69. WRATHION
Wrathion, The Black, Fan art by Che-Ro
Anduin glanced over his shoulder. "Ah, you have not officially met, of course, forgive me."
He gestured towards the recess, beckoning whoever stood in the shadows to make themselves known.
A swarthy-skinned individual came into the light. He was a young man just a few years older than Anduin.
He had a handsome face, set with high cheekbones and an angular jaw sporting a goatee. Long black hair brushed his shoulders.
It was clear he was not of our people. 'Foreign' did not quite hit the mark either, but I had a good inkling who this individual was, based on reports Anduin had made from his time in Pandaria.
Dressed in attire which could only be indicative of nobility, the man moved forward, his strides oozing confidence as he came to a stop next to Anduin. I chanced a sideways glance at Sarah. She looked almost hypnotised by this new individual.
"This is Wrathion, The Black Prince as he is known, and a good friend of mine," Anduin introduced him.
I offered the young man a customary bow; he inclined his head in response. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance," I said. "I have heard much about you from Prince Anduin."
"Hmm," Wrathion responded. "All good, I do hope."
"Indeed," I answered.
Anduin informed his friend who we were and after quietly confirming with me, introduced Illidan and Arcaena also. The Black Prince looked at each of us in turn, but his eyes favoured Sarah.
I may have imagined it, but I could have sworn I saw a hint of a glow from beneath her blouse. Her Demon Hunter markings often flared when her emotions altered. She was still staring at the young man, her expression difficult to read.
He offered his hand; slender fingers, with long, well-manicured nails, boasted exquisite jewelled rings.
I watched as Sarah accepted. He raised her hand to his mouth, pausing long enough to smile. Then he brushed his lips across her knuckles.
"Charmed," he said. He released her hand, but not her gaze. A few excruciating moments passed before Sarah, with a small shake of her head, lowered her eyes, but remained silent.
"We shall have more time for pleasantries later," Varian intervened. "For now, I think it would be wise for us to return to the Keep, Khadgar. As you say, we need to talk."
I was oddly relieved as I found myself trying to come to terms with what had just passed between Sarah and Wrathion.
Varian ordered an escort. I suggested Modera and my other colleagues also attend, to which Varian agreed. They inched forward to join us at which point Wrathion expressed an interest.
"Ah," he said, eyes locked on Kalecgos. "I am most surprised to see your breed here."
Kalecgos stiffened. "My breed, as you call it, is no more a part of me."
I had never heard such intonation from the former Azure Dragonkin before. There was a hint of loathing mixed with deep regret in his voice.
"I meant no disrespect," Wrathion said, inclining his head in apology. "I was merely acknowledging a brother."
"We may be equal as far as our genus is concerned, but brothers we are not. None of us has forgotten what your father did, Prince Wrathion."
The Black Prince's eyes shimmered, but he remained silent.
Varian moved forward, dissolving the tension between the two dragonkin. We turned and followed the King; all except Anduin and his friend.
The King and Genn walked ahead of us, flanked by the Royal Guard. It was not far to the Keep and to be honest I was glad of the fresh air. The tension between Kalecgos and Wrathion was one thing, but I was curious as to the effect the dragon prince had on Sarah.
"What just happened in there?" I asked her.
"Blue and black drakes do not get on; that's what happened," she answered, tight.
"That's not what I meant," I whispered. "What happened between you and Wrathion?"
I heard her swallow. After a moment, she whispered, "Something you are not going to like." There was a tremor in her voice.
"No kidding," I responded rather grumpily, I admit.
Her hand curled around mine, a sign of reassurance. "Not what you're thinking, my love."
Instantly, I felt foolish.
Sarah continued, " I know of Wrathion from when I played WoW," she said. Her fingers tightened around mine. She referred to the days she lived on Earth playing the game World of Warcraft - she had been a fountain of knowledge prior to the war against the Legion. Her experience in the game was uncannily linked to events in real-time on Azeroth.
"Go on," I encouraged, checking to see if others could hear our conversation - all seemed oblivious.
"I do not have time to go into detail, but I remember he wanted a unified Azeroth to fight the Burning Legion."
"Well, that is good. It is what I had hoped for myself."
"Yes, my love, but, he was not amused when Varian declared there should be a new Warchief of the Horde when Garrosh was defeated. He had hoped for Varian to force the Horde to join with the Alliance and become a unified faction."
I was still unsure where she was going with this train of thought. "Your point is?"
"I questioned Sylvanas' having enough troops to destroy Teldrassil and then return to these shores to either wage war on us here or in Lordaeron."
"I remember, yes. Illidan thought your point was valid too."
She nodded and swallowed once more before continuing. "What if Wrathion still implies he wants a unified force?"
We were nearing the Keep steps. We had to finish this conversation soon so we could open discussions with the King. I was, however, genuinely intrigued. "That seems unlikely now, considering."
"Perhaps, but his methodology could be what has sparked this pending war."
"What are you saying?"
"He is a black drake Khadgar, like his father, Deathwing. He claims he was uncorrupted by the Old Gods, unlike his father. Wrathion, nonetheless, may have a questionable strategy to achieve that which he desires. Perhaps it was he who set Teldrassil aflame. A dragon has that kind of firepower does he not?"
"Yes, it does" I agreed.
"Maybe he lured Veressa? Then with each side thinking the other was to blame, the Horde and Alliance would be forced into battle once more. Conceivably, he could have set the wheels in motion this time - but with the goalposts changed. Perhaps, he is influenced by the Old Gods, after all?"
I could not deny her conjecture was highly feasible. As we entered the Keep, I concluded there could well be more to this imminent war than met the eye.
Author's Note: And here ends A Raven's Tale. Note, this was originally written before the Battle For Azeroth was released, or any literature relating to the expansion was publicised.
My ending of choice was a tad different to my original plan, but after contemplating what could come after my take on the Void Lords, I liked the idea of Wrathion being implicated in the next phase of the storyline.
As those who play World of Warcraft will know, Battle for Azeroth takes us down a different avenue, although Wrathion does play a part and as for the burning of Teldrassil - well, we find out who instigated that act of war.
Regardless, this (as all my books in the Sarah and Khadgar Chronicles are) is set in a parallel dimension but paying homage to some of the lore and canon of World of Warcraft.
I hope you have enjoyed the journey and I thank you for having taken the time to read it. I am uncertain at this time when, or even if I will pen more stories about these characters, but at least I left it open should I decide to return.
The final story (for now) in the Warcraft universe is all about my OC, Sauren Nightflame, who was the leader of the Crimson Blades from Rogue Firefury. Perhaps you may wish to join me there?
Thank you again for stopping by.
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