I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Help me carry on

~Crawling In The Dark-Hoobastank~


The mission specialists placed a wooden chest on the war room table. Khadgar, Cordana, Toriona and Jaaral watched as it was opened.

Inside lay a very large number of small crystals. They were mostly clear, some had occlusions within them that held a slight color variance. Also inside was a vial of a nasty looking greenish liquid.

"What is this, Jaaral?" asked Toriona.

He shook his head and looked at Khadgar. The Archmage picked up a few of the crystals and examined them, holding them up to the light.

"Brilliant!" he exclaimed. He then retrieved the vial. Holding it in his hands he levitated it, speaking words in the language of magic. The vial began to glow, first a green then a muddy gold.

"Yes, this will work nicely. Good work," he said to the mission specialists.

Jaaral dismissed them and the group sat down around the table.

With no one but friends present, Cordana removed her helm and cloak and sat down beside Khadgar. He smiled at her and gave her hand a quick squeeze.

"To answer your question Milady," said Khadgar to Toriona. "These are called Apexis Crystals. They are the remnants of a very old and powerful ancient civilization. These crystals were used as reserves for magical energy and were energized by solar power. The vial is filled with the blood of one of Gul'Dan's top lieutenants. We have weakened his Shadow Council by yet another. This is excellent news."

Cordana picked up a crystal and felt it vibrate. "What are you going to do with them?" she asked.

"We are going to use them in a scrying spell to help us locate Gul'dan. There is a lot of power here, and hopefully it will be enough to show us what we need. Cordana, I will need you at my side for this, we will return to the tower to begin preparations."

"Of course, Archmage," she said.

"Jaaral, once we locate Gul'Dan we may need to move quickly, so please be ready for anything!"


Cordana watched him carefully as he prepared the crystals and the blood. Vile Fel blood being used in any capacity reminded her of the work of necromancers, and dark magic was something she shunned. While she understood it was necessary in this situation, it was still disconcerting to her. She did not speak her mind to Khadgar, but kept her vigil while he prepared.

"Come, Cordana, let us begin."

He walked outside and chanted several words and a glowing circle appeared on the ground, similar to the one that had held the Observer entrapped. He held out his hand, a bright purple glow emanating from it, tendrils of the magic spiralling outward and connecting with the circle.

"Come on...come on...where are you?"

Suddenly the figure of Gul'Dan materialized in the circle. He stared at Khadgar then disappeared in a puff of mist.

"No!" cried the Archmage in frustration. "He is countering my spell and hiding!"

Khadgar drew more power and channeled it. His words became edged with anger. This is when he worried Cordana the most.

"Let it go, Khadgar. We will try a different way, please!"

He turned to her and the glow faded from his hands. "That demon is a crafty one."

He walked back into the tower, Cordana behind him.

"The fact that he has gone into hiding, cloaking his magic, means he knows we are getting closer. I am sure that Jaaral's team killing Teron'Gor has shaken him up. He has lost two of his most powerful lieutenants now, and if he considered us dismissible before, he surely does not now."

Khadgar paced back and forth, thinking out loud. Cordana stood quietly and watched him, relieved when his energy signature dropped back down to normal levels.

"We need more power," he said stopping and facing her.

She took off her helmet and cloak. "More? How, Archmage?"

"I believe I know a way to increase the power and the range of my spell, but it will be difficult."

"I have learned that with you, nothing is simple and easy. Are we to gather more crystals?"

He shook his head. "I wish to siphon the power of the spirit of a dragon."

Cordana's eyes widened. "You cannot be serious! That is akin to necromancy Khadgar! Dark magic!"

He placed his hands gently on her shoulders. "My dear one, necromancy is the raising of the dead. I do not seek to raise any dead, simply to draw power from its spirit. The dragon I am thinking of is not a goodly creature, and I believe this action is justified as this particular being is, or rather was, tied up in this war we are now fighting."

Cordana looked into his eyes and saw the intense motivation there. No matter how much she, or anyone else protested, Khadgar would do what Khadgar pleased. But she had to try and talk some sense into him regardless.

"Khadgar, when you begin to meddle in the affairs of the dead, that is unquestionably leading to a darker path no matter what your justification is. Dark magic never allows itself to be controlled. It only gives you the illusion that it is. You of all people should know this!"

He strained a section of her hair through his fingers. "To those who are weak in their skill, who do not have the command over their power as I do, it could prove difficult. But with my power Cordana, this is the easiest way to attain my goal. I do trust you will assist me? Or must I ask Jaaral?"

Her lips tightened. "You know that I will be here for you, always. But this is not a good idea. You are diverging onto a path from whose journey you might not survive."

He smiled. "Sweet Cordana, you worry overmuch. It will be fine. I will be fine."

"You are arrogant, Archmage. Elune grant that this character flaw not be your undoing!"

Khadgar laughed.