Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Gul'dan, High Crawliac, Lasan Skyhorn, Levia Blackflight, Loren Stormhoof, Mayla Highmountain, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Ohn'ahra, Rak'Symma, Rexxar, Sol'chi, Thisalee Crow, Thura Saurfang, Zar'Kaa
November 14th
With everything resolved at Trueshot Lodge, Rak’Symma used [Transport via Plants] to get the group to Skyhorn. The settlement itself was built suspended beneath various alcoves of the mountains. Different areas were connected with suspension bridges. Eagles were roosting and flying all over Skyhorn, and there were seemingly shamans on duty to catch people that happened to fall, for as rare as the event was.
There were also massive wooden totems depicting eagles dotting the entire establishment, and Symma noted there were more braves out and about than there normally would be.
Loren Stormhoof took a deep breath of the thin air.
Loren Stormhoof says: Welcome to Skyhorn. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to Lasan. That way we can get him up to date on what the Unseen Path’s plans are.
Loren led them to a multi-story building that Lasan used as his main meeting hall. Thura was stoically holding very tightly to the ropes, trying to avoid looking down below. The building had openings at the top that allowed for eagles to swoop in and out of easily. They were brought before Lasan in the heart of the structure. A number of windriders were seemingly making plans and coordinating with him.
Lasan grinned as the group approached and warmly greeted Loren with a tight hug.
Lasan Skyhorn says: I presume if you’re here along with the heroes of Thunder Totem and the high chieftain, I imagine you have interesting tidings. But first, Mayla, how did things go on the Path of Huln?
Mayla smiled.
Mayla Highmountain says: I am lucky to have been granted the blessing of Eche'ro. With the help of Skyfriend Rak’Symma. But we made it.
Lasan Skyhorn says: I knew you’d be able to. It’s been many years since you visited Skyhorn. Perhaps after this is done I’ll give you another tour!
Mayla Highmountain says: That’s alright, Lasan, it was only a few years. I still know my way.
Lasan Skyhorn says: All the same! So what’s the word from Trueshot Lodge?
Loren gave the summary of everything that had been discussed at the lodge, and the fact they had reason to believe Ohn’ahra had been captured, and the approach was to take the fight to the Haglands as soon as tomorrow.
Lasan Skyhorn says: Tomorrow… I think we can make that happen. Obviously, it would be better if we waited a day or two, but the longer we wait, the more we risk. We’ve got plenty sun left. We’re not about to squander An’she’s gifts. We’ll make it happen. Send word back that they better keep up.
Loren Stormhoof says: I will, old friend.
Lasan looked to the group.
Lasan Skyhorn says: I presume you’re all planning on joining our side of the fight, eh?
Zar'Kaa says: Correct.
Lasan Skyhorn says: Glad to hear it! So what do you all have for a battle plan? If anything.
Arthak glanced over at Rak’Symma, who looked back at Arthak.
Rak'Symma says: I’m just the bait, not a tactician.
Arthak Saurfang says: You are the battle plan, in a sense. Our working plan is to draw out the High Crawliac by using Rak’Symma as bait.
Zar'Kaa says: Get her out in the open so we can make our strike. That way she’s not behind her lieutenants.
Lasan nodded.
Lasan Skyhorn says: No doubt that may work. We know where her nest is. If you rattle the cage, she’ll come knocking. Problem is… hmph. I, uh… diving straight in and taking her head may work, but if we make a single spear about this, we might not be able to stop the casualties. There’s merit to going straight for her, but it may benefit us to try and pick off her lieutenants too.
Zar'Kaa says: Any suggestions for bringing them out? Or do you think they’ll be at the front?
Lasan Skyhorn says: It’s hard to say where they’ll be exactly, but we got a pretty good idea about where each of their lairs are. Trying to take them all out will be time consuming and will draw out the battle longer, but it also will allow us to approach this with a less direct risk to our own folks.
Zar'Kaa says: I think the Skyhorn are equipped to handle a battle of attrition.
Lasan Skyhorn says: I’m not concerned about that, no. Harpies are fast, but our eagles are faster. With the Unseen Path, we should have opportunities. Our scouts will try to pin down where they’ll be. But it’ll be hard to say how things will happen until the fight happens. We Skyhorn are good at adapting to changing winds though, so I have no worries personally. Once the attack starts, our plan will be to provide what support we can. We don’t fight like the Bloodtotem or Highmountain. Forming up in a single battle line or rockslide, no, we work better with using our eagles to our advantage. Moving in quick, hitting them hard, and getting out. Rak’Symma, I’ll be backing you and, I presume, the rest of you as you go to take the heads of the High Crawliac and any of her lieutenants. We’ll back you up and keep reinforcements off you. As the battle unfolds, we’ll adapt as we are able, and our eagles should be able to get those of you without wings to where you need to be. Provided you don’t have other means.
Sol'chi says: I can summon something that can carry quite a few. A vehicle.
Lasan Skyhorn says: I don’t know much about how your magic works, but if you can conjure something, I’ll leave that to you. I’m sure that the High Crawliac won’t know how to deal with that.
Zar'Kaa says: You can do that?
Sol'chi says: Yeah, you saw the smaller one.
Lasan Skyhorn says: Just keep in mind that a big target will draw attention.
Rak'Symma says: Sometimes a decoy isn’t a terrible decision.
Sol'chi says: It’ll take one of my bigger spells to make it, but yeah.
Arthak took a look over the map and placed flags in about a dozen places where he was pretty sure, had he been the Crawliac, he’d place his base of operations.
Lasan Skyhorn says: How’d you know those were the places we scouted out?
Arthak Saurfang says: If I was the Crawliac, this is how I would spread out my forces.
Lasan smiled and laughed.
Lasan Skyhorn says: Looks like you have a mind for tactics! I hadn’t considered some of these…
He looked at the windriders.
Lasan Skyhorn says: Get some scouts out there from a distance. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
The windriders nodded and headed out.
Lasan Skyhorn says: We’ll make what preparations we can. On our approach, we’re going to need to take this careful. Our eagles are susceptible to the hexes of the sky witches. As we approach, we’ll need to rely on skirmishes and ranged combat until we can put a dent in any of their more potent magical forces.
Zar'Kaa says: I can help with where you can place your archers.
Lasan Skyhorn says: Oh, we don’t place our archers, my friend. Our eagle eyes can hit a target from a half mile away while flying at top speed. Nested archers may be how the Highmountain works, but that’s not our style.
Arthak recalled the orc attacks on the Spires of Arak and the arakkoa, though it was a different situation, as the arakkoa had pure aerial superiority and had a massive sun laser that could destroy entire forces at a distance. Kargath and the Shattered Hand had camouflaged themselves and blended into the ground and the mountains, and had ultimately scaled the side of the mountains to assassinate the leadership after they brokered a deal with the fallen and outcast arakkoa, who used their illusion magic to help in cloaking them and also gave them the layouts of the Spires.
Arthak suggested they insert themselves as close as they could to the High Crawliac’s nest in the midst of the aerial fight and try to take her out before she even took to the skies. The High Crawliac did have kobolds in her service as well, which ultimately lived in tunnels, and he suggested that there could be some tunnels they could use to potentially get closer to the High Crawliac’s nest.
Rak’Symma, however, did not like the idea of doing anything directly underhanded, as that was what High Crawliac did with Proxcera.
The Skyhorn also had a number of other names to be aware of in addition to Ragi the Hexxer, Agara Deathsong, and Ugla the Hag. There were three other lesser lieutenants: Hartli the Snatcher, who was notorious for stealing eagle eggs from their nest so they could be corrupted. She was reviled by the eagles. Dawn the Hag was another power hag amongst the harpies, and Harlia the Bejeweled was a greedy and self-absorbed lieutenant who was most known for stealing offerings left for the dead at the Sepulcher of the Sky.
Throughout the course of the evening, Levia came to find Rak’Symma and Mayla, and found them chatting near Sol.
Levia Blackflight says: Hey, Mayla, Rak’Symma… hey… I know we’ve got a lot planned for tomorrow, but I should have brought this up earlier. Um. Skyhorn is pretty close to where your father was put to rest, right?
Mayla nodded.
Mayla Highmountain says: That’s right. The different tribes have differing ways of putting the dead to rest. Often, the high chieftain will either choose or rotate between the traditions of each to show respect for all the tribes. My father was put to rest at the Sepulcher with sky burial.
Levia Blackflight says: Um. So. If you wanted… after everything. If we stopped by there? I might be able to… I may be able to let you say goodbye.
Mayla furrowed her brow.
Mayla Highmountain says: What do you mean?
Levia Blackflight says: Um. I learned a spell recently. From a friend of mine. If I do it right, it should allow us to commune with your father’s spirit. You could… you could talk to him. Ask him questions… or just say goodbye. I don’t know if it’ll work… it should work… I think I have it figured out. Just… I know how tough that may be. So to both of you… if you want help with that… just let me know. It’s an open offer.
Mayla Highmountain says: Thank you for the offer… I appreciate it. I suppose I’ll have to think on that.
Mayla looked over to Rak'Symma, who had a pensive frown on her face, trying to wrap her mind around the idea. She looked to Mayla.
Rak'Symma says: It’s up to you entirely… I can speak with Blaithe, but it's only ever an echo. I don’t know if hearing old words or old thoughts would be useful to you.
Levia Blackflight says: Um… I might be able to help with that too. This spell, it’s not the one that lets you communicate with the echo… it communicates with their spirit. If they are able and willing to come, they can return for a short time. It can only be done once a year… it’s kind of like… it’s kind of like a more powerful version of the spell I think you’re speaking of. If you’re able to do that I may be able to teach you… but it may be better that you learn from my friend. If you come back with us later, I can introduce you.
Sol'chi says: That’s… a powerful spell.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah. I don’t want to use it lightly. I didn’t think of offering before.
Mayla Highmountain says: Well. I have a lot to think of right now, but I’ll keep your offer in mind. And Rak’Symma… if I do decide to do this, I would be glad to have you with me, at the very least.
Rak’Symma nodded.
Rak'Symma says: I’ll be there, but that conversation would be for you.
Mayla Highmountain says: You’re kind to make such an offer, Levia. Thank you.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah. Don’t mention it.
Sol pat Levia on the back of the shoulder as they parted ways from Rak’Symma and Mayla.
Sol'chi says: That’s nice, what you’re offering.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah.
Sol'chi says: I had a stray thought about my mother… but I think her soul was destroyed when her body was sent off…
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah. I, um… I don’t know. We can try sometime, but… I don’t know if… that’s up to you, if you think that’s an answer you want. I uh… I have some answers of my own I have to be thinking about.
Sol'chi says: I… think I know who you’re talking about. Answers would be nice. If you need anyone there, I’ll be there.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah… uh…
She looked over at Nyxxa as the disguised satyr also approached.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah, Vel taught me the spell. Apparently… I… I told you the story about how I became a felblood elf, right?
Sol'chi says: Yeah.
Levia Blackflight says: The man I killed… the high priest. He had a daughter. Apparently Vel knows her. And she offered to… um… connect us. To introduce me if I wanted to speak with her, and she taught me the spell in case I wanted to speak with him… I… I would need something connected to him in the first place, so it’s out of the realm of possibility right now, but… I think I want to talk to her. I don’t know how that will go. And I’m afraid of what might happen. But… someday, when we can actually do that, provided we survive all this… I think I want to do that. I want to apologize to her.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Well, if that’s something you want to do, I want to be there for you.
Sol'chi says: Exactly.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Besides, if you want to speak to him, she of all people would have something.
Levia Blackflight says: And she deserves to speak to him too. Assuming the other Vel doesn’t allow her to first… but I want her to speak to him first. I don’t want to snipe that from her.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Plus gives you time to think it out. But.
Nyxxa put a hand on Levia’s shoulder.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m proud of you. I don’t need to tell you that you shouldn’t feel the need to throw yourself on her sword.
Levia Blackflight says: Ideally, I would hope it wouldn’t come to that. At least, I hope Vel could stay her blade long enough.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: And to be honest I’m not sure I’d let her.
Nyxxa smiled and Levia laughed.
Levia Blackflight says: Let's just hope it doesn’t come up to that. Besides, that’s so far away right now. She’s half a world away, and we may not even live to make it that far.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: You’re right. We have things we need to do first. Speaking of, there’s one thing I wanted to discuss with the two of you. If there wasn’t anything else you needed to say?
Sol'chi says: No.
Levia Blackflight says: That was the main thing on my mind.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: First, Sol, between everything I meant to check in, but things kept happening. I just wanted to see how you were doing given you know where your father is now.
Sol'chi says: Yeah… I’m happy enough to put it off for as long as possible… but I’m alright. When it happens, it’ll happen. I honestly don’t know what to say to him. I don’t want to kill him. I want to hit him a bunch, but I don’t want him dead.
Levia Blackflight says: Well it’s not like it’ll be permanent.
Sol'chi says: Yeah. That’s true.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: We do have options. Sending him back to the Nether… how would you feel about sealing him in something?
Sol'chi says: I mean… what would we seal him in?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I don’t know. I just know people keep doing that with demons.
Levia Blackflight says: It means they can’t come back.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: It seems Khadgar and his mentor did that at one point. But I’m not sure how viable that option is, even if it’s something people do.
Sol'chi says: The draenei had demon prisoners on Arcatraz. Maybe we can ask around if the night elves have somewhere to stash demons.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: There’s the Illidari.
Levia Blackflight says: There’s that Vault of the Wardens they were talking about? And yeah, I suppose the demon hunters are an option, but I don’t know if that’s the solution you want.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I think there are… other alternatives? There’s a dreadlord in a knife right now. But, besides him being your father, I think you’d be able to get people on board given he’s a high priority target. If you spearhead that, you’ll have more control over it. But you can think about that.
Levia Blackflight says: I hate to bring it up, but… if we need something… we could always ask you-know-who… Last thing we need is to be more in debt with that guy…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Right… I’m already asking him for help with Caria. But he’s in a unique place to interfere with that. Though I know you’re not the biggest fan, Sol, not to mention he doesn’t know who you are.
Sol'chi says: Yeah. Lets not.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I can respect that. That said, there was another thing given discoveries in Aszuna… those rebellious demons that are working counter to the Legion.
Sol'chi says: Yeah. Azgadaan is still working on the encryption. Maybe he’s handed it over to the Illidari.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: If they are for real, how would you like to proceed with that? I know you were looking…
Sol'chi says: I don’t… I’d introduce myself, but that they may put them on their guard even more. Then again, maybe they’ve heard what I’ve been up to.
Levia Blackflight says: They definitely know about that bounty.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Didn’t your actions make waves? From what we heard.
Sol'chi says: Maybe. I don’t know if my actions made waves or not, but if they have, wonderful. I’m not a big player in the eredar, but I’m still a traitorous prince, so who knows, maybe that made some people think.
Levia Blackflight says: Your father is though. And if eredar nobility is anything like thalassian nobility… the scion of a house going rogue is definitely something that draws attention.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: It’s a big deal. I think it’s worth noting that neither you nor I really heard of an eredar doing that. Except for… you know.
Sol'chi says: Yeah. And to be fair, if there was one, it was extremely suppressed or dealt with quickly.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah. Doesn’t seem like they want to publicize it.
Sol'chi says: Feels good knowing I’m their problem.
Levia Blackflight says: I can understand that! But regardless, if you want to start shit, I’m there for you.
Sol'chi says: Thanks.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Me too. And, well, think about what you want to do. I’ll support you. I know this is something you feel strongly about.
Sol'chi says: Yeah. I guess I have to start really working on that seeing it’s happening…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: You’re free to do whatever you want now. Even if you decide this isn’t your problem. That’s your choice.
Sol'chi says: Yeah. And I need to figure out what to do about this.
Sol pointed at his eyes.
Sol'chi says: Whatever this curse is and what this attention is.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah… I have no idea. I didn’t even know it was a thing until, well…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: It’s another thing we can look into, though I’m not sure Azeroth has the resources given what the source may be.
Sol'chi says: That’s fair. Honestly, I don’t know if there are any others like him in the Great Dark Beyond…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Doesn’t hurt to keep our eyes peeled, at least. You can also relay it to the Illidari to see if they know, but that reveals a weakness of both Aracyra and her mother.
Sol'chi says: True.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: So once again, that’s up to you.
Sol'chi says: A lot of things to think about. Thanks for talking about it. Else I put it off too long. Then I’d just be improvising. So! I’ve got a ship to make, and I’ve got a mansion to make. Any suggestions?
Arthak approached Rak’Symma as she was sitting on a cliffside with a thousand-yard stare. He sat down next to her.
Arthak Saurfang says: How are you faring?
Rak'Symma says: I don’t know why I’m surprised, but this wasn’t what I was expecting. I was prepared to one day fight her, but not an all out war.
Arthak Saurfang says: it is how these things go.
Rak'Symma says: I sometimes wonder why it has to be… I think I had an idea. An inkling that if I made myself known she would simply come to me, or for me. Rather than risk hundreds of thousands of lives in the process.
Arthak Saurfang says: I expect she has little desire to die. So why risk it?
Rak'Symma says: I don’t think she has any ideation I could kill her.
Arthak Saurfang says: Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, people like her survive by calculating risk.
Rak'Symma says: And using others to her advantage.
Arthak Saurfang says: Indeed.
Rak'Symma says: I just wish so many people didn’t have to get caught in the middle of it.
Arthak Saurfang says: In that… however much of this is the conflict between you and her, what you represent, it is still bigger than the two of you. More are involved than just the two of you. Have you thought about what comes after?
Rak'Symma says: I’ve wondered. I don’t know how many follow her willingly, I don’t know how many just conform to survive. I’ve been too afraid to reach out in case they are her eyes and ears.
Arthak Saurfang says: When she is dead, will you reach out?
Rak'Symma says: I’ll try. But that’s still not something I want to do alone. But I don’t know if the harpies in general will trust outsiders.
Arthak Saurfang says: Someone will likely be replacing her once she is dead.
Rak'Symma says: I’ve wondered about that too.
Arthak Saurfang says: Will that be you?
Rak'Symma says: I don’t know.
Rak’Symma shrugged.
Arthak Saurfang says: That is fair. That being said, tomorrow will be tomorrow. But after that, it will be another day, and you will need to have decided by then.
Rak'Symma says: The events that led up to tomorrow will be an issue. All of this started over territory. Proxcera wanted to handle it one way, Crawliac had other ideas. But it’s always been territory and the livelihood of the harpies. There was a time a long time ago when they were as respected as the Skyhorn that live here now. Agents of the wind… ferrying messages across the isles. But they lost their way. Or there was an argument and somebody died. Or some other sort of transgression. Over the centuries, harpies became vilified, so they clung to the high places and put down their lines. Even still, that wasn’t enough for many. I don’t know if there’s any going back to how it was before.
Arthak Saurfang says: There isn't. But you make something new. If you want to. Do you want to?
Rak'Symma says: More than anything. I just don’t know if they’ll want it too.
Arthak Saurfang says: Then you’ll need to figure out how to make them want it. The world is… a friend of mine is struggling with the fact there is no justice in this world. That ultimately the bad, the wicked, the villainous, will flourish, and the righteous will be ground underfoot. There is no system by which comeuppance and reward are doled out.
Rak'Symma says: There is though. It’s not pretty. It’s not loud. It’s not perfect. It’s not a big wave, but a small one. But good acts are rewarded, and bad ones are punished. If that weren’t true I wouldn’t be sitting here in Skyhorn.
Arthak Saurfang says: That justice is the one we impose upon the world. There is no inherent justice to any of this. But there is the rightness that we force upon it. Morality is an act of will in the face of indifferent chance.
Rak'Symma says: You sound like you’ve led an interesting life, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have. I have been in similar circumstances to the ones which face you. Not the same, but similar.
Rak'Symma says: Do they always end in war?
Arthak Saurfang says: Frequently. Sometimes you just have to kill one to get it done. But all too frequently, many die. Creation and destruction go hand in hand, change always comes with blood. If you intend to try and lead your people on a different path, you should come to an understanding about how far you will go. And how many you’re willing to lose to hold that line. Hold to your code, I respect that, just know that other people will die for it. That’s leading. That’s change.
Rak’Symma got very quiet, as that just sounded like a miserable existence.
Rak'Symma says: I wish I could say your words brought comfort, but they really don’t. But I appreciate you taking the time.
Arthak Saurfang says: They were never meant to. Comfort is not my strong suit, but I will always provide truth.
Rak'Symma says: That, at least, I appreciate.
Arthak Saurfang says: I will leave you to your thoughts, though one last piece of unsolicited advice. If you intend to strike down a chieftain before her followers, make it a show.
Rak'Symma says: You may think me a vile creature, but I hope to do it the other way around.
Arthak Saurfang says: Nothing vile about it. But from my experience, if you want to lead your people down that path, it begins with how you kill her. And you want every single one of them to see it and remember it. Whether it is cruel. Whether it is gracious. They are watching, and the spectacle you make is the first act of your leadership, and the first moment of your rule. If that is uncomfortable, that speaks well of you, but that is what they will remember, and that is how they will begin thinking of you. I always ask them if they are ready. It seems only fair. Anyway. I’ll leave you to what will be a sleepless night.
Arthak got to his feet.
Arthak Saurfang says: I would wish you luck, but we have no need of it and we have none of it.
Rak'Symma says: Earthmother watch over you.
Rak’Symma didn’t know when it happened, but she sensed another presence, and she turned to look up at a nearby rock. Silhouetted by the bright white moon, Rak’Symma could see Thisalee with her arms wrapped around her knees. She was looking out towards the Haglands. She didn’t say anything, she was just there, and Rak’Symma wasn’t sure if it was because she didn’t want to be alone, or if she didn’t want Rak’Symma to be alone. But from the fear Symma could sense, she deduced it may have been a combination of both.
Rexxar lumbered up behind Rak’Symma.
Rexxar says: I… fought… with Nisha.
Rak’Symma blinked.
Rak'Symma says: Why?
Rexxar says: About the battle. I convinced her to stay. She will protect Skyhorn. You need not fear. She and I have warned other eagles. They will be careful. Will not take risks. We will save them.
Rak’Symma got up and promptly hugged Rexxar. Her feathers extended as far as they could, but she could not reach all the way around him. Rexxar froze for a second, but then a big hand rested very gently on Rak’Symma’s back.
Rexxar says: You are strong. You will win. We will fight. With you.
Rak’Symma pulled away and he looked down at her.
Rexxar says: We will bring back the wind.
Tears started to seep from Rak’Symma’s eyes, and she smiled up at him.
Rak'Symma says: Thank you.
Rexxar nodded.
Rexxar says: Try to sleep.
Rak'Symma says: You too.
Rexxar nodded with a small smile and then went to lumber away. Thisalee had turned to watch with a small smile on her face.
Thisalee Crow says: His darnassian has improved quite a bit in the last few days.
Rak'Symma says: I take it he doesn’t talk much.
Thisalee Crow says: Doesn’t look like it. But he still wanted to be here to try and comfort you. I don’t know much about these orcs, but… they’re good people.
Rak'Symma says: They put their lives on the line in a war they have no part in… that speaks a great volume. That either means they are good and just people or they like violence, I haven’t decided yet.
Thisalee Crow says: Probably both! I have to respect it. But I haven’t been this nervous for a fight before.
Rak'Symma says: I thought I’d ask you something.
Thisalee Crow says: What’s on your mind?
Rak'Symma says: You can fly. I thought I’d pose a proposition.
Thisalee cocked her head to the side, and Symma had backed to the edge of the cliff with her back to it.
Rak'Symma says: Something that helps dispel my anxieties is faith. Trusting the wind will catch me. Would you like to join me?
Thisalee blinked.
Thisalee Crow says: Yeah.
Rak’Symma tipped back and spread her wings as she did a trust fall into the sky. Thisalee watched her, but after a moment, she dove off the edge as well. The wind flowed all around them, and Rak’Symma closed her eyes. She sensed a second presence alongside her, but then she heard the voice again. The one that had been speaking to her in her mind. It was coming from where she sensed the second presence.
Echoed Voice says: Beware. There is a fourth. The final season upon who all has been bet. Insurance most foul. Fly true. And end the long night.
Symma opened her eyes, but she saw Thisalee as they both caught the wind. The words resonated in her mind as they rode the winds back up the cliffside. Thisalee laughed audibly.
They landed and Symma directed Thisalee to some of the better beds in Skyhorn, but then noticed Zar’Kaa as he was going through some of his combat routines. She decided to watch for a moment, as Zar’Kaa was zipping around using the teleportation effect of his spear.
After a bit, Zar’Kaa noticed and greeted her.
Zar'Kaa says: Just getting a workout in before the fight. I thought you’d be asleep by now.
Rak'Symma says: I don’t think sleep will come easy tonight.
Zar'Kaa says: You’re welcome to blast some of these targets.
Rak'Symma says: Kind of you to offer. But I don’t want Lasan and his people to have to remake them all. I was looking for you.
Zar'Kaa says: Oh?
Rak'Symma says: I wanted to thank you.
Zar'Kaa says: What did I do for you?
Rak'Symma says: A number of things. I could refer to your group as a whole, but you also have had a hand in everything over the last few days.
Zar'Kaa says: Yeah. I mean, it’s no problem. Just doing my part. Trying to make moves of my own. But, since you mentioned it, you’re welcome if you feel I’m owed gratitude.
Rak’Symma stared at Zar’Kaa for a long moment.
Zar'Kaa says: Okay, I will say, I’m good at a lot of things, but I can’t read minds. Want to fill me in?
Rak'Symma says: You just caught me off-guard. I’ve done more talking in the last few days than the last several years… you did a great deal, and to treat it so casually is impressive.
Zar'Kaa says: Hm. I guess I’m… used to downplaying my own accomplishments, you know? It’s like, yeah, I know I have my share of successes, but I don’t try to dwell on those too long. I just try to look toward the next objective instead of slowing down.
Rak’Symma got a thoughtful expression and offered a slight nod, though there was a soft cant of concern to her brow.
Rak'Symma says: I know we’re in dire times, but do you mind if I ask what the rush is?
Zar’Kaa pondered the question and then looked towards the sky.
Zar'Kaa says: Well. I guess I never mentioned it, but I wasn’t meant to be here. Me and my crew. We sort of all ran into the Horde a bit ago. Ever since then, things have been rapid. It’s almost like the momentum keeps picking up. As such, all I can do is try to run with that momentum. You know. Beat it, if I can. I don’t know if that makes sense… I know you’ve been getting a flood of information over the last few days. But nonetheless.
Rak’Symma smiled, showing a small flash of pointy teeth.
Rak'Symma says: There is a lot to be said about everything, but the point that stuck is that you weren’t meant to be here, yet you’ve thrown yourself into helping. That’s what I wanted to thank you for. So even if we’re running headlong into whatever may come, know I’m grateful.
Zar’Kaa looked almost confused..
Zar'Kaa says: Yeah. You’re welcome, Rak’Symma. But I should ask since you’re here, how are you feeling about tomorrow?
Rak'Symma says: That is a much heavier conversation, and one Arthak has already beaten you to. In short, I likely won’t sleep, but it needs to be done.
Zar'Kaa says: Well, unlike Arthak I won’t give you a lecture. But maybe just some comfort if possible. In the past few days, I’ve seen you do a number of incredible things as well, but the most incredible was that you took a leap of faith. You don’t need to be here either. You could still be hiding, but you’re not. Even though this world hasn’t been kind to you, you’re still doing it. That counts for a lot. And I think it means that whatever is thrown at you tomorrow, you’ll survive and you’ll be okay. The way I know that is because I’m going to help make sure you are.
Zar’Kaa smiled at her, and Rak’Symma smiled back.
Rak'Symma says: Thank you. I’ll let you get back to your training, but once you wind down, perhaps sleep is the best option we all should strive for. So we can prepare for what comes.
Zar'Kaa says: Agreed. I can go without it sometimes, but the body needs sleep. All bodies do. If you don’t, I’ll just have to write you a prescription.
Rak'Symma says: Given I have seen few others tend to wounds and I have seen you more wounded than not, I take it you’re a healer?
Zar’Kaa nodded.
Zar'Kaa says: Of a sort. My expertise lies in medicine amongst other things.
Rak'Symma says: If you ever need assistance, I’d be happy to help.
Zar'Kaa says: So you know a thing or two yourself?
Rak'Symma says: I do. In the physical and magical ends of things.
Zar'Kaa says: The latter I figured, but huh. I can’t say I’ve really met many that understand the tangible practice of medicine. Interesting.
Rak’Symma offered to show him some of the herbs on the island sometime, and Zar’Kaa gave her some nightshade seeing she likely knew what it was. Rak’Symma exchanged some herbs of her own, which were far less deadly. Rak’Symma told Zar’Kaa to rest well as they parted ways.
That night, when Zar’Kaa was going to rest, he thought about Gul’dan, and he materialized in a dreamscape on the Reuniter. It was abandoned, and dark clouds roiled overhead with green lightning that sparked across them.
Then he heard footsteps approaching, and as Zar’Kaa turned, he saw Gul’dan coming down the deck to meet him.
Gul'dan says: Zar’Kaa… how wonderful to see you again.
Zar'Kaa says: Gul’dan. It’s good to see you again too.
Gul'dan says: I must admit, I was unsure if you would seek to speak with me again. I am glad to have been proven wrong.
Zar'Kaa says: To be fair, I wasn’t sure either. I needed a moment to think. I’m sure you understand.
Gul'dan says: Of course.
Zar’Kaa looked around the ship.
Zar'Kaa says: And for all that’s said about you, no one can say you aren’t creative.
Gul'dan says: You call it the Reuniter, correct?
Zar'Kaa says: I do. I named it.
Gul'dan says: An apt name, given your mission. I’ve had the opportunity to examine the shipwright techniques of the forest trolls, but even a cursory glance at your own vessel proves to me that the craftsmen of the Darkspear are on a different level. I suppose that makes sense given the sea is your domain.
Zar'Kaa says: Forest trolls rise with the trees. We, with the seas. I’ve been thinking about your offer.
Gul'dan says: Is that so? And… what is on your mind, my boy? What has your ruminations brought to you? What questions? What insights? What desires?
Zar’Kaa walked over to the side of the ship and leaned on the railing.
Zar'Kaa says: Your offer still intrigues me. I think there’s a lot I can learn from you that I’m unlikely to learn elsewhere. And I think the thing that’s preventing me from trusting you isn’t you yourself… it’s not anything I’ve heard about your reputation. I’ve been burned before. More than once. By trusting others. And then having that trust betrayed. That fear is still with me.
Gul'dan says: I can sympathize with that, my dear friend. Indeed, you walk with the very culprits responsible for doing the same to me.
Zar'Kaa says: Can I ask what happened between you, Gul’dan? With the Horde.
Gul'dan says: In the time when I was still young, the Horde was a distant memory.
Gul’dan waved his hand, and the ship faded away. Instead, the dreamscape took the form of rolling, alien plains. There were corpses of hundreds of orcs and several dozen others chained by large humanoids that Zar’Kaa had come to know as ogres, however, they were very different from the Horde ogres.
Gul'dan says: Our people were at the whims of beings greater than us. The mighty ogres, the fearsome draenei, the arakkoa, the botani, the saberon… united as they were, our disparate clans, Warsong, Shattered Hand, Shadowmoon… were nothing compared to them. We were killed, enslaved, twisted, broken… and yet, a hundred years ago, a hundred years before it rose again, the orcs banded together and became a single weapon. It was unified against a greater threat. It broke the shackles the ogres had put us in. That was the Horde, but it was a fleeting, broken thing. After their victory, they spread once more and allowed themselves to become weak and complacent. The cycle continued.
The background shifted to a meeting of hundreds of orcs rallying under a single person, but then the clans breaking apart and the violence returning.
Gul'dan says: I brought the Horde together again and united them under a single banner.
There was an orc with a tattooed lower jaw and long black hair accepting a long drinking horn made of twisted bone. He drank a bright green tonic, and he changed and was empowered. Hundreds of other orcs were then unified under a single man clad in steel.
Gul'dan says: I told us from slaves into conquerors. I gave them the strength they needed to not only survive, but to thrive. I led them to distant lands, gave them enemies with which to strengthen their steel and transform them into a true force to be reckoned with. One that did not fear, but was feared. And then I met Arthak. I trusted him with some of our greatest secrets. Gave him a path. Without me, he would not be the warchief. He would not even be alive. I thought he would lead the Horde to greatness, and yet… he turned on me. Spat in the face of everything I had given him. Of all the guidance I shared with him. Burned the path and the bridges I built for him. He stole the Horde, and now he seeks to take my head. To finish what he started.
The image shifted to Gul’dan first meeting Arthak, him and Arthak speaking at various points, and then Arthak standing over Blackhand before turning to seek out Gul’dan as he fled to escape a Horde Arthak galvanized against him.
Zar’Kaa was unsure if this was a lie. He knew it was safe to assume there were elements of the story that were missing, but it was hard to say how much was. However, he also had no reason to believe that Gul’dan was being untruthful either.
Zar'Kaa says: Wow. It’s just… it’s funny, because… look. I have had my issues with Arthak up to this point, but he’s at least acquitted himself like a warrior of honor… but what you told me suggests otherwise.
Gul'dan says: Honor is a funny thing, Zar’Kaa. To the orcs, it is a convenient shield. An excuse. It is invoked against anything that someone disagrees with. You lack honor, they demand, purely because they disagree with you. The honor of the orcs is a farce and always has been. Arthak’s honor is only present so long as it serves his purposes. But the moment it does not… he will cast it aside, as he does with everything that does not serve him. Surely you’ve seen it? You’ve seen the way that he operates. I can give you my own examples, but think back to what he’s said recently. As he plans. The way his mind works when it comes to a conflict. Does he truly think an honorable man? Or does he fight like someone who will win no matter the cost? Don’t get me wrong, I respect that about Arthak. But… the facade of honor he protects himself with like a shield is a miasma that has plagued the Horde for longer than either of us have been alive.
Zar'Kaa says: I… I can’t say I haven’t noticed, because that would be a lie. He has ambition. And it seems to have no bounds. I can say this is speculation, but I don’t think so. Do you know why?
Gul'dan says: Why do you think that?
Zar'Kaa says: Because it’s similar to how I think.
Gul’dan smiled.
Zar'Kaa says: It’s like… sometimes I look at him and I just see a more decorated, more successful version of me. Someone that people actually look at with admiration and respect. And then I think about myself… I’ve made mistakes before, but… more often than not, I’ve done right by whoever it is in my life. My people. People I’ve worked with. Yet I don’t have the same respect or admiration. I’m sorry, it’s just…
Gul’dan shook his head and raised his hand.
Gul'dan says: This is precisely why I am here, my friend. You and I, we’ve been dealt an unfair hand. Arthak too… but he has risen above some of his challenges, at least. And I helped pave that way.
Green lightning flashed across the sky.
Gul'dan says: Zar’Kaa, my friend, you are not without respect and admiration in this world. After all, why do you think I reached out to you in the first place?
Zar'Kaa says: Well. I have a track record of attracting the opinions and mentorship of old men. But beyond that…
Gul’dan laughed.
Zar'Kaa says: To answer your question seriously, I was thinking it was because you see something in me.
Gul'dan says: Precisely! I see the same spark within you that I know resides within myself. I’d be a fool not to admire it. The hunger. The desire. The ambition. That is what I offer to you, Zar’Kaa. This ship…
Gul’dan waved his hand and the Reuniter rematerialized.
Gul'dan says: It is fitting, as is your goal. I once did the same for the Horde. I brought us together when fate and those that would tear our people apart would have seen us crushed underfoot, and now you seek the same for your own, but are given nothing to do it with.
Zar’Kaa looked away from Gul’dan, and his brow furrowed into anger.
Zar'Kaa says: It’s like they’re all waiting for me to fail!
Gul'dan says: But you won’t fail. You’ll succeed and succeed and succeed, but it will never be enough. I can show you how to make it enough. I can show you what you need. I can give you more.
Zar’Kaa nodded his head and closed his eyes.
Gul'dan says: The same power that broke me from my own cycle. The chains that bound me. The power that allowed me to create my own destiny. Not one written by the whims of blood or weakness… or the misconceptions and foolishness of those that think they are our betters.
Zar'Kaa says: The ones who will tell us we’re not ready.
Gul'dan says: You understand. It is not you who shall be thrown away, Zar’Kaa. No. You will be the one to make that decision. No one would dare cross you. That. That is a destiny I can help you build, my friend. One that I would do gladly.
Zar’Kaa smiled.
Zar'Kaa says: You’ve been more generous than most. I thank you for it.
Gul'dan says: I need not your gratitude, my boy, but I accept it gladly nonetheless.
Zar'Kaa says: I’m glad. But I would be a fool not to ask… what do you hope to gain from this, Gul’dan?
Gul'dan says: Why… a friend. A kindred spirit. One who understands. And one…
Gul’dan sighed.
Gul'dan says: Perhaps one I can trust. Someone like what I had hoped Arthak would become.
Zar'Kaa says: Lets not worry about him. This is our time to get to know one another and build that trust, right?
Gul'dan says: Wise words, my friend.
Zar'Kaa says: I think… just because this is all so new to me… I think we could start small. Fundamentals. The knowledge that forms the basis of… whatever I am capable of.
Gul'dan says: Of course.
Gul’dan held out a hand and an orb of fel energy appeared in it.
Gul'dan says: The power of the fel is… indescribable. It is chaos incarnate. A roiling storm. And we who manipulate it are those who walk within the eye. Those who master the storm. Who bend it, and use it. We project order onto the chaos, and bring chaos to order.
Viridian lightning struck the water.
Gul'dan says: It is destruction. It is a weapon. And it is mine. And with time, with time, it could become yours.
Gul’dan offered the orb to Zar’Kaa, who reached out and took the orb in his hands. He felt the ember of roiling magic. It was a sphere of bright, chaotic fire, and it started to destabilize and threatened to consume him. In that moment, he heard the laughter and jeering of everyone that told him he wouldn’t amount to anything, and that he was weak, and he would never hold his own. He opened his eyes, and his mind went all the way back to the day his parents were executed. He remembered Vol’jin’s glaive as it took their lives. He forced the fel into the shape of the glaive, and it solidified into bright, burning green metal that flickered on either side of his hands.
Gul'dan says: Yes… you’re a natural, Zar’Kaa.
Zar'Kaa says: I did this?
Gul’dan nodded.
Gul'dan says: You did, my boy. And there is so much more that you can do. This may be but a dream, but this power is very real. The shape you have commanded it to take is a manifestation of your own strength. I can show you how to do this. How to forge this power. How to shape it in any way you wish.
Zar'Kaa says: More. Show me more.
Gul'dan says: Gladly.
As Arthak was sleeping and meditating, he felt a deep breath emanate through his blood as he allowed his mind to connect with something deeper. He almost felt himself become the mountain, and all the caverns and caves beneath it.
He knew them like he knew his own hand and the cracks upon the stone of his blackened hand. He realized that he had an intrinsic understanding of the area. When he awoke, he had a near-perfect image of the cave systems in the surrounding mountain chains, including those built by the kobolds.
He rested his hand on the ground and whispered his thanks as he hummed a lullaby. When he awoke, he withdrew his notebook to draw out a map of the tunnel systems.
Meanwhile, in the midst of the night, Symma’s eyes jolted awake, and she was overcome with a cold sweat. She looked around and she knew where she was. She was where it had ended: in a pile of gore and black feathers. There were wings beating overhead, and as she looked up, she saw the sky was a vortex of feathers and meat and rot. There were hundreds of eagles, vultures, ravens, and other birds twisted by the Crawliac’s cruel curse.
Cruel Voice says: It’s been a while… Proxcera.
Rak’Symma spun around, and towering above her was a hauntingly beautiful harpy. She had alabaster skin and jet black feathers. It was the unmistakable visage of the High Crawliac. She cocked her head to the side as she stepped closer. Instinctively, Symma stepped backwards.
High Crawliac says: I know you’re there, aren’t you? Did you think I would miss all that buzzing that those little flies with horns were making? They are in my territory after all. I know you’re planning something. You want to take it all back, don’t you? I have to admit I was surprised when I found out you survived… again! In spite of everything. But I’m not a woman that likes to let her mistakes sit unfixed…
The other harpy continued to prowl closer and closer until Rak’Symma was backed up against the rotting corpse of Blaithe that had manifested behind her. In that moment, Symma realized this nightmare was different from the others she had before.
High Crawliac says: How did you do it? How did you come back? TELL ME! …or don’t. I don’t need to know. Not truly. No, I don’t. You won’t be around for long enough for it to matter, and this time I’ll make sure you don’t come back. Did you think I didn’t know what you were doing? Your ambitions? The pride of it all… truly! How pathetic you’ve grown…
Rak'Symma says: And yet I will never be as pathetic as you.
The High Crawliac started to cackle.
High Crawliac says: You’ve barely even grown into your feathers, but I still see her spark in you… no. This won’t do. This won’t do at all. So what are you planning? What are you doing? What are you trying!?
Rak'Symma says: The same thing I always have. To heal.
The High Crawliac leaned down over Rak’Symma as her claw scaped through the bark of a tree.
High Crawliac says: You think you’re strong, but I killed you once… and I’ll do it again! And again and again! Or… maybe I won’t. No no… maybe I’ll start with someone else this time.
The High Crawliac turned away and a section of dark woods opened and filled with light. There were dozens of familiar corpses. Mayla. Lasan. Thisalee. Rexxar. Arthak. Nyxxa. Sol. Zar’Kaa. Everyone that Symma had met and was trying to help stop the corruption.
High Crawliac says: I’ve been considering a repeat performance… we’ll start with all of them this time, and I’ll pluck one feather at a time. Until there’s nothing left but bone and misery. Is that what you prefer? Oh dear Proxcera?
Rak'Symma says: That is your grand design?
High Crawliac says: Do not even speak to me of designs! You… you want to take it from me, don’t you? You want to take it back…
Rak'Symma says: It was never yours to have.
High Crawliac says: And you think it was yours to take!? Your ambition… your pride! It’s as delectable as ever. I know what you were trying to do. I know what you’ve been doing for countless years! I saw it all. I know it all! And I will not let you take. This. From. Me. But your little friends can still be saved… come to the Haglands, little Proxcera. Fly home. Go join your beloved little creature. And I promise your little friends will live.
Rak’Symma knit her brow.
Rak'Symma says: …You’re afraid.
The High Crawliac’s face contorted into rage.
Rak'Symma says: Not of me. Not alone. You know you can take me alone. You’re right, I’m barely into my feathers. But you wouldn’t be so brazen to invite me to a fight that would not be fair… if you were not afraid.
Rak’Symma could tell her words cut deep.
High Crawliac says: You insolent whelp! Fine. I’ll play it your way. I’ll kill them all! I’ll rip their flesh from their bones and I’ll feed it to every one of the eagles that your shu’halo favor so much!
A light shone from behind Rak’Symma, and the shadows started to creep around her.
High Crawliac says: You will die a thousand deaths if that’s what it takes! You will not stop my ASCENSION!
The other harpy brought her claws down, and Rak’Symma was hurled back. The light shattered, and she heard her own voice along with Blaithe’s say: Be strong.
Rak’Symma felt herself falling. She was battered by thick, crimson rain drops, and she saw a Highmountain soaked in red. There was skin of thousands of tauren flayed and spread between macabre fetishes. There were bones of friends and loved ones decorating the homes beneath a sky of harpies and twisted eagles. And then she saw the bones of a great dragon decorating the top of the Haglands with large, moose-like antlers, their fires guttered out.
November 15th
As everyone awoke bright and early the next day, they heard a beautiful voice echoing on the wind. It was a song carried by the breeze from the mountains, and there was a feeling of disquiet, as if every beat of their heart was a chore.
Skyhorn had already turned into a battleground.
There were panicked shouts and screams as tauren began to simply lose consciousness, their hearts ceasing to beat. There were no harpies immediately at Skyhorn, but their influence had already fallen upon the shu’halo.
Lasan had already started to bark orders.
Lasan Skyhorn says: Looks like it’s time to take to the air! The Crawliac are in full force and are making for Skyhorn. I’m sure you didn’t miss the wakeup call.
Zar'Kaa says: Bitch certainly is loud enough.
It was the infamous song of Agara Deathsong.
Lasan Skyhorn says: We’re already getting reports that some of the civilians have collapsed. Likely a side-effect of the song. We’re having the shamans tend to them. Hopefully they can be saved, but we need to stop this now.
A few of the windriders shouted to Lasan.
Skyhorn Windrider says: The Skywitch is flying in force. They are trying to dismount us to corrupt the eagles! We need to stop them!
Lasan Skyhorn says: When it rains it pours!
Reports, and Arthak’s intuition, told them that Agara Deathsong was in the Screeching Crag, and the biggest challenge was to resist her deathsong, as her song would only get louder and stronger the closer they got to her. It appeared that healing was difficult under the influence of the song.
Ragi the Hexxer was in Darkfeather Valley working on corrupting the eagles. Ragi had to be drawn out, and that could be done by destroying or disrupting the rituals being done.
Ugla the Hag had the majority of the more powerful spellcasters under her command, but Arthak sensed that the moment she detected a threat she would probably flee and warn the High Crawliac. However, Arthak felt that there was a good chance they could find an item that could maybe give them some sort of benefit.
Last was the High Crawliac herself, which needed to be dealt with.
Zar'Kaa says: Alright, we got our targets. Now we just need to kill them.
Lasan Skyhorn says: That’s what I like to hear!
There were swarms of harpies flying down from the mountains and filling the skies with shrieks and calls.
Rak’Symma took off into the air and released an echoing call of challenge. There was a message in the song: A false queen sits upon a false throne. You’ve all been subject to her lies. And I am here to end her reign!
As the call washed over the valley it danced with the deathsong for a while. High up on the mountain, far from where anyone could see, the wisps of the challenge reached the High Crawliac in her nest of bone, rot, and magic. Her eyes darted toward the valley.
High Crawliac says: Even now she seeks to defy me.
She flew up and sang out a challenge of her own, which echoed down the mountain: Come then! Your bones will make this false throne all the sweeter!
She then looked over to a cabal of her hexxers and witches, and in the center of a great circle of harpy magic that intermingled with runes and strange devices, entrapped in a sphere of energy, was Ohn'ahra, the mother of winds and skies, suspended as her essence was drawn away from her.
High Crawliac says: Redouble your efforts! I want my ascension to be ready before she crawls her way here, begging for mercy.
