Ok guys, I hope you enjoy
He didn't doubt that the nights here were long, dark and cold. Of that he had no doubt, he may not be able to really feel the cold of the water in the same way others might but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a good idea of what cold feels like. He's been to many worlds, dimensions and realms where he learnt the true meaning of cold.
This place was not one of them.
The water his force marched down was still and calm, that effect was mainly due to the large sheet of ice that covered its surface, acting as another layer of defence for them against detection. Eventually, their three-hour-long march across the riverbed came to an end.
Kal stopped walking as he neared the stone wall that blocked their path, or more accurately, ended their path. They had reached the start of their climb up towards Icecrown. The rock wall in front of them was dark and no doubt jiggered and Slippy. Kal turned around and looked at those who had stopped behind them, his force was waiting for him to make the command, and his eyes landed on the four horsemen who each looked at him. While it was incredibly dark down in the water, almost pitch black for anyone else, he could see just fine and those in the amour could see well enough due to the helmet heads-up display.
He nodded at them all and as one they all did the same back, Kal looked up at the thick ice sheet that connected the river to the mountain. His eyes lit up with a bright red hue and the water around him started to bubble due to the heat. Turning the water around him boiling in mere seconds, if the Death Knights were not protected by the temperature by their armour then they would be in trouble and those who had recently been freed in their last skirmish were holding the formation at the back of the force, they were still Death Knights so they didn't need to breath or fear the cold of the water. However, Kal didn't want to risk them being hurt by the heat.
The ice sheet above them started to crack as it was melted away, he floated to the top of the water and gripped it with both hands. He continued to move upwards, taking the largely broken ice sheet with him as he did so. Creating the opening that was needed for the others.
When he left the water, Kal took his first breath in three hours, he knew he didn't need it but he spent all of his young life believing that it was needed in order to live. It was a hard habit to break.
He hovered in the air only a couple of meters above the ground, not wanting to risk being seen by any enemy forces. Quietly as he could, he placed the ice on the ground and turned around to the large opening he made. Though before he could even make the call. He saw a grouping of hands and arms make their way out of the water.
He watched as the Horsemen came free from the water and started to climb up the mountain wall. Kal watched as the others quickly followed them, much like when he saw them climb over the rubble in Naxxramas. From a distance they looked like insects as they scurried up the stone walls, once again he found himself impressed by the versatility of the Death Knights, even when carrying such bulk.
Their weapons were currently placed on the magnetic seals of their backs, for those who were large enough to carry heavy weapons and heavy rifles, it did look far too bulky, but they still climbed so efficiently. When he looked to the water's surface, he watched as more and more broke free from the river's depths. He didn't doubt that if they weren't on his side, he would find himself intimidated by the force.
He knew that it would be best for him to join them, but his flight would be climbing a very trivial process, and everyone knew it. He didn't want to patronize his force with that so he decided to wait here for them, he would act as a safety net in case anyone fell. Of course, he could have also acted as a ferry to take them all up and come back down to get the rest. Though it sounds like a good idea, the truth is that it would increase their chances of discovery.
It would take time to take them all up one at a time and the longer they stayed at the top of the peak they were aiming for, which would put them within spitting distance of the balcony they were planning on infiltrating and the forces on it. The longer they stayed there the bigger the chances would be that they get spotted by some random guard or watch tower sentry, it wouldn't be the worst idea to get them all moving and break off all the ice that would form on their armour from the water they just left combined with the freezing winds that would only get worse the higher they went.
Feeling an all too familiar feeling on the back of his head, Kal turned around and looked out over the frozen waste of Wintersgrap and found a sight that was also comforting to him. The sun was slowly starting to rise into the air over the horizon, he closed his eyes as he felt the orange glow hit his skin, his cells taking in the radiation that it gave off. While very minor, he could feel the power within him increase.
This was something he could always find himself being comforted by no matter how dark the day may look, the sun would always rise again. If darkness thinks that it can cover it up... Then he would need to change that. All that would be needed is for someone to come forward and keep the darkness at bay.
Without another word, he jumped up and flew into the sky.
She has been doing this for thousands of years, she has done it more times than she could count, and it never got old, it never got dated and it was something that she always enjoyed.
The dragon queen Alexstrasza flew through the air over the northern continent. Her wings blocked out the sun for all those she flew over, her ruby scales shining brightly as they reflected the light from the rising sun. Her powerful lungs took in the air around her; she could smell the animals in the forest below them, the animals nesting there trying to shield themselves from the cold wind.
And the smell of death and decay stung her nose.
She could smell the armies of the Scourge, as powerful as it was. She took more confidence in her decision to leave the nest and fight this foe. But she wouldn't be able to do it alone. Moving her large head to glance over her shoulder, she could see the large forms of her flight flying behind her. Most of them at least, she wasn't foolish enough to leave her nest completely defenceless against all those that would seek her eggs for reasons she didn't want to think about.
Nonetheless, the force of the red flight behind her was nothing to scoff at. Her prime consort Korialstrasz was closest to her as was expected given his position in her flight. Slightly behind him were the largest and the oldest of her flight, it went without saying they were the best fighters as well and the rest were behind them. There was no clear formation to their flight, but all knew what to do in most situations and who was in charge.
The land below them changed from snow and ice to grass and hills, something he found her comforted by. While the lands of Dragonblight held a beauty of their own that she loved, they had a hard time competing for the life-filled plains of grass and trees.
She found herself gladdened that she could see the undead had yet to reach this point of the land, which she admitted confused her. She knew the numbers of the enemy well enough, there was little reason they couldn't have taken all of this over yet. So why didn't they? perhaps there was more resistance to the Scourge than she knew.
Maybe their destination would reveal the answer to their question, it was coming up close now. While not able to see it just yet, she could sense the increase in magical energies in the ground, feel it on her body and taste it in the air. Not the life magics of her flight, not the peaceful druid magics of the greens nor the uncompromising sands of the bronze.
No this was the cold and logical arcane of the blues.
They were nearing their destination of the Nexus, the home of the blue flight and the domain of her brother Malygos. A place of magic that few others could hope to match. It was from the nexus that the aspect of magic monitored the lay lines of the world and helped channel the world's rampant magical energies.
Being completely honest with herself, she found herself getting nervous as she approached the Nexus. There was a reason as to why she chose Malygos as the first stop on her journey to build the army of the flights, despite that he was the furthest away from the rest of them. By all logic, she should have gone to her sister Yesra. The grove of the green dragons was fairly close to her own nest and she knew her sister would agree to help them. But that was the point, she knew that going to her sister would be a quick conversation to get her help, such was the bond they shared together.
She wasn't going to ask Nozdormu for aid in this fight. she knew he already knew every detail about the battle to come, including the outcome of it. He would only intervene if the timeline allowed him to, something she knew he hated. But he was bound to his calling just like she was, he could not act against it any more than she could condemn life. If he needed to be there, he would do so. So, she wouldn't go to him, knowing there would be very little point.
So Malygos would be the most difficult to convince to join the cause. When he has agreed to join her they would head back to Dragonblight and get Yesra. The three of them together should be enough to deal with the Scourge's armies. At least that was the hope.
She didn't doubt that many of them would lose their lives in the process of all this madness, she just hoped they would find Kal-El somewhere in the chaos of it all. For a reason she has yet to understand herself, there was something about that man that affected her. It wasn't just the vast amount of power he had, no it was more complicated than that. It was like there was something resonating within him that matched her in some way.
She shook her head of the thoughts, Kal-El for all intents and purposes was an incredibly powerful individual and based on what she had been told by others, a veteran of a war that few others could claim to understand. It was something like that she believed could be useful against what they would be going up against.
But she could try and find Kal later when she was ready for battle, for now, she still had allies to meet up with. The sky ahead of them grew darker but unlike with most of the land, this wasn't the dark and necromantic clouds of the Scourge but the dark blue clouds least magic in the air, to anyone else it would look like a common storm but when one looked closer they would see that the lightning strikes where a much more potent colour of blue. It would only be a few more moments now.
"I will not help you" to deep rumble of the aspect of magic echoed throughout the Eye of Eternity.
"Brother, we cannot allow the undead to grow in strength any more than they already have" she said back in a calm voice but in truth, she sounded more than a little desperate to those who knew her.
The two great dragon aspects stood in front of one another, while Alexstrasza may be the queen of the dragons, she was equal in size and might to Malygos. Of that, she had no doubt about. In fact, given that they both stood inside the aspect of magic's own domain, it would be wise to say that the blue dragon's might and power at this point were far greater than her own.
The two stood on the large white circular platform that was inscribed with intercut runes that she didn't even want to guess at their purpose. All around them was the eternity that this place was called after. A seemingly endless void of stars and space, it was not the aesthetic choice that she would call the most beautiful or comforting but she would be lying if she said it didn't have a great beauty to it.
In between the two dragons in the middle of the platform that hovered in the nothingness of space was a stone pillar that went a few meters into the air. Four large claws made of stone stretched above it, as if they were clasping something that wasn't there. Like something was missing.
"I'm well aware of the threat the undead pose" the Blue dragon snapped back at her. His large form walked back and forth pacing before her "It is why I am working on a plan to deal with the threats once and for all" he added.
"What do you mean brother?" she asked him, staying still in place as her large head turned back and forth to follow him.
"Oh, my dear sister" he said back sarcastically "So many centuries of caring for these mortals. All you do is enable them, failing to see just how dangerous they truly are" The heat in his voice surprised her "But no matter, I will make it right" For some reason, when he said that last part, it felt more that he was saying it to himself then to her.
"Brother" she started, taking a couple of steps forward as she did so "The mortals a young, brash, arrogant and violent. But where are we truly so different? All those years ago when we were just drakes. There were those of us who were good and bad, just like them. The mortals have much to learn, but I have seen the goodness in them. They have the same right to live and learn from the mistakes of those who came before as we do" she said back with a calmer voice, her passion for the mortal seeping through into her words.
However, it seemed to have little effect on him "You are allowing yourself to be blinded by the domain that you were created to uphold" he snapped back, his head turned to quickly face hers "You would see the goodness in bacteria as it ravaged someone's body. You are so blinded by your love for the mortals that you are forgetting what our duty is. Azeroth has been put into more stress and danger than ever before. The cause is always the same. The mortals messing with forces they don't understand. The Legion, the Orcs, the undead, all the wars and the death they cause in a never-ending cycle. It is our duty as dragon aspects to safeguard this world, not protect those who inhabit it. You are just incapable of seeing them as different"
She was so shocked by the heat in his words that she found herself taking a step in slight unexpected fear. She didn't know her brother was this far down in his hatred of the mortals. Malygos seemed to take note of that and his anger lessened, despite how it might seem he didn't want to fight with his sister "Not if we show them a better path" Alexstrasza's voice was put a whisper though it seemed to echo all around them.
Upon hearing it, the aspect of magic sighed and shook his head slightly "You still believe" he stated with an exhausted tone.
"Just because someone stumbles and loses their way, it doesn't mean they are lost forever" She started to step forward "Sometimes, all we need is a little help" their large faces almost touching "The mortals have caused so much damage, so much pain. But do not forget that they always give whatever it takes to make it right. You are correct, when it comes to the protection of this world, they are the biggest risk but they are also our greatest weapon. Their numbers, their determination, their adaptability" Her snout touched his she pushed the magical aura off of herself and into him, almost forcing him to feel the love she has for not only the mortals but for him as well "I am not asking you to sacrifice everything for them. I am asking you to try. Just this once, show them what it means to wield magic. Teach them the responsibilities that come with it" Both large dragons closed their eyes as they basked in each other presence "Despite all that I have been through, I know it is but a fraction of what you have. I'm sorry I couldn't help you brother but please. I... We... this world needs its aspect of magic to come back"
They both opened their eyes, and she stepped back "Come with me, let us fly through the skies side by side once again and show this world that the great aspects are not done defending it just yet" she said to him and waited.
The great dragon a magic stood rooted in place for a couple of moments, his body not moving and his mind going over everything he had heard. Despite everything that has happened to him, despite all the pain and torment Malygos was no fool. Even when his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts that he couldn't that argued and contradicted with each other, he never stopped in his duty to secure and care for the laylines of the world. But at the same time, his sister was right in a way, even at the height of his power just before the War of the Ancients, he never attempted to teach the mortals himself nor did he feel the need to. Was there really any harm in trying?
'Yes' his mind told him 'The longer you wait, the more chances they have to destroy us all' it continued 'The world must be purged of this weakness' it added.
But they don't have the strength to fight off another invasion on their own. If the Legion ever returned, they wouldn't stand a chance against them.
"My lord Malygos" a new voice called out to him. Both of the large aspects turned to portal entrance to the eye and saw a smaller blue dragon approach them "My queen" he said to Alexstrasza along with a small bow of the head. Even if it wasn't too common, those of the older generations tended to be a little more formal around the Aspects "My Lord, I have retrieved the Iris" he spoke.
The young blue lifted its claw and both Aspects watched as the blue orb within it was shown to them. Alexstrasza didn't know what it was, but it did feel familiar to her. Malygos started to walk calmly towards the young blue "Well done Kalecgos" he said as he raised his own claw, and the orb flew from the Kalecgos's claw and into his own "Was there any trouble in acquiring it?" he asked.
"No, my lord" said the younger dragon "When I explained why I was there, it was given over with issue. Though I feel I should point out that the master of that fortress, this Kal-El was not present" he started to tell them "It was handed over by a machine of some sort that called itself Kelex. It claimed that Kal-El is already in Northrend"
"He is" Alexstrasza stated, earning a look from the others "He came to my nest not even half a day ago. Saying that he was here to deal with the Scourge, he wanted the help of the dragons" her head lowered slightly before she carried on "I said no, that the risk was too great"
"Yet you are here now" Malygos said "asking me to commit my flight to war" The tone he used wasn't the best and she knew all too well he didn't like the one-eighty she seemed to have done "What changed your mind?" he asked.
The large red shook her head and let out a sigh "He did. This Kal-El. I assume you've heard of him?" she asked already knowing the answer, when Caelestrasz returned to them from Silithius, he told them of the others who were freed as well. Merithra of the greens and Arygos of the blues. Malygos nodded at her "he has a way with words, and said things that seemed to have an impact on me. Made me see how much of a coward I was being. I hope to prepare ourselves and march on the undead in time to aid him in his battle, if we all work together then we stand a much better chance at victory"
With her peace said, silence took a hold over the Eye as the blue aspect looked down to the orb in his claw. The final piece of the puzzle that he needed in order to complete his plan, move the magical Laylines across the world away from their current positions and into the Nexus. Without access to them, the mortals will start to lose their magic and thus no longer be a risk to the world. While there would be backlash and damage done to the planet, it would be controllable and minor in the face of the mortals being so pacified.
Then he looked back up to his sister, she was looking at him with pleading eyes. She did make some good points; he has never really tried to teach the mortals himself how to use magic responsibly, not that he had a chance to. Before the War of the Ancients, he didn't really need to, the elves seemed to know what they were doing and behaved themselves for the most part 'Would it be the worst idea?' he thought to himself.
After what seemed like a couple of minutes. Malygos moved and he placed the blue orb that seemed to glow with magical power within the pedestal, all four stone claws wrapped around it protectively. It was ready to be used, all it would take was one command and he could do it.
He turned his head, and looked back at his sister "Alright then" he said and even didn't even need to try to feel the joy coming off of her "Let's fly then sister" he added before he quickly turned and started to move towards the portal. Knowing that he didn't want to turn around and see the absolute look of joy that came onto Alexstrasza's face as she watched him leave.
Now that the blues were on board, they should be a trivial thing to get the aid of the greens. Then they could fly again together and end this threat before it gets worse.
As soon as his bare feet touched the ground, he could feel the darkness buried deep within it. His connection to the world is so great that all it takes is one moment for him to sense it all, the necromantic magics stick out to him like the fruit on a desert. Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage was the first to land on the icy shore of the northernmost continent.
Without waiting for the others, he continues to move forward, taking in a lay of the land, of the ruined Tuskar village. Before the druid had even made it to the borders of the village he could taste the dead in the air. A battle with the Scourge took place here, it was done recently as well.
Continuing to move forward towards the still-standing tents and homes, Malfurion looked around him, trying to find evidence of what happened there. He knew well enough that the forces Kal had battled here, though where he was now he didn't know. The man stopped moving when he heard the clink under his feet, looking down and stepping back, he kneeled, rubbing his hand into the snow.
It wasn't long before he found the reason, his hand brought up a dark metal helmet with a half-decayed skull still inside of it. Instead of being repulsed by such a sight, the druid's face adopted a look of sadness and regret before dropping it back to the ground. Allowing nature to once again overtake the grounds of war and bring them into her embrace.
"Arch Druid" a voice called to him, looking over his shoulder Malfurion saw the forces he brought with him... well, more accurately those who agreed to come with him. Near the shore, he could sight five large ships that were used to transport them to the north. One hundred men and women in total, mostly druids wanted to stay with him since he was gone for so long, which he was honoured by. The others were a collection of skilled sentinels that seemed to either have a grudge against the undead or sought to hone their skills by fighting in a new environment, the final and smallest portion of the force were the priests and priestess of Elune who saw so many going and didn't feel right staying behind then their healing would most likely be needed. Everyone was slowly making their way to the shore, it would take some time to move all the equipment and such but it shouldn't take too much longer.
Devon Dreadspear looked down at the Archdruid, his face one of pity as he looked at the helmet and skull within. No doubt saddened by the sight of such desecration. Devon was the most senior member of this force except for him and would act as his second during all of this "What is it?" he asked the younger man.
"I was wondering where are first destination would be?" he asked him.
Knowing that the question was a fair one and expected, Malfurion looked around for a final moment before standing back up to his feet, himself only two feet or so taller than the other man. The plan had changed the second they arrived, when they set off from Darkshore the plan was to meet up with Kal's forces and go from there, assuming they were still here, if they weren't then they would enter the dream and attempt to find them that way "the homes of this village are in good condition, we'll use them for our meditations. Though do be sure to let everyone know that they are not to be disturbed, these homes should remain intact for when they return. Have the sentinels keep a tight perimeter encase the Scourge arrives" he ordered before moving forward towards the tents, trusting the others to prepare themselves on their own while he got a head start.
Sylvanas marched her forces across the river and into the frozen wastes. They left their ships on the shores of the Grizzly Hills; she was sure that if she was still alive, she would have appreciated the beauty of the forests and hills but she wasn't. She was here for a mission. She didn't even wait for everyone to be off the boats before she began the march towards Dragonblight, the last known location of Kal-El and whatever force he moved with.
Wading through the river that separated the two vastly different sections of land was a pain, but it was worth the trouble, knowing that their ships were a safe distance away from the enemy. So even when everything was over, getting back home shouldn't be a problem.
When she looked back over her shoulder towards the large river, she could see that the last remnants of the army had crossed, all five hundred of them. While this army seemed small, there was no denying that it was comprised of the most skilled and powerful members the forsaken had. While maybe not being the tactfully sound decision, she trusted that the sheer numbers of those who remained in the Eastern Kingdoms would be enough to hold their borders until they returned. Besides, what mission could matter more than this one, than finally taking their vengeance against that Bastard Arthas.
There was no real formation to their movements, but it would come back when they recovered from the river, the strong currents forcing those who passed it to struggle to make it across, looking towards the middle of the army she could see the cage with their captive being carried through the snow, the one inside it balling in on himself to preserve whatever heat he had left. Not that she would go far to ensure he survived, he was only a bargaining chip if the theory she had about Kal's forces proved to be correct. Either way, as Nathanos moved in beside her, she turned back forward "I'll move ahead with the scouts, we'll try and find the best route moving forward"
"No" she shook her head quickly, stopping the man before he could turn "There is little point, we know what Kal intends" She started turning forward to look at the snowcapped landscape in front of them "he has power, that is true enough but I doubt he is arrogant enough to think he could win this war with such a small force. He'll seek allies" she explained.
Nathanos was silent for a moment before nodding "The dragons" he said.
"Yes, the Emerald Grove is the closest nest of the Aspects. If they haven't met with Kal'El, they'll know where to find him" she said explaining her plan as she started to move forward.
"They might not take kindly to our arrival" he added with a morbid tone.
"Most likely, half of our forces shall remain here. Along with Mograine. Hang back in case of an attack, if we have to go through the dragons to get our vengeance then that is what we shall do"
"Yes, my lady" he said before turning away and moving back towards the scouts.
So deep in their thoughts and conversation, they didn't notice the vast storm clouds on the horizon being blown away by a powerful force.
Ok, guys, I do hope you enjoyed it. I know not a lot his happening but don't worry, I'm just setting everything up for the main event. Let me know what you think about the reviews below. I'll see you in the next chapter.
Next Story Update: A New Guardian