Chapter 59.5

Chapter 59.5

What is this? Alexstrasza asked as Archaedas handed her a large metal enchanted disc.

The Aspects were currently gathered within Wyrmrest Temple in the Chamber of the Aspects, the Keeper having teleported in after informing them that he had something important to give them.

Tyr passed this on to me before his death. He brought it with us along with the Discs of Norgannon when we fled south for Uldaman and I have been keeping it in a separate section of the facility for safekeeping, Archaedas explained in a gravelly voice. He requested that in the event of his death, I should pass this on to the Aspects, but could not explain why before he expired. I have determined that it is of similar function to the other discs, but this one is magically encrypted so that only you may access it.

What could he possibly have wanted to tell us? Malygos asked curiously. This would have been recorded well before the Sundering or the Burning Legions first invasion.

Nozdormu? Ysera asked her brother.

I dont know, Nozdormu said with a hint of surprise.

That made all present look at him in shock.

You dont know. Thats never a good sign, Malgyos muttered, as he examined the disk with significantly more caution.

How could you not know, Nozdormu? Alexstrasza asked in worry.

It's not so much warded from my sight but more like someone is actively interfering with my ability to perceive it, The Aspect of Time explained. I assume that this is due to the actions of my Flights worse half. Whenever something unexpected occurs, they are usually to blame.

Then it must be important if they are hiding it from you, said Ysera, her tone thoughtful. But I fail to see the point if we can access it now.

Lets find out, Nozdormu said, to which Alexstrasza nodded and turned to the disc in her hands. She channeled her magic through it and at once it responded, but not in the way any of them expected.

MESSAGE PLAYBACK AND DATABASE CANNOT BE ACCESSED AT THIS TIME UNTIL ALL ASPECTS ARE PRESENT, the disc played in Tyrs voice, but with none of his usual emotion.

The dragons stared at the disc in confusion before Malygos finally roared at the disc in annoyance. All the Aspects are present, you piece of junk!

CORRECTION, FOUR OF THE FIVE ASPECTS ARE PRESENT. ALL ASPECTS MUST BE PRESENT FOR MESSAGE AND DATABASE TO BE ACCESSED. PLEASE GATHER ALL ASPECTS.

With that the issue became clear. Tyr had created this disc when the Aspects were once five, and during a time when he likely didnt believe that any of them could so thoroughly fall from grace.

It was a shame that they had proven unworthy of the Keepers confidence.

Well that explains it, said Nozdormu. We cant access it now and Im unable to see it in our future. How perplexing.

And Tyr trusted wed all be together Ysera said sadly.

Unfortunate, Archaedes said simply. But not an impossible obstacle to overcome.

What do you mean? Alexstrasza asked.

He is likely referring to our fallen brothers power we currently have locked away, Malygos explained.

Indeed. While we cannot use it alone to bypass the security system, passing on Neltharions mantle and power would most likely allow you all to access the disc, Archaede explained.

Of course, that requires finding a suitable black dragon to carry said mantle, Nozdormu pointed out. And the only uncorrupted black dragon is currently in a self-imposed exile on the Broken Isles. Which means that we are at an impasse.

For now at least, Alexstrasza admitted before looking down at the disc once more. But we can wait until the time is right.

We could always ask the nerubian if he knows, Ysera pointed out.

He doesnt or he would have already mentioned this artifact, Nozdormu immediately responded.

I suppose then, that well just have to wait until the time comes, Malygos grumbled impatiently. The Guardian of Magic glared at Archaedas and suddenly felt the desire to return to his lair and sleep for a decade or two. The world had gotten far too complicated ever since hed been pulled back into Azeroths affairs.

Leave the sleeping to me, brother, Ysera spoke up, seeming to read his thoughts.

Malgyos didnt even bother responding and giving her the satisfaction.

Drek'Thar lifted his blind eyes to the tent entrance at the sound of Palkars shout. The young orc had gone on a long reconnaissance mission to examine the orc internment camps set up by the humans in the south and had only returned recently.

Chieftain, I have come back with news of our people, Palkar said breathlessly.

Drek'Thar gestured to the gathered shamans in the tent and said, Very well, young shaman. Report on what you have seen.

Palkar reported dutifully, I watched the dragonmen and the giant spiderfolk guarding the camps, and the orcs within do not seem to be treated too badly. They are being fed grain and sheltered from the elements in wooden huts.

One of the other shamans present spoke up, That is good. We have time to prepare to release our people from captivity then. It is unfortunate that Doomhammer was executed before we were able to send young Palkar here to scout the camps.

The two stood in silence as they studied one another for a moment, before the nerubian spoke up.

You are much bigger than I expected, the nerubian spoke in a surprisingly almost human voice despite its appearance.

W-What were you expecting? Thrall asked hesitantly, his attention drawn to the nervous twitching of the fingers on the four hands of the nerubian.

Well correct me if Im wrong, but you are roughly six to seven years old, right? the nerubian asked.

Yes I was told that its normal for orcs to grow faster than humans, Thrall said, wondering if the nerubian wanted to size him up for an upcoming fight.

Thrall recalled that his sudden growth spurt was something that also surprised his master, but Aedelas Blackmoore had seemed to appreciate it since it meant fewer years with a brat as he had put it.

No worries, I cant exactly say it's weird considering that we nerubians are considered full-grown when we are four and all, the nerubian shrugged.

Oh well now Thrall finally understood why the humans would find his growth alarming as he looked the nerubian over.

Of course, you still have some growing to do and you're already bigger than most humans! Thats impressive! the nerubian chuckled awkwardly. Oh, forgive my rudeness. My name is Vizier Krivax of Azjol-Nerub, head of the Foreign Outreach Division.

I am Thrall, he stated simply, for there was not much else to say.

Nice to meet you Thrall though I wish it was under different circumstances and with you not behind bars, the newly introduced Krivax said.

It doesn't matter. They are to contain me when I am not needed, Thrall said. The cage used to be scary when he was younger, but hed already grown used to it. My master said that I can be dangerous without guidance.

Well, you could say that about anything really, it doesnt mean we lock everyone up with the potential to be dangerous, said Krivax. Thrall couldnt read the nerubian as well as he did humans, but the strange spider-person seemed uncomfortable for some reason.

But Im not everyone. Im too dangerous to be allowed to roam freely, said Thrall, dully repeating what his master and others had taught him.

Well, Ive no doubt you are strong, but that doesnt give people the excuse to lock you up forever because of it and only let you out when they want something from you. That isnt how you treat a person, thats how you treat a pet at best, the nerubian said with venom near the end. So instead, how would you feel about getting out of here and not coming back?

That question threw him into a loop because all his life he had never thought of the idea of just leaving. It also made him extremely suspicious that this was a test by his master to see if he would attempt to escape. He dared not believe that the offer was genuine, even though it seemed a bit extreme to send such a strange creature to offer him freedom from the beatings and cruelty he suffered every day.

And besides this place was all he knew

My master wont allow it, Thrall said quietly, afraid that his master was listening just outside the cell block.

Oh, Lord Blackmoore currently has a great deal on his plate at the moment, and he is in no position to stop you, Krivax seemed to chuckle. I wont go into details, but he has not been the most law-abiding individual for quite a while. Something that is now catching up with him.

Thrall didnt know how to react to that information. There did seem to be a lot of muffled shouting beyond the walls though.

That I-I dont have anywhere else to go, he admitted bitterly in lieu of a reaction to the news.

Well, no one belongs anywhere. You figure it out as you go along and where you consider home to be. Though I will admit that the Eastern Kingdoms are not the most pleasant place to be an orc right now. I know that you didn't participate in the wars as youve been here your entire life, but people will still greet you with fear and animosity regardless of how unfairly deserved it is, Krivax explained. I do have a few ideas about where you will be safe and treated with dignity, though.

Freedom and choice Thrall had always wondered what it would be like outside of Durnholde Keep, but hed never imagined that he would be able to actually experience it. A part of him wanted to reject this offer from such a strange creature as a cruel joke by his master, but the rest of him just wanted to find out what would happen if he actually accepted it.

If what Krivax said was true then he could leave Durnholde Keep and go anywhere, like the places mentioned in the many books he read or that Taretha spoke of

I refuse to go anywhere unless someone comes with me, Thrall took a deep breath and stated with conviction.

He would not leave Tari behind, especially since his master would react to his absence and could possibly take out his anger on her. Also, he also did not like the attention his master directed toward her as she matured If she could not gain freedom, neither should he.

Oh? And who might that be? Krivax asked curiously.

A servant girl, Taretha Foxton, Thrall said at once. She is my friend and I refuse to leave her behind to rot here. It would be unjust, and I would rather stay in this cell than leave her trapped in this keep. It is a cage in and of itself, no matter how large.

Krivax merely stared at him with his many eyes, but he started to chuckle and shake his head in seeming amusement.

So young and yet even I can see it he muttered under his breath before he produced a key and swiftly unlocked his cell, opening it up before him. You got yourself a deal, assuming she agrees of course.

Of course, Thrall nodded before turning around and quickly grabbing a few books and his most precious possession.

Whats that? Krivax asked in curiosity as Thrall exited the cell.

Thrall held up the swaddling cloth in his hands, the image of a snarling wolf woven upon it.

The only thing that truly belongs to me. I have had it since the mast- since Lord Blackmoore saved me years ago. It is the only connection I have to my past, Thrall admitted.

And thus started his first day as a free orc with full control over his own fate.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.