Chương 100: Chapter 79

Masruk was in a pleasant mood as he made his way through the streets of Dalaran toward the Alliance Defense Force's headquarters near the Violet Citadel. A few months had passed since Masruk joined the newly-formed organization, and he was very pleased with how things had developed. Combat focused members of the Alliance Defense Force were all requisitioned with the best possible equipment that the organization could acquire, which turned out to be quite impressive.

Krivax had gone out of his way to ensure all members of the Alliance contributed to their logistics, and it showed. Masruk still felt as happy as a hatchling who'd weaved his first web whenever he recalled receiving his new equipment. Superior dwarfish metal crafting combined with the unified efforts of enchanters from Azjol-Nerub, Dalaran, and Quel'Thalas, resulted in armaments beyond what any of them could create on their own.

His new obsidian-black armor was crafted from a titanium-mithril alloy and seamlessly melded with his crimson exoskeleton, its interlocking plates each glowing faintly with magic. The silk harness attached to the armor made it convenient to access his equipment even when using his new wings. His helmet, designed with multi-faceted eye and antennae openings, completed his armor well and created an awe-inspiring appearance that drew the attention of anyone who saw him.

His armor's enchantments, many of which would have conflicted with each other before the Alliance's collaborative efforts, had many useful functions. Defensive enchantments along the breastplate, vision improving magic in the helmet, and best of all, complex weight negation enchantments along his wing-guard that made him light enough to properly fly. Such maneuverability offered Masruk many new options in a fight.

He now loved to soar across the red skies in the early sunrise and breathe in the fresh sea breeze off the coast of Northrend whenever he returned to Azjol-Nerub. His spear, previously the same as the standard equipment given to the Dreadstalkers, had been similarly improved. Imbued with dwarvish enchantments that would allow the spear to return to him after being thrown and sharp enough to pierce through most armor, Masruk was now more deadly than he had ever been.

If he'd had this equipment when he and Krivax had fought that troublesome demon, they could have defeated it much more quickly. Masruk hadn't originally seen the purpose of the Alliance Defense Force when Krivax had explained his idea, though he'd kept that to himself. Krivax had always possessed an unique vision and perspective that allowed him to see how things could be, rather than how they were, so he'd trusted his friend's judgment.

Now that Krivax's vision was beginning to become reality, Masruk better understood the wisdom behind a collaborative defense initiative. Masruk was pulled from his thoughts as he approached his destination. The Alliance had chosen Dalaran as the place to build its headquarters due to its relative historical neutrality when it came to matters of politics.

Grand Magus Antonidas had personally created the spatial enchantments on the structure, which meant the Alliance Defense Force had more than enough space to conduct its operations. The structure itself was nothing special, simply being one of the larger buildings in the city's administrative district, but the many personnel walking in and out were diverse even by Dalaran's standards.

Every race in the Eastern Kingdoms, along with nerubians and even the occasional tauren or draenei, could be seen going about their diplomatic duties. The only reason Masruk drew any attention as he passed beneath the Alliance banner hanging above the entrance was due to his large wings and imposing armor. Masruk quickly walked past the many diplomats and emissaries stationed in the main hall, heading directly toward the more militarized western wing of the building.

He then ended up spending several minutes being closely examined by the Dreadstalker and Spellbreaker guards stationed by the entrance. Although Krivax may have grown accustomed to going wherever he pleased as he interacted with the most powerful people in Azeroth, Masruk had no such luxury despite their friendship. This didn't bother him at all, as Masruk honestly preferred to go unnoticed by the people in Krivax's orbit. It made his life much easier.

Soon enough, Masruk was given the all clear and allowed entrance to the western wing. The atmosphere immediately changed as he stepped inside. Krivax had not wasted any time in getting things organized and began sending people out on missions as soon as possible. Apparently, he wanted the organization to gain some experience before they were deployed against a powerful necromancer on some foreign continent.

Masruk had worried at first that there would not be enough missions available and that he would be deprived of a proper fight, but that proved an unnecessary concern. There seemed to be a truly absurd number of threats plaguing Azeroth, so there was more than enough work to keep even the most battle-hungry warriors satisfied. As Masruk walked through the halls toward the training area, he passed by several unique individuals, many of whom he would not have encountered anywhere else.

He paused briefly in the hallway as he watched the mutated Draenei known as Broken, Akama, practicing in the courtyard. Masruk had never fought Akama himself, but he'd seen the Broken spar against the Paladin Tirion Fordring in the training area and knew that he was highly skilled. Masruk wasn't sure how Krivax did it, but he just seemed to know many obscure individuals of exceptional skill and had a knack for recruiting them. However, the A. D.

F wasn't filled with only a few highly skilled combatants, but also had many other personnel available to offer support. After all, even the most elite of soldiers would become several times more effective with the assistance of specialists. As if reading his thoughts, his attention was drawn to one such individual calling for his attention.

"Masruk! Over here!" Masruk turned to see a burly human man in robes embroidered with nautical sigils. The staff he held was adorned with shells and glowing with a soft, water light. Wavespeaker Samuel was among the few Tidesages remaining after Kul'Tiras finished purging the organization of void cultists after their betrayal during the Second War.

"Greetings Tidesage, how can I help you?" Masruk asked as he approached Samuel and a young half-elf man from the logistics department. The Tidesage chuckled warmly before responding.

"Oh, relax. You spiderfolk are always too proper. No need for formality among friends and comrades, no? I see you have fully recovered from the blow from the falling mast." The Tidesage had been very helpful during Masruk's first mission for the A. D. F, which involved investigating the growing pirate threat plaguing the Eastern Kingdoms. They had together caught up to the pirate ship and boarded it.

In spite of the pirate captain's attempt to crush him under one of the masts, he had shrugged off the cracked carapace and cornered him with his spear, while Samuel had swamped the deck clear of other pirate crew with a massive wave. Working with the different Alliance members in his missions had helped him to appreciate the strange friendliness among the surface races.

"Very well, Samuel," said Masruk, attempting to sound less formal.

"Is there something that you need? I wish to meet with my assigned team before the next mission briefing later this evening."

"Certainly, that's the very reason why I called for you," said Samuel, smiling affably as he leaned against his staff.

"Mere moments ago Elmir and I were discussing this upcoming mission and what it might entail when I saw you. Given that not every soul here shares kinship with the one at the helm, it seemed prudent to ask you."

"You're friends with Vizier Krivax?" asked the half-elf named Elmir, his eyes widening with interest.

"That's amazing. I was only able to speak with him for a few minutes when I was first recruited. He was… very intimidating." Masruk was not surprised by the half-elf's interest. Krivax might not fully understand what kind of a figure he'd become, but Masruk was accustomed to people showing an interest in their friendship. After all, who wouldn't be curious about a person who regularly spoke with rulers? It didn't help that Krivax casually radiated power ever since he had been empowered by Alexstrasza.

"Krivax is kind, but very busy," Masruk said to Elmir before turning his attention back to Samuel.

"I do not know what the mission will entail exactly, but I suspect that it will involve the necromancer known as the Lich King." It was a lie that Masruk didn't know the contents of his mission, but there was no harm in mentioning the Lich King. Preparations to face the undead had been growing significantly over the past few weeks, with the Church of the Holy Light infusing large numbers of armaments with the Light.

While it wasn't public knowledge, Masruk even knew that Krivax had been in close contact with Archmage Kel'Thuzad about an anti-undead weapon that the mage had successfully developed with the assistance of Queen Khitix.

"Aye, I suppose that makes sense," said Samuel, a bitter look crossing his expression.

"It seems like every day now that we're facing a new threat, more deadly than the last. I remember when the worst things I had to worry about were pirates and Gilnean saber-rattling. Now half my Order revealed themselves as mind-eating monsters, and armies of the undead are terrorizing distant lands. I miss when times were simpler." That was a sentiment that Masruk had come across many times, not only from the surface races but also from his fellow nerubians.

Personally, Masruk didn't enjoy imagining what his life would have been like without Krivax in it and all the changes that resulted. He would have never met the people of Kamagua or seen the forests of Kalimdor. He would have never battled the Horde or sparred with some of the most skilled warriors in the Eastern Kingdoms, such as Paladin Uther. Instead, Masruk would have almost certainly lived in the depths of Kilah'kuk as a warrior and eventually died there without seeing a single star.

That was why Masruk found it hard to share their sentiment. Still, it was easy to understand their perspective.

"I miss those times too. I thank the Light every day that I wasn't in Capital City when that giant abomination destroyed my home," said Elmir, nodding solemnly in agreement before seeming to perk himself up.

"But It is nice that there are so many new kinds of people to see now. I actually saw a giant bird person entering the Violet Hold yesterday! Apparently, they were brought to our world from Draenor by the dragons." Samuel and Elmir continued to gossip as they continued discussing new rivals and the other events unfolding across Azeroth. Masruk decided to stay and listen for a while despite already knowing far more than either of them about the state of the world thanks to Krivax.

He felt that it was important to understand what the common people without insider information were thinking and feeling. Masruk had noticed that Krivax sometimes overlooked that perspective, absorbed with his diplomatic duties and focusing on a goal only he could see. There weren't many ways that Masruk could assist his friend, but the occasional reminder of how those around him felt was useful.

Samuel and Elmir mentioned several interesting anecdotes, such as the growing number of elvish merchants selling exciting new goods. Krivax had been focusing recently on managing diplomatic relations with Quel'Thalas, often bemoaning their growing influence and the state of their internal politics. As far as Masruk understood, the elvish equivalent of the High King had been steadily losing power over the past few years before the situation culminated several months ago.

He could tell that Krivax was very concerned about this, even going so far as to wonder if Deathwing's children or the Dreadlords were involved in the matter. Masruk got the impression that this wasn't the only thing bothering Krivax, as he seemed to be paying closer attention to Azjol-Nerub's internal politics as well. There was little Masruk could do about it, but he still memorized everything Samuel and Elmir said for later. He could always ask Krivax questions about anything that he did not fully understand.

Aside from that, they also mentioned several recent technological innovations. These mostly focused on mundane inventions such as a new refrigeration device created by the elvish enchantments, heated blankets made using fire imbued silks, and gnomish silk wired street lamps that were easy to produce in bulk. Eventually, Masruk couldn't afford to stay any longer and said goodbye to the pair before continuing on his way.

Several more personnel attempted to catch his attention as he passed through the corridors, either to exchange pleasantries or inquire about the upcoming mission. Masruk was polite but brief, uninterested in wasting any more time. When he finally reached the main courtyard, a sprawling space filled with various sparring rings, target ranges, and golems built specifically to withstand powerful attacks, he quickly began searching for the ones he would be joining on his next mission.

It didn't take long to do so, as Vizier Hadix and Paladin Fordring were facing each other in a large, circular sparring ring that was encased by an arcane barrier. Masruk was not surprised to see that Vizier Hadix was testing the skills of the human who would be fighting by their side. He'd always known the older nerubian to be strict in ensuring the competency of those around him.

Even now, he could still remember the time Hadix had discreetly pulled Masruk aside a few days before he first went to the surface with Krivax. The Vizier had insisted that Masruk prove himself worthy of accompanying his apprentice. It… had not been particularly pleasant. Masruk was even more wary of Vizier Hadix in recent times, as the older nerubian seemed particularly irritable that he was unable to continue his typical duties.

This irritation was very clearly being taken out on Paladin Fordring, who was doing a surprisingly good job of enduring it. Masruk watched as Vizier Hadix launched a barrage of arcane missiles which flew around the sparring ring and attacked Fordring from every angle while simultaneously creating several illusions of himself to deceive the paladin's senses.

It was a multi-faceted attack that would have overwhelmed many warriors, but Fordring defended himself admirably This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The human swiftly erected a barrier of Light around himself that deflected the magical attacks before stomping on the ground and unleashing a wave of holy energy that left the ground glowing and destroyed all of the illusions.

With his true enemy revealed, Fordring didn't hesitate to charge Vizier Hadix with his warhammer raised high, his speed blisteringly fast as the human empowered himself with the Light. Masruk noticed approval in Vizier Hadix's expression even as the powerful mage teleported away moments before being struck and continued his attacks. Masruk was grateful that the human had earned the Vizier's regard, knowing that Hadix would be exceedingly unpleasant if he was forced to travel with a group he didn't respect.

Watching the display, it was relieving to know that he and Vizier Hadix already had an understanding. Truthfully, Masruk and Hadix had both already been briefed on this mission, so he knew that Fordring's combat ability had not been the primary reason that the paladin had been chosen. Instead, it was mostly due to his expertise in healing and the nearly non-existent chance that he had been compromised by the Burning Legion.

After all, secrecy would be absolutely essential if this strange group of theirs was to succeed. Masruk continued watching for a few more moments before deciding to introduce himself to the human. Masruk walked over to the sparring ring and waited on its edges, knowing that both Hadix and Fordring had noticed his presence and would end their fight soon. Sure enough, after a few more dazzling exchanges, Fordring motioned for a pause before glancing at Masruk as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

After making his way to a short pedestal on the edge of the sparring ring and speaking a brief incantation, Hadix lowered the arcane barrier that enclosed the arena.

"I trust that you're satisfied, Vizier?" Fordring asked, casting a quick healing spell on himself that seemed to alleviate his exhaustion. Hadix gave a single nod of approval before responding.

"You possess adequate skill and tenacity, Paladin. I suspect that you have the potential to become a truly formidable warrior should you survive the coming years. You will be of use in our upcoming endeavor." From what he had been able to observe, Masruk agreed with the Vizier's assessment. Fordring fought with a level of skill and resolve that reflected a lifetime of training. If he hadn't become a Lifeweaver, Masruk doubted that he would have been able to keep up with the human, even with his enchanted gear.

"Thank you, Vizier. I shall do my best to meet your expectations," Fordring said politely, inclining his head toward Hadix before turning to Masruk.

"I don't believe we've been formally introduced. I am Paladin Tirion Fordring. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Lifeweaver Masruk," he introduced himself simply, stretching out an arm to greet the human in the manner of one of their strange customs. Vizier Hadix wordlessly passed the two of them, obviously uninterested in further introductions.

"Your reputation precedes you. I've heard many stories about you swooping down onto a ship owned by the Blackwater Raiders and capturing its captain," said Fordring, a wide smile on his face as he shook Masruk's hand.

"It sounds like a riveting tale." Masruk decided that he liked Tirion Fordring. Most people usually only knew Masruk through his connection to Krivax, so it felt good to be acknowledged by such a skilled warrior. The event that Fordring was referring to was his very first mission for the A. D. F, in which he'd been tasked with capturing a pirate captain alive and delivering them to the Alliance.

The Blackwater Raiders had been harrassings Stormwinds coast some time, and the kingdom was too busy rebuilding after the Second War to invest significant resources to stopping them.

"I could not have done it without assistance," Masruk said honestly, knowing that it was the truth.

"If Wavespeaker Samuel had not summoned a mist to obscure my escape, then their rifles would have been much more of a threat." Masruk couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled how the pirate had screamed, his entire body encased in webs as he dangled through the air. Fordring laughed heartily after hearing Masruk describe the scene.

"Oh, I would have enjoyed being able to witness that. It sounds like quite the spectacle." The two of them continued to speak for several more minutes, exchanging stories of past missions and the challenges they faced. Masruk found himself appreciating the human's easy manner and sincerity, hoping the two of them would have more missions in the future. Their conversation was only interrupted when a gnome messenger approached and informed them that they were needed in the primary briefing room.

The gnome left after ensuring that they had properly understood the message, likely to inform the other teams about the situation. With a quick nod to each other, Masruk and Tirion began making their way to the meeting room. It quickly became clear that everyone had been given orders of some kind, because the corridors were a hive of activity as people rushed to and fro. The primary briefing room was already full once they arrived, several teams waiting around a large table covered in magical artifacts.

An arcane projection of the continent known as Pandaria filled the air above it, clearly indicating to everyone that it would be the focus of their upcoming mission. The projection was marked with various symbols and annotations, indicating key positions and objectives. Masruk wasn't particularly familiar with Pandaria, but it wasn't hard to guess that the red portions of the map represented the territory conquered by the Scourge.

Given that the vast majority of the continent's coasts seemed to be included in these areas, the situation was obviously quite dire. Masruk spotted Krivax standing at the front of the table and waiting patiently for everyone to arrive before beginning the briefing. He couldn't help but note that Krivax was far less nervous than he would have been if he had been placed in this kind of situation just a few years ago.

There were many parts of Krivax that had stayed the same since they were hatchlings, but his confidence had clearly grown over the years. Masruk knew that Krivax wouldn't agree with his assessment, but his friend had always been unnecessarily hard on himself. As he and Fordring made their way over to the portion of the table where Vizier Hadix was waiting, Masruk turned his attention to the other teams.

Unfortunately, it seemed like he was among the last few to arrive so there was little opportunity to evaluate the members of the other teams in detail. Once everyone had settled, Krivax stepped forward, clearing his throat to get the room's attention.

"Thank you all for gathering here. We have little time to waste on formalities, so I'll get straight to the point," Krivax said confidently, gesturing toward the arcane projection.

"Most of you are already well aware of this, but I will explain for those of you who are not. The continent of Pandaria, a landmass in the South Sea hidden by ancient magic, has been attacked by a necromancer known as the Lich King. If this necromancer is allowed to grow his undead armies unopposed, they will swiftly become a threat to the entirety of Azeroth. This cannot be allowed."

Krivax continued sharing what was known about the Lich King, including their origins with the Burning Legion and ability to control unprecedented numbers of undead. Krivax also spent time discussing the Dreadlords and their abilities, as well as Lord Malygos' belief that the demons were the ones in true control of the Lich King. By the time he was done, the importance of the demons was exceedingly clear. Masruk saw several people grow grim as they studied the projection.

Many of them held politically important positions and thus had been informed of the Lich King by the Alliance, but it was clear that the severity of the situation was worse than they had expected. Krivax eventually went on to explain that after Malygos gained access to Pandaria, he and the Blue Dragonflight made significant efforts to scout the continent and locate the Lich King.

Unfortunately, the necromancer's mobile fortress had not been seen at any point during these past few months and the Aspect eventually had decided that he could not wait any longer. Every day that went by was another that the Scourge grew in numbers, so putting a stop to their rampage across Pandaria was a necessity. Such a massive endeavor would of course need to be handled by the actual militaries of the Alliance's member nations.

It would not be an easy fight given that transporting large numbers of troops would be a logistical nightmare. Sea transport was tantamount to suicide, while moving so many troops by portal would exhaust the most powerful of mages and consume precious resources to keep the portals open. It was only due to the assistance of the Aspect of Magic that it was even remotely possible. Krivax pointed to a particular part in northern Pandaria where the Alliance would be establishing a forward base.

A combined effort by the Guardians of Nerub, Order of the Silver Hand, and the most elite warriors in Quel'Thalas would be leading the initial assault. During this time, the available Aspects and Dragonflights would launch a surprise attack on the Isle of Thunder, hoping to destroy the Scourge's leadership on Pandaria. Masruk thought it was a sound tactic. Even if they were to fail, the attack would at least distract the Scourge from the Alliance's assault.

This was what the Alliance would be doing, but there was an important role for the A. D. F to play as well.

"Lord Malygos is very concerned that the enemy will use his and the other Aspects' distraction to launch attacks at poorly defended locations," Krivax continued solemnly, his eyes sweeping through the room.

"As a result, most of you will be held in reserve to respond to such an eventuality. The Council of Six has offered the assistance of the most powerful spatial mages in Dalaran to quickly transport you where it is necessary at a moment's notice." Krivax gestured to a figure who Masruk recognized to be Archmage Ansirem. He recognized the wisdom of this decision as well.

Masruk could already imagine an army of the undead emerging from the sea and devastating the Kul Tiras' fleets in a surprise attack or destroying the still rebuilding Stormwind before anyone could respond. Having several groups of highly powerful individuals to push back against an assault would undoubtedly be very useful. Fortunately, Masruk grew increasingly confident that the Alliance was taking this threat very seriously the longer he listened to Krivax.

Aside from the teams prepared to respond to the Lich King, Quel'Thalas had also prepared several dozen Magisters to intervene as soon as necessary. Such a large number of mages had the potential to turn the tide of any battlefield.

"However, some of you have been selected for a different mission," Krivax continued once he finished explaining the reserve strategy.

"Specifically, the teams led by Archmage Krasus and Vizier Hadix will be deploying to Pandaria as soon as the assault begins. These two teams will be receiving a separate briefing at the conclusion of this meeting. Now, any questions?" The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of the situation settled on everyone present. This briefing had made clear that this would be the largest military conflict that any of them would be participating in since the Second War.

"Yes, Magus Rhonin?" Krivax nodded to the human mage.

"What support can we expect from the native inhabitants of Pandaria?" asked Rhonin, his voice measured.

"A good question," Krivax said before launching an in depth explanation of Pandaria's current situation and the state of their resistance. That resistance almost entirely relied on a few powerful creatures known as the August Celestials and a small group of elite warriors called the Shado-Pan. Masruk had already heard from Krivax that the Pandaren did not have a standing army, but it still made little sense to him.

Azjol-Nerub had been at peace for even longer than the Pandaren, but they had always maintained a capable military throughout its history. The idea of relying on a few so-called 'Wild Gods' and a small organization for protection seemed entirely nonsensical to him. A quick look around the room made it obvious that his sentiment was shared by the rest of the people in the room. The Eastern Kingdoms was not a peaceful continent, so this was to be expected.

Krivax also went on to explain the threat of the Sha, which were apparently hostile Void entities which would spontaneously appear in places of significant negative emotion. Given the circumstances, Masruk was not surprised when Krivax pointed to large splotches of purple across the projection that represented the Sha. Krivax also took a moment to mention Manti'vess, a sister kingdom to Azjol-Nerub that existed on the western side of the continent.

If they were any bit as formidable as his own people, then Masruk thought the Alliance would be wise to avoid them as much as possible. Masruk listened carefully as Krivax spent the next half an hour answering various questions. Eventually, Krivax concluded the general meeting, indicating that it was time for the two specific teams to receive their separate, mission-critical briefings.

"If there are no further questions, I would like Vizier Hadix's to stay behind while Archmage Krasus' team goes to meet Magister Rommath in his office," Krivax announced, his eyes briefly flickering to Masruk before returning to the rest of the room.

"Everyone else, thank you for your time. The assault on Pandaria will take place at the end of the week. The Lich King will almost certainly respond once Lord Malygos begins his attack, so I suggest you do everything you can to prepare until then." The room began to empty as everyone filed out, leaving behind a hushed air. Archmage Krasus nodded at Krivax before leaving with his team, a group of several mages who Masruk didn't recognize, to meet with Magister Rommath.

Soon enough, the only people left in the room were Krivax, Masruk and his team, as well as a strange female dwarf who had been quiet throughout the entire briefing. Krivax waited until the door closed behind the departing teams and Hadix finished casting what was most likely a privacy ward before addressing the remaining members of the room.

"Alright," Krivax began, taking a deep breath as he turned to face Fordring.

"While I did say that this briefing was for your entire team, in truth, you are the only person here who does not know what you've been gathered to do. Masruk, Vizier Hadix, and Watcher Ironaya were all informed before this meeting." Masruk couldn't help but turn a curious glance to the stoic dwarf woman. Ironaya was the name of the giant golem creature from Uldaman that Krivax had told him about. Fordring looked a bit surprised, but not affronted.

"I see. Then this mission must be extremely sensitive in nature. What is it that you need from me?"

"As I said before, this team will be one of the few traveling to Pandaria," said Krivax after a moment of silence.

"Your objective will be to carry out a plan crafted by Lord Malygos. One that will hopefully result in the successful capture of a Dreadlord." Masruk heard the sharpness in Krivax's voice and knew how much the success of this mission meant to his friend. Detheroc's escape with potentially vital information had left a bad taste in both of their mouths, so finding a way to turn the tables on the enemy would be immensely satisfying.

Not only that, but this would be one of their few opportunities to seize the initiative from the enemy and take the fight directly to them.

"I am not the most familiar with demons, but even I know that Dreadlords are particularly cunning creatures," Fordring said, his hint of skepticism in his voice.

"How exactly do we plan to capture one, and why was I chosen to participate?"

"Capturing the demon will be the responsibility of Watcher Ironaya," Krivax explained, gesturing to the individual in question.

"Lord Malygos and Keeper Archaedas have developed an artifact which will prevent the Dreadlord from returning to the Twisting Nether. Ironaya's duty will be to operate it." Krivax then went on to give a quick explanation of who and what Ironaya was, which Fordring accepted with impressive composure.

"As for why you were chosen," Krivax continued, locking eyes with Fordring.

"It's simple. You fit a very specific criteria of being trustworthy, not already occupied with other obligations, and being extremely effective against the undead. Once you are equipped with the Silver Hand, I expect that effectiveness to increase substantially." Masruk heard the slight sulk in Krivax's voice and nearly chuckled. He knew his friend had wanted to surprise the Paladin by giving him the Silver Hand personally, but hadn't been able to arrange it. Krivax was quite fond of dramatic moments.

However, Fordring already seemed sufficiently impressed, his eyes growing wide with awe.

"The Silver Hand? Archbishop Benedictus has agreed to entrust me with such a legendary artifact?" Fordring asked, his voice tinged with disbelief and honor.

"He has. The Archbishop is prepared to hold a secret ceremony to bestow the artifact to you after this meeting," Krivax said approvingly, clearly happy with the human's reaction "You will likely need to spend the next few days acclimating to its power, but it will be vital for ensuring that all of us survive this mission. I hope you can handle this responsibility, Paladin Fordring." Fordring straightened his posture, his eyes filled with conviction.

"I will do my utmost to wield the Silver Hand with the honor and dignity it deserves, and for the betterment of us all. You have my word." Masruk didn't really understand the Light, but the swell of energy that seemed to emanate from the human at that moment spoke volumes about his conviction. In that moment, he could easily imagine the paladin wielding the weapon that had slain a C'thrax and destroying entire swaths of undead with indomitable will.

Masruk had already considered Fordring a formidable warrior, but his estimation of the paladin rose even further and he wondered how his friend had known that this specific human would be so well-suited for the mission. A quick glance at Krivax revealed the familiar glimmer in his eyes of a plan coming together and Masruk decided that it didn't matter. He trusted Krivax's judgment in matters such as these.

"Very good," said Krivax, sounding distinctly pleased.

"Then let me share the details of our plan. If you all manage to succeed, then this could potentially be our first step in turning the tides against the Lich King…"