Chapter 74

Chapter 74

How much longer are we going to have to wait here? Trixie whined.

At least until the army manages to get closer to EldreThelas, answered Krivax, not for the first time. Itll probably take them at least a few more hours.

We should be there fighting with the rest of them instead of staying here at the camp, Vereesa complained sullenly, drawing a round of agreement from the other high elves surrounding them.

Our role is just as important as any other, my love, Rhonin soothed his wife. Perhaps even more so. If we can assist Krivax in successfully completing his mission, then well be in a much better place to handle these monsters.

A round of dissatisfied grumbling passed through the camp, but it soon faded away. They accepted the truth of Rhonins words, even if it was unsatisfying to be forced to sit back while other people were fighting.

Seeing that the latest round of complaints was over, Krivax turned his attention back to the large scrying crystal that had been set up in the center of the Alliance camp.

Watching the battlefield from a birds eye view offered Krivax a gruesome perspective of the ongoing war.

Krivax knew that seeing so many people die against the Primals should have filled him with a combination of sorrow and horror, like similar scenes did during the Second War. However, those feelings were somewhat muted due to him growing accustomed to the violence of Azeroth, and were easily overshadowed by a stronger feeling of accomplishment.

From the moment that he had reincarnated into this world, it had been his goal to push everyone to work together against the forces that threatened to destroy Azeroth. Not only because it was simply the right thing to do, but because it was the best way to ensure his own survival. Now, after the night elves had agreed to cooperate with the Alliance, everything that he had been working for was finally coming to fruition.

While the human nations of the Eastern Kingdoms were not committing their full forces to the campaign against the Primals, Dalaran, Aerie Peak, and surprisingly Quelthalas had contributed quite a bit.

The opening hours of the campaign had been beautiful to watch, as the Alliance and the night elves exploited their air superiority to maximum effect. Nerubian fliers, hippogryph riders, gryphon riders, dragonhawk riders, and dragons had obliterated the enemy defenses through a deadly combination of dragonfire, magic, and explosives.

Naturally, the Primals attempted to respond by sending swarms of flying creatures that they had infected or launching massive vines into the sky to kill its airborne attackers. Unfortunately for them, it had taken the Primals far too long to gather a large enough swarm from across their territory to meaningfully threaten the Alliance forces.

By the time the Alliance air forces were forced to retreat, the path to EldreThalas had been cleansed of as much corrupted plantlife as possible. The largest of the Primals had either been burned to ash or blown to pieces, but ground forces would still need to clear out numerous smaller Fel plant creatures.

From that point, the night elves and the Alliance proceeded with a relatively simple plan.

It was decided that they would need a proper stronghold in Feralas from which they could attack the Primals for logistical reasons. So, their first objective would be to secure EldreThalas. Like most highborne cities, EldreThalas was built directly over the most powerful leyline in the region and would thus allow their mages to access an abundant source of magic.

Tyrande insisted that their armies should advance separately, citing an unfamiliarity with the tactics and formation styles of the Alliance. It was a surprisingly diplomatic way of saying that the night elves didn't want outsiders getting in their way.

The night elves had agreed to join forces with the Alliance quickly only due to the seriousness of the situation. Krivax was under no illusion that they had suddenly become more tolerant overnight.

Still, the Cenarion Circle had offered several of their druids to help the Alliance advance. Looking at the scene in front him now, Krivax wasnt exactly sure how necessary their help actually was.

Through the scrying crystal, Krivax watched as the Guardians of Nerub tore through the Fel corrupted creatures with ferocious efficiency. Their carapaces shone brightly with the Light, offering inspiration to the combined Alliance and tauren forces who followed in their wake. Anubrehkan himself served as the spearhead of the offensive, the Light emanating from him causing many of the more intelligent Primals to shrink back. His razorsharp limbs destroyed those foolish enough to stand in the path of the column of troops.

Several members of the Blue Dragonflight flew to the sides of the advancing army, taking advantage of the protection they offered to destroy any of the corrupted vines or plant life attempting to encroach on them. Whenever the Primals attempted to send their flight capable forces toward the dragons, a combination of magic and gunfire would immediately blow them out of the sky.

Even as they advanced for hours through enemy territory, tauren shamans worked alongside priests from the Church of the Holy Light to heal wounds and keep the army moving.

Krivax knew without a doubt that this kind of advance would have been impossible for any singular power to achieve on its own. Cooperation had allowed them to take advantage of each factions unique strength and respond to the Burning Legions plot with unprecedented force.

Seeing this realization of his vision was something that Krivax found deeply satisfying.

Its a shame that we cant join them, said Masruk, his disappointed voice pulling Krivax out of his thoughts. That fight looks like a good one.

You know, there wasnt anything stopping you from joining Anubrekhan, Krivax said with amusement, glancing down at his friend. I doubt that my part in the plan will be as entertaining for a battle maniac like you.

At first, Krivax had expected that he would be sent to the front lines to either help push back the Primals or help heal the injured, but it had been decided that he would be deployed in his role as a diplomat. After all, somebody needed to go into Eldrethalas and make contact with the highborne, and Krivax was the least likely to get himself killed trying.

Krivax could have still potentially followed along on the front lines, but their delegation needed to be in decent condition once they entered EldreThalas rather than have been fighting for hours. He would be fine, but the rest of the delegation would be completely exhausted.

This was why Krivax was currently waiting in an Alliance camp alongside his personal guards, his traveling companions, and several mages from QuelThalas. Once the Alliance military secured a safe location near the barrier surrounding EldreThalas, their group would be teleported in, and the magisters would help create an opening into the city. After which, their group would do everything they could to convince the elves to work alongside the Alliance.

Unfortunately, Krivax knew a lot less about the highborne in EldreThalas than he wished. Their city must have been destroyed at some point in the original timeline, because Krivax remembered this place as being overrun by ogres and renamed Dire Maul.

Recognizing that he needed more information, Krivax turned to the high elf delegation and decided to ask them. Even if QuelThalas was on the other side of the ocean, the high elves still had more in common with the elves of this city than anyone else since both of their societies were built on arcane magic.

Is there any news on why the highborne have refused to leave their city? Krivax asked Vereesa. Since she knew him better than any other high elf and was a member of a very influential family, Vereesa had been designated the leader of their delegation. If were going to convince these elves to help us, then I need to know as much as I can.

Vereesa traded an unsure look with the other high elves before answering. Its hard to say, Krivax. There doesnt seem to be anything blocking the leylines or making it impossible for them to leave the city. The fact that they havent left despite their defenses being nearly overrun makes little sense.

It was good to hear that there wasnt anything wrong with the leylines, but that didnt answer his question.

Do we have any ideas at all? Krivax asked hopefully. I really dont want to go in there completely blind if I can help it.

Our current theory is that their city possesses a font of magic that they cannot abandon, Vereesa offered hesitantly. If these highborne are anything like us, then their people would be incapable of sustaining themselves in the long term without a source of magic. I couldnt imagine how our people would react if they were forced to leave behind the Sunwell. However, any competent mage should be able to sense such a font of power from miles away.

That theory made sense to Krivax. He had always known that high elves had an innate addiction to arcane magic, but traveling with Vereesa for the past few months had made him realize exactly how bad the situation was. The only reason that Vereesa hadnt turned into deformed and insane creature after being away from the Sunwell for so long was due to expensive mana crystals provided by her kingdom.

These crystals, alongside frequent donations of arcane magic from her husband, provided Vereesa with the magic that she needed to sustain herself.

Krivax knew from his metaknowledge that the night elves and the naga were the only races descended from the highborne who werent hopelessly addicted to Arcane magic, and only because they converted to using Nature and Void magic respectively.

That makes sense, Krivax said after a moment of thought. These guys would need a large source of arcane magic if they want to survive. If that does turn out to be the case, then is QuelThalas willing to offer them refuge?

Krivax needed to know now what kind of bargaining chips he could offer.

Fortunately, Vereesa immediately nodded in agreement. That wont be a problem. Our people sympathize with the highborne. We know what its like to lose everything and start anew. Well provide them with refuge and access to a stable source of magic, if need be.

Krivax let out a sigh of relief. That was at least one problem that he didnt need to worry about. For the next few hours, Krivax watched as the Alliance drew ever closer to the boundary of EldreThalas. The Primals were steadily drawing forces away from their siege to counter the Alliance, which was slowing the advance down heavily.

The progress was brutal and grinding, but they eventually managed to get close enough to EldreThalas.

I think thats close enough, Krivax announced loudly, glancing toward the high elf mages. Please open a portal to the front lines so that we can begin making our way through the barrier.

Really? Are you sure about this, Vizier Krivax? one mages asked with surprise. The front lines are still very active. It may be safer to wait for the conflict to subside a bit.

Its safe enough, I think we should be fine, Krivax assured them. Besides, they look like they could use some help. Youve all made it clear that Im not the only one who's tired of sitting back safe while everyone else is fighting for their lives. The sooner that we secure the cooperation of EldreThalas, the more lives well be able to save.

The Princes accusation was first met with confusion by the delegation, before they suddenly understood and that feeling became one of horror.

You fools feed on a demon? Have you completely lost your minds?! Vereesa shouted, her incredulous voice cutting through the panicked whispers of the highborne.

How easy it must be for you to judge us, Prince Tortheldrin haughtily snapped back, venom dripping from every word. Have you ever felt the desperate hunger for magic as you starve? The thirst that can never be sated? We did what we had to in order to survive!

Before anyone could react, another hate filled roar echoed throughout the city.

We dont have time for this, Krivax said, desperately hoping that the highborne would see sense. Please, allow us to help you fight off this demon. The Burning Legion is the mutual enemy of every being on Azeroth.

Immolthar has not escaped his bindings once in the many millennia that he has been bound and remained well hidden from the outside world, Prince Tortheldrin spat, palms white as he gripped his sword. Am I supposed to believe it a coincidence that it does so the very moment that you invade our city, outsiders? Do you think Im a fool?!

Of course not, Krivax lied as he placated the angry prince. In fact, I also doubt that this is a coincidence. We have reason to believe that the Burning Legion sent a Dreadlord to oversee the creatures attacking your city. If that is the case, then the demon was most likely freed to sow chaos among us and kill the brave soldiers defending EldreThalas.

Krivax had no idea if that was true, but it seemed like the most plausible explanation for what actually happened.

There was a moment of stunned silence as the highborne pondered his words and talked among themselves. The arrogant Prince didnt seem any less furious, but one of his advisors, an older man by the name of Magister Kalendris, seemed to be arguing in their favor and was slowly getting through to the Prince.

If Krivax had to guess, the advisor was likely reminding the Prince about how exhausted their own forces must be after fighting off the Primals for weeks. Given how dangerous a demon capable of sustaining a highborne city for millennia must be, it was unlikely that they were in a position to turn down assistance.

After a tense few moments, Prince Tortheldrin finally sheathed his weapon.

Very well, Ambassador Krivax, he began, sounding as if every word was being physically ripped from him. Your assistance in dealing with the demon would be highly appreciated. But be warned, if you betray us in this time of great danger, know I will personally remove your head and claim it as a trophy.

Krivax wasnt particularly concerned. This wasnt the first time that his life had been threatened. At this point, he was starting to consider it a staple of elvish diplomacy.

Understood, Prince Tortheldrin. We wouldnt dream of crossing you, Krivax said, hoping to deflate the tension in the air.

The Prince gave a curt nod before turning to his guards and giving orders. After a few moments of preparation, Tortheldrin began leading them toward the western portion of EldreThalas where the sounds of screams and battle were the loudest.

As they delved deeper into the city, Krivax noticed the buildings becoming more immaculate and less overtaken by nature. The grandeur of the highbornes past was still evident, albeit faded by time.

The sounds of the demons roars gradually grew louder, and it wasnt long before Krivax managed to get his first look at the creature.

The demon had possessed a pair of cyclopean heads with large, dripping maws attached to a muscular body that vaguely resembled a canines. There were several hateful tentacled eyes protruding from the demons back, each looking different directions as the monster searched the city for more prey. It was a horrifying sight, made worse by the fact that the demon was more than twenty feet tall and bulkier than most Spiderlords.

How is this possible? The demon should still be drained! yelled Prince Tortheldrin, staring at the monster in utter disbelief.

Whoever freed the demon must have given it a source of Fel magic before letting it loose on the city, said Magister Kalendris. Its far too powerful, your highness. Even if we can kill it with the assistance of the outsiders, too many of your subjects will be killed during the fight. We must return it to its prison and drain its power.

Krivax focused on the demonic beast and had to admit that the man had a point. He was confident that they could take down the demon with enough effort, but that kind of fight in the middle of a populated urban area would inevitably lead to heavy casualties. Luring it back to its prison was a sensible decision, so long as they could actually activate the containment measures once it was inside.

Do you know how damaged the prison is? Krivax asked hurriedly, his eyes still glued on the snarling beast as it tore through the highborne desperately trying to fend it off. It seems unlikely that the Dreadlord would leave the spells containing the demon operational after going through the effort to free it.

We took containment procedures regarding the demon very seriously, Magister Kalendris assured him. Even if the main pylons powering the prison were sabotaged, there are many contingency measures in place that could be activated by those well-versed in the arcane. Still, it would be wise of us to inspect the prisons condition before moving forward with the plan. It should only take us a few moments, and will inform us on the best strategy to engage the demon.

Krivax considered the proposal for several moments. It seemed like a reasonable plan if what Magister Kalendris said was right, and he had no reason to believe otherwise. Still, he didnt really like leaving the demon to rampage unopposed and briefly considered splitting up the group, sending some of the mages to investigate the prison while the rest of them distracted the demon.

Unfortunately, he didnt fully trust the highborne not to do anything stupid. They were quite obviously more than a little crazy if they had spent the past several millennia sipping on demon juice in their isolated city.

No, its best if we stick together and get this done as quickly as possible, Krivax thought ruefully. I cant afford to hesitate any longer.

Agreed. Well inspect the prison and ensure its readiness before engaging the demon, but we have to move swiftly.

Prince Tortheldrin nodded to Krivax solemnly before turning to his advisor. Magister Kalendris, lead the way.

Krivax, alongside the delegation and the princes retinue, followed Magister Kalendris toward the demons prison. As they passed over the highborne corpses that the creature had left in its wake, Krivax noted that the prison was tellingly close to the wealthier parts of the city. The highborne aristocrats must have been severely addicted to the demons magic if they were so willing to risk their own safely.

Eventually, they made their way into a tunnel that led deep into the earth, the magical enchantments imbued into the walls producing a soft glow to light their path. It was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction that they could still distantly hear from above.

The tunnel opened up into a cavernous circular chamber, the remnants of intricate arcane glyphs etched into the stone floor, and massive arcane pylons positioned around the perimeter. In the center of the chamber was a smaller circular area contaminated with residual Fel energy where the demon had once been contained.

Magister Kalendris and the rest of the mages immediately began investigating the damaged pylons as their prince stayed behind to glare impotently at the destroyed prison. Krivax didnt know all that much about arcane pylons, so he decided to instead make his way deeper into the chamber and study the containment spells themselves. It didnt take long for him to realize that Magister Kalendris hadnt exaggerated their contingencies.

Aside from the central barrier, which had been quite obviously sabotaged, there were also several layers of redundant barriers throughout the chamber ready to be activated so long as the pylons were repaired or an alternative source of magic was provided. Although they were weaker than the central barrier, they would last more than long enough.

Soon, Krivax lost himself to his thoughts as he began to think over the best way to bring the demon back to the chamber. He didnt know how intelligent the creature was, but it almost certainly wouldnt want to return to the room in which it had been trapped for millennia.

Well just have to lure it as much as possible and then force it the rest of the way. My golem should be strong enough to herd the thing here so long as I have a bit of help. Oh, maybe we can make use of portals? Itll be a bit difficult with the ambient mana, but Rhonin is fairly skilled with spatial magic. The barriers are designed to activate quickly, so we just need to get it here for a few mom

Krivax!

Krivax was violently pulled from his thoughts as he was tackled to the side and felt heat for the first time since Alexstrasza empowered him. It took a moment for him to realize that Masruk had pushed him away from an inferno of bright green Fel fire that had completely engulfed the spot where he had just been standing.

Krivax looked up and saw another wave of Fel fire threatening to consume them and instantly conjured a barrier of arcane magic that only barely held off the assault. Once the fire subsided, he hurried to help Masruk up and they both turned to see what had attacked them.

Krivax immediately felt his heart drop as he saw that the chambers defenses had been activated and he and Masruk had been neatly separated from the rest of the delegation by a shimmering arcane barrier. He could see several members of the delegation attempting to destroy the barrier while the rest fended off an ambush from various demons.

However, none of the demons on the other side of the barrier were as dangerous as the demon that Krivax and Masruk were now trapped with.

Greetings. I am known as Detheroc, and I must commend you, mortal, said the Dreadlord, a cruel smirk curling his lips as he shed the form of Magister Kalendris. The Dreadlord was far fatter than Krivax had expected, his stomach bloated and neck filled with large jowls. Strangely, it didnt make the demon any less intimidating. You did not make this easy to arrange. It took quite a bit of planning. Unfortunately for you, I am far too

Suddenly, Krivax faintly sensed an unfamiliar presence rooting through his mind.

Krivax immediately attempted to impale the Dreadlord on a spike of stone that erupted beneath his feet, which was quickly destroyed with a laugh and swift stomp of the demons hoof. The demon moved far faster than his appearance would suggest.

Fortunately, Krivax had already successfully reinforced his mental shields as much as possible while the Dreadlord was distracted.

How sensitive. You noticed me quicker than expected, Detheroc said with a derisive chuckle. Still, you wont be able to stop me from ripping every single secret out of your mind for very long. From what Ive already seen, I was right to single you out. What an unusual creature you are

Krivax had barely enough time to panic at what the Dreadlord might have seen before the demon launched a fresh barrage of spells in their direction and he and Masruk were forced to fight for their lives.