Chương 77: Chapter 62

A Nerubian's Journey - Chapter 62 Settled in his office within the Dalaran Nerubian Enclave, Krivax was certain that he'd never be able to keep up with all his paperwork without the help of the half-dozen enchanted quills flying around him.

It had been slightly less than a year since he had begun to study the art of creating golems and the quills were the first products of his efforts. Making them had been unnaturally easy for him, and they were also… unusually lively. Krivax had noticed some of them developing strange quirks. For instance, one quill had a distinct preference for red ink, while another seemed to enjoy drawing small doodles in the corners of his paperwork when it was idle.

It was a bit freaky, but they were also significantly more efficient than normal enchanted quills so Krivax chose to ignore their eccentricities.

The quills certainly came in handy during times like this, when Krivax needed to delegate all of his work while also writing instructions for his subordinates once he'd left for the diplomatic expedition. The High King had unexpectedly informed him that Azjol-Nerub's flagship had passed its testing period and was ready to set sail to Kalimdor. Now he was in a bit of a rush to get everything in order before he left.

The last thing that Krivax wanted was to hear that some overly arrogant Vizier had caused a diplomatic incident while he was away.

Fortunately, Krivax felt like he'd made a decent amount of progress building up the Foreign Outreach Division over the past several months.

"Krukzax, where is Vizier Hud'rek? Wasn't he supposed to arrive ten minutes ago?" asked Krivax, directing his question to the Initiate in the corner of his office who was sorting through some of the paperwork.

After failing to find any Viziers who could truly make for exceptional diplomats, Krivax had come to the conclusion that he would have to train a few himself. The Foreign Outreach Division now had several Initiates assigned to work in Dalaran, frequently take classes with the surface races, and study books on diplomacy written by foreign scholars. Progress was slow but obvious, and Krivax was hopeful that he would have a few capable subordinates in due time.

"Vizier Hud'rek sent word, sir," Krukzax replied without looking up from the scroll he was reading.

"He's finalizing the documentation on the recent dispute between Alterac and Stromgarde. He said he would be late."

Krivax sighed. Vizier Hud'rek had a knack for getting caught up in minor matters, but he was still one of the best ambassadors Krivax had. Hud'rek was only slightly patronizing to the surface races and he was one of the few Viziers who didn't look down on Krivax for his age, which put him leagues ahead of most.

It took another ten minutes for the Vizier to arrive, and Krivax immediately decided not to waste any time getting to business.

"Vizier Hud'rek, are you prepared to handle the Division's affairs in the Eastern Kingdoms while I am away?" asked Krivax, turning his attention to the Vizier and allowing his quills to handle the rest of the work.

Vizier Hud'rek gave a curt nod before answering.

"As prepared as one can be. The surface races are unpredictable, but I have grown used to their customs since my assignment to this Division."

"Good, although your greatest challenge will be managing the Ambassadors," said Krivax, giving Hud'rek a quick warning before deciding to test the Vizier.

"Let's talk about some of the important matters that I would like you to focus on while I'm gone. Stormwind's ongoing reconstruction efforts and the Horde internment camps."

Vizier Hud'rek straightened up, clearly taking the matter seriously.

"Azjol-Nerub has the most potential to influence Stormwind out of all the nations on this continent," said Krivax, repeating the same argument that he'd made to the High King.

"Not only are they geographically isolated from the other nations, but they have few other options than to rely on us to finance their reconstruction. Ensuring that our settlement near their territory develops as scheduled and maintaining a good diplomatic relationship with Stormwind is something Azjol-Nerub considers a priority."

There were still many scattered orc groups through the countryside, but all the large groups had been dealt with and Stormwind had fully reclaimed most of its territory. Krivax had personally visited the ruins of Stormwind City and seen the devastation left behind by the Horde. Although they had a long road to recovery, the citizens of Stormwind were determined to rebuild their home.

"I'll be sure to work closely with our Ambassador to Stormwind. I don't see too many issues arising from that direction," said Vizier Hud'rek, nodding in agreement.

"I'm more interested in what is happening with the internment camps. It was my understanding that nothing of significance has changed in regard to them. In fact, the orcs have become significantly calmer and there are far fewer recorded incidents."

Lethargy had been steadily growing among the orc population since the establishment of the camps, which made their containment far less dangerous and expensive. However, it also opened up several difficult matters that needed to be addressed.

"The Church of the Holy Light and Aerie Peak have both recently reported several successful attempts to convert orcs to the Light or Shamanism," Krivax explained.

"These particular orcs show signs of being cured of their lethargy and have been quarantined by the Alliance into special internment camps for study. The High King wishes for us to keep a close eye on this matter."

There were many who doubted that the orcs could ever become peaceful members of society even if they were fully cured of their Fel corruption. If such a cure could be achieved, as was looking to be the case, the Alliance had every intention of carefully controlling its spread.

Vizier Hud'rek's expression shifted to one of surprise.

"I see. I imagine the humans of Kul'Tiras and Gilneas are the most opposed to any attempts to cure the orcs?"

"Naturally, but their opinions don't count for much. Neither of them has contributed much to the camps and Gilneas is growing more isolationist by the day," Krivax said dismissively. Azjol-Nerub didn't have many interests in either nation, aside from hiring Kul'Tiran shipbuilders.

After he finished explaining the diplomatic issues related to the camps and a few other points to Hud'rek, Krivax sent him away to continue his duties. Once he was alone, Krivax returned to sorting through all the matters he needed to deal with before he met with the foreign representatives joining the expedition to Kalimdor.

The nations of the Eastern Kingdoms couldn't reasonably afford to put together their own expedition to Kalimdor, so they were paying Azjol-Nerub for the privilege of sending their own representatives on the voyage. The Green Dragonflight had also promised to send someone to facilitate initial introductions between them and the night elves. The kaldorei leadership had been informed that they were coming, but it would still be a good idea to have someone there to smooth over any misunderstandings.

With a final stroke of his quill, Krivax signed off on the last document and let out a sigh of relief.

"I'll be going now, Krukzax. There will be a comprehensive review of the Division when I return from Kalimdor. Be sure that you and the other Initiates continue your hard work in my absence," said Krivax, feeling like an overworked teacher reminding his students to do their homework.

"Of course, Vizier. We won't let you down," Krukzax responded.

Krivax nodded at the Initiate and left his office. He was scheduled to meet the foreign representatives in a reserved room of Dalaran's main portal hub. Such portals could only be opened in specific locations in Dalaran without being blocked by the city's wards. Vizier Crinis would be the one opening a temporary portal directly to the port where the kingdom's flagship was currently docked. Krivax hadn't actually had the chance to see the completed ship himself yet, so he was looking forward to it.

Krivax quickly made his way through the tunnels of the nerubian enclave, passing by the offices of the other Divisions without stopping. Hadix was away hunting down a new Void cult that was starting to gain traction in Lordaeron, so there wasn't any chance to catch up with him before he left.

As he made his way to the surface and through the streets of Dalaran, Krivax made sure to visit Ms. Sherwood's food stall and try out her new termite bread. Azjol-Nerub had recently started a few termite farms, attempting to take advantage of their access to trees to develop a new food source. The bread was nice and Ms. Sherwood was as friendly as always, putting Krivax in a good mood as he continued along his way.

Once he finally arrived at the portal hub, Krivax was quickly escorted to the reserved room by an overworked apprentice. It was only when he saw the empty room that he realized he might have gotten overexcited and arrived a tad bit early…

Krivax quickly cast a spell to check the time before sighing to himself and settling in to wait for the arrival of the foreign representatives. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait for long and the first person to arrive was the one he was surprised to see.

"Oh, Vizier Krivax. You're here much earlier than I expected," said Eranikus, Prime Consort of Ysera. The Green Dragon was wearing his mortal guise and was dressed like a typical night elf druid.

"I recall you from the Dragon Soul mission, but we never had the opportunity to speak in person."

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Consort Eranikus," Krivax said genuinely.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here. I assumed the Green Dragonflight would send one of its younger members to assist in our introduction to the night elves."

Eranikus was quite powerful and the Green Dragonflight usually needed all of the help it could get to combat the Emerald Nightmare.

"Tyrande and Cenarius are unlikely to heed the words of a whelp and Ysera has expressed her wishes that the kaldorei's first interaction with the mortal races go smoothly," Eranikus explained.

"I see. While you're here, there are a few things I'd like to ask you about," said Krivax, deciding to not let this opportunity go to waste.

"It has been a while since I last heard from Archmage Krasus and his last reports were… somewhat troubling. Have you heard anything about what's happening on Draenor?"

It was usually Krasus who kept Krivax up to date with the ongoing efforts of the various Dragonflights, as the Aspects certainly didn't take time off their schedules to do so, but he hadn't heard from the Archmage in a while. Archaedas and Malygos had created a powerful artifact capable of detecting the most hidden of demons and sent Krasus to Draenor with it.

Eranikus hummed thoughtfully and studied him for several moments before responding.

"If you had not received Alexstrasza's blessing, I would not answer such a question, but I suppose there's no harm in doing so. What was the last thing that you heard from Consort Korialstrasz?"

"That there was significant Burning Legion activity on Draenor," said Krivax.

"The Archmage had even said that there were multiple Dreadlords secretly gathered around Ner'zhul. He also said that Draenor's corruption was highly advanced and would continue to grow worse."

"Then you understand the seriousness of the situation. I wouldn't normally be aware of the Red Dragonflight's affairs, but they've recently asked for assistance establishing a location suitable to settle refugees from Draenor," Eranikus said solemnly, his expression grave.

"It is my understanding that Consort Korialstrasz remains in good health, but he is quite busy planning a potential evacuation of innocents from that doomed world."

"I see. I'm glad to hear that Krasus is alright," said Krivax, letting out a breath of relief.

The two of them continued to make polite conversation for the next few minutes, but Krivax's mind kept wandering to more serious matters. Although things hadn't changed very much in the Eastern Kingdoms over the past year on the surface, Krivax knew that a lot was going on in the background.

Eventually, the rest of the representatives began to arrive, filling the room with a mix of hushed conversations. Among them were diplomats and officials from the various human nations, most of whom Krivax only vaguely knew from his work. Although there were three representatives in particular, who were exceptions. Krivax had heard a lot about the famed trio of Rhonin, Vereesa Windrunner, and Falstad Wildhammer, his mount included, due to their effectiveness in hunting down orc warbands.

It had felt a bit strange to him that the three of them would be sent on a diplomatic mission, but it made sense given their backgrounds. Both Vereesa and Falstad were important nobles within their respective nations, and Rhonin was a rising star within the Kirin Tor. Plus they all had experience operating abroad and interacting with foreign peoples.

The two other people that Krivax recognized in the crowd were also the only ones he had personally invited.

"Trixie, I'm glad you were able to make it," said Krivax, greeting the pink-haired gnome as she entered the room with the few others sent by the Explorer's League.

"The last time we saw each other was at Uldaman, right? How have you been?"

"Krivax! Long time no see!" Trixie chirped, her enthusiasm drawing the eyes of everyone in the room.

"Sorry that I haven't been able to write any letters. Things got pretty crazy in Gnomeregan after Uldaman."

Krivax was well aware of that. Archaedas had reached out to High Tinker Mekkatorque and invited him to Uldaman at the first opportunity. As one of the few gnomes present during their expedition to the Titan facility, Trixie had probably been embroiled in politics since she got back to Gnomeregan.

"It's good to be here, lad," said Malzie, this time here as a representative of Ironforge rather than the Explorer's League.

"I've been regretting that I missed out on Uldaman. I wouldn't be caught dead missin' this one."

"Thanks for asking that I come along on this trip. I've been feeling pretty cooped up in the city lately," Trixie continued with a grateful smile on her face.

"I'm more than ready for a new adventure!"

"That's good to hear. We're going to need capable explorers once we move on from the night elves," said Krivax. Kalimdor was a dangerous continent, and pretty much everyone aside from the tauren, the night elves, and maybe the local furbolgs could be assumed to be hostile.

There was a good reason that Krivax was bringing along the best warriors he could get his hands on for his protection detail.

"Oh, don't worry. I've managed to put together a few tricks since Uldaman," said Trixie, a confident smirk on her face.

"Gnomish technology has improved a lot lately, especially in the field of combat."

The gnomes didn't usually like to invent things meant to kill, but the Second War had left behind its share of scars.

It wasn't long after the final representative arrived that Vizier Crinis herself showed up with an air of impatience.

"If everyone is here, then I will open the portal to the port. I'd prefer to return to my research as quickly as possible."

Crinis began casting the spell a moment after Krivax confirmed that all of the representatives were there and a shimmering portal opened up before them, allowing the icy winds of Northrend to sweep through the room.

I hope everyone remembered to bring appropriate clothing in their spatial bags, Krivax mused to himself as he stepped through the portal.

As Krivax emerged on the other side, he was immediately assaulted by the sounds of a shipyard hard at work. Azjol-Nerub had no intention of stopping at the Waterstrider after all. Now that they had successfully acquired knowledge on how to construct ships, Azjol-Nerub would be build many of much larger sizes. There were plans in place to eventually create a navy as good or better than the ones in the Eastern Kingdoms, as nerubian pride would allow for nothing less.

When Krivax caught sight of the flagship that would be carrying them to Kalimdor, he was immediately struck by how different it appeared from the ships of the Eastern Kingdoms. From what he understood, one of the tuskarr experts that they had hired recommended that Azjol-Nerub build their ships with a trimaran design, and the kingdom had agreed.

"Now that's a beautiful piece of engineering," said Trixie, her voice filled with appreciation.

The nerubian flagship, the Waterstrider, was an impressive sight to behold. The ship's elegantly curved main hull was built from alchemically treated lumber from the Howling Fjord. This material was then layered and interwoven with Steelsilk, creating a hull that was as tough as steel but much lighter. This silk-wood combination gave the Waterstrider an eerie, dark-blue sheen.

Its two outrigger hulls were made from the same material and connected to the main hull by a series of silk paths and arched struts that mimicked the appearance of a spider's spindly limbs.

The Waterstrider's main mast towered over the vessel and carried a silk-woven curved triangular rigged sail that glowed with magic to Krivax's senses. Looking closer, he could tell that it was enchanted with magics designed to increase speed and maneuverability. There were also two smaller masts that also carried enchanted sails. The sail arrangement reminded Krivax of the kites the tuskarr flew above their settlements.

The narrow and sleek outriggers bobbed just above the waterline giving the illusion that the Waterstrider was in fact striding atop the water. There were even four pairs of eyes painted on the front of the ship to complete the image.

The entire vessel was at least a hundred and fifty feet long, and a long series of cannons lined its decks. There were nerubians crawling all over the ship, checking ropes, adjusting sails, and performing a variety of other last-minute checks.

"Well then, if everyone's made it through the portal then we should get moving," Krivax declared, interrupting the hushed conversations of the gathered representatives.

"We have a long voyage ahead of us and I'm sure the crew doesn't want to be kept waiting."

The group quickly gathered their belongings and followed Krivax onto the ship. After greeting the captain of the ship, a Vizier who had been studying navigation since Azjol-Nerub discovered the Eastern Kingdoms, Krivax escorted the representatives to their generous accommodations.

Once he had finished, Krivax returned to the deck and waited for the ship to haul anchor and set sail. The nerubian crew worked swiftly and efficiently as they prepared the Waterstrider for its maiden voyage, and it wasn't long before the captain gave the order for them to set off. The sails unfurled, catching the brisk Northrend wind, and the ship began to move away from the harbor.

High King Anub'arak listened carefully and the Vizier in front of him reported to him and his council about the kingdom's current financial situation.

Even if Azjol-Nerub was in possession of more resources than any of the surface nations, they had still committed themselves to several expensive endeavors in recent times.

"National spending has increased significantly and we are likely to run into a deficit in two decades if spending continues at this rate. The ongoing military modernization and expansion is the largest drain on our treasury," said Elder Mashin, one of the Circle of Viziers' most accomplished experts in economics.

"The creation of the navy and the expansion of foundries for gunpowder weaponry are the costly parts of the modernization program. The second major expenditure of resources are the expansion of the Guardians of Nerub, the construction of outposts around the sleeping vrykul and Ahn'kahet, and Project Sanctum."

"I see," said Anub'arak before any of his council could question the Elder.

"All military modernizations are marked as essential for the security of Azjol-Nerub. Unless any of these programs show themselves to be wasteful, they will continue. Move on to the next program, Elder Mashin."

"Yes, Your Majesty. The third most expensive programs are those related to foreign expenditures, such as our contributions to the internment camps and the reconstruction of Stormwind," said Elder Mashin as his apprentice handed him a new document.

"There is some unrest among the upper castes in regard to sending so much aid to the surface now that the Horde has been dealt with."

"If they wish to complain about my decisions they can come to me themselves," said Anub'arak, his voice filled with annoyance as he dismissed the concerns of the upper castes.

"These projects are not 'aid,' they are an investment. Stormwind feels indebted to us for aiding them in their reconstruction efforts, and their geographical and physical isolation means they will be much easier to shape and influence to Azjol-Nerub's benefit. Besides, everything we give to Stormwind is a loan and we will be repaid in full in time, one way or another. As for the internment camps, their costs have been decreasing consistently, no?"

"That is correct, Your Majesty," said Elder Mashin, remaining calm under the king's gaze.

"Then I see no issue," said Anub'arak, his words meant more for the council than the Elder as he made his stance clear.

"Continue, Elder."

"Very well. The final significant drain on our resources can be attributed to the expansion in the kingdom's research programs," said Elder Mushin.

"Each and every one of those programs is absolutely essential to Azjol-Nerub!" said Queen Nezar'Azret, unable to stop herself from interrupting.

"The samples we harvested from Vizier Krivax have opened up possibilities we could previously only dream about! Had I known that dragon magic was so biologically adaptive, I would have demanded we capture one centuries ago!"

"It's good then that you didn't. Azjol-Nerub is not nearly prepared for a confrontation with the Aspects or the Dragonflights," said Spiderlord Kal'rat. As one of the kingdom's premier military thinkers, he had been less than happy to hear about the insurmountable strength of the Aspects.

"Continue your report, Elder Mushin," said Anub'arak, cutting through the burgeoning debate with an authoritative tone.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Elder Mushin inclined his head respectfully.

"The expansion of the research programs, especially in regard to Project Emberscale, has dramatically increased in costs. The acquisition of rare materials and test subjects, the construction and upkeep of facilities, and repair costs from unanticipated incidents all contribute to the rising expenses."

Queen Nezar'Azret was about to interject, but a glance from Anub'arak made her hold her peace.

"Current projects will continue to receive full funding, but will be cut if they show no results within a decade," said Anub'arak. The Queens had successfully convinced him that Azjol-Nerub would benefit greatly from their new round of projects, but whether they succeeded remained to be seen.

"No further projects related to Vizier Krivax's unique biology will be approved until we see results from those already underway. Rather than arguing, I suggest you ensure Project Emberscale is successful. You've earned goodwill with the completion of Project Hadronox, but the kingdom's treasury is not unlimited."

If that project did succeed, then Anub'arak would grant the Queens all of the funding they wanted. Queen Nezar'Azret looked as if she wanted to object, but wisely thought better of it.

"As you say, Your Majesty," said Queen Nezar'Azret, lowering her gaze.

"I'm confident that we will have success with Project Emberscale within a few years, especially now that we've refined our criteria for test subjects."

"That is quite the claim, Queen Nezar'Azret. I hope you are able to live up to it," said Anub'arak before turning his attention back to the Elder.

"If there is nothing further, then you may leave."

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Elder Mashin, bowing respectfully before leaving the council chambers with his apprentice following close behind.

As soon as he was gone, Vizier Yath'amon spoke up with a hint of exasperation.

"It is somewhat baffling, Your Majesty, that we find ourselves lacking resources."

Anub'arak couldn't disagree. Azjol-Nerub had always had more resources than it could realistically use, and he could hardly remember the last time he had to consider cutting important programs due to a lack of budget. It was a rather… novel experience.

"Our financial concerns should be alleviated once the military modernization has been fully completed. We still have a few decades before it becomes a problem," said Weaver Tuten'kash.

"Trade with the Eastern Kingdoms has been steadily increasing and becoming increasingly profitable. We can reevaluate our current situation in the future."

"Agreed. Let us move on to the next matter on the agenda," said Anub'arak, turning his attention to Seer Drannix.

"I believe you wished to bring someone to speak before the council."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," said Seer Drannix, his voice quiet as he spoke for the first time since they began the meeting.

"I would like to call forward Seet Ixit to give an update on the tide of death we Seers have all seen in the kingdom's future. Many of us have recently seen signs of it… changing, and I believe the council should be made aware of it."

Anub'arak felt his mood drop, both at the mention of the troublesome prophecy and the Seer who had been removed from his council.

"Is this something that you are truly incapable of doing yourself?"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but Seer Ixit is widely considered to have the clearest divinations in Azjol-Nerub."

Anub'arak considered the matter for several moments before deciding to allow it. There had been a few members of the Order of Kal'tut who had shown signs of being dissatisfied with their current circumstances, but Seer Ixit was not one of them. By all accounts, he continued to act within the interests of Azjol-Nerub and not attempted to contact any of his former compatriots.

"Very well, allow him in," said Anub'arak, suddenly glad the Elder Nadox was busy elsewhere. He and Ixit had a rather complicated relationship in recent times.

Seer Drannix gave a deep bow as one of the Dread Stalkers left to retrieve Seer Ixit. After a few minutes, the enchanted doors of the council chamber opened and Seer Ixit stepped into the room for the first time since he had been removed from the council.

"Your Majesty, members of the council. Thank you for allowing me the chance to speak before you today," Seer Ixit said, his voice soft but steady as bowed before them.

"There have been significant changes to the future of the kingdom that I believe you should all be made aware of."

Anub'arak nodded, a silent gesture for him to continue. Seer Ixit took a moment to collect his thoughts before he continued.

"As you all know, every Seer in Azjol-Nerub has been beset with predictions of a tide of death in the kingdom's future. It is only recently that these predictions have suddenly begun to change for unknown reasons. The tide of death is still as inevitable as always, but it now feels further away from our lands than it previously was."

"Truly? How unexpected. Recently, I have come to expect to hear nothing but bad news when a Seer comes to tell us of the future," said Vizier Yath'amon, his expression pleasantly surprised.

"Then I'm afraid I'm not going to be an exception. The news I bring is both good and bad," said Seer Ixit, sounding genuinely apologetic.

"Although the calamity is now far from our lands, it is close enough in time that I can more clearly foresee its nature. I now believe the 'tide of death' to be much more literal, as in the work of a powerful necromancer."

Alarmed, Anub'arak turned his gaze to Seer Drannix.

"It is as he says, Your Majesty," said Seer Drannix, answering his silent request for confirmation.

"There are many who report seeing signs of the undead in their visions."

Anub'arak was quiet as he contemplated the idea of a necromancer powerful enough that every Seer in Azjol-Nerub had been seeing signs of their coming for years.

"If what you say is true, then this necromancer is a threat of the highest order," said Spiderlord Kal'rat, giving voice to Anub'arak's thoughts.

"Such an enemy would be perfectly equipped to defend themselves against our greatest strengths and exploit our greatest weaknesses."

Spiderlord Kal'rat was correct. Azjol-Nerub's military was exceptional because their forces were unwavering and could consistently be replenished until their enemy was depleted. Such a tactic would never work against a necromancer, as they would grow inexorably stronger the longer any conflict continued. The Horde's Death Knights amply demonstrated this concept during the Second War.

The only way Azjol-Nerub would be able to prevail was if they destroyed the enemy before they managed to grow past the point of no return.

Not to mention the fact that their bioweapons would be useless against the undead.

"Do we have any idea who or what this necromancer is? Perhaps a Death Knight? A remnant of the Horde that has escaped our notice? Or something completely new?" Queen Nezar'Azret mused.

"Our research into effective weapons against the undead has yet to achieve appreciative results, even those done alongside the Kirin Tor."

"This Light is still our most effective tool against such a foe, but it is limited to personal use by individuals trained in its use," Spiderlord Kal'rat said thoughtfully.

"Anub'rekhan has made great progress with his Guardians of Nerub. I've seen a demonstration of their effectiveness personally and I found them quite impressive."

"Could we not strike directly against this threat now that it is more clear?" asked Weaver Tuten'kash.

"While the visions are more clear, they are still muddled enough that I cannot be sure of the source," Seer Ixit admitted.

"All I know is that they will appear away from Northrend and begin to slowly build in power, spreading war and chaos throughout Azeroth. It stands to reason that they will eventually come for us when they are strong enough to do so."

The council chambers were quiet as they considered everything they had heard. Eventually, it was Anub'arak who chose to break the silence.

"The best method to handle such a threat is to discover and destroy it as quickly as possible. We've dramatically increased our surveillance of the surface in recent years, which is likely why the necromancer has chosen to develop away from Northrend."

"That seems reasonable, Your Majesty," said Spiderlord Ka'rat, nodding in agreement.

"If that is the case, then our intention to establish an outpost on Kalimdor to monitor the Qiraji is even more important. We will need to closely monitor that continent to ensure no necromancer is allowed to grow there unchallenged."

"There's also Zandalar to keep in mind," Vizier Yath'amon reminded them.

"Or they could simply build their forces under the ocean. There are plenty of naga mages and I don't believe undead need to breathe."

"This world is larger than we ever knew. it's impossible to guarantee that we would notice them in time," said Queen Nezar'Azret.

"We would be better served building up our forces and developing weapons well-suited against the undead."

"Isn't such a threat something that the Aspects claim they would deal with?" asked Vizier Yath'amon.

"I find it hard to believe that any necromancer could pose a threat to them."

"Given how long we've been seeing these visions, the Aspects either won't intervene or won't be able to easily deal with this threat," said Seer Drannix.

"I see no reason why we can't both search for the necromancer while also preparing ourselves for the worst-case scenarios," said Anub'arak, his voice cutting through the conversation.

"Vizier Krivax is already on his way to Kalimdor and should arrive in a month. We will inform him of these changes and instruct him to share this information with the Dragonflights. They are far more equipped to address an army of the undead than we are."

The Dragon Queen's decision to share a portion of her power with one of the kingdom's Viziers was as useful as it was baffling. Anub'arak wasn't an expert in the psychology of the surface races, but he had no qualms about taking advantage of them when the opportunity arose.

"We will also inform the leaders of the Alliance, although we should take efforts to prevent this information from spreading too far until we better understand our enemy," said Anub'arak, his voice firm and decisive.

"The Church of the Holy Light would be a great help against the undead. Increased funding will be allocated to the Guardians of Nerub for similar reasons. Seer Ixit, what is your best estimate for when this necromancer will emerge?"

"There's no way to be certain, Your Majesty, but certainly sometime within the next few years," said Seer Ixit after a moment of hesitation.

"Interestingly, there are some indications that they may arrive earlier than we had initially foreseen."

Anub'arak didn't like the sound of that.

"Very well. You may go for now, Seer Ixit. The council will call for you again if we require clarification on certain matters."

Seer Ixit bowed and left the council chambers without complaint. As the doors closed behind him, Anub'arak steeled himself for a very long council meeting. They had a lot to talk about if they wanted to ensure the safety of Azjol-Nerub.