This chapter takes place between Chapters Sixty Five and Sixty Six.
Transcendence: Gaiden
Chapter 08: Aftermath - Shandris
Kodo Graveyard
It was going to be one of those days she supposed, that was the thought that crossed her mind as she watched the trio of Hippogryphs take off into the sky and heading northwest. The three riders, and their patient, were heading towards Ethel Rethor, the one place she did not want them to go. Especially with who they were taking.
Shandris had told them that taking Ichigo to the city was dangerous, especially since the Highborne were no longer in the midst of a civil war. They had solid leadership now, and with the people and their different organizations no longer divided they likely were at their strongest now.
Her suggestions to take the comatose Ichigo to Feathermoon or Stonetalon Peak had been rejected, they feared that only one healer can save him from whatever ailment had him. But that healer was in Ethel Rethor, and she did not have much confidence in the Spirit of the Wilds. For all her power and ability that spirit had aligned itself with the Highborne and had been the root of many of the dangers that had risen from this place in recent weeks.
Returning to Ethel Rethor was her plan.
To secure the city and detail the entire Highborne population, especially their nobles and this Shen'dralar. The trend as of late told that it was only a matter of time before one of these new leaders did something reckless and endanger a lot of lives. Her theory was that Maluineth was going to be the one that did something, considering the report she had received from Iyeana it was a given she was the most ruthless of the three remaining nobles.
That was her mission now, with the Battle of the Breach over she had to march her army somewhere. It wasn't going to be back to Feralas, where her Stronghold lay.
No, she needed to remain here for a long while yet, especially with all the company that had joined in on protecting this land from total annihilation.
'Never would I have thought a day like this would have come again.' Shandris mused, recalling the Battle of Mount Hyjal over four years ago. It was a time when they had united together, different people and nations allying as one to face down their mutual enemy. This had been one of those times.
Her eyes trailed over the camp and fortifications, hastily built and a mix of different architectural design between all of them. It was a miracle how so many had come together, different factions and groups putting aside personal grudges and honour to work by their enemies to save the world. Even after so many years, where new grudges and festering hatreds could worm their way into everyone's hearts, we all had come together for this.
The Tauren, Blademasters, Stonetalon Sentinels and Druid, along with Jaina's Guardsmen had joined together into a single army. Thousands from different armies had come together as one, facing down the overwhelming might of the Elemental forces of Deepholme. A tide that even together they had little hope of defeating, it was by chance and luck that they held on as long as they did.
For over a day they held the line, battling back golems and mountain giants, and they had been victorious. All because they held the enemy at bay, and allowed a single warrior to march into the heart of the mountain and slay the evil that caused the Breach.
"It is incredible, isn't it?" Jaina said, stepping up beside Shandris and looking out over the Kodo Graveyard. "Despite our pasts and all the hesitation, all of us came together to do this. It is a blessing that this could have happened."
Shandris would think so too, but deep down she knew that the cause of this fragile alliance was now being carted back to the one place she did not feel comfortable with him being in.
"That it may be, but like the climax of the Battle of Mount Hyjal we will be torn apart again. We had fewer things to hate about each other back then, and we still turned on one another. Now we must only wait for it to happen again." Shandris replied.
"I know, but I think it is best we make sure that we use the time we have left to finalize some form of ceasefire." Jaina said, her frown showing she was not naïve enough to think that everything would turn out alright, this was a delicate situation and it needed to be handled quickly and very delicately.
"Do what you can, I am not certain I can help you here. I need to get my Sentinel's to Ethel Rethor." Shandris said, earning a nod from her friend.
"I understand, I too need to move my army out of the region, back to Feathermoon and then to Theramore. Tervosh is already back in my city preparing ships to carry our men back to our own harbors." Jaina said, giving a small apologetic smile – although they both knew it wasn't anything more than a jest. "I think I may be occupying your fortress for a while. My apologies."
"It is no matter, do try to keep the place intact, we know how rowdy your soldiers can get after a victory. Just clean up after you make a mess, and try to stay away from the wine, I know that you are not good at holding your humour after a few sips." Shandris replied, smirking slightly at the playful banter.
Not the best time, no, but it was something to enjoy for the briefest of moments before they had to be serious again. These times of peace and relaxation do not come often enough, a shame really, it would be good to not have the fate of the world on your shoulders every few weeks.
"I take it you will be returning with your Lady, Pained?" Shandris inquired, glancing back towards the Lady of Theramore's shadow, the elven guard gave a curt nod.
"I need to get the network ready, with the Desolace no longer occupied, who knows what may be happening in the coming weeks." Pained replied, and Shandris agreed with her, much would be happening through central Kalimdor in the following days.
"I will see to speaking with Thrall, hopefully we can find a way to reach a compromise." Jaina said.
"There will be no need for that."
The deep rumbling voice caught Shandris by surprise, and with a furrowed brow she turned to the approaching speaker. His massive form had no business being so quiet and inconspicuous, yet somehow this massive Tauren had done just that by sneaking up on them.
"Mairne Ragetotem." Shandris greeted with a nod.
"General." Mairne responded in kind. "Lady Jaina, I believe I can answer your question, as to what the Warchief has asked of us in coming here."
Shandris raised a brow, that was certainly unexpected.
"I am certain you are aware of Codexia and her Primalistic teachings? They are the reason for our being here, to come to her and these Primal Spirits and open a dialogue."
Mairne's explanation was one that Shandris had heard before, Iyeana being the one to have told them of this when they had first spoke with the High Shaman and Archdruid Hamuul Runetotem at Nijel's Point.
"We are aware, I have informed them as such of our conversation in Nijel's Point." Iyeana spoke up.
"Of course, but there is more. For we also intend to exchange our knowledge and in return receive it, to create a trade of ideas and ideology between Shamanism and Primalism. In an attempt to improve upon both, and perhaps learning of the ancient art." Mairne continued.
Shandris was also aware of this, she had so much as gleamed it from reports about Codexia and her scheme to turn the Highborne into Primalists. By inviting the Horde to the city and having their presence be an incentive that would entice the people to follow the art of Primalism. Sadly the Horde did not come quick enough, had they done so maybe this could have been averted.
"But more than that, it was his intent on turning Ethel Rethor into a Shamans commune, a gathering place for all that follow in our ways. So that we may learn and spread our ideas." Mairne continued.
Shandris did not know that, they were intending on taking the city for their own? Her head was assaulted by the idea of the Horde having a naval base on this side of the continent. In a place that they very well shouldn't, perhaps her thoughts of them arriving late were actually a gift from the goddess.
"You intended to take the city?" Jaina asked, her words calm – but carrying a tinge of caution.
"Originally yes. When word reached us of the city off the coast it opened up an opportunity for us, Cairne has long wished to restore the Desolace to its former glory, to revitalize this destroyed land and give it life. He had hoped that with the Spirit of Life's help that dream was a possibility." Mairne replied, giving a tired sigh before his eyes hardened. "But no longer. The Highborne have committed a grave sin and we will not be seeing to unite with them as we originally intended."
"Wait. Do you intend to seek retribution?" Jaina asked. "I know their actions have caused serious damage to the region and nearly brought total annihilation upon us, but you cannot seriously be thinking about committing genocide."
"For them to commit the act upon my people and to be free of blame? That will not stand." Mairne replied, his words hard and fiery as he made the rebuttal.
"What are you talking about?" Jaina asked.
"The Centaur." Shandris guessed. "The Centaur that breached the blockade at the pass near the Twins, they are already in Thousand Needles aren't they?"
"That they are, my people are dying, fighting for their lives. Had we not brought all our warriors here… perhaps we could have held them back. But instead we had to make the choice to remain here and hold the Breach back." Mairne's eyes smouldered as he glared ahead. "My people demand vengeance, for I will not allow them to be free from retribution for those that died because of their hunger for power."
Shandris knew that dissuading him would be impossible, she could see that anger in his eyes that coursed through his entire being and gave him strength. He would not relinquish it so easily, just as she would not relinquish the rights to taking over Ethel Rethor.
"Murdering everyone in that city will do you no good, turn your armies back and send them home and protect your people." Jaina said, trying in a futile attempt to stop the High Shaman from committing a unforgivable crime. "Do not waste lives here when they can help defend your lands."
"Turning back will not do us any good, we will not reach our clansmen in time. Baine already moves to unite what clans he can to fight, even the Grimtotem. They will be the only ones that can stop the marauders in time." Mairne replied. "I pray that the Grimtotem do the honourable thing and aid us in fighting off the Centaur. It is not wise to hope that our dishonourable kin will do right into us, but they are the only ones that have the strength to make a difference."
The Grimtotem were not the most accepting of the Tauren clans, but they were just as endangered by the Centaur as any other of their race. Shandris did hope that they went with the honourable path, but it was – as Mairne said – hoping against hope. But that did not change her stance of what Mairne was trying to do, or what Baine had ordered of him.
"For our army here, does not have the time to return. So we have been tasked to stop the Highborne, once and for all." Mairne said.
"But…"
"I am sorry Lady Jaina, Baine has already given us permission, we will be marching soon to take the city. And meet out retribution against the Highborne, so to avenge the wrongs done unto us and many others, and to prevent them from happening again." Mairne said, turning and moving away.
"Why did you tell us?" Shandris asked, to say so much and then turn away, what did he hope to gain?
"I do this out of respect, for what was done here and what we achieved together. I will not blame you if you sought retribution, but do not stand against us in this, I do not wish to waste lives fighting those who have been my peoples staunch allies in these last few years." Mairne said, giving a nod to the Sentinel General.
Shandris did not expect that, while she respected his honour and willingness to speak up she knew that backing down from this was impossible. She could not back away from this, now after what she had been told. As soon as the High Shaman was out of earshot she was already speaking with her second.
"Gather the Sentinels, we will be marching in the hour." Shandris said, and without a moment's hesitation Iyeana took off down the hill to gather their officers and the rest of their forces.
"I know that you think taking the city will stop the Horde from gaining an advantage, but what you are doing will cause tensions and possibly war." Jaina said, likely very aware of what was going through Shandris' head.
"War will be on our doorstep no matter what we do, but I am going to make sure that my archers have the high ground." Shandris replied. "We both know what happens if they claim Ethel Rethor, we both know what they will do. The Warcheif has not stopped the raids in Ashenvale, or put a leash on the Forsaken in the Arathii Highlands. If he won't stop that, then nothing will stop the Horde from marching into Feralas in force."
Jaina did not respond immediately, looking pensive and knowing that what was to come would send shockwaves through the Horde and Alliance. Shockwaves that might just tear apart the peace treaty they have with one another.
"Try to do what you can, I will do what I must to secure our borders and prevent all-out war from occurring. But do not expect a miracle." Shandris replied, knowing that the Queen of Theramore had more than enough sway with Thrall to maybe avert catastrophe.
"I'll try, but I doubt even he can stop his people from being reckless." Jaina replied, knowing that this was going to be a major pain to deal with.
"Leave that to me." Shandris evenly replied, if they didn't control themselves, she would make sure they didn't live long enough to do any damage.
But she would need help for that, she had the south covered but the north would be the only other place where the Horde would travel from on foot. She needed someone to protect that frontier, sad to say Nijel's Point just didn't have what it takes, but another did.
Her eyes scanned the area and found the one person who could help her keep the Desolace secure for a short time. At least by foot, an army couldn't march into the region easily, and it would definitely come to that if she took the city. She could see him, conversing quietly with Master Thal'darah and Elder Sareth'na
"Lord Fallowmere." Shandris called out, advancing on the Lord and protector of Stonetalon Mountains.
"Sentinel General, how may I be of service?" He responded, his calm stoic gaze turning from the two druids, his eyes boring into her despite the coolness of his gaze.
His presence was an intimidating one, for he held over two thousand years over her, for he was a leader both in politics and in war. Fallowmere had been among the leading caste of Shari'adune, until its fall to the Burning Legion, and in that time he rallied survivors and led a counter offensive against them. His was a tale of myth and fact, for his rising in defiance was inspiring as he held these mountains against the demons ten thousand years ago as he holds it against all other enemies now.
"I have some news that may interest you." Shandris replied, quickly recounting the issue involving Ethel Rethor and the Horde's interest in taking the city.
"That does bode ill news for all." Fallowmere replied, his expression only shifting minutely as he listened. "While I have the forces to hold back a major force, I fear that the Horde may have a better chance of meeting my defences than those of the Centaur. I am not equipped to handle a more heavily armed and unified force assaulting Stonetalon."
Shandris feared as much, the Stonetalon Defenders were outfitted to taking out the more hostile forces in the mountains. The Centaur, Harpies, and giant spiders were among the norm, with a few assaults from Grimtotem and foolhardy orcs being the latter. But if an actual army marched into the mountains, they would be outmatched by a better armed enemy force.
"But from your lodge, cannot you oversee the entire valley that leads to the Desolace? Would you not be able to defend it?" Shandris inquired.
"Yes and no, that valley leads directly behind several of our major defensive lodges down the mountain. If a sizable force assaulted there many of our forwards defences down the mountain would be lost. But that pass cannot be held, it is open ground and not easily defended. If it came to a battle, larger numbers would overwhelm my own easily." Fallowmere replied.
That was concerning.
"Is there nothing you can do?" Shandris asked.
"My men can still defend the valley, but if anyone uses the pass through Red Rock Retreat then there is nothing I can do. While I know the Tauren there would not betray us and risk incurring our wrath, they would not without knowledge of a way into the Desolace and through the mountains to their allies." Fallowmere replied.
She sighed, it would seem that she could only work with what she was given, and that was little. Fallowmere wouldn't stand a chance if an army came along and assaulted the narrow valley, she knew his forced were meant to ambush any force that appeared and destroy them. Worked well against the Centaur, but if the Horde came in with better armaments, then Fallowmere would be in trouble.
Shandris knew she couldn't allow Ethel Rethor to be taken, if it did than Stonetalon would be in danger just as much as Feralas.
Her army would need to leave immediately, but even then they would have the Horde on their heels every step of the way. If they did not get to the city quickly then there would be a fight, one that she did not have time to win before the Horde arrives with their army. She needed to take the city quickly and lock it down, it was the only way.
'Maybe sending Quintus would work, have him speak with Adelina or Caren, both of them may be able to convince Mordent, at least, that surrendering was in their people's best interest.' She doubted the other nobles would be so easily swayed, but if it came down to it, intimidation will have to do.
She would speak with him soon, hopefully he was up for the idea of going there.
'Sometimes I wish things were not so complicated.' Shandris thought. 'Too think, a general who desires peace over war.'