Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Azgadaan, Blackhand, Dal'rend Blackhand, Eitrigg, Garrosh Hellscream, Go'el, Gramgun Laughingeye, Levia Blackflight, Mashkada Bloodblade, Neeru Fireblade, Nitrogg Thundertower, Nyxxa, Varok Saurfang
September 21st - October 11th
After the feast with the skarvyn, Arthak is alerted that Neeru Fireblade had arrived to see him as Arthak had requested. Neeru is wearing simple clothes made of cotton leather, though there are a few ritual implements on his person. His hair is deep, deep dark red with black, and he rubs his hands together and bows.
Neeru Fireblade says: Warchief. Glad to speak with you. I was hoping for such an opportunity. I should thank Oronok for giving me such.
Arthak Saurfang says: Yes, Neeru.
Neeru Fireblade says: I’m glad to hear my reputation precedes me.
Arthak Saurfang says: To some degree, I remember you.
Neeru Fireblade says: You honor me. But before we get to what I want to speak of, I’m curious to hear what you want to say.
Arthak Saurfang says: To be honest, nothing too earth shattering. We share a common clan of origin, and a common incident of separation from that clan.
Neeru Fireblade says: That we do, warchief. The ties that bind are complicated, and I think a lot changed in the Burning Blade after that. A shame, really. But it seems your path has led you here, and the Burning Blade is nowhere to be found.
Arthak Saurfang says: Unfortunately, whatever understanding I had with Jubei’thos did not supercede his loyalties to the Legion.
Neeru Fireblade says: Perhaps not, but the blademasters have always worked in mysterious ways. Trying to understand them… well, you have one as your shadow. I think you understand.
Arthak Saurfang says: I was raised by Samuro.
Neeru Fireblade says: That you were.
Arthak Saurfang says: I look forward to speaking with Jubei’thos.
Neeru Fireblade says: I’m sure sparks will fly in one way or another. It’s a shame, what’s become of the Shadow Council. When I first joined I thought it would be what was best for the Horde. Provide strength and guidance, and freedom from those who would oppress us. Yet, when everything falls to shit, Gul’dan runs with his tail between his legs–yipping at the feet of his new masters. That’s why I’m still here. But I understand if you don’t trust me. I’ve done nothing to earn it, and even then, your trust should be only skin-deep. Everyone is just trying to do what serves their own interests. I’m not asking you to trust me, warchief, but everyone is serving their own ends. Even my foolish brethren who chased after Gul’dan’s scraps. There are undoubtedly others that will do the same. Jubei’thos, likewise… it may not be loyalty that compels him forth. But that’s just an idle musing.
Arthak Saurfang says: No, I suspect you’re right. My grandfather always chased wisdom. I think Jubei’thos does the same, he just finds it elsewhere.
Neeru Fireblade says: I think the anecdotes of the Burning Blade are one thing you carry with you, warchief.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have a question for you.
Neeru Fireblade says: I perchance have an answer. And if I don’t, I’ll do what I can to find it.
Arthak Saurfang says: You said when you first joined the Shadow Council you thought it was what was best for the Horde. So what do you think is best now? I prefer honesty to flattery.
Neeru Fireblade says: Of course, warchief. I wouldn’t want to waste your time with nonsense. I think what’s best is for us to be honest with ourselves. Everyone and everything has desires. Wants. And will act according to them. The Horde won’t be served by hiding from those. The Shadow Council will neither do the same. We could use that. The magics used by Gul’dan and his lackeys, and by myself, are magics of chaos and emotion. Those magics can drive people much like those desires. Using those magics, we can prey upon those, and our foes can fall into traps of their own design. This Cleft of Shadow seems a wise decision. Cutting the orcs from this magic would be… a fool’s errand. They will find a way, and that way will be provided by my foolish former brethren. With this, we can continue to learn and gain that power and strength. Like any weapon, it will be directed by the Arsenal, but not set to languish or turn on our own breasts as we struggle for the largest scraps from the table.
Arthak Saurfang says: What do you desire?
Neeru Fireblade says: A complicated question, but one with a simple answer. I want what all our people want. I want the freedom and strength to survive and thrive. Honestly, not that much different from what Gul’dan wants, but I am on your side, warchief, and that I suppose is the greatest of use. Besides age, of course.
Neeru laughs. He seems to move and rub his hands together a lot.
Neeru Fireblade says: What I don’t desire is to have my head separated from my shoulders, and we both know you are adept at doing so. So I don’t intend to do anything that would make such a possibility a reality.
Arthak Saurfang says: I understand that. I’ll be honest, I want more than that.
Neeru smiles.
Neeru Fireblade says: Care to enlighten me, great warchief? What do you want? What do you desire?
Arthak Saurfang says: From you, or from the Horde?
Neeru Fireblade says: Why not both?
Arthak Saurfang says: From you, loyalty. Not given by fear or practicality, but from belief. I say this knowing it’s not something I can demand, but something I must earn. I intend to do that. I want you to believe in those, so I intend to convince you, but we’ll see how that happens.
Neeru Fireblade says: And from the Horde?
Arthak Saurfang says: A complex question, with a not so simple answer. You understand that our people have done wrong. Not just by the standards of other people, but by our own.
Neeru cocks his head to the side, listening.
Arthak Saurfang says: We took strength that was offered easily without cost. At least, not without cost we understood. And we butchered everything in our wake, including our home. I see the destiny of our people not as butchers, but as champions. We fight the strong. We fight those who would impose their destiny upon us and others, and we have fallen from that. I would see us reclaim that and become something more. Just from our interactions with the Amani and the skarvyn, there are unwanted bodies upon this world–much like we were once the weakest spawn of the gronn.
Neeru Fireblade says: Yet we are still around.
Arthak Saurfang says: And so might they. That which is perceived as weak can hold hidden strength. I want to find that, and let it demonstrate itself. I want it to be the Horde. I think that is what we are to be. That which shows strength in the unwanted, and that which tears down what would control. But that’s my vision.
Neeru nods.
Neeru Fireblade says: A vision I could come to appreciate, great warchief. I am slow to believe in anything, nowadays, and I invite you to change my mind. But in the meantime, I look forward to seeing how you build this, and what I can do to serve that end as well as my own. Honesty, I think, is a policy that will serve the Horde well in the generations to come.
Arthak Saurfang says: Agreed. How do you feel about joining us, then? In chasing your former brethren.
Neeru Fireblade says: Should you have need of my services, I will be where the Arsenal decrees my presence is most useful.
Arthak Saurfang says: We will see where we land.
Neeru Fireblade says: I look forward to hearing what they think. In the meantime, the Cleft of Shadow will await your decision, and will be prepared to do what is necessary.
Arthak nods, and Neeru sees himself out.
Nyxxa and Azgadaan had been working on a gift for Levia, and upon completing it, Nyxxa finds Levia walking around after supper. Nyxxa has a mischievous look on her face, and Levia is immediately somewhat suspicious, but Nyxxa expresses she just wants to show her her appreciation for everything that Levia had done.
Nyxxa removes a large item wrapped in cloth from her bag of holding and holds it out. Levia looks at it cautiously, but then unwraps it to reveal a black wooden bat with spikes on it wrapped with barbed wire. There are some intricate designs on the bat, and at the top is a winged skull molded in metal.
Levia blinks, in a bit of awe, but then she smiles and pats the bat in her hand and spins it around. Nyxxa confirms she made it herself, and then she expresses that Azgadaan helped with something as well. Nyxxa grabs Levia’s hand and quickly drags her to the magnificent mansion Azgadaan had set up. Inside is a wreck room with ceramic and glass figures of people that Levia doesn’t like.
Nyxxa encourages Levia to try the weapon out, and Levia hefts the bat into both hands with a grin. She promptly approaches a simple statue of Vaerux and brings the club down–shattering the statue immediately. Levia starts to cackle as she goes from statue to statue, destroying as much as she can in large sweeps.
She thanks Nyxxa and promptly gives her a hug. Nyxxa expresses she owed her for helping her find her name, and Levia counters that Nyxxa had done plenty for her already too.
Levia smirks and hands the bat to Nyxxa, asking if she wants to give it a try. Nyxxa smiles and expresses that maybe she would do it once. However, as Nyxxa winds up, she opts to not destroy anything.
She gives it back to Levia, expressing it’s not for her, and Levia grins and promptly destroys the statue herself.
Arthak gets notice that Dal’rend would likely be arriving in the next few days. He gathers Garrosh and Go’el to inform them that Rend would be there soon. Garrosh expresses he is unsure this is a good idea, but Arthak rebukes that the other option would be Rend getting news from Gul’dan.
Go’el states that, regardless, Blackhand was Rend’s father and he deserves to be part of the funerary rites–even if it may have some risk.
Arthak Saurfang says: Garrosh, were you actually his friend? During those years? You know him.
Garrosh sighs.
Garrosh Hellscream says: I didn’t dislike him. I had hoped to reach out to them for their aid. It quickly became evident that neither would be willing to hear what I had to say. In another life, perhaps the two of them would have been the first recruits of the Kor’kron, but that didn’t go anywhere.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t think Maim would. He needs to know what happened.
Garrosh is uncertain Rend really needs to know anything, as it would be wiser to clap Rend in chains until they discover if he’s a threat. However, Arthak says that Rend is smart and effective, and if they imprison him he would be an enemy immediately. Honesty would be the best policy: creating either an honest enemy, or an honest ally, which are more readily dealt with.
Garrosh Hellscream says: Make something clear to him. Garona acted of her own accord. I can’t say if Maim would still be alive if Garona had not acted, but I could at least say that his death was not of the Kor’kron’s orchestration.
Arthak says he will make it clear, but he will not shy away from the fact Garona had her own reasons. Garrosh expresses he didn’t trust Garona, but he admits that she had plenty of reason to hate both Rend and Maim, and he himself was not upset to see Maim perish. Even so, it was by Garona’s venom that countless good orcs were killed–which Arthak counters by the same mechanism, Arthak almost took Garrosh. He just wasn’t a child when it started.
Arthak Saurfang says: I will tell Dal’rend the truth. Whatever he makes of that, is up to him.
Garrosh expresses he hopes it doesn’t bite them in the ass at the end.
Go'el says: We all lost a lot of friends to the Shadow Council and Gul’dan’s machinations. My parents were among them. But no one has lost more than she has.
Garrosh Hellscream says: I thought you said this wasn’t going to be a topic of discussion.
Arthak Saurfang says: I failed her too. I understood more of what was happening,
Garrosh Hellscream says: You know, Arthak, you speak awfully fond of her for someone with a mate.
Arthak Saurfang says: …I don’t.
Garrosh blinks as Go’el winces, and then he shakes his head.
Garrosh Hellscream says: Right. I… didn’t know about that.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s better. It’s fine. And Garona is out of our hands. The point of this, all of this, is for us to do better. Together. I won’t say that Dal’rend is the most deserving, but he is where we can start.
Garrosh Hellscream says: Then I suppose we will. And for your sake, Arthak, I hope this is the right course of action. But if it backfires, I guess I’ll be here to pick up your mess, at the very least.
Arthak Saurfang says: If he goes against us, he is outside the Horde. He will be my problem.
Garrosh Hellscream says: I’ll be holding you to that.
Arthak also expresses he will take care of Rend’s welcoming party, for better or for worse.
Rend arrives a few days later along with about two dozen Blacktooth Grin orcs. He stops about 20 to 30 paces away from Arthak, who had arrived to meet him, and they lock eyes. Rend is fully armed, but it’s not out.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m glad you came.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Saurfang. Or, as some are calling you nowadays, Warchief Blackhand.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not by my will.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: No. But by your action.
Rend walks closer, the other orcs tailing after him. He continues past Arthak.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: I don’t need another brother, Arthak.
He continues walking into the city.
Arthak Saurfang says: I wouldn’t be if I tried. And I’m not, for the record.
Arthak falls into pace behind Rend, and Rend’s honor guard follows after them.
Arthak Saurfang says: We need to talk. Before he’s burned.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: You still have his body?
Arthak Saurfang says: We were waiting for you.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Kind of you.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t know how kind it is. I killed him. But you should be here.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Yes. You and I are of the same mind. I’ve done a lot of talking lately, Arthak, and I’m starting to get tired of it.
Arthak Saurfang says: I can imagine. It’s your business who you’ve been talking to.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: You and I know full well who I’ve been speaking with, Arthak. But right now, I’m speaking with you. For better or for worse. So what do we need to speak of, warchief?
Arthak Saurfang says: What happened to your father, and what happened to your brother. And what you decide to do with that.
They are heading through the byway, making their way towards the Stormreaver Spire.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: I know what happened to my father. I know about the Doomhammer. I know about the mok’gora. I know you bested him. Fair and square. I fail to see how there’s anything more about that. As for Maim, he was killed in the midst of an ambush. And now, he’s out there somewhere, pursuing some end. Revenge I wager, against whatever small-teeth did it.
Arthak Saurfang says: You’re right. In the broad strokes, you’re right. But that’s not always what is important. I beat your father, and your father lied about the Doomhammer. You need to know he died well. His last words… he wanted to know that I would make sure what he started survived. That the Horde would survive.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Why am I not surprised?
Arthak Saurfang says: And Maim… I know who and I know why. And I’m sorry.
Rend looks at Arthak expectantly.
Arthak Saurfang says: It was Garona.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: So she yet lives?
Arthak Saurfang says: She was on Garrosh’s leash. She slipped it and sought revenge. So she took your brother.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Where is she now?
Arthak Saurfang says: Most likely dead. They brought her along to hunt Frostmourne, and she was left behind. It’s doubtful she’s alive, resourceful as she is. Perhaps your brother, or what’s left of him… he’s the only one who knows, really.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: That creature is not my brother. Not anymore. It was only malice and rage and single-minded hatred. If it is still out there, it is of no concern to me. But if what you say is true, then destiny is as cruel as I always thought it was.
Arthak Saurfang says: On that we agree. I want you to know… I knew.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: I’m sure you knew many things, Arthak, and now concealing that knowledge from me has deprived me the chance to exact revenge. Now my father is dead as well, and his killer stands before me. You gave him a good death, but a death nonetheless, and now I’m alone.
Arthak Saurfang says: You have a choice before you. I am sorry that it came to this, but it is your choice. Whether you follow Gul’dan, or us, or no one and trail your own path, understand that you’re going to follow that path and we will not interfere with that until it leads to the battlefield. You leave here under my protection, as do those who follow you.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Tell me, Arthak, what would you do if given the ultimatum between the man who killed your father, and he who abandoned him? Who raised him up to greatness, only to pull the rug from beneath his feet when a more capable tool showed its face.
Arthak Saurfang says: I would try to be clever and find the third option.
Rend chuffs.
Arthak Saurfang says: Unless I knew my father deserved it.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Cunning is what got my father in the mess which ended his life in the first place, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t think it is. Your father’s cunning was a boon. It nearly killed me, multiple times, and I say that to his credit. It was trying to be something for too long that was his undoing. No one is meant to rule forever.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Perhaps not. I’m tired, Arthak. Tired of honeyed words. But I see your candace, and you speak with no hint of deception. But you still killed my father. But you are not the only one responsible for his death. I understand that, now more than ever. So prove yourself, Arthak. Prove to him that in spite of everything my father has always cared about legacies first and foremost, even to his dying breath. It’s why he had my sister killed. It’s why he turned to deception when weakness threatened his position, and why he tried to snuff you out when you threatened that strength. But you triumphed, and you made a promise. I have heard so many promises, Arthak. Prove that yours are not honeyed wind. That is what I need.
They see the Stormreaver Spire getting closer.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: The Blacktooth Grin will leave here after giving the final rites to our former warchief. What happens then… that will be a matter of discourse. It will be a matter of seeing whose hands will bear the most of my father’s blood.
Arthak Saurfang says: Okay. I respect that. And you deserve that choice, if nothing else. It’s not a honeyed promise, Dal’rend. What I’m offering you. It’s a choice. Not free of consequence, but freely made. You told me once you never got that. And that includes choosing to defy me. Or not. Or choosing the third path, whatever that is.
Rend nods.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Nothing in life is truly free, Arthak. But we will see if your words are more than wind.
Arthak Saurfang says: So we will.
The Arsenal and several chieftains are already present at the site of the funeral–the place where Blackhand had fallen. Many nod and salute to Rend. He nods to some and disregards others. Positions are taken around Blackhand’s body and the pyre that had been built. Silence falls over the crowd as Go’el steps forward.
Go'el says: We gather here to lay to rest the late warchief Blackhand. Born Carn Blackrock, descendent of Crorm Blackrock. He was born an orc, and he died an orc–proud and honorable.
Go’el continues the speech, and the solemn ritual progresses–several warriors adding weapons to the pyre. Many of them may have been created by Blackhand, while others were symbolically made. Few say anything, and many don’t pay respects personally.
Arthak takes up a hand axe and approaches.
Arthak Saurfang says: I never earned one of these. I wanted one, once upon a time. Blackhand’s fang. A weapon crafted by the warchief himself–the greatest craftsman of our generation. The Blackhand I knew, the Blackhand I remember, the Blackhand I respect was ruthless, was calculating. He almost killed me. And he did it well. That orc, that chieftain… everything he did was because he thought it was for the best. Yes, he held tightly to the title and his control. I understand well that you know a person best in their final moments–between when the blade rises and when it comes down. When the blade was ready to come down, the real Blackhand’s last thoughts weren’t of his glory. They were of the Horde. He worried about how much I could carry, how well I could preserve it, he demanded I preserve this. Those were his last thoughts and his final testament. That is a warchief.
Many amongst the crowd nod at the words–even those who were more hesitant nod and clasp their fist across their chest. Even Garrosh. More people come forth after Arthak, offering at least a salute or a handful of dirt.
Others share stories and tales of Blackhand’s life, or their experiences with Blackhand.
Dal’rend is one of the last ones to approach. He doesn’t address the crowd–which falls deathly silent. He withdraws a small thong and leather with a beautiful piece of jet-black obsidian at its center. Various other stones are beaded on either side of it, and there are two orcish tusks against the obsidian. He throws the thong down onto the pyre and speaks quietly to himself.
Dal'rend Blackhand says: Return this to her, when you see her. You owe her that much.
He stares at the lifeless body of his father for a long while, before he nods and gives a small tap across his chest, and then walks away. Go’el hands Arthak a torch and ignites a flame on it. Arthak looks down at Blackhand.
Arthak Saurfang says: There will never be another like you. Go well, into the darkness. Go well.
He lights the pyre. It burns, and the massive pyre–strengthened by magic–gets bigger and bigger. It burns a long while, and many start to leave.
Arthak and Rend stay the entire time–as well as some of the older warriors like Varok and Eitrigg. Varok puts a hand on Arthak’s shoulder and gives a nod.
Rend meets Arthak’s eye one last time, and without a word, he leaves to join the other members of the clan. Arthak can almost feel the weight of Rend’s attention still on him even as he walks away.
Arthak gathers the ashes of Blackhand into a pouch, and later he hears from the scouts that the Blacktooth Grin left at first dawn.
Three days later, as Arthak is handling business, one of the scouts reports back in to inform him there are individuals from the Blacktooth Grin there to speak with him. Arthak tells the scout to bring them to him.
About a dozen Blacktooh Grin members report–several of which are familiar from the funeral. A female orc steps forward with a salute.
Blacktooth Grin Captain says: We were sent here by Dal’rend Blackhand. He and the rest of his clan have left for the Broken Isles to join Gul’dan. He sent us to inform you he would be there. He sends three gifts. One is a message. He is watching. Two he sends us. We twelve members have agreed to abdicate the Blacktooh Grin Clan, and we now serve your Horde willingly but by Dal’rend’s suggestion. And three.
She pulls out a small, wrapped bundle. It’s clearly a weapon that she hands off to Arthak. He unwraps it and it’s the unmistakable craftsmanship of Blackhand: it’s a hand axe with four bands alternating between silver and crimson with a tooth-like blade of polished steel. It’s one of Blackhand’s Fangs.
Arthak Saurfang says: I welcome you, and this gift, and his test.
The former Blacktooth Grin member introduces the group and their skills. The woman who spoke is Mashkada Bloodblade, and is the highest ranking amongst those who had arrived.
Throughout the time of preparation, Arthak and others had start to work on the sword that Arthak wanted to forge. Azgadaan had arranged transportation but was working on a project of his own.
Arthak uses many of the regents he had gathered in his construction of his blade, including Gruul’s spine and other such things, as well as the fragments of Varg. Nyxxa aids him–using her fire resistance to help get up close and personal. Nitrogg also helps. As he forges, Arthak continues to repeat the mantras of the new Horde.
After three hard weeks of work, Arthak is able to reveal a finish blade–laid out on the anvil with the Doomhammer next to it. Arthak picks the blade up, and everyone gathers to watch. He can feel the magic in it pulsing with the weight of the blade in his hand.
It’s not exceptionally heavy physically, but the weight of it is as heavy as the mountain under which they stand. He starts to focus on it, attuning to it, and the blade pulses with a a primal fire. The pain and pounding headache from the effects of the geas starts to ebb.
It’s still there, clawing at the edge of his mind, but it can’t reach him.
The blade then shifts, growing thrice its size, but he still wields it with a degree of deft lightness.
Its name is Varg’osh.
Arthak holds a fair amount of reverence as he examines the blade. Then he sees something out of the corner of his eye. As he glances over, he sees the images of the echoes they had seen before. They are watching him.
Arthak Saurfang says: Do you approve of what this is?
One by one, the images reach up and pound on their chests as they vanish. Only the spectral version of Blackhand remains at the end, and he too pounds his chest twice before disappearing. The blade hums, its purpose and strength a bit more than it was before.
Arthak Saurfang says: Be heard. Our purpose is our destiny. Let this be what we are.
After a long day of debating the ethics of the new Horde, Nyxxa is able to find Go’el fairly late in the evening.
Nyxxa says: Hey. I wanted to talk to you about something. Things kind of spiraled since, well, the nether drakes and all that.
Go'el says: Now that things are what they are, Nyxxa, you may always come to speak with me. We are friends.
Nyxxa says: I know… it’s… difficult. And I know there are still burdens on your heart, friend. But I wanted your advice on something. I told you about the family I once had, that I don’t remember…
Go’el nods.
Nyxxa says: I’m at a loss for what to do. As I said during the meeting, the night elves don’t take kindly to this…
She gestures to herself.
Nyxxa says: And while I’ve been advised I should seek them out anyway, I can’t help but feel they might be better off thinking I was gone. But it’s a complicated thought.
Go'el says: I can see why. Let me… come, lets walk. It’s a nice night, and the sky is quite beautiful.
Nyxxa says: I might have you describe it.
Go'el says: I would be glad to. Nights like these remind me of nights on the Frostfire Ridges. Even more so when snow starts to fall. But your family, those you left behind… put yourself in their place for a moment. If your… mate, your sibling, your child, your daughter… if they vanished and disappeared without a trace. Would you want to know what happened? Even if that truth was painful?
Nyxxa is quiet for a long moment.
Nyxxa says: I think I would… but I think I would also regret knowing.
Go'el says: Some believe there is serenity in ignorance. I have lived like that for a very long time. Willfully turning my eyes from the harder truths… I don’t know if it was the right decision to do so. But now I’m certain those days are behind me. There is wisdom to be found in the truth. Even the hard truth. Regret? Guilt? That is all part of that wisdom, Nyxxa. But this is a path only you could decide how to walk.
Nyxxa says: There has been usefulness in ignorance… though the time has passed.
Go'el says: I can’t say I know every experience you’ve been in. You don’t even know all of them. But we’ve traveled together for some time. In that time, I’ve gotten to know you. I’ve seen the way you move, and the way you act, and the kind of person you are. You may be a demon, but that does not change the size of your heart, and the love you have. The last thing you want to do is cause suffering for any of those in your heart. But sometimes those people will suffer, one way or another. All we can do is be there to ease that burden.
Nyxxa says: I think what I’m most afraid of is even if I am able to tell them… if fate makes it so I’m able to, I’m not the one who is going to be able to help them. There’s nothing I can do other than say the truth and be gone. When it comes down to it, I’m not… her anymore.
Go'el says: Would that not be enough?
Nyxxa looks at Go’el, dumbfounded.
Go'el says: The truth is a heavy burden, and one that hurts to bear. But that closure. Knowing what happened… as painful as it might be, I believe it would be the right path. The path we choose to walk… many are daunting. Many seem to be the right or wrong choice, and some are closed to us before we realize how much we needed to walk them. I learned that the hard way with my children. I don’t know of Durak will ever forgive me for not being there, for not doing everything I could to save Aggra… in spite of everything I still believe I should be gone instead of she, and I don’t blame him for that. But that guilt and pain… it is what drives us to keep moving. Nyxxa you are not the kind of person who loves those unworthy of your love. Have faith in the woman that you were, that those she kept by her side were strong enough to handle the truth of who you are now. And of who you become. But in order to do that… you will have to be strong enough for that as well.
He puts a hand on her shoulder.
Nyxxa says: I… will try.
Go'el says: Trying is all any of us can really do.
Nyxxa says: Thank you. I just don’t know if I will have the strength for that. I’m afraid… not of running into someone I knew, but of the kaldorei.
Go'el says: Many amongst the clans see fears. It is the mind-killer… that which transforms the greatest of warriors into cravens. But the Frostwolves believe fear is a gift. Something that reminds us to be humble and to be cautious. To watch, to listen, to sense. Your fear is not a trap, it is a warning. One that tells you to care. To watch. To listen. Use that, like you would any of your other senses. You are stronger than you think you are. I believe that woman you were ages ago might just agree with me, but that is something that we may never know.
Nyxxa smiles.
Nyxxa says: If that person is still part of me, then you’re still a Frostwolf.
Go'el says: The young orc who was born a Frostwolf will always be a part of me, so you got me there.
Nyxxa says: I was able to find her name. My name. Levia found it with her magic.
Go'el says: is that true?
Nyxxa says: I don’t know what I want to do with it, but I want to share it.
Go'el says: Please do.
Nyxxa says: Nhemai.
Go'el says: A good name. What does it mean?
Nyxxa says: The ‘dancer who bears her teeth’. Meant to be taken as laughter.
Go'el says: A fitting name.
Nyxxa says: I suppose so.
Go'el says: What you do with that is for you to decide. But it is yours, even if it is one you don’t use any longer.
Nyxxa agrees, as everything she did before is still a part of her, and she can accept that. Go’el muses that she had then begun the journey that many people could perhaps never comprehend: accepting oneself.
They continue walking for a bit, just talking.
A few days before the group is scheduled to leave, Levia comes to find Azgadaan. Apparently Gramgun had asked her to find Azgadaan so the two of them could head to the dock.
They head over to the dock, and they see orcs working on various things. Levia seems to be somewhat confused, as Gramgun had told her to meet them at a specific location. Azgadaan looks around but doesn’t see anything out of sorts. Levia shrugs and leans back to wait.
Azgadaan opts to ask how she was, and she expresses that cigarettes don’t work anymore–much to her disappointment.
Meanwhile, Nyxxa had been reporting to Arthak and had spent some time chatting. There is a knock, and they see the smiling face of Gramgun.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Hey, chief! Though I guess you’re a bit bigger than a regular chief.
Arthak Saurfang says: Slightly. Very slightly.
Gramgun has a shit-eating grin.
Nyxxa says: Seems like you’re up to something?
Gramgun Laughingeye says: What, me? Nooooo.
Arthak Saurfang says: You’re up to everything.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Mind if I borrow the warchief?
Nyxxa says: By all means!
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Come with me, Arthak. I got somethin’ to show ya that may come in handy for this little venture.
Arthak Saurfang says: Remind me. How long have you been with us?
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Ohhh. Hard to track given the Broken Blade was falling apart at the seams when I joined, but I think two years now?
Arthak Saurfang says: Alright. Lead the way.
They head towards the western harbor.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: This business, going to the Broken isles. It’s sounding pretty exciting. You’ll be glad to know the Summerfall is all ready to go, but I thought there might be a little something I could prepare. A little going away present from some of the boys not coming with us. After all, what’s a warchief without a new flag ship?
Gramgun grins.
Arthak Saurfang says: I think you have a new chieftain. You’d do better to spoil her.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Oh, you misunderstand me, warchief. She’s in on the whole business. Everyone is. This isn’t just a gift from the Broken Blade, this is a gift from the Horde. I just happened to get a bit of help!
They walk around a building, and Arthak can see a massive vessel in the water. It’s larger than the elvish vessels and banded with steel and multiple sets of wide sails. There is a massive canon in the front–very similar to the one Nitrogg manned on the train. There are water wheel engines and sharp rams on the front with spikes and horns in the colors of the Horde. A dozen more canons are visible on either side.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: As I said, what’s a warchief without the proper flagship?
Arthak Saurfang says: That isn’t fair.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: What’s not fair about it? I thought we worked pretty damn hard!
Arthak Saurfang says: You did. What did I do?
Gramgun Laughingeye says: What did you do? You’re shitting me, right, Arthak? You gave us a damn chance, kid. You gave us something to look forward to, and something to fight for. There’s people on the ship right now that may not be alive otherwise. Besides, this is to protect our own interests. The Stormreavers are the best seafarers in the Horde! You need the best shot you can get.
Arthak Saurfang says: …You aren’t wrong.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: And if my old chief is sailing into danger, I’d prefer a few more plates of steel protecting him. Now come on. Lets give you the tour. We can figure out names later. That’s up to you!
Arthak Saurfang says: Alright. A name.
Gramgun takes Arthak onboard. The ship is fully finished, and some of the crew waves at Arthak as he passes. There are three different levels to the ship. There are two iron stars on the ship on either side, and several oars to account for dead winds. There is also a simple combustion engine that can help propel the ship in emergencies. Nitrogg had clearly been involved in the entire thing. It can easily transport over 100 people.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: You’ll be the lead officer of course, but we need someone to pilot it.
Arthak Saurfang says: Aren’t you volunteering?
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I mean, there’s the Summerfall and all that–
Arthak Saurfang says: I heard a voice on the wind that keeps saying Gramgun.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Oh. Well. I’d be glad to. Hark can handle the Summerfall, and I think he’s earned the captain title… if you’ll have me aboard.
Arthak Saurfang says: As long as your chieftain is willing to spare you.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Well lets hope Miss Stormbreaker is feeling especially generous! I think you’ll like the decor we have for the warchief’s quarters though. It’s simple, but has the sorts of comforts someone like you would enjoy. Don’t worry, we ensured the bed wasn’t too comfortable.
Arthak Saurfang says: Appropriate. Lets make sure the job gets done.
Gramgun heads up the stairs and opens the doors to the captain's quarters. It's very large, with several armor and weapon stands with a writing desk. There is also a large bed that has the right amount of firmness.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: So what do you think?
Arthak Saurfang says: I… never deserved as good as I had. I still don’t.
Gramgun smiles.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: You’re too hard on yourself, kid. You deserve all this and a lot more. So you know what I think?
Arthak Saurfang says: What do you think?
Gramgun puts a hand on Arthak’s shoulder.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I think you should get down.
Gramgun whips a dagger from his belt and throws it over Arthak’s shoulder. There is a grunt of pain, and the door slams shut behind him. From behind Arthak, there is a flash of steel, and there is an orc on him. There is activity all around them, and suddenly Nyxxa also bursts from the shadows as other assassins emerge from their hiding places.
With abrupt, deft strikes, Nyxxa slashes at an invisible target.
Nyxxa says: I thought you were joking!
Gramgun Laughingeye says: This time I wasn’t!
An orc warlock goes slamming against the wall, stunned.
Gramgun shoves past the Shadow Council assassin in front of him and grabs a wire under a hide rug. Suddenly explosions start going off above the boat. As Azgadaan starts to get antsy, he sends Gramgun.
Azgadaan says [sending]: What’s taking you so long? Levia said you needed us?
Gramgun Laughingeye says [sending]: Yeah, about that! Get to the juggernaut now!
They see explosions over the ship, and Azgadaan promptly grabs Levia and uses [Dimension Door] to get into the ship.
The assassin narrows her eyes at Gramgun.
Stormreaver Assassin says: Traitor.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: You really shouldn’t trust a pirate!
Another assassin goes for Arthak, the poison from its dagger coursing through Arthak. Another assassin goes for Gramgun, nicking him in the side as poison starts to run through him as well. Yet another goes for Nyxxa, but is unable to land a hit. Nyxxa, however, continues to focus on the warlock–spin kicking her in the face. The orc roars and her eyes start to burn with felfire.
Nyxxa says: This is one way to break in a bedroom.
Gramgun stabs an assassin with his dagger and then feints at a second one–sliding past Arthak.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Excuse me chieftain–I mean warchief!
More assassins pile up on Arthak, opening up more poisoned wounds. The warlock then casts [Drain Life] on Arthak.
Stormreaver Warlock says: Your soul is mine!
Green tendrils of energy draw from Arthak and are absorbed by the warlock, and he staggers. Suddenly, Azgadaan and Levia appear in the room, and immediately Azgadaan smacks his maul into the warlock.
Azgadaan says: Thanks for the invitation, Gramgun. Seems We arrived just in time.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Glad you could make it!
Stormreaver Assassin says: The traitorous eredar too?!
Levia promptly heals Arthak with a surge of magic, but new wounds are immediately opened by another assassin. Arthak uses second wind and then activates his hill rune before swinging at the nearest assassin with Varg’osh. He activates his fire rune, but the assassin is just barely able to avoid the fiery chains. However, he is left panting and bleeding. Seeing the opening, Nyxxa promptly finishes him off.
Arthak gets big–Varg’osh changing into its greatsword form–and swings into the nearest assassins. Gramgun manages to land a critical hit on one of the assassins Nyxxa had stunned. With another critical hit, he turns on the next assassin.
Levia tries to use [Phantasmal Killer], but the assassin is able to resist.
An assassin leaps on Arthak and he feels a sharp pain in his thigh as the poison enters his bloodstream. The assassin tries to finish him off, but she is unable to get a good hit on him before Azgadaan casts [Heal]. He then smacks the assassin with his maul.
Stormreaver Assassin says: You think you’re going to walk away from here alive!? My life for the Council!
She tries to do as much damage to Arthak as she can manage. Gramgun flips around and continues to rapid-stab whatever assassins he can reach. Meanwhile, Levia readies path to the grave.
Azgadaan uses [Mind Blast] on one of the assassins, and she staggers back–incapacitated. As Arthak gets to his feet, he swings at the assassin in front of him of leaves her winded before he swings at the incapacitated assassin. Levia releases path to the grave, leaving the assassin critically wounded.
Nyxxa moves forward and knocks one of the heavily wounded assassins out, but she promptly starts convulsing and then dies. It seems there’s something at work to ensure they die.
Nyxxa rounds on the remaining assassin and manages to stun her with a strike. Arthak grabs her.
Stormreaver Assassin says: I bet you think you’ve won, don’t you!?
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s not about winning.
Azgadaan starts to cast a spell.
Stormreaver Assassin says: More will come until you’re dead. The Horde will become what it was meant to be, and you won’t stop that!
Azgadaan releases the spell, but the woman then bites down on her tongue–the poison of the ring on her finger promptly injecting and killing her. She dies in Arthak’s arms.
Nyxxa says: Shit.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: That’s… about what I would have expected. Gul’dan’s not the kind to leave loose ends alive.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not after me.
Nyxxa says: They came prepared, that’s for sure.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: They did.
Nyxxa says: What was all that about?
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I, uh… think I might have some explainin’ to do. Before you cast your judgment, I’d like to speak freely for a moment. If that would be alright with you, warchief.
Arthak Saurfang says: …By all means.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I was paid by Gul’dan to keep an eye on you. That’s why I joined your clan when you formed it together. He had me scouting you. Apparently for the Shadow Council. Funny that. I didn’t realize that at the time. Figured he was keeping an eye out. Thought you might be a risk. Turns out you were, but well, that’s how that turned out. I… knew this was comin’. They approached me. Had me set it up. What they didn’t see comin’ was, well… I’ve never lied to you Arthak about anything I ever said. While I joined the Broken Blade for coin, I stayed for a lot of other different reasons. You gave me and my boys a purpose. One I didn’t think existed in this world or the next. But. I fed information back to Gul’dan. Nothin’ too sensitive. Didn’t care to get involved, and I wanted to keep the coin comin’. Eventually I started feeling guilty… I was glad you left me behind. I didn’t need to keep track of ya. And turns out when you joined the Council, he didn’t need me anymore. I… didn’t mind not having that job anymore. But a mutiny is still a mutiny. You deserved to know. This here is as much a resignation letter as anything. They’ll come back for me after this. The ship is still yours. Hark would be glad to command it. I just ask, whatever your judgment be for me, none of my men had anything to do with this. I paid them with bad money, but they didn’t know where it came from. All in all I don’t think I regret taking that old fart up on his offer. Without it, I wouldn’t have found you, the Broken Blade, and all this. I already tipped off the Kor’kron about the other spies I know about. We should be as clean as I know. You can know there ain’t nothin’ else. So…
Gramgun glances at Nyxxa.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I might be busy.
Gramgun kneels down in front of Arthak.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Just make it quick, if ya could. I’m not a fan of pain. And I’m sorry.
He takes a deep breath.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I’m ready.
Gramgun closes his eyes.
Arthak Saurfang says: That… is what you’d think I’d do with you?
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I mean, I figure you’d want my head. That is kind of your thing. I am handsome enough for a trophy at least. I hope. I wrote everything in a letter you can give to Hark. He’ll understand. And he’ll make sure the boys don’t rise against you.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m not here to judge. Get up.
Gramgun opens his eyes and blinks, dumbfounded.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: What do you mean? If this is about wanting to die on my feet, don’t be too concerned. Trust me, gutter scum like me deserves to die on me knees. No one’s gonna miss me, it’s alright.
Arthak Saurfang says: I would.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Ah…
Nyxxa says: I think we all would.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I’d make a better trophy if I’m not cryin’. Get it over with, Arthak. Please.
Arthak Saurfang says: That’s not who I want to be. You were smart. You’re not a trophy. No one’s a trophy. Answer to your chieftain. Not to me.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Are you serious right now?
Arthak Saurfang says: Do you think I would kill you, or do you want me to kill you?
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I don’t want to die… I’m far too much of a coward for that. But after everything you’ve done for me and the boys… I… I feel like I owe you something. I don’t… after everything I’ve done…
Arthak Saurfang says: You played your hand well, and you helped me by doing so. I don’t want to be that. I’m tired of being that. So no, I’m not taking your head today.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: That’s probably for the best. At this point this has gone on too long and I’d probably wet myself. You, um… you’re the warchief, Arthak. I’ll do what you said. I’ll explain myself to little Stormbreaker and accept her judgment. If she’s as merciful as you are, you got my promise. I’ll do anythin’ you ask. I’ll lick the floor if you want. I’ll eat a dead rat! Really, anything. I said what I meant back there. I found more purpose in that banner of yours than I’ve had since I lost my sister. I forgot what it was like to have a family. So if you’re not gonna take my head today, I’ll do everything I can to make sure you won’t take it tomorrow. As long as the chieftain is of the same mind.
Arthak Saurfang says: I… didn’t know you had a sister.
Gramgun bites his lip.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: There’s… um. There’s a lot I don’t talk about.
Arthak Saurfang says: There’s a lot I don’t. Gramgun, I don’t care what you or anyone does. I don’t want obedience. If you want to do something for me, do it because maybe I’m your friend.
Gramgun smiles.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I decided a long time ago that I loved you like a brother, Arthak, and that I would stand by your side. So yeah. I be doing all of this because you're my friend. I just… wasn’t sure if you wanted to see me like that, especially after this. I’m not following you to the ends of the earth because you’re the warchief. It’s because you’re a crazy bastard. But you’re our crazy bastard.
Gramgun gets back to his feet, stumbling a bit.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Well this is embarrassing. I’m supposed to have the sea legs, aye?
Arthak Saurfang says: I see courage.
Nyxxa says: For what it’s worth, I think it’s been said that sometimes it’s harder to live with the things you’ve done than die.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I’m not sure how true that is. Dying is pretty hard. At least I think it may be, anyway.
Nyxxa says: It’s quicker.
There is the sound of commotion up above.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Might need to explain this… I set off a light show to ensure they didn’t get away. Thank you all, by the way.
Nyxxa says: You’re our friend.
Azgadaan says: It’s good to have you with us.
Nyxxa says: And you risked a lot. In spite of everything. It is a lot… but…
Nyxxa puts a hand on Gramgun’s shoulder.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Once we get this squared out, and I speak with the chieftain… I know you aren’t one for drinking, Arthak, but maybe we can swap some stories over a cigar. I can tell you a bit. About my sister. How I met Hark.
Arthak Saurfang says: I can tell you about Dranosh. And my grandfather.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I’d love to hear more about them. If you’re willing to share.
Arthak Saurfang says: You’re kin. Of course.
Gramgun smiles, his eyes watery from nerves and emotions. Gramgun puts a hand on Arthak’s shoulder.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Okay. Lets go explain away these bodies. Let them know what happened.
Azgadaan says: Yes. A lot of things happened very quickly.
The group heads topside to explain things, Nyxxa sees something forming behind Gramgun. It seems to be an illusory duplicate with bright red eyes. It pulls a dagger from behind itself, and starts to advance. Nyxxa shouts a warning. Gramgun turns, shrieks, and throws a dagger that passes right through it.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: What the fuck is that!?
Nyxxa rushes forward, but she suddenly realizes it’s an illusion. It’s clearly magic. Levia starts to snicker behind Azgadaan. Then she starts outright laughing.
The image smiles and starts to juggle. It then winks, and disappears.
Azgadaan says: I made that in the alley for you almost ten minutes ago. You never showed up. Took a while.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Not funny! Not funny. I’m not laughing. She’s not laughing either.
He points at Levia, who is cackling.
Arthak Saurfang says: I… might be laughing for once.
Gramgun might have wet himself slightly, but he quickly tries to explain it away as sweat from the battle as he hurriedly explains what happened.
