Into the Light

43 | THE RECKONING IS COME

Alone on Krasus's Landing, Malfurion watched the vanguard of airships approaching the Broken Shore. Beneath them, hundreds of warships crested the waves, filled with the elite forces who would lead the offense, opening the way for those waiting in the airships above. All across the Broken Shore, he could see activity, as the demons organised, streaming over its blackened surface to meet the forces of Azeroth.

"I thought I might find you here." Kalec stepped up beside Malfurion, and tilted his head at the scene unfolding below, "I would be if I was in your place."

Malfurion didn't say anything. He wasn't in the mood to chat. Kalec cleared his throat. "Khadgar sent me to find you. We are ready to depart."

At last, it was time. Malfurion nodded. "I am ready."

Kalec cast a portal, and Malfurion once more stepped into the room containing the Na'aru Xe'ra. Kalec joined him. Besides the three of them, no one else was there.

He looked at Kalec, surprised. "Where are the others? The troops Anduin and Sylvanas promised us?"

Kalec looked away, brushing at a smudge of dirt on his sleeve. "There has been, ah, a change of plans. Very last minute."

Malfurion felt his lips thinning. These Kirin Tor, they never told anyone anything until the last moment. He crossed his arms, furious. How were they to make it across Hope's End without the support of the military?

"And?" he demanded.

Kalec shook his head, and had the decency to look shame-faced. "I confess, even I do not know yet. Khadgar said it was best no one knew until the time came."

"Tyrande's life hangs by a thread!" Malfurion erupted, livid. "Yet Khadgar sees fit to change the well-laid plans of Azeroth's finest military minds? Has he lost his senses?!" Malfurion paced the length of the room, so angry he felt himself quivering. Even the soothing light of the Na'aru could not quell the storm brewing within his heart.

Kalec opened his mouth to say something when a thin line of blue light sliced through the air, indicating a teleport was incoming. Malfurion turned, his brow lowering. Khadgar stepped through, alone, his expression taut.

Malfurion moved forward to demand answers when a woman walked into the room, out from the thin air. He stopped in his tracks, gaping. Clad in white and silver, her gown glittered with icy diamonds. She met his eyes, and he took a step back, astonished. They glowed pure violet. Her white skin sparkled, coated in frost. She took a step forward, and he felt the temperature in the room drop. The power emanating from her was tangible. Even the Na'aru's presence paled in comparison. Malfurion felt empowered just by being near her.

He swivelled to Khadgar, full of questions, his anger replaced by awe. So this was Khadgar's secret weapon, the one with the powers greater than a Guardian, even though none had given up their power to make her so. Whoever she was, whatever she was, she was more powerful than anything Malfurion had ever come across. Even the power of Malorne paled beside her.

Khadgar moved to stand beside her, protective. "Idira, may I present the Archmage Kalec, the Archdruid Malfurion and the Na'aru Xe'ra."

She tilted her head to Kalec, Malfurion and the Na'aru, but said nothing.

Malfurion bowed. "My Lady, I am honoured to meet you."

Xe'ra brightened, filling the air with soft chimes as she addressed Idira.

And so the reckoning is come.

Malfurion caught Khadgar paling at the Na'aru's oblique comment. The Archmage glanced at Idira, but she merely inclined her head to Xe'ra, the frost in her hair glittering in the Na'aru's soft light.

Khadgar said nothing for several moments, he appeared to be dealing with an internal struggle. Malfurion waited. Finally the Leader of the Kirin Tor drew a deep breath, and turned to Malfurion and Kalec. "Idira will teleport us to Hope's End and open the way. The Chamber of the Eye contains Illidan's body, which is being transformed into an avatar for Sargeras." He paused, and met Malfurion's eyes, wary. "Tyrande is also there and is under the control of the avatar. She is also being transformed into a demon, she seems intended to be its consort."

Malfurion staggered. Disbelief, then rage poured through him. How dare Khadgar keep this knowledge from him until now. Without thinking he leapt at Khadgar. He would tear the Archmage limb from limb, would pull his heart, still beating, from his--

Malfurion flew back across the room and slammed against the wall, hard.

Khadgar lowered his staff, his eyes dark. "Malfurion, forgive me. I could not tell you before now, could not risk you laying waste to our plans. You must understand for the good of all Azeroth I had to keep this from you."