Hellscream has spoken about Neltharion to the people of Pandaria. And he may have added that Neltharion is helping the Alliance. If they look upon you with suspicion because of this, tell them…we are allies of convenience, as the Earth-Warder is willing to fight the alien invaders. The invaders who once worked for the Burning Legion."

Aysa and Jojo both nodded.

"Then there is another task you must take," Varian said. "When you are on Pandaria, you represent the Alliance. When they see you, they see the Alliance. Represent us well."

"I will, Your Grace," said Aysa.

The Pandaren bowed, and Varian dismissed them with a nod. As they left, he turned back to the crater that once was the Park.

His looked to the horizon, staring as the sun met the edge of the sea and dipped out of sight.