A Nerubian's Journey

Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Hidden behind several powerful concealment spells, Tichondrius stood high in the sky atop a platform of hardened Fel magic overlooking the battle taking place beneath him. While he was fully capable of flying, he had always found it tedious to do so while staying in a single location.

Under a dark and lightning filled sky, a constant stream of various undead creatures were assaulting a group of surprisingly skilled mortals. The warriors of the so-called Shado-Pan were far more capable than the peaceful monks who once lived on the back of Shen-Zin Su. These few were exceptionally gifted, having been chosen to guard the Isle of Thunder against any intruders.

Unfortunately for them, the Lich King was far beyond what they were prepared to handle. Once this island was chosen for their staging ground against the rest of Pandaria, it had been completely surrounded by a horde of aquatic undead and isolated by preventing the creation of any portals to the mainland.

Still, the mortals fought against a foe that they couldnt defeat with surprising bravery. They had fallen back to a small fort and showed every intention of fighting to the last.

Tichondrius hummed in approval as he watched a pandaren dressed entirely in black gracefully jump from his forts walls and launch herself toward one of the sea giants threatening to destroy the mortal fortifications. Her sword crackled with lightning as she smoothly decapitated the undead giant, ending it in a single blow.

While it was possible to reanimate a creature without its head, the magic involved was significantly more complex for a headless torso. The greater the difference between what a bodys soul remembered as its form and what it was now, the more difficulty a necromancer would have in animating that souls corpse. For the vast majority of these disposable undead, such a thing was almost never worth the effort.

These mortals had learned that extremely quickly when the undead they were facing, ignored any normally fatal wounds to the rest of the body.

The surrounding undead immediately attempted to swarm the Shado-Pan warrior as she landed, but the warrior was quickly protected by a barrier of Light that effectively kept the undead at bay. Tichondrius turned his attention to the mortal responsible, a robed member of the Omnia Discipline, a faction of the Shado-Pan composed of mages and priests.

Without these spellcasters, he was almost certain that the mortal warriors would have already fallen.

Your people are quite impressive, Tichondrius complimented the only other person standing atop his platform. The mortals of Azeroth have always been truly exceptional. Im glad to see that hasnt changed since I was last here.

When he received no response, Tichondrius chuckled in amusement and turned to look at his unwilling companion.

Master Shang Xi looked much different in death than he did in life. His fur was a spectral white and his eyes emanated an icy-blue glow common among sapient undead. The lantern that had once hung from his curved wooden staff had been replaced by a frost-rimed orb of concentrated necromantic magic. The only thing that looked the same about him was his robes, as the Scourge did not yet have the facilities to forge an adequate replacement.

Raising the undead monk as more than just an insane ghoul had taken some effort given the damaged state of his corpse, but the mortal had impressed Tichondrius enough for him to see it done. Master Shang Xi had proven surprisingly strong willed, having retained much of his personality and skills after having been risen into undeath. He also never failed to remind Tichondrius about the involuntary nature of his servitude.

Well? I would quite like to hear your thoughts on their performance, Tichondrius prodded, gesturing towards the ongoing conflict.

Master Shang Xi turned slowly, glaring at Tichondrius with his icy blue gaze. Despite being undead, there was still a spark of life in his eyes; a lingering defiance that Tichondrius found both amusing and intriguing. He could of course squash that rebellious attitude with the slightest effort and ensure the undead monks undying loyalty to the Lich King, but that would be far too boring.

With his fellow nathrezim off on their own missions, and Guldan being as single-mindedly obsessed with power in death as he was in life, Master Shang Xi was the only interesting conversational partner Tichondrius could find.

They fight with honor and courage, Master Shang Xi finally spoke, his voice a whisper of its former warmth, now laced with a cold understone. They bring great honor to their people by fighting to their dying breath against your evil.

The monks words were punctuated by the sight of one of the mortal defenders being dragged down from the wall he was defending into the surrounding undead. He fought valiantly, cutting down swaths of shambling corpses in a flurry of steel, his last breath taken in a defiant roar that echoed across the battlefield. Moments after he died, a massive ball of arcane fire landed on the spot where he fell, destroying a large number of undead and ensuring the warrior could not be raised against his allies.

They certainly learn fast, Tichondrius observed as he studied the magic being used by the mortals. There was only one among them who wielded Arcane magic, while a few others used the Light and an unusual form of Spirit magic. Tell me, Master Shang Xi. Do you believe that they will break once the inevitability of their deaths becomes clear? When they begin to grow slow and tired?

Unlike last time, the response from Master Shang Xi came instantly. They will not. They already know that this fight will be their last, but that knowledge will not break them. It will only make them stronger.

Tichondrius continued to watch the battle for several more moments. While the mortals were beginning to slow down, there was an elderly monk who was floating in the middle of their fort and exuding Spirit infused mist that constantly healed their wounds and reinvigorated them.

I agree with your assessment, Master Shang Xi, said Tichondrius, his mind running through countless scenarios as he considered the implications the strength of these mortals had for his plans. If our enemies continue to be capable of lasting for so long against our forces, then we will need to face them with overwhelming force.

Tichondrius considered simply calling on Guldan to destroy these forces. The former warlock was skilled at creating portals and could easily send a group of powerful undead behind their defensive lines, but such a tactic wouldnt always be possible. The frontlines of their conquest would often be far beyond the Lich Kings reach, so Tichondrius needed to know if the Scourge could operate without direct help.

Our forces are far too uncoordinated without an intelligent undead leading them. Perhaps theyll do better once you take control of them, Master Shang Xi, Tichondrius said, eager to see how the undead monk would fare against his former people. While talented, Im sure these brave warriors wont last much longer.

The undead monk was no great tactician, having lived a mostly peaceful life, but he was fairly skilled with magic and martials arts. Tichondrius watched as Shang Xi turned to glare at him with chilling hatred, which he responded to with a sympathetic smile.

Oh, dont look at me like that. You must understand that theyre only going to make things harder for themselves if they continue resisting, said Tichondrius, his tone a facsimile of sympathy. You must know that the Lich King intends to raise such capable warriors as his servants. If their bodies are too badly damaged by the mindless undead, then they will suffer far more than is necessary. Not everyone has your strength of mind, after all. If anything, youll be doing them a service.

Shang Xi continued to glare at him for several moments, but eventually jumped down from the platform. He knew that he had no real say in the matter, and Tichondrius words were not entirely without merit. Undead with badly damaged bodies required more necromantic magic to raise, and mentally suffered from the missing and decomposed body parts.

Once he landed amid the undead, Shang Xi raised his staff and channeled magic into the orb that hung from it. Moments later, every undead on the battlefield shuddered and momentarily paused as Shang Xi took control of them.

Tichondrius hummed in approval, gratified that Shang Xi had learned from his few lessons on necromancy.

With a wave of his staff, Shang Xi directed the undead forces with newfound organization and precision. Several sea giants struck at weak points along the fortress, while naga spellcasters created ramps of ice that allowed undead to easily charge up the walls. Undead pandaren moved with surprising agility, leaping over the walls and distracting the enemy from being able to mount an effective defense.

What had been a slow battle of attrition became a rapid onslaught that caught the mortals off guard.

Meanwhile, Shang Xi displayed all the skill he had in life and moved through the battlefield like a whirlwind, striking down the defenders while skillfully dodging any magic or projectiles directed at him. Each of his blows was forceful but calculated, ensuring the mortals bodies remained largely intact even as they fell.

From his vantage point, Tichondrius watched as the tide of battle began to turn. The Shado-Pan put up a valiant fight, but their numbers were dwindling and their magic was losing strength. The final blow came when Shang Xi managed to maneuver behind enemy lines and slay the elderly monk who had been rejuvenating the defenders.

The monks mist dissipated as her body hit the ground, revealing the true weariness of the Shado-Pan. For the first time since this battle began, Tichondrius could see fear and hopelessness begin to overtake them.

It wasnt long before the last of the Shado-Pan fell, succumbing to the relentless undead. Satisfied with the results of this battle, Tichondrius flew down to congratulate his companion on their victory.

Well done, Master Shang Xi, Tichondrius said warmly as he landed amidst the fallen mortals. The undead monk ignored him, gaze distant as he stared at his surroundings with an utterly indiscernible expression. Your tactics were simple but effective, and youve managed to keep their corpses remarkably intact. You should be proud.

That finally seemed to be enough to bring Shang Xi back to reality as he turned to regard Tichondrius with a seething glare so unlike the once peaceful monk.

Proud? I have brought nothing but disgrace to the memory of my people, Shang Xi replied bitterly, his soft voice clear in silence left in the wake of the battle. These warriors deserve to feel pride in what they have done, but I take no pride in this senseless evil.

Tichondrius scoffed, faintly annoyed by the undeads short sightedness. Despite Shang Xis talents, he was so very young and knew so very little.

Evil? What is that? Tichondrius drawled dismissively as he swept his eyes over the battlefield. I have never understood why you mortals so abhor death that you label any force that brings you closer to it as evil. Is it a result of your ignorance as to what comes after? An innate fear of the unknown? Or is it simply because youre all so incredibly attached to your fleeting lives?

Tichondrius waited as the crystal floated to the center of the room and began pulsing softly. There was no telling if his fellow nathrezim were currently in a location where they could afford to have a conversation, so it was best to be patient.

Several minutes later, the crystal suddenly flared brightly and the image of Varimathras appeared in mid-air. The two of them didnt bother to exchange any greetings as they waited for the rest of their kin. Balnazzar was the next to appear, wearing the guise of troll witch doctor, while Detherocand MalGanis responded soon after.

Seeing no reason to delay, Tichondrius began the meeting the moment that the last of them responded to the scrying spell. The Scourge has successfully taken control of the Isle of Thunder. The only resistance of note was a small garrison of Shado-Pan warriors

Tichondrius spent the next few minutes reporting the details of his mission. The result was as expected, so none of his fellow nathrezim showed any kind of reaction until he mentioned the Titan machinery and the beast guarding the Throne of Thunder.

Given the circumstances, I believe it is best that you return as quickly as possible, Tichondrius said as he concluded his report, turning his attention to MalGanis. Are you in a position to do so? Have you completed your mission?

MalGanis nodded in affirmation, his expression more subdued than Tichondrius had expected. I have. The pandaren have begun retreating away from the coasts, and the Scourge has developed a significant presence in the Krasarang Wilds. I also managed to discover an island of cloud serpents along the eastern coast of Pandaria. Unfortunately, I was confronted by one of the local Wild Gods before I could kill and raise them.

Tichondrius was not particularly surprised to hear that. They had decided to act overtly as they didnt have time to use more subtle methods with the threat of the Aspects always present. The natural consequence of that was that they would quickly attract the attention of the local powers.

And? How powerful was it? Tichondrius asked, eager to hear an estimate of the Wild Gods power.

Very, MalGanis admitted, his eyes narrow. The one that came for me was Yulon, the Jade Serpent. The Pandaren must have been worshiping these August Celestials for quite some time, because the creature was significantly more formidable than I expected. Not as much as Malorne, but certainly as powerful as many of the other Wild Gods we faced during the War of the Ancients.

Tichondrius lips curled into a thoughtful frown at MalGanis warning. He had no doubt that the Scourge would easily be able to sweep over the pandaren on their own, but such powerful guardians would complicate things significantly. Tichondrius didnt know how long it would take the Aspects to discover their location and find a path through the concealment magic around pandaria, but he doubted that it would take years.

The Scourge had still not yet grown powerful enough to face the combined might of the Aspects head on.

Very well, Tichondrius said as he rearranged some of his plans to take into account this new information. Come to the Isle of Thunder as quickly as possible. Perhaps Lei Shen left behind some useful artifacts within his palace that we can use. If not, then we will simply have to find another way to deal with these troublesome Wild Gods.

MalGanis nodded in agreement as Tichondrius turned his attention to Varimathras. Azjol-Nerub was one of the most powerful mortal kingdoms that they would eventually need to confront, so Varimathras mission to sow chaos on Northrend was of great importance.

Im afraid that MalGanis is not the only one who has run into complications, said Varimathras, his voice carrying a hint of frustration. I have researched the nerubian defenses around the vrykul who are in stasis and found them to be robust. Even if the vrykul were to be awoken, Azjol-Nerub has many magical and biological weapons stationed nearby to kill large swaths of them as soon as they do.

Tichondrius could feel his frown deepen as he was given even more unfavorable news. The nerubians operated with a degree of competence and ruthlessness that he could admire, if it wasnt causing him so many problems.

Fortunately, I believe that I may have found a viable alternative in the Drakkari, said Varimathras, his frustration disappearing as he smirked slyly. There are more vrykul than the ones who exist on Northrend, and Ive heard legends that many of their souls pass on to a Goddess of Death. After some investigation, I believe that this entity could be the answer to many of our problems.

Tichondrius listened as Varimathras told him of Helya and her Kvaldir. Such a being would make for a powerful ally, and they both had much to gain from cooperation.

Very well. Travel to the Broken Isles and attempt to make contact with this entity, Tichondrius commanded. It would likely take Varimathras some time to find Helya, which only made things more difficult. Do so as quickly as possible. We cannot afford to wait long before moving on to the next stage of our plans.

Tichondrius turned his attention next to Balnazzar, who was still wearing the guise of a troll witch doctor. Balnazzar had always been a typical nathrezim, preferring to cause chaos among enemy ranks while working from the shadows.

I have identified two paths through which I can weaken the Eastern Kingdoms, Balnazzar began, his voice even and businesslike. I initially considered instigating a conflict between Ironforge and the Dark Iron dwarves, but found there to be too much Void influence in Black Rock Mountain for my comfort.

That was no great surprise. The Burning Legion already knew that Ragnaros the Firelord resided within Blackrock Mountain and was under the influence of the Old Gods. The degree of that influence was not known, but it must be significant if Balnazzar decided against approaching the Firelords domain.

I then decided to investigate the Gurubashi and discovered that I arrived at a fortunate time, Balnazzar continued, his eyes glinting in satisfaction. A powerful troll warlord has begun consolidating power in Stranglethorn Vale. It should not be difficult for me to ensure his success and guide him in a way that furthers our own interests.

And how long will this take you? asked Tichondrius. A troll warlord waging war across the Eastern Kingdoms would be useful for weakening future opposition, but it did little to help them in the short term.

Not too long, Balnazzar assured, realizing the need for swift action. The warlord in question has become notably more powerful after returning from some journey out to sea. It wont be long now before they move against the remaining Gurubashi tribes. I will ensure he succeeds.

That was indeed good news, but Tichondrius doubted that the Aspects would allow themselves to be distracted by mere trolls. His initial plan had been for the three brothers to enact their plans somewhat simultaneously for maximum effect, but it seemed that would not be possible. Tichondrius needed to cause a significant enough threat now while Guldan was still developing his forces.

If the defenders of Azeroth were to confront the Scourge now, the best case scenario was that they would be able to retreat and disappear into the vast ocean to rebuild once more. The most likely scenario was that the Aspects would simply obliterate them before they were allowed to do so.

With these factors in mind, Tichondrius turned his attention to the only nathrezim who had yet to deliver his report. Are you in position?

Detheroc nodded in affirmation. Indeed. There is no sign that southern Feralas is being monitored closely by anyone. The only noteworthy development on Kalimdor is the tauren successfully pushing the centaur back west over the past few months with the help of the nerubian I mentioned in my previous report.

That a nerubian had been blessed by an Aspect was definitely something Tichondrius intended to learn more about when he had the opportunity.

Coupled with its proximity to one of the Great Trees leading to the Emerald Dream, I believe that this is the perfect place for us to carry out our plan, Detheroc continued.

Then do so, Tichondrius said decisively. He had intended to wait longer, but it seemed that circumstances were forcing his hand.

Then I will begin immediately, said Detheroc, his figure disappearing as he closed his connection to the Fel crystal.

With nothing further to discuss, Balnazzar, MalGanis, and Detheroc broke off the connection soon after, leaving Tichondrius alone with his thoughts. The leader of the nathrezim found his mind racing as he tried to estimate how much time this scheme would afford them. Even in the worst case scenario, the Green Dragonflight would be far too busy to threaten the Scourge.

However, the best case scenario would see the kaldorei empire facing a threat beyond any they had encountered since the War of the Ancients.

Detheroc stored his Fel crystal away the moment he finished speaking to his colleagues. Toward the end of their meeting, Tichondrius had shown an urgency for action that he couldnt disagree with. Azeroth was far more prepared to deal with the Lich King than they had ever imagined, and it was severely affecting their plans.

Nathrezim were not ones to lean toward sudden and dramatic actions, but they had to change the situation if they were to succeed.

Crouching down, Detheroc began to unlock and open the Fel Iron container that had been personally enchanted by Lord Kiljaeden. The magic surrounding it ensured that its contents could not spread beyond its borders. Reaching inside, Varimthras retrieved a large, blooming flower that radiated an enormous amount of Life and Fel magic in equal measure.

Detheroc let out a sigh of admiration as he studied the flower, even as it threatened to burn his flesh and burrow roots beneath his skin. The Evergrowth of Draenor must have once been a truly terrifying entity, a collective hive mind of that worlds plantlife. The Horde had killed the last of the Genesaurs, the immense plantlike beings that once roamed Draenor, but Kiljaeden had been able to harvest their corpses in order to create the flower that he now held in his hands.

Now that the flower was infused with Fel magic and enhanced with the most powerful rituals that the Burning Legion could muster, Detheroc was eager to see what kind of threat it would pose to Azeroth.

Seeing no reason for further delay, Detheroc slowly planted the flower into the ground beneath him and watched eagerly as it immediately began to spread.