Chapter Twenty-Nine: A Parting of Ways

The throne room of King Anastarian Sunstrider was not like those of men. In Lordaeron, the King dwelled in a great chamber, closed off from the world. Anastarian's was open to the air at the top of a high tower. There were magnificent fountains on either side and outside a roost. On these, anything from messenger birds to dragons could perch.

It was more to Malfurion's liking. As he marched forward and saw the King's eyes, he knew that this was one of great age. His eyes were young but not as young as the others of his kinds, and he was clad in flowing white robes. Over his knees was set a golden sword.

'Then you are the Archdruid whom I have heard so much about.' said Anastarian Sunstrider 'My son tells me that you believe my land will take a long time to mend.'

'I fear some of your people may not live to see it healed.' said Malfurion. That was somewhat optimistic but best to let them hope.

Anastarian met his gaze and sighed. 'I thought as much. No matter, if you believe you can heal this place, I welcome your aid.' He paused. 'Am I right in thinking you to be one of the Kaldorei who long ago exiled us?'

Malfurion looked up. He remembered well the explosive argument which had come between the two. It had been an elf, much like Anastarian. He had replied to Cenarius' offer by setting fire to the trees. He'd launched a full-scale raid across the night elves. Then, having caused even further suffering, he had taken his people and sailed east.

But he could hardly say as much. 'I fear that memory changes with the telling.' said Malfurion. 'In the aftermath of the War of the Ancients, your ancestors continued to use arcane magic. We had only just driven away the Legion, and many were afraid that they would return.

'Our people did not part on good terms. However, it was by their own will that yours departed Kalimdor.'

'I wonder which of our memories is the better.' mused Anastarian. 'No matter. My son, you wished to speak to me.'

'Yes,' said Kael'thas, 'I believe I have found a way to cure our people of our magical addiction. The night elves suffered a similar malady. They survived through connecting themselves to a great tree. Malfurion believes that it may be possible to connect our people to that same tree.

'I wish to have leave to speak with the night elven leader, Cenarius.'

'The borders have been made secure.' mused Anastarian. 'But to go west now seems drastic. Are you sure this will work, my son?'

'I can but try.' said Kael'thas.

'So be it.' said Anastarian. 'If you believe this is best, I will not stop you. I grant you leave. Druid Malfurion, you are returning to your own land soon enough, yes?'

'Indeed.' said Malfurion. 'There is much for me to do, and I fear I have tarried long. However, I will leave behind many of my druids to continue the work I have begun here.'

'Then I would ask you take my son with you.' said Anastarian.

This was a great opportunity. Even if Cenarius did not allow it, Malfurion might at least be able to sew seeds. Ones' that could turn these people from arcane magic. 'It shall be as you say.'

'It would be for the best if you left with Prince Arthas' expedition.' continued Anastarian. 'He is already heading west, I am told.'

Kael stiffened at that. Malfurion wondered what it was that had brought Kael'thas and this Arthas to hate one another so. 'I shall, Father.'

'Then you had best leave at once.' said Anastarian. 'I will pray for your success.'

Kael'thas moved closer to Malfurion to teleport them, but Anastarian raised a hand. 'One more thing. I am putting my son into your hands, Druid. If any harm comes to him, the vengeance of the high elves will be swift.'

'I understand.' said Malfurion.

The Prince teleported them away. Soon they were standing in the town where Malfurion had arrived. But Malfurion sensed something in the air. Some dark will which was watching.

'I must leave you for a time, young Kael.' said Malfurion 'There is something I must see to.'

'Perhaps I could assist.' said Kael'thas.

Malfurion considered the question. 'No, I must do this alone.'

And he strode from the town and into the wilderness. And wherever he walked, he saw piles of corpsesburning. Even now the work of desecration the humans had been forced to was underway. Priests were saying prayers while people wept bitterly.

At last, he came to the top of a mountain covered in trees and looked out.

It was a funeral pyre of untold size. It stretched across the length and breadth of Lordaeron. Wherever Malfurion walked in the troubled land, he saw the flames flickering in the night sky. Now, as he stood upon a mountain overlooking the western sea of Lordaeron, he turned his gaze north. At the uttermost end of the world, he sensed a presence looking down upon all this.

Moreover, that presence held within it many things. Anger at the thwarting of its plans. Hatred for its masters. Contempt for those who opposed it. Yet who was it whose will this land contended with?

It had a name now. The Lich King. Yet not an identity. Malfurion stood atop a mountain and set his will against the curse of Lordaeron. For a long time, he struggled against it; his mind pitted against the corruptor of the world. Clouds darkened overhead as a northern wind chilled. Yet the power resisted him still. It still held sway over these lands, and he alone could not wrest it from him.

But he saw many things as he wrestled with the will of that power. He learned much, and yet not enough. He did not know his enemy yet.

'Who causes these undead to come forth from the grave?' he asked aloud. 'Who is this dark god whose will clouds the very sun? How does his will extend across all the world and control everything—and yet nothing? The restless gaze from the high frozen throne. I see him now, veiled in blizzards of snow and ice and walls forged from horror.

'And yet he himself is a subject. In the security of distant Northrend, he bows to horrors within and without. They tear at his mind and mock him., reminding him that he is but a slave.'

He saw his answer, though he did not understand it. Shapes of a red sky over a dying world. Of green-skinned creatures. Were these the orcs Calia had spoken of?

'Very dramatic.' said a voice. 'Was that improvised or were you practicing for a play?'

'I have learned to speak in poetic fashion when leadership calls for it.' said Malfurion, turning to face the newcomer.

He was tall for a human, with long blonde hair. He went clad in simple gray armor and wore a scarlet cloud around him. His tabard likewise was crimson and on his back was a great hammer. The spirits surrounded him like moths to a flame, and all the land seemed to surround him.

Could it be?

'Who are you, human?' asked Malfurion.

'I am Prince Arthas Menethil.' said Arthas. 'I take it that you are Malfurion Stormrage.'

'I am.' said Malfurion. 'And I have contended with the will of the Lich King. I know now something of the nature of his control of this realm.'

'What control?' asked Arthas. 'His servants are destroyed or fled.'

'Not all of them.' said Malfurion. 'And his will remains within the blight. He has bent the spirits of Northrend to his will and twisted their power to corrupt the land itself. Now he is focusing that same power into Lordaeron.

'It is strange. Few unholy powers may hold such control over spirits. Unless perhaps they were once a druid or shaman themselves.'

'So the spirits of Northrend are invading the spirits of Lordaeron?' guessed Arthas.

'Rather they are trying to corrupt them.' said Malfurion. 'And I fear they have partially succeeded, though not in the way they had hoped.'

'What do you mean?' asked Arthas.

'The spirits of Lordaeron have arisen in rage.' said Malfurion. 'Their power has been summoned in anger. Thus the land suffers.'

'Why would they be angry with us?' asked Arthas.

'They are not.' said Malfurion. 'But until recently the whole of their focus has been on the destruction of their enemies. I think the Lich King sought to corrupt them with their rage into his servants.

'Yet even with the failure of that plan, they have done much harm. So long as spirits are at war, the land will suffer. Only when they are tranquil can the world flourish.' He paused. 'How is it that you came here?'

'I don't know.' admitted Arthas. 'I felt drawn to this place. I will be leaving soon, heading west.'

'That is for the best, I think.' said Malfurion. 'Our paths may converge there for a while then.' He was now sure that he had been correct.

'What do you mean?' asked Arthas.

'Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider has requested an audience with my master, Cenarius.' said Malfurion. 'I am to take him there myself. My druids will continue my work after I am gone.'

'Wonderful.' said Arthas in distaste.

Had Malfurion done something to offend him? 'This is not to your liking?'

'Prince Kael'thas and myself have hated each other for years.' said Arthas. 'We never liked each other to begin with. Our relations have cooled since then.'

'What was the cause?' asked Malfurion.

'Both of us were after the same woman.' said Arthas. 'Neither of us won.' He paused. 'Will you come down to the ships with me?'

'I will.' said Malfurion.

The two of them made their way down to the ships. As they walked, Malfurion asked Arthas questions about the land in which he had dwelled.


Thing were going to hell for the Kirin Tor. Rhonin listened to Krasus as the wizard explained the situation. For a moment, he was silent. He couldn't believe this. 'What do you mean you can't come back?' he asked.

'I mean what I say.' said Krasus. 'Something very important has come up, and I cannot leave.'

'Krasus, do you know what is happening here?' asked Rhonin. 'King Terenas recently held a meeting of the Alliance. He made serious decisions without us.'

'He didn't invite you?' asked Krasus in surprise.

'No, he did.' said Rhonin. 'But I was badly injured working in Dalaran, and there was no clear successor. You were gone so they couldn't anyone else to send. By the time I woke up, Terenas had already brought Alterac back into the gold on a technicality.'

'That does not seem a serious matter.' said Krasus.

It's the principle of the thing, Krasus.' said Rhonin. 'If the Alliance thinks they can make decisions without consulting us, then we aren't an equal. Also, Quel'thalas was excluded as well.

'And if you aren't here I can't lead the expedition to Northrend. Why did you have to rush off like this?!'

'I'm sorry.' said Krasus. 'This cannot wait.'

The connection closed. Rhonin remained silent for a moment. Then he slammed his hand against the table. He drew it back and clutched it. 'Ow.'

'What's wrong?' asked Vereesa.

'Krasus has disappeared again.' said Rhonin. 'He always does this.'

'There is always a good reason for it, though.' said Vereesa.

'Whether there is or not what do I do?' asked Rhonin. 'I'm supposed to go with King Varian to Northrend? And who knows how long Krasus will be gone. We might as well rename the Six to the One.'

'Well perhaps you should look into replacing our losses.' said Vereesa. 'You need someone else in authority to assist you.'

'Who?' asked Rhonin. 'Let me think. All right, I have an idea.'

'What is it?' asked Vereesa.

'I've got to write some letters.' said Rhonin.


Malfurion Stormrage asked many questions. Most of them had to do with the landscape, and Arthas found himself describing Lordaeron as it had been. Something about this elf made him feel at ease. He spoke of the Tirisfal Glades before they had been darkened. And also of the other woods and trees.

Eventually, however, he strode ahead and disappeared into the woods on some errand. He had claimed he would be with him soon. Arthas pressed on, wondering what he was on about, as a familiar blue dragon flew into sight. She descended, and Tyrygosa once again took on an elven form. She was no longer clad for mourning. Instead, she wore brown leggings and a leather vest. Her sleeves conformed to her arms, and she nodded to him.

'Milady, you return.' said Arthas.

'Yes. I have done as you asked, Prince Arthas.' said Tyrygosa. 'Lord Malygos has sent the blue dragon flight to negotiate with the indigenous races. We've managed to get them to put aside many of their long-standing grudges and focus on fighting the undead. For now.

'However, they need someone to organize them. If you are going to move against Northrend now is a perfect time.' She drew out a book. 'I have details here.'

'Unfortunately, I will not be moving against Northrend.' said Arthas, feeling a tinge of bitterness. 'That task has been given to Varian, and even now his fleet is readying itself. I am to head west and colonize Kalimdor.'

'I see.' said Tyrygosa. 'Perhaps you could introduce me to this Varian. I will put myself at his disposal.'

'We're heading in his direction now.' said Arthas.

Soon enough, they came to the docks. There they found King Varian Wrynn speaking with a soldier. As he approached, Varian looked up in surprise. 'Arthas what took you?'

'Many things.' said Arthas. 'Are all the preparations made?'

'Yes.' said Varian, before looking to Tyrygosa. 'Who is this with you?'

'This is Tyrygosa, one of the blue dragonflight.' said Arthas. 'She has come to help the Alliance in its invasion and has reason to hate the Legion. She has much information which may aid you.'

'Greetings, noble king.' said Tyrygosa, bowing.

'Then I will be glad to have her.' said Varian. 'We'll set out soon, for our ships are all loaded.'

'My own have more people coming.' said Arthas. 'I'll be here a few more days.' He looked to Muradin. 'Muradin, take care of Varian, will you. I think he'll need you as much as I did.'

'Not to worry lad.' said Muradin.

At that moment, Captain Marwynn arrived. With him was Captain Faldine of the Northrend colony. Arthas blinked and approached him. Marwynn bowed, looking uncommonly awkward. 'Prince Arthas.'

'Marwynn?' asked Arthas. 'What are you doing here?'

'Faldine is returning to Northrend, and I'm going with her.' said Marwynn. 'We mean to be part of the new colony.'

'She wishes to return to Northrend?' asked Arthas, surprised.

'Yes.' said Faldine. 'It's dangerous, but I have a taste for danger. And Lordaeron isn't exactly what it used to be. Besides, all the new colonists will need people who know the land.'

Marwynn sighed. 'I don't want to leave your service, but it seems our old group is falling farther and farther apart — Jaina gone west. Falric is the Highlord of the Scarlet Crusade. Now I go north.

'I've already said my goodbyes to him, of course.'

Arthas smiled and clasped his hand. 'I wish you all the best, Marwynn. I mean it. You and Falric are two soldiers better than this spoiled prince ever deserved.'

'Well you were the one who said it.' said Marwynn with a rueful smile.

Arthas looked to Faldine. 'Captain Faldine…'

'Lieutenant now. The ranks got all screwed up after we evacuated.' said Faldine. 'Now Marwynn's the captain, and I'm his subordinate.'

'You were of great service in Northrend.' said Arthas. 'I expect you to perform similar service again.'

'I'll try.' said Faldine. 'Well, we'd both best get going. Every bit helps.' And they were off.

'Yes, I know.' said Arthas. Something was wrong here. He couldn't put his finger on it. 'Varian a word.'

He took his friend to one side, and Varian looked at him in concern. 'What is it, Arthas?'

'Have you spoken with Tiffin?' asked Arthas. 'And your son?'

'I… I should have.' said Varian. 'It slipped my mind with everything that has happened. With everything going on, I haven't been able to think of anything else.'

'Well you had best do it soon.' said Arthas. 'I've been to Northrend, Varian. That place has a way of draining you. Of consuming everything you are and twisting you around.'

'I feel twisted already to be honest.' said Varian. 'I've only come in at the end of things. However, the things I've seen will stay with me. How did you stand it?'

'Barely.' admitted Arthas. 'Just remember what you are fighting for and don't be too aggressive. Remember you're trying to establish outposts. We'll deal with the Legion as a whole later.'

I' know, I know.' said Varian. 'Neither one of us are boys anymore.' He paused. 'Where the hell is Rhonin? He should have been here to help set things up.'

'I thought you said everything was ready.' said Arthas.

'We had an appointed departure time.' said Varian. 'Rhonin can teleport. I assumed he'd be here.'

A messenger arrived, carrying a dispatch. 'King Varian, a letter from Rhonin. And also one for Prince Arthas.' He offered them.

'Let me see it.' said Arthas, taking it. 'Let's see your first, Varian.'

Varian read it. 'Wonderful. The Kirin Tor have dropped out of the expedition.'

'You're joking.' said Arthas. 'Why?'

'Archmage Krasus has gone off into the blue and said he can't come back.' said Varian. 'Rhonin is now the only ranking wizard left. He can't go.

'Trust a wizard to abandon his post.'

'Krasus has done a great deal.' said Arthas, feeling obligated to defend him. 'And the Kirin Tor is in bad shape.'

'Everyone is in bad shape.' said Varian. 'What about your letter?'

Arthas opened it and read through it. 'Rhonin wants me to offer Jaina a position on the Six.'

'Why?' asked Varian.

'He's desperate, I guess.' said Arthas. 'Jaina was of great help during the early campaign. With most of the best wizards dead, she may well be one of the best qualified for the position.'

'Whatever the case with this news, I need to go.' said Varian. 'With luck, we'll meet again and laugh about this later.'

'One can only hope.' said Arthas.

Varian offered his hand, and Arthas shook it. Then he turned to walk toward the fleet. Arthas then felt almost sure he would never see his friend again. Or at least not in the same way.

'Varian!' he called.

Varian glanced back. 'Yes?'

Arthas paused. 'Good luck.'

Varian smiled. 'You too.'

They parted ways. Arthas made his way to the ship and found the absolute last person he wanted to speak with. Prince Kael'thas was talking with the captain. As he approached the elven prince turned to him and met his gaze.

Dead silence ensued. Silence so deep that one could hear a pin drop a thousand miles away in it.

'Prince Arthas.' said Kael'thas.

'Prince Kael'thas.' said Arthas.

Silence continued. Arthas met Kael's gaze in silent challenge. The lapping of the water on the shore was deafening. All who were around shrank back beneath the intensity of the stare between them. It was as though great flames were passing between them.

'Lady Sylvanas will be joining us.' said Arthas. 'I personally requested her presence.'

'I am glad of it.' said Kael'thas. 'She is a valiant commander.'

'Good.' said Arthas.

The silence continued. Neither one was willing to turn aside their gaze first. On the contest continued. Many became afraid that the two would stand like this until their battle of wills consumed the world.

At that moment, Brigitte Abbendis walked up the gangplank and slipped past the two. Looking at it, she remained silent only a moment. Then she spoke. 'Well, you two seem like you are the best of friends.' she said. 'Perhaps you could part company before you freeze the ship to splinters?'

'As the lady wishes.' said Kael'thas.

'Brigitte Abbendis I wasn't expecting you.' said Arthas.

'Lord Uther dispatched me to enter into your service.' said Brigitte. 'He wants me to make use of the skills I've learned in practice.'

'And Sally?' asked Arthas.

'Lord Uther is giving her a different training regime.' said Abbendis.

'What kind of regime?' asked Arthas.

'Healing the sick and injured.' admitted Abbendis. 'I think he felt she needed to focus on something other than retribution.' She paused. 'He was quite insistent that she not go into battle.'

'Well, that may be good for her.' mused Arthas. 'Welcome aboard.'

The expedition was set. Now all they had to do was await the coming of the last of the colonists and they would, at last, set out for Kalimdor.


Authors Note:

So this chapter is late. But since my late is most fanfiction writers obscenely fast, I'm not going to ask for an apology. I got a bit burnt out and decided to focus on other things.

Edit:

Changed a bunch of dialogue which was too similar to another work. Less poetic, more original.