The Clash of Thunder
Ulduar
The coliseum grew ominously quiet. Specs of ambient dust began to lift from the ground. Golden rays of light spewed from the priest's stance. They twirled around him in an elegant design before slamming onto the ground and forming a runic circle encompassing the entirety of the arena.
Boisterous cries quickly rose from Samuel's throat. He channeled with wild energy into an abundant well of sheer power. Flickers of radiant light snapped off his body like cracks of lightning. The magnificent radiance brewing in the center of the room broke free from its shackles. Wind flowed through the area violently shaking his robe in countless directions. His body could hardly stand against its awesome power.
The priest summoned an unfathomable amount of holy energy within the confines of the coliseum. The growing radiant dome of light made the place seem smaller by comparison. His lungs continued to burn as a continued terrifying cry poured out. He was getting closer to completion but it was still not enough.
Light smashed against the arena seats. The iron minions ducked for cover as stones were smashed and rocks cracked that vainly attempted to defy the energy swirling throughout.
The room quaked under Samuel's incredible power. He shot his right hand outward, extending his fingers and pointed his palm towards the Keeper. The priest could barely keep it stabilized throughout the boundless energy snapping all around him. He slowly dragged his arm upward. Desperate cries echoed past his maddening expression. All of the ambient energy began to slow down and gather in his palm. He offered Thorim one last arrogant look before sending the Titanic Watcher to the realm of utter defeat.
Samuel threw his hand downwards. The rune of light underneath him transferred above the Keeper's head. Thorim's eyes widened as a magnificent column of holy energy burst forth and exploded all around him. Every single spec of golden power the priest had channeled was delivered in brutal fashion.
The iron minions braced against the impact. Bright white energy exploded on the platform above. They were instantly blinded by the devastating blast. The radiant aura burned their iron flesh. It continued to unleash its terrible power for several moments before dimming into a faint yellow light and their vision returned to normal.
Small plumes of golden smoke lifted off the Keeper's skin. His once apprehensive expression had turned into one of great annoyance. Not a single trace of the light's power remained on his body. There wasn't a hair out of place or even a scratch on his armor. His muscles relaxed as he looked down upon the boisterous priest with an arrogant smirk.
"There is a lot of fire in your words but none in your spells it would seem," taunted Thorim. "Tell me mongrel. What kind of name did you give to such a pathetic ability?"
The priest was unfazed. He looked upon the Keeper with the same stern egotism as he did moments prior.
"I call it," he began shifting his uninterested gaze away.
Samuel took off his glasses to wipe the thin layer of dust that had built upon the lenses. Once he was satisfied, he carefully put them atop his ears and rested them on the tip of his nose.
"Power Word," he smirked while pushed the rims closer to his eyes. "Distraction."
The platform exploded in a series of devastating blasts. Rocks detonated in all directions. Thorim cried out as his footing crumbled underneath the destroyed masonry. The Keeper tumbled forward. His unexpected trip lowered his defenses. He didn't even have a chance to throw his arms up and catch himself before he fell.
Thorim's head cracked against the hardened stone floor just inches away from where the twin priests stood. The ground split nearly in half due to the Keeper's immense weight. Bouncing from broken rock to damaged masonry, Saelena landed swiftly on her feet and rejoined her companions. Her rifle was slung across her back but in her hands was a tiny detonator.
"I see," Zariyana smiled. "You weren't just affording me the time to channel my spell, you were also giving her the chance to sneak up behind them and destroy his platform."
"As always, your powers of deduction are uncanny my dear sister," the male twin sighed. "Now, if you please."
His sister nodded and offered a short smile in return. She slammed the head of her staff across the Keeper's face. White light slowly blanketed the Titanic Watcher in a soothing glow.
"Miss Saelena," said Samuel as he stared blankly at the empty area above. "What happened to the vrykul woman?
The silent draenei shrugged and shook her head.
"Hmm," the priest pondered. "Perhaps it was an illusion after all."
The fall had apparently knocked Thorim clean unconscious. It took a few moments for him to awaken. The iron minions he commanded stood in silence as they awaited their master's inevitable and grand retaliation.
A huff of cold air exited the Keeper's lips. Samuel kneeled over and gently slammed his mace near the Titanic Watcher's eyes.
"Now then, has this corruption been cleared from your system?" He casually asked.
Cracks of yellow lightning sparked within his golden eyes.
"Or would you care to continue this petty squabble?"
The Keeper let out an exhausted groan. Obviously he was in no shape to continue but the priest at least paid him the curtesy of asking.
"Stay your arms," Thorim sighed. "I yield."
"Excellent," Samuel briefly smiled as he rose up.
Thorim slowly pushed himself off the ground. The Knights gave him the space he needed to return to his feet.
"I feel as though I am awakening from a nightmare, but the shadows in this place yet linger," he stated.
"Shadows indeed," Zariyana nodded. "One pray tell was getting rather close to you. What do you know of that vrykul woman that disappeared a few moments ago?"
"Sif... was Sif here?" The Keeper gasped. "Impossible-she died by my brother's hand. A dark nightmare indeed..."
"The nightmare is not over yet," added Samuel. "It appears your prisoner has freed itself. This vision that has clouded your mind is but a minor disturbance against the real threat that plagues our world."
"This is true," his sister interjected. "If this Old God could easily sway those with the power to keep it imprisoned, it would wreak havoc upon Azeroth if its influence were allowed to continue spreading."
This was definitely a lot to drink in. If corrupting the jailors tasked with keeping Yogg-Saron bound was just the start, who knows what kind of madness has been unleashed during their enslavement.
"I need time to reflect..." Thorim replied. "I will aid your cause if you should require it. I owe you at least that much."
The Keeper sulked as he returned to the damaged quarters above. The iron minions quickly shuffled out of the room after realizing their master was no longer intent on carrying out any more bloody battles. Thorim paid his saviors one last look before retreating into the alcove.
"Farewell."
Samuel let out a dejected sigh of relief. Maintaining his composure in that situation taxed more of his mind than he initially thought.
"Shall we rejoin the others?" His sister asked.
The silent draenei nodded and gave the twins a bright smile. She patted Samuel on his back for a job well done.
The priest sluggishly moved forward. He nearly collapsed before being caught in the arms of Zariyana and Saelena.
"Samuel?" She gasped. "What's wrong?"
He let out a deteriorated cough.
"It appears I am a bit more spent than I thought," he panted. "Perhaps I shouldn't have wasted all that energy on a simple light show."
"Simple light show?"
The female twin shook her head.
"It may have been simple, but your strategy was anything but. You deserve a moment to rest brother."
"Yes well," he started as re slowly pushed himself off their support and stood upon his own two feet. "We do not have any moments to spare I'm afraid. Let us continue. I will regain the rest of my strength soon enough."
The trio walked down the empty hallway. They had done exactly as Rayne had instructed. With one Keeper in their corner, the upcoming battle against Yogg-Saron inched closer to their favor. Samuel only hoped the others are faring a lot better than he was at this moment.
The Halls of Winter
Ulduar
"Come on you big blue brute," the draenei taunted. "Is that all you've got?!"
The Keeper swung his mace viciously and caught nothing but empty air. Ademski's vigor had been instantly renewed thanks to the medic's helpful array of spells. Missy, Avuun and Ellie had managed to keep Hodir on his toes by peppering his body with their unique assortment of encantations. The night elf's druidic wrath has been vital in picking off weak points in the Keeper's armor while the draenei's elemental bursts of lightning have helped slow the giant down even further. Missy was a skilled mage but a bit over enthusiastic. She kept attempting to cast spells in critical points on the giant's body but ended up missing half the time.
Beads of sweat poured off the mage's brow. Despite the bone chilling temperatures of Hodir's domain, Cayden's growing internal body temperature radiated an intense heat through the pours of his skin. He still needed more time to conjure the amount of arcane power required to bring that giant to his knees.
"How's going Cayden?!" The dwarf cried out. "Are you almost done?"
The mage offered quick grunt followed by a snap of a single eyebrow. He couldn't afford to break his concentration to answer a simple question. If everyone did what was required of them, he would have them out of here soon enough.
Hodir's club came crashing down. It dug into the cracked tile and remained stiff in his hand. The quake did little to bend Cayden's resolve but his eyes exploded open as he witnessed the draenei attempting to take advantage of the situation.
"Alas!" Ademski cheered. "I shall bring you down myself titan!"
The draenei leap onto the club and began running up the wooden shaft. Their companions did a marvelous job in weakening the Keeper. This was the perfect opportunity to land a devastating blow that end this battle once and for all.
Ademski rushed passed the handle. His hooves smacked the giant's wrist as he ascended up Hodir's forearm and bicep. The draenei hurled his mighty broadsword backwards. His eyes gleamed. The Keeper's neck was exposed and well within his reach.
A frozen fist crashed into Ademski's body. The destructive blow sent him flying into the wall over thirty yards away. Ice cracked upon impact of the armored draenei. His body descended another twenty yards before collapsing face first in a pile of snow. The sword slipped from his grip and landed just a few scant feet away from his beaten frame.
"Oh no!" The gnome cried. "What are we going to –"
Hodir raised the club formally embedded on the ground. It slammed into the frozen roof high above their heads. The entire room shook with a fervor unlike any quakes prior. He looked down upon them and let out a fearsome shout.
"Winds of the north consume you!"
"Uh oh," the night elf gasped. "This is bad!"
"He spoke these words just before we were captured!" Avuun called.
"Everyone take cover!" Missy ordered.
Snow rained from above. It clumped into scattered heaps along the icy tiled floor. The Keeper began taking a monumentally deep breath. Members of the Explorers' League dove into the small hills of snow that recently formed.
Cayden's breath suddenly grew colder. His spell was nearly complete but whatever Hodir was working on appeared to be ready as well. The mage gritted his teeth. He pressed his hands forward. A ball of magma channeled between his fingers and began growing at an incredible rate.
The Keeper finished breathing. He leaned forward with his lips tightened forming a small gateway to his lungs. That was how he was going to take that giant; by sending this ball of devastating torment right down his throat.
A wave of cool air swept through the area. Cayden hollered as he prepared to release the spell from his grasp. Time froze all around him. His body began to grow colder by the second. He ordered the spell to fire but it would not listen to his commands. Suddenly, the world grew darker. This moment had been forever etched into the mage's vision.
Hodir grunted enthusiastically. Their meager resistance had been quelled with a single breath. He may have suffered a few minor lumps but the victory was his on this day. Whatever the mage had prepared would be forever lost in his icy tomb. There were still a few more stray rats hiding in the snow that he needed to fish out. He had plenty of time to take care of these weaklings has he had done only a week prior.
"Do not think," the draenei called, "that we are finished yet."
Ademski pulled himself from the snowy corner. He slowly rose to his hooves and took the nearby sword back into his grip. The draenei marched towards the Keeper. Hodir looked less than amused but was more than willing to finish the job with another crushing punch.
"I may have gotten a bit eager, yes," the draenei stated. "However, I am not one to make the same mistakes again."
Light exploded from his eyes. The glowing golden rays of the guiding power enveloped his skin. He slung the blade over his shoulder and planted his stance for one final charge.
Hodir raised an eyebrow and snarled. He tugged on the club and prepared to receive the draenei's foolish challenge.
Ademski burst forth. A trail of energy singed the ground behind him. The Keeper lifted his weapon up high. The draenei was fast but not fast enough. He drove the club down with a terrifying velocity. The ground trembled in the blast's wake. It was a devastating blow that rocked the very foundations of this fortress. However, not a drop of blood could be seen in the surrounding area.
The dreanei narrowly avoided the crushing attack. The forceful wind blew upon his back as he ran between Hodir's legs. There was one way to bring a giant to his knees and that was to simply chop down his legs. He intended to do just that.
Golden streaks of light encircled Ademski's body. They began to form a barrage of swords, hammers, and other holy weapons. The draenei spun his massive blade like a furious tornado. Its edge sliced through the back of the Keeper's exposed knees. Robotic tendons were instantly severed as cold trails of stinking black fluid spewed forth from each wound.
Hodir cried in agony. The Keeper dropped to his knees and quaked the room once more. The club fell from his grip. He collapsed forward; his hands slowly rose and barely caught his face from slamming into the hardened surface below. Hodir continued to pant as the pain resonated through his legs, up his spine, and even to his hardened head.
"You have put up a good fight giant," Ademski smiled.
The draenei casually strolled alongside the Keeper's body. He planted his blade into the ground near Hodir's face and looked upon his battered expression.
"That was some punch you gave me," he said while cracking his knuckles. "Allow me to respond in kind."
A golden hammer formed over in the draenei's fist. He hurled it forward. The light infused attack cracked Hodir square in the jaw. Sound exploded from the sight of the blow. The room shook with a renewed passion. The Keeper's eyes rolled backwards. His arms waned as he fully collapsed forward atop his frozen face.
Silence filled the room. Tufts of snow moved slowly. The members of the Explorers' League shuffled out of the soft confines and towards the open air.
"Is it," the dwarf scarily began. "Is it over?"
"Fear not my friends," the draenei boasted while lifting his shield from its rooted holster. "This battle has been won."
Relief swept over them. They scampered out of the snow in unison. Ademski passed by them quickly to attend to his frozen companion. Missy was the first to get free and she quickly gave him chase.
"Please," she said. "Allow me to help. I can free –"
"Nonsense my cherub ally," he grinned as he wound up his blade. "I've got this."
The draenei slammed his blade into the frozen prison. Dozens of thick cracks splintered from the site of the blast. Ademski casually stepped off to the side as the ice continued to break down.
"It would be best to stand back," the draenei smiled while sheathing the blade upon his back.
Icy crystals tumbled down from the mage's body. A torrent of water flooded over the spilt shards. Cayden howled mercilessly as he unleashed a destructive blast from his palms. The menacing ball of flames boomed into the air and blinding speeds. The shockwave of the cast alone drove the mage tumbling backwards over the remains of the broken prison and into a small puddle of water.
The room quaked as the fireball exploded on the opposing wall. An avalanche of broken ice came tumbling down. Steam seeped from the edges. A wave of warm air came filtering though. The mage's spell had shattered the wall and created a massive opening leading back towards the circular pathway.
"Marvelous my friend!" Ademski laughed. "You have truly saved us."
"Did I," stammered Cayden. "Did I get him?"
"Who, him?" Pointed the draenei to the fallen Keeper's body. "That one was felled a few moments ago while you were frozen in a block of ice. I was speaking about the wall just now."
"Frozen? The wall?"
The mage's confused look spoke volumes about his current frame of mind.
"Yes, the wall!" Ademski smiled. "I had thought we would have to walk all the way back through that snow. And yet here you have created the perfect exit for us. Now we can rejoin the others without having to walk through that wonderland of winter."
Cayden sulked in a pool of defeat and freshly melted ice. He had prepared for this moment for such a long time that when he finally got his chance, it was stolen right before his eyes. It wasn't so much that he was complaining about the outcome. Defeating Hodir meant their overall objective was complete. However, the mage didn't like this sinking feeling swimming in his stomach. All in all, he was essentially useless. His presence here was almost inconsequential. The last thing Cayden wanted to be was a burden on other and that's exactly what he felt like.
"Come on my friend," the draenei cheered as he lowered his hand to assist his friend back up to his feet. "I believe we have a few questions to ask that blue giant over there. Once he regains consciousness of course."
The mage took his hand. He hoisted himself up and dusted the remaining fragments of ice and snow from his robes. Their victory was staring them right in the face and yet he could not keep his head raised.
"Aw, don't worry about it Cayden," the gnome grinned. "We know exactly how you're feeling."
"Thank you Missy, everyone," nodded the mage while passing a few glances to his allies. "I truly appreciate it."
"Do not mention it," Avuun stated. "Being a frozen prison of that giant is nothing to be ashamed of. He managed to get the best of us after all."
"Yea," Ellie smiled. "You saved us all Cayden. Who knows how long we would have been trapped in there if you hadn't have shown up?"
"Actually, I've been wondering," asked the dwarf. "Just how long have we been frozen in there?"
The mage took a moment to ponder the calculation presented.
"Well, given that you came in with the original expedition," he thought. "I believe it's been just over a week since Brann returned."
"A week?!"
The collective gasp of all four members of the Explorers' League sent shivers down Cayden's spine.
"I can't believe it!" Missy whined. "Has the Argent Tournament already begun?!"
"I – uh," stuttered the mage, "I think it… Actually, what I meant to say is that the signs posted in Dalaran indicated the tournament started a few days ago."
The gnome moped with the desperation and look of a woman who had just been left at the altar by her fiancé.
"Just a little job he said," she groaned. "Good for the career he said."
"Missy?"
"I'll kill him!"
Missy exploded into a fiery inferno of rage. She looked towards her companions with a similar gleam in their eyes as they marched through the newly created entrance and towards freedom.
"Where are you going?!" The mage pleaded. "Wait –!"
The draenei held his companion back from chasing after them with a single raised arm.
"Perhaps we should attend to business first before pleasure."
Ademski was right. They had already cleared all of the obstacles and guards in the pathway. It shouldn't be too hard for them to return back to camp without running into any trouble. With that weight off his mind they could attend to their business.
The two Knights approached Hodir's fallen body. Heavy breaths pumped out of the giant's nose and mouth. A growing gash alongside the Keeper's face was beginning to swell.
"This is no time to be sleeping," the draenei remarked. "Wake up!"
Hodir's shoulder rattled as the draenei planted a solid kick in his muscular iron flesh.
"Ademski!" The mage snapped. "What are you doing?! You can't –"
"Why not?" He shrugged. "This giant has answers. We have questions."
Cayden sulked once more. His companion's tactfulness, or rather, lack thereof still took a bit of getting used to.
The Keeper released a mighty groan. His eyes slowly opened. Hodir huffed as he pushed himself off the ground and into a casual sitting position.
"I... I am released from his grasp... At last."
A rushing sense relief filled the mage's heart. It appears that Hodir has finally returned to his senses. Their task has been completed and with the Keeper's life still intact, they may very well have a powerful ally in their corner for when the real challenge presents itself.
"We sincerely apologize for this disturbance," bowed Cayden. "My friends and I were tasked with investigating what happened within this fortress. We wanted to ensure every last trace of the Old God's influence was removed before proceeding any further. Please be assured that we mean you no harm."
"Harm?" The Keeper puffed. "You needn't apologize. I should be thanking you. Bearing another moment with that voice inside my head was nothing short of torture."
"Then it is good we came," grinned Ademski. "All that is left is to put that prisoner back in its cage and we will be out of your way."
Hodir stared inquisitively at the mage and draenei.
"You intend to challenge Yogg-Saron directly?" He asked. "Even though you are mortals?"
The mage nodded.
"Mortals or not," he began. "We are the only hope our world has left."
The Keeper slammed his club into the ground. He slowly rose to his feet and stared down upon the two bold Knights that not only were able to best him in combat but sought to challenge one of this world's ultimate evils all by themselves.
"You will not fight alone," declared Hodir. "I shall lend you my strength. It is the job of a Keeper to ensure the prisoner stays within its cell. This burden is not only yours to bear."
"Ah, excellent!" Ademski cheered. "Anyone who can deliver a punch as good as yours is a worth ally."
The dreani pointed towards the exit.
"Come my friends," he smiled. "Let us rejoin the others."
Cayden felt the weight of their task melt off his shoulders. They were able to do exactly as Rayne had asked. With a powerful ally in their corner, completing the final leg of this mission would become just a little less arduous.