Chapter 41 - The Last Guardian

The day following his fateful encounter with Illidan, Dalrus noticed the forests were already starting to heal. He didn't know what the elf had done, but whatever was responsible for the corruption of the woods had definitely been destroyed. The satyrs were practically gone, and the Human and Orc forces were pushing deeper and deeper through Felwood, slowly approaching the mountain known as Mount Hyjal.

Dalrus had returned to the human base… Alone. When inquired about Thano's whereabouts by his captain, Dalrus had simply turned to Lyafra, and said: "He told me to head back while he scouted further in… I did as I was ordered."

For a reason he couldn't quite put his finger on, Dalrus had chosen not to tell anyone about his encounter with Illidan. He couldn't really understand why, but something told him it'd be a bad idea to let them know about it. And so, Dalrus had nothing of substance to report, while Thano was reported Missing in Action. He was given no further orders that day, and everyone else from the espionage and intelligence team was out doing something of their own.

Dalrus felt… Numb. First his brother, now the closest thing to a friend he had since arriving on Kalimdor was missing as well. He couldn't even muster the will to protest why nobody was moving out to look for them.

His captain had said nothing to Dalrus as he related their fruitless recon mission. But the look she gave the boy was something he didn't need words to understand. It was as if she were speaking in his mind: "He understood the risks."

Absent-mindedly, the boy moved through the human base, eventually finding one of the watchtowers. Without even thinking about what he was doing, he began climbing. By sunset, he was sitting on the roof, peering over the lush forests of Felwood.

He could actually see how the corruption had begun receding since the yesterday. There were less dark trees with purple leaves now, but still, there was no sign of the return of the wildlife. That part of the forests would definitely take longer to heal.

In fact, the only thing Dalrus could see other than the soldiers, warriors and workers of the Human Expedition and the Orcish Horde was a single raven flying in circles in the sky above him.

A rather familiar-looking raven.

Dalrus squinted.

The bird flew down in circles, and proceeded to land on the roof tiles next to where the boy was. And a moment later, the Prophet was there, casually leaning back against the hard stones Dalrus sat upon. "Rather uncomfortable, but I fear that is a very scarce commodity these days."

Dalrus didn't even know what to say. He simply sat there with an incredulous look on his face and a slightly agape mouth.

The hooded old man chuckled at that. "You know, you remind me of my apprentice, Khadgar. He too was woefully lacking in a sense of humor at times like these."

Tha seemed to break Dalrus out of his stupor. "Well excuuuuuuse me, Mr. Grand Sorceror supreme. I'm not exactly in a jovial mood these days." He grumpily said. "My brother is missing, along with one of the few people who actually liked me around here. And I can't just go around doing whatever I want anymore."

"Well, if what you're lacking are orders, then fret not, I am here to change that for you." The prophet said, his face turning more serious. "You must go seek out your leaders, Thrall and Jaina. Tell them to come to the glade at the foot of Mount Hyjal." Medivh said, pointing at the location with his staff. Dalrus could see the glade from where they were, although it was quite far away. "This shall prove the final step in preparing for the final battle, young one. I am counting on you."

"Wait, what?" Was all Dalrus had time to say before the wizard had once more changed into a great dark bird and flown off. "WHAT!?" Dalrus shouted this time as the raven vanished into the distance.

"Who the hells is up there!?" He heard the soldiers in the watchtower beneath him shouting. Dalrus, however, did not respond. 'Who the bloody hell even is that decrepit old coot?' He pondered, scratching his head.

'He cannot be trusted. He seeks your destruction, and the end of all you hold dear.'

"I know you are, but what is he?" Dalrus said out loud as he ran towards the edge of the tower and leapt. It was time for a little audience with his leaders.

The sun was already setting when Dalrus finally managed to get word to Thrall and Jaina that he had met the prophet again. Now, the two leaders, along with the rest of their chain of command, and Dalrus himself, were gathered in the Great Hall to discuss. Dalrus was leaning over a map that showcased all they had managed to explore of the forests the last few days.

"So, here is where he said we should go." Dalrus explained, pointing to the glade at the foot of Mt Hyjal. "If we are following the same pattern as we did before, I suspect I already know what we are gonna find there."

"You think the Prophet will bring more allies into our fold?" Jaina said, squeezing her staff nervously. "These… Night elves, perhaps?"

"I can think of no other reason for these summons." Thrall said. "He was already responsible for bringing the Horde and the humans together. If he can arrange a meeting with the elven leaders, it would prove a crucial step towards an alliance."

"But can this prophet truly be trusted?" Wyrmbane chimed in. "We don't even know his identity. This whole time, he's been pulling the strings and guiding us to wherever he wanted. Who's to say this isn't a ruse to eliminate our chain of command?"

"The spirits tell me to trust this man." Said an injured Cairne Bloodhoof, still covered in bandages and ointments to treat his burn wounds from his battle with the infernals. "He is in harmony with the land. I feel he is on our side, against the true enemy."

"Indeed." Thrall said with a nod. "But I also agree his charades have gone on long enough. Jaina and I shall go together, but we will not leave until we get some answers as for who he is, and why is he doing this." Thrall launched an inquisitive glance towards Jaina.

"Agreed." The young mage said with a nod. "Thankfully, whatever was responsible for the forest's corruption appears to be gone. We should have an easy journey to the meeting place. And perhaps, it would prove wise to bring our young rogue friend as well." And all faces turned to Dalrus.

The boy blinked. "Who, me?"

"The prophet chose to present himself to you. And it was also thanks to your intervening that this alliance was made true in the first place." The orc warchief said. "Your destiny is tied to this prophet. Like it or not, your presence may be required. But I do suggest you stay out of sight for the most part."

"Yes, that might be best." Jaina declared. "We should also move our forces towards Mt. Hyjal. That's where our scouts inform the Legion and the Undead are mounting their bases. I fear we are approaching the final battle… Rapidly."

Captain Lyafra stepped forward, and traced her finger along the woods leading up to the mountain. "As it stands right now, our greatest obstacle towards the mountain are the Kal'dorei themselves. If we can negotiate a truce with them, we shall have a clear path."

"Wait, hold up." Dalrus said, squinting at the map. He then poked at the jagged lines representing Stonetalon Peaks. "What about these mountains? They are right next to Hyjal. If we leave that passage unguarded, we could get flanked."

There were a few whispers among the people present. "Indeed." Thrall said, stroking his chin. "But fortunately, the passage is narrow. We wouldn't need a large force to defend it… Only a small, elite team of seasoned warriors should be enough." He then turned his gaze towards one of the orcs present with him. "Saurfang, can we count on you?"

The old orc slammed his fist against his chest. "Yes, Warchief. Me and my comrades shall defend the pass with our lives. Not one demon shall pass."

"Wait, that's it? A small band of orcs to guard a vital pass against a legion of demons?" Wyrmbane questioned.

"That's no mere small band, human." Thrall snapped back. "This man is Broxigar The Red Axe. He fought in both previous wars, and is a warrior of unparalleled might among our kin. I'm sure even you've heard of him."

As a matter of fact, even Dalrus had heard that name before. Broxigar Saurfang was a champion among the orcs, a warrior whose might was on par with Doomhammer himself. He launched an impressed look at the old veteran. 'Wow, imagine surviving two wars, only to fight a third one alongside your previous enemies. I guess life takes turns.' He thought.

And to his utter surprise, the voice in his head was silent for once. In fact, Dalrus could almost sense some sort of begrudging recognition from it, as if whatever was inside his head already knew Brox from somewhere else. Odd.

He saw Wyrmbane catch himself for a moment. "I see… So… You are Saurfang…" The commander said, beholding the orc with interest. "Now I remember… Indeed, we have crossed blades in the past."

"And that you still live to speak of it speaks much of your skill, warrior." Broxigar said, nodding at the paladin. "Clinging to old hatreds will only favor our enemies. You have my word that me and my allies will defend the passage to our last breath."

Even Wyrmbane felt disarmed at those words. Dalrus saw the paladin shift his gaze and grumble something under his breath, before saying: "Very well, then… I have no objections."

"Then it is settled." Jaina said. "We shall prepare to move our forces further into the forests and settle at the base of the mountain. I fear whatever the Legion came to do here has something to do with that massive tree at the summit… I've been feeling an immense magical power emanating from it ever since we arrived at this place."

"Indeed." Thrall said. "The spirits converge, and flow from that tree. It is a place of great power. I shudder to think what Archimonde and his minions would do with it."

After that, the people present dedicated a few more hours to discussing the logistics of their exodus. The moons were high in the sky when finally they were finished, and orders were being given for everyone to prepare to move out.

Dalrus sighed and rubbed his eyes as he left the meeting place. He was starting to feel pretty tired by now.

"Pardon me. Are you Dalrus Plaguefang?" He heard a familiar, rugged voice behind him. But when Dalrus turned around, it wasn't the old tauren chieftain he saw, but a much younger one, though his similarities with Cairne were too many for it to be a coincidence.

"Ah, yes. That's right." The young rogue said, turning around. "Is something wrong with Cairne?"

He saw the tauren smile at that. "No, my father is fine, thank you. He shall eventually recover from his wounds, but I fear not in time to join battle anytime soon. My name is Baine Bloodhoof, and I am here to thank you for what you have done for my father during the battle with the Warsong."

Dalrus rubbed his head nervously. "Ah, well… I didn't really do that much, really. All I did was pick up a stone off the ground and make a run for it. And people seemed pretty upset that I did…"

But Baine was shaking his head. "Nonsense. Were it not for your efforts, my father would have failed his mission. When he saw that you had taken the stone, he focused all his efforts in delaying those monsters so you could fulfill his task. And so, you did. We, tauren, have only recently joined this Horde, and their customs are very… Strange for us. Were it not for your quick-thinking and initiative, we would have lost Hellscream to the Legion, and that vile demon Mannoroth would still walk the earth."

That actually made Dalrus break into a smile. "Well, thank you, Baine. It's really nice to hear that." He examined the tauren. While Cairne looked like a wrinkled old man, Baine looked like he was at the peak of his youth, sporting a strong body and cleaner facial features… As clean as one with a bull face could have. "So, you're the chieftain's son? Does that mean you're in charge while he's resting?"

Baine nodded. "Yes, my father did his best to prepare me for the burdens of leadership. It's been… Taxing. But one day, the responsibility shall be all mine. At least, I'm glad that I did not yet lose my father because of Hellscream."

Dalrus felt a shiver run along his spine. "Well, Hellscream was hotheaded, but I think in the end, his heart was in the right place."

Baine's gaze turned downwards. "Hmm… Indeed, at least he was wise enough to surrender leadership to Thrall. I shudder to think what would become of the Horde should a bloodthirsty, warmongering Hellscream claim the mantle of Warchief."

Dalrus nodded at that. "Here's hoping we never need to find out." He said. "Will you be accompanying us tomorrow, being the tauren leader and all?"

Baine sighed. "If only I would, but Thrall has entrusted me with the task of leading our people to the mountains. I do not resent the responsibility, it is an honor to be given such an important task. I am glad that he trusts me enough to do so." Baine smiled again. "At first, I was unsure of my father's decision to side with the orcs… But as we travel and fight together, more I see, he will bring peace and prosperity for our people. Truly, so long as Thrall remains our leader, I see only a bright future for all of us."

"Hear hear!" Dalrus happily said. "I gotta admit, I never expected an orc to be such a cool-headed fellow. But that guy, Thrall… I think with him in charge, we can really put an end to all conflict. Who knows, maybe the Horde could settle here in Kalimdor, while we rebuild our homes in the Eastern Kingdoms. Everyone can be happy that way."

"One can only hope." Baine agreed. The two of them were silent for a moment, contemplating that hopeful future together. Finally, the tauren thanked Dalrus for his time, and the two of them said their goodbyes.

'What a nice guy.' Dalrus thought. 'I can't wait to see all he's gonna accomplish on his own in the future. I bet he's gonna be a big figure, making the important decisions at the forefront.'

And with that cheerful thought, Dalrus went off to rest and prepare for their journey tomorrow.

The following day, the group set off to where the prophet had guided them to. Their travel through Felwood was uneventful, as all critters and animals had fled the corruption and the Undead, both of which had greatly receded the last two days. It was past noon when finally their group arrived at the tranquil glade where they were supposed to gather.

"Wait for us here." Thrall instructed the entourage. "We shall move on ahead alone." And with that, Thrall and Jaina walked into the glade, with an invisible Dalrus following them closely by.

As they approached, Dalrus noticed two things. First, a familiar raven was flying overhead… Second, there were two night elves there. First was a female clad in silver armor riding a huge albino cat. And the second was Illidan.

No, wait… No, he wasn't. His facial features were exactly the same as Illidan's, but everything else was different. Most noticeably, this elf had antlers, like a fully grown stag. Then there was the fact he had a huge green beard, as if vines were growing out of his chin. He also had what appeared to be feathers sticking out under his arms, like the wings of an owl. As they approached, they heard the two elves talking. The female was speaking first: "We have no time for this, Furion! What are we doing out here?"

To this, Furion, the male elf, responded: "Last night in a dream, a great raven spoke to me and summoned me to this place."

And to that, Thrall spoke out: "We were summoned here as well."

Both elves turned to regard them. Dalrus saw the woman reach out for her bow and arrow, but Furion raised a hand to stop her. "Who are you, outlanders?"

Once more, Thrall was first to speak up. "I am Thrall, son of Durotan, Warchief of the Horde."

And then Jaina finally spoke as well: "And I am Jaina Proudmoore, leader of the human survivors of Lordaeron."

The woman elf scowled at Furion, then at Thrall and Jaina. "You are not welcome here!" She declared, her silver glowing eyes squinting in clear hostility.

At that moment, however, the raven came down to the ground. It rose, and assumed the form of the prophet once more. "Peace, Priestess. They've come to aid you against the Legion."

There was a glimmer of recognition within Furion's eyes. "It was you in my dream! But who are you to make such an offer to us?"

And for the first time, Dalrus saw the prophet's expression grow heavy. His gaze shifted to the ground, and he sighed. "I... am the reason for the Legion's return."

Everyone went silent. Dalrus could feel his heart drumming in his chest. No one dared utter a word as the prophet spoke.

"Years ago, I brought the orcs into this world, and by doing so, I opened a path for the demons as well. For my sins, I was murdered by those who I cared for most. Despite my death, war raged across the lands of the east for many long years, leaving entire kingdoms devastated in its wake. Now, at long last, I have returned to set things right. I... Am Medivh, the Last Guardian. I tell you now, the only chance for this world is for you to unite in arms against the enemies of all who live!"

"Medivh… I have heard of you." Jaina finally broke the deafening silence that followed the prophet's words. "The Last Guardian… But you… How can you still be alive? I heard you were killed by Anduin Lothar and your apprentice, Khadgar…"

"A question I often ask myself, my young mage." Medivh said, turning to regard her. "Perhaps I still have a role to play, a mission to fulfill. I must amend the errors of the past. I must put an end to the Legion, no matter the cost. I will not watch this world burn because of my foolishness."

"You can't be serious…" The elven woman was speaking. "These outlanders… These defilers are responsible for the destruction of our forests! They killed Cenarius, and corrupted the land! They are no better than the demons themselves!"

"Tyrande, please." Furion spoke. "Do you forget our allies of ten thousand years ago? For I have not." His gaze shifted to Thrall and Jaina. "Indeed… Looking upon their faces, I am reminded of them. I have spoken with the land, my love… And I understand the truth. While it is undeniable that they have burned our trees and slaughtered the animals of the wild, they did so in no greater amount than what they needed to construct their edifices, and sustain themselves, in accordance with the circle of life. The one responsible for the death of Cenarius is already dead, as well. And regardless of all of that, I believe they are a much lesser evil than the one presented by Archimonde and his despicable minions. It would be folly to turn them down as a much greater threat approaches the world tree."

"The world tree…" Thrall whispered, his gaze turning towards the gigantic tree that grew from the peak of Mount Hyjal. "I can sense immense power coming from it. What is it?"

Furion stepped forward. "Nordrassil is the original world tree, one of the seeds that sprouted along with the creation of this world. It is the source of the well of eternity, and our immortality. Archimonde no doubt seeks to syphon its energies. And I fear that if he succeeds, all hope will be lost."

"Then we must stand together!" Jaina declared. "If we combine our armies, surely we can destroy Archimonde!"

"It is not that simple." Tyrande said. "His power is beyond your comprehension. During the first Legion invasion, not even the great Malorne was capable of stopping that demon. I'm afraid that if Archimonde himself marches towards Nordrassil… We can do naught but delay his advance."

"Perhaps…" Malfurion said, stroking his beard. "That by itself might be enough…"

"My love?" Tyrande said, turning to him with a surprised expression. "Do you have a plan?"

"I do." He answered with a nod. "And perhaps, with the aid of our new allies… It just might succeed."

"Then it is decided!" Medivh declared, stomping the ground with his staff. "You will all fight together against the shadow. To you, I entrust the future of this world… And all hope." The old mage closed his eyes and sighed. A long, heavy, drawn-out sigh. "I… Have done all I could. Now, it is up to you… However, before I leave…" And with that, Medivh turned towards Dalrus, who decided to break off his stealth and step forward. Malfurion, Tyrande, Jaina and Thrall turned to look at him as well. "My elven friends, I believe you have something of importance to this boy. Or rather, someone?"