Chapter 62

Chapter 62

A Nerubians Journey - Chapter 62

Settled in his office within the Dalaran Nerubian Enclave, Krivax was certain that hed never be able to keep up with all his paperwork without the help of the half-dozen enchanted quills flying around him.

It had been slightly less than a year since he had begun to study the art of creating golems and the quills were the first products of his efforts. Making them had been unnaturally easy for him, and they were also unusually lively. Krivax had noticed some of them developing strange quirks. For instance, one quill had a distinct preference for red ink, while another seemed to enjoy drawing small doodles in the corners of his paperwork when it was idle. It was a bit freaky, but they were also significantly more efficient than normal enchanted quills so Krivax chose to ignore their eccentricities.

The quills certainly came in handy during times like this, when Krivax needed to delegate all of his work while also writing instructions for his subordinates once hed left for the diplomatic expedition. The High King had unexpectedly informed him that Azjol-Nerubs flagship had passed its testing period and was ready to set sail to Kalimdor. Now he was in a bit of a rush to get everything in order before he left. The last thing that Krivax wanted was to hear that some overly arrogant Vizier had caused a diplomatic incident while he was away.

Fortunately, Krivax felt like hed made a decent amount of progress building up the Foreign Outreach Division over the past several months.

Krukzax, where is Vizier Hudrek? Wasnt he supposed to arrive ten minutes ago? asked Krivax, directing his question to the Initiate in the corner of his office who was sorting through some of the paperwork.

After failing to find any Viziers who could truly make for exceptional diplomats, Krivax had come to the conclusion that he would have to train a few himself. The Foreign Outreach Division now had several Initiates assigned to work in Dalaran, frequently take classes with the surface races, and study books on diplomacy written by foreign scholars. Progress was slow but obvious, and Krivax was hopeful that he would have a few capable subordinates in due time.

Vizier Hudrek sent word, sir, Krukzax replied without looking up from the scroll he was reading. Hes finalizing the documentation on the recent dispute between Alterac and Stromgarde. He said he would be late.

Krivax sighed. Vizier Hudrek had a knack for getting caught up in minor matters, but he was still one of the best ambassadors Krivax had. Hudrek was only slightly patronizing to the surface races and he was one of the few Viziers who didnt look down on Krivax for his age, which put him leagues ahead of most.

It took another ten minutes for the Vizier to arrive, and Krivax immediately decided not to waste any time getting to business.

Vizier Hudrek, are you prepared to handle the Divisions affairs in the Eastern Kingdoms while I am away? asked Krivax, turning his attention to the Vizier and allowing his quills to handle the rest of the work.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

Vizier Hudrek gave a curt nod before answering. As prepared as one can be. The surface races are unpredictable, but I have grown used to their customs since my assignment to this Division.

Good, although your greatest challenge will be managing the Ambassadors, said Krivax, giving Hudrek a quick warning before deciding to test the Vizier. Let's talk about some of the important matters that I would like you to focus on while Im gone. Stormwinds ongoing reconstruction efforts and the Horde internment camps.

Vizier Hudrek straightened up, clearly taking the matter seriously.

Azjol-Nerub has the most potential to influence Stormwind out of all the nations on this continent, said Krivax, repeating the same argument that hed made to the High King. Not only are they geographically isolated from the other nations, but they have few other options than to rely on us to finance their reconstruction. Ensuring that our settlement near their territory develops as scheduled and maintaining a good diplomatic relationship with Stormwind is something Azjol-Nerub considers a priority.

There were still many scattered orc groups through the countryside, but all the large groups had been dealt with and Stormwind had fully reclaimed most of its territory. Krivax had personally visited the ruins of Stormwind City and seen the devastation left behind by the Horde. Although they had a long road to recovery, the citizens of Stormwind were determined to rebuild their home.

Ill be sure to work closely with our Ambassador to Stormwind. I dont see too many issues arising from that direction, said Vizier Hudrek, nodding in agreement. Im more interested in what is happening with the internment camps. It was my understanding that nothing of significance has changed in regard to them. In fact, the orcs have become significantly calmer and there are far fewer recorded incidents.

Lethargy had been steadily growing among the orc population since the establishment of the camps, which made their containment far less dangerous and expensive. However, it also opened up several difficult matters that needed to be addressed.

The Church of the Holy Light and Aerie Peak have both recently reported several successful attempts to convert orcs to the Light or Shamanism, Krivax explained. These particular orcs show signs of being cured of their lethargy and have been quarantined by the Alliance into special internment camps for study. The High King wishes for us to keep a close eye on this matter.

There were many who doubted that the orcs could ever become peaceful members of society even if they were fully cured of their Fel corruption. If such a cure could be achieved, as was looking to be the case, the Alliance had every intention of carefully controlling its spread.

Vizier Hudreks expression shifted to one of surprise. I see. I imagine the humans of KulTiras and Gilneas are the most opposed to any attempts to cure the orcs?

Naturally, but their opinions dont count for much. Neither of them has contributed much to the camps and Gilneas is growing more isolationist by the day, Krivax said dismissively. Azjol-Nerub didnt have many interests in either nation, aside from hiring KulTiran shipbuilders.

After he finished explaining the diplomatic issues related to the camps and a few other points to Hudrek, Krivax sent him away to continue his duties. Once he was alone, Krivax returned to sorting through all the matters he needed to deal with before he met with the foreign representatives joining the expedition to Kalimdor.

The nations of the Eastern Kingdoms couldnt reasonably afford to put together their own expedition to Kalimdor, so they were paying Azjol-Nerub for the privilege of sending their own representatives on the voyage. The Green Dragonflight had also promised to send someone to facilitate initial introductions between them and the night elves. The kaldorei leadership had been informed that they were coming, but it would still be a good idea to have someone there to smooth over any misunderstandings.

With a final stroke of his quill, Krivax signed off on the last document and let out a sigh of relief.

Ill be going now, Krukzax. There will be a comprehensive review of the Division when I return from Kalimdor. Be sure that you and the other Initiates continue your hard work in my absence, said Krivax, feeling like an overworked teacher reminding his students to do their homework.

Of course, Vizier. We wont let you down, Krukzax responded.

Krivax nodded at the Initiate and left his office. He was scheduled to meet the foreign representatives in a reserved room of Dalarans main portal hub. Such portals could only be opened in specific locations in Dalaran without being blocked by the citys wards. Vizier Crinis would be the one opening a temporary portal directly to the port where the kingdoms flagship was currently docked. Krivax hadnt actually had the chance to see the completed ship himself yet, so he was looking forward to it.

Krivax quickly made his way through the tunnels of the nerubian enclave, passing by the offices of the other Divisions without stopping. Hadix was away hunting down a new Void cult that was starting to gain traction in Lordaeron, so there wasnt any chance to catch up with him before he left.

As he made his way to the surface and through the streets of Dalaran, Krivax made sure to visit Ms. Sherwoods food stall and try out her new termite bread. Azjol-Nerub had recently started a few termite farms, attempting to take advantage of their access to trees to develop a new food source. The bread was nice and Ms. Sherwood was as friendly as always, putting Krivax in a good mood as he continued along his way.

Once he finally arrived at the portal hub, Krivax was quickly escorted to the reserved room by an overworked apprentice. It was only when he saw the empty room that he realized he might have gotten overexcited and arrived a tad bit early

Krivax quickly cast a spell to check the time before sighing to himself and settling in to wait for the arrival of the foreign representatives. Fortunately, he didnt have to wait for long and the first person to arrive was the one he was surprised to see.

Oh, Vizier Krivax. Youre here much earlier than I expected, said Eranikus, Prime Consort of Ysera. The Green Dragon was wearing his mortal guise and was dressed like a typical night elf druid. I recall you from the Dragon Soul mission, but we never had the opportunity to speak in person.

Its a pleasure to meet you as well, Consort Eranikus, Krivax said genuinely. I wasnt expecting to see you here. I assumed the Green Dragonflight would send one of its younger members to assist in our introduction to the night elves.

Eranikus was quite powerful and the Green Dragonflight usually needed all of the help it could get to combat the Emerald Nightmare.

Tyrande and Cenarius are unlikely to heed the words of a whelp and Ysera has expressed her wishes that the kaldoreis first interaction with the mortal races go smoothly, Eranikus explained.

I see. While youre here, there are a few things Id like to ask you about, said Krivax, deciding to not let this opportunity go to waste. It has been a while since I last heard from Archmage Krasus and his last reports were somewhat troubling. Have you heard anything about whats happening on Draenor?

It was usually Krasus who kept Krivax up to date with the ongoing efforts of the various Dragonflights, as the Aspects certainly didnt take time off their schedules to do so, but he hadnt heard from the Archmage in a while. Archaedas and Malygos had created a powerful artifact capable of detecting the most hidden of demons and sent Krasus to Draenor with it.

Eranikus hummed thoughtfully and studied him for several moments before responding. If you had not received Alexstraszas blessing, I would not answer such a question, but I suppose theres no harm in doing so. What was the last thing that you heard from Consort Korialstrasz?

That there was significant Burning Legion activity on Draenor, said Krivax. The Archmage had even said that there were multiple Dreadlords secretly gathered around Nerzhul. He also said that Draenor's corruption was highly advanced and would continue to grow worse.

Current projects will continue to receive full funding, but will be cut if they show no results within a decade, said Anubarak. The Queens had successfully convinced him that Azjol-Nerub would benefit greatly from their new round of projects, but whether they succeeded remained to be seen. No further projects related to Vizier Krivaxs unique biology will be approved until we see results from those already underway. Rather than arguing, I suggest you ensure Project Emberscale is successful. Youve earned goodwill with the completion of Project Hadronox, but the kingdoms treasury is not unlimited.

If that project did succeed, then Anubarak would grant the Queens all of the funding they wanted. Queen NezarAzret looked as if she wanted to object, but wisely thought better of it.

As you say, Your Majesty, said Queen NezarAzret, lowering her gaze. Im confident that we will have success with Project Emberscale within a few years, especially now that weve refined our criteria for test subjects.

That is quite the claim, Queen NezarAzret. I hope you are able to live up to it, said Anubarak before turning his attention back to the Elder. If there is nothing further, then you may leave.

Yes, Your Majesty, said Elder Mashin, bowing respectfully before leaving the council chambers with his apprentice following close behind.

As soon as he was gone, Vizier Yathamon spoke up with a hint of exasperation. It is somewhat baffling, Your Majesty, that we find ourselves lacking resources.

Anubarak couldnt disagree. Azjol-Nerub had always had more resources than it could realistically use, and he could hardly remember the last time he had to consider cutting important programs due to a lack of budget. It was a rather novel experience.

Our financial concerns should be alleviated once the military modernization has been fully completed. We still have a few decades before it becomes a problem, said Weaver Tutenkash. Trade with the Eastern Kingdoms has been steadily increasing and becoming increasingly profitable. We can reevaluate our current situation in the future.

Agreed. Let us move on to the next matter on the agenda, said Anubarak, turning his attention to Seer Drannix. I believe you wished to bring someone to speak before the council.

Indeed, Your Majesty, said Seer Drannix, his voice quiet as he spoke for the first time since they began the meeting. I would like to call forward Seet Ixit to give an update on the tide of death we Seers have all seen in the kingdoms future. Many of us have recently seen signs of it changing, and I believe the council should be made aware of it.

Anubarak felt his mood drop, both at the mention of the troublesome prophecy and the Seer who had been removed from his council. Is this something that you are truly incapable of doing yourself?

Forgive me, Your Majesty, but Seer Ixit is widely considered to have the clearest divinations in Azjol-Nerub.

Anubarak considered the matter for several moments before deciding to allow it. There had been a few members of the Order of Kaltut who had shown signs of being dissatisfied with their current circumstances, but Seer Ixit was not one of them. By all accounts, he continued to act within the interests of Azjol-Nerub and not attempted to contact any of his former compatriots.

Very well, allow him in, said Anubarak, suddenly glad the Elder Nadox was busy elsewhere. He and Ixit had a rather complicated relationship in recent times.

Seer Drannix gave a deep bow as one of the Dread Stalkers left to retrieve Seer Ixit. After a few minutes, the enchanted doors of the council chamber opened and Seer Ixit stepped into the room for the first time since he had been removed from the council.

Your Majesty, members of the council. Thank you for allowing me the chance to speak before you today, Seer Ixit said, his voice soft but steady as bowed before them. There have been significant changes to the future of the kingdom that I believe you should all be made aware of.

Anubarak nodded, a silent gesture for him to continue. Seer Ixit took a moment to collect his thoughts before he continued. As you all know, every Seer in Azjol-Nerub has been beset with predictions of a tide of death in the kingdom's future. It is only recently that these predictions have suddenly begun to change for unknown reasons. The tide of death is still as inevitable as always, but it now feels further away from our lands than it previously was.

Truly? How unexpected. Recently, I have come to expect to hear nothing but bad news when a Seer comes to tell us of the future, said Vizier Yathamon, his expression pleasantly surprised.

Then Im afraid Im not going to be an exception. The news I bring is both good and bad, said Seer Ixit, sounding genuinely apologetic. Although the calamity is now far from our lands, it is close enough in time that I can more clearly foresee its nature. I now believe the tide of death to be much more literal, as in the work of a powerful necromancer.

Alarmed, Anubarak turned his gaze to Seer Drannix.

It is as he says, Your Majesty, said Seer Drannix, answering his silent request for confirmation. There are many who report seeing signs of the undead in their visions.

Anubarak was quiet as he contemplated the idea of a necromancer powerful enough that every Seer in Azjol-Nerub had been seeing signs of their coming for years.

If what you say is true, then this necromancer is a threat of the highest order, said Spiderlord Kalrat, giving voice to Anubaraks thoughts. Such an enemy would be perfectly equipped to defend themselves against our greatest strengths and exploit our greatest weaknesses.

Spiderlord Kalrat was correct. Azjol-Nerubs military was exceptional because their forces were unwavering and could consistently be replenished until their enemy was depleted. Such a tactic would never work against a necromancer, as they would grow inexorably stronger the longer any conflict continued. The Hordes Death Knights amply demonstrated this concept during the Second War. The only way Azjol-Nerub would be able to prevail was if they destroyed the enemy before they managed to grow past the point of no return.

Not to mention the fact that their bioweapons would be useless against the undead.

Do we have any idea who or what this necromancer is? Perhaps a Death Knight? A remnant of the Horde that has escaped our notice? Or something completely new? Queen Nezar'Azret mused. Our research into effective weapons against the undead has yet to achieve appreciative results, even those done alongside the Kirin Tor.

This Light is still our most effective tool against such a foe, but it is limited to personal use by individuals trained in its use, Spiderlord Kalrat said thoughtfully. Anubrekhan has made great progress with his Guardians of Nerub. Ive seen a demonstration of their effectiveness personally and I found them quite impressive.

Could we not strike directly against this threat now that it is more clear? asked Weaver Tuten'kash.

While the visions are more clear, they are still muddled enough that I cannot be sure of the source, Seer Ixit admitted. All I know is that they will appear away from Northrend and begin to slowly build in power, spreading war and chaos throughout Azeroth. It stands to reason that they will eventually come for us when they are strong enough to do so.

The council chambers were quiet as they considered everything they had heard. Eventually, it was Anubarak who chose to break the silence. The best method to handle such a threat is to discover and destroy it as quickly as possible. Weve dramatically increased our surveillance of the surface in recent years, which is likely why the necromancer has chosen to develop away from Northrend.

That seems reasonable, Your Majesty, said Spiderlord Karat, nodding in agreement. If that is the case, then our intention to establish an outpost on Kalimdor to monitor the Qiraji is even more important. We will need to closely monitor that continent to ensure no necromancer is allowed to grow there unchallenged.

Theres also Zandalar to keep in mind, Vizier Yathamon reminded them. Or they could simply build their forces under the ocean. There are plenty of naga mages and I dont believe undead need to breathe.

This world is larger than we ever knew. it's impossible to guarantee that we would notice them in time, said Queen NezarAzret. We would be better served building up our forces and developing weapons well-suited against the undead.

Isnt such a threat something that the Aspects claim they would deal with? asked Vizier Yathamon. I find it hard to believe that any necromancer could pose a threat to them.

Given how long weve been seeing these visions, the Aspects either wont intervene or wont be able to easily deal with this threat, said Seer Drannix.

I see no reason why we cant both search for the necromancer while also preparing ourselves for the worst-case scenarios, said Anubarak, his voice cutting through the conversation. Vizier Krivax is already on his way to Kalimdor and should arrive in a month. We will inform him of these changes and instruct him to share this information with the Dragonflights. They are far more equipped to address an army of the undead than we are.

The Dragon Queens decision to share a portion of her power with one of the kingdoms Viziers was as useful as it was baffling. Anubarak wasnt an expert in the psychology of the surface races, but he had no qualms about taking advantage of them when the opportunity arose.

We will also inform the leaders of the Alliance, although we should take efforts to prevent this information from spreading too far until we better understand our enemy, said Anubarak, his voice firm and decisive. The Church of the Holy Light would be a great help against the undead. Increased funding will be allocated to the Guardians of Nerub for similar reasons. Seer Ixit, what is your best estimate for when this necromancer will emerge?

Theres no way to be certain, Your Majesty, but certainly sometime within the next few years, said Seer Ixit after a moment of hesitation. Interestingly, there are some indications that they may arrive earlier than we had initially foreseen.

Anubarak didnt like the sound of that. Very well. You may go for now, Seer Ixit. The council will call for you again if we require clarification on certain matters.

Seer Ixit bowed and left the council chambers without complaint. As the doors closed behind him, Anubarak steeled himself for a very long council meeting. They had a lot to talk about if they wanted to ensure the safety of Azjol-Nerub.