23 – Duplicity

Best laid plans. As it turned out, we spent longer in Suramar than intended. Not just due to the good company and camaraderie but also because of news which Illidan presented. It perhaps explained that which Modera and Kalecgos had made known to me. And it was worrying, indeed.

Listening to the night elf, Sarah and I shared a look. One which said so much. I knew with undeniable certainty that as Illidan revealed what had been happening, Sarah was already contemplating her role in that of which he spoke. I also knew there was no possibility that I could – nor would – stop her from doing what we all were destined to do. Fight for what we believed in.

As we dined with our hosts and learned of certain events, conspiracies formed in abundance. Some things did not add up, however.

He told us it had been rumoured that Warchief Sylvanas had wanted to wage war on the Alliance at the gates of Stormwind after finding her sister Vereesa critically injured at Teldrassil. More whispers yet had revealed that High Overlord Saurfang had somehow managed to talk her out of attacking the city.

"But what happened? Who would benefit from harming Vereesa for a start? What could they possibly gain?" I asked.

"Who indeed?" Illidan voiced. "That is the main question here."

"Perhaps she was cajoled and made a target to induce Sylvanas' revenge on Stormwind; on the Alliance." Sarah offered.

"Yes, that's a feasible explanation, but what would they have used to entice her?" I enquired. "And again, who benefits?"

"I believe the Great Tree itself was the reason Veressa was in Teldrassil," Arcaena answered.

Illidan nodded, evidently understanding her train of thought. Sarah and I stared askance at each other before turning questioning eyes to our hosts.

"Was?" I braved. "Why do I sense pending doom in that one little word?"

"Because it has been destroyed!" Illidan said as he stood abruptly. "Burned, desecrated!" He drained his glass and thrust it in front of Arcaena. She clucked her tongue in mock annoyance and snatched the glass from his hand. I could not help but notice the small curve of his mouth as he glanced down at her. It was a deeply serious moment and yet still, the night elves did not lose sight of their unity.

"But why? And what of Darnassus? The people?" Sarah breathed as she reached for my hand, curling her fingers tightly around mine. We had friends in the elven city and I knew her thoughts had run to them.

Illidan's eyes flashed, anger and sorrow abundant. "The city has been crippled, it lies in ruin. Fortunately, many escaped but the casualties are still vast. I know you are thinking of Umrii and Lhadral. They and their family are safe though."

I could feel Sarah relax slightly on hearing they were alive, but concern was still etched upon her face.

Acraena replenished our drinks before proceeding. "When Teldrassil was first planted, the Archdruid Fandral Staghelm overlooked having the tree blessed. The roots buried deep in the earth and very quickly indeed. It is believed The Old Gods had hoped for such a misjudgement. The error would empower them with a way to rise from the depths of Azeroth and rule over us whenever they deemed the time was right."

"The Old Gods?" Sarah asked. Her eyes were wide. "They could emerge?"

Arcaena grinned, although the expression was not one with her usual confident air. "Perhaps. All we do know is that and the tree became corrupted not only by the Emerald Nightmare but its limbs absorbed crystalised titan blood, a substance known as Azerite."

I had vaguely heard of this Azerite before, but it was in a most obscure script. Both Arcaena and Illidan gave us a brief history lesson which passed far beyond the times of the High Elves to the Titans and the Old Gods. They also furnished us with the knowledge that Azerite would be a valuable commodity; one which could bring with it an unfathomable power linked to the Old Gods. It was clear if this commodity was farmed and fell into the wrong hands it could also lead to mass destruction.

Many more heads were required to unravel this mystery. Was Vereesa at Teldrassil to stop its destruction or start it? The same could be said of Sylvanas. Perhaps on hearing her sister lay wounded she wrought destruction on the Night Elf city and ultimately the Great Tree of Teldrassil. Yet...

"It still does not make sense," I offered. All eyes turned to me. I inched forward on the sofa. "Why would Sylvanas aim to start a war by burning Teldrassil – a continent so far away from where Lordaeron sits? Undercity is her domain after all and south of it lies Stormwind. A target rumoured to have been her true objective."

"To raze something like Teldrassil also would take immense firepower. Could she afford such arms and weaponry to be deployed so far away?" Sarah injected.

Ocel became restless and Sarah excused herself to feed and change him. Arcaena took her through to a room for privacy.

Once they had vacated the room, Illidan spoke with me some more. "A valid point Khadgar; that which Sarah made."

I put down my glass and rose to cross the room. I stared out of the large window which offered a view of the landscaped gardens. It was beautiful there, in Suramar. Its mystical serenity was almost like a drug. "Yes," I breathed. "But still, we are fumbling for answers. I will need to go to Varian."

The night elf joined me at the window. "There is an embassy being set up in Stormwind, Khadgar, where all heads of Alliance state will convene. A rather unexpected attendee will be present – possibly."

"And who might that be?"

"Katherine Proudmore."

My breath caught in my throat. That was a name I had not heard in a very long while. Jaina's mother. And with her came a deluge of unbidden memories. Kul Tiras, home to the Proudmores.

And to me.

I swallowed. "I doubt she will attend," I said tightly. "Most likely Jaina will be there in her stead."

Illidan huffed. "I have heard there is animosity between mother and daughter."

"I see." I replied.

He grunted but said nothing more on the subject. I was strangely grateful for his silence. But, he did offer some other conjecture. "The old feuds never leave us, do they, Khadgar?"

I merely shook my head. "I worry about Anduin however. He is a resilient and forward-thinking young man, but he is inexperienced on the battlefield. I must know what Varian is thinking of allowing him to lead the fight in Lordaeron."

"It is just unrest at the moment, a building of forces by all accounts in preparation for what may well be bloody and costly indeed."

I shook my head, frustration, a predominant factor permeating my thoughts. "It seems so much has happened in such a short span of time."

"Does it?"

I looked at him, trying to fathom his meaning. His amber eyes flared as he locked with my gaze. "Perhaps we were merely pawns, sent against the Legion and the Void so other forces could work behind the scenes unhindered."

I grinned, not exactly encouraged by such a hypothesis. "Do you no longer believe it was the prophecy which had you rise again, Illidan."

The night elf flexed, pulling himself taut and straight, towering over me. "Prophecy is only the dreams and wishes of cognizant beings. Fairy stories, Khadgar! It just so happens if we believe in them enough, we strive to make those prophecies a reality and in so doing strengthen the entire concept."

"The duplicity of said beings."

"Exactly, my friend. So now we must seek out a new Betrayer, if you wish to give it a name." His fangs glinted as the smile crept over his mouth.

"So - Lordaeron will be the result of these... incidents?" I said. It was not really a question, it was more resignation to the threat of pending war – yet again.

"So it would seem. Horde against Alliance once more," Illidan agreed. "I fear your efforts for amnesty between the factions is destined to fail for all time, Khadgar. Your intentions are honourable, but some of the leaders I'm afraid are anything but."

It was a hard, but honest truth. I remained silent for a few minutes, breathing in the fragrance of the Night Elf's garden of roses. "Fancy a trip to Stormwind, Illidan?"

This time he guffawed. "Kill two birds with one stone? No pun intended, no offence meant."

I grinned. "None taken."

"The seat of Wrynn has yet to be introduced to the new me and also have the pleasure of discovering that you still breathe!" He laughed lightly.

I had to admit, it did strike me as rather funny. The thought of the two of us wandering into the Keep and being halted by the guards under suspicion of a being a threat to the monarchy was highly amusing.

"We will have to wait for Sarah." I said rocking back and forth on my heels.

"And Arcaena," he replied with a sideways look, folding his arms across his chest.

"Of course."

The Night Elf rolled his shoulders. "Unless we try..."

We both shook our heads and looked at each other. "No," we voiced simultaneously then laughed.

We had no choice but to visit Gwen and Erik with a request that they watch over Ocel while we looked for an audience with Varian.

The look of shock was followed quickly by joy at my "resurrection" but regrettably, I explained we did not have time for a proper reunion. Things needed to be dealt with but afterwards, hopefully, we would have a little time to catch up. Our friends, as expected, were more than understanding.

The new Embassy was situated in the grounds west of Stormwind Keep on the lake's edge. I had little concept of what to expect but in a bid to reduce the chance of detainment, I portalled us to the Wollerton Stead nearby.

I grinned as a somewhat fuzzy memory of a newspaper article about Wollerton's competitor, Brackwell's Pumpkins, came to mind. I wondered if Robby Flay's Pumpkin Pancakes were still in demand.

In this instance Sarah deemed it prudent for me to don my hood; I agreed. She worked on the premise that she was well enough known now to be trusted and that should she arrive with guests, they would not be under suspicion. Still, she thought for me to walk in boldly with no warning, a few individuals may think they were seeing a ghost and the ruckus could attract a fair bit of unwanted attention.

As for Illidan and Arcaena, they were merely Night Elves, they could theoretically be anyone. Though, I did have to question the validity of that train of thought considering the unusual colour of Illidan's eyes. Nonetheless, the elves followed us, without disguise, into the encampment which represented the designated area for the new-founded Embassy.

I noted a few heads turned as we progressed, but most nodded a warm greeting to Sarah and a hesitant one to us then went about their business.

It was all still very new. Construction continued, labourers were busy erecting various huts around the perimeter of the camp. These looked as if they would be places to offer services and trade goods. Others would loan shelter and possibly food going by both the small bunks being made up and the cooking aromas drifting out across our path.

Horses were tethered outside the largest building which naturally I assumed was the main Embassy. They whinnied and flicked their tails and manes, keeping the ever-present flies on the wing. A young boy ran about with a wheelbarrow and shovel keeping the vicinity near the entrance free of equine deposits.

The building itself was relatively understated. Then again I supposed, it was early days and if the looming battle was going to be anything like I imagined, then even employing those of us who could construct whole cities through magic would not be a prudent alternative to the setting up of embassies and other such buildings. Our powers were going to be needed elsewhere.

This war was going to be of the old school. We would in effect, be pitted against equally powerful individuals, all trained in the ways our own people were. On one hand, it was strangely refreshing to be up against such a "like-for-like" enemy but on the other, it was more unsettling. This time it would feel like we were killing our own even although we were opposing factions; for we were, nevertheless, all Azerothians.

With a somewhat heavy heart, we entered the Embassy. Some heads turned as we crossed the threshold.

I noted that everyone looked first at Sarah, nodded, then their eyes drifted over us. It was the most bizarre feeling I must admit. From the depths of my hood, I looked at familiar faces, each of them staring back in varying degrees of interest or indifference.

As I read their expressions, it became clear to me that these individuals were battle-weary, yet their resolve was nothing short of admirable. These were my people, my extended family as it were. I also considered some of those Horde-side in the same way.

It was with a lugubrious philosophy that I walked further into the large room, still feeling many eyes fastened to my person. Sarah glanced at me over her shoulder. I sensed she felt it too – that feeling that we were never truly free from constant warring; the perpetual need to prepare for the next battle, the next threat to our homes and families. A rush of melancholy washed over me.

"Don't!" I heard her whisper to me.

"What?"

"Feel guilty for my being here. With you."

I was momentarily stunned that she had read me so accurately.

"I would not want to be anywhere else," she breathed before turning to face Varian who stood at the rear of the room. It took all I had not to brush fingers with her, but I could not risk even a small show of affection in such a public setting.

Beside him, Genn Greymane stood with arms folded over his chest. He was listening to whatever Varian was saying, and nodding his head accordingly. My eyes scanned the area near them. No sign of Anduin. Was he already posted in Lordaeron, I wondered. Then a small laugh and some chatter from the recess to the left of Varian informed me he was still in Stormwind. I was relieved.

Genn's eyes locked on Sarah as she neared the podium where he and Varian stood. He grunted and with a jut of his chin, indicated to Varian that someone approached.

"Illidan!" I heard a female voice from behind us. I turned slowly and saw Modera with Kalecgos and Vargoth standing close by. Several heads turned to look at the individual my colleague had addressed. Some gasps were heard along with mutterings of disbelief. Inwardly I groaned.

Illidan, I noted, did so audibly. Under different circumstances, his discomfort would have been comical, but there and then I felt his awkwardness as plainly as if it were my own. Glancing back at the Archmage I saw embarrassment creep up her face and then saw it followed by surprise as she locked eyes with me. Whether she was simply affronted by her own outburst or she read the warning on my face I know not, but she stepped back and lowered her head.

Turning back to Varian, I was a little dismayed to see the exchange had not gone unnoticed. He turned to face us squarely and after his eyes quickly scanned myself and our night elf friends he fixed his stare on Sarah.

"Your Majesty," Sarah offered with a small bow.

I saw Varian's mouth twitch. "Formalities?" he quizzed. "Do not attempt to try to fool me. What is going on here, Sarah."

His tone was neither accusatory nor condescending, but nonetheless, it was time for me to step in. "It is not Sarah's doing," I said quietly.

The King's eyes focused on me. I watched as the recognition flooded his face. I lowered my hood. More gasps resounded around the room. A few moments of disbelieving silence passed between us, then Varian ordered the doors to the Embassy closed and bolted. He took a tentative step towards me. Genn remained where he was, the lupine features rippling beneath his human face, eyes glowing gold.

"I should have known," Varian said, his hand reaching for mine. His mouth split into a broad smile. "Old friend! You have come back to us." He shook my hand warmly, sincerely.

I was momentarily surprised by his readiness to accept that I had returned for the dead.

The king looked at Sarah and me then he looked past us at Illidan and Arcaena. He was noticeably stunned yet he did not seem to disbelieve what he saw. "There is obviously much to explain," he said, still smiling. "But, I'm afraid it will have to wait because..."

"I agree," I injected. "And I have heard what has been happening. I was hoping also to speak in private."

"Khadgar?" Prince Anduin beamed from the recess. "Is it really you?" He came forward and he too grabbed my hand to greet me.

"Yes, Anduin," I smiled at the Prince. The young noble's eyes moved to Sarah. I could read his unspoken question and I responded accordingly. "Sarah did not know until recently either." The Prince's blue eyes shone as if he were pleased by the answer.

I looked at Sarah and was surprised to see her attention drawn to the recess from where Anduin had emerged. I followed her gaze.

Two red eyes peered out from the shadows. Anduin glanced over his shoulder. "Ah, you have not met officially, of course, forgive me." He gestured towards the recess, beckoning whoever was in the shadows to make themselves known.

A swarthy skinned individual came into the light. He was a young man a few years older than Anduin. The red eyes set within a handsome face were set by high cheekbones and a sharp angular jaw. It was clear he was not of our people. Foreign did not quite hit the mark neither, but I had a good inkling who this individual was based on stories our young Prince had conveyed from his time in Pandaria.

Dressed in attire which could only be indicative of nobility, the man moved forward, his strides oozing confidence as he came to a stop next to Anduin. I chanced a sideways glance at Sarah. She looked almost hypnotised by this new appearance.

"This is Wrathion, The Black Prince as he is known, and a good friend of mine," Anduin introduced him.

I offered the young man a customary bow, he inclined his head in response. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance," I said. "I have heard much about you from Prince Anduin."

"Hmm," was the verbal response from Wrathion. "All good, I do hope."

"Indeed." I answered.

Anduin informed his friend of our names and after quietly confirming with me, introduced Illidan and Arcaena also. The Black Prince looked at each of us in turn but his eyes settled on Sarah.

I may have imagined it, but I could have sworn I saw a hint of a flare from beneath her blouse. She was still staring at the young man, her expression difficult to read.

He held out his hand to her; his nails unusually long and well manicured, they adorned elegant, slender fingers. I watched as Sarah accepted his hand. He raised hers to his mouth and pausing long enough to smile, he then brushed his lips across her knuckles. "Charmed," he said. Then he released her hand but not her gaze. A few excruciating moments passed before Sarah, with a slight shake of her head lowered her eyes but remained silent.

"We shall have more time for pleasantries later," Varian intervened. "For now, I think it would be wise for us to return to the Keep, Khadgar. As you say, we need to talk."

I was oddly relieved as I found myself trying to come to terms with what had just passed between Sarah and Wrathion.

Varian ordered an escort. I suggested Modera and my other colleagues attend also, to which Varian agreed. They moved forward to join us at which point Wrathion expressed an interest.

"Ah," he said, eyes locked on Kalecgos. "I am most surprised to see your breed."

Kalecgos stiffened. "My breed, as you call it, is no more a part of me."

I had never heard such intonation from Kalecgos before. There was a hint of loathing mixed with deep regret in his voice.

Varian moved forward breaking the visual contact between Wrathion and Kalecgos and we all turned and followed; all except Anduin and his friend.

The King and Genn walked ahead of us, flanked by the Royal Guard. It was not far to the Keep and to be honest I was glad of the fresh air.

"What just happened in there?" I whispered to Sarah.

I heard her swallow. "Something you are not going to like," she answered. There was a tremor in her voice.

"No kidding," I responded rather grumpily, I admit.

Whether she sensed something in my tone or not I am unsure, but her hand curled around mine, a sign of reassurance. Instantly, I felt foolish. Her gesture made it plain to me what my thoughts had been. Her explanation, however, was most unexpected.

"I have a little knowledge of Wrathion from when I played Warcraft." She said. Her fingers tightened around mine.

"Go on," I encouraged, checking to see if others could hear our conversation – all seemed oblivious.

"I do not have time to go into detail, but I remember he wanted a unified Azeroth to fight the Burning Legion."

"Well, that is good. It is what I had hoped for myself."

"Yes, my love, but, he was not amused when Varian declared there should be a new Warchief of the Horde when Garrosh was defeated. He had hoped for Varian to force the Horde to join with the Alliance and become a unified faction."

I was still unsure where she was going with this train of thought. "Your point is?"

"I questioned Sylvanas' having enough troops to destroy Teldrassil and then return to these shores to either wage war on us here or in Lordaeron."

"I remember, yes. Illidan thought your point was valid too."

She nodded and swallowed once more before continuing. "What if Wrathion still wants a unified force?"

We were nearing the Keep steps. We had to finish this conversation soon so we could open discussions with the King. I was, however, deeply intrigued. "That seems unlikely now, considering."

"Yes, but his methodology could be what has sparked this pending war."

"What are you saying?"

"He is a black drake Khadgar, like his father Deathwing was. Allegedly uncorrupted by the Old Gods, Wrathion nonetheless may have an unscrupulous strategy to achieve that which he desires. Perhaps it was he who set Teldrassil aflame. A dragon has that kind of firepower does he not? Maybe he lured Veressa. By each side thinking the other was to blame, the Horde and Alliance would be forced into battle once more. I wonder if he has set the wheels in motion because he wants us to defeat the Horde."

Her hypothesis was highly feasible but had just added yet another dilemma to an already hideous predicament.

Author's Note: And here ends A Raven's Tale. I admit the ending is a tad different to my original plan, but with the pending release of Battle for Azeroth later this year, I wanted to hint at a conspiracy theory which I just love. It may end up being totally wrong, but I think out of all those I have read and considered myself, this was the most interesting one.

I hope you have enjoyed the journey in the Sarah & Khadgar Chronicles and I thank you for having taken the time to read them. I am uncertain at this time when, or even if I will pen more stories about them. But at least I left it open so that should I return I have somewhere to pick up from.

As for now, I will be writing the story about Sauren Nightflame, the leader of the Crimson Blade from Rogue Firefury. The story is titled Sauren - The Twisted Blade. Perhaps you may wish to join me there?

Thank you again.