~Soulcleaver~
Part IV: "The Mission"
"Every speck of sand represents something in time, Nuk'hara," said the dragon-elf as they walked. "For example, something as big as the shattering of Draenor, to as small as an ant's step. As there are infinite moments in time, there is an infinite mass of sand."
The four tunnels from before that were not all that visible when they were in the air came into greater focus. The one on the far right seemed to look like a forest path, large trees reaching up to the ceiling which was sucked into the tunnel; the one on the near right had some trees as well, but they were smaller and were very few and a tower that leaned a little to the right at the entrance; the near left tunnel seemed to be a sort of marshland, with willow trees hanging down their lengthy vines just above a small puddle that was in the sand; the final one, on the far left, looked to be like a street with abandoned stalls and stores, carts and carriages going along it and into it. The sand that lead into each gave way to the environment which was suitable for each until it winded around a corner and disappeared from sight.
"I understand, Soridormi, but what I don't understand is WHY I'm here." Nuk'hara seemed to be rather annoyed with his current position of being unable to determine his purpose in this sanctuary.
"Because, Nuk'hara, we need your help." She suddenly stopped in her tracks, raising her staff up to rest it on her shoulder. Nuk'hara kept going for a few steps before stopping to look back at her, confused. The elf sighed in response, turning towards the current mini-cavern they were in front of – the near right with the leaning tower.
"The past… It is in turmoil. And, for some reason, we cannot fix it," the elf said shakily. It seemed to pain her that she – a Bronze Dragon, the Prime Consort to Nozdormu even – could not fix it.
"Whoa, whoa! Whoa! … Say that again. You want ME-…" Nuk'hara pointed to himself. "… To go back in time?" He then pointed at the passage way, the look on his face almost priceless – he was completely dumbfounded and confused.
"You catch on quick. It took me hours to explain to the last travelers that came through here," she said with a smile. It was a twisted and fearful smile, one that made the orc uncomfortable.
"Uh-huh… Aaaaand what happened to those others?" Nuk'hara was curious. His right eyebrow perked up to show this. The smile of the elf faded suddenly at the thought.
"Well, what happens to all would-be heroes that rush in uneducated?"
"… They die?"
"Exactly."
Nuk'hara seemed to be surprised by her coldness. The dragons were the protectors of Azeroth, and yet they seemed as ruthless as the mortals that inhabited it. Though, one could suppose that a dragon who has seen many of her own die in her many years could end up not really caring too much.
Several long moments of silence passed before Soridormi started off in the direction of the passage. It took Nuk'hara a few seconds before he decided to follow her. This entire plan to come in search of the missing expeditions seemed to have been a mistake. Lita and Bargar were missing, and a dragon was going to lead him to his doom. What a fantastic day it had been for Nuk'hara.
"Alright, Nuk'hara. Are you ready?" The elf spoke with a sense of determination. She was either tired of this problem or just anxious to see what he could do.
"Yes, I am. It's this way, right?" His right hand rose up to point in the direction of the passage.
"Yes. Two of our agents are there waiting for you. They will supply you with the necessary armaments. Go, Nuk'hara! Don't disappoint us like the others."
Before she had even finished her sentence, Nuk'hara – with axe in hand – started to sprint towards the inside of the passage and around the corner. A bright light greeted him, but he did not falter and just continued on…
To Be Continued
