Chapter 25

Chapter 25

King Terenas Menethil II hummed in contemplation as he watched the large scrying mirror as it displayed images of the strange spiderlike creatures currently being escorted through his city from above. The mirror was not as advanced as the scrying tools that Quelthalas used, having a limited range and requiring the continuous efforts of a mage for it to serve its function, but it was more than enough for the nobles and heads of state currently in his imperial chamber.

When Capital Citys Guard Captain first received news from a minor noble house of strange creatures sailing to the Eastern Kingdoms from Northrend, he had thought it to be absurd and didnt even bother bringing it to the attention of his superiors. It was only out of a sense of duty and professionalism that the Guard Captain felt compelled to send a Gryphon rider to verify the truth or the falsehood of the matter.

After the scout returned with frantic reports of gigantic spider-like creatures making their way to Capital City, the Guard Captain hurriedly brought the matter to Falric, the young captain of Lordaerons Kingsguard, who then brought the matter to Terenas.

He had quickly ordered his Court Conjurors to scry the creatures with their magic and his spymaster to immediately begin gathering as much information as he could before the creatures arrived at Capital City. Fortunately, the original messenger sent by House Ashfort had still not yet left the city and also had a wealth of information to share with them. Lord Ashfort had been wise enough to gather information about the creatures from the crew of the ship that carried them to the Eastern Kingdoms, as well as the individuals who had traveled to their underground kingdom.

After his spymaster finished compiling the information and presented it to Terenas, it quickly became apparent to him that establishing peaceful diplomatic contact with this Azjol-Nerub would be one of the most important moments of his kingship.

If the accounts were true, then Azjol-Nerub was easily a kingdom on par with Quel'thalas, and the impact they would have on the Eastern Kingdoms had the potential to be enormous. Not to mention the fact that they could not afford to make such a powerful kingdom their enemy at a time when they were already facing an existential crisis in the form of the Horde.

It was for these reasons and more that Terenas did not hesitate to make his fellow rulers aware of the situation and share all the information that Lordaeron had gathered.

The reactions had been passionate.

Nobody reacted well after learning that another potential crisis was barreling toward them, and many of the initial proposals on how to deal with the creatures had been overly impulsive.

Terenas was eventually able to make them see that calm and peaceful diplomacy was in their best interests, but nobody was excited about the kingdom of terrifying spiderpeople that threatened to throw the continents situation into further chaos.

Terenas turned his gaze away from the mirror, evaluating the expressions and reactions of his fellow rulers who were currently seated along the room in seats that had been verified by a mage to be exactly the same size.

Each of them had enough experience and training in politics to be able to hide their feelings from most observers, but Terenas was an old and experienced king and was more than able to see through their masks.

The first person he looked to was a tall, stoic man dressed in leathers and furs who looked as if he would rather be marching toward a battlefield than attending a diplomatic meeting.

His old friend, King Thoras Trollbane of Stromgarde, was especially easy to read given how well Terenas knew the man. Many dismissed Thoras as a brute due to his gruff exterior and Stromgardes martial culture, but Terenas knew well that his friend possessed a sharp mind. While his fellow king was outwardly expressionless, Terenas could tell that Thoras was already considering how best to kill the monstrous twenty-foot-tall spider-beetle creature that was currently being displayed in the scrying mirror.

Thoras was the kind of ruler who would hope to avoid war but believed it to be inevitable and would thus do everything he could to prepare for it. A fact that was consistently proven in his mind by Stromgardes constant skirmishes with the forest trolls and Alterac.

Seated next to him was a tall, slender man with weathered skin and wearing a green naval uniform; this man would be recognizable to anybody as Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, ruler of Kultiras.

While Admiral Proudmoore was no less disturbed than the rest of them by the existence of the creatures, Terenas could see that the man held much less tension in his shoulders than the rest of them. This did not surprise him; as far as Admiral Proudmoore was concerned, any problem that could be solved by the Kultiran navy and its Tidesages was not a problem worth being troubled over.

It was highly unlikely that an underground kingdom like Azjol-Nerub, similarly to the gnomes and dwarfs, possessed any naval power worth noting, and their decision to hire the Sea Cutter to travel to the Eastern Kingdoms supported that assumption.

Unfortunately, the next ruler, a tall and cadaverously thin man with a long gray beard and a bald head covered by a gold-edged skullcap, was much harder to read. Archmage Antonidas, Grand Magus of the Kirin Tor and widely recognized to be one of the most powerful mages alive, was not a king, but he was no less influential than any of the other rulers in the room.

Terenas was well familiar with the man, but he still could not get a good read on what the old mage was thinking. Though given the interested hum the man let out whenfor a single terrifying momentone of the taller robe-wearing creatures turned its gaze upward and seemed to directly look back at them through the mirror, Terenas would assume the man was feeling curious.

Next, seated on the other side of the room, was a large, bearish man with thick features, a heavy black beard, and wearing black and gray armor. Genn Greymane, king of Gilneas, was not a particularly pleasant man, in Terenass opinion. He was stubborn, proud, strong-willed, arrogant, and was one of the rulers most resistant to forming an alliance to combat the Horde.

Greymanes expression was the easiest to read of the gathered rulers, given his poorly concealed revulsion as he stared at the creatures. Terenas had no doubt in his mind that Gilneas would want absolutely nothing to do with Azjol-Nerub, regardless of whether or not their supposedly peaceful intentions were genuine.

The next king, a quiet, cultured-looking man with graying brown hair, was the only other ruler as opposed to forming an alliance as Greymane.

I believe this is the first time that Ive looked at him since this council began that he was not glaring hatefully at Thoras, Terenas mused.

King Aiden Perenolde was the ruler of Alterac, a weak landlocked kingdom that found itself in frequent conflict with Stromgarde. Perenolde was doing his best to hide it, but Terenas could tell that the man was extremely interested in the creatures, and would not hesitate to find a way to use them to his advantage as best he could.

The final member of the recently dubbed Council of Seven Nations was a large, stout man, almost bald, who wore a full set of armor and possessed a thick beard and a strong, stern face. Anduin Lothar, Knight Champion and Regent Lord of the destroyed kingdom of Stormwind, was a man who looked as if he had lost everything aside from his life.

When he wasnt busy giving fiery speeches in an attempt to convince them of the Hordes threat and the need to unite against them the man barely looked as if he was keeping himself together, and the young black-haired teenager currently sitting by his side did not look much better.

Crown Prince Varian Wrynn had spent the past few days since arriving in Capital City barely looking as if he was aware of where he was. When the boy wasnt staring off blankly into space, he was swinging between unfathomable sorrow as he struggled not to cry, unbridled wrath whenever they spoke of the Orcs, or, more worryingly, poorly concealed resentment.

Even if his current expression was one of curiosity as he watched the nerubians through the scrying mirror.

It did not take a genius to guess that the child blamed the other human kingdoms for failing to aid Stormwind in their time of greatest need. Terenas had pledged Lordaerons forces to the goal of pushing back the Horde and restoring young Wrynn to his kingdoms throne, but he knew that did little to ease the childs pain of seeing both his parents killed and his countrymen senselessly slaughtered.

The future kings resentment was a troubling sign, and bode ill for the future of Stormwind's relationship with the other kingdoms.

Terenas decided to do something about the matter now, while it was still on his mind, and tapped a single finger to his wrist.

Recognizing the nonverbal signal, his spymaster, Tafari Anwir, seamlessly appeared at his side as if he had stepped out of thin air.

A few of the other rulers glanced at him but quickly turned their attention back to the scrying mirror after assessing that there was no threat.

Terenas rubbed his thumb against the enchanted ring which would prevent unwanted listeners from hearing their conversation and leaned over to speak with his spymaster. Not only did the ring prevent eavesdroppers, but it even prevented anyone from reading his lips, allowing Terenas to have private conversations in public settings.

Despite this, Terenas could not quite overcome the instinct to whisper whenever he was giving sensitive instructions to his spymaster while others were around.

Tafari, after the meeting, arrange for Arthas to meet the young Wrynn and do what you can to foster a friendship between the two of them.

The two are already scheduled to meet later this week, Your Majesty, said Tefari, his tone not expressing any particular opinion on the matter. Is there a need for me to move it up? And for me to make efforts in ensuring a friendship?

Yes, if the two of them have a good relationship, then that would do much to diminish the future risks caused by the boys resentment, Terenas said quietly.

A small part of him felt guilty about manipulating a friendship between his son and a grief-stricken child for political purposes, but there was no such thing as a king who had ruled for as long as he had without being willing to make difficult decisions. Ñøv€l-B1n was the first platform to present this chapter.

The room quieted down as a servant moved to take the scrying mirror out of the imperial chambers, and the rulers waited for the nerubians to arrive.

It did not take very long before four of the creatures were walking into the imperial chamberTerenas assumed the rest were not essential for diplomacy and were made to wait in the hall outside-and the various rulers of the Eastern Kingdoms were taking their first look at the nerubians in person.

All three of the robed nerubians along with the one that was too large to enter the imperial chamber under normal circumstances were much more terrifying up close.

It was immediately apparent to everyone that the scrying mirror did not do them proper justice.

Terenas turned his attention to the tall, four-armed and four-legged, robed nerubians, who were apparently referred to as Viziers according to the information provided by the messenger. They were the ones that were supposedly in charge of the delegation, so he would address them when he spoke.

Fortunately, Archmage Antonidas had already used his magic to ensure that any words said in the imperial chambers would be translated to everyone else.

Welcome to Lordaeron, said Terenas before introducing himself and then each of the important figures in the room with him, then moving to ask the question that was on everybodys mind.

We have been told that you come to us as representatives of a previously unknown kingdom of Northrend, referred to as Azjol-Nerub, said Terenas, regally. And that you seek to establish peaceful diplomatic ties with the kingdoms of this continent. Is that true?

After a moment of silence, the smallest of the so-called Viziers stepped forward to speak.

That is indeed the case, King Menethil, the creature said politely. I am Vizier Krivax. With me are Vizier Hadix, Vizier Crinis, and Spiderlord Anubrekhan. The Vizier gestured to each of the apparent leaders of the delegation as he introduced them.

We come with peaceful intentions and hopes that a diplomatic connection between our people will allow for us to learn more of one another, said Vizier Krivax. And that we might find areas of cooperation from which we could mutually benefit.

Why have we never heard of you before? asked King Greymane, not bothering to hide his suspicion. Seems like an awfully strange coincidence that you all arrive at the same time that were facing an army of monsters from the south.

I assure you, King Greymane, this is indeed merely a coincidence, said Vizier Krivax quickly. Until recently, Azjol-Nerub was not aware that there were any lands outside of Northrend that survived the Great Sundering. After realizing this was not the case, a diplomatic delegation was organized that would be sent to learn more about the Eastern Kingdoms.

King Greymanes expression was one of obvious skepticism, but he did not speak further.

Do you intend to establish a settlement on this continent? asked King Trollbane, his eyes assessing as he stared at the Vizier.

We currently have no such intentions, King Trollbane, said Vizier Hadix. If that changes, then we will, of course, discuss the matter with the people of these lands first.

Are you hoping to establish some manner of a trade agreement? asked King Perenolde, cutting off Thoras from asking any follow-up questions. According to House Ashfort, your peoples silk is of the highest quality and holds valuable magical properties. Im sure we could reach some manner of understanding if you are willing to trade such materials.

Vizier Krivax seemed to hesitate before he next spoke.

The purpose of this delegation is for us to establish diplomatic contact and for our people to learn more about each other, said Vizier Krivax. Any future decisions beyond must first undergo the thorough consideration of our kingdom's leaders.

Terenas had spoken to enough elvish diplomats to know that the Viziers words did not paint a good picture of Azjol-Nerubs interest in establishing a trade deal.

Looking at King Perenoldes expression, he had also reached the same conclusion.

Im sure that we have any number of materials that your leaders might be interested in, said King Perenolde, attempting to persuade the foreign diplomats. The Eastern Kingdoms are a big place, after all. There must be something here that your people would find valuable.

Azjol-Nerub does not want for material objects, human, spoke the massive creature that had been introduced as Anubrekhan. Its voice was deep, and Terenas could hear the disturbing sounds of harsh buzzing and clicking sounds through the translation spell. Anything this continent has to offer us will come in the form of knowledge, such as the opportunity to learn more of your so-called Light.

Archbishop Faol sat up in his seat and a gentle smile spread across his face.

Your people are not familiar with the Light? And you are interested in learning more?

Yes. It seems like a useful form of magic, said Anubrekhan, his tone one of interest. Azjol-Nerub would benefit from access to magic so well suited to healing wounds.

The Holy Light is not a mere tool, Archbishop Faol said disapprovingly. If you treat it in such a way, it will never answer your call. But the Church is always willing to spread its knowledge to those who are willing to learn.

Terenas listened as the discussion continued on like that for some time, each of the rulers questioning the nerubians about their intentions. As he was listening to Perenolde once again try to convince the nerubians to trade with his kingdom, Terenas noticed Archmage Antonidas having a staring match with the one called Vizier Hadix.

If he was remembering correctly, that was the same Vizier that had seemed to notice their scrying.

Vizier Crinis, meanwhile, was ignoring the conversation completely and was instead busy studying the imperial chambers magically expanded entrance.

Ironically, the displays served to reassure Terenas; if the mages of these strange spider people were as arrogant and competitive as human mages, then could these nerubians really be so different?

Does your interest in knowledge extend to more conventional magic? Archmage Antonidas asked slyly. Perhaps you would be interested in coming to Dalaran, where we could compare our understanding of the arcane.

I suppose we could take the time to inspect your city, said Vizier Hadix, haughtily. It should be an amusing diversion if nothing else.

If I might interrupt, I do not believe this is a discussion that can be finished in a single day, said Terenas, drawing everyones attention to himself. And it would be unkind to keep the rest of your delegation waiting out in the hall. I propose that we see to your accommodations, and then continue this discussion tomorrow. My Majordomo has prepared suitable arrangements for you all to stay in the palace.

Terenas had not liked the idea at first, who would want such strange and potentially dangerous creatures near their family, but Captain Falric had quickly convinced him that this was the best course of action.

Due to the ongoing Council of Seven Nations, the palace was likely the safest and most heavily guarded location in the Eastern Kingdoms outside of Quel'thalas itself. Security was at its maximum, and every single inch of the palace was covered by powerful wards and hidden guards vigilantly watching everyone walking in and out of the building.

Not to mention the fact that each of the kings had brought their kingdoms most powerful mages and warriors to accompany them.

If the nerubians were able to successfully commit hostile actions in such an environment, then there was little that they could do to stop them anyway.

The nerubian delegation and the various rulers quickly agreed to his proposal, everyone notably tired from the long and eventful day. House Menethils Majordomo quickly moved to show the nerubians to their accommodations, his mask of professionalism not breaking for a moment as he escorted the terrifying creatures. Most of the nerubians would be given lodgings in the same wing as the rest of the foreign diplomats, but the Spiderlord would need to be given accommodations outside of the palace.

Terenas sighed in relief as he gave his farewells to the last of the important figures, and began making his way to his private chambers alongside his personal guards. Today was a long day, and Terenas was reaching an age where he savored the opportunity to rest whenever he could.

Unfortunately, he had a feeling that such opportunities would grow more and more rare in the near future.