Chapter 6: Decisions
Tirion Fordring
Dalaran. Home of the Kirin Tor, and current capital city for the forces of both the Alliance and the Horde currently in Northrend. Its violet towers shined under the sunlight, irradiating both elegance and majesty. The many white stone buildings, either houses, inns or shops, all of them concurred by people, gave the city a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.
Inside of one such building, a portal appeared inside a circular room. After a moment, a golden paladin with a shining sword appeared from it. Tirion had to close his eyes for a second after arrival. He never was much of a fan of portals; always made him a bit dizzy. He wondered how mages could get used to it. After deeply breathing for a couple of seconds to recover, he opened his eyes and started walking down the stairs in front in him.
He arrived at a big square, with lots of trees and grass embellishing the area. At the center of the plaza, a big fountain shot streams of water upwards; looking through the water and up to the sun, Tirion even managed to see a little rainbow. Many people were spending their time nearby: some kids were playing ball under the sight of their parents, an orc was sitting on a bench watching the water flow, and a couple goblins where sitting on the grass testing one of their weird inventions.
Suddenly, the little machine they had their hands on started smoking, and before they could react, it blew up. A small cloud of black smoke covered their faces, and after clearing, left the soot-covered goblins in plain sight. Everyone in the square had turned to look at them, and no one could help but laugh at the scene, even the orc. Tirion chuckled a bit as well; it had been a while since he saw something as funny.
This was one the reasons he liked this city: on a continent filled with death, a small beacon of life was as refreshing as it gets. Things like this filled him with hope, hope for a better future. He was tempted to sit for a while and just lose himself inside his thoughts, but he had a mission at hand. He looked at the skies; even from this distance, the giant towers of the Violet Citadel stood out. Not on a hurry, he slowly started walking towards the building.
As he made his way through the streets, he saw the many different races coexisting together. Humans, elves, orcs and undead, as well as many others, made their way from one building to another. Many of them did so on their mounts, which went from the more common warhorses and wolves to some quite unique such as stingrays and flying carpets. Tirion even saw a tauren riding a black dragon; definitely not something you see every day.
Of course, some people quickly recognized him as he walked. Paladins nearby bowed as he passed through, while others simply waved at him or cheered. He was, after all, the main face of the fighting forces against the Scourge, and the leader of the Argent Crusade. However, even though he'd slowly grown accustomed to it, Tirion was not one to like so much attention. He would've rather gone unnoticed, just enjoying this little walk.
After some minutes, he arrived at the entrance of the Violet Citadel. A white stairway led to the big dome, which only looked bigger as he advanced. Behind it, the sky-high towers of the citadel rose. Under such majesty and beauty, Tirion couldn't help but remember the much humbler Light's Hope Chapel. Even though it clearly paled in comparison, he recognized he would like a chance to visit it again.
As he entered the building, the many mages working inside came to his sight. Many of them were carrying books from one place to another, probably from the many bookshelves covering the walls. Tirion's eyes rested on a particular mage talking to a group of Kirin Tor mages.
The person in question had purple armor over his body, decorated with the Eye of the Kirin Tor over it. He wasn't wearing his helmet, leaving his red hair and beard visible to everyone. On his back, a great flaming staff rested just above a cape as violet as his armor. Rhonin was just finishing giving orders to the now leaving group of mages before he realized the visitor in front of him.
"Highlord Fordring!" He reached towards Tirion, shaking hands as a salute. "It's quite a surprise to see you here. I thought you were busy with the Tournament."
He gave a small smile. "Indeed, Lord Rhonin. These days have been quite extenuating, if I can say so myself." He reached to his pocket. "However, my visit to your beautiful city ain't just for pleasure. I came here to give you this", he said as he extended the letter towards Rhonin. He received it with a raised eyebrow.
"The Kirin Tor have been a great help in the campaign against the Scourge. Without you, maybe we wouldn't have been able to make it this far. What's more, not only have you faced the menace of the dead with us, but you've also contributed in both the war against the blue dragonflight and the expedition into Ulduar. After all you've done, I thought that both you and the Kirin Tor couldn't miss the tournament's main event."
"Oh yes," Rhonin pondered, "the trials to find the warriors who'll enter the Citadel. I hope your tests are challenging enough to test them?" He gave a small chuckle, as did Tirion. "Hopefully, they will. At the very least, I hope to give the heroes a trial deserving of their talents."
"Well, Highlord, I have to admit… I feel honored to have the invitation delivered by you of all people. How can I say no?" Once again, he stretched hands with the paladin. "The Kirin Tor will happily accept the invitation." Tirion smiled at his response. "Glad to hear that. I must be leaving soon though, so you'll have to excuse me. As you said yourself, the tournament is hard work. Can't leave it for too long or Mariel will just burn herself out with so much paperwork."
Rhonin laughed at the commentary. "I know exactly how that feels. Do you really want to leave so soon? Allow me to invite you a drink, as a personal thanks for the invitation." Tirion considered it for a second. "Please, Tirion. Dalaran's wine and cheese were famous across Lordaeron, and I doubt you can get something as good in Icecrown… with all due respect to your tournament, of course."
"Well… guess I can spare an hour or two." Thus, the two men left the building and started walking down the stairs. "There's a great inn called A Hero's Welcome, just a few minutes from here. It may not be as elegant as others, but I assure you, the food is something else. Besides, Icecrown ain't the happiest of places… maybe this will cheer you up before returning to work."
"You may be right, Rhonin." As they made their way, he noticed how the archmage glimpsed at the Ashbringer. He was trying not to comment on it, but he couldn't resist. "So, the stories are true, huh? You actually managed to purify it. Quite the weapon, isn't it" Tirion smiled, "It is. But more than a weapon, the Ashbringer is an instrument of the Light. The Light gifted me with the ability to wield it in the name of good, and I can only hope to prove myself deserving of it."
"Quite a lift on your shoulders, isn't it? Not only the Ashbringer, but being the head of the Argent Crusade… I kind of understand you, being the leader of the Kirin Tor myself. Having responsibility over all the city and its inhabitants, I do my best to protect them, every day. Having the Council of Six and the Kirin Tor helps, but it can be… difficult at times."
Tirion looked at the archmage and put his hand over his shoulder. "It looks like I'm not the only in need of a drink." They both laughed loudly at the joke; it was good having someone to talk about this.
Finally, they reached the inn. A big round sign signaled to entrance to the bar. As they got closer, the paladin noticed a peculiar image: a female elf almost dragging an incredibly drunk dwarf from the building. Rhonin focused on the dwarf for a couple seconds before recognizing him.
"Brann? Is that you?" He approached the dwarf to help him but stopped to look at the elf. She was quite the beauty, though her skin was kind of dark for her kind, and her eyes… He got distracted by the sound of Bronzebeard's grunts. "Coomeee ooon, Rhonin! Don't ya see we ar-hip! Buuusy?!
Tirion watched the scene; something wasn't right. He focused on the elf; he could feel something strange in her. She started to hurry the dwarf, even pulling him a bit. Rhonin noticed this. "Are you in a hurry? Maybe you would like to share a drink with us." She quickly responded, "We're fine, thanks."
The paladin was uneasy. Something was off. As he watched her, he noticed how her eyes opened when she saw the blade on his belt, and the fear that, for a second, could be seen on her face. "Scourge!" He cursed himself. How couldn't he notice earlier? Paladins are naturals when it comes to sensing the undead. Him relaxing at the idea of some rest had made him lower his guard. Now though, it was clear as day.
Did she know he knew? She was clearly trying to leave as swiftly as possible, still pulling the dwarf while he talked to Rhonin. He focused on sensing a broader area. One, four, no, seven… There was a small group around the inn, scattered. How had they infiltrated Dalaran? And how did no paladin sense them either? Were they so sure of their safety inside the city to not beware? And more importantly… why were they here? What did they want with Bronzebeard?
"What should I do?" He looked around; there were quite some adventurers on the street, but many civilians as well. If a battle erupted here, lots of innocents would get caught in the crossfire. He couldn't risk it. Maybe he could let them go and follow them? No. If the rest of the Scourge spies where watching as well, they probably recognized them already. Trying to discreetly follow them could end in the very battle he was trying to avoid. He had an idea; he just hoped it would work.
He approached the mage and put his hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Lord Rhonin, just let them go. Bronzebeard clearly wants some alone time with his friend." Brann angered at this comment. "Ya trying to imply somethiiiing, High-hip! Highlord?" Tirion tried his hardest to fake a laugh. "We'll go inside and have a drink. Have a good day, and may the Light bless your way." He turned his gaze to the elf as he finished the sentence; he could clearly see her disgust as she listened the word "Light".
"I'll let ya goo, Foordring, just becauseee I'm nooot at my best. Let's go, gal!" With that, the pair started walking, while Tirion and Rhonin made their way to the inn. As they entered, the music, scents and diverse people inside starting to get a smile out of the mage, Tirion made his best to sense if there was any undead inside the inn. He felt just one, and when he looked that way, just noticed a Forsaken priest having a drink with a blood elf. This was a safe place.
They sat on a table, and he turned to the mage. "Rhonin, we must be fast and discreet about this, so I need you to stay calm when you hear this", he whispered, "The elf taking Bronzebeard away was from the Scourge."
"WHAT?!" As Rhonin stood up, clearly intending to chase after the dwarf, Tirion pulled him back down. "Calm down. Focus. She was not the only one; there's at least twenty more Scourge spies inside, I sensed them as you talked with him." He could almost hear the blood boiling inside him. "Scourge?! On my city?!" He could understand the anger; if they had infiltrated the Tournament, he would be just as mad.
"There's no time! Listen, get to a room and teleport to the Citadel. Get a small group and wait for my signal." He watched around the room; there was a human paladin having dinner on the other side of the room. "I'll ask the paladin over there to follow them. The other spies must have recognized me; if I go after them myself, they'll notice."
Rhonin stared at him for a second and, after getting his hand into a pouch on his belt, placed two small blue orbs on the paladin's palm. "These orbs will let us speak to one another. Give one to the paladin and stay with the other." As he stood up to make his way into a room, he turned to Tirion one last time. "When you're ready, we'll port in. Good luck." With that, he left the table.
Tirion quickly made his way to the other side of the room, sitting in front of the paladin. The young, brown-haired man almost let the food fall out of his mouth when he recognized who had appeared in front of him. "Highlord!" He was going to stand up to bow in respect, but Tirion quickly interrupted him. "There's no time, son. We need your help."
He quickly indicated the situation to the paladin before handing him one of the orbs. "They went south, probably turned right before the Citadel. Not even three minutes have passed, and considering Bronzebeard's state, they won't be walking quickly, specially if she wants to go unnoticed. Follow them but don't engage unless you absolutely have to. When you have them, speak through the orb." The man quickly stood up and bowed. "As you order, Highlord." With that, he left the inn.
Tirion remained on the table, thinking. He wondered what to do now. He hated staying idle, considering the situation at hand. However, if he moved before it was time, he could alert the Scourge spies and the streets would turn into a battleground. All he could do was wait. A waitress came to take his order, blushing as she looked at the legendary paladin in front of her. He just ordered a small piece of cheese and bread, and a glass of water.
She left to get his order, and after a minute, she returned. Tirion took some silver coins from a pouch hanging from his belt and handed them over. As she left, still blushing, he started waiting. He took some bites from the cheese; if a Scourge infiltration wasn't taking place right now, he possibly would've enjoyed it.
As minutes went by, Tirion was getting more and more impatient. Could he get in time to wherever they were when it was time? Dalaran was quite a big city; even running it would take him more than a while to get anywhere. Quite some time had passed since the elf left, maybe he could go out now and shorten the distance.
As he pondered this, he felt a small buzz on his hand. The orb was shining; a clear voice could suddenly be heard coming from it. "Highlord, they've gone inside the Legerdemain Lounge. I can feel one Scourge spy up the stairs, not including Lady Dwarf Seductress. Should I enter?"
If they were getting into a room, it was possible they wished to teleport the dwarf somewhere else. If they allowed it, they may never see the dwarf again. Before he could answer, another voice came from the orb. "Son, this is archmage Rhonin. We'll need you to enter the room and protect Brann; if they teleport him, he's lost. I'll sound the city alarm to give the civilians some time to get cover; the Kirin Tor will protect them. Once you hear it, go in. Hold on for a minute and we'll get there."
Tirion placed the orb inside his pouch and prepared. The moment he heard the alarm, he would race his way to the inn. It was quite the run, but maybe he could get a ride from someone on the streets. Besides, if Rhonin was on his way, he would make it much faster than him. This was as good a position as Tirion could hope for; before, the Scourge getting the surprise on them would've undoubtedly ended with many dead. This way, civilians would be safe; the Kirin Tor and adventurers present would protect them, and the spies would be the ones to react instead.
Then, it happened. The alarm, a loud and deep noise, started resonating through the city. Not a second had passed before Tirion made his way to the streets. People everywhere would enter the buildings closer to them, while adventurers and Kirin Tor guards approached the civilians to protect them, or drew their weapons, preparing for danger.
He noticed a draenei riding a blue elekk; he quickly shouted. "Son! I need a ride, now!" He ran towards the adventurer, armored in blue plates, who extended his arm and pulled him up the mount. "To the Legerdemain Lounge, now!" The draenei rapidly ordered his mount to speed up, and the beast obeyed. As they advanced, Tirion managed to see a group of mages, riding on top of big stormcrows, make their way from the Violet Citadel towards the inn.
Chaos everywhere. People running, weapons drawn, children crying… It looked like, no matter what, this whole thing was destined to end in a fight. For a second, he doubted if he had taken the right decision. "No, FOCUS!" As of lately, he had been assaulted by many doubts; but he was a paladin of the Silver Hand, the Highlord of the Argent Crusade, and most importantly, a proud defender of Azeroth. It was time to cast all doubts aside.
As they turned around, just across the street from the Citadel, Tirion heard a giant explosion coming from ahead. "The inn?!" He noticed a big cloud of smoke coming from a building far ahead. Had they caught up with their plan and decided to go all out? "Damnit. We need to hurry!" This was the last thought that crossed the paladin's mind before he heard those damned words.
"FOR THE GLORY OF THE LICH KING!"
And for a second, everything turned black.
