Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Krivax could feel his sense of excitement growing as he, a few other members of the delegation, and a small escort of knights left Lordaeron and began making their way to Dalaran.

The past week had been stressful, and the chance to be free of his normal responsibilities and instead spend his time touring a true magical city was something that he was looking forward to. While the amount of cultural misunderstandings that were happening between the delegation and Lordaeron was steadily decreasing, Krivaxs job had not actually gotten much easier.

High King Anubarak and the rest of Azjol-Nerubs leadership were increasingly debating the costs and benefits of establishing some manner of settlement in the Eastern Kingdoms, and where such a settlement should be built. As a result, Anubarak directed the delegation to subtly evaluate how the locals would react to such a thing.

Needless to say, nobody was particularly enthusiastic about living near a powerful empire of xenophobic spider people that may or may not become a threat in the future. The fact that nerubians generally lived underground and that they would not be claiming land that the other kingdoms wanted made very little difference. It didnt help that pretty much all of the northern section of the continent was claimed by one kingdom or another, the only exception being the small bits of land that still belonged to the trolls.

If Azjol-Nerub ever did decide to build a city in the Eastern Kingdoms, then it would be hard to do so without stepping on somebodys toes.

In addition to that headache, the atmosphere in the palace was starting to grow increasingly uncomfortable as negotiations faltered between the human kingdoms. This was in spite of reports from the ambassadors from Ironforge and Gnomeregan that the Horde was making preparations to march north.

Trixie had come to him more than once to talk about the threat the Horde posed to her people and ask if there was anything that they could do to help. Apparently, Gnomeregans embassy had decided that she could be of more help to her people as an expert on the nerubians than as just one more warrior to fight off the Horde, much to her displeasure.

Unfortunately, Krivax doubted that Azjol-Nerub would be willing to get involved in the war until it became clear how it affected them.

All of this meant that he was eager to get away from Lordaeron for a while and set his eyes on one of the most famous cities in Warcraft for the first time. Especially since it meant that he would get the chance to look into Krasus while he was there. Even if he allowed himself to enjoy his time in Dalaran, he couldnt allow himself to forget that there were certain goals that he needed to accomplish.

Krivax, how long will we be staying in Dalaran?

Krivax was pulled out of his thoughts by the voice of his friend asking him a question and he turned his attention back to the present.

Im not sure, Masruk, it depends on a few different factors, said Krivax, turning to look at the warrior. It mostly depended on how long Vizier Hadix felt like staying in the city, which would be influenced by his investigation into the Void. Why do you ask?

I doubt that the trip will be very entertaining, Masruk explained. Visiting a magical city is much more interesting for you than it is for me.

Arent you looking forward to sparring with some of the mages there? asked Krivax, trying his best to excite his friend. Ive already noticed a few differences between our magic and that of the people here. Im sure that there will be differences in the way that we fight as well.

From what you have told me of Dalaran, I doubt I will actually be able to find anyone willing to spar with me, Masruk said evenly. Most of the mages in Dalaran are scholars, and even those who are not will not be interested in fighting someone who isnt a mage.

Unfortunately, that was very likely to be true from what Krivax could tell.

Do you think theres anything else in Dalaran that you might find interesting?

Masruk took on a contemplative expression as he considered the question, eventually reaching an answer that Krivax found surprising.

I think I might like reading about their history, said Masruk, sounding unsure of himself. I still remember when you first told me about the Nerubian-Vrykul Wars and other stories about our peoples history. Do you think that the history of these people might be as interesting as our own?

Im sure that it is, Krivax said encouragingly. It would be nice if Masruk developed a hobby outside of just fighting with people. Once were there, Ill ask if they have any history books about their wars.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

Thank you, said Masruk, his expression brightening. I think I would like that.

The two of them made companionable conversation as their group traveled down the dirt road to Dalaran along the edge of Lordamere Lake. Given that Capital City and Dalaran were close enough that residents of one city could see the other, it didnt take them very long before they reached their destination.

Dalaran was a city of large domed buildings and tall, majestic spires. Most of the buildings were painted violet, and Krivax could easily tell that the city was nearly completely drenched in arcane energies. The city itself was much larger than Krivax had expected, and reminded him that aside from their mages, Dalaran was home to a large population of non-mage residents as well.

As they approached the citys gate, however, it became clear that traffic had been cleared out in anticipation of their arrival when they saw several mages waiting to welcome them. They were a small group of an older human man, a female elf, and a male gnome, the latter two of whom looked young and nervous.

Welcome to Dalaran, said the heavyset man dressed in elaborate, violet robes. I am Archmage Ansirem Runeweaver, and these are my apprentices. I will be your guide during your initial tour of Dalaran.

Greetings, Archmage Runeweave. I am Vizier Krivax, and these are Vizier Hadix and Vizier Crinis, said Krivax, stepping forward to address the Archmage. He didnt bother to introduce Masruk or any of the other warriors who had come to serve as protection since none of them were expected to act in a diplomatic position. Weve heard much about your city during our time in Capital City and look forward to seeing it for ourselves.

Then I hope we meet your expectations, said Archmage Ansirem. I must confess, I was surprised when I failed to see Spiderlord Anubrekhan accompanying your group. Has something happened that prevented him from joining you?

Anubrekhan chose to stay in Capital City to handle any diplomatic affairs that might emerge during our absence. He regrets that he could not come to visit your city, said Krivax, lying only a little.

Anubrekhan chose to stay in Capital City because he was far more interested in the Light than he was in Dalaran. Krivax had been a bit surprised by how enthusiastic the Spiderlord seemed to be about the Light, but he was definitely happy about it. The Light was the single most powerful weapon that Azjol-Nerub could gain against the threat of the Lich King, and it was nice to see things moving in a positive direction.

Vizier Hadix had so far been content to leave investigation into the Light to the Spiderlord, but Krivax felt like that would change after the Vizier learned the effect that the Light had on the Void.

I see, said the Archmage, his tone neutral. In that case, I will show you through the city and then to your accommodations.

The Archmage quickly turned and began making his way into the city, his apprentices following behind him after a moment of hesitation. Their escorts of knights bid them farewell, explaining that their protection was now the responsibility of Dalaran, and left to being their journey back to Capital City.

Dalarans supply of rare magical reagents is surprisingly varied and comprehensive. Very impressive, said Vizier Hadix. There are a few materials that are common here that I would find exceedingly difficult to acquire in Azjol-Nerub and wider Northrend.

Quite right, Vizier Crinis agreed. I believe that creating a permanent portal between Northrend and the Eastern Kingdoms will be much more feasible than I previously estimated.

Krivax had not expected the two Viziers to be so enthusiastic about Dalaran, but he was glad to see it.

If there is nothing else that you would like to purchase in the Magus Commerce Exchange, then Id suggest we continue on to the Violet Citadel, said Archmage Runeweaver, interrupting their conversation. After all, your meeting with the Council of Six is scheduled for a few days from now. It would be best if you are familiar with the building beforehand.

How much of the Citadel will we be allowed to see? asked Krivax as they started moving again.

I will show you through the reception area, and the public portion of the Grand Library, said Archmage Runeweaver. I will also point out the portal that you will use to transport yourself to the Council of Sixs meeting room, the Chamber of Air.

The Violet Citadel was a truly impressive structure that grew more and more amazing as they approached. Krivax had no doubt in his mind that such a massive spire could only have been raised by magic. The Citadel was a large building composed of many smaller spires surrounding a much larger one with some kind of circular structure surrounding its tip.

Archmage Runeweaver quickly led them up the stairs and introduced them to the Citadels secretary, a young human woman, and then brought them to the library. Krivax had seen many truly impressive libraries in Azjol-Nerub, but none of them, aside from maybe the Orders secret library, compared to the Grand Library alone. Many young students could be seen walking through the library aisles as enchanted books flew through the air, conveniently sorting themselves in the many bookcases that stretched to the high ceiling.

The fact that this was only the public portion of the library made Krivax wonder what the entire Grand Library looked like, restricted knowledge and all.

Many of the students stopped their studying to stare at the nerubians, but a stern look from Archmage Runeweaver sent their attention back to their books.

Lets go. Many of them have important examinations at the end of the week, and they cannot afford to be distracted, said the Archmage.

After leading them to the portal that would take them to the Chamber of Air, there was only a single remaining stop on their tour.

Now we go to our final and, in my humble opinion, most important, destination, said the Archmage, his tone one of excitement. Runeweaver Square, a portion of the city named after one of my ancestors where most of the citys classrooms are located in. We will be looking into one of the ongoing lessons.

Krivax and the rest of the group were quickly brought to the center of the city, where Runeweaver Square was located, and they all entered a classroom that was being taught by one Arcanist Melelis Flametrail, an older elf man. Their entry into the classroom obviously caused a commotion, but Archmage Runeweaver and Arcanist Flametrail were soon able to reestablish order and get the class back on topic.

And it didnt take long before Krivax realized that the topic being taught was magical warding. The elf stood at the front of the classroom, writing out some kind of Arcane formula on a chalkboard that Krivax didnt recognize but seemed lacking. Was this an introduction course?

It didnt help that the elf simply wasnt a good teacher. He did a poor job of explaining some of the underlying concepts, seemed impatient whenever one of the students asked a question, and just generally seemed like he would prefer to be somewhere else.

It made Krivax wonder how Dalaran chose their instructors, were they volunteers, or had Arcanist Flametrail been assigned to teach the class?

They all watched the lesson for some time with Archmage Runeweaver quietly explaining Dalarans educational system before Arcanist Flametrail was very suddenly interrupted.

Hmph. What absolute nonsense, Vizier Hadix said derisively while speaking Common, loudly.

Krivax buried his face in all four of his hands as the room immediately grew silent enough that you could hear a pin drop.

Oh? Does one of Dalarans esteemed guests have something to say about our lesson? Arcanist Flametrail asked through gritted teeth after composing himself. Id certainly love to hear what a giant spider from a frozen wasteland like Northrend could possibly have to say about my teaching.

Your wards have more vulnerabilities than a hatchlings first web, Vizier Hadix said bluntly. If you dared to teach such garbage in Azjol-Nerub, I would make certain that you never taught magic again.

If you feel so strongly about the matter, insect, then why dont you come to the front of the room and correct me? Arcanist Flametrail asked mockingly.

"I shall, elf, and I won't kill myself in the process of doing so," said Vizier Hadix, not hesitating to move to the front of the classroom.

Krivax watched with trepidation as Vizier Hadix began to humiliate the elf by pointing out a multitude of vulnerabilities in his Warding formula, introducing ways to improve upon it, and even drawing out a rather complex warding diagram that had various students furiously taking notes. It didnt help that Hadix stopped every once in a while to berate the elf for his incompetence in front of his students.

By the time he was done, Arcanist Flametrail was silently seething, unable to retort after being so thoroughly outclassed in the very subject he was supposed to be teaching.

How dare you! What gives you the right to come into my classroom, take over my lesson and attempt to shame me in such a way?! Arcanist Flametrail finally yelled, practically frothing in rage after having enough.

In order; I was invited, you asked after I pointed out your failings and I didn't shame you, your own incompetence did, Hadix replied evenly.

Enough! If you are so confident in your magical ability, then Im sure youll have no problem demonstrating it firsthand, said Arcanist Flametrail.

"Oh no," said Krivax, guessing what was coming. He had a feeling that the elf was about to say something very unwise.

"Under the rules and regulations of Dalaran, I formally challenge you to a magical duel. The terms of which are that if I best you, you will bow and apologize to me for your poor manners!" said Arcanist Flametrail.

Very well, elf, if you are so eager for further humiliation, then I will not deny you, Vizier Hadix said haughtily. I shall not ask anything of you, as I doubt a mage as pathetic as yourself has anything I would want.

Krivax couldnt help but let out a long-suffering sigh. So much for diplomacy.