The Winds of the North.
Vol'jin and Onyxia landed in the centre of Gun'drak and were immediately met by a hoard of Drakkari trolls, all armed and ready to tear them apart. Onyxia roared and the ground quaked, but Vol'jin leapt from her back to greet a large, overweight Troll in royal vestments, who was flanked by his heavily armed guards.
"Who be intruding on Drakkari lands?" The large Troll asked indignantly. "You not Drakkari, which clan do you belong to?"
"Da Darkspear clan," Vol'jin smiled. "But I be here for more than just my clan, I be here for a greater purpose."
"Is dis why you bring a dragon?" the king asked.
"Yes mon," Vol'jin replied. "I be Vol'jin of de Darkspear, and dis is Onyxia of the Black dragonflight, and Warden of da Earth."
"I be Frost King Malakk, why you here?" Malakk boomed.
"To ask for your aid," Onyxia said, transforming into her mortal form, which surprised the Drakkari trolls.
"Der be a great evil in these lands, de dead have risen..." Vol'jin began, but Malakk interrupted.
"We know of de army of de spiders and de dead," Malakk snapped. "Why should we leave our lands to fight dem?"
"Because dey be weak," a voice laughed, as a rather spindly troll approached them. "Dey be weak, da dragon's tower is gone, dere power is dead. Dey need us to fight for them."
"Silence Drakkuru," Malakk snarled at the spindly troll.
"I be tellin' truths my king," Drakkuru bowed.
"We have an army amassing to the north-west," Onyxia said quickly, when it became clear the king was moved by Drakkuru's words. "But this evil is not ours alone, the Nerubians and the Scourge threatens all of the peoples on this continent."
"Dat's a lie!" Drakkuru yelled. "De Scourge be no danger to us, if we be no danger to dem."
"You're a fool if you believe that," Onyxia smiled. "The Scourge and their leader are pawns of a far greater evil, and if we do not unite now against this lesser evil, darkness will wash over the world."
"Den we should join with de Scourge..." Drakkuru began, but Onyxia snarled and grabbed him by the throat.
"You would betray everything da trolls stand for!" Vol'jin stated, as Onyxia lifted Drakkuru up with one hand. "We be free of others, we be free to practice our beliefs. Allying with da Scourge means death for the Drakkari, and death for all Trolls."
"Enough!" Malakk yelled, but Onyxia did not release Drakkuru, who was struggling to break her draconic grip on his throat. "What do we get from helping you?"
"What would you ask from the Wyrmrest Accord?" Onyxia asked.
"Kill dis traitor, and after we fight dis 'Scourge', we demand to be left in peace!" Malakk stated. "We be needing nothing from no outsiders!"
"Den why help us?" Vol'jin asked.
"Da dragon be right, de dead be a grave threat to da Drakkari," Malakk smiled. "We not gonna let them threaten our people."
"Thank you mighty king," Onyxia smiled, snapping Drakkuru's neck with a flick of her wrist.
"When do we attack?" Malakk asked, signalling his warriors to disband.
"Marshall your forces to the west of your empire, you'll know when the battle begins," Onyxia stated, throwing Drakkuru's corpse into the nearest fire. "Your people will not be the only people fighting to free Northrend from the claws of the Scourge."
"Who else you be asking?" Malakk asked.
"Every faction with an army capable of fighting them," Onyxia said plainly, before transforming back into her natural form. "Thank you again mighty Frost King."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"That is not a good sign," Hamuul noted, as they swooped down from Wintergrasp to the western edge of Dragonblight, avoiding the flying Nerubian patrols.
The Taunka village nestled against the cliffs was in ruins, with Nerubians feasting on the dead villagers. They were about to give up hope of gaining the Taunka's support, but they spotted a plume of smoke to the west.
"It seems your kin escaped the Nerubian onslaught," Falstad said reassuringly. "Let's approach from the west to show we're friendly."
"A wise precaution," Ysera replied, turning sharply over the coast. "It might be worth speaking with the Tuskar too, it seems they have lost a home to the Nerubians."
"Aye, we could assault the Lich from all sides," Falstad added. "If they have shamans..."
"They do young Dwarf, they are one with the seas," Ysera interrupted.
"Then they could call upon the elements and summon a tidal wave," Falstad thought aloud, as they slowly circled over the Borean Tundra. "If there's one thing spiders hate, its water."
They landed outside the Taunka village, and were immediately met by the guards.
"We are not your enemy," Ysera said as she transformed into her mortal form. "We are no friends of the Nerubians, and we wish to speak with your leader."
"Follow us," the guards said, before leading them through rows of injured Taunka.
Ysera was acutely aware of the odd looks that a dwarf, a horned Kal'dorei and a Tauren were getting from the Taunka, but the situation took precedence over such trivial concerns. They were led to a large wooden building, and greeted by a tall, muscular Taunka with a bare, scarred chest, and a female Taunka in icy blue robes.
"Travellers from distant lands, are you the reason for the spider's assault?" he asked gruffly.
"Partially," Ysera replied. "I trust you lead your noble people?"
"We do," the female Taunka smiled. "I am Greatmother Icemist, and this is my beloved Roanauk Icemist, who are you to seek us out after our tragedy?"
"I am Ysera of the emerald dragonflight, and I represent the Wyrmrest Accord," Ysera bowed. "My companions are from lands far to the south; Falstad Wildhammer of the Dwarven people, and Arch-druid Hamuul Runetotem of the proud Tauren."
"Kin from distant lands?" Roanauk snorted. "Why are you here?"
"We seek your aid in driving the evil from Dragonblight," Ysera stated, but before she could continue, Roanauk interrupted.
"The Nerubians and their vile Undead?" he bellowed. "Where were you when they destroyed our home, and killed my kin?"
"Fleeing as they brought down the Wyrmrest Temple, and killed my kin as we fled," Ysera said, fighting back her emotions.
"You were not the only people to suffer great losses, but we cannot dwell on that, we must stand strong and fight back." Hamuul stated, stepping forward.
"We are seeking the aid of every faction in Northrend, only together can we push the Nerubians back underground, and defeat their Scourge overlords before they can summon a greater evil into the world."
"What could be greater than the dead brought back to life?" Icemist asked cautiously.
"Demons," Falstad breathed. "An army of vile demons without limit from beyond our world."
"You ask us to fight, to help you in war," Roanauk stated, before Icemist finished his sentence.
"What do you offer in return?"
"Revenge against the creatures that took your home, as well as the land they stole from you," Ysera stated.
"Is that it?" Roanauk snarled.
"Would you rather risk your fallen being used by the enemy?" Hamuul asked, and this silenced Roanauk.
"My husband is a proud warrior, this sudden attack and defeat has hurt his pride," Icemist explained. "We will gather what forces we have left, and await your signal to attack."
"Thank you Greatmother," Ysera bowed, Hamuul and Falstad copied her.
"Archdruid, please feel welcome to stay, I would be delighted to hear about your people across the great sea," Icemist smiled, holding out her arms in welcome to Hamuul. "As I am sure you would be fascinated to learn about our culture too."
"I am honoured," Hamuul smiled, giving the Greatmother another bow.
"We'll see you on the battlefield," Falstad grinned, before he and Ysera headed east to Kaskala.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"That was unusually easy," Vereesa said brightly, as they flew over Zul'Drak.
"Aye, those Storm Giants were very eager to fight the Lich," Muradin added.
"They're have been at war with the corrupted Iron constructs for some time, I suspect that when you defeated Yogg Saron, the war ceased." Kalecgos noted. "I suspect they feel threatened by the growth of the Nerubians, and the chance to attack first is too irresistable for them."
"What about the Ice Giants?" Jaina asked, as Kalecgos began to climb.
"It should be easy, they have recently found peace with Thorim after Yogg Saron's corruption drove them apart," Kalecgos stated. "Our alliance with the Watchers, and the defeat of the Old God will make us harder to refuse."
"Are ye saying this won't take long?" Muradin asked.
"It won't be quick, giants are slow by nature, but there won't be much of a debate, and I doubt it will come to violence." Kalecgos replied.
"Good, we need our strength for the assault on Dragonblight, and that floating fortress 'Naxxramas'." Vereesa said bitterly.
"What?" Muradin exclaimed.
"When the Nerubians brought down the Wyrmrest Temple; a large, floating structure rose to the east; the Lich called it Naxxramas," Vereesa explained. "I'm guessing it's the Lich's base of operations."
"You keep saying 'the Lich', not 'Uther', why?" Jaina asked, and Vereesa looked at her with cold eyes before stating.
"Because Uther isn't in control, the Lich is"
"Are ye saying there's a chance to save him?" Muradin said excitedly.
"I don't know, Sylvanas is the one to ask about redemption and such, I personally hope we can save him," Vereesa said slowly. "I think we've lost enough heroes, but getting my sister back was a blessing."
"Maybe we'll be blessed again!" Jaina said encouragingly. "Uther's not dead, he's in that thing somewhere."
"That's the spirit, now brace yourselves, it's going to be a tight fit," Kalecgos roared.
They looked up to see they were descending toward a large, fortified structure between the mountains, with gigantic shards of ice sticking up in all directions.
"I hope the others are having as easy time as we are," Muradin muttered, clutching to Kalecgos' scales as the dragon dived sharply.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Who the hell woke these things up?" Alleria snarled, dodging a large axe swing that almost decapitated her.
"I don't know, Alexstrasza only woke the Vrykul in the Howling Fjord," Sylvanas said, blasting the Vrykul back with holy energy.
"Agents of the Lich? It would explain their hospitality," Arthas suggested.
"Were we really so blind to not see this?" Ysondre contemplated. "Were we blind to the growth of the Nerubians, and the awakening of these savage Vrykul."
"They may be savage, but we need them on our side not the Lich's" Sylvanas cursed, slamming her swords down and blasting every Vrykul backwards, and creating a bubble around them. "Attention noble Vrykul, we are not your enemies."
"You stand against our king, you are our enemy," a large, heavily armoured Vrykul laughed. "Killing you will bring us great glory."
"It will be temporary!" Alleria snapped. "You'll only bring about your deaths as well as ours."
"EXPLAIN!" the large Vrykul roared, clearly confused.
"The Lich King is a pawn of a greater evil, an evil that will not care about your victories," Alleria explained. "It will destroy us all regardless of allegiance."
"Then why should we side with you?" the Vrykul laughed.
"Because if we can stop the Lich, we have a chance of stopping the greater evil before it annihilates all life on Azeroth," Sylvanas stated. "If we don't unite against this evil, we will not stand a chance against the Legion."
"The Legion?" The Vrykul inquired.
"An infinite army of demons that seeks to destroy all life in existence, and undo the work of the Titans, your creators." Ysondre explained, which made the Vrykul fall silent in contemplation.
"Will you fight with us? We will leave you to live here in peace if you fight the Lich and his Nerubian allies." Sylvanas asked. "Your people can wake from their sleep and know that they're free from all external control."
"You promise to leave us alone?" The Vrykul asked, and the other Vrykul seemed to perk up at the idea of having their independence.
"We won't allow you to rise up against any other nation of Northrend, but you can expand your territory across the Icecrown region at the very least." Ysondre stated. "Who might we ask are you, and will you step up to lead the mighty Vrykul of this region?"
"Aye! You stand atop MY citadel, I rule Jotunheim," the Vrykul boasted. "I am Overthane Balagarde!"
"Well Overthane, do we have an agreement?" Sylvanas asked, stepping to the edge of the protective bubble. "Will you renounce the Lich and join us? Or should we burn you and your people in their sleep?"
The Vrykul stiffened at the threat, clearly caught in a tough decision. They had held their own against his warriors for some time, and Ysondre had not used any of her draconic abilities, relying instead on Druidic magic.
"We will fight! The spiders will die!" Balagarde roared, raising his axe above his head, making the other Vrykul roar in support. "Wake our brothers and sisters! The false king's lies will not be tolerated!"
"Thank you for your assistance, mighty Overthane," Sylvanas bowed, and her companions followed suit. "Let's return to Ulduar, hopefully Brann has an army prepared for us."
"Let's hope the other Vrykul were as reasonable," Muradin noted.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Alexstrasza strode into Utgarde Pinnacle, flanked by her two companion on their mission to negotiate with the Vrykul of the Howling Fjord. She could smell the corruption of death all around her, and as she strode through Ymiron's hoard, she spotted Vrykul in dark purple robes ducking out of sight.
"It seems we may be too late," Alexstrasza said in a low tone, stopping before a large door that was guarded by two Vrykul.
"Then let's kill them until they beg us to stop!" her hot-headed accomplice snarled, moving for his weapons.
"No Gromm, violence may not be the best course of action," Thrall calmed his friend.
"We've come to speak with your king," Alexstrasza addressed the guards, hoping they didn't hear the Orcs behind her.
"He's been expecting one of you wyrms to come slithering back," the larger of the two guards laughed, before they pulled a lever and the door opened.
Alexstrasza led them into the room and turned sharply, coming face-to-face with the biggest Vrykul Thrall or Gromm had yet seen, seemingly even taller as he was hulked over in his throne.
"Alexstrasza, funny that you come here, when your sister fled with her tail between her legs." Ymiron laughed, reclining in his seat. "Your temple has fallen, your kind are near extinct, yet you come here, hoping to turn me and my people against the Lich King, who remains unbeaten by your 'Accord'."
"His power is not limitless, and he does not care about you or your people, to him you are simply pawns to a greater end." Alexstrasza snapped, fighting back her primal rage.
"And what 'end' would this be?" Ymiron asked.
"The complete destruction of Azeroth, and all its inhabitants, at the hands of an evil far greater than the Lich." Alexstrasza replied. "The limitless evil of the Burning Legion."
"Death? In death we will be reborn!" Ymiron roared, and the following roars growing ever distant all around showed that the Vrykul of Utgarde were behind their leader.
"There will be no rebirth if there is no world to be reborn in!" Alexstrasza roared, breathing fire at one of the longboats that lined the room, turning it to ash in moments, which only infuriated Ymiron.
"You defile my ancestors!" Ymiron roared, getting to his feet.
"So do you by siding with a king of the undead!" Gromm laughed.
"You think you honour your ancestors by stepping in line with a fiend who defies the laws of nature?" Thrall asked, noting that both Alexstrasza and Gromm were getting emotional.
"The Lich promises power..." Ymiron bellowed, but Alexstrasza interrupted him.
"Does he grant any, I smell his agents all around, yet your people seem the same as when I woke them many months ago," Alexstrasza said simply. "The Lich only offered power to cause more problems for my kin, he does not care; in fact I suspect he wishes for me to incinerate you and all your people as a further delay."
"We are not his pawns..." Ymiron roared, picking up his axe, which caused Gromm to leap forward with his axe, Gorehowl.
"You are his pawns!" Alexstrasza roared, incinerating another longboat to vent her anger, as Ymiron fought Gromm Hellscream. "In your blind lust for power, you've not only insulted your ancestors, but become pawns in a great evil that will end all life on Azeroth!"
"Lies!" Ymiron roared, finding himself matched by the strange green-skinned creature.
"It's the truth! You're just so blind that you refuse to see it," Alexstrasza roared, burning another longboat, leaving only one left unburnt.
"Stop desecrating our honoured dead!" Ymiron bellowed, turning to look at Alexstrasza, which allowed Gromm to deliver several deep wounds on the Vrykul king.
"I'm sparing them a greater injustice!" Alexstrasza stated, striding around Ymiron as he collapsed to his knees, Gromm holding Gorehowl to his throat, and Thrall keeping reinforcements at a distance with a wall of fire. "If the Lich wins, regardless of what happens to you, he will march into your catacombs and raise your dead to serve him. He might even desecrate the honoured dead in this room, or warp them into true abominations."
Ymiron snarled, clearly conflicted by the scenario before him.
"If we turn against the Lich, victory is not assured with just your dragons and my warriors," Ymiron grunted, slowly getting to his feet. "The Lich has fortified the dragon wastes with his Nerubians and the vile undead, and there is worse."
"What could be worse than an army of spiders and undead?" Gromm laughed, reattaching Gorehowl to his back.
"There's something worse than my kin in the dragon wastes young Orc," Alexstrasza said grimly, understanding Ymiron's words from the look he gave her,
"What?" Thrall asked.
"The progenitor of all dragons, the corpse of the greatest proto-drake," Ymiron smirked, as Alexstrasza fell silent. "A dragon so powerful, it took all the Aspects in their infancy, and a Titan watcher to bring it down."
"Galakrond," Alexstrasza breathed. "If the Lich brings it back, we're doomed."
"Let us hurry back to the Temple of Storms! We must not delay!" Thrall said urgently.