Chapter VIII
Welcome to the Horde
The group was catching their breath, some of them were lying on the ground from exhaustion. The only one who still seemed full of energy was Blant.
'Not only did we slaughter an entire scourge army along with their leader, but we also stole an artifact from a lich! Hell yeah!' – the orc shouted proudly. – 'We are so awesome!'
'Sit still, you idiot!' – Rico said trying to heal Blant's injuries. – 'You do realize we were very lucky to escape with our lives, right?'
'She's right.' – Zhora agreed washing his face in the river's water.
'How're you holding up?' – Haru asked.
'I'm good. I just used up too much mana I guess. Thanks for the ride, Sluon.' – the mage laughed.
'You are welcome.' – the shaman replied.
'Can I get some bread now that you're conscious again?' – Blant asked.
'Sec.' – the mage answered. He put his palms together and began chanting. Within a few seconds after a flash of bluish light a loaf of bread appeared in his hands.
'Sweet! Food!' – the orc laughed taking a bite.
'Anyway, if everyone's good, we should go and bring the news to Tranquillen.' – Zhora suggested.
'And this too, mon.' – Aidid added with an evil grin holding Dar'Khan's head.
'I'd like to see the look on those soldiers' faces!' – Blant said giving a small bread crump to Timmy the roach. – '"The six of you? Hah! Don't make me laugh…"' – he said mockingly. – 'We did a better job than they could!'
'You think we should tell about this to?' – Haru asked pulling the rectangular amulet out of her pocket. For a second everyone was blinded by the huge shining blue sapphire in the amulet's center. The fanciful ornaments around the gem made the artifact look even more valuable. The crew could sense great power spreading from the amulet because of the glowing ancient glyphs written on it.
'What do you suppose the Lich King would want with this?' – Sluon asked looking at the artifact.
'No idea, but I think we better keep this a secret for now.' – Zhora suggested.
'I agree. We should keep it until we know what it really is.' – Rico nodded.
'Right! We don't tell anyone about it!' – Blant said. Everyone stared at him. – 'What? Is it that strange that I agree with squirt?' – he laughed. – 'Look. I don't know what the hell this is and what the hell it is used for, but if it would help Arthas, it must be powerful, right? That means we could try to harness its powers for us!'
'Don't you think we're being too selfish here? This thing might be dangerous!' – Haru said.
'Me think nobody believe us 'bout facing da lich anyway.' – Aidid noted.
'He's right.' – Zhora agreed. – 'And we're not harnessing anything before we know the risks. For now – we keep and study it.'
'Great! Now let's get going!' – the orc cheered.
Tranquillen was not far away from the Sanctum of the Moon, so the group arrived within a few minutes. Magister Kaendris was standing in the middle of the outpost.
'Is it done, then? Has Dar'Khan been destroyed?' – he asked anxiously as the crew approached him.
'Ya bet, mon.' – Aidid grinned showing the head of the traitor.
'By the Sunwell! You actually did it!' – Vandrilshouted looking at the severed head.
'Of course we did!' – Blant replied.
The soldiers stared in disbelief. Did these six really accomplish such a task? They, trained soldiers of the Sin'dorei and the Forsaken armies had been barely holding their ground for weeks without any chance to counterattack. And now some kids just waltz in and finish everything within a few hours? Most of them were feeling useless and weak, even angry at the crew. But then suddenly they heard applause. Vandrill was clapping. So was Kaendris. One of the soldiers joined them. Then a few more. Soon everyone was applauding the six and cheering for them. There was no reason to envy or hate them since this was a common victory for everyone.
'Today you've dealt a deadly blow to the Scourge's grasp in the region. With the vile traitor gone, it shall not be long before we've reclaimed our lands and our greatness is restored once again.' – the magister said. – 'This is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our race! Our lands will be reclaimed and we shall cement our bond with Sylvanas and her allies. – he said to Zhora, Rico and Haru. Then he turned to the others. – 'And you've helped cement the bond between my race and yours. Take the traitor's head to Regent Lord Lor'themar Theron in Silvermoon City. He'll be eager to hear the news.'
The local flight master organized a giant bat for everyone to ride to the entrance to the capitol completely free of charge.
Just as they mounted, the bat flew off with unbelievable speed. Within a few moments they were already above the streets of Silvermoon. Any sightseeing was out of the question since everything seemed blurry. They could only catch a few glimpses of something gold and white with some green trees here and there. Finally they landed on a road with a red carpet leading to an enormous tower. A few dozen of guards were standing on both sides of the path to eradicate any intruders. Here it is – Sunfury Spire. The bat threw the crew off and flew away. They got on their feet and followed the road inside.
As they entered the large main hall, they spotted a quite massive blood elf with snow-white hair tied in a topknot. Ready to pull his twin-edged glaive immediately if being threatened, he took a calm and indifferent look at these unexpected visitors, but the words 'Don't waste my time!' could clearly be read from him.
'We're looking for Regent Lor'Themar Theron.' – Zhora said.
'You seek audience with me? I do not recall hearing of an appointment.' – Lor'themar replied. Aidid showed him the severed head. – 'Now that's one face I was not expecting to see so soon.' – he laughed. – 'So you killed Dar'Khan? Impressive. This is quite the good news in more ways than you can imagine. There were doubts about our capabilities among our potential new allies. Of what use could we be to them when perceived as unable to deal with our problems at home? This changes everything. No longer will our power be questioned. We'll be able to join the Horde as equals. Take this letter to Sylvanas, ruler of the Forsaken. She's already on our side but the news of Dar'Khan's death will be music to her ears. Prepare for a long trip, you six. If all goes well she will send you to Orgrimmar. Use the orb of translocation further within the spire. It should shorten your journey.' – Lor'themar said.
'Thank you.' – Zhora bowed and the group moved on.
'Wait, so the blood elves aren't officially in the Horde?' – Haru asked.
'Not exactly. The blood elves were fighting alongside the Alliance during the last years, but were marked as traitors as their prince Kal'Thas allied himself with the naga. Now the Horde are the only ones the elves can ask for help.' – Sluon explained. – 'In general, they are with the Horde, but not yet officially accepted.'
'But now this is about to change.' – Zhora said.
'By the way – there's the orb.' – Rico said.
Every member of the party touched the orb one by one. Everything in front of their eyes blurred and went back to normal again in a matter of seconds. The orb teleported them all the way to the Ruins of Lordaeron above Undercity. The crew made their way through the ruined throne room down to the tomb and took an elevator down into the capitol. Lady Sylvanas was already awaiting their arrival. The banshee queen dressed in black leather armor decorated with skulls was standing beside the vampire-like nathrezim demon Varimathras. This was the first time that anyone from the group had seen her. Her bluish skin reminded of Dar'Khan, since like him she was an undead elf. Her black torn cloak and crimson eyes shining from beneath her hood made her look like a dangerous raven, making the impression that she could attack at any second, just because she felt like it.
'I was told visitors from Quel'Thalas were coming. I was expecting a group of blood elves, to tell you the truth. What news do you bring?' – she asked showing very little interest while thoroughly examining her guests. Once again Aidid showed the head. – 'It is done then. The foul traitor got what he deserved.' – she said taking the head. – 'You've been of great service to the blood elves and to the Horde. Dar'khan was Thrall's excuse to deny them entry into our alliance. You've cleared the way for a new Horde. I also see that Lor'themar has additional news that will greatly improve his relations with Thrall. Excellent!'
After a short pause she continued.
'I haven't lost any love for my homeland or its people, as you know. I've fought tooth and nail for Silvermoon to be allowed a place beside Undercity and Orgrimmar at the negotiating table. This should silence any opposition. Take this letter to Thrall in Orgrimmar. As leader of the Horde he will have the final say on accepting the sin'dorei's pledge. I've added my own seal to the letter as a personal endorsement. Go northwest of the city and board the zeppelin bound for Durotar at the tower.'
The crew bowed and thanked Sylvanas.
'We're going to meet Thrall!' – Blant shouted in excitement as they exited the chamber.
'Just control yourself.' – Zhora laughed.
'Easy to say! He's the Warchief! The greatest orc! He's a legend!' – Blant continued.
'Why we have to take zeppelin? Me still have bad memories 'bout them…' – Aidid sighed.
'What? It was fun beating up those pirates wasn't it?' – the orc laughed.
'What pirates?' – the girls asked.
'Come on. We'll tell you on the flight to Orgrimmar.' – the mage smiled.
By evening the crew was back in the orcish city. As soon as they landed they headed straight for the Valley of Wisdom to Warchief Thrall. His face looked far more intelligent than that of most orcs. He was sitting on a huge throne buried in thoughts. Perhaps trying to come up with some new tactical maneuvers, or maybe thinking about lunch, who knows. After seeing the great Warchief in his ebony plate armor and his humongous war hammer (both artifacts of the legendary Orgrim Doomhammer) the crew understood Blant's excitement – Thrall made a great impression indeed. Somehow you start feeling puny and weak when near him. Such was the might of the Warchief and the world's most powerful shaman.
'Yes?' – he asked looking at the group. – 'Speak and be quick. I've no time for the formalities of your race.' – he added as his glance fell upon Zhora and Rico.
'Throm-Ka, Warchief!' – Blant saluted stepping forward. – 'We bring a letter from Lady Sylvanas baring important news!'
'Who knew he could talk so politely.' – Rico whispered.
Thrall began to read the letter.
'So the blood elves finally took care of their little problem. Never mind that it took your help as well as that of an entire Forsaken regiment to get the job done.' – he laughed. Then he looked at Zhora and Rico again. – 'Your people suffered a great betrayal by the Alliance. You've succeeded in fending off Darnassian attacks as well as spies from Ironforge.'
'Guess that happened while we were "away".' – Zhora whispered to Rico. The Warchief continued.
'Now you've defeated a powerful Scourge leader at the footsteps of your home. Your worthiness is no longer in question. It is now apparent that you need us and we need you. Welcome to the Horde, elves.'
'We thank you, Warchief.' – Zhora and Rico bowed down their heads. Thrall took a closer look at the whole group.
'Hmmm… I wish we had soldiers like you lot. Are you interested?' – he asked.
'We are listening, Warchief!' – Blant answered.
'He sure is acting like the leader of the group.' – Sluon whispered.
'Let the baby have his bottle.' – Rico answered.
'Well, he IS standing in front of the hero of his race.' – Zhora whispered.
'I would like to make your group a special task division of the Horde.' – Thrall said. – 'You would be sent on missions of great importance, yet not suited for regular soldiers. You would be provided with a house direct here in Orgrimmar, work under the command of a high ranking leader and naturally get paid for your efforts. What do you say, young ones?'
'We humbly accept…' – Blant started.
'Holt!' – Zhora silenced him. Then he turned to Thrall. – 'Warchief, I would only ask for a few moments to discuss this proposition with the group.'
'Yes, of course.' – Thrall replied. The party formed a small circle.
'What the hell? We get to work for the Horde!' – Blant protested.
'You don't speak for everybody here.' – Zhora said calmly. – 'So, what do the rest of you think?'
'Like I said before – I still need a lot of training, This seems like a good opportunity.' – Haru answered.
'Hmmm… This would give us the needed resources to find out more about the amulet.' –Sluon said.
'Well, I don't have anything better to do.' – Rico sighed.
'Me be in. Me might find what me need for me dream.' – Aidid said.
'See? I told you! This is an awesome chance!' – Blant insisted.
'So if we're all good, we should accept.' – Zhora smiled.
Blant rushed out of the circle and kneeled before Thrall.
'We accept your offer, Warchief!' – he said proudly.
'I am glad to hear it.' – Thrall answered. – 'I'll send a peon to show you to your new house. General Bloodhorn will meet you in the morning.'
'Yes, Warchief!' – the crew saluted.
A peon came shortly after to take them to their new house. They followed him out of the Valley of Wisdom and into a corridor-like canyon with burrows all over the walls. This district of the city was called The Drag. The peon led the crew up to the second level of the street and up to a house with its back facing the bottom of the canyon.
'This place is huge…' – Rico said upon entrance.
Despite its looks from the outside, the house was indeed spacious. The large entrance hall with doors on the sides and a staircase leading to the second floor made a real impression on the crew. This looked more like a mansion then a home for soldiers.
'See? See? I told you this will be awesome!' – Blant shouted running around the entrance hall.
'Now this be what me talking 'bout, mon!' – Aidid agreed.
The peon gave them the key to the house and left. The crew decided to look around. One of the doors on the right side of the hall revealed a library with an unbelievably vast variety of books. The second one was leading down into an empty basement. Through the doors on the left the group came to the dining room connected with the kitchen. The group decided that Aidid should cook. He could prepare almost any type meat, since that was a basic survival skill for hunters.
They took the stairs to the second floor to check out the rooms. There were a total of six – one for every group member. Talk about coincidence. Since the general would be arriving early, the crew decided to go to bed.
The next morning Zhora awoke in a fantastic mood. He could have never imagined that orcs had such comfortable beds. He got up, exited his room and made his way downstairs led by the smell of breakfast. Blant and Sluon were already sitting at the dining table.
'Morning.' – the mage said.
'Morning.' – the others replied.
'Aidid's making breakfast, I smell?' – the elf laughed.
'Yes. I guess he got up before everyone just to cook.' – the tauren smiled.
'Smells good, huh? I can't wait to taste it!' – the orc said cheerfully. The next moment the troll came out of the kitchen with a few dishes.
'Didn't think ya all get up so early, mon.' – he laughed putting the meals on the table.
'You kidding? I can't believe Zhora actually slept through that aroma!' – the orc smirked and began eating. – 'It tashtes gwood twoo!' – he added with mouth full.
'Glad ya like it, mon.'
'I think someone should wake the girls.' – Sluon proposed.
'I'll be right back.' – Blant volunteered standing up.
'Oh no you don't!' – Sluon said hastily. – 'It will be better if I go wake them.'
'If you're not back in two minutes, I'm eating your serving!' – Blant laughed.
'What da heck did ya do to him in Tranquillen that morning, mon?' – Aidid asked.
'Seriously. We noticed Sluon was mad, but it must have been something really bad if he "protected" the girls from it.' – Zhora added.
'You don't even wanna know.' – the orc answered letting out a short evil laugh. – 'If you ever sleep too long – you'll find out eventually.'
Zhora and Aidid looked at each other.
'Nevermind.' – they said together.
'Good morning, everyone!' – Haru said coming down the stairs.
'You could have at least waited for us.' – Rico commented looking at Blant.
'Not disturb! Blant eating!' – the orc said. Everyone laughed. The laughter stopped as the front door flew open and a heavy armored tauren came in to the house.
'Attention! Get over here, you sorry wimps!' – he shouted. The group got up from the table quickly and approached the one, who was no doubt general Bloodhorn – a mighty tauren with a big scar covering half of his face, one blind eye and a broken horn. From the very first second you could say that war was his life. And it seemed it didn't matter what kind of war: battling the Alliance, dueling against someone, a cockroach fight. It was all the same.
'Hey, commander! Wanna join us for breakfast before mission debriefing?' – Blant proposed.
'Did I give you permission to speak?' – the general asked angrily. His voice was relatively thin and creaky for a tauren.
'Hmph. I guess not.' – the orc answered.
'I can't hear you, soldier!'
'No, sir! You did not give me permission to speak!' – Blant said loudly.
'Then don't speak! Speak only if you are spoken to! That goes for all of you sorry wimps! You think you're tough? I don't! I've been in countless battles and I know that it is impossible for six kids like you to wipe out an entire Scourge base! I don't know how you did it and I don't care!' – he shouted. – 'I will put your skills to the test and prove that you're worth no more than recruits! Now to your mission! Go to the Cleft of Shadow and meet me there! Is everything clear?'
'Sir! Yes, sir!' – the crew answered.
'Are there any question?'
'Sir! No, sir!'
'Good! I will await you at the entrance to the Cleft of Shadows in fifteen minutes!' – Bloodhorn said leaving.
'Great… Now there's a pain in the butt…' – Rico sighed.
'"We get to work for the Horde!", "This is an awesome chance!".' – Zhora said mockingly looking at Blant.
'What? I didn't appoint that guy as our leader!' – the orc said.
'In any case we better get going.' – Sluon said.
'Wait! I'll hide the amulet in my room.' – Haru said.
'Good idea. It wouldn't be good if we'd lose it during a fight.' – Zhora agreed.
The crew moved out and was at the rendezvous point within just twelve minutes. Bloodhorn was standing next an orc with a long sage-like beard. The general looked angry.
'You good for nothing brats! You barely made it in time!' – the general shouted. The group didn't say anything. – 'Listen up! This is Neeru Fireblade!' – he said pointing at the orc. – 'He will fill you in!'
'Since the last great war when the Burning Legion was defeated, I have searched for sources of demonic corruption in orc society.' – Neeru said. – 'The primary task set upon me by our great Warchief is to root out the creatures responsible for infesting our lord's great city with demonic influence. The Burning Blade is one threat, but there are others; the Searing Blade for instance, who make their home in Ragefire Chasm, secretly attempting to subvert innocent members of the Horde.' – the orc pointed to a large cave entrance next to them. – 'If they are to be stopped, then their leader – Taragaman the Hungerer – must be slain!'
Before anyone from the crew could give a reply, the general roared again.
'What the HELL are you standing there for? Get going! I will remain here, ready to finish your job when you fail! And when you do – I'll dismiss you excuses for soldiers from this squad! Now move out!'
The group saluted and entered Ragefire Chasm.