Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Krivax let out a groan of appreciation as he took a delicious bite out of a handful of beetles well-marinated with cloudberries.

Although he still had a lot of work to do if he wanted to make some headway on his current plans, it was a relief to finally have access again to his favorite foods. It would make the Illidan shaped political nightmare hed eventually have to deal with so much easier to tolerate.

I have to admit, its really nice to be back in Azjol-Nerub after so long, said Krivax as he sorted through the various reports of what hed missed after leaving for Kalimdor with his four arms. His quills were busy filling in a variety of permission forms that needed his approval. The tauren were accommodating and the rations were good, but nothing beats a handful of web-spun obsidian beetles.

It is little surprise that the surface races lack access to proper foods, said Elder Nadox, as he dismissively sent away a skitterer whod carried the delicacies to Krivaxs office. And Im glad that youve returned from those wild lands as well. Vizier Hudrek is an adequate ambassador, but the Council has noticed a distinct increase in diplomatic complaints since your departure.

Shortly after Krivax presented his proposal to Illidan and received a very tentative agreement that he would be interested in working together, Krivax had returned to Azjol-Nerub to resume his diplomatic duties. The campaign against the Primals was still ongoing, but there was honestly nothing requiring him to remain on Kalimdor.

The Primals couldnt be negotiated with, the tauren were not particularly important from the perspective of Azjol-Nerub, the kaldorei were diplomatically intractable, and the highborne were in the process of migrating to the Eastern Kingdoms. If he was needed back on Kalimdor, he could use the portal network at a moments notice and be back to address any issue.

Such was the convenience of magical transportation.

Currently, Krivax was working in a personal office which had been assigned to him by the Circle of Viziers in Kilahkuk, along with a half dozen Initiates ready to carry out any orders he could imagine. It was one of the largest and most well-furnished rooms in the citys ziggurat, showing the esteemed position he had in Kilahkuk. The spacious office was actually directly above the room Vizier Hadix had trained him in when Krivax had first joined the Circle, which was definitely a strange twist of fate for him to think about.

Over the past few years, Krivaxs position in nerubian society had definitely risen faster than he could have ever predicted

Krivax had already spent the past few days getting everything in order when Elder Nadox suddenly decided to come pay him a visit. It was a bit of a surprise since the High Kings right hand rarely left the capital city, but hed apparently already been in KilahKuk for some other matter.

Im sure Vizier Hudrek did the best he could. Ive just formed a personal connection with a lot of the emissaries, so its easier for me, Krivax replied, feeling the urge to defend his subordinate. Its easy to become overwhelmed, especially when there are so many different issues at play lately.

Krivax glanced through a particular report which detailed a diplomatic dispute that Azjol-Nerub was having with KulTiras over ship-grade timber. Apparently, there were some factions within the maritime kingdom who were growing worried that Azjol-Nerub was about to threaten their monopoly by expanding lumber harvesting operations in the Howling Fjord.

Elder Nadox clacked his mandibles together and let a chittering hiss filled with annoyance. Indeed. The surface is far too chaotic a place, especially in recent times. Would that we could afford to ignore them without risking the safety of our people.

Krivax didnt exactly disagree with the thought of hunkering down and taking a break once in a while, but hed long since accepted that Azeroth would never be a place that could be considered calm.

As you say, Elder Nadox. Im hopeful that the proposal I presented to the High King can help alleviate the worst of those potential threats in the future, said Krivax, hoping that Elder Nadox might be willing to share some news of how the Council was feeling about his idea. If the Alliance had access to a force of powerful individuals that could have been prepared the moment our Seers sensed the Primals and deployed as soon as we found them, our situation would be much less perilous.

Predictably, Azjol-Nerub was not at all happy with the current state of affairs regarding the Primals. It was them more than any other member of the Alliance who was aiding in their containment, with only Dalaran and Quelthalas offering any meaningful assistance.

Isolationist sentiments had been growing in Azjol-Nerub from the very moment that Krivax had discovered the Eastern Kingdoms, suppressed only by the High Kings pragmatic approach to foreign policy. Nerubians were an extremely communal people, so they were generally willing to fall in line with whatever the High King thought was best, but that only went so far.

Now that the Order of Kaltut was no longer around to suppress those isolationist voices, it was primarily nerubian lives and gold being spent to contain a threat on an entirely different continent. Discontent was growing among the various castes to a concerning level. If the Dreadlords managed to create a few more threats like the Primals, Krivax was worried that Azjol-Nerub would decide to withdraw its borders and return to its insular ways.

It was a mistake to stay on Kalimdor for so long, Krivax privately chastised himself, not for the first time. I should have been paying far more attention to what was happening in the rest of the world and actually doing something to push things in the right direction.

Youre not wrong that such a group may be useful, Vizier Krivax. But the Council finds itself reluctant to fund your idea, only to leave it under the discretion of the Alliance, said Elder Nadox, scoffing disdainfully as he referenced the coalition. An organization whose name directly contradicts its nature. Hardly an alliance when we are bearing most of its burdens. Our people would have been better served had we waited for the arrogant kaldorei to beg for assistance before offering it.

Krivax hid a wince at the Elders derisive words. If that was the growing sentiment of the other members of the Council, then things might be worse than hed expected.

Unfortunately, forming this group under the Alliance is a political necessity. Theres no reasonable way to convince certain individuals to join otherwise, Krivax explained, hoping he could persuade the Elder.

Realistically speaking, no influential faction would allow their most powerful individuals to go running off to join a paramilitary organization sponsored by a foreign nation. Having it under the Alliance was the only possible way to ensure that it had widespread appeal.

That reminds me, I need to think of an actual name for it at some point. The Azerothian Sentinels? The Alliance Defense Force? The Adventurers' Guild? Bah! Ill worry about it later.

But even if the group is nominally under the Alliances banner, it only makes sense for it to be led by a nerubian, Krivax continued before his thoughts could get too far off track. After all, well almost certainly be its primary sponsor.

Elder Nadoxs expression lost some of its earlier derision, and Krivax could see a glint of interest in his multiple eyes. Do you truly believe that you can convince the surface races to agree to such an arrangement? Theyve shown themselves to be woefully incompetent when it comes to addressing future threats so far.

I do. Especially given how things have been developing in the Eastern Kingdoms over the past few months, said Krivax, searching through the stack of scrolls on his desk for a particular report which had caught his attention earlier. I believe many of them would conclude that a supranational paramilitary force which answers to the Alliance would be beneficial to their interests. Things arent exactly going well for them at the moment..

Krivax handed over the scroll to Elder Nadox, allowing him to read through it and see the many difficulties that the Eastern Kingdoms were dealing with. The aftereffects of the Second War were still making themselves known, even years later, and they werent pretty.

Getting them to agree to permit a force that could help solve many of their problems shouldnt be too hard although the devil would be in the details.

Your arguments are not unconvincing, Elder Nadox said after a few moments of reading through the scroll. I believe that the High King would be willing to support your proposal, so long as you are truly able to convince the surface races of the need for such a force. Still, there are certain stipulations we would like to put forward.

Krivax inclined his head in agreement. It was no surprise that Azjol-Nerub would have specific requirements in exchange for fundings. He only hoped that none of these stipulations would be incompatible with the interests of the rest of the Alliance.

He was going to have a hard enough time getting this off the ground without additional complications.

First, the leader of this force must be a nerubian, Elder Nadox said once Krivax gestured for him to continue. You mentioned this earlier, and were in agreement. It is gratifying to see you vying for greater power, as most young Viziers are prone to do. I was beginning to worry that you were devoid of ambition. Im eager to see how you will manipulate the surface races into granting you this power. Such an attitude will benefit you well in your service to Azjol-Nerub.

Krivax nearly choked on his own surprise. Elder Nadoxs tone was perfectly complementary, but the actual content of his words were a tad bit concerning.

Secondly, Elder Nadox continued as if he hadnt just casually complimented Krivax for being a power-hungry manipulator. Azjol-Nerub will not provide a disproportionate amount of personnel for this organization. Isolationist sentiment has already grown to a point among the higher castes that we cannot afford to ignore it any longer. Allowing the surface races to exploit our generosity is something that can no longer be allowed to continue.

That would make things harder for Krivax, but it wasnt a dealbreaker. Although, it was concerning that Elder Nadox had decided to explicitly acknowledge the growing discontent. The High King lived and died on their perceived power within nerubian society, so any hint of political weakness could have long-term repercussions.

Nerubians were a people who were extremely loyal to their leaders until they decided that you no longer served the common good, and then that loyalty very suddenly evaporated like water in the blazing sun. The balance of power was fragile, and even a perceived slight or moment of weakness could have dire consequences.

Understood, Krivax replied, his mind already racing with political implications. I will ensure that our contributions remain proportionate to our commitment.

Good, Elder Nadox continued, nodding in satisfaction as his many eyes bore in Krivax. Lastly, while we understand the need to ostensibly act under the banner of the Alliance, the interests of Azjol-Nerub are always more important than those of the surface races. If there is ever a conflict of interest, we expect you to prioritize our kingdom over the demands of the Alliance.

That was definitely the most challenging stipulation. Krivax had always done what hed felt was best for Azeroth, because he knew for a fact that there were many things out there that would threaten the entire world. However, the Aspects were probably the only other people who shared that perspective.

If there truly came a moment when the interests of Azjol-Nerub and the broader Alliance were at odds, Krivax would find himself in a difficult situation. He would naturally choose to side with his home and kingdom which allowed him to hold a position of power in the first place, but the diplomatic consequences could be catastrophic.

"I understand, Elder Nadox," said Krivax, bowing deferentially to the older nerubian. "I shall always seek to prioritize the interests of Azjol-Nerub above all."

Whatever personal feelings Krivax might have, there was little else he could say to his direct superior.

If he had more time, then Krivax could have possibly found a way to ensure that the organization was more equitably funded amongst the Alliance, but that wasn't an option. Krivax wanted to get this up and running before Malygos opened a path to Pandaria and was ready to assault the Lich King, which meant time was of the essence.

If Azjol-Nerub was going to be its primary source of funding, then this stipulation would naturally be non-negotiable as far as the Council was concerned.

Excellent. I'm glad to hear it, said Elder Nadox, sounding genuinely pleased. Your idea would be a useful tool to address emerging threats, such as the one reported recently by Vizier Hadix.

Krivax felt a hint of concern well up within him. Hed tried to get into contact with Vizier Hadix just to catch up with his mentor, but hadnt been able to do so.

What happened to Vizier Hadix? asked Krivax.

Oh, you hadnt heard? Id have assumed he would have informed you of his injury, said Elder Nadox, his words causing Krivaxs concern to grow as his mind wandered to the worst case scenario. Vizier Hadix has recently been pursuing a growing void cult he believes to be connected to a particularly dangerous artifact. Unfortunately, his most recent attempt to confront this cult resulted in him suffering significant injuries.

Krivax had already known that Hadix was pursuing rumors of Xal'atath, an incredibly powerful void weapon that hed told the Aspects about, and who in turn informed the Alliance. Anything involving Xal'atath was extremely dangerous, but hed never thought that something bad might happen to Hadix.

The only time hed ever seen his mentor harmed was when he was trying to break into the house of an evil dragon with godlike powers.

How badly is he injured? Krivax asked, voice betraying his anxiety.

Knowing what he had to do, Krivax began making his way out of his office and toward the portal hub so that he could go visit Vizier Hadix. Not only did he want to meet with his mentor to catch up with him and make sure he wasnt too injured, but Hadix knew far more about the Order of Kaltut and Azjol-Nerubs politics than he did.

It had been quite some time since hed made contact with Hadix. It would be nice to finally change that.

Within a wide open cavern of the Nexus set aside for complex rituals, Malygos carefully studied the circle of pandaren monks as they floated in meditative stances, green mists wafting off of them into the arcane glyphs below.

A half dozen of the most skilled mages in the Blue Dragonflight all in their mortal guises, and Medivh, stood at intervals around the circle while channeling powerful arcane energies to support the ongoing ritual. Malygos constantly monitored the magical energies in the room, making minute adjustments every so often to ensure that the two separate types of magic did not clash.

The Aspect of Magic couldnt help but frown as he realized that he needed to correct the flow of magic coming from Medivh far less often than he did the members of his own Dragonflight.

How mortifying that his own kin would lose to a mortal, however abnormal they might be.

Creating a spell that could successfully make use of multiple different varieties of magic, arcane and spirit magic in this case, was not a simple endeavor. It had taken Malygos some time to learn the properties of the unfamiliar magic used by the pandaren, but it eventually became clear to him that their magic would be essential in opening a path to Pandaria.

The mists that sealed away the continent had thwarted all attempts that he had made to bypass them, almost seeming to react and adapt to any vulnerabilities he found. Eventually, a suggestion made by Krivax allowed Malygos to figure out exactly what was happening. Not only had the concealment magic been created by the mortal ruler known as Emperor Shaohao, but they were also actively being maintained by him as well.

Anytime that Malygos attempted to breach the protective barrier, Emperor Shaohao would sense it and adapt the mists accordingly, making full use of an entire continents leyline network to do so. It was a magical game of cat and mouse that would never end.

Realizing this had been utterly infuriating, and Northrend now had one less mountain than it did several months ago.

Unfortunately, solving this issue was not as simple as Malygos would have hoped. While he had the assistance of Medivh, who had quite a bit of experience with spirits for obvious reasons, the same mists that protected Pandaria also prevented them from summoning Emperor Shaohao and forcing him to end the spell. Malygos was nearly angry enough to destroy another mountain to relieve his frustration when he was suddenly informed that the pandaren refugees from the Wandering Isle were attempting to make contact with him.

Rather, to be more precise, they had traveled to Dalaran after Malygos teleported the mortals to the Eastern Kingdoms after talking to them on Zandalar and forgetting about them. Once there they sought out the Council of Six, searching for anyone who could help them return to Pandaria and enact vengeance on the monsters who destroyed their home.

Realizing that their assistance could actually be of use, Malygos soon found himself standing in front of a group of pandaren monks, eyes filled with pain and a desperate need for vengeance as they offered him their assistance.

Malygos would be lying if he said he hadnt been moved at all by the hatred in their eyes. Hed thought that hed long grown numb to the suffering of mortals but something about their raw pain stirred his memories in a way he had not thought about in a long time.

Seeing no reason to turn them down, Malygos had brought them back to the Nexus so that they could assist him in his efforts. The pandaren were not proper mages by any means, but the spell surrounding Pandaria didnt react nearly as virulently to them as it did him. While it wasnt enough for them to actually enter Pandaria, it was definitely enough for Malygos and Medivh to craft a spell that would allow them to contact Emperor Shaohao.

Hopefully, the troublesome spirit would have enough sense to allow them to access Pandaria and confront the Lich King. But given that Shaohao had not already done so, it was likely that things would not be so simple. The spirit had been corrupted by the Sha of Pride according to Krivax, a void entity which fed off ones arrogance and hubris.

Emperor Shaohao was obviously not making decisions in a logical manner, or he would have already lowered the mists long ago.

He wasnt quite sure that he was the one to convince an arrogant spirit to change their course of action and make the correct decision, but he would still try.

Malygos was pulled from his thoughts as he heard a soft murmur to his side, one filled with a mixture of pain and silent hope.

So close so close until we can return to Pandaria. Master Shang Xi, I swear upon the August Celestials that I will avenge you I swear it.

Chen Stormstout was whispering to himself as he floated above the circle, most likely speaking out unconsciously as the spell neared its completion. Malygos didnt exactly need a reminder of what was at stake, but the mortals words strengthened his resolve regardless.

Eventually, Malygos sensed that the spell had successfully bypassed Pandarias concealment magic and identified its target, completing the first portion of the ritual.

The spell has found Shaohao, Malygos bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the cavern. Prepare to draw the spirit in!

Immediately, every mage participating in the ritual simultaneously changed the nature of the casting, acting in unison as they began pulling the spirit away from Pandaria. Shaohao attempted to fight the summoning, but even a spirit with full access to his homelands ley lines could not resist so many extraordinarily powerful mages.

Soon, a blurry image began to solidify within the center of the circle. The ethereal form of Emperor Shaohao, a pandaren wearing white and gold robes, appeared while surrounded by wisps of energy and glaring at them in open defiance.

Malygos huffed in disgust as he directed his senses at the spirit. If he hadnt known what he was searching for, Malygos could have easily missed the subtle corruption lingering on the spirit. But knowing what to expect, the foul stench of the Old Gods made Malygos wish that he could simply obliterate the spirit then and there.

Unfortunately, Malygos rarely had the opportunity to indulge in his more violent impulses now that he somewhat cared about acting responsibly.

The spirit has arrived! Activate the containment spells! Malygos ordered as soon as the spirit was sufficiently solidified.

A complex geometric pattern of blue and emerald lines flared to life on the ground around Emperor Shaohao, trapping the defiant spirit within. The circle shimmered and seemed to solidify, turning the interior into a translucent dome. Malygos meticulously examined the magic for several moments before nodding in satisfaction. The spell was more than enough to keep Shaohao contained long enough for their conversation to take place

Why have you summoned me? It is my duty to stand in eternal vigil over my lands. Every moment that you keep me here is another that I cannot help my people, Shaohaos voice, regal and tinged with anger as he spoke in pandaren, echoed in the cavernous room. They need me now, more than ever.

Calm yourself, spirit. We have every intention of releasing you, Malygos lied, doing his best to not antagonize the volatile spirit as he responded in the spirits own language. If you look below you, youll see that the spell containing you is set to expire within the hour. We merely wished to ensure that we have the opportunity to speak with you.

Malygos had told the truth about the spell, but he obviously had no intentions of letting Shaohao go free now that hed finally captured the spirit. He would be getting into Pandaria, one way or another.

Shaohao studied the spell before looking around suspiciously, his gaze falling upon pandaren monks floating in meditation. His expression briefly softened, and Malygos felt the corruption on the spirit weaken just a fraction.

While we do not know the exact details, we are aware that Pandaria is currently being attacked by a being which wishes to do nothing more than spread death across your lands, Malygos continued, speaking more diplomatically than hed needed to in centuries. The Wandering Isle was destroyed by this same being, and your people call for vengeance. Allow us access to Pandaria, and we will aid them in achieving this goal.

A conflicted expression appeared on Shaohaos face, and Malygos could sense the corruption flare up as the spirit fought to make the rational decision. The Sha of Pride did not seem to have total control over the spirit, its influence far more subtle than most void corruption.

Strange

You speak the truth. Undeath sweeps across my lands like a plague, destroying everything in its path and growing more powerful by the day, said Emperor Shaohao, his voice trembling in sorrow and rage. The Sha grow more powerful by the day, and it wont be long before they corrupt the land as well.

For a moment, Malygos thought that the spirit might agree without further issue, but it didnt take long for pride and arrogance to grow in Shaohaos eyes.

But why then would I turn to the outside world for assistance? Shaohao continued, glaring at Malygos. It was you and your kind who destroyed this world during the Sundering and invited demons to our lands! Im sure that the August Celestials will be fully capable of defending Pandaria without outside intervention.

Malygos felt a twinge of annoyance at being blamed for the actions of power hungry elves, but held his tongue. Even if that were so, denying our assistance will cause more of your people to perish than is necessary. Is it not your sworn duty to protect them, spirit?

Emperor Shaohao, his gaze still filled with arrogance, looked about to retort before he was suddenly interrupted by Chen Stormstout. The monk, no longer submerged in mediation now that the spell had been complete, stepped forward to address the spirit.

Emperor Shaohao, please, Chen Stormstouts voice cracked with emotion. Allow us and these outsiders to enter Pandaria. I watched personally as that monster destroyed my home and ruthlessly slaughtered our people. Not a single one of us will be able to rest until we stop the rest of our people from suffering a similar fate. Please, I beg of you!

Shaohaos eyes widened as the monk, and every other pandaren in the room, fell to the floor and pleaded for him to help them.

I how have I become so blinded by pride? Shaohao whispered to himself quietly as his gaze swept through the room before turning to Malygos. When he next spoke, his voice was louder and filled with determination. Stand up, children of Pandaria. You are right. The time for isolation is over, and the time to act is now. If these outsiders are willing to help, then I will let them.

Chen Stormstout, tears of gratitude in his eyes, nodded as he got to his feet. Thank you, Emperor. Thank you.

It wasnt long before the room was filled with similar words of gratitudes as the rest of the monks celebrated.

Malygos ignored the excitement of the mortals as he focused on the corruption within the spirit. It had become dormant after the monks pleaded with the spirit, but he knew that the threat was far from eradicated. The void corrupting Emperor Shaohao had merely retreated for now, and would no doubt reassert itself at the worst possible moment.

If it were possible for him to simply purify the spirit, then Malygos would have immediately done so the moment that the Shaohao had arrived. Unfortunately, Emperor Shaohao was intrinsically connected to Pandaria, so they would need to deal with the source of the corruption if they wished to purify the spirit.

Malygos turned his gaze to the other side of the cavern and saw that Medivh wore a similarly grim expression as he observed the spirit, clearly recognizing the lurking danger.

How troublesome

Still, Malygos allowed the sounds of jubilant mortals to wash over him as he enjoyed this moment of victory. Now that they had access to Pandaria, he would finally be able to thoroughly assess the situation and develop a plan to confront the Lich King.

Malygos only hoped that his enemies hadnt already grown too powerful.