A Nerubian's Journey

Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Lord Cenarius, I must admit that Im not quite sure what youre referring to, said Krivax, fidgeting with embarrassment. The Aspects dont really keep me informed about everything thats going on and my confidant in the Red Dragonflight is away on Draenor.

Cenarius hummed thoughtfully before responding. I see. Then we will discuss the events concerning Princess Theradras, the centaur, and the tauren first. Discussion on what to do with Fandral and Illidan will require me to spend some time explaining kaldorei politics.

Im more than willing to share my perspective but Im a bit curious about why youre seeking my counsel, Krivax asked hesitantly. He was used to immortals being much more stand-offish than this.

Cenarius expression remained impassive at Krivax's inquiry. His eyes, deep and ancient, studied Krivax as silence filled the space between them. Krivax was startled as the demigod gracefully lowered his body to the verdant forest floor and folded his legs beneath himself. Where he chose to sit, grass and flowers grew thick around Cenarius body.

As one who has walked this world far longer than most, I have seen times change and people adapt to them in many ways. Ive seen wars rage and end, watched empires rise and fall, and observed the dance of nature at its most resplendent and its most ruthless.

Cenarius paused, his gaze drifting over the glade, over the land that resonated with his essence. In my experience, it has seldom been necessary for me to seek the counsel of others. I have relied on my own wisdom, my own experience, and my deep connection with Azeroth. However, we now stand at a precipice of significant change. A time where every perspective, every piece of wisdom, and every unique understanding of the world will be crucial to the survival of all living beings.

A gust of wind passed through the glade as Cenarius words sank in. The demigod continued, his voice filled with sincerity. It is in light of this that I seek your counsel, Krivax. You have walked paths I have not and have seen things from a perspective completely unique to yourself. Even the smallest piece of information or the most insignificant observation could prove invaluable.

As the demigod finished his speech, Krivax wasnt quite sure how to feel. It was certainly a much more humble perspective than he had been expecting from Cenarius.

I would be honored to help in any way that I can, said Krivax as he folded his legs beneath himself and sat down on the grass. Please, tell me about whats happened with Princess Theradras and how it is related to the centaur.

Cenarius nodded and began explaining the situation.

Princess Theradras was one of the threats that Krivax had brought to the attention of the Aspects. She was the daughter of Therazane, Elemental Lord of Earth, and a powerful earth elemental in her own right. Krivax remembered her clearly because her lore was really strange. Theradras mated with one of Cenarius sons, Zaetar, to create the first centaur, who promptly murdered their father.

It honestly sounded like something he would have read in a book about ancient mythology, but he now lived in a world where ridiculous things like that actually happened.

Princess Theradras then captured Zaetars soul and kept it imprisoned in a massive cavern system named Maraudon that the centaurs worshiped as holy ground. Influenced by the Old Gods, she had then transformed her lair into a den of corruption and suffering.

Apparently, the Aspects had seen this as a relatively simple issue to address. Every single corrupted being in Maraudon had been exterminated, Zaetars spirit had been returned to the Emerald Dream, and Princess Theradras had been banished back to Deepholm. The only reason the Aspects hadnt killed her was because her mother was one of the only two Elemental Lords who wasnt endlessly hostile.

It sounded to Krivax like the issue had already been resolved, so why did the demigod feel the need to bring it up?

After Theradras was banished, the centaurs tribes became furious and immediately fell into a state of frenzy, Cenarius explained once he asked that very question. Not only are the tribes attacking each other more than usual, but the chaos of their conflict is also affecting the surrounding region as the centaurs grow even more hostile and violent. The tauren, who were already experiencing difficulties, are being driven from their lands by the increase in centaur aggression.

Helping the tauren was one of Krivaxs main goals for his expedition to Kalimdor, as they were one of the most peaceful and honorable people in Azeroth. Not only that, but they had a lot to offer Azjol-Nerub as natives of Kalimdor. They knew these lands like the back of their hand and could help the kingdom a lot once the nerubians began to establish a presence on the continent.

However, Cenarius words brought to mind a question that he had been pondering for quite some time.

Why havent you or the kaldorei done anything to help the tauren in their time of need? asked Krivax, genuinely perplexed.

In the original timeline, the centaur had driven the tauren nearly to the point of extinction by the time the orcs arrived on Kalimdor, all without kaldorei intervention. The kaldorei and the tauren had even fought side-by-side during the War of the Ancients, yet the night elves allowed them to be slaughtered without helping at all? In the end, the tauren had only been saved thanks to the arrival of Thrall and the Horde.

Cenarius ancient eyes held a tinge of regret as he replied. There are several reasons. One of which is that we were genuinely unaware of how severe the plight of the tauren had grown. My own duties relegate me almost exclusively to these forests or the Emerald Dream, and the kaldorei rarely venture far from their forests. When they do, it is generally by ship on the way to their outpost near AhnQiraj.

While Krivax found that excuse to be plausible given everything he knew about the kaldorei, it didnt do much to absolve them from his perspective. Being insular to the point that you didnt notice the genocide happening on your borders didnt paint the kaldorei in a very good light.

You said that you were unaware of how severe the situation was, not that you didnt know about it at all. What other reasons do you have for not intervening? Krivax asked neutrally, deciding to withhold judgment until he fully understood the state of affairs with the Kalodrei. The way youre speaking implies that you still dont intend to do anything about the centaur even though youre aware of the situation.

Cenarius paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words before he eventually replied. I see now that it was a mistake for me to attempt to separate the topics I wished to discuss with you. They all stem from issues related to kaldorei politics. Ysera informed me that you know very little about the structure of our society. Is that true?

There were a lot of topics in Warcrafts lore that werent covered in detail, and the political structures of the various nations was one of them. In the Eastern Kingdoms, all of the human kingdoms were absolute feudal monarchies as they had all once been a part of the same empire. Ironforge and QuelThalas were both ruled by governments resembling parliamentary monarchies while Gnomeregan was a democratic republic.

As for the night elves, Krivax didnt have the slightest idea how they ran things. He knew Tyrande, Malfurion, and Cenarius were the top guys in charge, but he had no idea how they decided how to delegate authority or how to manage the administrative side of things.

Krivax shook his head and said. I understand the basics, but not much else.

Cenarius nodded, seemingly unsurprised by his answer. What followed was a long discussion, during which the demigod educated Krivax on the more important details of night elf society.

From what he could understand, kaldorei society seemed to be a theocracy with the Sisterhood of Elune, controlled by High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind, functioning as the primary decision-making body. The Sentinels, headed by Shandris Feathermoon, answered directly to the Sisterhood, serving to both enforce their laws and act as the military force for their people.

The Wardens were a bit unique, as they were a paramilitary police force that was ostensibly under the control of the Sisterhood but was in truth loyal to their leader, Maeiv Shadowsong. They even studied their own kinds of magic and lived lives that were separated from the rest of kaldorei society.

In contrast, members of the Cenarion Circle, led by Cenarius and Malfurion Stormrage, were not generally permitted to take part in governmental affairs and were expected to devote themselves fully to the balance of nature. These organizations were segregated by gender, with it being forbidden for male elves to become priests or for female elves to become druids.

It was immediately obvious to Krivax that forbidding half of a societys population from the ability to participate in its governance would inevitably cause political tension, to which Cenarius readily agreed. According to the demigod, there had always been elements within kaldorei society that were unsatisfied with the status quo, but such groups were never large enough to be considered significant.

Privately, Krivax thought it was simply more likely that most of the kaldorei who were dissatisfied with their leadership simply decided to keep their mouth shut or left long ago, as was the case with the High Elves. When your leaders were immortal beings powerful enough to tear through armies alone, there probably wasnt much that a discontented citizen could do.

Of course, that was just his personal speculation. It was entirely possible that the kaldorei were just as monolithic as they were depicted in the lore. He had lived as a nerubian long enough to know that projecting a human perspective onto non-human races was not always a good idea.

This system worked well until circumstances changed less than a millennia ago with the War of the Shifting Sands. The kaldoreis war against the qiraji was their deadliest conflict since the War of the Ancients, Cenarius said solemnly, his eyes distant as if lost in memories. The kaldorei have never dealt well with grief. They are far less accustomed to death than the mortal races of Azeroth, and the loss of so many was a devastating blow. After the war, many kaldorei began questioning their leaders and the fundamental structures of their society.

Krivax could easily see how that would be the case. The night elves were a race of beings who didnt age, had the ability to heal almost any wound or sickness, and were the dominant power on Kalimdor. The death of so many night elves must have had a profound impact on them.

The kaldorei society that you described to Ysera is currently a fiction. That society only existed as everyone in that time was united by a common enemy, said Cenarius, his voice calm but sad.

With that, it became obvious to Krivax why Cenarius had decided to explain kaldorei politics.

Then the reason that the kaldorei still isnt willing to help the tauren is due to internal politics? I imagine that there are a lot of people who arent eager to fight another foreign war after the casualties suffered in the last one, Krivax guessed, seeing where this was going.

Even in a society in which power was held by a few people, they still needed to care somewhat about public opinion. He had no doubt that Tyrande could mobilize the Sentinels against the centaur if she really wanted to, but that would increase discontent among her people.

Very perceptive, Vizier Krivax. That is correct, Cenarius agreed, a glimmer of approval passing through his eyes. To be more specific, Archdruid Staghelm has positioned himself as the voice of those kaldorei who are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. He is well-known for advocating for the dissolution of gender restrictions in kaldorei society and the idea that kaldorei are superior to the other races. He has the support of the Wardens, a significant portion of the Cenarion Circle, and much of the civilian population.

Krivax didnt like the sound of that. It brought to mind the moment in Warcraft when Tyrande ordered Illidan Stormrage to be freed from prison, only to immediately slaughter the Wardens guarding his prison when they refused her orders. Tyrandes decision certainly made more sense when you knew that she considered the Wardens to be political enemies.

I see then what do you intend to do about it, and what are you asking from me? Krivax asked after a moment of silence.

Cenarius considered the question as he studied Krivax. After a long moment, he said. Ysera has convinced Tyrande and me that aiding the tauren against the centaur, diminishing Fandrals political power, and perhaps making an effort to rehabilitate Illidan Stormrage, are all in the interests of Azeroth. However, each of those endeavors would come at the cost of increasing unrest among the kaldorei, which is why we have not made a decision on how to proceed. I wanted to speak with you before we did so.

Me? Why? asked Krivax, genuinely surprised.

Because you are the one who has seen the future and shared it with Ysera. I wish to hear your recounting of Illidan and Fandrals fates myself. In my experience, it is best to receive important information directly from the source.

Ah. I understand, Lord Cenarius. But, you should know that any details I know about them are limited. Im sure youre more familiar with both of them than I ever will be.

Krivax was suddenly pulled from his thoughts as he sensed the sentinels from before beginning to return to the forest around him. Deciding that he didnt want to get on the bad side of the sentinels, he started making his way back to his lodging in Auberdine where he could think more about his future plans.

Cenarius wasnt the only one who had a lot to consider.

Tyrande Whisperwind looked up at the night sky and gazed upon the physical manifestation of the goddess to whom she had dedicated her life.

Elune bathed the tranquil glade on the foot of Mount Hyjal in ethereal silver light, and her most devoted servant felt the goddess power resonate all around her. Tyrande reluctantly turned her gaze away from her goddess and walked toward the private Moonwell that she had constructed near her personal home. The well, a reservoir of pure magic, bore a spiritual connection to Elune and was incredibly useful when the High Priestess wished to commune with her divine matron.

Once she reached the shimmering pools of the Moonwell, Tyrande knelt down beside its edge and looked upon her reflection as it rippled in the mirror-like surface of the pool. Her expression was serene as her green hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.

With practiced ease, she extended her hands over the waters surface and closed her eyes in anticipation. She reached out with her spirit and wholeheartedly invited her goddess to commune with her.

Elune, she whispered, her voice filled with calm certainty. Your faithful servant seeks your wisdom.

She waited in patient silence, the moonlight around her casting a peaceful glow. The forest hushed as though holding its breath, awaiting the divine goddess response.

But the response did not come.

Opening her eyes to the still pool, Tyrande Whisperwind was greeted only by her own reflection staring back at her. There were no celestial visions, no divine whispers of wisdom, or cryptic signs to decipher. Only the serene silence of the moonlit glade responded to her call.

A ripple of disappointment passed over her features before it was quickly replaced by calm acceptance. Tyrande had been seeking Elunes guidance from the moment that Ysera had come to her with proclamations of a dark future. She wished to ask the goddess about the veracity of these predictions and about the prophet who had delivered them, but it seemed that Elune had nothing to say on the matter.

Tyrande rose gracefully from the Moonwell, her gaze shifting back to the starlit sky. Despite the disappointment of unanswered prayers, her voice was steady and full of undying devotion. In your silence, Elune, I will find my own way.

She loved and believed in Elune with all her heart, but there were times that she wished the goddess would be more explicit in her guidance. With a quiet sigh, Tyrande rose from her position and began making her way out of the glade and toward her home.

As she reached the treeline, a rustling from the thick undergrowth alerted her to an incoming presence. A few moments later, Tyrande was surprised to see a sentinel step into the clearing and kneel before her, awaiting permission to speak. The sentinels knew better than to disturb her in this sacred place and only did so when the situation was truly important.

Report, Sentinel Amberwing, said Tyrande. Her voice was one of stern authority and she could feel herself shedding her role as a priestess and donning her mantle as a General and leader of her people.

High Priestess, the outsiders have been escorted to their temporary lodgings in Auberdine, said the sentinel. Lord Cenarius requested a meeting with the individual that you designated for additional surveillance and ordered his escorting sentinels away so they could speak in private. Their meeting lasted for approximately two hours before the target returned to his lodgings in Auberdine.

Tyrande hummed thoughtfully as she listened to the sentinels report. It was no great surprise that Cenarius was interested in meeting with the nerubian who had been blessed by the Dragon Queen, especially given his visions of a possible future. Tyrande was quite interested in meeting the young prophet herself. Still, it was surprising to her that they had spoken for such a long period of time.

What else do you have to report? asked Tyrande, knowing that the actions of Cenarius didnt justify her being disturbed.

High Priestess, Sentinel Wildsky has reported back from her investigation, said Sentinel Amberwing. Maiev Shadowsong left for the Isle of the Watchers several weeks ago, and is not expected to return for at least another month.

Tyrande felt a mixture of surprise and mirth at the sentinels report. Eythae Wildsky was the sentinel that she had assigned to monitor Shadowsongs activities. The Warden was too skilled and cunning for normal surveillance to be effective, so Tyrande generally only learned about her activities long after they happened.

The very day after she had spoken to Ysera, Tyrande had ordered Wildsky to inform her the moment Shadowsong left to visit the Watchers various facilities outside of Kalimdor, as she frequently did. Now it seemed that the troublesome woman had done so at the most opportune of moments.

Summon my personal guard, sentinel, Tyrande instructed decisively. Inform them that I intend to visit the Barrow Deeps and that they are to bring Ashalah, my saber cat.

Without hesitation, Sentinel Amberwing gave a crisp salute and departed. Alone with her thoughts, Tyrande considered what she was about to do.

She hadnt seen Illidan since the day that he was imprisoned. The only person who visited him was her mate, Malfurion, and he had stopped doing so a millennia ago. She didnt know all of the details, but the two of them had apparently had an argument that resulted in Malfurion abandoning any hope his brother could be redeemed.

Even their conversation with Ysera had done little to change Malfurions opinion of Illidan, as he seemed intent on ignoring the good Illidan would do in favor of the bad.

However, Tyrande was much more open to the possibility of Illidans release and had been considering the wisdom of doing so for more than a year. If Azeroth was truly destined to grow as tumultuous as the prophet claimed, then his aid might prove invaluable. Of course, the largest obstacle to doing this was Maiev Shadowsong.

The leader of the Watchers was obsessive in her duties to an irrational degree and would doubtlessly oppose any attempts to free Illidan. The Watchers were fanatically loyal to her and would follow her orders above all, perhaps even to the point of treason.

That was why Tyrande felt it best to take any action related to the Betrayer while she was away. Shadowsong would find it difficult to do anything about the situation after Illidan was already removed from her custody.

Tyrande didnt actually intend to free him today, but she did feel that it would be worth paying him a visit. She hoped to glean some understanding of what could be expected of Illidan, should his release become necessary, and gauge his current state of mind. While she trusted Ysera, it was Illidans own actions and words that would ultimately decide his fate.

Tyrande was pulled from her thoughts as a small group of sentinels appeared in the glade. Each of them was clad in finely crafted armor made of pure elunite, and had been guarding her for millennia. At their center was a majestic white frostsaber with brilliant blue eyes that glowed in the night.

Tyrande approached her trusted companion and placed a gentle hand on Ashalahs sleek neck The frostsaber responded with a gentle nudge and a rumbling purr. Mounting gracefully, Tyrande addressed her guards. We ride for the Barrow Deeps to visit the Betrayer.

None of her guards questioned Tyrandes orders, and they quickly set off. The journey itself was relatively uneventful as the entrance they were approaching was hidden. The Barrow Deeps was a large cave system beneath Mount Hyjal known as the place where the Druids of the Claw rested, but also was less widely known to host the Watchers prison vaults. There were many guards assigned to prevent anyone from disturbing the druids, and even more Watchers who would kill anyone not authorized to approach the prison.

They soon reached the entrance to the Barrow Deeps and made their way inside. Nobody dared to stop Tyrande and her guards as they made their way deeper into the caves, to where nobody but the Watchers were authorized to enter. Tyrande could feel the moment they passed through the ancient wards protecting the prison, and she wasnt surprised when a Watcher came to confront her soon after.

High Priestess, said the Watcher as she emerged from the shadows, her voice betraying her surprise. We were not informed that you would be visiting. Why have you come?

Tyrande met the Watchers gaze unflinchingly, her eyes glinting with quiet authority. Ive come to visit Illidan Stormrage, Watcher. I trust you will not stand in my way.

The Watcher hesitated. Tyrande knew someone would already be running to Maiev if she were here, but there was little the Watchers could do but obey their High Priestess with Shadowsong absent.

Of course not, High Priestess, the Watcher replied reluctantly. Follow me.

Grateful that she wouldnt be forced to resort to more forceful methods, Tyrande nodded to the Watcher and began following her through the labyrinthine prison. They passed by an impressive number of guards on the way to Illidans cell, one of which was even a Keeper of the Grove. Tyrande idly wondered how Maiev had convinced one of Cenarius sons to join the Watchers, as they were almost all members of the Cenarion Circle.

Then they finally reached the enchanted gates that led to Illidans cell, Tyrande ordered the Watchers and the guards to allow her some privacy. The Watchers attempted to protest, but Tyrande firmly reminded them of their place and silenced any objections. Once they had all left and she was finally alone, Tyrande took in a deep breath and pushed open the doors to Illidans cell.

Tyrande was immediately struck by the absolute darkness of the cell and called on Elune to illuminate her surroundings. When the light from her spell washed over the room, she finally saw him.

Illidan, is that you?

Tyrande watched as Illidan stirred from the corner of the cell that he had been slumped in.

Who disturbs my His voice trailed off as he lifted his head, turning his sightless eyes hidden behind a blindfold in her direction. A moment of silence passed before Illidan spoke again, his voice a disbelieving whisper. Tyrande? Is that you? After all these ages spent in darkness, have you truly come to visit me?

The sight of him left a pang in her heart. He was just as she remembered, but also so much different. His body was covered in intricate tattoos that pulsed with Fel magic subdued only by the wards around the cell, and faint emerald lights shone through his blindfold, a stark reminder of the power he had been gifted by Sargeras.

Yes, Illidan. Its me, Tyrande confirmed. Her voice echoed through the hollow, somber room as she approached his cell.

Why are you here, Tyrande? asked Illidan, his voice filled with a mixture of longing and anger. After leaving me here to rot for so long, why have you come now?

A great many things have happened since your imprisonment, Tyrande said softly, unable to hold back the sympathy she felt as she looked at the man who had once been considered a hero of their people. And many more things are going to happen in the near future. There is much that we need to talk about.