Chương 28: Chapter 24

Krivax did his best to ignore the frightened stares of the residents of the human town of 'Brill' as the nerubian delegation and their armed and mounted escort made their way through the small human settlement. Father Elric had indeed saved them all a lot of trouble by moving ahead and warning the locals of their approach. They were still fearful, of course, but the word of a priest of the Church of the Holy Light held great sway over the citizens of Lordaeron.

The priest had saved them a lot of time and trouble, and they were now expecting to reach Capital City by the end of the day. Krivax was a bit surprised by how quickly the trip had gone, but perhaps it only felt that way given that he had been lost in his thoughts through most of it. Those thoughts mainly revolved around figuring out what the hell he was going to do about the upcoming Second War.

Considering that the Alliance was already fated to win the war, there was always the option of just sitting back and allowing things to play out as they did in canon, but there were many problems with remaining uninvolved. That didn't even include the fact that the butterfly effect was likely to change things significantly due to their very presence and he had no idea how it could change the results of the conflict.

It was a relief to learn that he had a few years that he could use to prepare before the creation of the Lich King, but there were still many dangers that he needed to consider. Even if Krivax was to ignore the morality of allowing so many people to die when he had the opportunity to make things better, there was also the fact that he wanted the Alliance to retain as much of their strength as possible to confront future crises.

Not to mention the fact that Deathwing was currently active during this time period, and that his battle with the Aspects would result in him retreating to Deepholm until he returned in an explosion of power that reshaped the landscape of Azeroth. If Krivax wanted to avoid the Cataclysm, then Deathwing could not be allowed to survive the events of the Second War as he did in canon. But that's easier said than done…

Try as he might, he could not come up with a plan that could guarantee the death of a being as insanely powerful as Deathwing. Despite having written down and doing his best to memorize everything he could remember about Warcraft lore the moment he realized where he was, there were many things about the lore that he simply never learned or could not remember.

He remembered that Deathwing spent much of the Second War sowing chaos while disguised as a human noble, but he couldn't remember for the life of him what name Deathwing used as a human. Krivax had a good overview of the events of the war, but there were many smaller details that he wished he knew. And even if he did know about the big events, what would be the best way to go about changing things for the better?

Krivax knew that he wanted to prevent Alexstrasza, Aspect of the Red Dragonflight, from being captured and taken to Grim Batol, but how? He could potentially tell Krasus, who was a member of the Council of Six of Dalaran at this time and also secretly a red dragon, about the threat to his queen, but how would he justify his knowledge? He doubted that a mage as powerful as Krasus lacked the ability to track him down if he tried something as simple as sending an anonymous letter.

Maybe I could revisit the idea of pretending to be a Seer? Or maybe I could just… tell someone the truth? Krivax had chosen before not to pretend to be a Seer because he felt like there was a high likelihood that it would backfire on him. He could easily imagine a scenario in which he was sent to train with Azjol-Nerub's actual Seers and he ended up landing in hot water once he failed to replicate their abilities. After all, his knowledge of the future was static and would grow less and less accurate over time.

But the idea of simply telling someone the truth… or even a modified version of it? The only person he trusted enough for something like that was Masruk. Krivax knew his friend well enough that he was certain that Masruk would keep his secrets. Unfortunately, his friend was no more able than him to solve Azeroth's numerous problems. There was also still a risk of the knowledge being compromised even if Masruk didn't tell anyone; while mind magic was by no means common, it was not nonexistent either.

After joining the Order, Krivax was learning how to protect his mind from both the Void and mind magic, but Masruk did not have such luck. The members of the delegation who knew sensitive information either possessed an artifact that could shield their minds, or had the ability to do it themselves, but Masruk had neither. Still, it might be worth the effort to find a solution, even if only to get another perspective. Plus it would be… nice if I could share this with somebody else.

He considered whether or not he was willing to bring this matter up with Hadix—who was fully capable of protecting his own mind—and was surprised to find that the answer was not an immediate 'no,' although it was not a yes either. Vizier Hadix was both arrogant and ruthless, but the more Krivax got to know him, the more he believed that the Vizier was genuinely striving for the good of their people… and mainly only their people.

His life would be much easier if he could share what he knew with Vizier Hadix, but he couldn't help but worry about his reaction. Krivax pushed away these thoughts and decided to turn his attention back to the present His thoughts were too chaotic right now, and from what he knew about the timeline he still had some time before he had to make any major decisions. Lord Ashfort had been true to his word when he said that he would organize an escort to lead the delegation out of his lands as quickly as possible.

It was not long before the nerubian delegation, the two members of the Explorer's League, Father Elric, and a small group of mounted knights provided by House Ashfort, could be seen leaving the town of Fairwater. While the trip had gone by quickly, it had also been depressingly quiet given that the humans were not interested in speaking to them, and the nerubians in general not being one for small talk.

It didn't help that Trixie had not taken it well when she learned that Stormwind had been destroyed and that the army of creatures responsible for it would likely soon turn their attention to Khaz Modan. For all that she knew, Gnomergan was already under siege and her family could be in danger while she had no way to help. Krivax glanced down at Trixie, who was visibly depressed as she walked next to Malzie, before pulling his gaze back up.

Surprisingly, the only people who seemed to actually be interested in making conversation over the past few days were, through a translator, Father Elric and Anub'rekhan. Krivax glanced at the extremely strange pair as Vizier Crinis translated Father Elric's words as he explained the philosophies of the Church of the Holy Light to an interested Spiderlord.

Anub'rekhan would interject at times to ask pointed questions about the Church's history and its relationship with the various human governments, all of which Father Elric was more than happy to answer.

"Have you finally pulled yourself out of your thoughts?" asked Masruk, who was walking by his side.

"Oh, uh, yeah," said Krivax, feeling embarrassed that he had mostly ignored his friend while thinking about the future.

"Sorry about that, Masruk."

"Good," said Masruk with a note of relief.

"This trip has been dull and these humans are proving far less interesting than the tuskarr. Not a single one of them is willing to spar with me."

"Well, I'm not sure what I can do to help with that," said Krivax with a hint of amusement.

"We won't be stopping again until we reach the city, and it's not as if I can spar with you while we're moving. Let's hope that there are some people in the city who are willing to offer you your daily dose of violence."

"Yes, let's hope," Masruk agreed immediately before turning to look at Trixie with a worried expression.

"The tiny one has not been willing to spar with me either." Apparently, Trixie and Masruk had sparred a few times while Krivax had been undergoing the process of becoming a Vizier. He was sad that he had missed the chance to see his friend running around with his spear after being shrunk down by Trixie's Shrink Ray.

"Yeah, she's just a bit sad because she's worried about her family," said Krivax.

"I don't understand," said Masruk, uncomprehendingly.

"I have not even thought of the rest of our clustermates since we were designated to our roles."

"Her relationship with her family is much closer to the relationship between the two of us," said Krivax, explaining it the only way he knew how.

"I would be sad and upset if you were in danger, Masruk, especially if I couldn't do anything to help you." Masruk's expression became one of contemplation as he thought over what Krivax had just said.

"We should attempt to raise her spirits," Masruk said decisively. Krivax was a bit surprised at his friend's words, but he quickly agreed.

"Hello, Trixie, how are you feeling?" Krivax asked with concern after walking over to the gnome and her dwarf companion.

"Hello, tiny one, we are here to lift your spirits," said Masruk straightforwardly. Trixie glanced at the two of them but did not show any other outward reaction.

"Unless you can protect my family from the army of monsters that are heading their way, then I doubt there is much you can do to 'lift my spirits,'" said Trixie, her voice monotone. Krivax winced at her words. He did remember that the Horde was not successful in their attempts to siege Gnomeregan and Ironforge, but they did still manage to conquer most of Khaz Modan. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"What city does your family live in?" asked Krivax considerately.

"In Gnomeregan, like most gnomes, why?" asked Trixie, tilting her head in confusion.

"How long do you think it took for the monsters to destroy Stormwind?" Krivax continued, trying to lead her to the correct conclusion.

"That merchant boy said he'd been hearing rumors of trouble down there for at least the past few years," Malzie offered quickly, likely seeing where he was going with his line of questioning.

"If it took years for the beasts to beat Stormwind, then they aren't going to have an easy time taking Ironforge or Gnomeregan."

"And it's also likely that Stormwind managed to weaken them significantly," said Krivax consolingly.

"Do you really think that's true?" Trixie asked Malzie with a hint of hope in her voice that was previously absent.

"Yeah, lass, I do," Malzie reassured her.

"Remember, I've got family in Ironforge too. I wouldn't give you false hope if I didn't believe it myself. Even if the beasts manage to take Khaz Modan, they aren't stepping foot in Ironforge or Gnomeregan anytime soon. I'm sure our people are already hunkering down and getting ready for a fight." Trixie seemed to shudder before taking in a deep breath and releasing it slowly, doing her best to calm herself down.

"You guys are right," Trixie said firmly.

"Gnomeregan isn't going to go down without a fight. I'm sure my family will be alright until help arrives."

"That's the spirit, lass," said Malzie approvingly.

"No sense in worrying ourselves overmuch before we know more."

"Besides," said Krivax.

"I'm sure the human kingdoms will come together and fight back these creatures given that the kingdom that was destroyed was one of their own." Trixie and Malzie glanced at each other with dubious expressions.

"I'm not so sure about that," Trixie said hesitantly.

"Unlike gnomes, humans aren't exactly the best at getting along with one another."

"I'm afraid she's right," Malzie agreed reluctantly.

"In my experience, there's nothing that a human hates more than other slightly different humans. Not that my people are all that better." Krivax already knew that the human kingdoms would eventually come together to form the Alliance, so he was not all that concerned about the matter. The four of them spent the next hour talking while walking down the path to Capital City about the various human kingdoms and their differences.

Krivax noted that the frequency of people traveling on the road being shooed away by either their escorts or Father Elric was steadily increasing as they drew closer to Lordaeron's capital. Unfortunately, Krivax was pulled out of the conversation by the sound of someone calling loudly for him in nerubian.

"Vizier Krivax!" He turned to look at Vizier Crinis who was gesturing for him to approach while walking beside Anub'rekhan and Father Elric. Krivax quickly excused himself and made his way over to the Vizier who was looking thoroughly irritated.

"Yes, Vizier Crinis? How can I help you?" asked Krivax as he approached.

"I am done translating for these two," Vizier Crinis said adamantly.

"Speaking about the Light was perhaps interesting for the first day, but after five days I have long exhausted my interest in the topic. You will take over for me." Krivax looked at the Vizier with exasperation before turning his gaze to Anub'rekhan and Father Elric, who were both watching him with expressions of amusement.

"Of course, Vizier Crinis," said Krivax, resigned to his fate. While he was in the same caste as her, Vizier Crinis was much older and much more powerful than he was so unless Vizier Hadix said otherwise he was expected to naturally defer to her orders, and his mentor didn't seem to care either way.

"Excellent," said Vizier Crinis, before hurriedly walking away in the direction of Vizier Hadix.

"Huh. So you're the hatchling that turned Azjol-Nerub upside down," Anub'rekhan said with interest as he stared down at Krivax.

"Uh… yes, I suppose that is me, Spiderlord," said Krivax cautiously. He remembered Anub'rekhan as a creepy raid boss from Warcraft, so he couldn't help but feel a little wary of him. It didn't help that this was their first time actually having an actual conversation given that the Spiderlord had been asleep while on the ship and Krivax had stayed away from him during their journey from Fairwater.

"There's no need for the formality, little Vizier," said Anub'rekhan, huffing in amusement.

"Just call me Anub'rekhan. I'm not particularly interested in titles or things like that." Krivax was staggered by the Spiderlord's lack of formality. Nerubian culture in general places a high value on certain conventions, such as referring to those above you by their proper titles, so he was more than a little surprised by Anub'rekhan's relaxed attitude. It didn't fit at all what he had expected from him. Krivax looked at the Spiderlord warily as he tried to think of an appropriate response.

However, before he could he was interrupted by Anub'rehkans chittering laugh as his mandibles rapidly clicked together.

"If you have a question for me, then ask, little Vizier," said Anub'rekhan once he finished laughing.

"Yes, Spiderlord," Krivax said politely.

"It's just… I've never heard of a nerubian as powerful as you being so…"

"Casual?" finished Anub'rekhan as Krivax trailed off.

"Yes, Spide—." Krivax interrupted himself as the Spiderlord stared pointedly at him.

"Yes, Anub'rekhan."

"The difference between me and every other member of the higher caste that you have met is that I have nothing to prove to anyone," Anub'rekhan said bluntly.

"I have no cities. I hold no political positions. I simply go where my High King tells me to go and do what he tells me to do. Perhaps there are some who would continue to worry about the respect of others in my position, but I have never seen the point." I guess it makes sense when he lays it out like that.

"Besides," continued the Spiderlord.

"It's easier not to care about other people's opinions when you're perfectly aware that you can kill everyone around you at any time." Ah… that makes even more sense.

"But enough about me, hatchling," said Anub'rekhan, turning his attention back to the human priest who seemed more than willing to wait patiently as they finished their conversation.

"Ask the human why he has been so willing to share information about the 'Light.' I could not imagine a Vizier sharing as much about their magic as he has over the past few days." Krivax didn't hesitate to dutifully relay the Spiderlord's question.

"The Light is not something that should be hoarded and kept secret, as if I were some mage from Dalaran," said Father Elric, sounding mildly insulted.

"The Light belongs to all creatures of this world, and the farther it is spread, the safer we all are under its benevolent protection."

"Hmm. This Light seems like it would be useful to our kingdom, although it would be a challenge to find those among our people suited to it," said Anub'rekhan consideringly.

"Still, it might be worth the effort if it meant accessing an easy source of healing magic." Krivax spent the next few minutes translating between the two of them before the conversation was suddenly interrupted by Anub'rekhan.

"Hmm. Looks like our little watcher is getting ready to leave," said Anub'rekhan. Krivax looked around in surprise but failed to see anyone watching them.

"In the sky, hatchling," said Anub'rekhan while pointing one of his scythe-like arms to a specific portion of the sky.

"There is a human watching us from above while riding some manner of winged creature. They were clever enough to paint the creature's armor so that it blends naturally into the sky." Krivax looked directly in the direction the Spiderlord was pointing but was only barely able to spot the griffin that was flying away from them. It had blue armor and many of its wings were white, so it was difficult to notice the creature unless he knew what he was looking at.

"How were you able to notice them?" Krivax asked in disbelief.

"Simple. I heard them," Anub'rekhan said smugly.

"My hearing is sensitive enough to pick out a heartbeat from the other side of a ziggurat. They have been watching us for a while and are likely leaving to report to the human leadership now that we are close to the city." Krivax was not sure how to respond to that, so he just asked the first question that came to mind.

"Can all Spiderlords hear that well?" If they could, then Krivax would need to be careful about what he said and where he said it once he returned to Azjol-Nerub.

"No. I am quite special," said Anub'rekhan, sounding very self-satisfied. Krivax waited for the strange Spiderlord to continue, but he seemed content to leave it there. After that, it didn't take long before they could see Capital City in the distance. The city itself sat on the north shore of Lordamere Lake and seemed to be gleaming in silver and white. The first thing Krivax thought was that the city felt peaceful, yet also powerful.

"Hmm. The humans of these lands are much more advanced than the ones in our lands," said Anub'rekhan as he assessed the city. Unfortunately, they did not have long to admire Lordaeron's capital city before they were approached by what looked to be nearly fifty mounted knights wearing full sets of blue and white armor.

Many of the soldiers were fidgeting nervously and were gripping tightly onto their weapons, but each and every one of them held an expression of grim resolve that made it clear that they were willing to die for their kingdom if it became necessary.

"They have even more soldiers prepared nearby," said Anub'rekhan approvingly.

"Smart. They would need them if they wished to face me." Father Elric quickly stepped forward to meet the man who seemed to be the leader of the soldiers and began to speak quietly with him. Lordaeron was obviously already aware of their coming given that a messenger had been sent ahead and a gryphon rider had been watching them, but it was still helpful for Father Elric to help calm down their nerves.

Krivax glanced at Vizier Hadix, wondering if his mentor intended to take charge of the diplomacy now that they were about to speak to representatives of the most powerful human kingdom in the Eastern Kingdoms, but the Vizier's expression remained as uninterested as ever. Krivax then glanced at Anub'rekhan, but immediately remembered that the Spiderlord could not speak Common. Krivax didn't even bother glancing at Vizier Crinis, walking forward while feeling a sense of resignation.

Once he was done speaking to Father Elric, the leader of the soldiers directed his horse to step forward so he could address the nerubian delegation. The man wore a crimson cloak over a polished breastplate and had gold traceries in his armor and spoke with a commanding voice.

"I am Captain Falric, leader of the Kingsguard of Lordaeron. When the messenger from House Ashfort told me of your approach I had not believed him. Who here speaks for your delegation." A moment of silence passed before Krivax moved forward to speak for the group.

"I do, Captain Falric. I am Vizier Krivax of Azjol-Nerub," said Krivax.

"We have come to your city with hopes of speaking to King Menethil about forming a diplomatic relationship between our kingdoms."

"Then you've either come at the worst or the best time to do so," Captain Falric said grimly.

"For as it stands representatives of all seven human kingdoms are now being hosted in King Menethil's court, discussing how best to combat the growing danger that is known as the Horde down south that has already destroyed Stormwind. When word first reached us of your arrival, some assumed you to be affiliated with them until it was made clear you were… very different from the creatures that make up the Horde."

He finished while looking over the nerubian delegation's various members, all castes represented before him besides a Queen.

"This is our people's first time setting foot on this continent," said Krivax.

"We hold no desire to threaten the people of these lands."

"I will hold you to that, nerubian," said Captain Falric, his voice full of steel.

"The representatives of the various kingdoms have been informed of your arrival and are prepared to meet you. I will warn you only once, any hostile actions against anyone in this city will be dealt with severely and swiftly." With that said, Captain Falric directed his men to surround their delegation, taking over the role of the knights from House Ashfort.

Once everyone was in position to separate the delegation from any onlookers, it wasn't long before the Captain called for them to start moving and the nerubians were taking their first steps through the gates of Capital City.