Chapter 12 – The Frostwolf
Dalaran. The magical city was created for and by powerful magi and high elves following the decline of the Empire of Arathor and had now undergone its fourth reconstruction since its creation.
Once more its Chamber of Air towered above even the tallest of spires. It's spinning dome nestled in the clouds blending with the atmospheric elements to create a protective shield for those within.
The city was starting to hum with excitement again as traders of old returned along with new blood desperate to make their mark in the city of magic. Inns offered the growing influx of patrons a place to rest their weary heads in sumptuous beds and fill their bellies with a selection of fine dining and top quality ales and wines.
All buildings whether tall and elegant or single storey and demure were all dripping in opulence. They overlooked the immaculate paved streets and public gardens of Runeweaver Square. To the north-east of the square lay the Magus Commerce Exchange where domed business premises housed many trades from alchemists to tanners and vendors of curios and specialist interests.
Banks and auction houses had been re-established and with commerce recovering steadily, these establishments were always privy to a high traffic of business managers, entrepreneurs, aspiring tradespersons and even top apprentices.
Krasus' Landing was once more in full operation where flight paths to practically anywhere in Azeroth could be purchased by gracing the palm of the chief flight master with sufficient gold. Gryphons, hippogriffs and Illidari Fel Bats lined the circumference of the Landing now. The creatures were looked after by apprentices who had aspirations of becoming the next generation of flight masters. These individuals had to prove their worth by demonstrating an ability to look after the beasts from ensuring they were well fed, watered, had adequate bedding where required, feathers and hide properly groomed, and if need be, hand rear any young which were rejected by their parents. In time the apprentices would also select their favoured beast and locate and secure potential flight paths, whether it be for places particularly difficult to reach, or simply to provide another stop for those occasional long haul flights.
Houses and apartments had been remodelled, refurbished or rebuilt depending on the extent of damage from the Legion's persistent attacks. As in the past, the mages of Dalaran considered themselves the hierarchy of the magic world, bathing in resplendent luxury, their homes being emblematic of their wealth. All in all, the floating metropolis was reborn. It's pristine, regal appearance was once more affording it the title of the Jewel in the Sky.
Although opinions were split on the reaffiliation of the horde in the magic city, Sunreaver's Sanctuary nonetheless had also been awarded a facelift. And it was in here, within the inn, that the two Frostwolf orcs were stationed.
Khadgar decided it would be prudent to meet these orcs, with Illidan, before he consulted with the other five members of the governing Six. In order to prevent gossip and speculation however, he had agreed to meet Illidan in Mardum then portal both of them to Sunreaver's Sanctuary.
The Archmage was no stranger to those affiliated with the Horde. He had spent much time among many of them over the years and indeed had found a considerable number who, like him, believed that working together, was the way forward. Old grievences ran deep, however, and there were some from each side, who would gladly cleave each other without a second thought. It would seem by all appearances, that would never change.
The unexpected whirr and whoosh of a portal opening in the basement of the Filthy Animal Inn startled one of the orc employees as he lifted a new barrel of ale to take upstairs. The shock resulted in the said barrel slipping from his hands. The firmly wedged cork, dislodged by the impact on the stone floor, shot from the resined barrel, ricocheted off the other kegs and cases of alcohol and spun round on the spot until finally, it came to rest. The contents of the barrel began spraying out over the floor and feet of the gobsmacked orc. He remained motionless as he saw first the Archmage materialise from the sea-green mass and then an enormous, powerful looking demon hunter. Not used to seeing Illidari, the orc remained rigid, his soft leather boots darkening from the frothing ale that pooled around them.
Khadgar nodded to the orc, seemingly unperturbed that someone was there when they portalled in. "Good evening," he said.
The orc's eyes flicked to Archmage then back to the demon hunter beside him. Illidan rounded his shoulders and flexed his neck. As his runecloth mask turned in the direction of the gaping orc, Illidan's lips split into a grin, his fangs on display. The orc flinched then tore his eyes from the demon hunter and forced himself to focus on Khadgar.
"Mok-rah*," the orc uttered. Then he repeated it in the common language, "E – evening."
Khadgar looked down at the keg. It's flow of escaping ale was dwindling and the foam on the pool around the orc's feet started to disperse. The Archmage knew this mishap was not going to go down well with the innkeeper but he nonetheless needed to speak with her. "Please tell Uda that Khadgar is here," he said to the orc.
The orc remained staring at him, unresponsive. The Archmage shifted on his feet. "Uda?" he repeated, pointing upstairs. Still the orc didn't move.
Illidan groaned, tiring quickly of the orc's stupidity. With a loud snap he unfurled his wings and took a step nearer the mesmerised employee. With something like a squeal, the orc cowered. "Uda!" Illidan said, his baritone making the pool of ale on the floor ripple round the orc's boots.
Finally, the orc showed a spark of life, nodded quickly, then side-stepped past the visitors and ran, nearly stumbling his way up the basement steps.
Khadgar looked up at the grinning demon hunter. "You have a problem with orcs?" he asked, one eyebrow raised.
Illidan laughed deep in his chest and turned to Khadgar. "Only stupid ones."
Heavy footfalls descending the stairs made the two of them look up. A dark skinned female orc, athletic and fierce, barked at the orc behind her. "Look at this mess, Wanathan! It will be coming out of your wages!"
"Yes, Uda," Wanathan was almost bowing behind her.
She reached the bottom of the stairs and turned towards the two visitors. As she moved into the light her angular features came into view. Her face bore a sharpness which may have been attributed to the high set ice blue eyes that looked out from under her arched brows. Her stare let you know without doubt, that she missed nothing. Her nose while small for her face was adorned with a nasal ring that lay over her elongated cupid's bow and stopped just short of her top lip. Two small tusks on her lower jaw protruded from her plum coloured lips.
At close on six and a half feet, she was tall as far as female orcs go and had a physique that was well-toned and powerful. Her attire may have been considered sexy on another more, delicate female, but the leather breast top and matching shorts did not come across so on her muscled torso. She wore leather gauntlets, chausses that rose halfway up her thighs, finished with knee-length boots.
Many people actually found themselves trying to avoid looking at anything other than her face, for fear that she found their stare inappropriate. The two men she stood in front of now however, were not intimidated by her, nor inclined to stare anyway.
"Archmage," she said in way of greeting. Her voice was surprisingly gentle when she wasn't barking orders or reprimands.
"Uda," Khadgar replied with a gentlemanly inclination of his head.
The orc innkeeper turned to Illidan and lifted her eyes to the demon hunter's horned head. She was not averse to offering respect where it was due. She bobbed her head before speaking. "You must be Illidan Stormrage," she said. "I have heard your people speak of you. It is an honour to meet you."
Illidan inclined his head but said nothing.
Uda faced Khadgar once more. "I have secured the Frostwolves in a secret chamber below here," she said in answer to what he was about to ask. "They have been made comfortable and are eager to see you."
"Thank you Uda."
She took a deep breath before asking a question herself. "Is it true Khadgar, that they hail from our past?"
Khadgar straightened. He had been in Draenor a few years back, and had helped champions with the fight against the Iron Horde. It had been a rather strange experience and had left him a little disorientated at times, but he adjusted. "Yes, Uda, they do."
"Hmm. It is strange meeting these orcs. Stranger to think that if they had stayed in Draenor and allowed time to travel its course they would most likely be only spirits in our present."
Khadgar raised his brows, surprised that Uda had given it any consideration at all. He grinned. "Possibly, Uda. Or, they may still live, somewhere. The folds of time can be confusing, but let us not dwell on that for now. Can we meet with them, please?"
Wanathan still stood behind Uda, listening to the conversation. The innkeeper's eyes shifted to her right and her voice took on an authoritative tone. "I won't tell you again Wananthan, clean up this mess and it had better be done by the time I come back up."
The chastised orc immediately went to work, trying hard to douse the irritation in his eyes.
Uda led the way behind a pyramid of kegs. She paused for a moment. A fierce and able woman though she was, she nonetheless feared the Archmage. That fear however, was steeped in her great respect for the man.
Khadgar sensed the hesitancy, and cocked an eyebrow at her.
"It is not only you mages who have secrets in the city," she said. "I trust..."
"Yes," he intervened. "You can trust me, Uda." His eyes conveyed his sincerity, and the orc nodded gratitude before proceeding.
A secreted door, no more than a stone slab, was opened by her stepping on a particular sequence of cobbles. The sound of heavy stone scraping on the floor announced its shift as it began to open. Moving inwards, small swirls of powdered rock buffeted upwards in its track before the stone slab moved out of view to the left. A long corridor lay ahead, flickering wall torches lighting the way towards yet another door. A sliver of light rippled at the base of the door, shadows cutting across as the inhabitants behind moved about.
Along the way Khadgar noticed other doors with barred windows. He sneaked a peek inside one as he passed. He saw a variety of wine crates, all rare vintages which he knew were not available to the public in the bar upstairs. Also, he caught a glimpse of something gleaming in the corner of the room. The tip of a cutlass, finely honed, lethal no doubt was half covered in a mageweave throw. Uda it seemed had a little side business in Black Market goods. Everyone had to make a living as best they could he thought. This was obviously her concern when she had paused before opening the way to the Frostwolves.
As Uda led Khadgar and Illidan through the corridor, the echo of their footfalls swirled around the stone walls and back the way they came. Khadgar glanced behind. The demon hunter was having to duck slightly to pass through the corridor. His wings though furled, still clipped the edges of the walls. Twice, he nearly caught the torches, but managed to shudder the wings out of harm's way. He followed the Archmage and the orc innkeeper without complaint.
Without hestating this time, Uda opened the door to where the Frostwolf orcs had been given lodgings. She stood aside to allow the visitors access.
The room had been made comfortable, just as Uda had said. Two bunks, with fresh bedding had been made up for the orcs. A heavy wooden table with two benches either side served as a dinner table, the remnants of their evening meal still needing cleared away. Bowls and pitchers with soft towels and toiletries afforded them a way to wash. Rugs were scattered randomly but not without some consideration, forming a warm, plush surface underfoot. Torches hung on the four walls, providing adequate light, but with no windows it was difficult for the orcs to gauge time.
Khadgar stepped inside. When he saw the Frostwolves in question, one male the other female, his face broke into a huge smile. The Frostwolves were equally pleased to see him. Their eyes however, moved past his shoulder as another individual entered. The room's ceiling, being higher than that of the corridor, allowed Illidan to straighten to his full height. Being taller than the other demon hunters who had found them, the orcs were in awe. Khadgar quickly stepped aside and gesturing to the demon hunter, introduced him. "Galurk, San'ti, this is Illidan Stormrage, Lord of the Demon Hunters."
The two orcs nodded in Illidan's direction. He returned the salutation.
Khadgar continued. "This is Galurk Warsnarl and San'ti Fireaxe of the Frostwolf clan from Wor'gol in Draenor. They were amongst the clansmen who aided me and heroes of Azeroth to defeat the Iron Horde leaders in Draenor. Ultimately we faced Archimonde, who, cast Gul'dan through the portal. Thus, the chain of events that led to your release."
The demon hunter scoffed at the brief outline. He too knew about dealing with the Burning Legion. It was indeed odd however, to hear of the battles on Draenor as if they had occurred just yesterday. His lips curled in a sneer at the mention of Gul'dan.
Satisfied that the demon hunter had all that he needed to know for the time being, Khadgar turned back to the orcs. "It is good but somewhat strange to see you here."
The male, Galurk spoke. His voice smooth but tired. "No stranger than it for us, I assure you Khadgar. I can only mirror your sentiments. We never for a moment thought we could actually cross time nor hope to reach you, but, we did and here we are." He wore a solemn smile.
"Yes," the Archmage said. "Here you are." His smile gradually faded as the potential seriousness of their plight presented itself. "You were deliberately trying to find me?"
San'ti stepped forward. "Yes, Khadgar. Drek'thar sent us."
The Archmage inched back, astounded by this piece of news. He rubbed the back of his neck as if he had an ache he was trying to soothe. Drek'thar would not have strived to send them through a redundant portal unless it was of the utmost importance. "Drek'thar?"
"Yes, it has taken him four full moons to get us through, so we must act with all haste." Galurk said.
A chill ran up Khadgar's spine. Thanks to Illidan, and Sarah of course, Khadgar had an inkling of what the shaman so desperately wanted him to know. But, the delay in the orcs getting through to warn them had given it four months, a third of a year to develop whatever plans or power it needed to cause the ultimate destruction. It was pointless asking the obvious. He knew of what Drek'thar was attempting to warn them about.
"Has the Void caused damage to Draenor yet?"
The two orcs were taken aback. Khadgar already knew about it? "H-how did you kn..." Galurk stuttered.
"We were forewarned by the naaru when we planned to rescue Illidan. It is the main reason they have sanctioned him with their light. We just didn't expect it to come at us through the back door so-to-speak." He could tell by their blank expressions, none of that made any sense to them. He made a mental note to explain better once the urgency of the current situation was defined.
The orcs glanced at each other before San'ti took up the conversation. "When we left Draenor, it had not caused any physical damage that Drek'thar could discern. It is more of about the vision he had, a foreboding he senses. He does not believe the Void Lords have entered our world yet, but..."
Khadgar waited for her to continue. When she seemed unable to, he coaxed her. "But?"
She took a deep breath. "He has witnessed a change in the people. They are becoming despondent, they are losing faith, they feel that our leaders are failing us. Some have turned against their neighbours, their friends..."
"Their kin." Galurkfinished. "The Iron Horde will rise again now that we are fighting amongst ourselves instead of securing our borders and our people's safety. We have heard tell they are already electing new leaders to advance on the clans and peoples of Draenor. We will not be able to fight both the Void and the Iron Horde."
San'ti delivered the final blow. "Drek'thar says it is the will of the Void Lords that the people turn against each other. This will enable them to break through into our reality and take form. Then, they will sweep across our lands and vapourize it."
Khadgar dragged a hand over his face. This was not just dire news it was terrifying.
A deep rumble of laughter from behind, had the Archmage turn to face Illidan. The orcs also looked over at the demon hunter. His laughter had unnerved them.
"What is so amusing, Illidan?" Khadgar asked, his face betraying a look of annoyance.
"The Void is our only worry, not this Iron Horde you speak of."
"Hardly encouraging," Khadgar quipped.
Illidan stepped towards the Archmage and the orcs. "Khadgar, for millennia we have fought each other, fought amongst ourselves, horde versus alliance, this is nothing new."
"What is your point?" Khadgar asked.
Illidan moved directly in front of the orcs. "This Iron Horde will be coerced in the same manner as your people are currently being manipulated. And this time, it will become orc against orc, draenei against draenei, elf against elf, all races against each other regardless of faction. Your shaman, this Drek'thar, should be asking, what has brought the Void to our world now? And, why has it come to your time."
The Archmage paled. Obvious questions indeed. The answer however, to the last question was dawning on him as the silence in the room grew deafening. The orcs were looking at him, expecting an answer. Their eyes flitted, nervously between him and Illidan as the demon hunter seemed preternaturally calm. Khadgar suddenly turned and headed to the door.
"Where are you going? We need answers." San'ti called after him stepping towards the door also. Galruk grabbed her arm, pulling her back.
"I will have them for you, but I need to speak with the Council first. Just stay here and I will return soon."
The orcs nodded reluctantly.
Illidan moved out after Khadgar, Uda following behind this time. "What do you hope to achieve by speaking with your council?" Illidan asked. His tone carried a hint of revulsion.
The Archmage spun round facing the demon hunter. "Their input may be invaluable. This is no ordinary foe we face Illidan, this is going to make the Legion look like a Hallow's End Candy Treat." He faced forward again and brusquely walked to the door that led to the basement.
"I ask again, what do you hope to achieve by speaking with your council?"
Now both back in the basement, Uda closed the secret door and turned to join them. Wanathan was just finishing up cleaning the spilled ale. Uda barked at him to get back upstairs, then excused herself.
"Thank you, Uda," Khadgar said as she climbed the stairs. "I will see you are rewarded."
She stopped and bent down to look at him through the balustrade. In a quite voice she answered. "By what I could gather from in there..." she jerked her chin to the secret door. "...the only reward I want, is for life to continue."
Khadgar nodded. Her comment was justified. He watched as she ascended the last stairs. Turning, he started to conjure a portal.
"Wait!" Illidan said.
"What!" Khadgar was irritable, but it was not at Illidan and he mouthed a silent apology.
"Why the council?"
"Tell me what it is you object to, Illidan. They are highly intelligent, very learned and powerful people. We will need to study this Void from our extensive resources and then we can plan how best to defend ourselves."
Illidan laughed out loud. "You intend to sit around drinking tea and reading books?"
Khadgar was suddenly so incensed he could not speak.
Illidan continued. "You claim to be a forward-thinking man, Khadgar. You say you stand for the factions to work together, to create a united front against Azeroth's enemies. I suggest then you show an example of that policy, starting with your council."
"It is the Kirin Tor, Illidan, and the world's most powerful mages sit at its head."
Illidan scoffed. " And you do what? Sit in your pompous Chamber of Air in the Violet Citadel with your cronies around you, studying magic, reading books and training new mages. All they do is debate. Think, and debate some more."
"Sometimes Illidan, you need to think before you act. And sometimes even think before you speak too."
Again Illidan laughed not in the slightest irked by the Archmage's attempt at reprimand. "The council used to be multi racial and although one in particular ended up annoying me somewhat, it nonetheless was a more progressive council. Now you have all human's except for Kalecgos, but even he is more human than Blue Dragonflight nowadays. You have clipped his wings well, Archmage."
Khadgar was aghast at the demon hunter's outspokenness against the Council of Six.
"And just who are you to question the authority or the policies of the Kirin Tor? You are but a one-time elf who drank from a skull to give you wings."
Illidan sneered, his fangs clearly on show and his taloned hands clenched. "You, little mage, know nothing about me nor of what I am truly capable of. I have an unsurpassed skill in arcane and if it came to the test, I would wipe the floor with your puny council."
"Are you threatening me, Illidan?"
The demon hunter inclined his head and took a step back. "No, Khadgar. I consider you a friend and as such I should able to express my opinion without you taking offence. But mayhap this is an example as to the reach of the Void."
The Archmage scrunched up his eyes, trying to fathom Illidan's meaning. The demon hunter explained. "It will turn friends against each other, brothers will come to loggerheads, and even lovers may turn into enemies. It is how the void works. It drains our hopes and feeds us negativity. It is shadow, dark, unseeing, without optimism and ultimately leads to nothing." He paused to see his words sinking in to one of the most powerful men he knew. "Set your council the task of researching if you wish but, there are others out there Khadgar, outwith your council, who know more about the Void than you can ever hope to find out in a book. I am one of those you need. And there is one more we will require, who will help us connect with the others."
Khadgar looked up to the runecloth eyemask. He was right about one thing, research took time, and time was something they most likely did not have. He exhaled loudly, a sign that he understood Illidan's logic. "Who is this other then?"
Illidan laughed lightly. "Sarah, of course."
