Chapter 19 – Draenor Awaits
The winds raged and screamed their way through the rough crags that enclosed the orcan village of Wor'gol. Distant avalanches spewed up giant blankets of snow mingling with the snowdrifts whipped up from the surrounding plains. White death stretched out over the landscape and it was advancing on the Frostwolve's settlement. Visibility at a minimum, preparations for the clan moving east would soon be seriously hampered.
Staring out between the hides that served as a door to the central circular hut, the orc shaman and Farseer of the Frostwolf clan, Drek'thar sat contemplating. He was drumming his fingers on the wolf head armrest of the elaborately carved throne, trying hard to maintain his austere demeanor. He watched as the snow blew in, dusting the entrance before melting from the heat generated by the brazier burning in the centre of the building. Glistening pools from the melted snow surrendered shortly after, vaporized from the warmth within the hut.
His mood was as dark as his people's predicament. It had been five days since he had sent Galurk and San'ti through the portal with an escort to find the Archmage Khadgar. He was impatient for news. Things were starting to unravel in Draenor. He could not wait any longer. Today had to be the final day.
An enormous black cloud lay out over the northern Zanger sea. Pulsating like an angry, ominous hail-producing nimbus it threatened to release the foul pestilence known as the Void Lords, upon the land. An evil which the Farseer knew would end all life in Draenor and beyond if they did not somehow receive help from allies in Azeroth.
Drek'thar's visions confirmed Draenor's invaders were still outwith the realm's boundaries, but they were somehow, managing to infiltrate the land and his tribe. Disputes had manifested into all-out bloody assaults on neighbours, friends and kin. The Void was invading the minds of his people. He had ordered those involved in the conflict to be shackled and kept under guard. He hoped that if they could defend against the Void, the Frostwolves would revert back to normal, peaceful followers of the shamanistic faith.
Two huge wolves lay at Drek'thar's feet, their yellow eyes keeping a close watch on the doorway. Darkor, the male wolf on Drek'thar's left, stood and omitted a growl from deep within its throat as it heard someone approaching. Its lips curled back up over its teeth in a terrifying snarl, the hackles pricked all down its back. The door hides were swept back, and two orcs entered the hut. Their winter furs were caked in snow as were their boots. The snow fell from their shoulders soon enough as they strode forward and offered the Farseer rightful obeisance.
The shaman stretched out and patted the wolf's head. "Steady there, Darkor."
Ercka , the she-wolf, stared at the young male, her two year old, and her throaty reprimand quieted the young alpha. Darkor lay down again, his yellow eyes still flashing with distrust at the orcs. With one last stifled growl, he lowered his head back on his huge paws.
"Well?" Drek'thar demanded, as the two scouts halted in front of him.
"Farseer Drek'thar," the larger of the orcs, Aggu'Tar, bowed. "The Iron Horde are indeed massing in Gorgrond, they are appointing their new leaders."
"Bah!" Drek'thar made a dismissive gesture with his hand. Darkor's head came up again, thinking it a signal from his master, but soon resumed his silent vigil again as Drek'thar communicated with the two orcs. "They are wasting their time and are the least of our concerns."
The second orc dared to protest. "But Drek'thar, for all their numbers have been considerably depleted and their powerful leaders disposed of, if they march, they will still outnumber us by ten to one."
"More like twenty to one with our own people fighting between themselves." Drek'thar growled. "That said, Mulurg, we have a greater foe on the horizon and this one will wipe us all out if we do not get the help we need from the human Archmage and his forces."
"He is but a wizard. You speak as though he is a general," Mulurg scoffed.
Drek'thar rose abruptly, the large tusks hanging from his belt clacking hollowly against each other. The two orcs stepped back, alerted to the shaman's anger. "He is a general for all he is a master spell-weaver. He rallies the nations from all factions and bravely stood with us to defeat Blackhand, Gul'dan and their vile followers. Do not dare voice disrespect of the man."
Mulurg bowed nervously. "Forgive me, Drek'thar."
The Farseer merely grunted as he stepped down from the dais. He shambled across to the central brazier, hoisting the clefthoof shoulder guard in place. The wolf furs of his robe trailing over the drying puddles of melted snow. "What news of Galurk and San'ti?"
"Waquro has sent word from Stonard. He said that winged creatures, like demons took Galurk and San'ti." Aggu'Tar reported.
The shaman spun round. "Took? Did Waquro not fight?"
"He said the creatures were too..." the orc seemed almost embarrassed.
"Too what!"
"Fast and powerful."
Drek'thar clenched his fists. "By the elements, our only hope has been snatched from under our noses!"
"Waquro thinks not, Drek'thar."
The shaman moved back towards the dais. "Explain," he said tautly, before sitting down once more on the throne.
"News is that Waquro and the two orcs gave chase, but the demonic creatures flew out over a place called Deadwind Pass where Waquro lost sight of them. Next day when he resumed searching for Galurk and San'ti again he came across three humans, who he is bringing back here."
"Bringing them back? Why? What is his rationale for this?"
Aggu'Tar resumed his position in front of Drek'thar. "He does not go into great detail but mentions something of a 'spiritual' nature."
The shaman leaned heavily on one fist while drumming his fingers on the opposite armrest. "We cannot wait any longer," he said finally. "Spread the word, we leave within the hour."
"What of Waquro and the orcs?"
"Send a message that we will meet them at the Dark Portal. They are not to risk teleporting here."
"Yes, Drek'thar." The two orcs bowed and backed their way out of the hut.
The shaman watched pensively, as the hides slipped back into place once the orcs exited the building and the drifting snow returned to its persistent attempt at dusting the threshold. Drek'thar slammed his fist on the armrest of the throne. Drakor and Ercka both instantly alert, a low growl emitted from both. "Steady my beauties," Drek'thar said, looking down at both the wolves. They cocked their heads, listening intently to their master. "It is merely my frustration I am venting. Seems we will be leaving our home sooner than intended."
Outside, Frostfire was in its perpetual blanket of snow and ice, with its pockets of lava and molten rock dotted throughout the region. Winds were howling through the gorges, whipping up enormous walls of drifting snow. It was an unforgiving landscape but held a fierce beauty with it contrasting fire and ice. Now however, there was a force trying it's best to invade and devour the land and its people. In order for them to survive, it was imperative to move. Their annual migration would be earlier than normal, and not to their usual destination of Nagrand. Instead, Drek'thar had decreed they go to the Dark Portal in the Taanaan Jungle. If need be, he was taking his people to Azeroth.
Illidan was still seething. He could not fathom the Archmage and other members of the Six thinking. Exactly as he had predicted, they were going to waste time pouring over books and debating what they might do, could do and should do. Once the Archmage had returned to Stormwind, he had decided he would take matters into his own hands. Such was his annoyance with the incident in the Citadel. His mind recapped the whole ludicrous event.
Earlier in the Filthy Animal Inn Khadgar had rethought his approach after his debate with Illidan and decided to teleport the Frostwolves to the Violet Citadel. There he had decided to let them tell the rest of the council the recent events and that of Drek'thar's concerns. Illidan had once more accompanied the Archmage.
The presence of the orcs in the sacred room had the council noticeably stunned but it was nothing compared to what their faces displayed when the seven and a half foot demon hunter had entered the Chamber of Air.
"What is the meaning of this?" Modera, the Champion of Tirisgarde had voiced. "How did you get in here!" The chamber was strictly off-limits to anyone other than the Six.
Kalecgos, one-time dragon aspect of the Blue Dragonkin was the first to notice Khadgar emerging from the portal behind the strangers and he nudged Modera. He gave her a look or warning and drew her attention to Khadgar. It was not her place to question the actions of their Leader. He was used to her challenging ways with leaders though. She had been the same with Jaina Proudmore. Although Kalecgos had not then been a member of the Six when Jaina was leader, he had nonetheless been her lover.
Modera's somewhat contemptuous attitude then had been to do with the "relationship" between himself and Jaina. Modera had always been quick to question the validity of their leader's decisions, thinking her mind was often left in between the bedsheets instead of focusing on Kirin Tor business.
He suspected somehow the same contentious approach was aimed towards Khadgar because of his relationship with the woman Sarah. Modera had never approved of certain vows being ignored or dismissed, as she was of the opinion to do so, marred the clarity of thought one needed to hold the post of Leader of The Kirin Tor.
Khadgar had strode in purposefully, his face deadly serious. He'd took his place at the head of the large ornate table, where he stood, knuckles resting on the wooden surface, deep in thought before looking up at the council and his invited guests.
He eyed each of the council members in turn as he spoke. "Before you start voicing your disapproval of the outsiders -" Illidan tensed at the term and the Archmage's steel eyes caught it. He showed no apology or recognition that his terminology caused insult, he merely carried on. "...being present within these walls, then I suggest you listen and listen well."
The tension in the room was far from diffused by his words. Illidan scanned the individuals in front of him. All of the council were Archmages, but none of them nor their powers concerned him in the slightest. The only one that could perhaps best him was Khadgar. Maybe. Even the Dragon Aspect Kalecgos, seemed unimpressive. Perhaps that was because his wings had been clipped so-to-speak. He was the only one however, who was not entirely human. Rightly or wrongly, that made Illidan less belligerent towards him. He still thought however, with the Six now being predominantly human there were many gaps within its potential for power. There were plenty others who could serve well on this council. Others more powerful and who would introduce perhaps a less biased thinking. He was certain in fact that they would most likely be more proactive, bringing a wealth of new knowledge and the ability to move beyond all the incessant talking.
Khadgar continued. "Galurk and San'ti here," he indicated the orcs with a wave of his hand, "have been sent to us to ask for help..."
"Sent? From where?" Modera cut in.
Khadgar threw an impatient look in her direction. She instantly bowed her head from his admonishment. Illidan grinned.
"Draenor." Khadgar answered.
All the Archmages voiced disbelief. The portal had been destroyed. This was a monstrous ploy, what purpose, sent by who...
Khadgar cleared his throat loudly. Silence befell the room. All eyes were upon him. "The shaman, Farseer Drek'thar has managed to reopen the portal to send these individuals forward in time to ask for our help in defeating the Void."
Illidan heard one or two sharp intakes of breath at the mention of the enemy. Khadgar went on. "Drek'thar has sensed its presence in Draenor. It has not, as far as we know for now, managed to infiltrate the planet but its influence has been reaching out to the people of Frostfire and..." he paused momentarily. The demon hunter thought he detected a note of defeat "...it may have the ability to reach as far as our lands and our people."
"What do we know of this Void?" Vargoth asked. Illidan studied the Archmage Vargoth with his elemental companion by his side.
"In truth, very little. But, Illidan here knows something of it and he, together with..." Khadgar looked at Illidan, his expression hard but unreadable. "...some others will assist. Meanwhile, Galurk and San'ti will fill you in on the situation from Draenor."
The Archmages turned their attention to the orcs as they relayed their story once more. As they did, Kalecgos conjured a levitating globe of Draenor. The Frostwolves indicated where their village was and where Drek'thar predicted the first attack from the Void would occur. They followed the presumed advance path of the Void right down to the Dark Portal. They said their comrades would be waiting most likely at Stonard, presuming they had attempted to return to the Portal after the demon hunters had found the orcs.
"Wait! One moment," Khadgar interrupted. "There were more of you came through?"
"Yes," San'ti said. "I'm sorry Khadgar, I thought we had said."
"No, you didn't. Tell me how many?"
"Three others. Waquro, he is a tauren warrior and Elder with the Ragetotem tribe, and two more orcs Belmar and Hagus. They were escorting us when the ..." she glanced a little nervously at Illidan. "...when the demon hunters took us."
Illidan grunted, a smirk playing on his mouth.
Khadgar stood, arms crossed, one hand raised to his chin as he listened intently again as the orcs' continued with their story. Illidan crossed the room to stand next to him. Quietly, he asked, "What do your council think they can do?"
Khadgar sighed. "Whatever they can, Illidan. As we are limited in our knowledge of this enemy, we will need to research it."
"I doubt you will have much time to research, Khadgar. We need to act now."
"We cannot act without being prepared!" Modera shot at him from across the table.
Illidan instantly disliked the woman although he had never met her until a few moments ago. It was just an intrinsic feeling he harboured. "Do not talk to me about being prepared!" he growled back.
The woman scoffed. "I know who you are demon hunter and I am not intimidated by you."
"Then we are equal. You and you puny council do not impress me neither."
The woman was noticeably offended by the manner in which he addressed the Six.
"Enough!" Khadgar slammed his fist on the table. Silence washed over the chamber like a tidal wave. He was tired and it did not take much to test his patience. His eyes burned with anger. Their bickering was digressing from the matter in hand. He moved round the table so he stood between them. "We are here to form a plan of defense and offense. Now," he looked at the demon hunter, his eyes clearly expressing that he wanted this discussed in an orderly and constructive manner, "explain what you know."
Modera stepped back as attention was now drawn to the demon hunter. Illidan however, seemed focused on the woman. "The Void is shadow beyond anything you have experienced. It is dark against light. Despondency against hope. It will turn you and this world into nothing. We will be but specks of dust in a vast universe, lost and forgotten, forever.
"It starts by manipulating its prey, turning brother against brother, father against son, husbands against wives, friends against friends. It knows no mercy. It is simply ravenous, voracious and will destroy everything in its path."
"And how is it you know so much!" Modera sneered.
"It was made known to me through a vision when the naaru spoke with me."
"How convenient. A near dead race told you this?"
"You are a heartless woman!" Illidan hissed. "The naaru are bordering on extinction and it is their light that can save us, not your pathetic attempts at sorcery. You really are not very learned are you?"
Modera stiffened. She was not accustomed to being spoken to in this manner. And by a hybrid creature who for centuries had been loathed by his own people? She was not going to let him get away with it so easily. "According to you though, demon, we are all nearing extinction if what you said is true. Time is running out if we are to believe you and these...orcs." She sneered.
Khadgar threw a warning look at her, but she was not going to back down. Neither was the demon hunter. "Then I suggest you stick your nose in your books that you swear by, and try and work out a way to at least be of some use in the coming battle."
That had pushed her too far. Before anyone knew what had happened she cast a bolt of frost at Illidan. Illidan had seen it coming and deflected her spell with one of his own. Then he muttered a Thalassian chant and Modera was levitated high above the others. His taloned hand steered her kicking, flailing figure towards one of the windows. The others in the room started to conjure defensive spells. Khadgar signalled to them to desist.
"Illidan!" Khadgar shouted, his voice echoing around the chamber. "I will not tolerate such aggression in my Citadel."
The demon hunter turned his bound sockets towards him. "Then tell your insipid pets to behave and show respect to those greater than them."
"You arrogant creature. I will not respect the likes of you!" Modera screamed down.
"I was not speaking of myself, you foolish woman." Illidan shot back at her.
"Put her down, Illidan," Khadgar's voice was low but full of threat. "And gently!"
The demon hunter glanced round the room. The others had ceased forming spells. With a grunt he lowered Modera to the floor. She stood, slightly shakily, glaring at the demon hunter.
Turning to Khadgar, Illidan lowered his voice, its timbre equally threatening. "I will take these orcs back to their comrades and make no mistake Khadgar, Sarah will be involved in this. She has abilities you and your obedient little servants cannot hope to best from reading books. I suggest you speak with her to understand better."
Without waiting for further response, Illidan then herded the orcs towards the portal which would return them to the Filthy Animal Inn.
He assumed Khadgar had the sense to take his advice and teleport home to speak with Sarah on the matter. Regardless, Illidan would be flying back to Stormwind later for her.
He could sense the Void readying itself for breaking through. The repercussions were going to be of epic proportions once that happened. He had not voiced it, but the reality was, if the Void destroyed Draenor, it would in effect also wipe out Outland without so much as looking at it. Outland was the future of Draenor, and once the past was erased, then the present and future would cease to exist too. They had to stop the Void and its Lords before that happened because then it would turn its eye towards the Dark Portal, and Azeroth.
That was only a few hours earlier, and now he was almost at Stonard, where the orcs said their comrades would be most likely camped. He was accompanied by Arcanea, Kayn and four others. The war with the Void would start soon, of that he was certain.
